News: The GAA is set to reopen the issue of team officials' sideline access. There have been a number of high-profile incidents this year of encroachment onto the field, as well as an exchange between Armagh's John Toal, acting as the team's water carrier, and Kerry's Paul Galvin.

In the match programme for Sunday's double bill at Croke Park, GAA president Nickey Brennan criticised the number of incursions in big matches and said the matter would be reviewed. Yesterday he elaborated.

"When my presidency began, the guidelines were there and we had to work them as best we could. I accept that part of the issue is that our monitoring of the situation leaves much to be desired, but I'm extremely unhappy with the way it's working out this season. It looks dreadful and can cause trouble on the field - and already has. We have to make the games more presentable."

The recent history of monitoring sideline behaviour has been erratic. Under the presidency of Seán McCague, the intention was aimed at drastically reducing access to the field, and the ultimate aim was to confine all management personnel to the stands along with players, who were relocated from the sideline.

But during Seán Kelly's term of office, his Games Administration Committee relaxed the restrictions, allowing greater freedom to managers and selectors.

Clearly there is another change of direction on the way, although it will not take place until the end of the season. Brennan said a reversion to tighter restrictions was on the cards.

"Everything has to be looked at and discussed and we might well look at that idea again," he said, "but at the moment we're not even adhering to the guidelines we have. We're being lax, not implementing the guidelines and being too willing to listen to silly excuses. I accept that there's pressure on team managers, but that goes for everyone involved in big matches.

"We have to draft new regulations and make sure everyone knows what they are as well as the consequences of disregarding them."

As a former intercounty manager, Brennan said there was merit in the argument that the sideline is the worst place for a coach to watch a match.

"Many take that view. In high-intensity games, it's almost impossible for players to hear what a manager is saying. A lot of training a team has to be about preparing players to take leadership roles on the field."

Brennan also confirmed the reviews of intercounty football and hurling competitions were being prepared this week and would be issued in the next seven days. It is also hoped this can take place in tandem with the opening of new media facilities and an expanded merchandising operation at Croke Park.

Meanwhile, Clare won't rush into a decision to appoint Anthony Daly's successor as manager of the senior hurlers. According to county PRO Des Crowe, the matter won't be formally raised until next month's county board meeting.

"There have been any number of names mentioned as potential successors," he said, "but no approaches have been made to anyone. The county board meets on the second Tuesday in September, and the chairman (Michael McDonagh) will announce the formation of a committee to identify and interview candidates."

The news Daly was stepping down wasn't hugely unexpected, even if it emerged perhaps earlier than anticipated.

"The thing about Anthony Daly," said Crowe, "is that, were he to stay on, one more year would be no good.

"Common sense says that a period of rebuilding is needed and that won't happen in one year. There's a strong view in the county that any appointment should be for two or three years."

Among the names flying around are former selectors to Ger Loughnane, Tony Considine and Michael McNamara; former player James O'Connor, who has been involved with underage coaching; goalkeeper David Fitzgerald, and his coaching adviser at the University of Limerick and Sixmilebridge, Cyril Farrell.

"There's no front runner," said Crowe. "The committee will almost certainly be the chairman, secretary (Pat Fitzgerald), treasurer (Bernard Keane) and a couple of others with acknowledged hurling expertise. They will report back to the October meeting, although if they need more time that won't be a problem."