News round-up: GAA president Seán Kelly has responded positively to overtures made by Gaelic Players Association (GPA) chief executive Dessie Farrell at last weekend's a.g.m. of the players' union in Tullamore.
Speaking on the subject of representation, Farrell reiterated his organisation's opposition to participating in elections to an official Croke Park players committee but suggested they might be willing to elect a member of Central Council to represent the GPA.
"Certainly that is something that can be looked at," said Kelly. "It's better to have players - whether GPA or not - represented on committees and this could be a welcome development. If proposals are put to us, we'll look at them and respond accordingly. I would be in favour of affording players the opportunity to advance their concerns officially."
Meanwhile, the GAA has confirmed that Sunday's National Football League finals in Croke Park between Down and Offaly and Galway and Kerry will start at 2.00 and 3.40 respectively. The referees will be Michael Daly (Mayo) and Pat McEneaney (Monaghan).
Admission to the games will be by ticket only. Ticket prices are 25 for adults. Family tickets are available at €25 per adult and 2 per child.
Tickets for students and senior citizens are available at €5.00 for the Canal End stand.
Tickets are available from county boards, Ticketmaster outlets and the GAA website www.gaa.ie. Tickets will be on sale from the ticket office under the Cusack Stand from tomorrow from 10 p.m. until 7 p.m.
The National Hurling League Division One final will take place on Sunday week at the Gaelic Grounds, Limerick. Galway and Waterford will meet at 4 p.m.
Leinster Council have moved this weekend's under-21 football final replay between Dublin and Kildare to this Saturday.
The game had originally been planned for Navan but will now take place in Portlaoise with a 2 p.m. throw-in.
Sunday marks the centenary of the death of GAA founder member JK Bracken from Templemore. Local club JK Brackens will unveil a plaque at the Carroll and Grant Pavilion, Páirc Shíleaín, Templemore.
The day will commence with prayers and a wreath laying ceremony at his grave at Tankerstown, Kilmallock, Co Limerick, at 3.30 followed by Mass, celebrated by GAA patron Archbishop Dermot Clifford, in the club pavilion at 6.00.
The unveiling will be performed by former GAA president Séamus Ó Ríaín.
