Whatever the weather? GAA matches often fall victim to the elements

Paul Fitzpatrick

While there was considerable annoyance at the late postponement of Cavan's scheduled NFL Division 1 clash with Tyrone today, there is nothing unusual about an inter-county fixture falling victim to the weather.

Just four months ago, the Cavan SFC final replay between Ramor United and Castlerahan was postponed due to heavy rain and in the last few years alone, a number of Cavan matches have been called off due to the elements.

In February 2014, the Dr McKenna Cup game between Tyrone and Cavan was shelved after rainfall made Brewster Park unplayable. The match was later played in Armagh.

The same month, the opening round NFL game against Fermanagh, down for a Saturday night under lights at Kingspan Breffni Park, was called off, although the pitch was playable the following afternoon, when the match went ahead.

Back in January 2011, eyebrows were raised when Cavan's 3G pitch – which was a new facility at the time – was deemed unplayable for a scheduled McKenna Cup match against Queens University.

“Usable but not safe” was Cavan officials’ verdict of the 3g pitch, with PRO Declan Woods explaining that while the surface appeared playable, the trouble was caused by a freezing of the layer of sand, and therefore they could not guarantee the players’ safety.

In December 2010, Swanlinbar's Ulster Club JFC final against Corduff of Monaghan was also deferred due to ehavy snow in Clones.

And in March 2010, Cavan's Ulster U21 semi-final against Monaghan, fixed for a Wednesday night, was postponed because of heavy snow and was replayed three days later at the original venue, Brewster Park.

The previous May, many club pitches were also out of action for the GAA's special Lá na gClub, although the day itself was fine.

All told, then, the weather has played havoc with GAA activities!