GAA players on drug charges face ban

GAA players charged with drug offences will be banned from playing with their club or county until the outcome of their case, under strict new guidelines.

Addressing what up to now has been a “grey area”, the GAA has confirmed the onus will be on clubs to ensure anyone charged is not allowed to remain active in the association pending the outcome of the court case.

The guidelines arise from the case of a Kerry inter- county hurler who continued to play with his county and club, Kilmoyley, while charges against him were pending in the court.

Last March, Sean Dowling, aged 22, of Ballymacquin, Ardfert, was given a two-year jail sentence in the Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to dealing cannabis and ecstasy tablets at Causeway GAA grounds.

Dowling, who served six months of the sentence and was recently granted early release, has returned to college in Cork.

GAA spokesman Alan Milton said in the past people would have been expected to step aside when facing serious charges, but were not obliged to do so.

However, the GAA Alcohol and Substance Abuse Committee plan to introduce a clause that will make it obligatory for clubs to ensure a person steps down until matters are dealt with by the courts.

“The policy is being reviewed and all county board secretaries will shortly be notified. In that way, the information will be passed onto clubs,’’ said Mr Milton.

Croke Park had been in close contact with Kerry GAA county board on the issue and will soon issue the new guidelines nationally.

Meanwhile, Mr Dowling has returned to Kilmoyley GAA club and is back in training with the hurlers, but has not played since his release.

At a special meeting, club officers decided he should be allowed return under specific conditions.

“The club met him and outlined the seriousness of his actions,’’ said Kilmoyley chairman Fintan Ryan.

“He served his sentence and it was agreed to allow him return in an effort to aid his rehabilitation.’’

The club has also introduced stricter procedures to deal with any such circumstances if they arise in the future, including suspension of players.

Earlier this year, Kerry GAA officials were left red-faced when it emerged Mr Dowling was continuing to play while his case was pending. However, the county board has said it is satisfied all procedures are being followed in his case.

In a joint venture with the HSE, in 2008, the GAA introduced an initiative to prevent the abuse of alcohol and drugs throughout the association.

The Alcohol and Substance Abuse Programme aims to help clubs develop a structure for people across the country, with specific roles at club, county and provincial levels.

Officers have been appointed in each province and there are officers in every county to implement the programme. Also, many clubs now have alcohol and substance abuse officers to assist county officers to respond to drug and alcohol- related issues within their club.

The GAA has also produced a club manual for dealing with drug and alcohol-related issues, in addition to information leaflets, pitch-side signage, a DVD, and use of the social media.