Central role for Farrell

Player representation: Dessie Farrell is the new players' representative on GAA Central Council.

The Gaelic Players' Association chief executive was widely tipped to become the first voice for players at committee level since former Armagh captain Jarlath Burns stepped down in 2003.

At the time, Burns was leading the now defunct official players' body. Although the GPA are still unofficial, this move confirms they are now recognised by the GAA as the sole representatives of intercounty footballers.

"This historical, player-driven development clearly reinforces the GPA's status as the most viable vehicle for player representation on Gaelic games," the GPA said in a statement yesterday.

"While the GPA will remain autonomous, the association is committed to utilising this appointment to progress the player issue on a formalised basis."

The appointment was agreed in principle by Farrell, GAA president Seán Kelly and director general Liam Mulvihill roughly six weeks ago, but a democratic vote - by intercounty panels - had to be concluded before yesterday's formal announcement.

Cork hurling goalkeeper and current GPA secretary Donal Óg Cusack had also been nominated for the position, but the GPA stated he stepped back in support of the Farrell nomination.

"It was entirely unrealistic to expect anyone to have the players' respect or have the experience and general know-how of the workings of officialdom that Dessie has built up in the last few years," said GPA commercial director Donal O'Neill. "His current position should slipstream nicely with the new role on Central Council."

As the GAA and GPA finally begin to generate a solid working relationship, the players' body continues its dispute with RTÉ over individual advertising.

At least two intercounty panels will refuse to give television interviews this weekend unless a player can sip a certain sports drink during the interview. The drinks company, who are also sponsors of the GPA, pay players €500 for such advertising.

Dublin footballer Alan Brogan, man of the match in the victory over Meath on June 5th, set the current trend by refusing an interview with RTÉ unless he was allowed advertise the drink.

RTÉ have refused to budge on this issue, arguing "surreptitious advertising" is illegal under EU and Irish law.

The GPA have sought legal advice ahead of next Tuesday's meeting of Farrell and O'Neill with RTÉ head of sport Glen Killane in an attempt to settle the dispute.

At present, the GPA are in contact with intercounty panels, but have refused to take an official stance on the issue.