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.”

Dublin star Farrell added: “On behalf of the players across the country the GPA would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Harkin for his enlightened contribution to this ongoing debate. We commend him on his fortitude and vision and encourage other administrators to follow his example. It is a well-known fact that many other administrators privately harbour similar attitudes but are reticent to publicly acknowledge same, in fear of suffering a fate identical to that of Mr Harkin. It is our hope that he will continue to play an active and progressive role within the association as men of his foresight deserve due recognition.”

* Mickey Harte is set for a bizarre debut as Tyrone manager. He won’t see his players for more than a week before the McKenna Cup clash with Fermanagh on January 5. The squad leaves for a holiday in Gran Canaria later this month, and will not return until 24 hours before the opening game of the new season.

The trip is a reward for the players who won the National League this year, the county's first national title. But the new manager will not be travelling, as he was not part of the 2002 set-up. Harte will get a first chance to run his eye over his players this weekend, however, when Tyrone take on St Mary’s in a friendly at Edendork on Sunday. The college team is managed by Paddy Tally, who is also Harte’s assistant with Tyrone.