GPA await word on tax plan

Gaelic Games News round-up: The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) are expected to learn within the next week if their proposal for a tax break for intercounty players can be introduced under the new Finance Bill.

Talks have been ongoing with the Government department as well as the Irish Sports Council, and any potential amendment to the recently introduced Bill would have to be finalised within the coming weeks.

GPA chief executive Dessie Farrell has confirmed that while final details of a tax credit package were still under negotiation, he was optimistic an arrangement could be made that would not only benefit GAA players, but all amateur sportspeople in the country.

"I believe there is a great will out there, and support, to get a tax break introduced for top amateur sportspeople," said Farrell. "It would be very well received, and wouldn't present a significant cost to the exchequer. And I also believe it could work in a way that wouldn't spiral out of control."

The idea was first presented to Minister Charlie McCreevy's department after the Finance Bill of two years ago, which presented a tax break to professional sportspeople, based on their 10 best years of earnings directly from their participation in sport. GAA players, however, were excluded from that benefit on the basis of their amateur status.

Farrell now believes an arrangement can still be reached which would benefit high-level sportspeople across the board, mostly likely in the form of a general tax rebate: "A lot of this is about showing some sort of appreciation for what top sportspeople do for the country, and the influence they have on a lot of different areas of life."

Meanwhile, Sunday's third round of the National Football League will see several counties try to reinforce their position as the surprise early leaders - and none more so than Longford.

One of the biggest crowds of the day is expected at Pearse Park for the visit of All-Ireland champions Tyrone. Manager Denis Connerton is expected to go with the starting line-up which defeated Westmeath last Sunday - and left them joint leaders with Mayo of Division One A - with the exception of full back Cathal Conefrey, who is suspended as a result of the straight red card received last Sunday.

The Longford County Board are still considering appealing that decision, particularly if it is deemed to be an off-the-ball foul, which could see Conefrey's four-week suspension doubled. A board spokesman said that video evidence had been examined, which he claimed showed Conefrey was innocent of the charge that saw him sent off.

In the meantime Conefrey's fate is unlikely to be decided until closer to throw-in.

Sligo manager James Kearins, whose team top Division One B alongside Limerick, has left two vacancies in his side for the meeting with old Connacht rivals Galway at Markievicz Park. Midfielder Michael McNamara is doubtful with a leg injury, while corner forward Gerry McGowan faces a lengthy lay-off after breaking his collar-bone in the win over Laois last Sunday.

Limerick give veteran John Quane his first start of the year for the visit of Wexford, which takes place at the Gaelic Grounds - the sole change from the team that beat Cavan. Quane comes into midfield for John Stokes, who is temporarily sidelined with a toe injury.

In Division Two B, Tipperary take on leaders Kildare with two changes from the team that defeated Waterford last Sunday. Midfielder Kevin Mulryan and corner forward Paul Cahill return to the starting line-up in place of Niall Sheehan and Micheal Webster. Niall Fitzgerald also moves from midfield to wing back, and Glen Burke moves from corner forward to wing forward.

Also in Division Two B, Wicklow manager Hugh Kenny has left three vacancies in the team to meet Louth. Forward Thomas Harney is definitely ruled out after picking up a leg injury in the draw against Down last weekend.

TIPPERARY (SF v Kildare): P Ryan; B Hahessy, S Collum, L Cronin; R Costigan, D Byrne, N Fitzgerald; K Mulryan, A Fitzgerald; G Burke, F O'Callaghan, J Williams; P Cahill, D Browne, Damian O'Brien.

SLIGO (SF v Galway): P Greene; N McGuire, P Naughton, B Philips; P Doohan, M Langan, D Durkin; AN Other, S Davey; P McGovern, M Brehony, B Curran; D Sloyan, P Taylor, AN Other

LIMERICK (SF v Wexford): S O'Donnell; M O'Riordan, J McCarthy, T Stack; P Browne, S Lucey, D Reidy; J Quane, T Carroll; S Kelly, M Gavin, C Mullane; M Horan, J Murphy, E Keating.

WICKLOW (SF v Louth): R Hollingsworth; C Hyland, C Foley, T Burke; A Foley, G Doran, AN Other; B Ó hAnnaidh, C Clancy; A Ellis, T Doyle, AN Other; W O'Gorman, T Gill, AN Other.