News round-up: The women's football association are treating as "entirely in jest" the recent comments of GAA president Seán Kelly, who suggested introducing a "Queen of Fashion" at big days in Croke Park.

Helen O'Rourke, the chief executive of the women's association, yesterday played down the controversy that was developing over Kelly's comments, and instead praised the president's commitment to the women's game.

"I know he was saying it entirely in jest," said O'Rourke, "but I think the platform was inappropriate and wrong. And I know Seán has worked very hard on the integration process with us. He's been extremely positive about the whole process."

Kelly made his light-hearted comments in the programme for last Saturday's All-Ireland football quarter-final between Dublin and Tyrone in Croke Park - where the women's quarter-final between the same counties was the curtain-raiser.

Clearly speaking with tongue in cheek, he continued his comments saying: "More seriously though, I am thrilled that we have a ladies game as a major curtain-raiser today . . . first of many, I hope."

His full comment was: "At the drawn game, I took a good look at the women. They are now coming to matches in their droves, more power to them. They go to great trouble to dress up for the day in their county colours - all matching from head to toe. Some of the women build around the official jersey in a most imaginative and, may I say, attractive way. Others design their own concoctions. Wonderful sights for sore eyes.

"The thought struck me that we should have a 'Queen of Fashion' at big days in Croker. Select the best dressed of the ladies, march them around the field after the band and then present the winner with her prize - a day at the races, or a day in the bog, two tickets for the All-Ireland, etc . . .

"As chairman of the Integration Committee, I must progress this idea. What do you think ladies, am I right, or am I right?"

Yet according to O'Rourke, the women's football association won't be taking the matter any further.

"No, there's no row or any disagreement on this. The 100,000 players we have all aspire to playing in Croke Park. To be honest I don't normally read those match programmes, but women have to fight hard to achieve anything in sport. And the women are there because they are serious about their sports and the county. So maybe it was a little insulting.

"But I know the man, and I know they are not his feelings. But I feel that platform should have been used to promote the positive work that is being done in women's football, in terms of playing and administration."

Dom Corrigan has been reappointed manager of the Sligo senior, under-21 and junior footballers for a further 12 months.

Corrigan, who brought Sligo to the last 16 of this year's championship eventually losing to Cork, had the backing of the county board executive and his appointment was ratified at a board meeting on Tuesday night.

Two of Corrigan's selectors, Neil Egan and Tommy Breheny, are unable to continue because of business commitments.

Paul Durcan will remain on as a selector and a second selector will be appointed by the county board later.