The later in the year games are played, the more chance they will be affected by poor weather

In his Opening Shot column this week John Hughes explains that the example set by Fermanagh this year proves that club players can be accomodated, the county boards and central council just have to condense the intercounty season.

Hughes applauds the efforts of Declan Brennan who wants to set up a players association for club players, and goes on to illustrate the situation in Fermanagh this year, when their season was finished in reasonable time.

“Fermanagh’s domestic club season wrapped up last Sunday. This weekend, Saturday 22nd October, the only teams who will still be in action are those preparing for Ulster. That is exactly how it should be.

“That contrasts with 2015 when Fermanagh clubs were playing football into December in some of the poorest winter weather in recent years.

“In 2016 Fermanagh’s inter-county season ended on July 9th. In 2015 it ended on August 2nd. You don’t need to be a genius to figure out what the problem is here.”

Read the entire article in the current issue of Gaelic Life. Buy the online edition now by clicking here.