GPA's interview blackout may continue

MEDIA BAN:THE GAELIC Players Association (GPA) executive will meeting today to chart their next course of action in the struggle for official recognition with the continued interview blackout of GAA broadcast partners a possibility.

This would mean no player interviews with RTÉ, TV3 or Setanta before and after Sunday’s Ulster and Connacht football finals.

This already occurred for last Sunday’s Leinster football and Munster hurling finals.

As part of recognition discussions, the players body sought a five per cent share of the association’s gross income from television revenue, sponsorship and gate receipts.

Croke Park officials immediately ruled this out, offering to cover office and administration costs.

There was no comment from the GPA last night but communication channels with GAA director general Pádraic Duffy remain open and cordial, while discussions are also ongoing with the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Martin Cullen.

The Minister last week offered €1 million to fund intercounty player grants, a €2.5 million decrease on the annual figure initially agreed, supposedly until 2010.

The executive is currently chaired by Cork hurling goalkeeper Donal Óg Cusack with Tyrone footballer Seán Cavanagh acting secretary.

The other members are: Alan Brogan (Dublin), Ronan Sweeney (Kildare), Dara Ó hAnnaidh (Wicklow), Mark McEntee (Cavan hurling), Benny Dunne (Tipperary), Mike Crowley (Limerick), Eddie Brennan (Kilkenny), Martin O’Rourke (Armagh) and chief executive Dessie Farrell.