Naomh Padraig manager McCauley says correct call was made in London postponement
The Donegal and Ulster JFC winners were due to take on Tara at McGovern Park at 1pm today, Saturday, with referee Anthony Nolan from Wicklow doing as much as he could to ensure the game went ahead
Naomh Padraig, Uisce Chaoin manager Daniel McCauley felt the right decision was made to postpone their All-Ireland Junior Football Championship quarter-final in London - although feels for the club’s supporters.
The Donegal and Ulster JFC winners were due to take on Tara at McGovern Park at 1pm today, Saturday, with referee Anthony Nolan from Wicklow doing as much as he could to ensure the game went ahead. However, heavy overnight rain in the English capital meant he was left to declare the playing surface unplayable.
There is no confirmation as to a date for the re-fixture, although Saturday. January 4 has been whispered, with the GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) due to confirm tomorrow, Sunday.
“Game off and it was the right call from the referee,” McCauley said from Ruislip. “The pitch, in parts, had very heavy water on it. The referee gave it three, maybe four inspections, and was even going to delay the game for half an hour to try and give it every chance. But even darkness is falling quickly and the delay wasn’t really an option.
“It looks like we’re going to have to come over again on the weekend of January 4, after Christmas. So it’s another trip to plan, with more logistics but we’ll not get too despondent, we’ll keep at it.”
Naomh Padraig took over 39 players and management in an official capacity and although McCauley feels the correct call was made in regards to the game itself, feels sympathy for the supporters who travelled to London.
“With the fans travelling in such big numbers, with over 100 here in the clubhouse, we’re all devastated for them,” McCauley added. “But they’re in good spirits and they’re looking at flights here so hopefully we’ll get them back again for another day out.”