Tipperary GAA fined for playing unsanctioned hurling challenge match

Tipperary GAA are facing a hefty fine and a warning as to future conduct after an investigation into an apparently unsanctioned hurling challenge against a neighbouring county in recent weeks.

According to a report in the Irish Independent, Tipperary played Offaly in a hurling match recently, and the GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee wrote to the counties to account for reports online that the challenge had taken place.

As a result of their findings, it is understood that proposed fines of €250 have now been issued, with Tipperary having accepted responsibility for the breach and will pay the fine, their county board has confirmed. 

Neither Offaly nor Tipperary had played a game since their respective championship exits on the weekend of May 21/22.

The GAA has prohibited challenge matches until January 1. As part of the GAA/GPA contact-hours policy recently agreed, it was stipulated that a minimum of six weeks’ pre-season training would take place before any competitive games would take place.