Páraic Duffy: GPA proposal always a non-starter

The GPA’s blueprint for the All-Ireland senior football championship “would not have passed” at next month’s Congress, according to GAA director general Páraic Duffy.

At the release of his annual report yesterday, Duffy defended the GAA’s role in the ditching of the official players body’s restructuring proposal and insisted they received “a fair hearing”.

He explained the GPA document was one of 18 proposals circulated among counties. At November’s Central Council meeting, where Tipperary footballer Michael Quinlivan represented the GPA, the counties’ representatives opted for a model that retained the provincial championships, would not impact any further on club fixtures and incorporated a second tier competition.