Farrell wants end to close season training ban

GAA players chief Dessie Farrell has put forward a pressing case for the controversial close season rule to be completely scrapped.

The Gaelic Players Association chief executive claims the current rule banning collective training in November and December is being ignored ‘left, right and centre’.

More worryingly, he fears some county boards are aware of the rule breaking but are happy to use the official ban to avoid paying out player expenses.

Crucially, the GAA has stated that it won’t turn a blind eye to rule breaks any longer though Farrell feels it’s generally unenforceable.

He also reckons it’s missing the point as players most at risk of burnout can still easily slip through the system.

“Take John Small, who played for the Dublin minor footballers this year,” explained Farrell, also Dublin’s underage manager.

“He finished with us in September, went straight onto the senior Ballymun team and is now involved with colleges competitions in DCU.

“He’s also involved in U21 club championship and has been brought up on to Pat Gilroy’s senior squad. So, in effect, he’s not going to get any break for 18 months.

“Where does the close season or the training ban sit for the fellas like him who are most vulnerable? And there’s plenty more like him around the country.”

Farrell reckons counties should simply be left to treat individual players on a case by case basis.

“To me, you should avoid introducing rules that are too difficult to police,” he added.

“I’d be more inclined to leave it up to counties themselves to deal with the individual players at the centre of this issue, making sure they’re getting proper rest and recovery.”

Farrell was speaking at the announcement of this year’s GPA Executive MBA scholarships in association with Dublin City University.

Donegal football goalkeeper Paul Durcan, Sligo hurler Patrick Quinn and former Louth hurler Michael Martin will all study under the programme.

Farrell also confirmed that his minor football star Ciaran Kilkenny is likely to take up an Aussie Rules contract with Carlton after completing his Leaving Cert.