Reasonable Cork request (for a change)

I know there is a widely held view in 31 Irish counties that the Cork crowd are always moaning about something and depending what week it is might be accused of suffering from a) a persecution complex b) paranoia or c) arrogance, but once you park those traditional stereotypes and listen to genuine Cork GAA fans they make good points and in particular on a looming issue for Headquarters. Several fans have got in touch about the possibility of a Croke Park double header for the Cork footballers and hurlers. This correspondence would be representative of the views being expressed.

To whom it may concern,

I am emailed you in the hope that it will ensure the GAA will do the right thing fixture wise for the everyday supporter. I have been following cork now for the last 3 weeks, into cork 3 weekends ago and to thurles the last 2 weekends. Following cork GAA is an expensive pastime nowadays and i hope the GAA will take this into account and fix a double header so as to help us avoid unnessesary expenses.

After last year when dedicated Cork supporters were called on to attend a football championship match in Croke Park at 3.30 on a Saturday then if possible get to Portlaois for a Minor Hurling Championship at 7.30 before returning again to Croke Park on the Sunday for Corks Hurling Championship game, this year Cork supporters are saying enough is enough.

After being the most regular of visitors to Croke park over the last 5 years, spending millions on tickets, travel, accommodation and food and drink, the time has come for the GAA to reward their most generous of patrons by holding Corks Football Quarter Final and Hurling Semi-final on the same day. While the hurlers are due out on Sunday the 10th August there is no earthly reason why the footballers fixture couldn't be set for the same day.

In making their decision, the GAA must take into account the genuine financial cost of a trip to Dublin to take in both games on seperate days. This would involve a minimum of €50 petrol costs, or €65 train fare, complete with tickets for two matches at approximately €35 per game, plus overnight accomodation in Dublin and associated food, drink and transport costs. At the very minimum, this would cost at least €150 per person. When you take into account that many people attending these matches would have families and small children, then these costs mulitply to an unfeasible and unjustifiable price.

So please GAA Officals, Do the right thing, Help us promote both Hurling and Football in the Rebel county, and fix a double header of Cork hurlers and Footballers for August 10th

Regards
Sheila Crowley

Over to the fixtures chiefs now Sheila!.