Kilkenny hurler Cillian Buckley has described criticism of the Gaelic Players Association is "harsh"

Speaking to Off The Ball's Nathan Murphy at the launch of the GPA Annual Report, the 22-year-old All Star says any negative comments are unwarranted.

"From a player's point of view, I've nothing but good to say about the organisation. It's a bit harsh to be honest, the criticism players and the organisation are getting. I don't agree with it in any way," he said.

"There's been talk of players being slaves but we're in the game because we enjoy it as a break from everyday life. It's unfair to be seen and treated as that way but I think the GPA are absolutely brilliant." 

Buckley, who says he is in the final stages of his degree at UCD and hopes to enter the workforce next September, added that the GPA and funding from associated companies have been a great help to him off the pitch.

The All-Ireland-winner also talked about the Kilkenny's team post-season trip to Miami and the Cats' hopes for 2015: