Third level GAA rule book has ‘too many loopholes’

UCD football manager John Divilly believes the credibility of the Fitzgibbon and Sigerson Cup competitions has been seriously damaged by the eligibility controversies involving players from IT Carlow, IT Sligo and QUB.

The All-Ireland winning Galway footballer accused colleges of manipulating Comhairle Ardoideachais (CA) bye-laws in their bid for third-level glory. Divilly said the third-level rule book is undermined by “too many little loopholes”, calling on Croke Park top-brass to implement stricter eligibility guidelines.

IT Sligo and Queens were thrown out of the Sigerson Cup for fielding ineligible players in their first round clash, but both colleges were reinstated on appeal to the Central Appeals Committee (CAC).