GAELIC GAMES: The Gaelic Players' Association (GPA) has called on GAA officials to follow the example of former Donegal chairman Danny Harkin and speak openly about improving the welfare of intercounty players - even though such frankness appears to have cost Harkin his place on the county board.

In a statement issued yesterday, the GPA expressed their disappointment at Harkin's unsuccessful efforts to retain the chairmanship of the Donegal County Board.

While acknowledging the democratic nature of the election, the GPA hold the belief that Harkin's failure to retain the chair was a direct result of his "considered and heartfelt plea on behalf of intercounty players".

GPA chief executive Dessie Farrell also explained his belief that many other administrators and officials privately harbour similar attitudes but are reticent to acknowledge them in public, in fear of suffering a fate identical to Harkin.

"We are fearful that because Danny Harkin seems to have been shafted to some degree, it might warn off other officials in the same mind from doing the same," said Farrell. "And that they might suffer the same fate as Danny and be ousted after one year.

"And, realistically, I think there are officials who have that fear. County boards have come a long way in a short space of time in terms of improving player welfare, but there are still same hard roads ahead.

"I just think there are plenty more officials amenable to what the players are trying to achieve, but keep those views private."

Harkin lost out to Brian McEniff (85 votes to 50) for the position of Donegal chairman at a heated county convention last weekend.

Last October the county executive announced a vote of no confidence in Harkin because of his stance on financial compensation for players, which included a call for a weekly allowance of €300.

Harkin had, however, received the full backing of the Donegal football panel. Before departing his position he insisted that he had always had the best interests of the association at heart.

The GPA has also praised "his enlightened contribution to this ongoing debate" and commended his "fortitude and vision" while encouraging other officials to follow his example.

"Undoubtedly the Donegal county board executive will refute this allegation and claim that there were other issues at hand," added Farrell.

"But the fact remains that following his remarks concerning player welfare, his colleagues on the board quickly isolated him and released a statement to disassociate the board from these comments."

In a related matter, it has been confirmed that negotiations between the striking Cork hurling and football panels and the county executive will resume tomorrow night.

It is reported that the players are opposed to the proposition from newly-elected chairman Jim Forbes that the negotiating teams be comprised of just four members each, though it is likely that there will be an even spread between footballers and hurlers.

Farrell has also outlined his role in the process in that he remains in daily contact with representatives from the Cork football and hurling panels.

Though he won't play any direct role in the negotiations, it is clear the GPA will be having a major influence on any future agreement.

"We'd be exchanging a lot of views," explained Farrell. "Obviously there are a lot of local and cultural issues with the problems in Cork, but there is also a lot in common with the GPA and player issues across the country."

It has also been announced that the next meeting between the GPA and Croke Park officials, including president Seán McCague, will take place early next week. Already the two sides have held a series of meetings in an effort to improve the welfare of intercounty players.

Meanwhile, the details on the upcoming All Stars football tour to San Diego are being finalised. The tour will take place between January 15th-22nd, and will include an exhibition game between the 2002 All Star football selection, and the 2001 selection.

The tour alternates each year between football and hurling (last year the hurling teams travelled to Argentina).

Normally several more players are called up to fill the overlap from footballers gaining All Star selection in both years, though the 2002 team included none of the 15 from the previous year. Some changes are still expected due to player unavailability, and overlap with team holidays at the same time of the year.

2002 and 2001 All Star teams

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