The GPA has failed Clare's Davy O'Halloran according to former Laois footballer Colm Parkinson.

The Banner County made the headlines for all the wrong reasons following O'Halloran's and Nicky O'Connell's departure from Davy Fitzgerald's hurling squad and, writing in today's Irish Independent, Off The Ball presenter Parkinson asks: 'What players' union would remain silent after one of their members admitted to feeling 'humiliated' as a result of excessive punishments handed down by a county manager?

'Take it from someone who has been in his position: Davy O'Halloran would appreciate some public support from his union.

'The biggest problem facing the modern-day player is the excessive demands on their time. Codes of conduct are now in vogue within county panels. Not only do county managers want to control their training lives, they want to control their private lives too.'

Parkinson also reveals the contents of one county's 'code of conduct' ...

• An alcohol ban is implemented on January 1. A mid-season drink is permitted when the manager and three or four senior players (two of whom are pioneers) allow it.
   
• There should be no mention of the team, or the GAA, on social media as it is a distraction. (One senior player tweeted a picture of himself recovering from an operation in hospital and was suspended).
   
• No interaction with the media allowed.
   
• Football boots must be predominantly black in colour. There is a designated senior player who decides whether your boots are acceptable or not.
   
• No ankle socks can be worn outside your county socks and no tape to be worn on your sleeves or socks.
   
• No highlights in your hair. (One senior player arrived to training with a hairband and that was added to the banned list).

He concludes: 'Why is the players' 'union' standing by and allowing players lives to be controlled like this?'

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