Wexford GAA Management Committee
Meeting 17/06/2020, Chadwicks Wexford Park
Information Bulletin
Correspondence
Rathgarogue-Cushinstown wrote to enquire whether players would be covered under the player injury fund for absence from work if they contracted Covid-19 in the course of GAA activity. It was noted that the fund did not provide cover for such an eventuality.
Faythe Harriers had written to seek an update in relation to a deviation from championship suspensions incurred in 2019 and applying in 2020 given the shorter season. It was noted that enquiries were made centrally in this regard and no such deviations will be available.
Correspondence has been received from Croke Park regarding the reopening of GAA facilities. It was noted that, while the correspondence lists some suppliers of hygiene and signage products, there are many excellent local businesses in Wexford who can supply such services and they should be supported if at all possible.
Two more clubs have formally applied to reopen their walking tracks and this brings to 13 the number of clubs in Wexford that have done so.
Club fixtures
Since the online meeting of the County Board on 10 June, only two clubs had written in with counter proposals for the format of the Championship primarily suggesting that the pattern of alternating codes should pertain as has been the case in previous years. Three clubs had also proposed that 2019 losing quarter finalists should be assigned as 2nd seeds to the four groups of 3 that was approved at county board.
It was noted that further clarification has been received regarding likely dates for intercounty matches in October / November. The Management Committee unanimously agreed the timetable now allows for quarter-finals in the county championships. It was agreed that, due to the compressed nature of 2020 championships, the decision to play hurling in a single block followed by football in another block would be adhered to. The proposal to extend seeding to 2019 losing quarter finalists was discussed and it was felt that seeding 4 of 12 teams in each grade was sufficient and that the open draw thereafter would generate significant interest in the draw.
In summary, then, the agreed model for our championships will be 4 groups of 3 in each grade with the 2019 semi-finalists being seeded first in each group. Quarter-finals will be played and it was agreed that knockout matches, with the possible exception of the county final, would be played to a finish on the day. The majority of matches will take place in four centralised locations in order to facilitate efficient management of relevant public health requirements, but clubs will be afforded the chance to offer their own grounds for fixtures also. The centralised locations at which Wexford GAA will manage logistics are Chadwicks Wexford Park, St. Patrick’s Park, Bellefield and O’Kennedy Park.
The draw for the county championships will take place on Monday 22 June in Chadwicks Wexford Park. As clubs will be unable to attend due to Covid-19 restrictions it is proposed to live-stream the event.
It is proposed to live stream matches where feasible and discussions in this regard are ongoing with a number of potential partners. The pricing for streaming access to matches is yet to be determined.
Ticketing
It was noted that one season ticket refund has been sought and processed and it was agreed that proposals should be developed to acknowledge the loyalty of supporters that have bought season tickets and stood by Wexford GAA. This matter will be discussed in more detail at a future meeting.
It was also agreed that a full weekend ticket, purchasable at usual retail partners, will be introduced for the 2020 championship at a price of €20. This ticket will offer entry to all championship matches in a particular weekend.
Intercounty U20 hurling
Counties have been asked to indicate their preference with regard to participation in such a championship in 2020. It was agreed that Wexford should participate.
It was noted that it is also intended to have an intercountry minor championship, run on a knockout basis from mid-October.
Cúl Camps
A total of 40 venues have been identified to host Cúl Camps from 20 July and it is expected that the calendar of host clubs will be notified early next week. An information webinar was held for host clubs earlier this week.
Clonee GAA Club
It was noted that the club has not played any adult fixtures for the last two years and it was agreed that the club should be formally contacted in order to discuss with it its plans for the future.
Development
The planning permission for floodlighting and some other works at Chadwicks Wexford Park has been submitted. It is hoped to submit a planning application for the Centre of Excellence works next week.
A report has been received from an expert agronomist regarding a soil and grass analysis of the pitch in Chadwicks Wexford Park. The report will enable the preparation of a detailed tender for pitch remediation works.
There has been another reported case of vandalism at St. Patrick’s Park and further remediation measures will be implemented.
It has been confirmed that no Leinster Council development grants will be available in 2021, and possibly the year after also, on foot of the severe economic impact of Covid-19 and the associated lockdown on activities.
Other business
An underage fixtures plan is to be finalized next week
Disappointment was expressed regarding negative social media coverage on foot of the publication by the Club Players Association of an anonymous and inaccurate letter by the Club Players Association. It was noted that the Leas-Chathaoirleach, Mícheál Martin, had contacted Liam Griffin, a CPA Executive Member, to point out that the championship dates contained within the letter were not accurate and that Liam had then twice contacted the CPA Chairman, Mícheál Briody, to rectify the matter. However, the CPA Chairman had refused to do so and instead suggested that CLG Loch Garman could respond via social media. It was agreed that Wexford GAA should not engage with an unsigned and erroneous letter and it was noted that there are clear, agreed and transparent mechanisms via which GAA members can bring issues to the attention of Coiste Bainistíochta. The Leas-Chathaoirleach noted that, in his experience, the CPA had no understanding or interest in the issues facing dual counties. It was agreed to raise the matter of CPA engagement and their governance structures at the next Ard Chomhairle meeting.
Antóin Ó Díomasaigh also expressed his opinion regarding the lack of governance within the CPA and its Executive. No credible organisation should promote an anonymous letter that is totally inaccurate and without facts, he said.
See full Interview with Wexford GAA’s Vice Chairman Micheál Martin on the up-coming club championship here:
