With competitive football back on the agenda in 2020, Belcoo midfielder, Brian Cox is glad that there is the chance of some football being played in Fermanagh following the publication of the GAA’s safe return for Gaelic Games.

The 30 year old, who is a doctor at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, commended the GAA for their “sensible” approach.

“I think the GAA probably in many ways were leading the direction of many people and I think they were right to keep things closed,” said Cox.

“I think they were sensible to be cautious and it looks like the numbers have dropped hugely that they’ve taken a decision to open it up again.

“Overall I think the GAA done a real good job in giving direction when people weren’t sure and they made a decision of nothing until October but when they realised that was overkill they made another good decision bringing it back to start of July.”

With many players taking to running the roads or setting up improvised home gyms during lockdown, Cox said the thought of getting back out on to a pitch is something a lot of players will be looking forward to.

“Its been tough you know. In May with the good weather and not being able to do anything.

“I think everyone has been doing their own thing but it’s good to have the thought of a bit of a team sport to come back to now and it will be nice to get out over the summer and get out on the pitches.”

While happy with how the GAA have handled the Covid-19 pandemic, Cox feels they could have given the year solely to the club game.

As it stands, both club and county will football will take place this year.

“If you’d asked me a month or two ago if there was going to be a season you would have imagined just a club season.

“Personally I’d have probably preferred if they just went with the club season.

“But the GAA has to bring money in to keep everything ticking over and obviously the county game is where they would get majority of it from.”

Cox admits that he sees adult football being easier adhere to the guidelines than underage football and hopes that clubs will get the help they need to ensure things run smoothly.

“From an adult point of view there’s not a huge issue with it if people take ownership.

“But I think the younger age groups are going to be harder to manage.”

“Where that comes from, hopefully there will be people who have plenty of goodwill and keen to get back involved now,” commented Cox.