GPA slam Donegal decision to end Harkin’s tenure

THE Gaelic Players’ Association has denounced the Donegal County Board’s decision not to renew Danny Harkin’s tenure as chairman for another year.

Harkin, who last month came out in public support of improved conditions for players, was replaced by 1992 All-Ireland winning manager Brian McEniff following Sunday’s convention in the county. Harkin was defeated by 85 votes to 50 following a vote of no confidence by the executive because of his stance on financial compensation for players. And, in a statement yesterday, Dessie Farrell, chief executive of the GPA, said: “It is with great sadness that the GPA has learned of the unsuccessful attempt by Danny Harkin to retain chairmanship of the Donegal Co Board.”

He continued: “Whilst we do acknowledge the democratic nature of the GAA we believe that Mr Harkin’s failure to retain the chair was as a direct result of his considered and heartfelt plea on behalf of inter-county players. Undoubtedly the Donegal Co Board Executive will refute this allegation and claim that there were other issues at hand, but the fact remains that following his remarks concerning player welfare, his colleagues on the board quickly isolated him and released a statement to disassociate the board from these comments, despite the fact that Mr Harkin had full and unequivocal support of the Donegal senior football team.”