All-Ireland GAA SFC semi-final: Tyrone given lifeline after game is pushed back to August 28
Last updated 16th Aug 2021
By Francis Mooney
The Tyrone-Kerry All-Ireland SFC semi-final has been saved, following a GAA decision to give the Covid-ravaged Red Hands an extra week.
The match has been re-fixed for Saturday week, the second postponement of the clash of the Ulster and Munster champions.
Tyrone and Kerry officials met with GAA chiefs tonight (Sun), and following a subsequent meeting of the CCCC, it was confirmed that the tie will go ahead at Croke Park on August 28.
Tyrone have given an undertaking that irrespective of the situation facing them in two weeks time, they will fulfil the fixture.
The All-Ireland final, already pushed back until September 4 due to the initial postponement, will be delayed for a further week, and will be played on Saturday September 11.
With Mayo already through to the Sam Maguire Cup decider following their momentous win over six-time champions Dublin, the second semi-final was originally due to be played today (Sunday), but due to a significant number of Covid-19 cases in their camp, Tyrone requested a two-week deferment.
Croke Park, however, put the game back by just six days, re-fixing it for Saturday August 21.
But in a major development yesterday (Sat), Tyrone announced that they would not be in a position to fulfil the fixture due to concerns over player welfare.
They cited the advice of a medical expert, who warned of the risks involved with returning players to action too soon after suffering from the virus.
A statement confirming their decision not to field on August 21 said: “Having received expert medical opinion on the existing, and future health and welfare of the players who contracted the Covid-19 virus during the period of this last two weeks, and following consultation with the team's management, this decision has been made with the greatest reluctance, and with deep regret”.
This evening (Sun), Kerry released a statement confirming they were willing to wait an extra week to face the Red Hands.
County chairman Tim Murphy said the Kingdom wants to stick to its tradition of earning All-Ireland titles in a competitive manner on the field of play.
“Following on from yesterday’s announcement by Tyrone GAA, I have met with the Kerry Senior Football Management Team and with other connected parties to discuss the matter in detail and to issue a considered response,” said the statement.
“Kerry is a proud GAA County, rich in the tradition of Gaelic Games which is deeply engrained in all our Clubs and Communities. Every All-Ireland title that Kerry has won, has been hard earned after a tough competitive campaign and we expect this year to be no different.
“We empathise with the Tyrone Senior football team who find themselves in this situation as a result of Covid-19 but would also point out the resultant knock-on challenges that our team, management and supporters are encountering.
“We find ourselves in a very difficult situation not of our making. We have explicitly followed all Covid protocols and we have taken every precaution to protect our Players and Management.
“The confusion and uncertainty surrounding our semi-final meeting with Tyrone has undoubtedly hindered our planning and preparation and has also been a very challenging time for our loyal clubs and supporters, many of whom had made travel & accommodation arrangements for next weekend.
“Notwithstanding this and having considered every possible aspect of the situation, our over-arching wish is to ensure that the All Ireland Semi Final against Tyrone is played at the earliest possible opportunity. On that basis we have conveyed our position to National GAA earlier today and now await their deliberations and decision.
“Covid-19 has impacted hugely on everyone over the past year and a half and in the spirit of sportsmanship and collegiality, we feel that this offer will afford the National CCCC the best opportunity to arrive at an agreeable and acceptable solution in very difficult circumstances for all concerned.”
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