Players should lead oppostion to drinks sponsor

IT IS disappointing that so few individuals or associations have expressed reservations about the proposed ongoing involvement of Guinness with the sponsorship of hurling.

The GAA has lost a wonderful opportunity to lead the way and become the first sporting body to break the link completely between sport and alcohol sponsorship.

The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) can now take the initiative to break this link by using its undoubted influence in a positive way to ensure its members are no longer exploited in the promotion of Guinness products. In taking a leadership role on this issue, the GPA would show it was concerned about genuine player welfare and not just about issues only of material benefit to its members.