GPA row in behind players

THE on-off situation surrounding games in Round Seven of the NFL and well as some hurling league matches due to the weather conditions at the weekend led to a strongly worded statement from the GPA last Sunday evening.

The Louth versus Meath Division 2 clash was one of the affected games, due to the Gaelic Grounds in Drogheda being unplayable. The GAA moved quickly to reschedule Sunday’s postponements to Bank Holiday Monday with little or no consideration for the players involved.

However the Boyneside clash was one of the game which was postponed for a second time on Monday morning.

The statement from the Players Association read: ‘Following the GAA’s decision to re-schedule a number of the National League games by 24 hours to tomorrow, Bank Holiday Monday, the GPA have been contacted by a number of affected squads extremely unhappy with the arrangements.

‘Notwithstanding the recent inclement weather conditions creating considerable challenges for the CCCC with regard to rescheduling of games, the GPA consider it wholly unacceptable that no consultation was made with players beforehand.

‘It would appear that little or no consideration was given to players who have contractual obligations to their employers to fulfill.

‘Furthermore, many of our players have personal or family arrangements for tomorrow which must now be changed at short notice.

‘The GPA will be supporting a number of squads who have outlined their commitment not to fulfill their fixtures tomorrow due to players unavailability. We have this evening contacted the GAA outlining our support for these squads and requesting that the CCCC find an alternative arrangement for these games.