Many GAA fans were left bitterly disappointed this afternoon as a number of inter-county fixtures were called off on account of poor weather conditions.
Although games in Leinster and Munster were by and large unaffected, fans of counties in Connacht and Ulster were far less fortunate. Of the eight games schedules, only three took place.
While few would be so brazen to blame the unplayable conditions on the GAA, the manner in which these postponements have been handled seems to have left many paying fans left quite unhappy indeed.
Todays postponed FBD league fixture between @MayoGAA and @Galway_GAA has been refixed for this coming Friday (Jan 12th) in McHale park Castlebar , throw in at 7.30 pm
— Connacht GAA (@ConnachtGAA) January 7, 2018
The @BankofIrelandUK Dr McKenna Cup Round 2 games @monaghangaa v @officialdonegal & @OfficialDownGAA v @UlsterUniGAA have been postponed on the advice of the officials as some areas of the pitch remain frozen. All re-fixture details to follow tomorrow morning. #BOIMcKennaCup
— Ulster GAA (@UlsterGAA) January 7, 2018
With many traveling fans having already made specific arrangements to travel to this afternoon's postponed fixtures, the question most were asking was whether a refund would be possible.
Furthermore, many were confused as to why the match officials had waited (in certain instances) until throw-in time to finally make the decision to call the match off.
No refund given to fans who attended Mayo v Galway game in Castlebar. Game postponed at close to 2pm when it was due to throw in. It seems a ticket was given to fans for the re fixture #GAA #RTEGAA
— Darren Frehill (@Darrenfrehill) January 7, 2018
The GAA never fail to suprise went to McHale pk. Entered at 145
At 2.03 game was called off due to safety .Told to proceed to turnstiles where 1 man handing out tickets for re fixture and you guessed it No €10 refund.As for safety how a couple of kids were not seriously injured— NICKY BURKE (@NICKYB42) January 7, 2018
I hope the GAA will refund travel expenses plus match prices for any families that had to travel a distance to those games that were postponed ridiculously late.
— Craig Rogers (@Rodgie5) January 7, 2018
It seems no refund given to thousands of supporters at (at least) two major GAA games today after matches were called off at very last minute. If so then that's very bad form. Giving a 'credit note' for a game yet to be scheduled is not on. A bad PR move so early in the year #GAA
— Paul Brennan (@Brennan_PB) January 7, 2018
the GAA pissing all over genuine fans again today.. situation in Castlebar is disgraceful.. no refund!!! bordering on fraud taking money on gate knowing match wont go ahead then not refunding #Gaa
— Peter O'Leary (@poleary7) January 7, 2018
Total disrespect to both galway and mayo supporters and players this decision should have been made early this morning..
— J (@Luasman2000John) January 7, 2018
Proper stunt not giving people their money back what if they can’t go to the rearranged fixture 😡
— John O Halloran (@Johnohalloran79) January 7, 2018
Couldn't do a pitch inspection before people arrived and bought tickets, no?
— keanu niamh (@HoorayForNiamh) January 7, 2018
In certain cases, games weren't postponed until after the scheduled throw-in time - a farcical situation that reinvigorated calls regards the foolishness of having games at this time of year at all.
The #BOIMcKennaCup fixture between @monaghangaa and @officialdonegal has just been officially called off following a pitch inspection (announcement made 7 minutes after the scheduled throw-in). Plenty of disgruntled fans, some with a long journey home. pic.twitter.com/4l9fVn46kA
— Shane Hannon (@ShaneHannon01) January 7, 2018
Get rid of these nonsense January competitions. https://t.co/g0xbkejEmX
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) January 7, 2018
Although no official statement has been forthcoming yet from the relevant bodies, most fans are under the impression that tickets bought for today's fixtures will only be worth entrance to the rescheduled fixture - a consolation that many are equally disappointed about.
While nobody will argue over the game being called off due to player safety.why the hell was decision left so late to announce it?ie kickoff time.no refunds offered only a ticket for the refixed game which I for one and lots others can't attend.an utter disgrace.
— Liam Holleran (@liam_holleran) January 7, 2018
I saw stewards outside the gates being very dismissive of galway fans who were understandably angry about not getting their money back. Costs nothing to have a bit of respect for paying fans. Embarrassing carry on.
— keanu niamh (@HoorayForNiamh) January 7, 2018
At the end of a frustrating day for many fans across the country, the GAA could perhaps consider a restructured approach on how they deal with such scenarios.
That so many games were left undecided upon until so late on in proceedings, it is difficult to comprehend how such a farce was allowed to develop.
