Galway captain Sarah Ni Loinsigh has said she had no qualms with the LGFA advising players ahead of yesterday’s Lidl National League finals press event.
It emerged last weekend that the LGFA had issued a document to players participating in the event suggesting how they might respond to certain issues that they may be questioned on, such as the body’s controversial transgender policy and the recent fallout with the Cavan team, who didn’t fulfil their League fixture with Tyrone last month due to a standoff with their county board.
The missive added that players should be “prepared at all times to move the line of questioning back to football matters”.
Ni Loingsigh, who will captain Galway in this Sunday’s Division One final against Kerry at Croke Park, said: “It was just so you weren't caught off guard. By all means, answer the questions in any way you want but just so you're not caught off guard with regards to the questions.”
When quizzed about the LGFA’s transgender policy, which allows transgender girls aged between 12 and 15 to play if they are approved by a new Transgender Application Committee, Ni Loingsigh responded: “I know that the policy came from LGFA officials and players didn't have much involvement in that. And I haven't really looked into it. So I'd rather not comment.”
Armagh captain Kelly Mallon, who will lead her side in the Division Two final against Laois, said that she hasn’t experienced anything like the expenses issues that have cropped up in Cavan.
“We've no concerns in Armagh, we're happy enough,” she said. “We have a really good relationship with the GPA and the LGFA so we've no concerns about that.”
Indeed, Armagh are one of the few counties in the LGFA that has their own training facility, McKeever Park in Killean.
Mallon added: “It's been really helpful. From previous years, you wouldn't have known maybe until four, five or maybe six o'clock where you were training so it has definitely helped. It's a really good foundation to have.
“We're still working on the facility. We don't have a changing facility, it's really just a pitch at the moment but it's certainly helped us with that consistency and just knowing where you are in terms of planning your week.”
READ NEXT:
Bohs go six clear as Declan Devine makes happy return to Derry City
Paul Townend shines on I Am Maximus to win first Boylesports Irish Grand National
Ken Doherty comes up short in World Championship qualification bid
Rachael Blackmore recovered from two falls to ride in Irish Grand National
Rory McIlroy withdraws from RBC Heritage after Masters disappointment
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts