GAA will deal with Cavan situation, says Cooney

GAA president Christy Cooney has said that Cavan will be severely punished if it is confirmed that they have breached regulations regarding training in the months of November and December.

Reports earlier this week alleged that the Breffni County had conducted what is believed to be an illegal session on Sunday night.

Cooney stated that if it is proven that the Cavan management and players acted outside the rules of the GAA, they will be severely punished.

"We will deal with it yes, we will deal with the situation. I haven't had a chance to deal with it properly," he said.

"Cavan will be sending us a full explanation of exactly the full situation and we will deal with it on its merits, like we do with every other case.

"If there is a situation that warrants attention we will deal with it - that's it. That's all I can say today because I'm not going to prejudge the situation and you wouldn't expect me to."

When pressed on whether Cavan would be asked to outline the situation, Cooney said that the background to the incident was already clear from newspaper reports.

"The situation has been outlined publically in the media, and I'm sure we will be in contact with Cavan and we'll get the exact situation as it is."

Speaking more generally about the area of the winter training ban, the Cork native says that it is clear in the GAA rule book what is and is not allowed at this time of the year.

"The rule clearly clarifies that. It depends on the nature of the breach, if there is a breach and then we will deal with it," he explained.

"I'm not going to prejudge what will happen, but there is a rule there - also we have to look at the nature of the breach, whether it is an acceptable breach or not, and if it is we will deal with it."

There is plenty of anecdotal evidence that Cavan are not the only ones under pressure in relation to possible breaches of the winter training ban.

However, just a week ago, Cooney challenged journalists present for the Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cup draws that if they were aware of counties breaking the rules, to let him know.

Cooney again reiterated that call at a press briefing at Croke Park, saying: "If it is (going on further afield) as I said last time, nobody is prepared to tell me exactly.

"I haven't heard first hand whether it (the ban) is or isn't (being breached). There would be rumour and innuendos, but very little fact, and in fairness unless you have fact you can't deal with it.

"At the end of the day, and I said this last week - the responsibility is on the County Boards.

"County Boards made this decision. It was made by Central Council and adopted by a Special Congress. The responsibility is on County Boards to ensure that it is adhered to."

The press briefing dealt with a presentation from the GAA's Medical, Scientific and Welfare committee, and Cooney was keen to push home some of those views.

"You heard the presentation today about the need for recovery time and rest for players. This is a time to create that and that's why (the winter training ban) was put in place," he added.

"To overcome issues of injuries, burnout and create a time that inter-county players could rest and recharge the batteries and be ready for January again.

"That's the logic in it and all of the evidence that we are hearing is that it should be done and it must be done.

"That's a question for County Boards, and at the end of the day they are in charge. They decide what team manager is in place and it is a matter for them to manage the situation and get it right.

"It's easy to look at Croke Park. Croke Park can only deal with what is before us and the facts that are before us. If we have facts and they are accurate, we will deal with the situation."