It’s not end of the line for interpros

THE interprovincial competitions have been given another lifeline after Central Council last night voted to give it the go-ahead on a trial basis.

The games are likely to be played in 2012 as the GAA master fixtures list for this year is set and October is ruled out because of Ireland’s International Rules two-test series in Australia.

A final decision on the games will be made thereafter. It’s not a stretch to suggest they might be played on a basis similar to the International Rules, which is played for two years with a break in the third year before resuming again.

That decision means the games will not have been played for two full years — the last being played in 2009 — but the vote in Mullingar will give supporters of the old Railway Cup cause for hope.

First played in the 1927, the future of the games have been a labour of love for Clare, especially former Munster chairman Noel Walsh and businessman Donnelly, who has sponsored the competition in recent times.

A task force is now likely to be set up with the duty of finding the best form of promoting the interpros.

However, it’s not yet certain whether the GAA will give the GPA the authority to oversee the games, as has been suggested by Donnelly.

The Clare businessman, who is keen to back the competitions again, recommended that the players body be given the responsibility of running the six games with the proceeds going to players.

“As an incentive and for their efforts, the gate receipts could go directly towards a central players’ fund be it for injuries or hardship,” he said.

“God knows it’s a difficult time for everyone but especially for players who are making sacrifices and holding onto jobs at the same time. This could be a thank you for all that they have given us.

The GPA have since responded positively to the idea with spokesperson Seán Potts raising the possibility of them being centred around their own awards scheme.

Among the prointerpro lobby is Tyrone manager Mickey Harte who believes the Association should be concentrating on the competitions as opposed to the International Rules series.

Last night, GAA Director of Finance Tom Ryan admitted the International Rules is “an expensive undertaking” but unlike the majority of championship games “did make a return”.

Meanwhile, GAA Director General Páraic Duffy will today shed more light on Croke Park director Peter McKenna’s new role — exclusively revealed in yesterday’s Irish Examiner — which will encompass his current position as well as the commercial portfolio to be vacated by Dermot Power in September.

For the first time in GAA history, today’s motions will be decided via e-voting. The result of each vote will be seen on the screens around the hall almost instantly.