THE chairman of the Club Players’ Association (CPA) has accused some counties of “wilfully neglecting” a GAA rule banning training camps outside a 10-day period prior to Championship games.
Armagh and Tyrone are set to breach the GAA's Official Guide due to the timing of training weekends for their county squads.
According to rule 6.22 (b) “senior inter-county panels shall not be permitted to go on training weekends, or training of longer duration, after the final of their respective National League having been played, except during the 10 days period prior to a senior Championship game, or during the 17 days prior to an All-Ireland senior final”.
However, the Orchardmen are understood to be bound for Portugal tomorrow before returning on Sunday, while the Red Hands will spend a weekend at Carton House on May 5-6.
Armagh open their Ulster Championship campaign against Fermanagh on May 19, while defending champions Tyrone face Monaghan the following day.
“The fact it’s not enforced, that’s the problem,” said CPA chairman Miceal Briody.
“It’s not enforced centrally and some counties are electing to do it, some not.
“Some county boards and county managers are wilfully neglecting it. It’s something we completely disagree with.
“Rules are fine, but the sanction obviously doesn’t fit the crime if county boards are not willing to enforce it - and ultimately that has to come back on the clubs.”
Meanwhile, Armagh are searching for a new hurling manager after Paddy Kelly stepped down.
The Meath native only took over the Orchard job at the end of last year, succeeding Sylvester McConnell. Padraig O’Connor has been appointed as the interim manager.
Armagh dropped down to Division 2B of the National Hurling League last month after losing a relegation play-off to Armagh, having previously beaten the Oak Leafs during the course of the League.
It was their second relegation in-a-row after finishing bottom of Division 2A in 2017.
In a statement on the county board website, chairman Michael Savage paid tribute to the departing Kelly.
He said: “Paddy has given valuable inter-county experience to many of our young players over the past year.
“On behalf of Armagh County Board I would like to thank Paddy and his management team for their time, dedication and commitment.”
