Marsden welcomes ratification of player deal

FORMER Armagh attacker, Diarmaid Marsden, has welcomed Central Council’s ratification of the GPA’s formal recognition as a representative body of hurling and football players.

Council delegates voted in favour of the deal on Saturday by a margin of 39-5. The agreement between the GPA and GAA must still receive the approval of Congress in April but there is a strong will for the players’ organisation to be brought in from the cold.

Marsden is now a full-time regional development officer with the Ulster Council and having only retired from the inter-county scene two years ago, is fully aware of the demands on a player operating at that level, and the GPA’s role in ensuring that its members are well provided for.