Donegal to investigate player driving concerns

DONEGAL GAA chiefs are set to investigate recent claims that young players around the county are risking their lives by driving recklessly to and from matches.

County board officials have admitted they are worried about a repeat of last month’s horrific road crash on the Inishowen Peninsula which claimed the lives of seven young men in one car and are establishing measures to tackle the issue.

Donegal County Board secretary Mairtin Ó Fearraigh revealed that there was a concern over young drivers speeding on the way to games and training, and that the GAA were set to launch an investigation into the practice.

“I have received a number of calls from different clubs in the county about the driving habits of young players,” he said.

Ó Fearraigh also stated that cases of dangerous driving were widespread in GAA clubs across the county and in response the board was set to establish a campaign to educate young players about road safety.

“We have to use the GAA grassroots to drive home the (road safety) message.”

The campaign, entitled ‘Live To Play’, was first established by the Tyrone County Board in conjunction with the Ulster Council earlier this year, with Tyrone captain Brian Dooher lending his support. The Donegal campaign will feature a number of GAA stars, including county senior footballers Kevin Cassidy and Karl Lacey, who will speak about driving.