GAA could recognise players body

Dessie Farrell is chief executive of the players association

The GAA has begun negotiations which could eventually lead to them recognising the GPA as the main body representing players.

Officials of the Gaelic Players Association met GAA president Nicky Brennan and director general Liam Mulvihill on Monday night.

In a joint statement they said their discussions could potentially lead to formal recognition of the GPA.

The GPA are also pressing for funding for senior inter-county players.

Gaelic football and hurling are currently 100% amateur but Farrell believes the GPA are close to securing a deal which would involve extra money being made available by the Irish government.

However, in his first address as GAA president in May, Brennan ruled out a pay-for-play policy.