Challenge game ban disappoints London

London footballer Mark Gottsche says it is disappointing that the GAA have prevented his side from playing two challenge games this weekend.

The Exiles were due to face both Louth and Wicklow in preparation for their Connacht Championship clash with Sligo on Sunday, May 26.

However, the GAA has refused to sanction the friendlies due to a technicality, even though the London management had already put in place all arrangements for the trip.

London have fallen victim to a rule preventing county teams from going abroad for training camps in the build-up to the Championship after the league, except during the 13 days prior to a senior Championship game.

Speaking at yesterday's Connacht Championship launch, Gottsche says it is an unfortunate situation.

"It is unfortunate, we would have loved to come over this weekend," he said.

"As a squad of players Paul Coggins keeps drilling into us that we have to 'control the controllables' and this is out of our control.

"The rulebook is the rulebook, and that's what we are guided by in the GAA, so either love it or hate it.

"At times it will work for you, and at times it will work against you.

"We are going to have our own sessions in Ruislip and try and have in-house matches as intense as possible. There's a massive competition for places on the team at present.

"In-house games might benefit you sometimes. We had one last Monday and the intensity was high.

"There was a bit of niggle in it and you want that as well. So long as you can turn around and laugh about it afterwards!"