THE day has come when GAA players must be rewarded for their efforts, according to Kilkenny county board chairman John Healy. At the Kilkenny convention yesterday Healy called on the GAA to provide a holiday for the hurling and football All Ireland finalists.

Healy said: "I would be in favour of players receiving financial gain. I believe players should be able to exploit the fame they have earned in off the field activities. Legalised payments for public appearances and public endorsements would allow players obtain some return for their efforts."

Healy said that as there were sponsorship deals in place at local and national level, the scope was there to reward players. He pledged that if Kilkenny won the National League or championship this year the players would be rewarded by the board.

Meanwhile, the Waterford chairman, Paddy Joe Ryan, would like to see the amateur status of the GAA preserved.