Dublin escape sanction after investigation into ‘training camp’

Dublin have escaped sanction following an investigation into whether they broke training regulations before the championship season.

The rule within the GAA prohibits squads embarking on 'away' training weekends in the period between the National League finishing and 10 days before their championship opener. Dublin footballers travelled to France during the prohibited period, but insisted at the time that the trip was in fact a historical pursuit and did not involve any training. Four other counties have not been as fortunate as Dublin though. Armagh, Laois, Waterford and Wexford have all been sanctioned for breaking regulations and will each have one home league game moved to a neutral venue next year as a result. The Independent's Martin Breheny reports that Laois, Waterford and Wexford are to fight the sanction over selective treatment on the grounds that 17 counties were investigated, whilst all four will appeal to the Central Hearings Committee on the basis that whilst they did organise 'away' sessions, they did not break any rules. It was thought that Wexford in particular will feel aggrieved at the situation given the fact that Dublin escaped punishment. The Wexford hurlers claimed their trip was for bonding purposes only, so the thought that Dublin would be exonerated and they wouldn't be is sure to ruffle a few feathers. As well as this, the home game that Wexford are set to lose next season is indeed their opening league match against defending All-Ireland champions, Limerick.