The decision to switch the venue for Sunday's All-Ireland ladies football semi-final between Cork and Galway was a shock for Galway defender Nicola Ward, but she insists it will not negatively impact the team on the day.
It was disclosed on Monday that the semi-final will be played at Parnell Park, rather than the LIT Gaelic Grounds because the Limerick senior hurlers, in preparation for the All-Ireland hurling final, have a training session scheduled at the ground on Sunday.
The ladies football semi-final was originally fixed for Semple Stadium on 28 November, but moved forward a week to accommodate a number of Cork dual players, with the LIT Gaelic Grounds identified as an alternative host venue.
According to a statement from the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, Limerick County Board informed them last Thursday that it would no longer be in a position to facilitate the game if Limerick were to defeat Galway in their All-Ireland SHC semi-final, a game the Treaty men won 0-27 to 0-24.
Limerick County Board chairman John Cregan told RTÉ Sport this morning that the decision to host the ladies fixture at the LIT Gaelic Grounds was made "on the basis that it wouldn't be required by the Limerick senior hurling team".
Speaking at the launch of Lidl's 'Game Day' video, Ward insisted that while it does make for logistical changes, the players are continuing on business as usual.
"We were set to drive to Limerick, now we have to plan and go a different direction. We have played there in league finals before, so we are very much used to it," the 23-year-old told RTÉ Sport.
It's an All-Ireland semi-final and I’d be happy to play anywhere
"I know at the start, it is a bit of a shock that it has to be changed, but we just have to get on with it.
"This year, the championship is like no other.
"At the end of the day, the Limerick hurlers are in an All-Ireland final as well. That’s their pitch. From my perspective, I’m happy enough to play in Parnell Park. It’s an All-Ireland semi-final and I’d be happy to play anywhere.
"We’re certainly not going to let us affect us on the day."
The statement from the LGFA added that the association wishes to "categorically state that we fully understand Limerick's wish to use their own venue for training purposes next Sunday.
"Furthermore, we have enjoyed an excellent relationship with Limerick GAA in the past, and our 2019 All-Ireland Senior Club Final was played at the LIT Gaelic Grounds, and we were afforded a warm welcome there, and treated very well.
"In addition, we very much look forward to travelling to the LIT Gaelic Grounds for future games.
"We are grateful to the Dublin County Board for making Parnell Park available for next Sunday’s semi-final at short notice, and this is not the first time that a TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-final has been played in Dublin."
