GAA DIRECTOR general Páraic Duffy has paid tribute to Cork county secretary Frank Murphy, who has announced his decision to step down from the full-time role within the next 12 months.

Murphy, who turns 65 this year, has been Cork secretary since 1972, but in recent years found himself embroiled in a series of disputes within the county, most recently the hurling strike.

"I'd like to acknowledge his huge contribution to the GAA nationally," said Duffy. "He was involved in the rules advisory group and he had a major part to play in the rewriting in the current rule book.

"I'm sure he will continue to play a part at local and national level for a time - he has just started a three-year term as the rules advisory group chairman, and is a member of our stadium committee. On an ongoing basis, he still has a huge part to play.

"But he will be very difficult to replace. I think he really enjoyed working on the rules. Everybody is replaceable and we will have to replace him, but he makes a huge contribution. He has done in the past and will continue to do so. He has probably made a bigger contribution than anybody else in terms of the drafting of the rules.

"In my last year as chairman of the GAC he was a very active member of that committee. I know at times he has been involved, I suppose, in controversial issues, but I find him a good person to work with."

Meanwhile, the appointment of Clare's Enda McGuane as Munster Deputy Chief Executive Officer/ Assistant Secretary was ratified by the Munster Council last night.