TV3 fear escalation of hostilities

NEWS ROUND-UP:TV3 HAVE expressed concern over the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) threat to escalate their campaign to gain official recognition from the GAA.

Although this weekend’s championships are now unlikely to be hit by the withdrawal of players from TV interviews, as was carried out at last Sunday’s two provincial finals, the GPA are considering further protests.

A meeting of the GPA’s National Executive Committee took place last night, after which a short statement was issued: “The GPA can confirm that informal discussions between the GPA and the GAA have taken place over the past few days and we will be outlining our position in relation to these meetings in due course.”

It suggests some progress has been made from last week, when the GPA rejected the GAA’s offer of formal recognition, at least without a percentage of funding – stating that “at this juncture the GPA’s position remains unaltered and our formal recognition campaign will continue”.

While the damage done by withdrawing players from TV interviews was limited, TV3 Sports Editor Kieran Holden fears the campaign could escalate if a resolution is not found soon.

“From their point of view, they did something that obviously wasn’t the nuclear option, which is all-out strike,” he said. “But if they don’t get their way, or some form of resolution that they’re not happy with, then there’s a way for them to step it up. Because you can’t pull back from the abyss. We’d already done most of our interviews for this weekend.”

“We’re stuck in the middle of it, of a dispute that has got nothing to do with us. We’ve made a serious commitment to Gaelic Games over these three years, so of course it’s frustrating to us.

“We’re in year two of a three-year deal, and we’re absolutely delighted with the progress so far. We’d a peak of half a million on Sunday for the Leinster final, about 42 per cent of viewers, in Ireland, at that time.”

GPA spokesman Seán Potts said no decision has been made on exactly what the next stage of the campaign will entail.

“If the decision is taken they want further action taken next weekend then it will be taken. But it’s clear from the outset that we weren’t going to say what we were going to do, that the campaign would be varied, and different. Maybe here, maybe there, but we’d keep people guessing.”

Meanwhile, Galway defender Adrian Cullinane will miss Saturday’s All-Ireland hurling qualifier against Cork after it was confirmed last night that he sustained the dreaded cruciate ligament injury in his knee in last weekend’s win over Clare, and will therefore miss the rest of the season. Ollie Canning is expected to be okay after suffering a mild concussion in the same game.

And Jack O’Connor has come out fighting after confirmation on Monday that he will now have to plan without the services of Kieran Donaghy for the rest of the season.

“In many ways, it’s a novel pairing for the viewers and the supporters,” said the Kerry boss about Saturday’s visit of Sligo.

The Kerry boss took a swipe at some supporters who have been quick to rush to judgement of late, but have been slow to come out and support the team.

“I think people are quick to forget about that, you know, this is a group of lads that have given fierce pleasure to people over the past five years. While there are a lot of critics about and a lot of people on their backs, I will tell you something, the application, effort and commitment of these players is second to none.

“So the only thing I will say about this game is that it will afford an opportunity to the Kerry supporters to turn up and show whether they are supporting the team or not!”