GAA water breaks could be here to stay

Waterford hurling manager Liam Cahill and newly-appointed Kerry football captain Paul Murphy are among those who called for the breaks to be scrapped

All-Ireland champions Limerick were among those who took full advantage of the break to instruct players, coach Paul Kinnerk seen using a tactics board on a number of occasions during last year’s Championship. Picture: INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Water breaks could be here to stay as a result of the GAA’s determination to keep the pitch exclusive for players and match officials.

The Covid-19 match regulation, introduced to dissuade players and team officials from sharing water bottles, allows for a cessation in play of no more than a minute between the 15th and 20th minute of each half.