GPA lashes out at Munster Council

The Gaelic Players Association has lashed out at the Munster Council for its decision to seed 2007 Munster finalists Cork and Kerry for the semi-finals of next year's championship.

In a brief statement released by the players' body on behalf of its Munster members, disbelief was expressed at the structure of the draw for the 2008 Munster championship.

"Following a series of complaints from footballers in Munster, the Gaelic Players Association has condemned the recent decision taken by the Munster Council to seed Cork and Kerry in the provincial football championship," the statement read.

Recently provincial meetings were held in relation to possible strike action by the association but Munster players have been most vocal and believe that seeding Cork and Kerry as semi-finalists is a step towards killing off football in the southern province, especially in traditionally strong hurling areas.

"We believe this decision to be extremely detrimental to the Munster SFC, making it especially difficult for teams outside the big two to prevail. This decision will also do little to promote football in traditional hurling strongholds."

The GPA are quick to point out that they have received a number of complaints from players in relation to the current structure of the Munster championship and the implications this has for developing Gaelic football in the province.

"The financial and political considerations behind this decision reveal misplaced priorities and many players have articulated their dismay to the GPA. Most worrying of all is the despondent attitude to next year's championship," the statement added.

"If games development is as important to the GAA as we are constantly led to believe, how can the Munster Council justify this decision? The football squads affected fear they may now lose several valuable players as a result."

Since the Munster draw took place at Croke Park a week ago, Munster Council chiefs have been keen to stress that this decision to seed Cork and Kerry as semi-finalists is not just a reward for those counties.

Provincial officials maintain that this reward is open to whatever team qualify for the final irrespective of whether or not Cork or Kerry make it through to the decider.