The Club Players' Association has thrown its weight behind a 'county first' policy for the 2021 playing calendar.
In it's end of year statement, the CPA expressed concern that the club season will be condensed into a short period in late spring and early summer if forced to go first, with pressure 'inevitably' put on club players to train with county panels in the run up to the inter-county season.
The matter is currently being discussed by the GAA at central level after the majority of county chairmen voted in favour of the club championships going second next year, after being played off when the lockdown ended this year.
A CPA spokesperson commented: “There is still great concern and uncertainty around the pandemic, and we are nowhere near what we would consider ‘normal’ condition for training and matches.
"The health and well being of players and their families absolutely has to be the primary driver in deliberations.
"Given the numbers involved and the practicalities, not to mention the impact on participation levels and underage games, it is entirely logical that clubs must start after county competitions have concluded.
"The Six counties in Ulster are heading into a restrictive lockdown that will place significant restrictions on all sport including training and matches, until at least the start of February.
“In the rest of Ireland, it will be impossible to plan or play any club competitions until Level 2 or lower is implemented country wide.
"This means that it will most likely be towards the end of March at the earliest before clubs could even hope to return, taking account of statements made by the Tanaiste this week."
The CPA fear that provincial championships will be lost for a second year if that occurs again in 2021.
'It would be unthinkable they would be sacrificed for two consecutive years', read the statement.
'Four years ago we presented the split season proposal to Croke Park and it wasn't duly considered.
'Now the consensus from everyone is that it is the best solution for our fixtures crisis. We commend GAA officials for working on this concept, we have said since day one, it’s not about who’s right but what’s right'.
