NUI Galway student Donal McAnallen has resigned as secretary of the Higher Education Council of the GAA (Comhairle Ardoideachais CLG) with immediate effect.

Glowing tributes were paid today to GAA Player Welfare Officer Paraic Duffy who was confirmed as the Association's new Director General, taking up office on February 1 next.

The Gaelic Players Association are expected to announce tomorrow afternoon at a press conference the outcome of a ballot of its members in relation to strike action by players for the forthcoming National Football League and Hurling League campaigns.

The abolishment of the minor and Under-21 grades and the introduction of an Under-19 championship at inter-county level was one of the key issues which emerged from the report of the GAA's Player Burnout Taskforce launched yesterday at Croke Park.