Whelahans back in Offaly fold
As they prepare for Thursday’s crucial All-Ireland qualifier game against Limerick, Offaly could ill afford to lose seasoned players of the calibre of Brian, Barry and Simon Whelahan, in a row over the latter’s peripheral role this season. Now however, according to the PRO, the matter has been resolved.
“All I can tell you is that right now I’m watching the whole panel training, and that’s all I’m worried about,” he said last evening. “It’s all done and dusted now. It was a storm in a teacup. These things start, then they gather legs and before you know it, it’s a big story. But we’re doing well.”
The problem was sorted out, according to sources close to the players, by a meeting yesterday.
Teehan however, was keen to play down talk of such crisis. “All we’re doing now is looking forward to Thursday night, the game against Limerick, and that’s it. The challenge facing us is big enough, not going to be simple, and we will not be distracted from that.”
Ironically, before this weekend, any talk of disharmony was focused on the Limerick camp, where veteran Ciaran Carey, unhappy with the way he was being treated, announced his retirement, quickly followed by the further withdrawals of Barry Foley and Mike O’Brien.
Meanwhile, former GAA President Dr Mick Loftus is concerned about new legislation which would afford Croke Park the same privileges as public houses.
Up to now, the sale of alcohol at the GAA headquarters has been confined to certain areas of the ground. But new legislation could allow adults in the 80,000-capacity arena to enjoy a drink in any part of the ground.
Under a new section of the Intoxicating Liquor Bill, Croke Park will be opened up to drinkers in the same way that soccer stadia abroad facilitate the consumption of alcohol.
But Dr Loftus, a long time campaigner on the issue of alcohol abuse, said that the GAA should consider the matter, and the consequences.
“I have strong reservations on the matter and indeed with the connection of alcohol in sport, said Dr Loftus yesterday.
“And I think they should give this matter serious thought.”
Dr Loftus, who has been highly critical of the GAA’s sponsorship agreement with Guinness said that the role being played by alcohol in sport must be seriously reassessed.
“I have reservations on this matter. Alcohol is a potent drug, and the problems of George Best in recent days has illustrated that fact.
“A lot of people in the Association have been concerned with the drinks sponsorship since 1995.
“The whole issue of alcohol abuse is taken much more seriously now when you consider that 80% of 16-year-olds are drinking alcohol.”
Junior Minister Willie O’Dea said that the new legislation will allow the GAA headquarters to trade under a normal pub licence during a match and for an hour afterwards.
“I hope Croke Park embraces the new law, polices it well, and we’ll finally have a bit of equality for the loyal GAA supporters at the ground.”
It is believed that other grounds such as Lansdowne Road will also benefit under the new law.
The new section of the Intoxicating Liquor Bill has already gone through the Dail and the Seanad and now awaits the signature of the President Mary McAleese.
The GAA’s Competitions Task Force, chaired by Paraic Duffy, has commenced its review of the Qualifier competitions and other inter-county competitions in hurling and football with a view to ensuring a streamlined fixtures programme.
The Group which yesterday sought proposals for change in the structure of football competitions and related issues, is to examine the overlapping needs of hurling, football, clubs, counties, schools, colleges, underage and adult units.
The Task Force is to prepare recommendations for consideration at next year’s Congress.
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