GPA 'not commenting' on Clare row

Davy O’Halloran and Nicky O’Connell had been disciplined for socialising and both left the panel with O’Halloran insisting he felt 'humiliated' by their treatment.

Donnchadh Boyle

The GPA will take no action surrounding the row in Clare that has seen Nicky O'Connell and Davy O'Halloran exiled from the hurling panel amid a flurry of accusations.

However, they have offered their services to the players involved in the dispute.

In a statement released late on Tuesday night, the players' body said it "looked into the situation" in the Banner County but would make "no further comment".

O'Halloran and O'Connell had been disciplined for socialising and both left the panel with O'Halloran insisting he felt "humiliated" by their treatment.

O'Halloran went on to claim double standards had been applied after a senior player avoided punishment for a similar offence.

However, the GPA will be taking no further steps following the row.

"Having looked into the situation in Clare and having consulted with parties involved, the Gaelic Players Association's dealings in this matter are and will remain of a confidential nature," read the statement.

"We have outlined to the players involved that GPA support is available to them through our programmes and services.

"In respect to all parties, the GPA will be making no further comment."

The Clare panel and management also released a statement saying all matters within the squad had been "dealt with fairly".

Davy Fitzgerald's side face a crucial relegation play-off on Sunday when they visit Nowlan Park to take on Kilkenny.

The sides met in the league last weekend with the Cats coming out on top and the losers of this weekend's tie will be condemned to Division 1B hurling for the 2016 campaign.