Australian connection put on hold

LINGERING chances that the International Rules series with Australia would be revived this year were formally removed at the weekend, the GAA revealed yesterday. Word was received from the Australian Football League that they had failed to secure sponsorship for a tour from Ireland to mark the AFL's (formerly NFL) centenary.

There have been two tours to Australia in the last 10 years - 1986 and 90 - but interest has always appeared stronger in Ireland, where two series have also taken place, in 1984 and 87. Coincidentally just as the International Rules concept suffered a setback, there was news of interest from an Irish company in sponsoring a tour from Australia to Ireland.

However, director general Liam Mulvihill said at yesterday's media briefing at Croke Park that the GAA will not invite an Australian team to Ireland unless there is a reciprocal commitment that the Irish be asked back in return.

Nonetheless, president Jack

Boothman did emphasise that the series "was not dead and buried". He responded to questions about when the idea of a tour in October 1996 had originally arisen by saying: "We kept it low key because we were sceptical about the likelihood of its taking place."

It was confirmed that the hurling shinty internationals will continue and details would have been available but for officials from the Camanacht Association getting stranded at the weekend en route to Dublin to meet the GAA. Under 21 internationals between Ireland and Scotland have taken place for the last few years with senior matches being added in 1994.

Later Boothman placed it on record that recent reports of an impending revolution in the GAA's amateur provisions were misleading. "As far as we are concerned, nothing is envisaged that will change (the rules) whatsoever. I can see no changes in official policy despite speculation."

He went on to refer to the work of the Amateur Status sub committee, established two years ago under the chairmanship of Mick Maher, which has been investigating breaches of amateurism and has called in counties and asked for explanations. The sub committee, according to Boothman, has powers "second only to the Revenue Commissioners" to inspect and audit accounts of units within the Association.

These powers were originally granted to help police the GAA's provisions on amateurism. The purpose was two fold: a), to standardise the preparation of accounts; and b), to investigate individual accounts.

According to Mulvihill, the subcommittee was set up with a wide brief to improve the presentation of accounts and transparency".

Boothman said that the work was precautionary rather than in response to any difficulties. "We're getting there before any accusations arise," he said. "All units have been written and very few have had to be contacted again for clarification."

An update on the negotiations between Croke Park and RTE revealed that the GAA expect to sign the new three year deal within the next week or two - although it is not finalised yet. Other matters under consideration are the implications of the new national radio franchise, the proposed new commercial television station and Teilifis na Gaeilge.

It is as yet unclear the extent to which Teilifis na Gaeilge will be allowed autonomy from RTE in negotiating its sports coverage. The new Irish language station hopes to be independent.

Mulvihill said that Croke Park "was anxious for a programme of live games and is working behind the scenes with the provincial councils" to secure agreement for the same. He also said that RTE had reached an accommodation with UTV over the coverage of matches in Ulster, and that objections from the northern station "won't be a factor" this year.

Asked what reassurance he could give people that the GAA would never sell rights to satellite television, Mulvihill replied: "None whatsoever".

Work is in progress on the New Stand to give effect to the recommendations of the Dublin Corporation fire department. This primarily involves re wiring certain sections of the stand and building more fire doors. It is hoped to have the new dressingrooms completed in time for the club finals on St Patrick"; Day.

Should the GAA succeed in their planning appeal against the stipulation that Hill 16 be seated before the Canal End contrary to the Croke Park plans - work will begin on the Canal End next autumn. In the meantime, a number of events are planned for Croke Park. Concerts by Neil Diamond and Tina Turner will take place in May and June while in November, an American Football match is to be played between Notre Dame (`The Fighting Irish' what a culture shock that will be at Croke Park) and the Navy.