GAA ready to introduce new insurance package

THE GAA are to announce a new insurance package for players to replace the voluntary scheme which collapsed because of a lack of support.

The Players Voluntary Insurance scheme, underwritten by Coyle Hamilton, had been in trouble for some time because of dwindling numbers and will cease at the end of the month.

It failed for the simple reason that it no longer proved viable for the company, who suffered a loss of €600,000 in 2002. Claims were exceeding the annual premiums (€30 for adult players and €15 for juveniles).

A report presented to the Central Council early last year warned of impending difficulties, with just 19,179 members. Cork, Mayo and Galway were the only counties which boasted big numbers - almost 6,000 between them. In contrast, the figures for some counties were as low as 120.

The Insurance Work Group has come up with an alternative scheme which will combine the benefits of what were on offer through the in-house Injury Scheme and the Voluntary Insurance Scheme. Early indications are that the benefits will actually be enhanced.

On the down side, the implementation of the new scheme will prove costly for clubs. It will be funded by means of increased team subscriptions.

Meanwhile, new Tipperary football manager Andy Shorthall says that his forwards must learn to be more self-sufficient in attack.

The Laois man was speaking after his team lost to Clare in the McGrath Cup semi-final in Clonmel and readily accepted as “fair” the perception that the team was inclined to be over-dependant on Allstar Declan Browne.

“We have to work on changing that. The other players will have to take responsibility,’’ he said. “Declan can’t do it all on his own and the other players have to understand that - and take on the responsibility.

“Declan is a special talent, as everybody knows. We have to try to construct our play so he can play to his strengths,” Shortall said.

“We are away to Down in the first round of the League and it will be tough. We have to improve a lot on our display against Clare. But, I think the lads will realise that themselves.’’

Clare manager John Kennedy was satisfied with his side’s performance.

“It’s early in the season and it’s good to start with a win. It’s great for confidence,’’ he said.

“We were missing Odhran O’Dwyer, Dave Russell, Donal O’Sullivan - our captain - and Michael O’Dwyer. They are all influential players and they were a loss, but it shows the strength and depth we have in the panel.

“What was satisfying from our point of view was the way we finished the game with a goal and a point to win.”

*Odhran O’Dwyer will miss the early part of the League as a result of an achilles tendon injury he received in Ireland’s warm-up game in Perth last October in the International Rules Series.