www.uibhfhaili.com

As has been covered a lot on this thread, we've kind of got it a bit rough when it's come to venues recently, but that can be put down to luck of the draw.

However one of the away fixtures coming up is the minor footballers, away to Laois on the 30th. They will attempt to fix that game for the same card as their senior hurlers home fixture to Galway in the qualifiers, meaning that they will have loads of supporters there, while all our support will be down in Limerick/Thurles for our hurlers.

This would be a good time to fight tooth and nail to make sure this doesn't happen. I'm assuming it was a draw, or home and away arrangement that means that Laois get home venue for this, but do not accomodate them any more than that. If it must be played on the 30th, it should be in the afternoon so that Offaly supporters can attend and still make their way down to follow the hurlers in plenty of time. It's no good complaining once the fixture is announced, as it will be next Monday.

personally, if thats the way it will play out, i'll be in Portlaois for the minors....

LS, as far as I know, your wish hasn't come true. The word I have is that it's a double header with the minor football at 5.15 and the hurling at 7.

Sorry about that, I'll try to make sure none of our hurling fans arrive early to see a bit of the football, OK?

Saturday's hurling qualifier fixtures courtesy of gaa.ie

All Ireland Liam MacCarthy Cup Hurling Championship - Round 1

Casement Park 2.30 Aontroim v An Clár
Referee: Tiernach Mahon, Fear Manach
Portlaoise 7.00 Laois v Gaillimh
Referee: Dominic Connolly, Cill Chainnigh
Parnell Park 3.30 Baile Átha Cliath v Corcaigh
Referee: Seamus Roche, T. Árann
Thurles 3.00 Tiobraid Árann v Uíbh Fhailí
Referee: T.B.C.

Heshs Umpire wrote:LS, as far as I know, your wish hasn't come true. The word I have is that it's a double header with the minor football at 5.15 and the hurling at 7.

Sorry about that, I'll try to make sure none of our hurling fans arrive early to see a bit of the football, OK?

Hesh, I have no problem with Laois delegates looking after Laois's interests - it would be remiss of them if they didn't. My issue is that our delegates are failing miserable in doing the same for Offaly. Leaving out the issue that the game is in Portlaois in the first place, all it took to make us happy would be for there to be around 70-80 mins to get from Thurles to Portlaoise so we could see them if we wanted. Schedule the senior hurling at 2.30 or the minor football at 5.45 and we're happy, or near enough anyway.

Instead they try to either (a) shut out as many people as possible from going or (b) cause accidents as supporters hurtle from Thurles to Portlaoise to cover 63km plus two busy towns on a shopping afternoon to make it for throw in.

Ineptitude is the only word for it.

Personally speaking there is no contest next Saturday. Its Thurles for me even though I would love to see the minors in Portlaoise. Ive seen the minors 3 games so far and it will hurt me like hell to miss the semi final but the qualifer swings it for me.