Season remains on hold

It came as no real surprise when late last week the GAA announced that intercounty training would remain on hold until 5 March in line with the extension of the Level 5 restrictions until that date.

The GAA’s Covid-19 advisory committee met on Monday night and concurred with that decision with Director General Tom Ryan saying that in the current situation “it would be irresponsible to allow training and asked all counties to observe this and that all pitches and gyms were to remain closed”.

Ryan did say that they remain committed to running all competitions that were factored into the master fixture list issued last December, but that will obviously need adjusting now and a new list will be released when the picture becomes clearer.

From a Cork perspective it was good to hear that the Association intend to complete the championships that remain unfinished for last season. Cork are in the All-Ireland Under 20 Hurling Final and will play the winners of the Galway vs Dublin Leinster Final in that decider.

The leagues look likely to start in April or late March, with the championship also put back by a few weeks. Interestingly the provincial championship draws have been postponed until March, as the GAA clearly did not want these pairings to be known before the leagues start.

Of course, here in Cork there are also several county finals that must be completed; how they will be fitted in remains to be seen, particularly the senior football final between Nemo Rangers and Castlehaven. A number of Cork players being involved in a good run in the league or championship will impact this fixture.

Similarly, the other football finals with Cork players involved will test the fixture making skills of those charged with re-arranging these very important games.

Suspension pending

News broke on Monday that the GAA had completed their investigation into the alleged breach of the training ban by the Cork footballers, who held a session on Youghal beach a few weeks.

The proposed suspension is for 12 weeks, which if not overturned will effectively rule manager Ronan McCarthy out for the best part of the season, especially now that the schedule is so tight.

The sanction from Croke Park also proposes a loss of one home game in the Allianz National League, which could be crucial.

Remember, now there are only three games in the league, Clare, Kildare and Laois, it is quite possible that all three games could be away from home, and while crowds will be limited, it’s never easy to win on the road.

The top two from each group go through to the semi-finals, with the finalist gaining promotion to Division 1, a stated aim of the management in the further development of the team. That task has just become a bit harder.

At the County Board meeting on Tuesday night, it was stated by CEO Kevin O’Donovan that due consideration was being given as to whether the board will be seeking a hearing or not.

Shortly after the training session became public, in an interview McCarthy was adamant that no rule had been broken and they complied with all regulations, which would suggest that there will be an appeal.

In other news

Tomas Clancy has retired from intercounty football and the Fermoy dual star will be a loss. Since making his debut in 2013, he has been a consistent and quality performer in defence, while also managing some excellent scores, especially goals.

Injuries took its toll last year and the one he picked up in the county championship versus Bandon ruled him out for the season. He’s a classy guy to deal with and the very best of luck for the future.

Tuesday’s County Board meeting was also informed that the Executive had reversed a decision taken last year and they have decided that all county board passes would be restored, and the €50 charge introduced is to be abolished.

While I am sure it was a collective decision, Chairman Mark Sheehan must take a lot of credit for this move. Just two months in office and a move that was poorly thought out and badly received, especially by several All-Ireland medal holders who really cherished this pass, has been reversed.

I stress it was not for the money involved, but it was considered a badge of honour by those privileged to have worn the red jersey.

It was introduced many years ago and to have it taken away and be asked to pay €50 was, in my opinion, an insult to the many great players who had rendered the county such outstanding service, not only on the field but as club and county selectors long after their playing days had ended.

The majority of the players with these passes were playing at a time when gear and expenses along with other benefits were not as plentiful as the players of today are getting, and it’s only right that the present players are rewarded given the commitment now required at intercounty level.

Delegates, referees, and club rúnaí also fall into this category, and given that all these are volunteers, it is only right that their hard work is rewarded by this small but significant gesture.

A reminder, don’t forget to sign up for the Cork Camogie Board’s virtual 5K run on the weekend of 26-28 February in aid of the Board and Jigsaw Cork. The entry fee is €15, go to the Cork Camogie website for the link that will allow you support this excellent venture.

In the meantime, stay safe and take care.