Farrell hints at resolution to dispute

GPA players of the yearWaterford's Dan Shanahan and Kerry's Marc Ó Sé were the big winners at last night's Gaelic Players Association (GPA) annual awards, claiming €25,000 Opel Astras as hurler and footballer of the year respectively. But the occasion was also significant for the speech by GPA chairman Dessie Farrell, who for the first time suggested the potential players' strike over Government grants could be averted.

Shanahan's and Ó Sé's awards are particularly cherished, as they're chosen by the votes of the GPA membership, following a shortlist of nominations. Shanahan was chosen ahead of Ollie Moran of Limerick and Tommy Walsh of Kilkenny, while Ó Sé was chosen ahead of his Kerry team-mates Colm Cooper and Declan O'Sullivan.

They also received the All Star "player of the year" awards.

Later, speaking to the gathering of players at Dublin's Citywest Hotel, Farrell made some hard-hitting comments on the impasse in the implementation of the Government grants scheme, but at least he ended on a positive note.

"The exceptional role of the intercounty player within the GAA has always been accepted," said Farrell. "It is the GAA itself that created the elite intercounty structure and it is the players who have lived up to that standard . . . The State and the GAA have a historic chance to recognise that role formally.

"However, we have reached a crossroads, and the next turn will be critical.

"Patience may be a virtue, but for players faced with the passing seasons it can be a millstone. As we celebrate tonight, the issue of the first national players' strike in the history of the GAA is shortly to be decided.

"This time last year, the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern addressed this gathering and outlined his Government's commitment to funding a grant system for inter-county players. Shortly afterwards, we completed a historic agreement with the GAA. All systems go - or so we thought."

Farrell then reviewed the problems that have beset this proposed €5 million in grants, highlighting the faults in the mechanism of distributing the money.

But significantly, last night's guests included John Treacy, chief executive of the Irish Sports Council, and Paraic Duffy, GAA player welfare officer, two key parties in negotiations with Minister for Sport Séamus Brennan. It is understood further meetings are planned for the coming week.

"To be honest, this process has gone beyond the blame game and is nearing the end game," added Farrell. "But what I can say to you tonight is that we have walked the political tightrope and we still haven't reached the other side. We have been at pains not to isolate ourselves from public support, from the GAA grassroots and from the Government, but what have we achieved on the grants issue? Nothing.

"Nothing but growing frustration, nothing but resentment and nothing but constant abuse from certain sectors. Inconsistencies, innuendo, double standards are the hallmark of many of our critics, happy to ignore the issues and specifics, happy to forgo objectivity in a forlorn attempt to discredit our motives."

However, Farrell then outlined his hope for a solution: "Personally, I am still optimistic that we can resolve this issue and that an agreement can be reached at this, the 11th hour. I am particularly heartened by Paraic Duffy's genuine commitment to all matters pertaining to player welfare, and indeed on this critical matter. I am also buoyed by the recent involvement of John Treacy of the Irish Sports Council, a man who understands, first hand, the reality of life as a dedicated athlete.

"With general agreement on the principle of the scheme, it would be a great tragedy if drastic action had to be taken because the finer details could not be sorted out. Nonetheless, I believe goodwill does exist on all sides to resolve this impasse.

"Patience may indeed be a virtue - but when our ballots are counted next week we will know if it has finally run out for players. The clock is running and we are heading into injury time. Let's hope that a resolution can be found before the final whistle is sounded."

The Opel/GPA teams of the year were announced over the past two weeks. Each player receives €2,500, making the value of the prizes around €125,000.