Ulster GAA 'surprised' at cancellation of Dr McKenna Cup and other pre-season competitions

The Ulster Council has expressed its surprise at the decision of the GAA's Central Council to suspend provincial pre-season tournaments next year.

Close to 30,000 fans attended games in Ulster's pre-season football competition, the Dr McKenna Cup, in January this year, and income was also generated from streaming the games and a sponsorship agreement with Bank of Ireland.

In a statement, the Ulster Council pointed to the results of a recent survey of counties, which was presented to Ard Comhairle members, indicating a preference for the retention of pre-season competitions.

It warned that the decision, which was announced last weekend, will result in the curtailment of some of the programmes that Ulster GAA offers, and said there was now a clear onus on the GPA to ensure that return-to-train protocols and dates are strictly adhered to by their members.

"While disappointed that there will be no pre-season competitions in 2025, Ulster GAA accepts the decision of Ard Comhairle," read the statement.

"We fully understand the issues around player welfare articulated by the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and others and we recognise the importance of the proper balance being struck between the welfare of our players and the overall games programme.

"We were surprised at the decision of Ard Comhairle, given that the results of a recent survey of counties, which was presented to Ard Comhairle members, indicated a preference for the retention of pre-season competitions. The decision will result in the curtailment of some of the programmes that Ulster GAA offers.

"However, the decision has been made and there is now a clear onus on the GPA to ensure that the return to train protocols and date are strictly adhered to by their members."