GAELIC GAMES: GAA president Seán McCague is sceptical about the offer of the Gaelic Players' Association to take a seat on Central Council while at the same time refusing to play a role in Croke Park's Players Committee. At the GPA a.g.m. last weekend delegates affirmed their intention to remain as an independent body outside of GAA structures.
"I'm at a loss that they want to keep their independence and yet they want to be on Central Council," said McCague whose term of office concludes in just over two months. "You can't be outside the tent and inside the tent at the same time. But I wasn't at the meeting so I'm not aware of the thinking behind it."
McCague confirmed the GAA would be looking for a new date and a new agenda for a rearranged meeting with the GPA. The original date last week was postponed at the GAA's request.
That date may be postponed for another while pending a report from the sub-committee appointed to look into the question of tolerances within the amateur rule in relation to expenses and other matters. Its findings will be central to any discussion between the GPA and GAA.
"There are a number of people who have been talking in relation to amateur status and definitions and whatever. I'd say they'll report within the next three or four weeks."
McCague went on to emphasise that the new Players' Committee would be the responsibility of his successor Seán Kelly, from Kerry.
"It will be difficult for the GPA to have a place on Central Council if they're not going to take part in the committee set up by Seán Kelly. The next Players' Committee is his call not mine."
McCague said he was in favour of an elected committee and explained why his committee was appointed rather than elected three years ago.
"It was an attempt to provide a balance of footballers and hurlers equally. It has to be worked out how you can have an election that will provide that balance between footballers and hurlers and county players and club players. I'm sure it's possible if you apply your mind to it. I thought by spreading the net the committee would be broadly representative. And it was."
Meanwhile, Tyrone could be without their first and second choice full backs for Sunday's first defence of their National Football League title at Roscommon. Chris Lawn is nursing a groin strain while Cormac McGinley picked up a calf muscle injury in the McKenna Cup win over Cavan last weekend. Should both fail to make it, it's likely Colin Holmes will move from centrefield to full back.
Two of the weekend's opening National Football League fixtures will be all-ticket. Entry to Saturday evening's Cork-Kerry clash under lights will be by ticket only, as will Sunday's Croke Park meeting of Dublin and Armagh.
Tickets will be on sale from the ticket office at the rear of the Cusack Stand in Croke Park from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. tomorrow, Friday and Saturday. Adult stand tickets cost €12 while Hill 16 tickets are €10, with student tickets available for both the terrace and the stands at €5. Under-16s will be admitted free but the GAA have emphasised children must be in possession of a valid juvenile ticket in order to gain entry.
Tickets will also be available on the GAA's website (www.gaa.ie), by telephone on 1890 925 100, from Ticketmaster outlets and Arnotts on Henry Street.
Meanwhile, former senior player Dave Clarke has been appointed coach to the Limerick under-21 hurlers, who are seeking a record-equalling four-in-a-row Munster and All-Ireland titles this year. Besides his duties with his club Kilmallock, Clarke is a noted rugby player and scored a try for Bruff in their Gleeson League defeat by Garryowen at the weekend. PJ O'Grady (Patrickswell) has succeeded Dave Keane as manager of the under-21s.
