Cooney: player discipline improving games

GAA President Christy Cooney has praised inter-county players for their positive response to the disciplinary rules in the championship this season.

Mr Cooney acknowledged the players’ contribution to the quality of games against the background of the Congress rejection of the recommendations aimed at ridding the games of serial offenders.

“Barring one or two possible exceptions, the absence of real rancour in our games so far this summer has provided us with plenty of food for thought – and most of it of the positive variety,’’ he wrote in his programme notes for yesterday’s matches at Croke Park.

He also acknowledged the role of match officials and referees, for what he perceives to be ‘a noted improvement in disciplinary issues.’

In particular, Cooney believes that the decision to abandon the use of the ‘black book for ticking players’ (which he spearheaded, in consultation with the National Referees Association within weeks of taking over office) was the right one.

Interviewed at the time, he said that the response of the players to the disciplinary rules would determine the approach the administrators would take, commenting: “if they obey the rules, there is no issue around our rules....’’

Hinting at a possible review of the qualifier system in football – “it has been the source of much debate and perhaps with a degree of justification” – he said that this year’s series had produced some marvellous matches, singling out the exploits of Wicklow under legendary manager Mick O’Dwyer for special mention.

They had helped ‘illuminate the championship’ in recent weeks before their impressive journey finally stalled against neighbours Kildare, he added.

Looking forward to the return of their games to Croke Park “after another week-end that showcased our stadium to the world,” he answered critics of the decision to close it in preparation for the U2 concerts by saying that their games ‘remain their main focus at all times’.