Non-GPA member Kelly takes monthly award
June 28, 2006
Eoin Kelly
Tipperary sharpshooter Eoin Kelly has denied any conflict of interests between his opel GPA Player of the Month award and his personal endorsement deal with Lucozade Sport.
Kelly and Offaly footballer Karol Slattery received their Opel-sponsored GPA awards in Dublin on Tuesday, June 27 for their impressive performances in May. A conflict appeared to exist with Club Energise - who are an official partner of the GPA's - after his endorsement of a rival sports drink. A similar situation arose earlier this year when Kerry footballer Colm Cooper agreed to endorse Lucozade Sport.
Cooper severed his links with the GPA, but Kelly doesn't see it as an issue and revealed that he is considering becoming a member of the players' body.
"One of their representatives came with forms last week," he said.
"Obviously we weren't going to get too much in-depth into it with the Munster final coming up.
"We had bigger things on our mind than the GPA, and being a member or not wasn't at the top of our list week. Who knows what will happen?"
The Mullinahone man insisted that he had no issue with accepting the award, despite his commitments to Lucozade Sport.
"I think it was voted for by the players. They voted in by text message. The way it is with the GPA, you can join whenever you want.
"The GPA are in talks with Croke Park. That is what they are looking for. That is their way forward."
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