GAA Gladiators

There was an interesting piece on RTE Six One News last evening. (Sports, 1st item)

As the Clare and Cork hurling teams ran out onto the pitch in the Munster Hurling Championship they immediately got stuck into each other in violent conflict. An investigation is expected and the reporter suggested that the wisdom of allowing the teams out together will be questioned.

Perhaps the GAA should consider how the ancient Romans handled such events. Wild animals were released into the arena from separate tunnels, thus preventing violence until the games had properly begun.

Another solution to GAA violence could be to actually take effective action against players found guilty of serious violent assault.