Jim Gavin: Moving the GAA fixtures 'wise and smart decision'
Dublin manager Jim Gavin has praised the Leinster Council's decision to push back Sunday's Leinster football semi-finals following Ireland's progression to the last 16 of the European Championships, .
A double header of Leinster ties involving Kildare, Westmeath, Dublin and Meath had been due to take place at 2pm and 4pm at Croke Park with Gavin's Dublin taking on old rivals Meath in the main event.
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But that would have clashed square on with Ireland's historic clash with tournament hosts France in Lyon at 2pm so the matches were pushed back to 4.15pm and 6.35pm.
It's an unusual throw-in time for Dublin and Meath in particular who won't be finished their game until around 8pm on Sunday evening though Gavin said it was a sensible decision that doesn't inconvenience his panel.
"I think it was a very wise and smart decision by the Leinster Council," said Gavin. "It was very prompt. Irish people are passionate about their sport and there's massive interest in the European Championships and it will be a great buzz now on Sunday.
"Fans from all four counties will be talking about that game so I think it's a great decision by the Leinster Council and it doesn't inconvenience us at all."
Asked if he was aware that a change of time was on the cards, the 2013 and 2015 All-Ireland winning manager shook his head.
"No, but we were informed very promptly after the final whistle in the game last night. It makes great sense. The game only slides by a couple of hours. I don't think any of the four teams will have any problem with it at all.
"I think we'll be able to watch some of it, yeah. We're all passionate about sport, particularly Irish sport, and it's great for the country. Hopefully we'll get to see it."
Gavin said that attacker Paddy Andrews trained with Dublin on Wednesday evening having missed their Championship opener against Laois with a back problem.
"All the players were back with their clubs the week after the Laois game and Paddy's back playing 100 per cent and available for selection at the weekend," said Gavin.
