Down player calls on GAA to create a plan for 2020 season

By Niall McCoy

DOWN captain Darren O’Hagan has implored the GAA to find a way to finish out the National Leagues as speculation grows about the plans for the 2020 competition.

The Ladies’ Association announced the cancellation of their league season earlier this week, and there are conflicting reports about the route the men’s competition will go after the Irish government extended the ban on sporting activities to at least April 19.

At the time of going to print, no action had been taken and O’Hagan wants the final two rounds to be used as a warm-up to a revamped championship later in the summer.

“The leagues need to be finished,” said the Clonduff man.

“We will be coming back from being laid off for maybe six weeks, eight weeks, whatever it is, and you can’t be expected to jump straight back into a competitive championship. It just doesn’t work like that.

“I know every single county and club player is doing a bit to keep themselves ticking over, but you’ll never be at the level you would be out on the pitch.

“Scrap the league finals, forget about them, but finish the two games and use them as the warm-up for the championship. Two Sundays would wrap it up.”

The GAA held a meeting with county chairpersons on the matter recently but one person heavily involved with an inter-county squad wanted to see more communication with panels.

“What about the people at the coalface?

“What about the 32 managers and the players. I know the GPA is there but not all players’ views are represented.

“Would the final two games behind closed doors be an option? Put them on TV and see the audience for them. I’d just like to see more consultation.”

n.mccoy@gaeliclife.com