Two ladies football teams in Limerick will have an early start next Saturday after their county junior final was scheduled for 9am.

The ridiculously early throw-in time for the Gerald Griffins v Groody Gaels decider was set after Griffins were asked to accommodate a change of date, but weren't in a position to do so. An international tag rugby tournament in Cork involving Groody Gaels players was also a factor in putting the final on so early.

To compound matters for Gerald Griffins, the final has been fixed for Knockainey, which is over an hour's drive from their base. Groody Gaels, who are a combination of Monaleen and St. Patrick's, are about 20 minutes away from the match venue.

A statement from the Limerick ladies football board read: "At the August county board meeting, Groody Gaels notified all clubs that due to clash with an international women's rugby tournament, Groody Gaels would request a new date for the junior final, should Groody Gaels reach the final.

Every possible alternative date was suggested by Limerick ladies football board during protracted discussions at the September county board meeting, but Gerald Griffins could not accommodate any of several suggested new dates, between Sept 10th and Dec 31st - citing player availability. The county board were left with no option but to hold the final on Sept 16th.

"In light of this, and to give both teams the best opportunity to field at full strength, the final has been fixed for 9am on Saturday Sept 16th.

"However, as the winners do not proceed into the Munster Championship, there is no urgency in getting the fixture completed, Limerick Ladies football Board would still welcome a new date being agreed between both clubs that would allow for the throw in to take place at a more suitable time."

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