Not only have holders Fermanagh ladies made it back into the Ulster Intermediate Championship final but they also have their valued sponsor back on board.

However, Pat Blake and indeed the Fermanagh Ladies County Board remain unhappy with the scheduling of the Ulster semi-final by the Ulster Ladies Council at a similar time to the men’s All-Ireland qualifier against Laois on Saturday afternoon.

A spokesperson for the Fermanagh Ladies County Board explained: “In response to your article in last week’s paper, Fermanagh Ladies County Board would like to acknowledge the support that we have received from Pat Blake over the last number of years. Without this financial backing, it would not have been possible for our senior county team to have progressed as they have done.

“In relation to the timing of the Ulster semi-final, we would like to emphasise that Fermanagh Ladies County Board made every effort to get this fixture played at a time that did not clash with the Fermanagh men’s game – this fell on deaf ears at Ulster Council level and we had no choice but to travel to Crossmaglen to fulfil the fixture. We also made very strong representation to the Ulster Ladies Council that playing games on any Saturday afternoon presented problems in relation to some players who had part time jobs. We even offered to host a double header on the Sunday evening after the Antrim/Donegal men’s game in Clones but this suggestion was also rejected.

“Fermanagh have now progressed to the Ulster Final which thankfully is fixed for Sunday, July 6 in Omagh! It was very noticeable at the semi-final how few supporters we had due to the clash with the men’s game – we would like to thank those who did travel to Crossmaglen on Saturday and hope to see many more at the final on Sunday, July 6.” Pat Blake added his congratulations and also revealed that a request to the Ulster Ladies Council regarding how many spectators actually attended the game did not garner a response.

“The girls responded in the best way possible beating Antrim with something to spare. It’s no more than the team and management deserve for the work they’ve put in. And, by the way, their sponsorship for this season is fully guaranteed. In fact, if they can progress to the All-Ireland semi-finals or even better still, the final, I’m sure there will be something more in the kitty.

“A request was put to the Ulster Ladies Council for the official attendance at Saturday’s semi-final. No big surprise, they failed to respond. As regards next year, if the Ulster Ladies Fixture Committee volunteer can go on a course in how to market and promote their games, sponsorship can be reviewed,” Pat concluded.