Colm O'Rourke was highly critical of the Gaelic Players Association in an article which appeared in the Sunday Independent.
O'Rourke said that the GPA "does not exist as a radical body acting on behalf of players anymore". The Meathman went onto name some problem areas within GAA where he feels the players' association is not doing enough including player burnout and acting on behalf of club players . He also feels that the GPA should've been more vocal about the All-Ireland semi-final replay between Kerry and Mayo being played outside of Croke Park.
Numerous GAA players used Twitter to defend the GPA.
Colm O Rourke's criticism of the @gaelicplayers in today's Indo is another example of mediocre journalism. Lack of knowledge and uninformed!
— Richie Power (@power_richie) October 19, 2014
1/2 Not sure if I'm more angry or disappointed reading O'Rourke today regarding @gaelicplayers I shouldn't be surprised by his lazy analysis
— Jason Sherlock (@boomjayo) October 19, 2014
2/2 I am among many that will be eternally grateful the @gaelicplayers are individuals of substance & haven't lost their youthful zeal #gaa
— Jason Sherlock (@boomjayo) October 19, 2014
I've always respected O'Rourke,it would be great to see him invest his energy positively to assist the challenges of present & past players
— Jason Sherlock (@boomjayo) October 19, 2014
Sad2c badly researched&lazy voice of regression from C.O'Rourke 2d.FTR this is some of what #GPA do&need funding for. pic.twitter.com/REFmiQQKy7
— Dónal Óg Cusack (@DonalOgC) October 19, 2014
Very lazy piece by Colm o Rourke @gaelicplayers could not of been more helpful and supportive to me before and after my heart surgery ????????????????
— Ken McGrath (@kenmcgrath78) October 19, 2014
You'd think Colm O'Rourke would give the negativity a break for the winter! @gaelicplayers has done so much for so many #PlayersFirst
— Pa Ranahan (@PaRanahan) October 19, 2014
Not sure where Colm O Rourke is coming from. As players, Tyrone hurlers are very happy with @gaelicplayers and their services
— Damian Casey (@D_Casey_11) October 19, 2014
Shocked by colm o Rourke #gpa
— Aidan McCarron (@aidanwyliemcc) October 19, 2014
Colm O'Rourke's outburst about @gaelicplayers couldn't be any further from the truth, their work for players past and present is unreal!
— Kevin McKernan (@KevinMcKernan1) October 19, 2014
Colm O'Rourke showing his complete ignorance and lack of knowledge today regarding @gaelicplayers #Prawnsandwichbrigade #respect
— gerardmcnally (@McnallyMg) October 19, 2014
Don't agree with everything Colm O'Rourke said in column today, but a lot right in it as well. Did GPA tell members to slate him on Twitter?
— Philip Jordan (@PhilipJordan7) October 19, 2014
The GPA also used Twitter to hit back at O'Rourke.
In response to Colm O'Rourke's incredibly ill-informed column in today's @IndoSport #Players pic.twitter.com/efqgsx1mq2
— GPA (@gaelicplayers) October 19, 2014
Another response to Colm O'Rourke's incredibly ill-informed column in today's @IndoSport #Players pic.twitter.com/tfQ4D7D7RA
— GPA (@gaelicplayers) October 19, 2014
Picture credit: Barry Cregg / SPORTSFILE
