It was hoped, by all parties, the issue of player grants would be sorted before the GAA roadshow departs for New York this morning. The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) chief executive Dessie Farrell confirmed last night no agreement had been reached but an announcement is expected later today.
The three negotiating groups - the GPA, the GAA and the Government - have met on several occasions this week without putting the issue to bed before today's unofficial deadline. The All Star trip returns next Wednesday morning.
"We are just trying to finalise certain stuff," said Farrell. "That's what we are working towards but it depends how quickly we can get it all finalised and finished."
While the threat of a player strike remains, Farrell's comments indicate a compromise agreement is forthcoming.
It became apparent in recent weeks the initial €5 million put aside by former Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism John O'Donoghue may no longer be available. His successor, Séamus Brennan, confirmed recently the money was not included in the 2008 Book of Estimates.
However, he said: "I can always move other projects around if I had to do that. I'm not saying I couldn't do it, but there's no specific line in the Budget for it just now. It doesn't mean we can't do something."
Meanwhile, the Leinster Council have made recommendations for player suspensions arising from last Sunday's provincial club quarter-final between Moorefield and Dromard. The names will be released after the players are informed this morning.
The Council were forced to examine video evidence as referee David Coldrick didn't mention any names in his report despite a mass brawl breaking out near the end of the second replay, which Kildare champions Moorefield won 0-13 to 0-7. They face Westmeath champions Tyrrellspass on Sunday with the winners playing Dublin side St Vincent's seven days later.
Moorefield have a worrying list of injury problems for Sunday's game. Kenny Duane is a long-term injury and he has been joined by corner forward David Whyte who picked up a shoulder injury against Dromard last weekend.
Moorefield, who defeated Tyrrellspass by a point in the corresponding semi-final last season, played without James Eustace, Ian Lonergan and Liam Callaghan against Dromard.
AFL club the Carlton Blues have confirmed the signing of Cork footballer Michael Shields after a three-week trial in Melbourne. The club confirmed yesterday Shields signed a two-year rookie contract and joins fellow Corkmen Setanta and Aisake Ó hAilpín.
Setanta (24), is a regular in the Carlton first team after signing as a rookie in 2003, while Aisake (22), was recently promoted to the senior squad. "We have been very impressed with Michael during his trial period," said Carlton's football operations manager Steven Icke. "Michael has been an enthusiastic contributor on the track and his willingness to learn augurs well for him."
This brings the number of Irishmen in the AFL up to nine and Laois minor Zach Tuohy is expected to make it double figures next year when he also moves to Carlton.
Armagh's Kevin Dyas recently joined Down's Martin Clarke at Collingwood; Carlow's Brendan Murphy went to Tadhg Kennelly's Sydney Swans; Mayo minor Pierce Hanley took up a contract with the Brisbane Lions, where Laois man Colm Begley has already made a breakthrough.
