The ‘split season’ in GAA is a welcome development

TYNAN'S TAKE BY STUART TYNAN

IT wasn’t the typical GAA Congress by any means (what’s typical these days?), but it was certainly a noteworthy one.

The split season has now been officially enshrined into the calendar, effective from next year. We had already seen the benefits of what that type of season can bring last year and it's about time it was officially introduced.

It will be a strange feeling for the All-Ireland finals to be played right in middle of summer instead of September, although we might have a taste of what’s to come should games get the go-ahead in May if Covid-19 cases continue to fall around the country.

As well as the welcome addition of concussion substitutes, another big talking point that transpired was the awarding of a penalty for a cynical foul in hurling or football should a player commit one inside the 20-metre line or the semi-circular arc, as well as the introduction of the sin bin for hurling. It will be on trial this season. Cast your eye back to the Connaught final last year when Eoghan McLaughlin brought down Seán Kelly in the area. Going forward, that will result in a penalty. It could have major implications in future.

One real letdown, though, is the decision that joint-captains can no longer hoist silverware. You must wonder who proposed this, as it’s frankly an embarrassing decision and it got the vitriol it deserved on social media when it was confirmed.

I hope club and county captains flout this at every opportunity. Of all the issues GAA need to look at, this is certainly not one of them.

*You can read Stuart's full column every Tuesday in our print edition.