The Dubs in Croker, Saturday January 25, 7.30pm, according to today's Indo. At home to Galway the following week

Paddyjoe, did you get the rest of the Mayo provisional fixtures?
Want to book asap.

Micheal Moran, No ,that's all that's mentioned for us, it said Armagh are playing Donegal in round 3, so we'll have Kerry ,Tyrone or Derry on the weekend of February 15/16

Thank you Paddy Joe.

Not trying to be a bollix or anything, but can I ask how can Ballina be looking for fundraising for going to London when A. Their representatives of Mayo in Connacht and B. They've been flying in a player from the middle East for championship. Maybe he was funding that himself I'm just asking. Seems unfair that they need to fundraise especially at such short notice.

Dont know if they need it or not , or if they are given compensation for having to go too London Id assume they are given something, but its a good time for a club to do a quick fundraiser like this. Locals and local business would be more inclined to give something now with the good feeling around after winning county title, rather than asking next year when the good will has died.

Richie - if you listen to our free pod that we put up the other day, you can hear Niall Heffernan explain why they’re fundraising for the trip. The short version is that the throw-in time for the game was changed at very late notice, which made their plans (and plane bookings) to fly out and back on the one day infeasible. They had to change their flight to the Friday evening and stay overnight that night, all of which is costing thousands.

Have listened to the pod. Am subscribed. Totally understand about the costs involved but can't see how there wasn't a allowance for this in advance. After all the lad's have done would have allowed that the overnight was already a given to be honest. Believe me I'm only to well aware of the job of fundraising at club level. Just think it shouldn't be a issue making the lad's feel like their putting the club under pressure.

Fair enough, Richie. I thought Niall Heffernan's explanation made perfect sense and I didn't see it as being one where players might feel like they're putting the club under pressure. Travel, when having to be rearranged at short notice, is always going to be expensive and London always was and still is an expensive location.

Would be interesting to understand what changed the throw-in time, as if that came from any other source than Ballina themselves you'd have thought that Connacht GAA would contribute to costs. Unfortunately have plans already in place or would definitely go to see it.

That's all covered in the pod too, Exile! Because the match is on in London and (as I know from my years there) it gets darker earlier than here at this time of year, this was something Connacht GAA weren't apparently fully aware of when they fixed the throw-in time. Then they realised they'd have to factor in possible extra-time and penalties (unlikely but you never can tell) and, with no floodlights at McGovern Park, they decided to pull the throw-in forward to 1.30pm. That change was made only in the last week or so, well after all the travel arrangements had been made.

Ah. Were the members of Connacht GAA never in Dublin. Sure anyone travelling from east to west can see at least a 15 minute difference in daylight.

I know we're a amateur sport but feic. Brings to mind the question who does the London and New York being in Connacht benefit? Absolutely brilliant for the diospra and for memorable trips away (even if hard on the liver). But are they putting unfair financial pressure on clubs/ county's. Surely with gate receipts being up/ streaming revenue etc. The onis for cost shouldn't land on the club if drawn away to a club. When the draw was made did you have the players (if a overnight) and the supporters praying for a London team and the committee praying for a Dligo or Leitrim team? Costs should be equal no matter where your drawn to play. That's me finished with this rant WJ. . Probably close to a yellow if not a black card by now. Apologies.

Richie Duck, at county level the trip abroad is a great fundraising opportunity.

I think the provincial board gives the club €11,000 towards trip.
Surprisingly you can get a twin room in Ruislip tomorrow night for about €87.

Not at all, Richie - those are all fair points you've been making.

List of nominees for the Club Stars Team of the Year is out!

Simple solution to the club championship is that the London teams should as a rule have to travel over to Ireland for the games, and make a weekend of it here, and have their costs paid for by the Connacht Council, who have decided to include them in the championship in the first instance. It give their players and families the opportunity to make a real festival weekend of it and plan it in advance. With no disrespect, its highly unlikely any of these teams will advance in the competition. Asking Ballina to travel over , with all the associated costs, and not have an opportunity to meet family or friends while there and make a weekend of it sounds like a missed opportunity at best and a complete waste at worst...Listening to Ballina's itinerary how crazy is it.....travelling up to Dublin to get a late flight over to Luton tonight,...landing at midnight and then get to a hotel and trying to get a few hours sleep before playing a game at 1.30pm and then rushing back to an airport to get a flight back to is it Shannon or Dublin tomorrow night? To what end does all that serve for Ballina and the GAA? A big rethink is needed in my view. thanks