Last week, the GPA told us that the All-Ireland final combatants hadn't been told that their on-pitch comments were to be broadcast on RTE in the coming months.
This, they said, was 'unacceptable'.
The GPA's communications officer Sean Potts put it thus:
Permission should have been sought from the squads for that. There should have been sign off from the squad for such an important occasion.
He alluded to the biggest controversy to arise from the programme. That Kieran Donaghy told David Coldrick that Philly McMahon had gouged him as they contested for the ball on the floor late in the game. He remained circumspect in all post-match interviews.
Colm Cooper is surprised the players weren't told about it. Touring schools as part of his role as AIB youth ambassador, he noted that Coldrick remained composed at all time while the players were far from composed.
He gave his thoughts to the Irish Examiner.
It was just surprising from the point of view that no-one knew about it. Should the players be told before the game? I think they should. It was there, not to catch out players I don’t think, but it was there to show the public what really happens. But I think it would have been nice if they had let both squads know at least.
Obviously David Coldrick knew about it. He was very cool, calm and collected — but the players weren’t as cool.
[Irish Examiner]
