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The GPA asserts that it is dedicated to player welfare and the rights of players. Indeed according to the GPA website, you can join if you are a current inter-county player, a former inter-county player, or you can become an associate member presumably if you aspire to be an intercounty player or just want to be associated with the GPA.

That’s all great… unless you are part of the current Cork senior hurling squad that is.Yes Dessie Farrell, GPA chief executive, has told members of the 2009 Cork hurling squad that they are not welcome to join the players’ body.

Farrell stressed that members of the makeshift panel would not be allowed to join until such time as the ongoing dispute on Leeside was resolved. Dessie has revealed that no member of this year’s panel had applied for GPA membership and he was firm when asked if application forms would be accepted while the standoff with the 2008 players continues.

“No, I don’t think we could look into that until the situation was resolved down there. Obviously, there is a little bit to be played out but hopefully that will become apparent in the coming weeks and the situation will be rectified.”

So what happens if the 2009 Panel don’t get the gear they are entitled to, or if one of them fails a drug test etc etc. Looks like, smells like, and probably is tough shit.

As their Mission Statement says, “The GPA is committed to protecting and promoting all aspects of player welfare and to the provision of a collective voice for inter-county players.”