New GAA rule requires players to face flag for full playing of national anthem

Limerick players stand together during the playing of the National Anthem ahead of the 2018 Championship clash with Tipperary. Picture: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

The GAA have tightened up their match regulations to encourage players to be more respectful of the national anthem.

According to regulation 1.6 in the directives set out for inter-county and inter-club games last year, “where the national anthem precedes a game, teams shall stand to attention facing the flag in a respectful manner”.