No, Minister: Farrell refuses to confirm walk-out

DESSIE FARRELL yesterday refused to confirm that GPA officials walked out of a Government players’ grants scheme meeting with Sports Minister Martin Cullen on Monday night.

The scheme is in serious doubt but Cullen insisted he remains confident that the scheme can be saved despite a failure to reach an agreement. Farrell reiterated yesterday the GPA’s willingness to accept cuts to the scheme, but only in line with cuts to other athletes and sports bodies.

“It was very frank meeting. We made our position very clear to the Minister and his officials, Con Haugh and Donnagh Morgan. While the Minister suggested it is time for reflection on both sides, and we understand what he is saying, we would sincerely encourage the Minister and officials to reflect on what the GPA had to say on Monday.