News roundup: The Kerry County Board has described as "sharp practice" a press release on behalf of the Gaelic Gear company, claiming a "million-euro deal" was under discussion with the county.
Officials had been due to hear a presentation from the company yesterday evening and were unaware the press release was in circulation until contacted by reporters. As a result the meeting did not take place.
"There was nothing to discuss," said county secretary Eamonn Fitzgerald. "They jumped the gun completely. It was sharp practice and we told them that. We only agreed to meet them as a courtesy to Vincent O'Connor, a former player with the county who had been appointed as Gaelic Gear's representative here."
Chairperson Seán Walsh wasn't available in January and O'Connor was happy to defer the meeting until yesterday.
"Vincent was very upset when he heard about this. He had no idea it was going out . . . He knows that we have a deal with O'Neill's and we're very happy with that."
Gaelic Gear has successfully tendered for the exclusive supply of clothing and equipment to Fermanagh, Down, Wexford and the Galway hurlers.
Meanwhile the Limerick County Board is to revisit an earlier decision to say "no" to the opening of Croke Park to soccer and rugby. Board chairman Denis Holmes confirmed another discussion was likely to be aired at this evening's monthly meeting.
"Our initial understanding was that all motions relating to Rule 42 at Congress were for the opening of Croke Park to soccer and rugby indefinitely.
"We have since heard that at least one of the motions will stipulate that the national stadium be made available to rugby and soccer for a two-year period while reconstruction work is taking place at Lansdowne Road. That makes for a different scenario and if there is a request from clubs that we vote again on the issue, it will have to at least receive consideration."
At the annual convention, Limerick voted overwhelmingly in favour of keeping Croke Park shut to soccer and rugby. But four years ago when a motion on opening the venue was debated at Congress the county's delegation supported the change.
