GAA delay drink link vote

THE GAA will not take a decision on the future sponsorship of the All-Ireland senior hurling championship until later in the year.

Brewing giants Guinness have been sponsors since 1995 and the current (five-year) deal is due to expire at the end of 2004.

Doubts about their continuing involvement have been sparked by growing reservations within the membership about the ethics of the link with a drinks company at a time of increasing concern about alcohol abuse amongst young people in particular.