PUT MANNERS ON THEM ALL! – IT’S TIME THE GAA GOT TOUGH
title defence Farrell actually misses.
And also whether this is the end of the matter as far as the GAA centrally are concerned. Before the sanction for Farrell was issued, Croke Park issued a stern statement condemning any Covid-19 breach, particularly in light of a very clear warning to abide by the guidelines from director general Tom Ryan and new GAA president Larry McCarthy.
And yet a group of players met for a skills and fitness session on club grounds that are off-limits due to restrictions and under the apparent supervision of a coach.
No doubt Dublin GAA hope the 12-week suspension is the end of the matter.
Will the GAA pursue the issue further? Perhaps look at whether the players photographed will face any sanction?
That would have obvious implications on the field with Footballer of the Year Brian Fenton, Raheny team-mate Brian Howard and another multiple award winner in Jonny Cooper all pictured — though the suspension for Farrell is a tacit admission that the buck stops with the manager.
Could Dublin lose home venue for a National League game down the road?
That happened with Down when Paddy Tally was suspended in January for 12 weeks, later reduced to eight. Cork senior football manager Ronan McCarthy was also suspended for a separate breach of the GAA’s own collective training guidelines in relation to Covid19 and his appeal against that 12-week suspension failed.
This story comes in a week when the Government finally outlined a roadmap out of Level 5 with intercounty training allowed from April 19 and youth training for clubs on a non-contact basis allowed from April 26. Feelers have already been put out by the GAA as to the viability of the Leagues starting on the second weekend in May with a three-week run-in as opposed to the fourweek run-in agreed by all interested parties.
‘It is with frustration and extreme disappointment that the GAA acknowledges reports today of a potential breach of both our own Covid guidelines and those of the Government relating to the restrictions in place around team training,’ read the statement from Croke Park. ‘Less than 48 hours ago, the association reiterated its commitment to these guidelines and called for continued compliance in the weeks ahead.
‘The GAA will pursue the allegations with the units in question at the earliest opportunity and will invoke any necessary disciplinary processes as appropriate.’
The question as to whether this could threaten the resumption of GAA activity as a whole was answered by Minister of State for Sport Jack Chambers yesterday, speaking on RTE’s News at One. ‘I don’t believe so,’ he said, but warned that no further breach can be entertained.
‘I welcome the statement from the GAA that they are going to pursue the allegations, fully establish the facts and then commence the necessary disciplinary processes. What we need to ensure that no other county breaches the rules, that they follow, reinforce and also publicly advocate the broad, public health advice. Many of them are doing that on a regular basis.
‘Once the GAA established the facts they obviously need to set an example to their broader membership and say that this is unacceptable. When rules are in place, there needs to be compliance.
‘Many of our inter-county players are important role models and have been very positive in promoting the public health message. Today undermines that and I think what we need to see is the GAA following through on their statement which is very clear in acting on this at the earliest opportunity.
‘I am extremely disappointed and surprised at such an error of judgement. I think it’s important to say that the Dublin team and every team across the country has an important leadership role in following the public health advice. There is great frustration out there to see role models in Dublin GAA undermining the rules that have been set out.’ Former GAA president Sean Kelly also said there can be no allowance for any players breaking restrictions. ‘I’m surprised this has happened because the GAA dealt so firmly with Cork and Down and that sent out a message. Most people would say it isn’t worth it. They’d also have to take their broader responsibilities as citizens. Everybody is suffering, from business, to young children. The rules are clear.’
‘Dublin could lose one home game in the League’