THE ink had hardly dried on the three-year sponsorship deal between the St Vincent's GAA club and the alcoholic drinks company, Beamish and Crawford, yesterday when a fax message from Croke Park expressed dissatisfaction with the project.
The message clearly stated disapproval of the deal which according to a ruling by the Association's Central Council is in contravention of existing policy.
The deal is seen to be in conflict with Guinness sponsorship of the All-Ireland Hurling Championships and clubs at present, are not free to accept sponsorship from drinks companies.
The St Vincent's chairman, Brendan McGrath, emphasised after yesterday's deal was concluded: "While we would be aware that there was a directive in vogue, I think that we generally view that the mood has changed since Guinness's involvement in the All-Ireland Hurling Series. The view, we would have at the moment is. that we are moving in tandem with the changes that are currently apace in the GAA. We don't see ourselves in conflict with the GAA."
The GAA PRO, Danny Lynch, said: "The matter was raised at the behest of the Dublin County Board and presumably the St Vincent's GAA club at the Central Council meeting held last Saturday week. It was then explained that the sponsorship was in contravention of existing policy. It is clearly not part of GAA policy at this point in time that clubs or county boards can wear alcoholic drink companies on their jersies."
Lynch added that it will be a matter for the Central Council whether they wish to maintain the policy or change its existing policy.
The Marino club have blazed the trail for clubs nationwide, in other respects in the past. It remains to be seen if they will be accommodated in their latest enterprise.
Hank Traynor, who played at full back for newly-crowned Leinster under-21 football champions Meath in their first two games in the competition, has been handed a three-months suspension. Traynor missed last Sunday's final victory over Louth after being sent off. while assisting his club Simonstown Gaels the day after Meath's semi-final success over Westmeath.
