GPA frown on Lucozade nixer as Flynn mixes his drinks

THE Gaelic Players’ Association said yesterday that Paul Flynn is about to withdraw from his controversial endorsement of Lucozade Sport - but doubts remain over the Waterford star’s intentions.

Flynn’s involvement with Lucozade Sport became a major talking-point this week, as it conflicted with his membership of the GPA and his active endorsement of the GPA’s chosen energy drink, Club Energise.

The GPA receives between 4c and 5c of every bottle of Club Energise sold in Ireland, and Flynn also benefited personally from his individual promotion of Club Energise. So his tie-up with Lucozade Sport raised eyebrows.

Yesterday, the GPA issued a statement welcoming Flynn’s “intention to withdraw his commitment to Lucozade Sport in favour of supporting the GPA-endorsed Club Energise product.”

It also outlined how “Flynn has now indicated that he will not be endorsing, supporting or promoting the Lucozade brand in any capacity.”

But Lucozade Sport are insisting they have a contract with Flynn which runs up until the end of the October 2005. Brendan Cummins, Eoin Kelly (both Tipperary), Dessie Dolan (Westmeath) and Oisin McConville (Armagh) are all thought to have similar contracts, but Flynn is thought to be the only current member of the GPA involved.

Flynn was not available for comment last night, and the player himself has not come out and clearly stated that his involvement with Lucozade Sport is over.

A statement from Lucozade Sport last night suggested they expect Flynn to fulfil the terms of his contract with them: “Paul Flynn is one of a growing number of sports stars who have signed contracts to promote Lucozade Sport on television, print advertising, point of sale, and posters,” said Jocelyn Emerson, Head of Nutritional Marketing, Lucozade Sport.

“The inclusion of these stars supplements Lucozade Sport’s commitment to supporting 25 counties. All the stars have pledged their ability to carry out this promotional work with Lucozade Sport until October 2005.”

GPA Chief Executive Dessie Farrell commended Flynn for “this display of solidarity and we look forward to his continued endorsement and support for Club Energise.

“As a member of the GPA and one of Ireland’s top hurlers, Paul Flynn is an excellent ambassador for Club Energise, the players’ choice,” he said.

Meanwhile, Liam Kearns’s “will I stay or will I go” saga will come to an end this morning, when Limerick football board PRO John Ryan releases a statement about the manager’s future.

Kerry native Kearns, who was desperately disappointed when Limerick failed to beat Kerry in the drawn and replayed Munster football final this year, has been at the centre of intense speculation.

And his name has been linked with the vacancy in Galway caused by the resignation of double All-Ireland winner John O’Mahony.

Kearns remained tight-lipped throughout yesterday, and many people close to the scene in Limerick are at a loss to speculate what he will do this morning.

The dual-player issue fuelled controversy at the start of this season, and ultimately the dual players went with Kearns.

However, the intentions of these players are not known for 2005, although there is speculation that Conor Fitzgerald and Brian Begley will return to hurling.

Galway football board will meet next week to reveal the names of the people nominated for the position. They expect to make an appointment inside the next month.