The GAA's Central Council turned down Louth's request to fulfil their remaining National Football League fixtures. Saturday's meeting stood by the decision taken earlier this month to allow the county a play-off against the third-last team in Division One A if they needed it.

Louth duly ended up in the relegation zone after a programme unfinished because of the foot-and-mouth outbreak in Proleek and are due to play Donegal. This hasn't met the favour of either county. Donegal defeated Louth earlier in the league and feel they shouldn't have to replay the fixture.

Louth had hoped to play their cancelled matches against Dublin and Tyrone but the original arrangements were confirmed.

Central Council also referred to the Connacht Council the question of whether London could enter the provincial championship. Jarlath Burns, the chairman of the Players Committee, updated the meeting on moves to familiarise players with the impact of drug testing soon to be introduced.