Cooney predicts quiet opening to the summer

GAA president Christy Cooney has said there will be no rash of cards or controversies when the championship begins, as has been the case in recent seasons when an interpretation of rules by referees has marred the opening fixtures.

Last year, the initial games in the football championship were overshadowed by the emphasis on the hand pass, while hurling was blighted by a discussion over a handful of high-profile red cards deemed to be frontal challenges.

However, the most famous example of referees laying down the law happened in 1999 when Cork referee Niall Barrett used six red cards and 14 yellows during a Leinster football tie between Carlow and Westmeath at Dr Cullen Park.