GAA NEWS:GAA PRESIDENT Christy Cooney has hailed the qualifiers system as a major factor in improving standards in both hurling and football.

Cooney challenged the “doubters” who continue to call for the scrapping of the back-door escape route.

“While some may debate the merits of a ‘back-door’ system, and indeed with some justification, it cannot be doubted that the overall standard of various All-Ireland series is strengthened by giving every team the chance to compete in the latter stages based on genuine merit,” he said.

In his programme notes for yesterday’s football/hurling championship treble-header at Croke Park, Cooney added: “The fact that each of today’s three games features a team beaten earlier this summer highlights the merits of the respective qualifier systems, which have become staple and underpinning parts of the championships over the last number of years.”

Cooney also paid tribute to players for their contribution to what he perceived to be a substantial improvement in disciplinary issues. “I want to single out our players for special praise for their role in buying into the spirit of the games, and acting as ambassadors for their chosen codes despite the high-pressure situations they sometimes find themselves under.

“The issue of player discipline has become something of a hot potato in recent years . . . and I am heartened to see players put their hands up and acknowledge their role in keeping our games clean.”