GPA in informal talks with GAA over ongoing dispute

THE Gaelic Players Association (GPA) confirmed last night that it has been holding informal talks with the GAA in recent days over ongoing issues concerning official recognition and government funding.

Beyond that, the players’ body was playing it coy, merely going on to say that there had indeed been a meeting of their National Executive Committee yesterday but that they would be making no further comment at this juncture.

“The GPA can confirm that informal discussions between the GPA and the GAA have taken place over the past few days and we will be outlining our position in relation to these meetings in due course,” a statement released last night said.

The press release made no mention of whether or not players involved in this weekend’s Ulster and Connacht football finals would be participating with the GAA’s broadcast partners, RTÉ, TV3 and Setanta.

Last week, the players taking part in the Munster hurling and Leinster football finals did not cooperate with TV as a result of the GPA’s frustration with the time it is taking to receive official recognition from Croke Park.

Meanwhile Galway wing-back Adrian Cullinane will miss Saturday’s All-Ireland qualifier against Cork and is likely to be out for the rest of the season.

Manager John McIntyre confirmed yesterday the Craughwell clubman had suffered a cruciate ligament injury and is unlikely to hurl again this season.

There is better news for Galway regarding captain Ollie Canning, who is expected to lead the side out in Thurles on Saturday.

However, Galway’s worst fears about the scale of Cullinane’s injury were realised yesterday after results of a scan on Monday were analysed.

“Adrian has a high grade tear of his cruciate and it appears his season is over,” said McIntyre.

But Canning is expected to make a full recovery and will be available when the team is selected tomorrow evening.

“Ollie got a nick in an eye and had blurred vision for a time but we are hopeful he will be alright for the Cork match,” added McIntyre.

Centre forward Cyril Donnellan, who also received a facial knock during the Clare game, is expected to be in the starting line-up.

* Cork GAA chiefs have announced that stand and family tickets for Saturday’s qualifier against Galway will be on sale in Pairc Uí Rinn this evening from 6.30pm.