Dessie Farrell, chairman of the Gaelic Players Association, said last evening that he was "more optimistic than ever" that his association's concerns would be addressed by the GAA. He was speaking after last night's meeting between the GPA and a top-level GAA delegation in Croke Park. It was agreed a series of meetings would take place this summer.

In a separate development it has emerged that Farrell is to become the new chief executive of the GPA. The appointment will be formalised today. The organisation has been looking for a full-time administrator but the decision to appoint him will come as a surprise given that he is chairman.

A number of people were interviewed for the post but the feeling in the GPA was that it might be more practical for someone with both a profile and a detailed knowledge of the organisation's workings to take the role.

The move is a risky one for Farrell, who leaves his job with a medical supplies company, has a young family and continues to juggle his work with training commitments with Dublin.

Asked about the decision to replace him as county captain with Coman Goggins, he was philosophical. "I've had four years as captain. It was time it moved around."

After the meeting, a joint statement was released: "Following a meeting between representatives of the GAA and the GPA in Croke Park tonight, the parties issued a joint statement subsequent to the meeting. They stated that discussions took place on key substantive issues and that a series of further meetings had been agreed to progress matters. They said that they were not prepared to discuss the issues further until this process was completed."

Farrell said: "We were very satisfied with the outcome and got a genuine commitment that all parties were willing to engage."

The GPA was represented by Farrell, secretary Glenn Ryan of Kildare, marketing consultant Donal O'Neill and former Longford player Frank McNamee. On the GAA side were president Seán McCague, Director General Liam Mulvihill and Jarlath Burns, chairman of the Players Committee.

Mulvihill's presence was particularly significant as he had not previously attended a meeting with the GPA and the association had specifically requested that he be present. "It was highly significant," said Farrell of the Director General's attendance. "He is a consistent figure in the hierarchy of the GAA."

The bodies had met earlier this year in January but failed to agree any joint statement. The fact that such a communique was issued last night and that further meetings will take place indicates that progress has been made. Farrell and his delegation also agreed to make no further comments on the substantive issues.

"The point was clearly made that the way to go was not to conduct business through the media. We respect the stance they've taken and are glad to be able to report progress," said Farrell.

He also seemed to rule out any strike action by players over the coming months. "Nothing will affect the championship," he said. "Progress has been made and we are satisfied as of now that that's not an avenue we'll be going down." Farrell also acknowledged the concessions made by the GAA in recent weeks, including the supply of All-Ireland tickets to players and guaranteed minimum provision of training gear.

The two bodies may be coming to some sort of agreement on the question of player representation.

Although there was no formal agenda a number of matters had been prioritised by the GPA. The question of recognition was first up and although afterwards Farrell said that the mere fact of the meeting indicated recognition, there is likely to be some sort of structural compromise worked out between the GPA and Croke Park's Players' Committee.

It will probably be medium-term as the GAA has no intention of acting against committee chairman Burns, who has piloted through a number of improvements in the way players are treated. But his term of office expires next April.

Farrell said that the question of the €127 allowance for inter-county players was raised. Although an eye-catching and controversial proposal, it has slipped down the GPA priority list.

One other priority is the matter of insurance. The GAA operates a special insurance scheme, which is acknowledged as good value - particularly when a small top-up is paid. The GPA is trying to secure a commitment that the GAA will fund this top-up for all inter-county players.