Ronan Sheehan - Fixture Task Force recommendations that have the interests of all players at heart

Friday 6th December 2019

Down hurling manager Ronan Sheehan has been the GPA representative on the Fixture Task Force and he confirms that discussions are ongoing between the two bodies.

"I think we have to be sensible here," says Lloyds Bank business development manager Sheehan. "County players are also club players, so there has to be common ground. As a Task Force, we feel we have come up with recommendations that have the interests of all players at heart.

"The measures which we are suggesting in relation to the playing of club fixtures will be seen as a mechanism whereby existing governance can be tightened up. It is important that players at club level are given every chance to play, particularly at what are viewed to be prime periods of the summer from a GAA perspective."

Sheehan also stresses that streamlined club fixtures structures are essential if the GAA is to retain its players.

"We shouldn't forget that players can still enjoy recreational soccer on Saturdays without having to engage in some of the demands such as strength and conditioning that are made on them in Gaelic games," adds Sheehan.