GAELIC GAMES: In what has already been a busy few weeks for GAA publications the latest, Men in Black, was launched at Croke Park yesterday. The work of Jim O'Sullivan, GAA correspondent with the Irish Examiner for 30 years, it profiles 18 top referees from the past 50 years and looks at the role of officials in the development of Gaelic games.

Among the referees interviewed is Jimmy Cooney, who discusses in detail the background to his error in terminating prematurely the 1998 All-Ireland hurling semi-final replay between Clare and Offaly and the nightmare that followed for himself and his family.

Others featured are Seamus Aldridge, Pat McEnaney, Willie Barrett, Tommy Sugrue and Dickie Murphy. Peter McDermott from Meath shares his memories as the only man to referee an All-Ireland final before and after winning an All-Ireland medal himself.

Retailing at €14.99, Men in Black is published by Sliabh Bán Publications.

Also in the bookshops is Galway GAA - In Old Photographs, by GAA writer and Galway All-Ireland winner Jack Mahon. It features archive photographs from the county's football and hurling history, complete with extended captions from the author.

Meanwhile it has been announced that Tony Dempsey will no longer represent Wexford on Central Council. Since his Dáil election in May, Dempsey has relinquished the reins of the county hurlers to John Conran and has now decided his political commitments mean he should also step aside from the administrative post he has held for the past 22 years.

There will be a challenge to Wexford chairman Seamus Howlin at next month's convention. Ramsgrange's Phil Kennedy has intimated to clubs he will be allowing his name go forward. With Kennedy entering the race it's also expected vice-chairman Seán Quirke will also offer a challenge.