Brewster Park in Enniskillen
HE G8 SUMMIT, taking place at the Lough Erne Resort in June, could conceivably rob Fermanagh of a home tie against Cavan in the Ulster Football Championship.
The eight world leaders will arrive in Fermanagh on Sunday June 16, the same day Fermanagh are due to start their Ulster Championship campaign.
If Cavan defeat Armagh in their preliminary round game on May 19, they will be due to play at Brewster Park on June 16, at a time when rigorous security controls will be in place in the town and surrounding area.
If however, Armagh defeat Cavan, Fermanagh will play away at the Athletic Ground, effectively avoiding any problems.
It is understood the Ulster Council have been in discussions with security personnel and various government bodies in recent months regarding the potential fixture clash with the G8 summit, which takes place on June 17 and 18.
Johnny McManus PRO for Fermanagh GAA said that Fermanagh County Board will work along with the Ulster Council to get the best outcome for all involved.
“We know there is a likelihood we won’t be able to stage a home fixture on 16 June should the Cavan game materialise,” he admitted.
“We just have to be flexible and work with the Ulster Council and see what the best outcome will be.”
Declan Woods, PRO for Cavan GAA explained that they have had no correspondence regarding the matter and are solely focused on their match with Armagh on May 19.
“The short answer to a long question is we haven’t talked about it and we haven’t thought about it. It is an eventuality which only comes about if we beat Armagh.
“We haven’t looked past Armagh and it is something we wouldn’t think about before the Armagh game as they are a formidable outfit.
“Honestly, we haven’t discussed it and we wouldn’t be keen to talk about it until that juncture.
“We don’t have a game with Fermanagh on the cards, we do have a game with Armagh and we must focus on that.”
Ulster Council secretary Danny Murphy admitted that TV rights mean that the game must go ahead, but a change of venue may be necessary.
“We’re aware of the situation, but our council took a decision to make no final determination on the outcome until after the Cavan v Armagh game on May 19.
“We have to wait until that match is played, but we know the full ramifications of what is taking place in Enniskillen.”
If Cavan do beat Armagh, it may be the case that the game is played at Clones, a neutral venue or Cavan may opt to host the game and play the next fixture between the sides at Brewster Park.
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