The GAA has denied that any decision has been taken in relation to post-match speeches. It was reported in yesterday's Star that victory speeches after championship finals were to go.

Yesterday's statement from Croke Park denied this but admitted: "Because of different attitudes on the current appropriateness of such speeches, the subject will however be considered at a future Central Council."

Furthermore, the statement pointed out that it wasn't just the captain's contribution that was under review but post-match speeches generally.

The idea of dispensing with speeches comes two years after the controversial decision to make the All-Ireland and Leinster presentations on the field at Croke Park - even before the dais in the Hogan Stand was demolished.

According to a Croke Park source, there is no specific unhappiness with players' speeches. "This applies to everything. At times even officials make unnecessarily lengthy speeches but sometimes players too are at fault. It will be considered whether that's any longer appropriate."

The matter arose at a recent Central Council meeting and was referred to a future date.

The Connacht Council has concluded a five-year extension to its sponsorship agreement with FBD Insurance in respect of the Connacht League.

The 2001 league gets under way this weekend.