Diarmuid Marsden gave distinguished service to Queen's

Queen's University are launching a fundraising campaign to support a new Gaelic games academy.

The initial aim is to raise �50,000 which will go towards a number of bursaries for particularly talented students.

The scheme will also include the appointment of a full-time development manager whose brief will include securing corporate partnerships and organising outreach activities in schools.

Named the Sean O'Neill GAA Academy, in recognition of Queen's most famous GAA son, fundraising for the project has already commenced.

The Down legend will be guest of honour at Tuesday's launch at the Belfast university.

In addition to training with top-class coaches, gaelic sportsmen and women will have the benefit of a range of specialist advice and support provided through the university's sport and recreation staff.

This will include sports psychology, physiology, nutrition plus physiotherapy and rehabilitation treatment.

The names of the first bursary winners will be announced at the start of the next academic year.

Kieran McGeeney will be a patron of the scheme

Tuesday's dinner will also recognise the 13 QUB graduates who helped Armagh win the All-Ireland Football title last year.

Armagh captain Kieran McGeeney has agreed to become a patron of the fund along with Antrim great Paddy O'Gara and former GAA president Peter Quinn.

Queen's Pro-Vice-Chancellor for students and learning, Professor Ken Bell pointed out that the university successfully launched a rugby academy last year.

Meanwhile, Sligo have offered Kildare a replay of the NFL game that resulted in victory for the Lilywhites but the points being awarded to the Yeats County.

Sligo complained to the GAA's Games Administration Committee that Kildare had failed to include their substitutes on the official team sheet.

Their protest was upheld but since then the Connacht county's stance has been strongly criticised.

Kildare have said that they will appeal the decision and Sligo have now said that they would be happy to replay the game.