February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By Mark Jones
DUBLIN — The GAA are considering a major break with tradition by scheduling major championship games in both hurling and football for Monday evenings.
Apparently, RTE is keen to increase TV coverage from the recognized weekend slots and a live game for Monday is now on the agenda.
Although the various provincial councils have to consider the proposal, there is now a general acceptance that the highprofile summer program should not be confined to Sundays alone, according to a report in the Sunday Tribune.
Leinster’s council secretary, Michale Delaney, said if the other provinces agreed to change the status quo, Leinster would be prepared to run with the experiment.
GAA Director-General Liam Mulvihill has already made it known that he favors using days other than Sundays for big games. In an interview last year, he said the concentration of major matches on Sunday afternoons reduced promotional opportunities for the GAA.
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Longford 3-12, Kildare 0-13
The footballers of Longford pulled off a shock win in last weekend’s O’Byrne Cup when they were too good for Kildare on a convincing scoreline of 3-12 to 0-13.
Admittedly, Kildare had only half of their National League line-up on duty at Pearse Park, but Longford left their disappointing pre-Christmas form behind with an inspired display. Two goals by Paul Barden and another from Niall Sheridan made the difference as Kildare manager, Mick O’Dwyer, tried to turn the tide with a host of substitutions in the final quarter.
Wexford 2-15, Kilkenny 1-8
D.J. Carey changed codes and turned out for Kilkenny at Hore’s Wood, but he wasn’t able stave off the inevitable as Wexford sauntered to 2-15 to 1-8 victory. Carey got on the scoresheet with a well-taken point. However, Mattie Forde with 1-6 and Scott Doran, who contributed 1-3, put the winners on the right track.
Other games
Westmeath might have been lucky to force extra-time in their game against Louth at Ardee when Ger Heavin grabbed a late point, but they finished strongly to run out winners by 2-19 to 3-10.
Carlow’s fast start, meanwhile, saw them through to a 2-13 to 2-7 victory over Wicklow at Dr. Cullen Park. The home team led by 1-5 to no score after a quarter of
an hour thanks mainly to the dominance of Jody Morrissey at midfield and from then on Wicklow were always chasing the game.