Kerry confirms players have asked not to play in district championships amid burnout fears

Kingdom GAA chairman Patrick O’Sullivan said the board will not prevent players' lining out, but that their welfare should be considered. 

Luke Crowley of East Kerry (Red ) takes on Brendan Casey of Milltown/Castlemain in the Kerry SFC. Photo: Domnick Walsh 

AMID player welfare concerns and the threat of burnout, it has been decided that most members of the Kerry senior football squad will not line out in district board championships over the next two months.

With the split-season leading to elite players being constantly in action, a break from competitive fare is now on the agenda.

Kerry is an unusual case in having three different championships taking place after the conclusion of the inter-county campaign — club championships, county championship, and district championships.

At Tuesday’sCounty Board meeting, Beaufort delegate Ken O’Sullivan asked chairman Patrick O’Sullivan if the executive was aware of an instruction to county senior players not to make themselves available for the forthcoming District Board Championships and if the executive is aware of the request, then what is their opinion.

The chairman confirmed that the executive had been given the heads-up by a number of clubs that a letter was circulating. 

“Basically it is not county board policy to prevent any player for turning out to play for his club," O’Sullivan said. "I spoke to Jack O’Connor about it and he assured me that he had not issued any instructions to Kerry players not to play for their clubs. I spoke to the Kerry captain and he told me that, yes they were hoping (the players) that they would not be asked to line out this year in the local championships. 

"Because of the length of the season in Kerry, burnout fears that lead to injuries and the fact that the players felt they needed some down time before they return to collective training again with Kerry on December 7th. This is also in line with “zero contact” month sought by the player’s body for November.

"The danger of burnout for the inter-county player and dual player was well flagged before any decision was taken on the introduction of the split season. The split season was supported by this county and this is one of the downsides of it."

He added: "It would be wrong in my view to force players to play in the district board championships when they need a break. The request by the players should be respected. Their service and commitment to the county and to their clubs from underage to senior level has surely earned them the right to have their request to be supported and understood.

O’Sullivan also responded to a similar query from Mid Kerry secretary Mike Sayers, who said the stance taken by Kerry players was causing disquiet around the county. 

“Players' welfare must come first," the chairman added. "We have three stages for a player during the season — 1, full break, 2 pre-season and 3, season."

He emphasised that just 12 clubs would be affected, eight senior and that only the Mid Kerry and East Kerry competitions would be affected. He also reminded that delegates that Dingle or Dr Crokes players will be involved in Munster Club competitions in November anyway, while Austin Stacks or Laune Rangers players will also be in provincial action. 

The Chairman repeated it was not board policy to prevent players playing, rather a request from the players themselves to have their welfare considered.

“Some of the top players carry the heaviest load in regards to game time. No player is prevented from playing, all players in the squad face the same demands as regards training and playing. 

"In 2024, Kerry panel members and the extended squad played 18 competitive games plus had 100 training sessions and all players play AvB games on the weekends that they are not playing competitive games. Some of these games are as demanding as any club championship games. 

“I want to emphasise again that no player is being prevented from playing with anyone; it’s the player’s decision. If he feels that he is tired or wants a break for his mental health reasons, then the Kerry players want to ensure that he is not left isolated or subjected to undue pressure by a coach or manager to play when he clearly wants a break at this time of the year.

“No players from any other county are asked to play three championships once they exit the All-Ireland, whether it’s early or late, and to the credit of our players turn out for their clubs in the championships when fresh, fit and free of injury. 

"I think on the flip side if a player is feeling burnout and is feeling that either physically or mentally that he needs a break, then on welfare grounds he should be allowed this considering he has to play in three championships."