THE GAA says it has no plans to make widespread change to its rulebook with regards to how incidents of on-field violence are dealt with, but that it “would not be found wanting” if counties felt their hands were tied by its constraints.
It was also confirmed that counties had “opined” in a meeting with Croke Park’s finance committee at the beginning of the year that £20/€20 should be set as the recommended price for admission to adult club championship finals.
The organisation has found itself under fire in recent weeks, particularly in Ulster, following a number of high-profile incidents of violence which occurred during games.
Tyrone CCC handed down a succession of one-match bans following the row between Strabane and Stewartstown in their Intermediate championship clash last month, only one of which was appealed. A number of supporters and officials were also suspended, although neither club was punished.
Derry CCC have yet to deal with alleged incidents in the Slaughtneil v Coleraine game in their SFC, and the reserve championship game between the Emmet’s and Ballinderry the following night.
The punishments it handed down from Greenlough’s defeat by Ballinderry in the SFC are all under appeal.
Last week’s scenes in the Down league clash between Ballyholland Harps and Downpatrick RGU are expected to be investigated by their CCC.
GAA director of communications Alan Milton denied that any overhaul of the rules was being planned for next year’s Annual Congress but that the conversation may yet arise.
“We deplore incidents of this nature when they happen, but there’s due process to be followed. If it was deemed that the process was not fit for purpose, that would lead to another conversation.
“But there are a lot of volunteers working to mirror the processes we laid down for them at national level.
“Until such a time as that’s run its course, it would be unfair and inappropriate to comment on the minutiae of these respective incidents.
“But rest assured that if counties feel their hands are tied, and we come to the same conclusion, we won’t be found wanting in having to move on it.”
Milton also confirmed that the GAA’s finance committee had emailed county boards last week to remind them of a decision made in January to streamline a higher price for admission to club finals.
A furore erupted over the weekend when Cork county board decided to charge €25 to spectators attending its senior hurling final between Middletown and Imokilly.
Only one Ulster county, namely Cavan, will charge €20 for a seated ticket. The cost in Monaghan, Down and Donegal is £15/€15, while Derry and Tyrone are both charging £12.
Fermanagh’s prices were £10/€13, while entry to Antrim’s decider between rivals Creggan and Cargin this weekend will also cost just £10. No-one from Armagh county board could be contacted.
“There was a meeting of treasurers back in January at which it was opined by the majority of treasurers that, if they were going to go in this direction, it would be done together,” said Milton.
“A reminder email to that effect went out last week from finance, reflecting what had been discussed at that meeting. There was no diktat or directive. It’s at the discretion of each county to decide, and there are factors such as quality of facilities to be considered.”
