The London ladies footballers have asked for a reprieve to allow them to compete in the All-Ireland JFC.
In a statement aimed at the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, they have queried why they were omitted from the revised Championship draw which took place on Tuesday night, despite the fact that the GAA has allowed inter-county teams based in England to remain part of their competitions - for now at least.
The team referenced the different approach of the GAA in their statement, which read: “Was the decision to remove us from the Championship not taken too soon? In the year of #20x20 and #SeriousSupport, where we have been pushing women in sport to the fore, is this not a step backward on the Association’s behalf?
“With Championship not due to commence for another four months was it not an abrupt decision to deny London ladies participation so far in advance?
“London men's football and hurling, as well as Warwickshire hurling have all been given the benefit of time before being eliminated from their respective competitions.
“Is this not a perfect opportunity for the Association to show solidarity with all of its comrades and ensure equal treatment between men and women in sport?
Is it not a perfect opportunity to lessen the disparity and embrace 20x20 in 2020 for all it stands for?”
Calling for a rethink on the matter, the statement added: “We urge you to please, please reconsider the decision and allow for a set of Championship fixtures in which London ladies participation is permitted while also keeping the current devised fixtures as a backup in the instance travel is not possible.
“Using this approach, alongside a cut-off point closer to Championship to re-evaluate circumstances, would be of huge benefit to not only the competitiveness of the Championship but also the mental and physical welfare of the players who have given years of their life to the Association.”
