GAA president Seán Kelly confirmed yesterday that Seán Ó hAilpín, Damien Fitzhenry and Paul Codd will not face any disciplinary measures for having a bookmaker's logo on their hurleys during last Sunday's All-Ireland semi-final.
The potential breach of rule 14 of the official guide will not be discussed at tonight's Games Administration Committee meeting.
Paddy Power bookmakers and Drury Communications had initially agreed a sponsorship deal with eight players from the four counties involved in the hurling semi-finals. However, an angry reaction from both the GAA and Gaelic Players Association (GPA) prompted the firm to release the players from the agreement on Tuesday. They will still receive full payment, rumoured to be €750. Kelly also clarified Croke Park's stance in regard to players and personal endorsements.
"Contrary to the impression given in some quarters, personal endorsements are allowed in respect of players. It is, however, contingent on any such endorsement not being in conflict with county or national competition sponsorship. Personal endorsements specifically exclude playing gear. This is a feature of all major field game sports.
"The reasons for this are quite simple. It is impossible for any sporting organisation to effect team or competition sponsorship if competing 'ambush' marketing is allowed as a principle."
