CUMMINS: GAA VIOLENCE HAS GOT TO STOP

BRENDAN CUMMINS insists that it’s time that “flashpoints” for onfield GAA violence are addressed – but believes Croke Park chiefs won’t intervene for now.

Following the controversy of recent club games in Tyrone, Derry and Down, came the disgraceful scenes in Tralee last weekend (above) when a violent brawl marred Dingle’s semi-final replay win over East

Kerry.

Former Tipperary star Cummins said: “I sent out a tweet about Conor Mcgregor (after his recent loss) saying, ‘Where do the MMA crew go now?’. The next thing I see club players horsing into each other like

there’s no tomorrow. We’re seeing an awful lot more of it going on and we definitely have to address that.

“This is the time we see it most. It means a lot for clubs to get across the line (in county championships). If something sparks it, then they can just lose the plot.

“Those scenes, especially on mobile phones, they’re not the greatest things we want seeing for our games. It could happen in a hurling match next week as easy as a football game.

“Everyone needs to relax a small bit. I know it can’t be easy sometimes when you’re in the heat of a battle but someone needs to pull someone out of a row and move on. We all have to respect the game because we’re handing it on to the next generation.”

But Cummins claims it could do more harm than good if GAA bosses try to take control of club disciplinary issues from county boards. “They have to let this thing breathe,” said the former All-ireland winner. “If they need to intervene, they probably will.

“Traditionally Croke Park’s role has been oversight, ‘If we need to get involved, we’ll get involved but initially we’ll let each family sort it out for themselves’.”