Timeline: Recent comments suggest GAA were in the dark over loss of 'elite' status

At no point over the past six weeks was there mention of the fact that inter-county activity was no longer permitted under Level 5

At no point over the past six weeks was there mention of the fact that inter-county activity was no longer permitted under Level 5. Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Minister of State for Sport Jack Chambers said this morning the GAA, LGFA, and Camogie Association were told last October that the exemption being provided to facilitate the running of the 2020 All-Ireland championships would conclude at the end of December.

If the GAA was aware of such, and that fresh concessions would have to be sought for the staging of inter-county competitions under Level 5 restrictions in 2021, one has to ask why the highest ranking officials in Croke Park engaged in such a public discussion around the shape of the 2021 season, when counties might return to collective training, and possible throw-in dates for the National League.