Remarks in this space a couple of weeks ago excited quite an unusual reaction - thankfully mostly positive. The column had put forward a strong argument for the GAA's position as a leading influence in Irish life. There will be no backing away from that position here but it is also fair to say that the GAA has many serious flaws in its make-up.

Some of these have been addressed in more recent times. A very dear and respected friend of this column, Paddy McFlynn from Down via Derry, has expressed the view on a number of occasions, that the column has drifted towards the conservatism of the GAA. It has been pointed out to him that the contrary is the case and the the GAA has altered its approach to its own business and not the other way around. Several years ago the GAA decided it would appoint a public relations officer in a bid to promote its image and that each county board would do the same. The GAA at Croke Park made an excellent decision in the appointment of Pat Quigley, then a journalist with the Irish Press, and he has been followed by the "Devil of Dingle", Danny Lynch. They have done a fine job but resistance at grass roots level is always there.

Last week a "press night" was called in Cork for their football team to which journalists were invited believing that interviews would be granted. It was thought to be an effort to give journalists an opportunity of meeting as many players as possible in a friendly atmosphere.

Few players attended, however, and those who did were instructed not to speak to reporters there, some of whom had travelled from Dublin with a view to getting interviews. Now, it has to be accepted that relations between sports reporters and players must always be at arms length.

At the same time there has to be an understanding that the two sides "feed" off each other. By and large, relations between the "media" and the GAA and all other sporting organisations are mellow. That is how it should be. There will always be instances of strife between the two and that is not a bad thing either. One of the most depressing chores that any sports journalist can be asked to perform is to go into a losing dressing-room after an important match. This has been this writer's unhappy lot on many occasions.

Sometimes there have been instances of complete antagonism. On other occasions there have been philosophical insights. Several years ago I was in the Offaly dressing-room after a controversial defeat by Kilkenny in a Leinster hurling final.

Damian Martin, the Offaly goalkeeper, sat disconsolately with his hurley still in his hands. It was difficult to try to frame a sensible question but journalism will always throw up one who cannot avoid the banal. On this occasion a reporter, who shall not be named, approached Damian. This particular wielder of the typewriter - that shows how long ago it is - asked: "What are you going to do now, Damian?" Martin looked up and, having been beaten by a freak goal which should not have been allowed, he smiled, a wan smile and replied "I'm going to keep the crows out of the barley," leaving his questioner completely baffled as he drifted off to ask innane questions of other players.

There was also another occasion when a losing player brushed past with tears streaming down his face as he headed for the toilet where he locked the door through which heart-breaking sobs could be heard. He had been sent off, his team had lost, he was blaming himself for the loss. It was no place for cynical journalists looking for sensational "stories".

So, there are two sides to every story. Never the twain shall meet it could be said. But there must be rapport and co-operation between the two distinct identities. Journalism in general, and sports journalism in particular, has changed dramatically down the years. Provincial newspapers now "go to bed" on Wednesday night and their sports reporters find it impossible to do reasonable previews of weekend matches because team managers and selectors refuse to announce team selections until later in the week.

Relations between the GAA, and indeed other sporting bodies, will always remain difficult and that may be a bad thing but both sides have responsibilities to each other and these can best be achieved by the two sides having respect for each other. Events in Cork in recent times need to be avoided. Alsatian dogs and downright bad manners will solve noone's problems, least of all those dedicated Cork hurling and football supporters.