International Series may be resumed

A resumption of the International Rules competition was one of the main talking points at Saturday’s GAA Central Council meeting, while President Nickey Brennan updated the Council about the ongoing Cork dispute.

Cork Dispute
The President, Nickey Brennan, gave a report to Central Council of the chronology of the Cork dispute and recorded his appreciation to Mr Kieran Mulvey of the Labour Relations Commission and Paraic Duffy, Director General, for their efforts and contribution towards achieving a resolution.

Central Council noted that in his arbitration paper, Mr Mulvey specifically requested the Central Competitions Control Committee to agree a deferment and a rescheduling of Cork’s inter-county match commitments this weekend to facilitate the parties in accepting the terms of his adjudication.

The President stated that he fully understood and accepted the uncertainty and inconvenience which the Cork dispute had caused to other counties, particularly those scheduled to play Cork in the Allianz Leagues.

He said that further arrangements will be considered by the CCCC on Tuesday.

Mr Bob Honohan apologised to the counties affected on behalf of Cork and stated that he hoped that the scars created by the dispute would heal in time.

International Rules
Pat Daly, Head of Games, and former Derry player and International Rules captain Anthony Tohill gave a report on the recent meeting in Dubai with representatives of the AFL in regard to the future of the Series.

The President stated that the discussions had achieved more than he had hoped for, which included agreement that any sanctions imposed will in future apply to the AFL Premiership competition, an independent video match official will be appointed and a Disciplinary Tribunal will be established  

The President stated that in any objective analysis, it had to be concluded that the International Rules Series had no impact one way or another in the recruitment by Australian Rules Clubs of young Irish Players.

He stated however that it was his intention to try to get the AFL to impose a policy that their clubs cannot recruit players under 19 years of age and that they must have an educational programme for any players recruited in place.

He asked delegates to have the issues debated by their County Boards with a view to a decision being taken on the future of the series by Central Council at its mid March meeting. 

Medical Personnel
It was agreed as a matter of policy that all medical personnel involved at club or county level in future be approved by the Medical and Welfare Committee of the GAA.