WEARING the Italian colours, Ross Munnelly was laughing and joking yesterday. The affinity with Italy had more to do with the Puma sponsorship than the similarity to the Laois colours, but blue suits Munnelly.

Sports giants Puma have taken a sideswipe at the GAA for keeping the door closed on outside companies when it comes to supplying teams with gear.

THE GAA took another step into a brave new world of commercialism yesterday as sportswear giants Puma revealed exclusive tie-ups with six of the country's top hurling and football stars this season.