GAA chiefs took action to suspend club matches today after pleas to clubs to improve compliance with Government health guidelines fell on deaf ears.
John Horan has revealed that Dr Ronan Glynn, the acting Chief Medical Officer told Croke Park bosses last week that an improvement was demanded by NPHET.
But after hearing this morning of numerous breaches around the country, the decision was made by the GAA's Management Committee to shut down the club championships with several county finals still to be played, including in Donegal and Cork, although training can continue.
"We've had our eye on this for a while, and we've been encouraging our membership for extra compliance," said Horan, the GAA president.
"And I spoke to Dr Ronan Glynn during the week and he actually asked me could we improve the compliance, and I did issue a communique throughout our organisation during the week and I asked for that.
"But I have to say after the weekend we were somewhat disappointed with some of the stories that we got back, so we felt we had to make that decision today."
Footage of the celebrations on the streets of Cork City yesterday evening following Blackrock hurling club's county final triumph drew widespread criticism.
But Horan insisted that there were numerous examples of breaches of the guidelines around GAA matches.
"I suppose it wasn't a decision that was based on Cork or one particular area, it was a decision based on information that we had throughout the country and we felt that overall this was the right decision to make," he told Virgin Media News.
Horan also said that more discussions were needed around whether or not supporters will be allowed into inter-county matches.
The National Leagues resume in less than a fortnight's time, and the senior championships are pencilled in to start at the end of the month.
There will be a meeting of the GAA's Covid Advisory Group tonight to discuss the issue.
"Well the inter-county season will continue at Level 3 and the issue of attendances is certainly something that will have to come into consideration," remarked Horan.
"I don't want to pre-empt that decision just yet, further discussion needs to take place".
Horan also told RTE: "We felt we had no choice but to shut things down.
"Unfortunately we didn't get what we required, and we are where we are now."
