Farrell: Winter training ban needs reform

GAA players chief Dessie Farrrell has called for the winter training ban to be done away with.

According to The Examiner the ban is being ignored ‘left, right and centre'.

The GAA has said it will not turn a blind eye to counties breaking the controversial ban. However, Farrell feels the organisation are up against it in doing so.

Farrell also feels it is not helping a lot of players who are at actual risk of burnout.

"Take John Small, who played for the Dublin minor footballers this year," explained Farrell, also Dublin’s underage manager.

"He finished with us in September, went straight onto the senior Ballymun team and is now involved with colleges competitions in DCU.

"He’s also involved in U21 club championship and has been brought up on to Pat Gilroy’s senior squad. So, in effect, he’s not going to get any break for 18 months.

"Where does the close season or the training ban sit for the fellas like him who are most vulnerable? And there’s plenty more like him around the country."

The GPA players chief feels counties should be allowed to monitor the situation themselves.

"To me, you should avoid introducing rules that are too difficult to police," he said.

"I’d be more inclined to leave it up to counties themselves to deal with the individual players at the centre of this issue, making sure they’re getting proper rest and recovery."

Farrell was speaking at the announcement of this year’s GPA Executive MBA scholarships in association with Dublin City University.

Donegal football goalkeeper Paul Durcan, Sligo hurler Patrick Quinn and former Louth hurler Michael Martin will all study under the programme.

Farrell also confirmed that his minor football star Ciaran Kilkenny is likely to take up an Aussie Rules contract with Carlton after completing his Leaving Cert.