Farrell: Awards scheme central to GPA ideals

GPA chief executive Dessie Farrell has stated that the Gaelic Players Association/OPEL Player of the Month awards are central to the players' organisation and command a certain prestige among GAA players.

"It's something which we very much cherish in the GPA (this particular awards scheme) and I think, year on year, it is met with particular enthusiasm from our players as well in that there is something very unique to be selected and voted on by your own peers," Farrell said at the launch of the scheme at Jury's Hotel Croke Park.

"Apart from winning an All-Ireland medal, I suppose it's the next best thing and I think players are delighted with the scheme since its inception and I look forward to the continued support of OPEL with that.

"It has been an historic year for GAA players with the recent announcement at Congress and I think it's only fitting that this type of a scheme rewards players for their continued dedication and commitment throughout the season."

When questioned about the similarities between the GPA scheme and the Vodafone Player of the Month awards, which are officially recognised by the GAA, Farrell believes that there is a place for both schemes at present.

"The GAA have their own scheme, it's a very good scheme - a traditional scheme - and there's a lot of support for that scheme amongst the GAA community as well.

"I definitely think that there is a place for two awards' schemes," Farrell said.

However, the GPA supremo conceded that as his organisation strives for official recognition, it may not be possible to have both schemes going forward.

"In due course that might change because obviously everyone would be aware that we are entrenched in official recognition talks with the GAA and that encompasses a whole host of issues from player welfare to commercial issues."

Already the future of Vodafone's involvement with the GAA's monthly scheme is in doubt, as is the future of the All-Stars tour in its current guise.

However Farrell does not envisage the GPA scheme replacing the Vodafone one in the short term.

"Obviously this is a scheme run by the players themselves, the players vote for the players at the end of the year. It is very unique.

"I think in a lot of other codes the players awards are the significant awards throughout the year and I think we have elevated the status of our particular awards through the support of OPEL.

"We have had previous sponsors involved but I think since OPEL's involvement we have brought it to a new level and we are very pleased with that," added the former Dublin forward.

"Obviously awards schemes would come under a commercial banner so there will be discussions around commercial programmes and various things that both entities have, which are ongoing at the minute."