News round-up: Representation remains top of the agenda when the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) hold their a.g.m. in Tullamore tomorrow. According to chief executive Dessie Farrell, the stalemate on this matter remains intractable.

"The issue hasn't gone away. We said that we wouldn't encourage our members to take part in any Croke Park-sponsored elections," he said, "and it seems as if the GAA won't wear the GPA being accepted as the voice of the players.

"If this was resolved it would be a huge step forward for the players. We'd be able to sit down with Croke Park and discuss business in an official capacity - just like any other sport. It would make the task of raising the bar on player welfare issues a lot easier."

Despite a rising profile, certain recognition from the GAA - president Seán Kelly included a conciliatory passage in his speech to last weekend's congress - and a couple of commercial deals that have put the association on a firm footing, the GPA still finds the nature of its causes hasn't changed radically in four years.

"It's still a constant battle," says Farrell. "Some counties still do what they can to obstruct. Then there's the haphazard and shoddy treatment of players in regard to paying mileage and physio fees. We have come across hurlers being offered lower mileage rates than the footballers."

Last weekend's congress decision to trim match parties to 24 has already this week triggered a sharp response from the GPA, which dismisses the underlying argument that the measure is to allow additional players line out for their clubs instead of sitting watching their counties play.

On an organisational note, Farrell is happy with the progress of the GPA. Last year's deal with C&C, which led to a promotional campaign for the Club Energise sports drink by top players and which included a royalty fee for the association, has worked out well for all concerned.