GPA hint at merging of award schemes

THE GAELIC Players Association chief executive Dessie Farrell intimated yesterday that room may only exist for one award scheme if the GAA finally provide official recognition of the players' body.

The GPA are currently in monthly competition with the All Star awards. Now that the grants issue has been settled, recognition has become the GPA's primary objective and, speaking at the announcement of their annual player awards scheme yesterday, Farrell initially supported the existence of both versions.

In March the All Stars started their monthly awards by honouring two outstanding club players, Tomas Quinn (St Vincent's) and Andrew Smith (Portumna), while the GPA version begins this month.

"Obviously this is a scheme run by the players themselves," said Farrell. "The players vote for the players at the end of the year. It's very unique. In a lot of other codes the players awards are the significant awards at the end of the year.

"We've elevated the status of our particular awards through the support of Opel (the player of the year in both football and hurling receive a car).

"The GAA have their own very good scheme. It's a traditional scheme and there's a lot of support for it amongst the GAA community as well but I definitely think there's a place for two."

A competing awards system is evident in other sports like the English Premiership where the PFA and writers' player of the year awards exist.

But in the same breath Farrell added: "In due course that might change because obviously everyone will be aware that we're entrenched in official recognition talks and that encompasses a whole host of different issues from commercial to player welfare and obviously awards schemes would come under the commercial banner if you like.

"There will be discussion about awards schemes and commercial programmes that both entities have ongoing at the minute."

Vodafone's 11-year relationship with the All Stars looks set to end, or at the least lose its exclusivity, as it has become one of six main sponsors for the GAA football and hurling championships.

Citing the protracted talks on the Government awards for players and staff shortages, the GAA have yet to select a new sponsor but they have made reference to potentially promoting their own brand name in connection with future All Star awards and subsequent tours.

Meanwhile, conclusion of the Sigerson Cup is again under threat as the University of Ulster, Jordanstown have strenuously objected to the Higher Education Council decision to host the final at Carlow IT.

UUJ have cited a 310-mile round trip, upcoming exams and next Tuesday's 6.30pm throw-in as reasons against making the journey, however, no provision exists to appeal a fixture decision.

After stating Wednesday they would not travel, UUJ's GAA club chairman John Farrell adopted a more conciliatory tone yesterday, stating a final decision on fulfilling the fixture would be made next Monday morning.

"The sad thing about it all is nobody will be at this game on Tuesday evening unless they take the whole day off work. Even then some are looking at a 400-mile round trip."

He added: " I can tell you that most of these players have either senior or under-21 inter-county training sessions to attend on Wednesday night."

The Sigerson semi-finals and final were supposed to be played in Carlow over the weekend of March 7-9th, but the competition was delayed due to objections relating to the legitimacy of several Garda players.

"I'd be astonished if UUJ do not show up for Tuesday's final," said Devaney.

Finally, the DRA postponed last night's hearing into a request for arbitration from the Wexford County Board arising out of their relegation from Division One of the National Hurling League until next week.