The GAA has expressed 'extreme disappointment' after the revelation some Dublin inter-county footballers breached rules around collective training during the pandemic. 

Inter-county training is banned until April 19th under Government protocols, but a number of high-profile Dublin stars, including Footballer of the Year Brian Fenton, Jonny Cooper and Brian Howard were reported to have engaged in early morning drills at the Innisfails GAA club in North Dublin.

It's not the first breach of the rules - Cork and Down were sanctioned for collective training episodes back in January.

The Association issued a statement this morning to detail they will be investigating the allegations and bringing the disciplinary process to bear.

"It is with frustration and extreme disappointment that the GAA acknowledges reports today of a potential breach of both our own Covid guidelines and those of the Government relating to the restrictions in place around team training.

Less than 48 hours ago, the Association reiterated its commitment to these current guidelines and called for continued compliance in the weeks ahead.

The GAA will pursue the allegations with the units in question at the earliest opportunity and will invoke any necessary disciplinary processes as appropriate.

In the meantime, while we acknowledge that the overwhelming majority of Counties and Clubs have complied in an appropriate and responsible way with the restrictions currently in place, we once again call on our members and units to uphold the integrity of the Association as part of our ongoing efforts to play our role in thwarting the virus and ensuring a return to activity when it is safe to do so."

Dublin will bid for a seventh All-Ireland senior football title in a row this year. Whether any of their players will be on the sidelines for the League and Championship campaigns remains to be seen.

The Dublin County Board has yet to publicly comment on the matter.