Club hire penalty may be softened

CLUBS who break the GAA’s rule allowing rival field sports use their grounds could face a less extreme punishment.

Previously they were threatened with suspension from the association but GAA Director General Páraic Duffy’s preferred option is a Central Council motion to add the option of a fine at the launch of his annual report ahead of congress in Croke Park yesterday.

“One difficulty is that the penalty for breach of Rule 5.1 by any club, county committee or provincial council acting contrary to this rule is automatic suspension,” he said.