PEARCE GOT HANDLE ON INJURY IN BREAK
once and for rule with sanction’.”
CPA Chairman Micheál Briody (left) declared: ”As an association we must respect the integrity of our club competitions and this means using the time available in the best possible way.
“Suggestions of running of championships in blitz format or shrunk to a very tight timeframe to enable county preparations are sacrilege and will have long lasting implications.
“We recognise that 2020 has been a year like no other for us all, and we wish to express our deepest sympathy to all GAA clubs who have lost members of their community during this pandemic.
“We know also that it is the support of clubs that has supported and consoled many bereaved families despite these difficult times of social distancing and uncertainty.
“At the highest level, the GAA have provided very clear all on this and appropriate
WITH the GAA Museum remaining closed until the 29th of this month and restrictions on gatherings still in place, the Bord Gais Energy Legends Tour series is going online.
The series kicks off on Wednesday with Clare’s two-time All-ireland winning hurling dynamo Jamesie O’connor (left) the first to relive their marquee days in and unambiguous leadership in completely closing club facilities at the height of the crisis. This undoubtedly saved lives.
“We also commend clubs and their members for coming together to help others in their communities during the pandemic.
“It has shown the underlying strength of the GAA lies in the grassroots community-led togetherness. Now as we return it is very positive that club hurling and football has been allocated 11 weeks at the height of summer. It will bring a great lift to communities to get our games back under way.
“However, we have a number of concerns we are asking GAA leadership to address.”
Former Wexford hurling conversation with the Museum team.
The other legends participating will be Eoin Kelly (Tipperary), Dara Ó Cinnéide (Kerry),
Terence Mcnaughton (Antrim), Steven Mcdonnell (Armagh), Joe Connolly (Galway), Rena Buckley (Cork) and Stefan White (Louth).
For more info, see boss Liam Griffin (inset) added: “Regrettably the Association has evolved over a long number of years to where we are today.
“The challenge now and into the future of the GAA is to address all of the issues which are collectively causing such dissatisfaction amongst the playing population.”
Griffin, who is an executive member of the CPA, said that concerns raised by Paraic Duffy, the GAA’S former Director General, about the clubs’ place in the pecking order have not been “satisfactorily and properly addressed”.
“The CPA was formed because of all those findings and deep dissatisfaction amongst the playing population,” Griffin said.
“Regrettably, despite the CPA’S engagement with the association we have been unable to make satisfactory progress on the GAA’S own findings.”
Regrettably, the association has evolved over a long number of years to where we are today - LIAM GRIFFIN
PEARCE HANLEY admits the Covid-19 lay-off came along at the right time for him as he returned to form in peak condition on Saturday
The Mayo man (left), 31, was recalled to the Gold Coast Suns lineup for the AFL rout of West Coast, their first win for an incredible 427 days.
“Unfortunately I had a few calf issues but in the few weeks off I was able to get back on the track and get my fitness up,” he said. “The last three or four weeks of training has been gold and I’ve loved being around the boys again.”
The Suns veteran has been tortured by injury with his shoulder, hamstring, shin and quad muscle all causing problems in recent seasons.
“I think for me consistency in my training is crucial,” he explained. “Generally when I don’t have it I get injured and soft tissue has been a bit of an issue.
“But I’ve had a few good weeks of training and I’m confident in my body now.
“Our boys are hungry and we’re ready to go and prove to everyone what we’ve got.”