Gaelic Games:The appointment of GAA director general-designate Páraic Duffy signals a change in emphasis within the organisation.

At yesterday's media conference to introduce Liam Mulvihill's successor, who takes up the position at the start of next February, both he and association president Nickey Brennan described an approach to the biggest administrative role in Irish sport that will mark a change of direction in the seven years ahead.

Duffy indicated he would be approaching the task from a collectivist perspective that would work in consultation with the heads of departments in Croke Park - none of which existed when Mulvihill was appointed back in 1979 - and the provincial directors (former secretaries) whereas Brennan suggested that the expectation would be of a pro-active role for the DG.

"I want to develop a culture of the team," said Duffy, "to develop policies and bring them to coiste bainistí and central council."

He later said he would be continuing as player welfare manager until taking up the new position next year.

Having stated that he had reservations about applying for the job, he went on to point out what he saw as some similarities between the his new role and his work as a principal in St Macartan's College in Monaghan.

"I was reluctant because there was a view out there that the association needed someone from a business background and I don't bring that set of skills, but other people in the organisation do possess them.

"I worked with a board of management in Macartan's. It was my job to initiate policy for the betterment of the school, which I then brought to the board and argued for their acceptance. It was then my job to implement whatever policy was decided on.

"As a team we will have the responsibility to say on certain issues, 'this is what we think should happen'."

When questions arose as to whether the director general's role had changed in the light of recommendations from the 2002 Strategic Review Committee report, Mulvihill explained that the proposal to change the designation of the job to "chief executive" had not been accepted by the committee charged with processing some of the report's recommendations.

But Brennan said that what would be expected of the DG would be different. "The frame of reference is much sharper," he said of the job specification and added that Duffy and the Croke Park administration would be encouraged to innovate. "We don't want them to be just rubber-stamping. There's a lot more expected in that regard."

Mulvihill, who first persuaded Duffy to set aside his reservations and who by a stroke of co-incidence was seconded for his appointment 28 years ago by Duffy's father Mickey, then Monaghan Central Council delegate, gave the following endorsement of his successor: "He has all the personal characteristics, experience at all levels of the association, including from the inside over the past 12 months. I think the association is in for a very exciting time."

When asked about his priorities on taking office, Duffy - who said he will live in Dublin during the week - said he hoped to act quickly on establishing a blueprint. "I'm keen as quickly as possible to develop a national strategic plan. This is something that some units, the Croke Park stadium and certain counties, already have.I aim to present that strategic plan to congress in Sligo next April. I prefer short-term goals; I don't believe in 10- or 15-year plans.

"I hope as an association that we can develop a clear set of objectives for the next five years."

Among the issues he believes will be of significance during his tenure, he listed the development of hurling, urbanisation of towns, the vast catchment of some Dublin clubs, the possible need for new clubs and new facilities and the way in which the local authorities can help and the integration of immigrants into the GAA's club structure.

One of the big issues at present is that of relations between the GAA and its players. The GPA, GAA and Government are engaged in talks to try and resolve the long standing matter of player grants.

Duffy, along with Con Hogan, is representing the GAA and in his role as player welfare manager he has had frequent dealings with player matters.

"If we can get this issue out of the way," he said of the ongoing talks, "it gives us the opportunity to re-define the relationship between the players and the GAA. We have to play our part and the GPA as well need to approach us differently. The language used between the organisations has at various times been very confrontational and in recent years the grants issue has got in the way of everything else, so once it's resolved I'm confident that we can make great progress on player welfare."

He also added that relations between Croke Park and the clubs would be a major priority and referred to next January's special congress, which will address club fixtures, and the national club forum to be held the following month.

He outlined the four major challenges facing the association: "Volunteers, games, pitches and premises, which give us a presence in the community. The provision of games is the biggest challenge and the biggest complaint facing us. If people aren't playing they won't stay in the GAA."