Decision on players’ role soon

GAA PRESIDENT Seán Kelly has yet to finalise the matter of player representation at official level at Croke Park, pointing out yesterday that he hoped to be in a position to do so shortly. Mr Kelly was speaking after the publication of the membership of the various national committees he has established following intensive research over the winter months.

The issue of player representation has proved controversial over the last few years, with the GPA claiming that the players chosen by former president Seán McCague did not have a mandate to speak on behalf of the playing population as a whole. Recently, Mr Kelly indicated that he was thinking of having an election to decide the membership of the Croke Park committee.

At a more general level, he pointed out that every appointed work group has a "key and valuable role" to play in the continued development of the association.

As previously indicated, former Kerry secretary Tony O'Keeffe will chair the prestigious GAC. Former Wexford manager Liam Griffin will sit on a hurling committee, chaired by former Kildare dual star Pat Dunny and which will also include Ger Loughnane, Nicholas English and Cyril Farrell.

Former Dublin footballer Robbie Kelleher, a leading financial analyst, is a member of the financial management committee, which will also include Croke Park Stadium accountant Debbie Kavanagh and Dingle-based bank manager Pat Healy, who is chairman of Kerins O'Rahillys.

Mick O'Connell's son, Michéal a barrister who was an international oarsman will be part of a task force to examine the GAA rule book. It will also feature former Supreme Court Justice Hugh O'Flaherty.