Donegal squad and other inter-county teams could see delayed return until December

Jim McGuinness’s Donegal team, along with other inter-county squads, might not reconvene until December, according to a memo from Gaelic Players Association (GPA) chief executive Tom Parsons.

On Monday, the former Mayo footballer announced that November is set to become a 'zero contact' month for inter-county players, allowing them much-needed rest before the 2025 season kicks off.

This update follows the GAA's decision to scrap provincial pre-season tournaments like the McKenna Cup for 2025, citing player welfare and cost-cutting measures. The GPA is now working on finalising a new return-to-training date, with Parsons expressing hope that the start can be postponed from November to December.

In a recent communication to players, Parsons suggested that an agreement on this matter might be imminent.

“Having had our proposal to pause pre-season competitions passed, we are now in the process of defining the new return-to-training date,” Parsons stated.

“This will move from November to December and this shift should enable us to push for an inter-county zero-contact period for the entire month of November, allowing players the much-needed rest before pre-season training resumes.

“We believe these steps, combined with the shortened season and the continued support for the split season, will improve the welfare of inter-county players and provide a healthier, more sustainable competition structure.”