Australian Football League club Collingwood have shelved plans to launch a recruitment drive in Ireland pending discussions between the GAA and the AFL on the recruitment of Gaelic footballers.

This export of talent, albeit limited, is expected to be curtailed at a meeting between the organisations in Dubai in May by banning the signing of players under 21 or not allowing Irish players be signed for the international rookie list, which allows the clubs a relatively modest outlay while they make up their minds about whether to offer senior terms.

"We've certainly retained someone in Ireland," said Collingwood football manager Neil Balme. "We have someone representing us there, looking at players and keeping us up to date with what's going on but we won't want to embarrass the code or the AFL so we will be talking with them before we do anything. They're clearly talking to the GAA about the issue, so we'll talk to them (AFL)."

A GAA office at the University of Ulster at Jordanstown was yesterday opened by association president Seán Kelly. It will be the base for the yet-to-be-appointed development officer and the college's football, hurling and camogie clubs.

Also launched were a new expanded website and a dedicated television channel.

Corner forward Tomás Costelloe, who made his debut for Galway footballers in the 1-11 to 0-7 defeat to Derry on Sunday, could miss next weekend's clash against Laois with a suspected broken nose. Costelloe went off with a blood injury but returned to the action later.

In hurling, Galway and Clare are expected to field full-strength sides for their lunchtime clash at Pearse Stadium on Saturday. Limerick hurlers will play Cork in a challenge to mark the reopening of Bruff sportsfield next Sunday.