Brennan and Duffy play down agent row

NEWS:THE DIRECTOR general of the GAA, Pauric Duffy, and president, Nickey Brennan, sought to defuse the situation that arose in Cavan last Friday when an Australian Rules agent used association property for a recruitment session.

The incident took place at Kingspan Breffni Park while a féile was in progress on the main pitch.

"There was some unusual action on the Friday evening," confirmed Brennan. "I know an Australian agent, Gerard Scholly, had a couple of players in for a kick-around or a session . . . Now, you couldn't conduct a lot with five or six. I won't say who but he was accosted by an individual from Cavan and told he should get out of the place. That's basically it. He (Scholly) was rather cheeky to do what he did without getting permission in the first place."

Duffy and Brennan, speaking at yesterday's Vodafone All Star monthly awards ceremony, were keen to stress they will have discussions with Australian Football League representatives, during the International Rules series in October, about the player drain to the professional game.

The GAA held talks lately with another AFL agent, Ricky Nixon, to discuss his recruitment plans.

"Ricky Nixon is an agent representing a number of clubs," said Duffy. "Gerard Scholly is an agent who, I understand, represents Carlton (the club of the Cork trio Setanta and Aisake Ó hAilpín and Michael Shields).

"We want to talk to the AFL and we will talk to the AFL in October. That is the key point to be made. The Ricky Nixon thing was a courtesy meeting. He came to Ireland. The AFL said maybe have a chat with him but the important discussion about this whole issue will be with the AFL."

Brennan stressed the GAA's continued opposition to young players switching to Aussie Rules but no consideration is being given to future sanctions in the event of their return to Gaelic games.

"Not at all. We wouldn't dream of that. Players are free to move. I'm well on record with that and I know Pauric supports me but we want to make sure if young players go that they and their parents are fully aware of what's there; that welfare and education are properly looked after."

Nixon agreed to submit a formal document to Croke Park outlining the size of his current recruitment drive in Ireland.

Meanwhile, San Francisco has been confirmed as the venue for the 2008 All Star tour. It is the turn of the footballers this year, from December 3rd to 10th, the hurlers having travelled to New York last year.

An exhibition match between the 2008 and 2009 All Stars will take place at Balboa Park.

The announcement was made at yesterday's award ceremony in Dublin, where the Clare hurler Brian O'Connell and the Fermanagh footballer Eamon Maguire were recognised for their outstanding displays in June.

Brennan also paid tribute to the former Minister for Sport Séamus Brennan, noting his role in the recent negotiations between the GAA and Gaelic Players Association over player grants.

"I'd like to extend my condolences to his family, to his wife, Ann. Obviously Séamus was a member of the Ballyboden St Enda's club in Dublin and spent a period as Minister for Sport. We always found him a most courteous, decent man.

"He should have had a lot of living to do at 60 so we send our condolences and remember him for his fine contribution."

A GPA statement added: "The Gaelic Players Association would like to pay tribute to the late Séamus Brennan TD.

"Mr Brennan was a great supporter of players and a keen follower of Gaelic games. During his tenure as Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, he was central to the successful agreement to provide government funding for intercounty players.

"On behalf of our members, we would like to offer Mr Brennan's family and friends our sincerest condolences. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."