GPA to remain independent of Croke Park-controlled players’ body

GPA chiefs yesterday reiterated their intention of remaining independent of the proposed Croke Park-controlled players’ body.

The association's chief executive Dessie Farrell vowed that any elections for such an organisation "will not enjoy the support of our membership."

However, he welcomed the increased benefits available to inter county players as outlined by the GAA's Central Council at the weekend.

"The GPA unreservedly welcomes the improvements in player welfare as stipulated by Central Council at the weekend. We also welcome Sean Kelly's intention to address the issue of discontent among players, and we look forward to forging a productive working relationship in this respect," Farrell said yesterday.

"However, the members of the GPA have firmly ratified an agenda for progress through the autonomous, democratic forum that is our AGM and as an association we will continue to be bound by our constitution in this respect. Consequently, the proposed elections for a Croke Park controlled players' body will not enjoy the support of our membership. The GPA would like to clarify that it is not in receipt of any formal proposals or documentation from Croke Park in relation to a longer-term strategy for the management of player welfare. The GPA has and will continue to provide, a level of consistency and autonomy that Croke Park simply cannot offer."

Farrell also believes that more and more county boards and players will secure deals with high profile sports manufactures in the near future.

The players' group gave their backing to the formal arrangements both individual and collective between players and major sportswear manufacturers Adidas and Puma.

Dublin County Board earlier this month signed a deal with Adidas to provide gear for six inter county teams while Puma this week signed six high profile stars to wear their boots.

Farrell said that these developments are welcome and indicative of the changing face of gaelic games at a national and international level.

"While ad hoc arrangements have been in existence for many years, the 2003 Championship season has witnessed a formalisation of this process for the first time. It is indicative of the growing profile of our members that global sports marketing techniques are now being applied to Gaelic games. The GPA welcomes any commercial arrangements that elevate the status of our sports and elevate the status of its finest exponents.

"Having negotiated on behalf of a number of our members with Puma's local representatives, we believe the structure of the agreement announced this week, in particular, establishes a workable precedent for similar arrangements in the future," the CEO said.