To criticise the GPA for working too closely with the GAA is "ridiculous" according to GAA director general Páraic Duffy, because initiatives such as the Jim Madden Leadership programme are in both association's best interests.

Talking at the GPA’s launch of the new programme yesterday Duffy responded to “criticism a few weeks ago” aimed towards the players’ association, mainly via former Meath footballer Colm O’Rourke, because he asserts “anything that supports players is also important for us to be involved in”.

The programme, sponsored by American-based businessman Michael Madden in memory of his late father and lifelong Tipperary GAA servant ,Jim, will begin with 100 county players from hurling, camogie, and Gaelic football embarking upon a three-year course which will provide the "necessary skills, motivation and experience" to become leaders in business, politics and their local community and society in general.

Set to expand in the coming years and with almost €750,000 said to have been made available by the American sponsor, former Tipperary hurling manager Liam Sheedy has welcomed the idea as he feels "we are starting to lose our community ethos and this is exactly what we need in the country, and in clubs".

Madden himself added that "this is not just a tribute to my father but for the thousands and thousands of Jim Maddens who are out there.

“We take it for granted that these community leaders just pop up and do this job but we can’t take it for granted anymore.”