Donegal set to back Cavan motion to reinstate pre-season competitions 

Donegal GAA look set to back Cavan’s call for the Dr McKenna Cup as well as the other pre-season competitions to be reinstated for the 2025 season.

Donegallive understands that the matter was discussed at length at the October meeting of county committee where clubs expressed a strong disapproval at the original decision to suspend the pre-season competitions. 

Cavan GAA would subsequently state its intent to submit a motion to Saturday’s Central Council meeting urging that the competitions be restored for January 2025.

With the Football Review Committee’s (FRC) new rules set to come into action next season,  many believe a u-turn would greatly facilitate county teams in coming to terms with the new playing enhancements, which are expected to get the green light at next month’s Special Congress.

When contacted just prior to going to print on Wednesday afternoon, Donegal chairperson Mary Coughlan explained:  “County committee has expressed its view on the matter and that has been accepted by the executive, which will be our formal position”. 

Meanwhile, the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) have released their own statement on the matter - insisting that any decision to reinstate the competitions would be a financial one and not in the interests of player welfare. 

“Reversing that decision now would prioritise financial income – as recently articulated by the Connacht Council Secretary – over the health and well-being of our amateur athletes, despite overwhelming evidence of player burnout.  

“If the pre-season competitions are reintroduced on January 2, the return-to-training date would need to be moved from December 7 to as early as November 16. 

“Sports science recommends at least a six-week preparation period to ensure that players are physically ready for competitive matches like the McKenna Cup.  

“This adjustment would violate the “No Contact November” policy, which 78% of players supported, emphasising the need for adequate recovery time to prevent burnout, injury and allow players a guaranteed window to holiday with family, partners and friends. 

“Unfortunately, the players’ voice seems to have been disregarded in this proposed motion, raising concerns about attitudes towards player welfare and proper recovery time. 

“Larger panels will need to be introduced to support these pre-season games, ensuring that high-load players who have already faced heavy demands at the club level are not required to take part.  

“Additionally, we strongly urge consideration for student-athletes, who will already be balancing academic pressures, including exams, alongside their participation in the Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cup competitions in January. 

READ MORE: Donegal GAA fixtures for this upcoming weekend have been released 

“Non-competitive, behind-closed-doors challenge/training games would also be an effective way for players to adapt to rule changes while ensuring their welfare, without requiring an earlier return to training across both codes. 

“Any decision to reinstate pre-season competitions, despite clear risks to player health, will represent a significant shift in how certain factions of the GAA prioritise financial income over the well-being and values of the GAA”.