Brennan hits out at club game freeze

GAA PRESIDENT Nickey Brennan has hit out at county boards who sanction a suspension of club action while their county team remains involved in the All-Ireland Championship.

Brennan used his programme notes for yesterday’s semi-final between Cork and Meath to highlight the problem, and called for immediate action to rectify the imbalance between club and county.

“It is unacceptable that games programmes at any grade should be completely put on hold when county teams are taking part in the championship.

“This is unquestionably one of the GAA’s biggest challenges at the moment and counties must play their part to address the current imbalance between club and inter-county activity at the prime playing time of the year,” he said.

“The inter-county scene creates a huge profile for our games and our players, but at the core of our association’s activities is the multitude of club games taking place at all grades and levels. We are seriously concerned though at the imbalance between the inter-county and club games programmes in some counties.

“Undoubtedly the number of club games has increased in recent years, but the scheduling of games is far from satisfactory in many counties.”

Brennan called on every club in the country to deliver input on the issue in response to a report prepared by the GAA’s Player Welfare Officer Paraic Duffy and given to county boards.

“It is imperative that every club airs its views on this important matter. Feedback from counties is essential and this needs to be sent back to Paraic Duffy immediately.

“Clubs must have their say because we have been hearing about their difficulties for a number of years,” he said.

“They now have a chance to ensure that changes are made so as to accommodate a fairer clubs programme.”

Mr Brennan warned: “Changes are essential, because continuing to operate as we are is not an option.”