GPA reveals demands

The Gaelic Players Association has unveiled six demands that it wants the GAA to address in order to lift the threat of strike action by hurlers and footballers.

The demands from the players' body include an endorsement by the GAA of a Government grant scheme for inter-county players.

The GPA is also seeking the establishment of a player-welfare audit system and the lifting of a ban on the GPA's official soft-drink sponsor, Club Energise.

Announcing the demands today, GPA chief executive Dessie Farrell said players involved in all inter-county matches this weekend would mount a protest to highlight the issue by remaining in their dressing rooms for 15 minutes after the scheduled throw-in time.

Farrell also said there was still a possibility of a strike during the All-Ireland Championship if the demands were not met.