GAA chiefs welcome fix for training ban dilemma

GAA chiefs have welcomed a motion from the Portarlington club regarding the ban on collective training for inter-county panels being confined to the month of November, with Director-General Páraic Duffy admitting that the current system is not working due to the amount of counties breaching the rules.

Duffy believes the Portarlington motion has merits but is keen for an additional break for players over Christmas.

“The rule governing the closed season should remain in place but the present situation where many counties appear to be flouting the rule cannot continue. There is general support among our players for the principle of a closed season, and while there may not be the unanimity about the best way to provide it, I believe players welcome the protection provided by our closed season rule.”