Lee Keegan has called for pre-season competitions to be scrapped.

Despite GPA members voting 90% in favour of their removal at last month’s AGM and last season’s O’Byrne Cup being blighted by walkovers, county teams are already preparing for the 2024 pre-season competitions which are just over a month away.

"I’d banish them," the Mayo great said in an interview with RTÉ.

"With the tight schedule, the calendar is so tight, we’re putting more risk on players with injuries. The National League starts in January. Just that short time frame doesn’t give players enough time.

“I feel the integrity has been lost a little bit. We mentioned the O’Byrne Cup last year with teams not fulfilling fixtures. It’s not a good look for the competition. Ulster always seems to be able to make a huge effort.

“There’s enough revenue made through the league, the provincial championships, so I don’t really see the point of it for the players. They’re training all year round. Teams are already back in pre-season.

“I look at the Cliffords, for example. Those guys need a break.

“For me, I think it’s about laying down roots in terms of a good preseason, getting back in training, league starts in January and sure you’re away then.”

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