by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago
After an internal review this week, the Gaelic Athletic Association decided to suspend the international games next year, including the AIS Academy juniors games. While some sectors in Ireland want to see the concept completely scrapped, the GAA took a more conciliatory stance which includes the preparation and ratification of a document outlining the rules, implementation, structure, and penalties for future games. Once ratified, the document will be sent to the AFL. The AFL is also conducting its own review of the series and both parties plan to meet next year to discuss the future of the games.
GAA Information officer Fergal McGill said a break was needed after the series came under fire as a result of violent incidents which marred the second match this year. There was also public outcry after last year's games, in which Brisbane's Chris Johnson felled several Irish players and was subsequently suspended. McGill said it wasn't all doom and gloom as the majority of players and officials want the series to continue, albeit in a more acceptable fashion.
One suggestion put forth was the appointment of neutral referees who would be specifically trained for the hybrid games. Another would be the removal of tackling, which has remained a sore point among the Irish as it is not a feature of the pure Gaelic game.
A junior team will tour South Africa next year in place of the Irish series.
Source: Melbourne Age, afl.com
After an internal review this week, the Gaelic Athletic Association decided to suspend the international games next year, including the AIS Academy juniors games. While some sectors in Ireland want to see the concept completely scrapped, the GAA took a more conciliatory stance which includes the preparation and ratification of a document outlining the rules, implementation, structure, and penalties for future games. Once ratified, the document will be sent to the AFL. The AFL is also conducting its own review of the series and both parties plan to meet next year to discuss the future of the games.
GAA Information officer Fergal McGill said a break was needed after the series came under fire as a result of violent incidents which marred the second match this year. There was also public outcry after last year's games, in which Brisbane's Chris Johnson felled several Irish players and was subsequently suspended. McGill said it wasn't all doom and gloom as the majority of players and officials want the series to continue, albeit in a more acceptable fashion.
One suggestion put forth was the appointment of neutral referees who would be specifically trained for the hybrid games. Another would be the removal of tackling, which has remained a sore point among the Irish as it is not a feature of the pure Gaelic game.
A junior team will tour South Africa next year in place of the Irish series.
Source: Melbourne Age, afl.com
Article last changed on Thursday, December 21, 2006 - 7:19 PM EST
