GPA played 'no part' in Cork hurlers' endorsement
The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) has admitted tonight that they played no part in the player endorsement which saw Cork hurlers' Kieran Murphy and Niall McCarthy come under fire in the aftermath of Sunday's All-Ireland SHC quarter-finals.
The Rebel forwards could face disciplinary action after they sported printed advertisements for drinks company Corona on their boots at Croke Park, in a deal set up by the Hopkins PR company, on behalf of Corona's Irish distributors Barry/Fitzwilliams Maxxium.
Such a deal is in direct breach of GAA rules.
It remains to be seen what course of action the GAA are likely to take, although the Association's President Sean Kelly has insisted: "This type of behaviour is contrary to our clearly stated rules and totally against the commercial etiquette we practice. It is ambush market of the worst kind."
The players' body said in a statement released tonight: "The GPA was made aware of an approach by the company (Corona) to the Cork hurling squad prior to the 2004 All Ireland hurling final, but the association played no part in this recent development.
The statement continued: "In the absence of a meaningful co-operative commercial model, as advocated by the GPA, it is therefore inevitable that arrangements of this nature will emerge.
"Should the GAA continue to ignore the contribution of the playing body to the appeal of the modern game, the value of their own commercial portfolio will arguably be undermined by similar arrangements beyond their control.
"The GPA is due to meet with the GAA's commercial department in the near future, and we look forward to addressing the co-operative opportunity in a formal capacity."
