ULSTER GAA remain confident that they can agree a return to play date with the NI Executive – despite Gaelic Life reporting that they have hit a roadblock with Stormont.

Failure to gain clearance would mean that competitions can begin in the 26 counties on July 17 following the GAA’s acceleration of their roadmap over the weekend, but the north would have to wait until July 31.

Full contact training and challenge matches can take place from June 29 in the south following approval from the Irish government, but that remains July 20 in the north. Technically, clubs could cross the border to play challenge games although how that would impact on insursnce protocol remains unclear.

Some counties, such as Limerick and Mayo, have already confirmed that they will be taking advantage of the earlier date, and it is understood that possibility was being examined in the six counties too. As it stands, that does not appear possible.

Ulster GAA officials were today in communication with a number of ministers, and those talks are likely to continue in efforts to force a breakthrough.