Club calendar frustrates Cha
December 06, 2014
Ballyhale Shamrocks star James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick.
©INPHO/James Crombie.
Ballyhale Shamrocks star James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick has accused the GAA of paying lip service to clubs.
Currently gearing up for tomorrow's Leinster Club SHC final date with Kilcormac-Killoughey, the former Cats star weighed into the club versus county debate in an interview in today's Irish Times.
"It's great to still be at it and to have won the county title and all that but really hurling in December shouldn't be happening," he said.
"The ball is slow, the players are slow, the game is just different to what it should be . . .
"The GAA are always on about the club, the club. But sure look at us, still hurling in December. We didn't play a do-or-die game with the club this year until the last week in October.
"I know the All-Ireland went to a replay and whatever but still. It's all about the inter-county game for the GAA, everybody can see that.
"Club players are getting really frustrated."
A Liam McCarthy Cup winning captain back in 2008, 'Cha' caused quite a stir when he quit inter-county hurling at the tender age of 26 three years ago but he insists he has no regrets.
"Down home a few supporters would ask me about it alright.
"I said before that I have no regrets at all. I enjoyed my time with Kilkenny but hurling is just a pastime with me.
"I'm playing wing-forward but I have a roving role around midfield and I'm there to try and get on a bit of ball and move it on. I'm enjoying it, things have gone very well.
"It's a huge relief to get out of your county because it's so difficult to do. We're hurling with a lot of freedom and the pressure is off. I don't feel any pressure whatsoever going into Sunday and I don't think the lads do either.
"This is just enjoyment now. A lot of players sometimes get caught up with worrying about the scoreboard and whether you're going to win or not.
"But to me, you're putting the cart before the horse if you're doing that. You just have to worry about each play as it happens and the scoreboard will follow. You play what's in front of you and whatever happens, happens."
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