Players should have a voice on the Council, says Kelly

GAA President Sean Kelly insists that he is committed to the policy of player representation on Central Council.

Mr Kelly, responding to comments made by GPA chief executive Dessie Farrell at their weekend agm, said it was desirable that inter-county players particularly current players should have a voice on the Council to air their views on matters of mutual concern.

With Farrell doubting that the GAA would "run with the idea of a GPA seat", the President said that it would not be regarded as such merely a player representation on the Council. Mr Kelly also expressed surprise at reports that some counties were not implementing policy on player welfare as stipulated by the Central Council.

"I have not heard any complaints about that,'' he said. "There should be a sub-committee of players and officials in place in every county (to monitor the situation).

If players have any complaints, they should bring them to our attention.

"I think that, in fairness, things have improved immeasurably in terms of player welfare. Player issues have been decided on by the Central Council and it is up to every county to abide by the policy.''

Contrary to views expressed at the GPA meeting, Mr Kelly insisted that the Sony PlayStation project would go ahead, commenting: "In fairness, this project has been on-going for eight years. The agreement is signed (with Sony) and it was formally launched in Australia. The plan is to continue with it. The important thing is that we have a game to compare with other PlayStation games.''

Meanwhile Wexford hurlers have denied suggestions of mass unrest within the camp, following some disappointing performances, the withdrawal of six members of the squad and reported annoyance at the demotion of Darragh Ryan for the weekend tie against Dublin.

In a statement issued yesterday on their behalf by County Board PRO Alan Aherne said, they "strongly refuted" such suggestions.

"The facts as presented are not true. We did have a meeting on Friday to organise a presentation to our retired colleagues Liam Dunne and Larry O'Gorman.

"Our selectors and we, the players, also met after the game on Sunday to discuss preparations for the Leinster championship. When the selectors left, the squad remained on to finalise plans for the presentations and to re-affirm our commitment to 'up' our efforts and to do everything possible to win back the Leinster title.''

According to a playing source, John Conran's management is 'not under question.'