GPA to meet Minister today

The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) will today meet the Minister for Sport Séamus Brennan in their latest effort to successfully implement the €5 million in grant aid earmarked for intercounty players.

It will be the GPA's first formal talks with Brennan since he took office from his predecessor John O'Donoghue, and among the necessary talking points will be confirmation that the money is still available.

"We've certainly no reason to believe there's been any U-turn on this," said GPA chief executive Dessie Farrell. "Our last communication with the Government made it clear that the offer was still on the table, and I think it would be very hard for them to back down on that. I can't see how that could happen. All we're concerned about is trying to sort out this impasse once and for all."

The GPA have again suggested that a motion for a players' strike may be forthcoming, should agreement not to be reached in the coming weeks. The GAA have continued to stay clear of all such threats, with association president Nickey Brennan yesterday confirming they also have a meeting scheduled with the Minister on the matter.

"We have requested a meeting with the Government," said Brennan, "and we're waiting for a response. And we're hoping that will happen sooner rather than later."

Nickey Brennan confirmed that a meeting with the GPA had taken place on Tuesday evening, but was entirely separate from the issue of the €5 million grant. "It was simply part of the normal stream of meetings that have been taking place. And it was never about me and Liam Mulvihill meeting on players' grants. That was never on the agenda."

In the meantime, the mood or temperament for a potential strike among intercounty players is still difficult to gauge.

Armagh defender Aaron Kernan, speaking at yesterday's launch of the AIB club championship, was hopeful that agreement could yet be reached on the issue of the players' grants, but it certainly didn't appear to be an overriding concern.

"Hopefully it's still just a hitch in terms of how the grants are going to be passed over," said Kernan. "I think everyone does put in the effort, and it would be great if we do get it.

"At the same time, I don't think the players want to be seen as spoilt children. If the money is there, and w re going to get it, great. But I don't think any player wants to be seen as running around thinking they're bigger than they are. I don't think that's the case at all.

"I'm not sure exactly where the talks are at. It's a bit strange that they went to all the hassle to having the money in place, and it's just sitting there. They had a plan on how they were going to pass it down to each player. Obviously the teams that stay in the championship longer were going to get the most. So it's a little strange that they still haven't come up with a way of distributing it fairly, while they were getting the money in place."

Kernan, however, backed away from any talk of a strike, saying county players, in his experience, are largely appreciate of the position they are in: "Definitely, and I know how well we're looked after with the Armagh County Board. There is nothing we want. And it's the same with Crossmaglen.

"Again, if the money is there to be passed out to the players hopefully that will be the case. I can't speak for everyone else, and I think there is a certain amount of unrest about it, but I'm not sure what exactly will happen over it. You don't want it to get out of hand anyway."

The saga continues.