GPA in conflict with Limerick GAA board

Limerick GAA was again the subject of controversy last night - but this time it was the county's footballers who were in the spotlight.

The GPA and the Limerick County Board are at loggerheads over the treatment of the Shannonsiders' senior footballing side.

The GPA yesterday slammed the "disgraceful treatment" by the county board of the football panel prior to their training trip to La Manga in Spain.

The GPA claim a member of the U21 team had been invited on the trip after impressing in the Munster championship, but had to forego his seat to accommodate an extra board official.

They also say the Limerick squad agreed to forego a holiday last year in lieu of the training camp, and then had to generate up to 50% of the cost of the camp. The players' group also took issue with the provision of training gear.

The GPA said in a statement: "Despite their full entitlements to playing gear as provided for by Central Council guidelines, the players received only one tee-shirt each for the trip.

"Those players unable to attend, including 15-year squad veteran John Quane, were even refused this meagre gesture."

Limerick chairman Denis Holmes said the GPA's comments were "most disappointing" because "the full facts weren't known".