Okay, further update on this.
Subject to them being out of the championship and not needing the ground for training, and the county board not putting any fixtures on there at that time, this is confirmed for Shannonbridge GAA pitch, 5.30pm on Saturday the 9th of September.
So let's all cheer on Shannonbridge to beat Rynagh's this weekend so ...
Seriously though, I want to put on record my thanks to Tom Moore and Conor Killeen, chairman and PRO respectively of Shannonbridge GAA club - both have been very helpful in terms of making this game happen. If it does have to be moved, it certainly won't be down to them - so fair play.
Regarding 5.30pm, I know a lot of people will work on Saturdays, but we can't leave it any later to be sure to get light. So if you do work on Saturdays, it should only require an hour off at the end of the day, hopefully.
One additional note.
I have gone looking for insurance in case of any injury while playing this game, but 28 requests to assorted companies/brokers later, it hasn't happened - not one company offered a quote for the game, even an outrageously high one. I'm particularly disappointed with Coyle Hamilton, who offered us a year long policy for many thousands of euro
and O'Driscoll O'Neill who market themselves as the sports insurance specialists in Ireland - but yet they will not cover a once off gaelic football match. Soccer yes, but Gaelic Football no. An Irish company. It's like some sick joke to be honest.
Anyway, the upshot is this - we will be drafting a disclaimer to say that everyone plays at their own risk, and is responsible for providing accident/injury cover for themselves. The exact wording I don't have to hand, but basically it puts the onus on every player to make sure that you're looked after. Myself and my Rossie equivalent think this match should be great fun for all concerned, but neither of us intend to be living on the street if somebody does their back in, so you're on your own there.
My strong recommendation is that every player makes sure you're joined up with your own club, wherever that might be, either in Offaly or wherever. That way you'll be covered through them. Just go, pay your membership (as I would assume most of you do anyway) and then you're covered.
However one way or another, every player will have to sign the waiver before taking the field. I don't expect anyone should have any problem with this, but if you do, then I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to stay home.
That's it really. Roll on the 9th ......
