Move reflects further strengthening of relationships between the GPA and GAA, writes IAN O'RIORDAN
THE LONG-mooted merging of the GAA’s All Stars and the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) players’ awards scheme may be now a reality – although not without raising some discontent.
Details of the new joint awards scheme were announced in Croke Park yesterday, where GAA president Christy Cooney found himself playing down any conflict with the Association’s amateur status, despite the new cash bonuses that come with the awards.
But it also emerged yesterday that certain members of the written press are not happy with the proposition that both the football and hurling All Star teams could now be announced live on television on the night of the awards banquet, as opposed to having one of the teams announced by the written press a day in advance, as is the existing arrangement with the GAA.
Agreement on that matter, however, is still being discussed: what is certain is both the GAA and GPA will now present their annual player awards schemes together, under the sponsorship of Opel – to be officially titled GAA-GPA All-Stars 2011.
“We are delighted to be able to confirm that agreement has been reached with the GPA as part of plans to honour excellence in our games through the highly respected and much valued vehicle that is the All Stars scheme,” said Cooney, “a scheme now enhanced through an amalgamation with the GPA’s Player Awards.”
Dessie Farrell, chief executive of the GPA, said the merging of the awards schemes was the logical step, and reflects strengthening relationship between both bodies: “While it was not feasible to keep two awards schemes in operation it was important for both organisations that the integrity of the respective awards was appreciated under the new arrangement. And we look forward to celebrating the contribution of our hurlers and footballers to the 2011 season at the All-Stars banquet next month.”
Surprisingly, the player of the month awards scheme – operated separately by both the GAA and the GPA – will also continue, even though no such awards were presented this summer (they are apparently to be announced retrospectively at a later event).
How the awards are actually decided on will also essentially remain the same: under the new joint awards scheme, a committee of GAA journalists will choose the respective All Star teams of the year, while the individual player of the year and player of the month awards will be selected by the intercounty playing body, as the previous GPA awards scheme were.
There will also be three individual player of the year awards from the Christy Ring, Nicky Rackard and Lory Meagher Cups, plus the continuation the two Young Player of the Year awards.
Each winner on the All Stars team will receive a €1,500 cheque, for the use of their image for promotional purposes, while the individual players of the year will receive a €5,000 cheque each.
The players of the month will be presented with a cheque for €1,000.
Cooney denied these cash awards were in any way in conflict with the GAA’s amateur status:
“Absolutely not,” he said. “That’s been consistent with regards to our amateur status for quite a number of years now, and consistent with the promotional work that players do day in, day out.”
Cooney also confirmed “we are looking to announce both teams on the night, in a change on the presentation format.”
The All Star Awards will be presented at a Gala Event at the Convention Centre Dublin on October 21st, which will be broadcast live on RTÉ television.
The All Tour tour will also continue, and this year’s version involving the 2010 and 2011 hurling selections, will visit San Francisco in late November.
