The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and GAA president Nickey Brennan met yesterday for the first time in a search for common ground. It seems they failed to find it; a joint statement last night confirmed further meetings are required before anything solid can be announced.
The GPA push for formal recognition on a number of issues, including players' grants, appears to have stalled, as no deadline was put on any announcement.
"The meeting was of an exploratory nature to discuss a possible engagement process to consider issues of concern and interest to both parties. A series of further meetings are scheduled," said the statement.
"The parties have agreed that no further statements will be made while this process is in progress."
Galway football manager Peter Ford confirmed at yesterday's Bank of Ireland football championship launch that dual player Alan Kerins will not join the football panel this season.
"There was talk a few months back but I don't think it is practical," said Ford. "Alan has his physiotherapy and does a lot of charity work and has to prepare for the hurlers so I don't think it would be possible to fit in football."
Kerins won an All-Ireland club football title with Salthill-Knocknacarra last March but has switched his full focus back to hurling.
Cavan manager Martin McElkennon is to select Jason Reilly and Larry Reilly in the team to play Down at Casement Park on Sunday despite both carrying injuries picked up in recent club matches. Mark McKeever, Paul Brady and Gerald Pierson are also expected to return for the Ulster championship opener.
McKeever was dropped off the panel before Christmas for disciplinary reasons, while Pierson has recovered from a cruciate injury. Brady is a professional handballer and until recently was competing in America.
Anthony Forde is still serving a 12-week suspension for an incident against Sligo during the league, while the former Australian Rules player Nicholas Walsh has a broken ankle.
Boylesports are offering odds of 4 to 1 that the All-Ireland football champions will come from Leinster. Ulster, at 5 to 4, is the fancied destination for Sam Maguire. Munster is 7 to 4 and Connacht 13 to 2.
