Apologies if there is another thread on this matter already.
Just wondering how clubs teams are training during the lockdown whilst still being compliant with the rules. Is your club giving your players programmes to follow ? Any clubs doing s&c via zoom ?
Nothing at all for a while now,depressing really ,I say we lost our minor group ove head of this , hard enough best of times with that age group
County teams collective training banned for rest of January.
The more motivated ones will be training away, beit on their own or whatever way they can with gyms opening and closing. GAA Club gyms have been (or meant to be....closed).
My own club was start and stop, there was a bit of running and gym work, that's been pulled again. Suppose what's the point training on pitch when you don't even know if and when your season will start?
As for the youth? There is a chance, long term now this is the end for a lot of the rural clubs that would struggle at best of times. You might not get them back in.
Down seniors were training away last night at the Abbey CBS in Newry, the cops landed and that was training over!!
I know down need every advantage they can get but Jesus would they not try training on the sly somewhere a bit more inconspicuous?!
I know, did they think no one would notice the floodlights on, Ardmore police station's just down the road!!
Most county teams training away. Monaghan under 20s training 3 times a week and the county has the worst figures in ireland!
Quote from: The Trap on January 06, 2021, 10:56:02 PM
Most county teams training away. Monaghan under 20s training 3 times a week and the county has the worst figures in ireland!
Indeed. Some are more creative than others.
What is wrong with people on County Boards that allow managers to bring together players for group training. Before anybody asks how does anybody know that training is ongoing it is happening. Can people not see how contagious this disease is and even the deniers who say it doesn't affect young people - catch yourself on. Croke Park needs to have the b**ls to take action now and call a halt to all activities until it is safe and enforce this ruling . Counties who are training need to be severally punished and banned from playing in any championship games in 2021.
Quote from: oneclubonelife on January 07, 2021, 11:17:36 AM
What is wrong with people on County Boards that allow managers to bring together players for group training. Before anybody asks how does anybody know that training is ongoing it is happening. Can people not see how contagious this disease is and even the deniers who say it doesn't affect young people - catch yourself on. Croke Park needs to have the b**ls to take action now and call a halt to all activities until it is safe and enforce this ruling . Counties who are training need to be severally punished and banned from playing in any championship games in 2021.
You realise you are asking Croke Park to hold amateur players, to professional standard?
This is where the GAA leaves itself open by continuing to play up the amateur ethos. So you want Down banned from playing Championship in 2021? Who covers the costs of them not entering? Who pays back the sponsors? Did you ever think the players WANTED to train?
I would imagine Down County Board read about training like the rest of us.
Why do so many GAA units think rules are only for others?
I am not holding anybody to any level - what I am saying is that if you are a member of an organisation you abide by the rules of that organisation. The GAA have suspended all training at all level until 12th or 15th January - full stop. How is that holding anybody to a "professional level" - more a common sense level. The post is not only directed at Down but at all counties who are breaking the rule about training
Spot on, the GAA is the governing body of our chosen sports and they set the rules which the teams follow, it shouldn't be any more complicated than that. Now more than every teams should be heading their rules ffs.
DOWN could be in serious hot water with the GAA after police attended an outdoor session held by the county's senior football team on Tuesday night.
Following a report from the public of people "playing on the pitches" at Abbey CBS in Newry, PSNI officers arrived.
Having established that "no breaches of regulations had taken place as it was an elite team", the officers left, a PSNI spokesperson said.
However, the GAA are likely to take a dim view of the apparent breach of their own regulations issued on Tuesday morning which forbid inter-county teams from any indoor or outdoor gathering until at least the end of January.
Following a call with county chairmen, a letter from Ard Stiurthoir outlined that counties in breach "will be dealt with under rule 7.2 (e) Misconduct considered to have discredited the association."
The penalty for any breach is a minimum eight-week suspension for the team or unit in question, or where appropriate, a fine, disqualification or expulsion from the association.
Down have denied that any training session took place but said that "around 18" players, including some new call-ups, had been present in two separate groups, where they were given programmes to follow in preparation for the resumption of collective training.
Chairman Jack Devaney insisted that Down had "adhered to the directives from the GAA and we will continue to do so".
"Our panel hadn't been together since the Ulster semi-final and don't plan to be back in collective training until early February as it stands," he told The Irish News.
"A number of panel, including potential new players, were brought together last night and the management went through their individual programme plans and what they expect of them for the coming weeks, because they won't be back together for a while.
"Someone obviously called the police in, but they were satisfied that there was no issue."
The GAA's leadership are likely to take a dim view of the gathering, although Down may circumnavigate punishment by claiming they did not specifically breach any regulations as it took place on Abbey CBS' playing fields, which is not strictly GAA property, even though Down use it as their base in the absence of a permanent training centre.
The new regulations laid down by the GAA earlier in the week explicitly told counties that neither collective training nor games are permitted, as well as "outdoor gatherings on GAA property".
https://www.irishnews.com/sport/gaafootball/2021/01/07/news/police-attend-down-session-2179826/
They are going to train be it in a group or individual.
Exercise is allowed. Christ the night.
Same lads were yapping too there was to be no football at one stage last year too.
EDIT
Square_Ball post nails it. Nothing wrong. Nothing wrong with going through the individual programmes as elite athletes.
Get off the high horse lads.
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 07, 2021, 12:08:11 PM
They are going to train be it in a group or individual.
Exercise is allowed. Christ the night.
Same lads were yapping too there was to be no football at one stage last year too.
EDIT
Square_Ball post nails it. Nothing wrong. Nothing wrong with going through the individual programmes as elite athletes.
Get off the high horse lads.
"Going through individual programmes"
Bullshit. Spin that line all you want but it was obviously collective training.
Expect Croke Park to make an example of Down over this.
The PSNI had no issue. So surely if they did, there should / would have been arrests.
I'm not even a Down man. I find this incredulous. Do you want men to be going and lifting weights, having to do it on their own, without support and potentially hurting themselves.....sure wouldn't that add to NHS stress?
You can't have it both ways.
I cant see how the GAA let this one slide.
No doubt Down should not have met in the way they did - end of story.
Other counties are obviously doing it but are more discreet/smarter in how they go about it.
This bullshit of going through individual training plans is just to try to get off the hook.
Given the mass of negative publicity the GAA had after county finals I would expect a serious punishment here.
GOTB - are you trying to say these boys have never lifted weights before?
If it was newer panellists, younger lads. I can see that yes. I'm taking it as face value. I don't see the value in trying to stop people doing what they are going to do anyway realistically. This is the time of year where you focus on power, so the weights are going to be at their highest before scaling down accordingly going towards games.
So now you'll have 3s and 4s going and meeting in home gyms all over the place, unsupervised (with the risks that comes with that) and untested (with the more immediate risks that comes with that). There is no point saying it doesn't happen, because it's set up for them by County teams.
What is the point stopping elite sports training when it was being regulated, purely PR by the GAA or back to their usual problem with insurance due to the amateur status. Would you rather not have them going to training, knowing they are being tested regularly rather than this, now it's a clandestine operation.
Don't even come back with "they shouldn't be training full stop". That's not even a go, considering they are planning on having the All Ireland in approximately 15 odd weeks.
Get over the bar bullshit
What's to stop any gym opening under supervision?
What's to stop a landlord opening up his pub under strict supervision?
You are talking crap.
I am talking crap?
You realise the PSNI took no action because Down are an elite GAA team which are fully allowed to operate under the laws of Northern Ireland at present.
The GAA itself has banned intercounty "training". Not the legistlation of NI....for example, there is a full round of fixtures in the NIFL Premier League this weekend (also elite teams).
So thats why gyms can't open or bars. They legally are not allowed to.
I don't see how they get away without a punishment of some description particularly as it was only a few hours after the GAA changed the dates of collective training.
Let them train away.
How many Covid cases are linked to sports teams training?
Angelo agree to a certain point
But then why not let all sports teams train away??
This is about optics now and GAA hand will be forced to come down hard on them.
Quote from: Smurfy123 on January 07, 2021, 01:44:47 PM
Angelo agree to a certain point
But then why not let all sports teams train away??
I think all sports teams should be allowed train away within reasonable restrictions. It's a great outlet for people in terms of physical well being and societal interaction in these tough times at present. There is no real correlation with it in terms of the spread of the virus.
Allowing sports teams train brings far more good than bad at present but keeping the off licenses open is more important of course.........
This is about leadership,
They were training in an area with one of the highest incidence of Covid in Europe,
Not justifiable
Quote from: Angelo on January 07, 2021, 01:55:34 PM
Quote from: Smurfy123 on January 07, 2021, 01:44:47 PM
Angelo agree to a certain point
But then why not let all sports teams train away??
I think all sports teams should be allowed train away within reasonable restrictions. It's a great outlet for people in terms of physical well being and societal interaction in these tough times at present. There is no real correlation with it in terms of the spread of the virus.
Allowing sports teams train brings far more good than bad at present but keeping the off licenses open is more important of course.........
You left out reduced suicides also
Quote from: APM on January 07, 2021, 01:57:49 PM
This is about leadership,
They were training in an area with one of the highest incidence of Covid in Europe,
Not justifiable
Many teams are training away in one of the highest incidence of Covid in Europe.
The majority of inter county teams are no doubt training, but like the payments to club/county managers once it's not done in the public eye or kept quiet the GAA will turn a blind eye and pretend it's not happening.
Down however are blatantly breaking the training ban and now that it has become public knowledge the GAA will have to act against them.
I think I read somewhere prior the punishment is the county chairperson is banned. Open to correction.
So basically nothing will happen. You need to have your head in the sand if you think all counties are not training with April already in line for the All Ireland.
It's actually the GAA's fault for announcing it will go ahead, then banning teams train. They knew this would be ignored.
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 07, 2021, 02:07:44 PM
I think I read somewhere prior the punishment is the county chairperson is banned. Open to correction.
So basically nothing will happen. You need to have your head in the sand if you think all counties are not training with April already in line for the All Ireland.
It's actually the GAA's fault for announcing it will go ahead, then banning teams train. They knew this would be ignored.
Yup. The GAA too interested in a nice bit of PR rather than practicalities.
Time for a wise up its the ego driven management of some counties for what purpose.
Quote from: Angelo on January 07, 2021, 02:09:34 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 07, 2021, 02:07:44 PM
I think I read somewhere prior the punishment is the county chairperson is banned. Open to correction.
So basically nothing will happen. You need to have your head in the sand if you think all counties are not training with April already in line for the All Ireland.
It's actually the GAA's fault for announcing it will go ahead, then banning teams train. They knew this would be ignored.
Yup. The GAA too interested in a nice bit of PR rather than practicalities.
I agree that training should go ahead but the GAA made a rod to break its own back.
Once they came out with the rules then teams either need to be discreet or stop.
You can be sure other teams will be wiser to this moving forward.
And depending on who the report came from some players may well need to have a hard look at being involved in the set up (unless it was a concerned resident)
Quote from: skeog on January 07, 2021, 02:39:28 PM
Time for a wise up its the ego driven management of some counties for what purpose.
I understand your point. But look, the vaccine is here.
In Northern Ireland on or around 38 to 40 times more people have now been vaccinated than died from Covid. Just take a minute to comphrend that, 38 to 40 times more, so around 50,000 highly vulnerable people/NHS staff/Carers have now received the first dose of their immunity from Covid.
The reason for lockdown is to protect the NHS. The vaccination will start to show in numbers....actually, today showed a drop in rates so, look, it's time to start getting things back to relative normality.
Covid 19 is never going away. It's going to be around forever. Simple as that. The reason for lockdown was to buy the NHS / Hospital services time. They'll have that by the end of January.
Some lads here just don't want to move on from the doom. Honestly.
Down tell gaa it was just to give out programmes!! What a load of tosh ! Even if it was it's against the rules. But gaa as per usual will move on. Ban them and we will be done of all the breaking of rules
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 07, 2021, 03:11:56 PM
Quote from: skeog on January 07, 2021, 02:39:28 PM
Time for a wise up its the ego driven management of some counties for what purpose.
I understand your point. But look, the vaccine is here.
In Northern Ireland on or around 38 to 40 times more people have now been vaccinated than died from Covid. Just take a minute to comphrend that, 38 to 40 times more, so around 50,000 highly vulnerable people/NHS staff/Carers have now received the first dose of their immunity from Covid.
The reason for lockdown is to protect the NHS. The vaccination will start to show in numbers....actually, today showed a drop in rates so, look, it's time to start getting things back to relative normality.
Covid 19 is never going away. It's going to be around forever. Simple as that. The reason for lockdown was to buy the NHS / Hospital services time. They'll have that by the end of January.
Some lads here just don't want to move on from the doom. Honestly.
Yes, a few days into the vaccination programme and it's time to let rip?
Quote from: the goal was on on January 07, 2021, 03:30:28 PM
Down tell gaa it was just to give out programmes!! What a load of tosh ! Even if it was it's against the rules. But gaa as per usual will move on. Ban them and we will be done of all the breaking of rules
No, it isn't against the rules actually. What is against the rules however under the GPA charter is sending people to do gym work unsupervised and untrained. Hence the rise of centres of excellence.
Even the strict enforceable lockdown rules that are coming in would still allow for any of us to exercise as much as we like....(despite how they might phrase it), by ourselves, with their household, one other linked household or with one other person from any household.
Source - Naomi Long Twitter
Quote from: JoG2 on January 07, 2021, 03:39:47 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 07, 2021, 03:11:56 PM
Quote from: skeog on January 07, 2021, 02:39:28 PM
Time for a wise up its the ego driven management of some counties for what purpose.
I understand your point. But look, the vaccine is here.
In Northern Ireland on or around 38 to 40 times more people have now been vaccinated than died from Covid. Just take a minute to comphrend that, 38 to 40 times more, so around 50,000 highly vulnerable people/NHS staff/Carers have now received the first dose of their immunity from Covid.
The reason for lockdown is to protect the NHS. The vaccination will start to show in numbers....actually, today showed a drop in rates so, look, it's time to start getting things back to relative normality.
Covid 19 is never going away. It's going to be around forever. Simple as that. The reason for lockdown was to buy the NHS / Hospital services time. They'll have that by the end of January.
Some lads here just don't want to move on from the doom. Honestly.
Yes, a few days into the vaccination programme and it's time to let rip?
That wasn't my point.
My point is to let elite county teams train, where it is regulated, where they are actually tested. Surely that shouldn't be an issue considering we are due I think another 90k doses by end of the month.
The alternative is this, untested, unregulated, uninsured. They are going to do it anyway. You all know as well as I. And quite honestly, I prefer when it is regulated because as much as you want to stick your head in the sand, there are 32 counties training right now.
Genuine question - are county teams tested?
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 07, 2021, 03:50:02 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on January 07, 2021, 03:39:47 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 07, 2021, 03:11:56 PM
Quote from: skeog on January 07, 2021, 02:39:28 PM
Time for a wise up its the ego driven management of some counties for what purpose.
I understand your point. But look, the vaccine is here.
In Northern Ireland on or around 38 to 40 times more people have now been vaccinated than died from Covid. Just take a minute to comphrend that, 38 to 40 times more, so around 50,000 highly vulnerable people/NHS staff/Carers have now received the first dose of their immunity from Covid.
The reason for lockdown is to protect the NHS. The vaccination will start to show in numbers....actually, today showed a drop in rates so, look, it's time to start getting things back to relative normality.
Covid 19 is never going away. It's going to be around forever. Simple as that. The reason for lockdown was to buy the NHS / Hospital services time. They'll have that by the end of January.
Some lads here just don't want to move on from the doom. Honestly.
Yes, a few days into the vaccination programme and it's time to let rip?
That wasn't my point.
My point is to let elite county teams train, where it is regulated, where they are actually tested. Surely that shouldn't be an issue considering we are due I think another 90k doses by end of the month.
The alternative is this, untested, unregulated, uninsured. They are going to do it anyway. You all know as well as I. And quite honestly, I prefer when it is regulated because as much as you want to stick your head in the sand, there are 32 counties training right now.
Tested how often? How much is a test, £90 odd? I'm not sure. Why not wait, elite amateur or not until the vaccine has had a chance to work. Kick any team training collectively training out. We're trying to save lives, not add to the spread.
Quote from: JoG2 on January 07, 2021, 03:39:47 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 07, 2021, 03:11:56 PM
Quote from: skeog on January 07, 2021, 02:39:28 PM
Time for a wise up its the ego driven management of some counties for what purpose.
I understand your point. But look, the vaccine is here.
In Northern Ireland on or around 38 to 40 times more people have now been vaccinated than died from Covid. Just take a minute to comphrend that, 38 to 40 times more, so around 50,000 highly vulnerable people/NHS staff/Carers have now received the first dose of their immunity from Covid.
The reason for lockdown is to protect the NHS. The vaccination will start to show in numbers....actually, today showed a drop in rates so, look, it's time to start getting things back to relative normality.
Covid 19 is never going away. It's going to be around forever. Simple as that. The reason for lockdown was to buy the NHS / Hospital services time. They'll have that by the end of January.
Some lads here just don't want to move on from the doom. Honestly.
Yes, a few days into the vaccination programme and it's time to let rip?
The usual hysterical reaction from a fool who can't frame a decent argument.
Quote from: JoG2 on January 07, 2021, 03:59:21 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 07, 2021, 03:50:02 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on January 07, 2021, 03:39:47 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 07, 2021, 03:11:56 PM
Quote from: skeog on January 07, 2021, 02:39:28 PM
Time for a wise up its the ego driven management of some counties for what purpose.
I understand your point. But look, the vaccine is here.
In Northern Ireland on or around 38 to 40 times more people have now been vaccinated than died from Covid. Just take a minute to comphrend that, 38 to 40 times more, so around 50,000 highly vulnerable people/NHS staff/Carers have now received the first dose of their immunity from Covid.
The reason for lockdown is to protect the NHS. The vaccination will start to show in numbers....actually, today showed a drop in rates so, look, it's time to start getting things back to relative normality.
Covid 19 is never going away. It's going to be around forever. Simple as that. The reason for lockdown was to buy the NHS / Hospital services time. They'll have that by the end of January.
Some lads here just don't want to move on from the doom. Honestly.
Yes, a few days into the vaccination programme and it's time to let rip?
That wasn't my point.
My point is to let elite county teams train, where it is regulated, where they are actually tested. Surely that shouldn't be an issue considering we are due I think another 90k doses by end of the month.
The alternative is this, untested, unregulated, uninsured. They are going to do it anyway. You all know as well as I. And quite honestly, I prefer when it is regulated because as much as you want to stick your head in the sand, there are 32 counties training right now.
Tested how often? How much is a test, £90 odd? I'm not sure. Why not wait, elite amateur or not until the vaccine has had a chance to work. Kick any team training collectively training out. We're trying to save lives, not add to the spread.
Trying to save lives from Covid but f**k you if you have any other issues, you mean.
Quote from: Angelo on January 07, 2021, 04:03:02 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on January 07, 2021, 03:39:47 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 07, 2021, 03:11:56 PM
Quote from: skeog on January 07, 2021, 02:39:28 PM
Time for a wise up its the ego driven management of some counties for what purpose.
I understand your point. But look, the vaccine is here.
In Northern Ireland on or around 38 to 40 times more people have now been vaccinated than died from Covid. Just take a minute to comphrend that, 38 to 40 times more, so around 50,000 highly vulnerable people/NHS staff/Carers have now received the first dose of their immunity from Covid.
The reason for lockdown is to protect the NHS. The vaccination will start to show in numbers....actually, today showed a drop in rates so, look, it's time to start getting things back to relative normality.
Covid 19 is never going away. It's going to be around forever. Simple as that. The reason for lockdown was to buy the NHS / Hospital services time. They'll have that by the end of January.
Some lads here just don't want to move on from the doom. Honestly.
Yes, a few days into the vaccination programme and it's time to let rip?
The usual hysterical reaction from a fool who can't frame a decent argument.
Blah blah blah.
I definitely understand your point JoG2, I'm not on the wind up.
Look definitely, wouldn't your way be best? Sure. Of course.
But the GAA has said that the All Ireland is starting in less than 12-16 weeks. How can they not expect men that driven to train from here on? You know yourself, men need something to do. They are going to do it, really up to each of us and our opinions if that's right or wrong. The GAA don't offer these lads a whole pile of money and they do rightly out of them.
With regards to testing, it wouldn't be premier league standard but they had to, by law test every county panel I think it was. How many times? I wouldn't imagine a pile.
Quote from: JoG2 on January 07, 2021, 04:04:36 PM
Quote from: Angelo on January 07, 2021, 04:03:02 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on January 07, 2021, 03:39:47 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 07, 2021, 03:11:56 PM
Quote from: skeog on January 07, 2021, 02:39:28 PM
Time for a wise up its the ego driven management of some counties for what purpose.
I understand your point. But look, the vaccine is here.
In Northern Ireland on or around 38 to 40 times more people have now been vaccinated than died from Covid. Just take a minute to comphrend that, 38 to 40 times more, so around 50,000 highly vulnerable people/NHS staff/Carers have now received the first dose of their immunity from Covid.
The reason for lockdown is to protect the NHS. The vaccination will start to show in numbers....actually, today showed a drop in rates so, look, it's time to start getting things back to relative normality.
Covid 19 is never going away. It's going to be around forever. Simple as that. The reason for lockdown was to buy the NHS / Hospital services time. They'll have that by the end of January.
Some lads here just don't want to move on from the doom. Honestly.
Yes, a few days into the vaccination programme and it's time to let rip?
The usual hysterical reaction from a fool who can't frame a decent argument.
Blah blah blah.
What a master debater.
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 07, 2021, 11:25:21 AM
Quote from: oneclubonelife on January 07, 2021, 11:17:36 AM
What is wrong with people on County Boards that allow managers to bring together players for group training. Before anybody asks how does anybody know that training is ongoing it is happening. Can people not see how contagious this disease is and even the deniers who say it doesn't affect young people - catch yourself on. Croke Park needs to have the b**ls to take action now and call a halt to all activities until it is safe and enforce this ruling . Counties who are training need to be severally punished and banned from playing in any championship games in 2021.
You realise you are asking Croke Park to hold amateur players, to professional standard?
This is where the GAA leaves itself open by continuing to play up the amateur ethos. So you want Down banned from playing Championship in 2021? Who covers the costs of them not entering? Who pays back the sponsors? Did you ever think the players WANTED to train?
I would imagine Down County Board read about training like the rest of us.
Are they not classes as 'elite' athletes?
Tally and the management needs to show a bit of leadership here. There's probably ways around this - can they train in pods?
Someone out to cause trouble, County GAA is elite status. Whoever gave the local police the nod would know rightly Down train at Abbey (which isn't even GAA ground or property).
That's why the PSNI had no problem with it and went on their way.
But the GAA have a problem with it as they have banned training of any kind for inter county squads just that very morning. The PSNI don't have a problem with it because it isn't breaking the government guidelines.
Whether it's right or wrong the GAA banned training is a different argument. I don't see the issue with GAA squads training to be honest.
I think the PSNI were more concerned about Down's lack of a kick out strategy!!
QuoteGAA to investigate if Cork footballers trained in breach of Covid-19 guidelines
Pictures on social media show men training on Youghal beach without social distancing
Barry Roche Southern Correspondent
The GAA has confirmed it has begun an investigation into reports that the Cork senior football squad breached the association's guidelines in relation to Covid-19 by holding a collective training session when such sessions were prohibited.
A spokesman for Croke Park confirmed to The Irish Times that it was investigating reports that up to 30 members of the Cork senior football panel were seen training at Youghal beach in east Cork on January 2nd.
"This matter is being looked into," said the GAA spokesman, adding that at the time the GAA had taken the decision that there would be no collective training permitted for inter-county teams until January 15th.
However on Monday, the GAA issued a revised directive to all county boards advising them that the prohibition on collective training for inter-county teams had been extended until at least January 31st.
Croke Park said that it had taken the decision to extend the ban on collective training due to "the current exceptional rise in infection rates of Covid-19 and the increased risk of community transmission."
The investigation by GAA HQ began after images were circulated on social media of a group of men doing various exercises under the apparent supervision of a number of individuals on Youghal beach.
The footage shows men crawling on the sand and pulling themselves along by their elbows and also carrying what appear to be planks over their heads in exercises reminiscent of the type seen at army boot camps.
The Irish Times contacted the Cork County Board of the GAA for confirmation the group involved were the senior footballers and if so, whether the exercise had been approved by team management and/or Cork County Board officials.
However Cork County Board CEO, Kevin O'Donovan declined to comment in response to The Irish Times's queries, which also asked whether any other Cork teams were involved in collective training in apparent breach of the guidelines.
According to Croke Park, anyone found to be in breach of the ban on collective training would be dealt with under Rule 7.2 (e) of the GAA Official Guide which relates to misconduct considered to have discredited the association.
Individual members of the GAA who have been found to have engaged in misconduct bringing discredit to the GAA face a minimum of eight weeks' suspension while disbarment and expulsion may also be considered.
And any GAA team or unit that similarly engaged in misconduct bringing discredit to the GAA faces a minimum of eight weeks' suspension where suspension is deemed appropriate.
The team or unit could also face a fine, while disqualification and expulsion from the GAA may also be considered as sanctions, the GAA confirmed in an email to The Irish Times.
A GAA spokesman clarified that Croke Park is examining the Cork footballers in terms of a breach of the guidelines only in relation to the collective nature of any training being prohibited at the time it's alleged to have taken place.
There is no investigation into any Cork player breaching the 5km limit on travel ordered by the Government as inter-county players are deemed elite athletes and as such are free to travel more than 5km to train or take part in sport.
The images of the men training on Youghal beach prompted a lot of angry comment on social media, with one person tweeting the photos showed the people ignoring social distancing and were "two fingers to frontline workers".
It's not the first time Cork GAA has found itself in the spotlight in relation to Covid-19 guidelines as, in October, there was an angry reaction on social media over images posted online following the Cork Senior Hurling Final.
Supporters of Blackrock GAA, who had won their first title in 18 years, posted images of the team bringing back the Sean Og Murphy Cup to the clubhouse on Church Road, with widespread breaching of social-distancing guidelines.
Local Fine Gael Cllr Des Cahill said the scenes on social media of crowds congregating on Church Road in breach of guidelines to welcome the team home was disappointing but he didn't believe it was intentional.
"Blackrock is the same as every other parish in the country and obviously after winning the county after a lapse of 18 years, emotions got the better of people and they didn't maintain social distancing, which was disappointing."
"Unfortunately, emotions ran high after the win and the guidelines weren't complied with out on the street – it wasn't intentional but I'm sure if they could turn back the clock and do things differently, the club would do so."
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/gaa-to-investigate-if-cork-footballers-trained-in-breach-of-covid-19-guidelines-1.4452555?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
https://twitter.com/_TonyLawlor/status/1345770335631794176
https://twitter.com/teachtynanteach/status/1345489556443779073?s=21
https://twitter.com/teachtynanteach/status/1345462620011204608/photo/1
https://twitter.com/teachtynanteach/status/1345462620011204608/photo/2
I don't mind them training, I think in a controlled outside environment with no huddles and minimal contact its fine..
There was some obvious differences last year in the leagues once they came back from 'lockdown', teams that did lockdown and teams that didn't..
so to keep it all right, let them at it, bit of common sense and regular testing and ensure the lads are all on the track and trace app
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 08, 2021, 09:09:01 AM
I don't mind them training, I think in a controlled outside environment with no huddles and minimal contact its fine..
There was some obvious differences last year in the leagues once they came back from 'lockdown', teams that did lockdown and teams that didn't..
so to keep it all right, let them at it, bit of common sense and regular testing and ensure the lads are all on the track and trace app
Most would tend to agree MR2 however the issue is that the GAA specifically instructed teams not to train
Yeah it's the same with running clubs etc. Train on your own or organise your own groups but you can't be doing it as part of some official sports body or they'll be in trouble.
It's just the way it is at the minute. You can kind of see why it is. The GAA couldn't be seen to be advocating this while the country is at a standstill. Same with any sporting body.
Quote from: Taylor on January 08, 2021, 09:19:06 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 08, 2021, 09:09:01 AM
I don't mind them training, I think in a controlled outside environment with no huddles and minimal contact its fine..
There was some obvious differences last year in the leagues once they came back from 'lockdown', teams that did lockdown and teams that didn't..
so to keep it all right, let them at it, bit of common sense and regular testing and ensure the lads are all on the track and trace app
Most would tend to agree MR2 however the issue is that the GAA specifically instructed teams not to train
Quote from: imtommygunn on January 08, 2021, 09:26:00 AM
Yeah it's the same with running clubs etc. Train on your own or organise your own groups but you can't be doing it as part of some official sports body or they'll be in trouble.
It's just the way it is at the minute. You can kind of see why it is. The GAA couldn't be seen to be advocating this while the country is at a standstill. Same with any sporting body.
I can see that as well, and a bitta of savvy should have been used by the coaches... certainly nothing stopping lads heading to their local council ground and training 'individually' and kicking a few balls, striking a few balls...
Weights could be made available for lads, though I'm nearly 50, I've weights at home so you'd expect these lads have as well, and are well versed in using them
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 08, 2021, 09:30:38 AM
Quote from: Taylor on January 08, 2021, 09:19:06 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 08, 2021, 09:09:01 AM
I don't mind them training, I think in a controlled outside environment with no huddles and minimal contact its fine..
There was some obvious differences last year in the leagues once they came back from 'lockdown', teams that did lockdown and teams that didn't..
so to keep it all right, let them at it, bit of common sense and regular testing and ensure the lads are all on the track and trace app
Most would tend to agree MR2 however the issue is that the GAA specifically instructed teams not to train
Quote from: imtommygunn on January 08, 2021, 09:26:00 AM
Yeah it's the same with running clubs etc. Train on your own or organise your own groups but you can't be doing it as part of some official sports body or they'll be in trouble.
It's just the way it is at the minute. You can kind of see why it is. The GAA couldn't be seen to be advocating this while the country is at a standstill. Same with any sporting body.
I can see that as well, and a bitta of savvy should have been used by the coaches... certainly nothing stopping lads heading to their local council ground and training 'individually' and kicking a few balls, striking a few balls...
Weights could be made available for lads, though I'm nearly 50, I've weights at home so you'd expect these lads have as well, and are well versed in using them
You would be seriously surprised. There is county panellists that have never touched them until they get to that level. Makes me wonder why I bothered all these years to be fairly average.
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on January 08, 2021, 09:40:04 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 08, 2021, 09:30:38 AM
Quote from: Taylor on January 08, 2021, 09:19:06 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 08, 2021, 09:09:01 AM
I don't mind them training, I think in a controlled outside environment with no huddles and minimal contact its fine..
There was some obvious differences last year in the leagues once they came back from 'lockdown', teams that did lockdown and teams that didn't..
so to keep it all right, let them at it, bit of common sense and regular testing and ensure the lads are all on the track and trace app
Most would tend to agree MR2 however the issue is that the GAA specifically instructed teams not to train
Quote from: imtommygunn on January 08, 2021, 09:26:00 AM
Yeah it's the same with running clubs etc. Train on your own or organise your own groups but you can't be doing it as part of some official sports body or they'll be in trouble.
It's just the way it is at the minute. You can kind of see why it is. The GAA couldn't be seen to be advocating this while the country is at a standstill. Same with any sporting body.
I can see that as well, and a bitta of savvy should have been used by the coaches... certainly nothing stopping lads heading to their local council ground and training 'individually' and kicking a few balls, striking a few balls...
Weights could be made available for lads, though I'm nearly 50, I've weights at home so you'd expect these lads have as well, and are well versed in using them
You would be seriously surprised. There is county panellists that have never touched them until they get to that level. Makes me wonder why I bothered all these years to be fairly average.
I never went to the gym until I stopped playing!!! In fairness we were not encouraged either in my day!! Running up and down grassy banks with players on your backs was deemed better than the gym!!
Ah, this time of year would have been club pre season! Tuesday and Thursday night Falls Park! Torture, with challenge games on boggy pitches at the weekend. Oh to be in my 20's again
8 week ban [at a minimum] for the Cork footballers on the cards surely. Can't see Down avoiding a ban either given the definition of collective training below.
At the moment Down and Cork have league games fixed for the 27th and 28th of February, so there is a possibility [depending on when their punishment starts] they will end up missing games/dropping points which given the shortened league structures could have big implications in terms of promotion/relegation.
QuoteRonan McCarthy says Cork 'fully compliant and committed to Covid protocols'
McCarthy confirmed the footballers were 'team building' in Youghal last weekend, but all activities on the beach were under the strict supervision of the medical team
Ronan McCarthy says Cork 'fully compliant and committed to Covid protocols'
Cork manager Ronan McCarthy: 'We are hugely conscious of our responsibilities to our players, backroom team and the wider public'.
THU, 07 JAN, 2021 - 21:29
TONY LEEN
Cork football manager Ronan McCarthy has rejected suggestions that members of the squad breached GAA Covid-19 guidelines by holding a collective training session on Youghal beach last weekend.
The GAA has, according to the Irish Times, "begun an investigation" into reports that up to 30 members of the squad were seen 'training' on the beach.
However, McCarthy has insisted the Cork squad and management have been compliant "at all times" with public health and Association guidelines – both during last year's Championship and again for pre-season preparation this month.
He told the Irish Examiner: "We are hugely conscious of our responsibilities to our players, backroom team and the wider public and are fully committed – as we have always been – to following Covid protocols, in particular during this difficult period of escalating numbers nationally."
McCarthy confirmed the footballers were 'team building' in Youghal last weekend, but all activities on the beach were under the strict supervision of the medical team, and all the appropriate guidelines and protocols were adhered to and enforced by a doctor.
There is no issue in relation to the 5km limit on travel as inter-county players are deemed elite athletes and may travel outside that limit to train or take part in sport.
Meanwhile, the Cork boss believes if his young players are given time and space, they are capable of winning an All-Ireland in the next couple of years.
McCarthy agreed recently to remain as Cork boss for the next two seasons and says while the Munster final loss to Tipperary was a disappointment, it wasn't a setback in terms of derailing the progress they've made.
"If Tipp had beaten Kerry in a Munster semi-final and we had beaten Tipp in the final, what judgement would people make of us then? I look at it over three seasons, and by any objective assessment we have improved," he says in an interview in Saturday's Examiner Sport.
"So while the Tipp game was a disappointment, it is not a setback. I am surprised people were surprised (that Tipperary won). Do I think this group can go on and consistently challenge the top football teams and beat them? All the ingredients are there for us to do that.
We are in a good place despite the loss to Tipp – there's stability and continuity there now, which was lacking in some aspects of Cork football for a while.
"You can't build anything without a stable foundation."
McCarthy has added new selectors in All-Ireland minor winning manager Bobbie Dwyer and ex-attacker John Hayes. The manager also confirmed that sports psychologist Kieran Shannon, a writer with this newspaper, will join the backroom team as a performance coach.
"You sit down and look to see how we can improve the set-up, make it more professional. Kieran (Shannon) is a fantastic addition, highly experienced, knows the inter county scene well, and is a Cork man, which also helps."
With the likes of defender Liam O'Donovan and forward Ciaran Sheehan not due back until the spring, McCarthy said he will wait until after the league to trim the Cork squad, but he confirmed keeper Mark White has re-joined the group and that Kevin Crowley will be ready for league action after a shoulder injury. Up-and-comers such as Daniel O'Mahony, Mark Cronin and Niall Hartnett will also be part of the League squad, he says.
The delay to February for a return to inter-county training is understandable so long as the GAA doesn't ask teams to resume league action in the same month, he says.
"A four-week run into a new League campaign would not be great when there's no option to play matches or challenge games. I am assuming at this stage that the (League fixtures) fixtures will also be delayed."
On Cork's new sponsorship deal with Sports Direct, the Cork manager said he trusts the people in charge.
"It's important too for a manager to stay in your lane, to trust those running the county board that this is a good deal for Cork GAA."
https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-40203011.html
Ronan McCarthy seems to be clueless here - the issue is collective training, not whether or not they were following the rules in relation to COVID.
The GAA regulations issued January 1st and the update extending it to the end of the month.
https://www.gaa.ie/news/gaa-issues-advice-on-covid-19-restrictions/
https://www.gaa.ie/news/no-collective-training-permitted-for-inter-county-teams-in-january/
Definition of collective training from the rule book
QuoteCollective training: Collective training is where one or more player(s) is/are required to be at a specific place at a specific time on a specific date.
The normal penalties are
QuotePenalties for breaches:
Senior Inter-County panels: The team shall forfeit Home Venue for its next 'Home Game' in the National League.
All Other Panels:
Team Penalty: removal from competition.
Person(s) in charge of the Team: 24 weeks suspension
Looks like the powers that be have decided because of COVID stricter penalties than normal will apply (based on the updates from GAA.ie]
7.4
Quote(e) Misconduct Considered to have Discredited the
Association.
Penalties:
Member - A minimum 8 weeks suspension. Debarment and Expulsion from the Association may also be considered.
Team/Unit - Where suspension is deemed appropriate - a minimum of 8 weeks. Expulsion from the Association,
Disqualification, a Fine, Deduction of Points in League Competitions (not Championship) may also be considered.