Ger Loughnane has stood by claims in his book Raising the Banner concerning Kerry football manager Pβid∅ ╙ SΘ. In the biography, which was launched last night in Ennis, the former Clare hurling manager alleges that ╙ SΘ was 'coached' by a "top GAA official" prior to a hearing before the Games Administration Committee (GAC) in 1997.

╙ SΘ had been summoned to the GAC after pitch incursions during the All-Ireland semi-final with Cavan. In the event he escaped with a warning rather than a sideline ban for that year's All-Ireland final. The Kerry manager vigorously denied in a Sunday paper that such advice was ever given.

The claim is supported in the book by an account of Clare businessman Tony Garry hearing a mobile telephone conversation, purportedly between a third party and ╙ SΘ, in Garry's car. The passenger, who is said to be involved with Cork teams, was taking a lift to a match with Garry and is described as passing on advice from the above-mentioned official.

Yesterday Loughnane responded to the Sunday denials with the following statement: "I refute what Paidi ╙ SΘ said and the reason I won't take back what I said is because it's true. Proof exists which is why Tony Garry isn't denying it. He said it to me on four occasions. It may be necessary for me to come out later in the week and release information given to the publishers' (Blackwater) legal representatives to prove my case."

Loughnane also called on the officials involved to identify themselves. If the claim is publicly denied by the people in question Loughnane, according to John O'Connor of Blackwater, will "hold a press conference within hours - or as long as it takes to get from Clare to Dublin."

The purpose behind the revelations was to show how Clare was treated differently to other counties in disciplinary matters. The same summer as the ╙ SΘ incidents took place, Loughnane was restricted to the bench during the All-Ireland hurling final - although his Tipperary counterpart Len Gaynor received a similar punishment.

A year later Loughnane got into more serious trouble when he was banished to the stand for the drawn All-Ireland semi-final against Offaly because of repeated incursions onto the pitch during the controversial Munster final matches with Waterford in 1998.

His claims concerning ╙ SΘ and the anonymous officials may have a while to run if Loughnane fulfils his threat to make available further information on the allegations later this week.

Meanwhile, the Eircell Vodaphone Players of the Month awards for the women's All-Ireland finals have been announced. Tipperary All-Ireland winner Ciara Gaynor took the camogie award and Laois's Mary Kirwan received the football accolade.

Gaynor, whose father, Len, won All-Ireland hurling medals with Tipperary as well as managing the county and Clare, played at centre back for the defeat of Kilkenny.

Kirwan scored 1-7 in Laois's dramatic last-seconds victory over defending champions Mayo. It was Kirwan who kicked the winning point from a free which was awarded with time just about up. It was the county's first All-Ireland at this level.

TG4 have announced that next weekend's live broadcast will be the Munster Club SHC semi-final between Toomevara, who have just retained the Tipperary title for a fourth year, and Waterford's Ballygunner, beaten provincial finalists two years ago.

The match starts at 2.15 p.m. in Semple Stadium.