Cooney says Cavan may face winter ban penalty

GAA President Christy Cooney has issued a stern warning that Cavan will be punished in full accordance with regulations if Croke Park can prove they have broken the winter training ban.

Cooney yesterday spelt it out to Cavan that should their explanation for Sunday’s senior football panel training game in Breffni Park’s all-weather pitch be deemed unacceptable, they will face the relevant punishment which would see them lose a percentage of their gate receipts for their home games in the National League.

And the president insisted the GAA won’t be afraid of any accusations of scapegoating Cavan if they are compelled to hand down a penalty.

“We wouldn’t be concerned about making an example if we have a fact because it’s not about making an example, it’s adhering to the rules and regulations that we have so it’s not a question of making an example of anybody,” stated Cooney. “If people adhere to a situation there’s no issue. If people don’t and we can prove it, we’ll have to deal with it. That’s it.”

Cooney confirmed that they will be seeking clarification on the matter that arose on Sunday when 2010 panellist Cian Mackey participated in a training game.

According to the winter training ban rule, no player from the previous season’s squad is permitted to be involved in any form of collective training during the months of November and December.

“Cavan will be sending us an explanation and we’ll be dealing with it on its merits like we do with every other case,” confirmed Cooney, speaking at the GAA’s medical committee press briefing yesterday: “The rule clearly clarifies that the punishment depends on the nature of the breach if there is a breach and then we’ll deal with it.”

However, he did qualify that: “We have to look at the breach whether it’s an acceptable breach or not.”

According to the Cavan County Board, Mackey was undergoing rehab work on an injury at Breffni Park last Sunday evening. However, The Irish Examiner clearly identified Mackey playing in the training match.

That gives rise to the possibility co-managers Val Andrews and Terry Hyland acted against the county board’s wishes and played Mackey but Cooney insisted the ultimate responsibility for respecting the rule lies with the board officials.

“While there is a perception that managers are stronger than the county board, that’s not the case as I see it,’ he said.

“It’s a matter for the county board to do what’s right for the Association. There’s not much point in having rules and regulations if they’re not going to be adhered to them and it’s their responsibility to adhere to them.”