He’s got a point.
Donegal GAA released a statement on Monday, after the dates and times for this weekend’s All-Ireland SFC quarter-finals were confirmed, with Jim McGuinness’ side playing Monaghan in the first game, at 4pm in Croke Park.
The county board are angered by this due to a turnaround of less than six days, following their win against Louth, having played the most championship games this summer.
Donegal’s statement has led to much discourse following it’s release.
The latest to give their own views on the situation is Kerry legend Darragh Ó Sé.
Ó Sé feels McGuinness and his team are right to be annoyed over the scheduling of their quarter-final. He believes the GAA are prioritising filling up Croke Park and making money, instead of caring for players and the All-Ireland itself.
In his column for the Irish Times, Ó Sé said: “It’s ridiculous…… This championship has seen some of the best football in years but it’s being rushed through as if the GAA are embarrassed it’s happening at all.
“Everything is being prioritised except the players. We can’t have two weeks between games because it would push the All-Ireland finals out to August.
“We can’t have the finals in August because there are concerts lined up. We can’t push the concerts to September because … what? It might rain on Oasis? Robbie Williams might have to wear a jumper?”
The Kerry native feels the game’s new rules this year have led to more physical demand on players, with longer games and more running. Ó Sé believes players are now paying a price for the GAA’s neglect of their wellbeing.
He said: “The game has changed completely but there has been no leeway built in for the players. No extra substitutions, no extra time to recover, nothing.
“Croke Park will be filled as many times as possible and we’ll go again next year and do the same again.”
