QuoteDonal Óg Cusack on hurling mission to the Americans
Gavin Cummiskey, Irish Times
Wed, Sep 11, 2013, 01:00
First rule of hurling is you do not talk about hurling. Donal Óg Cusack is determined to alter that notion by promoting the game away from these shores.
"I believe last Sunday was living, breathing poetry and why not show it off to the world?" the Gaelic Players Association chairman said yesterday.
"The GPA have a strategy for the US, with the support of the GAA, built around creating a stronger network of supporters and raising the profile of our games and our players and generating an income stream from the US."
Cusack went before the top brass of the association recently with two ideas to expand hurling's horizon.
One is the Freestyle Hurler campaign on YouTube. The other was announced yesterday in Croke Park with heavyweight support from Notre Dame University and Aer Lingus.
11-a-side
The Celtic Champions Classic will be an 11-aside hurling tournament on Notre Dame's South Bend campus in Indiana, at the Lacrosse stadium on October 19th, just hours before The Fighting Irish face their "arch rivals" USC. In American Football, not hurling.
A Cusack stance or idea tends to create instant debate. (Some are still trying to get their head around the proposed change in colour of the sliotar to luminous yellow. Optometrist Valerie Kelly convinced us of the merits.)
The New York board turned down the chance to host a major hurling match this year. Instead they wanted dollars to do up Gaelic Park in the Bronx.
"But that's a very good point; if you could bring big championship games, get them on the networks over there, and show it to people who have never seen the game before."
The Jesuits undertook similar missions in the 16th and 17th centuries, scrambling over the Iguazu Falls to bring Christianity to the Guaraní natives.
Many a fine priest of the GAA will carry the load, but in Cusack, the GPA (The association's Jesuit order) have their very own Rodrigo Mendoza.
Cusack is adamant the Celtic Champions Classic will not be exhibition hurling in the All Star touring mould.
"We were having country-wide trials but now we've split up into the Leinster conference and Munster conference. We'll be announcing the managers in the next while . . . it's all inter-county lads."
The actual rules then:
No points, only goals
"You can strike as many times as you want in sequence but you can't hand-pass more than once. No points, only goals. Goals are a different shape. There is a goal scoring zone. Inside of it, you get three points. If you score from outside of it, it's five points. Doubling on the ball gets you an extra point.
"There is a time limit on, once you gain possession so you need to offload a shot in 30 seconds."
It's also proposed the 11- a-side format can act as a "testing ground" for new rules.
"Might work, mightn't work. But at least you're going to have a cut off it," says Cusack.
"There will be a lot of people that day in Notre Dame that won't have seen the game of hurling. Those who saw the game last Sunday were going away saying 'Jesus, why haven't we seen this game before'. It's something special, something unique."
'This the game I have been telling you about,' two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks reportedly yelled across the Shannon airport bar to his two sons as the Galway and Limerick minors drew scimitars last month.
"There are 40 million Irish-Americans or people in America of Irish descent," Cusack continued.
"Even if you got, in one season, 10 per cent more of those people watching the games, wouldn't that be some target to aim for?"
'Missionary spirit'
"Hurling is a game that needs to be promoted," said GAA president Liam O'Neill. "The sort of missionary spirit that you hear every time Donal Óg opens his mouth is really impressive, isn't it?
"He came up with this concept, came to us with it and we said let's try it out. What's the worst that can happen?"
Cusack is joined on the organising committee by GAA games director Pat Daly, former Galway selector Mattie Kenny, former Cork and Limerick manager Donal O'Grady and Tom Barry of Kilmacud Crokes.
Sounds good, right? Well before we all start singing the praises of this, let's take a closer look.
With no uprights or points as well as the other rule changes, this is a fundamentally different game from GAA-regulation hurling. This creates a rival version of the game that seems to have been designed by a focus group. So now when first-time viewers google for hurling they're going to find two versions of the game and not know which is which, undermining our efforts to spread the word of the game.
Nobody in America, who has actual experience of promoting the game here, was consulted on this. The hurling clubs and the GAA in America has been completely sidelined by this. They were neither consulted nor informed about it. My board has been promoting the game on US college campuses since about 2007 and the first we got to hear about this was through the media yesterday. The first the North American Board Chairman got to hear about it was when I rang him yesterday.
If anybody in America had been consulted, we'd have been able to tell Mr Cusack et al that hurling is well able to be promoted in America in its present form with minimal modifications. We play 13-a-side on short fields and it's not a problem, particularly in the lower entry-level grades. We'd have been able to tell them that what they're planning is a really bad idea and can hurt us rather than help us.
Cusack has openly admitted that this is about raising money for the GPA, or "creating revenues" as he likes to call it in his corporate-speak. Any money raised by this is going to go into the pockets of the GPA and taken back to Ireland, not a penny of it is going to be seen by hurling clubs in America.
It's as if they sat down and had the gall to say "let's go across the water and promote hurling, and let's not bother our heads speaking to anybody in America who might have been doing just that for years, because what would they know compared to such big-shots as us?" Even more galling is that the GAA senior management has collaborated with them, helped them to develop this behind our backs, and kept us out of the loop all the way through to the press release.
I can tell you now that the backlash has started already. The hurling clubs in America are not happy about this, and rightly so. The excrement is forcefully striking the electrically-powered air circulation device.
Agree 100%. Local units should be the vehicle for any development abroad
Damned if you do...
This is just like what the GPA did in New York last year. Marched on in bragging about how they were going to raise millions of dollars, completely ignored the local New York GAA community, pocketed the money, and marched back home with their pockets full. Zero value added to the game or any international growth in it.
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on September 12, 2013, 11:21:49 PM
This is just like what the GPA did in New York last year. Marched on in bragging about how they were going to raise millions of dollars, completely ignored the local New York GAA community, pocketed the money, and marched back home with their pockets full. Zero value added to the game or any international growth in it.
When they helped out in the rebuild or something else? 'Cause that was a very good move for both Ireland as a country and the GAA's profile in the States.
Everyone wants their slice of the pie and I doubt the US clubs are any less prone to clangers than the GAA or GPA.
Jesus Eamonnca1 I can't believe you'd have thought for a minute that the GAA - Gpa people would have bothered to speak with you.
You don't count. You're just doing the donkey work - what is referred to as the famous grassroots who are the lifeblood of the association blah de blah de blah.
So get on with it and keep the head down and don't be so naive in future.
Quote from: Syferus on September 12, 2013, 11:36:07 PM
When they helped out in the rebuild or something else?
Something else. This: http://www.hoganstand.com/usa/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=177044 (http://www.hoganstand.com/usa/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=177044)
Quote from: orangeman on September 12, 2013, 11:38:28 PM
Jesus Eamonnca1 I can't believe you'd have thought for a minute that the GAA - Gpa people would have bothered to speak with you.
You don't count. You're just doing the donkey work - what is referred to as the famous grassroots who are the lifeblood of the association blah de blah de blah.
So get on with it and keep the head down and don't be so naive in future.
;D
Never realised what a bastardised version of hurling this thing was about Eamonnca..you're right to raise this issue..have seen videos (mainly from anycraic and the likes) and heard all about the promotion hurling has been getting for the last few years over there. Colleges in California, Texas etc taking up the game and novices saying how much they love it. Bit rich for Donal Óg to swan in with this shite now (although in general for a Cork man he isn't too bad). Shocking that the people doing so much work for Hurling/GAA in general, weren't consulted at all...some of the people in Croke park are very out of touch.
I don't have much of an opinion on the politics of the thing - in general i think Donal Og has as much a right as any to promote hurling in any part of the world, and that his star wattage can only be a good thing - but...and it is a big but....if you're going to promote hurling, promote hurling.
Read these rules and was baffled by the motivation of coming up with rules for what is essentially a new game, to promote another game. As said above, what happens if it actually works, and new American converts go looking for a game that doesn't exist? Idiotic and potentially damaging to any other promotion efforts.
And as for these adjustments - surely any change made should be to simplify the game for the onlooker, whereas these rules make things far more complicated.
Finally, point taking is an intrinsic and beautiful part of the game - for a man who was on the pitch when the Rock scored his epic from 100 yards out against Limerick in 2001 to forget this or take it for granted is a comment on the fuzzy logic behind this initiative.
You can be sure if fellas like Donal Og or Lar Corbett are involved its all about the €€€€€€
Quote from: easytiger95 on September 13, 2013, 01:17:09 PM
I don't have much of an opinion on the politics of the thing - in general i think Donal Og has as much a right as any to promote hurling in any part of the world, and that his star wattage can only be a good thing - but...and it is a big but....if you're going to promote hurling, promote hurling.
Read these rules and was baffled by the motivation of coming up with rules for what is essentially a new game, to promote another game. As said above, what happens if it actually works, and new American converts go looking for a game that doesn't exist? Idiotic and potentially damaging to any other promotion efforts.
And as for these adjustments - surely any change made should be to simplify the game for the onlooker, whereas these rules make things far more complicated.
Finally, point taking is an intrinsic and beautiful part of the game - for a man who was on the pitch when the Rock scored his epic from 100 yards out against Limerick in 2001 to forget this or take it for granted is a comment on the fuzzy logic behind this initiative.
Agree completely. Know nothing about the politics of the situtation, but the game they are going to promote sounds a lot more like field hockey than hurling. And field hockey is played in dozens of countries across the world, and remains a minority sport in most of them (for good reason presumably)
"He came up with this concept, came to us with it and we said let's try it out. What's the worst that can happen?"
Strong decisive leadership there ???
The lads will fanny about America playing some version of croquet, but won't invest properly in hurling development in Ireland outside of Dublin. Jesus wept.
Quote from: sheamy on September 13, 2013, 01:40:52 PM
"He came up with this concept, came to us with it and we said let's try it out. What's the worst that can happen?"
Strong decisive leadership there ???
The lads will fanny about America playing some version of croquet, but won't invest properly in hurling development in Ireland outside of Dublin. Jesus wept.
Spot on sheamy. Never mind "showing off" hurling to the "world", what about showing it off to half of Leinster, 4/5 of Connacht and 8/9 of Ulster??
We might as well promote gaelic football abroad by playing soccer so.
Soccer has 5 a side and fustal, American football has Arena football, rugby has rugby 7's so I don't see the issue with trying out a modified version of hurling in a new market. I don't see why it will impact on hurling development either. I do think it's a waste of time and money but the GAA are past masters at that and will continue to do it for many years to come.
The whole "develop hurling here first" is nonsense too. There are a few counties that might deliver results with investment but Birmingham, Chicago and a hundred other cities around the world could deliver more hurlers with a proper plan and investment than most of Ireland.
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on September 13, 2013, 12:11:35 AM
Quote from: Syferus on September 12, 2013, 11:36:07 PM
When they helped out in the rebuild or something else?
Something else. This: http://www.hoganstand.com/usa/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=177044 (http://www.hoganstand.com/usa/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=177044)
Nice work if you can get it.
Quote from: Zulu on September 13, 2013, 02:27:23 PM
Soccer has 5 a side and fustal, American football has Arena football, rugby has rugby 7's so I don't see the issue with trying out a modified version of hurling in a new market. I don't see why it will impact on hurling development either. I do think it's a waste of time and money but the GAA are past masters at that and will continue to do it for many years to come.
The whole "develop hurling here first" is nonsense too. There are a few counties that might deliver results with investment but Birmingham, Chicago and a hundred other cities around the world could deliver more hurlers with a proper plan and investment than most of Ireland.
I tend to agree with you to a point, but in this instance the game seems to appear significantly different to the game they want to promote. Donal Óg talks about it being living poetry, but what he is doing here is a different game entirely. Not so much about the 11 a side, that's fine, but why goals only? why this weird scoring system? All those other games you mention still maintain the same objective. 5 a side and futsal still have a goalie and scoring goals. Arena Football still has downs and Touchdowns. Rugby 7s still score tries. Essentially they are the same game with a smaller pitch and smaller teams. This seems to be a very different game. It's great they are on before Notre Dame and USC, but I think an 11 a side game of normal hurling would have been just as good, and would be more what they are trying to promote in the game of hurling.
I don't disagree AZ, but I don't get the outrage either. I accept this isn't hurling and the removal of points is perhaps to appeal to an American market more (I don't know) or maybe a feeling that with reduced numbers on a smaller pitch points would be too easy to score? Regardless, this is a waste of money and time but maybe it will have some success and I don't see why it isn't worth a try. I certainly don't think that people who are attracted to it would then be flummoxed when introduced to proper hurling.
Ah yeah, I'm not outraged, I just find the changes a bit puzzling and pointless.
Mind you, if I were involved in colleges GAA in the US, as EamonnCA is, I probably would be peeved a bit that we weren't consulted or involved in this. It strikes me as a great opportunity to at least showcase the teams (all collegiate) that are already playing the game Stanford, Cal, etc would all be names very familiar to Notre Dame and USC fans through collegiate sports already.
Why do we need to 'exploit' an American 'market'?
What is the purpose of this and what is the end goal?
Well, on the assumption that we'd like more people to understand, play and enjoy our games, I suppose it's a natural country to look at given the ties to Ireland and the relatively solid backbone that already exists there with clubs throughout the North American Board area.
Quote from: Zulu on September 13, 2013, 03:21:01 PM
I don't disagree AZ, but I don't get the outrage either.
GPA, Dónal Óg.
Enough said for the usual suspects on GAABoard. ;)
Quote from: AZOffaly on September 13, 2013, 03:24:01 PM
Ah yeah, I'm not outraged, I just find the changes a bit puzzling and pointless.
Mind you, if I were involved in colleges GAA in the US, as EamonnCA is, I probably would be peeved a bit that we weren't consulted or involved in this. It strikes me as a great opportunity to at least showcase the teams (all collegiate) that are already playing the game Stanford, Cal, etc would all be names very familiar to Notre Dame and USC fans through collegiate sports already.
Tbh I don't see why they should have been consulted, would the NFL consult the university football teams in Ireland if they were doing something in Ireland to develop Arena football here? Sure if you were to consult everyone involved in the different facets of the GAA in any country you'd be all year talking and end up the Frankenstein solutions we often get in the GAA.
IMO sustainable longterm development of the GAA internationally is only possible through focused development of primary school level children with a clear pathway for them to develop into playing adults (i.e. locally based clubs linked with primary and high schools, local competitions and an elite pathway for the better kids).
What Donal Og is doing is not going to work IMO but in the absence of any alternative, it's as worthwhile a waste of GAA resources as any.
Quote from: Zulu on September 13, 2013, 04:53:29 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on September 13, 2013, 03:24:01 PM
Ah yeah, I'm not outraged, I just find the changes a bit puzzling and pointless.
Mind you, if I were involved in colleges GAA in the US, as EamonnCA is, I probably would be peeved a bit that we weren't consulted or involved in this. It strikes me as a great opportunity to at least showcase the teams (all collegiate) that are already playing the game Stanford, Cal, etc would all be names very familiar to Notre Dame and USC fans through collegiate sports already.
Tbh I don't see why they should have been consulted, would the NFL consult the university football teams in Ireland if they were doing something in Ireland to develop Arena football here? Sure if you were to consult everyone involved in the different facets of the GAA in any country you'd be all year talking and end up the Frankenstein solutions we often get in the GAA.
IMO sustainable longterm development of the GAA internationally is only possible through focused development of primary school level children with a clear pathway for them to develop into playing adults (i.e. locally based clubs linked with primary and high schools, local competitions and an elite pathway for the better kids).
What Donal Og is doing is not going to work IMO but in the absence of any alternative, it's as worthwhile a waste of GAA resources as any.
:)
How closely would the GAA and GPA have discussed this new initiative ?.
Quote from: Zulu on September 13, 2013, 04:53:29 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on September 13, 2013, 03:24:01 PM
Ah yeah, I'm not outraged, I just find the changes a bit puzzling and pointless.
Mind you, if I were involved in colleges GAA in the US, as EamonnCA is, I probably would be peeved a bit that we weren't consulted or involved in this. It strikes me as a great opportunity to at least showcase the teams (all collegiate) that are already playing the game Stanford, Cal, etc would all be names very familiar to Notre Dame and USC fans through collegiate sports already.
Tbh I don't see why they should have been consulted, would the NFL consult the university football teams in Ireland if they were doing something in Ireland to develop Arena football here? Sure if you were to consult everyone involved in the different facets of the GAA in any country you'd be all year talking and end up the Frankenstein solutions we often get in the GAA.
IMO sustainable longterm development of the GAA internationally is only possible through focused development of primary school level children with a clear pathway for them to develop into playing adults (i.e. locally based clubs linked with primary and high schools, local competitions and an elite pathway for the better kids).
What Donal Og is doing is not going to work IMO but in the absence of any alternative, it's as worthwhile a waste of GAA resources as any.
Well the NFL has no affiliate in Ireland. You can be sure they consulted with NFLUK before the international series was confirmed. The NACB is part of the GAA as much as any other county board so it seems a bit strange they were not involved a little. Why not use your (not an outside agency) expertise on the ground?
But is it expertise? I'm involved in the GAA abroad and while I or others could offer opinions based on our experiences it would be fairly irrelevant for an initiative like this. If the GAA were looking to develop hurling at University level then yes, discuss it with those currently involved to get a feel for what is needed to push it forward. But this isn't about that, I don't know what it's about really, but it ain't about developing University level hurling.
I'm not supporting this at all but I just don't see any real reason to complain about it other than it being daft, but when it comes to the international development of the GAA then daftness is at the very heart of most initiatives.
The NACB has about 50 years of experience of developing Gaelic games in America and promoting the sports on short fields. The NCGAA has been marketing the game to first-time viewers for about 5 year and getting results. We know what works in America and what doesn't. We know what the American audience likes about the game. From this hare-brained scheme it's pretty clear that the GPA doesn't - they don't know the first thing about marketing our games in America. If they'd given us the courtesy of consulting us we could have told them what a stupid idea this is and that they could have kept the essential core of the game without changing it to something unrecognizable.
Most of us here aren't in America and it seems we all feel it is a waste of time so I don't think they needed to speak with American GAA to get that opinion. I don't see how it will hinder GAA development in the US so, as I said, other than being daft then I don't see what the big deal is.
QuoteThe NACB has about 50 years of experience of developing Gaelic games in America and promoting the sports on short fields. The NCGAA has been marketing the game to first-time viewers for about 5 year and getting results. We know what works in America and what doesn't.
I wouldn't accept that as a given, no more than I or British GAA
know what is needed. In fact, the relative lack of success in GAA development both in Britain and America would indicate that we don't know what is needed. Considering the population and number of Irish in both countries I would argue that GAA development has been a notable failure in both countries so far.
I hope I didn't come across as outraged but why should we settle for daft, when with a bit of forethought and consultation, we could immeasurably improve what is a brilliant promotional opportunity. I don't care if the North American board is put out, what annoys me is this presentation of a fait accompli, when most hurling people here and in American would question the usefulness of these new rules.
I'd also ask where is Pat Daly in all of this? Is anyone just allowed come up with a hare-brained hybrid and then bowl away with the GAA's approval? We should promote as a means to protecting the future and the heritage we already have in hurling. Nothing against the free style hurling though - think that is a very good initiative.
QuoteI hope I didn't come across as outraged but why should we settle for daft,
Because that is at the root of any GAA initiative to develop GAA internationally. The first thing you need to understand when evaluating the development of the GAA internationally is that the GAA have no interest in it so any harebrained scheme that appears to be 'doing something' to develop the GAA abroad is fine.
This is D Og initiative is rubbish IMO but so is the alternative suggestion of discussing this with American GAA and coming up with an alternative. The GAA aren't serious about it but will waste funding on this 'living poetry' shite because, I presume, it gets column inches in the papers. We can't get 1 or 2K extra a year to help stabilise our development program which is actually producing British Gaelic footballers where none ever existed before. This is happening elsewhere too but national newspapers don't care so the GAA don't care.
continuity hurling, sounds a bit ghey to be honest.
Hurling will promote itself once prospective players are exposed to it in the right environment and format.
Same with Gaelic football.
Hate ant organisation piggybacking on the GAA to further their aims
I hear Christy O'Connor wrote about this in the Irish News on Thursday. Anyone with a subscription care to do a copy and paste?
Jerome has a video about it
http://www.jeromequinnmedia.com/video/Hurling/All-Stars/Super-11-Hurling-1231
Quote from: Gabriel_Hurl on September 26, 2013, 05:59:15 PM
Jerome has a video about it
http://www.jeromequinnmedia.com/video/Hurling/All-Stars/Super-11-Hurling-1231
Jesus wept! How embarrassing.
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on September 26, 2013, 06:05:50 PM
Quote from: Gabriel_Hurl on September 26, 2013, 05:59:15 PM
Jerome has a video about it
http://www.jeromequinnmedia.com/video/Hurling/All-Stars/Super-11-Hurling-1231
Jesus wept! How embarrassing.
Huccer?
Quote from: Gabriel_Hurl on September 26, 2013, 05:59:15 PM
Jerome has a video about it
http://www.jeromequinnmedia.com/video/Hurling/All-Stars/Super-11-Hurling-1231
The broght yellow ball is a good idea. Easier follow both at the game and on tv.
Quote from: Michael Schmeichal on September 27, 2013, 01:03:13 PM
Quote from: Gabriel_Hurl on September 26, 2013, 05:59:15 PM
Jerome has a video about it
http://www.jeromequinnmedia.com/video/Hurling/All-Stars/Super-11-Hurling-1231
The broght yellow ball is a good idea. Easier follow both at the game and on tv.
there's a demonstration of the super-11 huccer before the Cork/Clare replay tomorrow according to the independent, so get it early to pass judgement..
Here's the promtional video for this weekend
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jg9EtVx7wAY
I thought it was an exhibition at Notre Dame Stadium before they played USC. It's a pity it is being held at the Lacrosse stadium. I was on Notre Dame Campus, and I can't remember any other fields close to the football stadium. They may not get that many at this at all.. I was actually jealous of the lads playing at Notre Dame!
Just checked. Arlotta is close enough, but it's going to be like playing on the Thurles Sarsfield pitch with Semple Stadium towering behind you,,,
https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Notre+Dame,+South&hl=en&ll=41.696597,-86.232913&spn=0.006801,0.016512&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=58.206849,135.263672&hq=Notre+Dame,+South&t=h&z=17 (https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Notre+Dame,+South&hl=en&ll=41.696597,-86.232913&spn=0.006801,0.016512&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=58.206849,135.263672&hq=Notre+Dame,+South&t=h&z=17)
Thought it was going to be before the Football game, waste of time now imo.
Super Elevens Hurling raises concerns stateside (http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/columnists/john-riordan/john-riordan-super-11s-hurling-raising-concerns-in-states-246415.html)
Good man Eamonn. I also find it interesting that Sean Potts twice referred to "the inter county game" as opposed to hurling per se.
I noticed that too. The GPA seems to be all about separating the inter-county game and its players from the "little people."
While I noticed that too I think he is talking about bringing the IC game to the attention of the American people (as opposed to club hurling).
The GPA are interested in developing markets.
Not games.
With markets, comes money, comes game development. The GPA may not be focused on club U10's but generating money helps develop the club game, especially abroad where significant money is required to develop underage to a sustainable level.
And do you think the GPA is going to generously reinvest their "revenue streams" back into grass roots development?
Nope, but there won't revenue streams from this anyway. However, anything that did work wouldn't solely benefit the GPA so if they do come up with something worthwhile then there could be a trickle down effect to everyone else. The GPA don't act independently of the GAA so they wouldn't reap all the benefits either.
This is a nonsense initiative and a ridiculous overreaction from some sections of American GAA.
Anyone who uses 'trickle down (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=trickle%20down)' in an American context as a positive doesn't know America at all.
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on October 16, 2013, 06:55:24 PM
I noticed that too. The GPA seems to be all about separating the inter-county game and its players from the "little people."
Well Sean Potts manages an u13 team in his own club. Are u13's little enough for you?
Don't ye know that to be a real proper GAA person on this board you have to slate the GPA at every opportunity. ::)
Quote from: Zulu on October 17, 2013, 01:35:50 AM
if they do come up with something worthwhile then there could be a trickle down effect to everyone else.
I'm sure you've hit the nail on the head as regards the long term agenda of the G
PA. The revenue stream will fund the professional game and the wages of the professional players. There may be
crumbs from the table for the great unwashed but that will just be an incidental
side effect of the enrichment of the players in the newly created global market game.
Hardy, I'm involved in the GAA abroad and I can assure you there is no evidence of the GAA wanting to develop a global market to fund a professional game, it's the opposite in fact.
Quote from: deiseach on October 17, 2013, 10:08:39 AM
Anyone who uses 'trickle down (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=trickle%20down)' in an American context as a positive doesn't know America at all.
Interesting, but I wasn't using it reference to America specifically or indeed at all.
Quote from: Zulu on October 17, 2013, 11:10:21 AM
Hardy, I'm involved in the GAA abroad and I can assure you there is no evidence of the GAA wanting to develop a global market to fund a professional game, it's the opposite in fact.
I think he meant to write 'GPA'.
Yep - sorry about the typo.
Well if he did I think he is wrong about the GPA but more importantly I'm certain the GAA won't support anything that moves in that direction. Despite what we might think of football and hurling, generating the mass spectator appeal necessary to fund a professional level of the sport year in year out is extremely difficult. Ireland is too small a market to support professionalism and the GAA/GPA have neither the singleminded drive or resources to generate the market internationally. But if people still want to imagine a doomsday scenario then that is their prerogative.
Quote from: Zulu on October 17, 2013, 11:12:40 AM
Quote from: deiseach on October 17, 2013, 10:08:39 AM
Anyone who uses 'trickle down (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=trickle%20down)' in an American context as a positive doesn't know America at all.
Interesting, but I wasn't using it reference to America specifically or indeed at all.
Sean Potts was.
Quote from: Zulu on October 17, 2013, 11:30:10 AM
Well if he did I think he is wrong about the GPA but more importantly I'm certain the GAA won't support anything that moves in that direction. Despite what we might think of football and hurling, generating the mass spectator appeal necessary to fund a professional level of the sport year in year out is extremely difficult. Ireland is too small a market to support professionalism and the GAA/GPA have neither the singleminded drive or resources to generate the market internationally. But if people still want to imagine a doomsday scenario then that is their prerogative.
You may be right or you may be wrong, but my point was about the agenda and objectives of the GPA. Whether or not those objectives are achievable is another debate.
Fair enough but I don't think the GPA have a vastly different view of the GAA to you or many others.
It couldn't be more vastly different. For one thing, I don't promote elitism, discrimination and the diversion of resources to the benefit of a small pressure group within the Association.
Quote from: Hardy on October 17, 2013, 12:27:58 PM
, I don't promote elitism,
The GAA do by having competitive games where winners are given medals and cups etc.
The public do by going in their thousands to inter County games while in the main ignoring the 98% of club non elite.
Every organisation promotes elitism and the pursuit of excellence as otherwise we'd all be living in caves and our sport would be kicking a stone along the ground.
Quote from: Rossfan on October 17, 2013, 12:40:24 PM
Quote from: Hardy on October 17, 2013, 12:27:58 PM
, I don't promote elitism,
The GAA do by having competitive games where winners are given medals and cups etc.
The public do by going in their thousands to inter County games while in the main ignoring the 98% of club non elite.
Every organisation promotes elitism and the pursuit of excellence as otherwise we'd all be living in caves and our sport would be kicking a stone along the ground.
Well done. I think you know what I meant. Now - about the discrimination and the diversion of the association's resources to the benefit of the members of a small pressure group?
Quote from: Rossfan on October 17, 2013, 12:40:24 PM
Quote from: Hardy on October 17, 2013, 12:27:58 PM
, I don't promote elitism,
The GAA do by having competitive games where winners are given medals and cups etc.
The public do by going in their thousands to inter County games while in the main ignoring the 98% of club non elite.
Every organisation promotes elitism and the pursuit of excellence as otherwise we'd all be living in caves and our sport would be kicking a stone along the ground.
For every fan who only ever attends intercounty games, theres just as many who only attend their own club games, just different catchment areas of a parish, village etc as opposed to a whole county.
Quote from: Zulu on October 17, 2013, 12:23:58 PM
Fair enough but I don't think the GPA have a vastly different view of the GAA to you or many others.
I dont think you give them enough credit.
Quote from: Zulu on October 17, 2013, 11:30:10 AM
Well if he did I think he is wrong about the GPA but more importantly I'm certain the GAA won't support anything that moves in that direction. Despite what we might think of football and hurling, generating the mass spectator appeal necessary to fund a professional level of the sport year in year out is extremely difficult. Ireland is too small a market to support professionalism and the GAA/GPA have neither the singleminded drive or resources to generate the market internationally. But if people still want to imagine a doomsday scenario then that is their prerogative.
Yeah its always entertaining!
Apparently, some day the GPA are going to force professionalism onto us when we're not looking :o
Not at all dont be silly they employ a creeping ivy approach.
Quote from: Hound on October 17, 2013, 01:05:57 PM
Apparently, some day the GPA are going to force professionalism onto us when we're not looking :o
The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
I think the GPA have gone into a holding pattern with regard to pay for play, but I absolutely believe they foresee a day when a lad will get money, or compensation, simply because he plays inter county football or hurling. The exact mechanism or what it might be called is not as important as the principle that they should earn on the back of their efforts as their efforts are generating millions for the association.
If I was still playing, with a selfish viewpoint, (and I don't mean that in a bad way) I'd probably agree with them. Who wouldn't like money for playing GAA?
Other than that I think the GPA's goals are probably close enough to the GAA in that they both want to promote the 'product' because promotion and audiences mean money for the coffers.
What grates with me is the tone of almost all GPA utterances. Everything is about the inter county player. Potts' comments just reinforce that view. And maybe that's fair enough but then they should be called the GICPA.
By the way, I don't consider GPA officials any less a Gael than any of us, I just see some things differently than where their focus appears to be.
exactly and well put, there are those who desire the pulverisation of the club power within the GAA structure, because you cant pay everyone. Keep the clubs weak and the county strong.
Quote from: AZOffaly on October 17, 2013, 01:22:13 PM
I think the GPA have gone into a holding pattern with regard to pay for play, but I absolutely believe they foresee a day when a lad will get money, or compensation, simply because he plays inter county football or hurling. The exact mechanism or what it might be called is not as important as the principle that they should earn on the back of their efforts as their efforts are generating millions for the association.
Friday night games will bring that day closer.
Quote from: AZOffaly on October 17, 2013, 01:22:13 PM
What grates with me is the tone of almost all GPA utterances. Everything is about the inter county player.
That's just bizarre AZ.
The GPA was set up for intercounty players. From Day 1. Never any pretence or utterance otherwise. That what it is, a representative body for intercounty players. So of course all their utteraces are going to be about intercounty players. That's what they are, that's what they do!
I know that, it still grates with me. They are to my knowledge the only player representative body in the GAA and only represent 2% of the players. And instead of promoting hurling, they are promoting the inter county game. I think the GAAs player body should represent all players.
Quote from: Rossfan on October 17, 2013, 12:40:24 PM
Quote from: Hardy on October 17, 2013, 12:27:58 PM
, I don't promote elitism,
The GAA do by having competitive games where winners are given medals and cups etc.
The public do by going in their thousands to inter County games while in the main ignoring the 98% of club non elite.
Every organisation promotes elitism and the pursuit of excellence as otherwise we'd all be living in caves and our sport would be kicking a stone along the ground.
The majority of spectators during the championship would be involved in some capacity in their club I would think. I would also suggest that near enough all of the league attenders would be involved with their clubs.
Not sure there's any point rehashing this argument now but I have no problem with the concept of paying players, however, it can't be afforded and there isn't enough will within the GAA to push it forward. Professionalism isn't right for the GAA and I'd be against paying players simply because of 'effort', especially when it is a reward based on a quirk of geography for some.
In saying that, the level of paranoia and the way some folks read something underhand into almost every GPA statement is tiresome to say the least. It reminds me of history books where you read about wars fought, partially, because people thought they knew what the other sides intentions really were and not what they actually were.
Quote from: Croí na hÉireann on October 17, 2013, 01:44:03 PM
Quote from: Rossfan on October 17, 2013, 12:40:24 PM
Quote from: Hardy on October 17, 2013, 12:27:58 PM
, I don't promote elitism,
The GAA do by having competitive games where winners are given medals and cups etc.
The public do by going in their thousands to inter County games while in the main ignoring the 98% of club non elite.
Every organisation promotes elitism and the pursuit of excellence as otherwise we'd all be living in caves and our sport would be kicking a stone along the ground.
The majority of spectators during the championship would be involved in some capacity in their club I would think. I would also suggest that near enough all of the league attenders would be involved with their clubs.
I would say that's almost certainly not true, certainly not at the 40K+ crowds.
Quote from: Hound on October 17, 2013, 01:39:08 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on October 17, 2013, 01:22:13 PM
What grates with me is the tone of almost all GPA utterances. Everything is about the inter county player.
That's just bizarre AZ.
The GPA was set up for intercounty players. From Day 1. Never any pretence or utterance otherwise. That what it is, a representative body for intercounty players. So of course all their utteraces are going to be about intercounty players. That's what they are, that's what they do!
and ex county players they get paid too.
Quote from: AZOffaly on October 17, 2013, 01:43:39 PM
I know that, it still grates with me. They are to my knowledge the only player representative body in the GAA and only represent 2% of the players. And instead of promoting hurling, they are promoting the inter county game. I think the GAAs player body should represent all players.
Its not the GAA's player body. Its the GAA's intercounty player body.
To my knowledge, the GAA doesnt have a body for club players, nor for club mentors, nor for club groundsmen, nor for club umpires, nor for club barmen, etc, etc. Presumably because nobody bothered to set any of the above up, because there was no great call for them from any potential members.
I'm not disagreeing with you Hound :) I'm saying that I disagree with some of the GPA's views on things, simply because of the perspective they are coming from. Comments about promoting the inter county game, rather than just simply 'promoting hurling' are jarring to me. However, as I said, I don't consider them to be lesser beings than the rest of us :) I'd be a GPA member myself if I were eligible still.
I agree that there is no body representing the 98% of active players in the association, and I think that's a major failing. If we had somebody who truly lobbied for the PLAYERS at the top tables of power, then issues like fixtures and player welfare for the masses would be on the agenda, instead of presidential campaign sound bites.
Exactly the club players needs an office paid for in Croke Park as well.
Quote from: deiseach on October 17, 2013, 10:08:39 AM
Anyone who uses 'trickle down (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=trickle%20down)' in an American context as a positive doesn't know America at all.
IIRC that was pretty much why Clinton beat Bush Sr, certainly in the live debates, wasn't it?
Quote from: AZOffaly on October 17, 2013, 02:02:38 PM
I agree that there is no body representing the 98% of active players in the association, and I think that's a major failing. If we had somebody who truly lobbied for the PLAYERS at the top tables of power, then issues like fixtures and player welfare for the masses would be on the agenda, instead of presidential campaign sound bites.
I just doubt the need for a club players body. I know the club players do seem to like a moan at this time of year, but its only really a small element and often there's not a huge lot in it.
I'd guess that at most clubs in the country, the most important group of people are the first team squad. They're effectively a union in their own right. If there's a wrong been done to them, they'll be quick to let the club know and the club tries and sort it out. The players belong to the clubs and vice versa and so its in everyones interest to sort stuff out so most clubs do their best to sort out player grievances.
Quote from: Zulu on October 17, 2013, 01:44:28 PM
Not sure there's any point rehashing this argument now but I have no problem with the concept of paying players, however, it can't be afforded and there isn't enough will within the GAA to push it forward. Professionalism isn't right for the GAA and I'd be against paying players simply because of 'effort', especially when it is a reward based on a quirk of geography for some.
In saying that, the level of paranoia and the way some folks read something underhand into almost every GPA statement is tiresome to say the least. It reminds me of history books where you read about wars fought, partially, because people thought they knew what the other sides intentions really were and not what they actually were.
I'm confused now.
Quote from: Hound on October 17, 2013, 01:39:08 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on October 17, 2013, 01:22:13 PM
What grates with me is the tone of almost all GPA utterances. Everything is about the inter county player.
That's just bizarre AZ.
The GPA was set up for intercounty players. From Day 1. Never any pretence or utterance otherwise. That what it is, a representative body for intercounty players. So of course all their utteraces are going to be about intercounty players. That's what they are, that's what they do!
Incorrect. I have some of the original GPA literature at home as I paid into it the first year they set up out of some address in Drumcondra and there's plenty of utterances about the club player in it.
That fake facade is long gone now as there's no need to hide Dessie and Co's motives now they're on the payroll.
Quote from: Jinxy on October 17, 2013, 02:26:32 PM
Quote from: Zulu on October 17, 2013, 01:44:28 PM
Not sure there's any point rehashing this argument now but I have no problem with the concept of paying players, however, it can't be afforded and there isn't enough will within the GAA to push it forward. Professionalism isn't right for the GAA and I'd be against paying players simply because of 'effort', especially when it is a reward based on a quirk of geography for some.
In saying that, the level of paranoia and the way some folks read something underhand into almost every GPA statement is tiresome to say the least. It reminds me of history books where you read about wars fought, partially, because people thought they knew what the other sides intentions really were and not what they actually were.
I'm confused now.
I don't have any objection to paying an IC GAA player for playing IC football or hurling on principle. I wouldn't vote in favour of it because I don't believe it's sustainable and it would change the very fabric of the GAA for ill IMO.
I'm even more confused now.
Why pay someone for their hobby who are lucky to play on pitches and facilities built by the blood sweat and tears of their forefathers.
Quote from: Hardy on October 17, 2013, 03:13:06 PM
I'm even more confused now.
Can't imagine why, I've no objection to professionalism on principle but I don't think it's realistic for numerous reasons.
Quote from: rrhf on October 17, 2013, 03:17:17 PM
Why pay someone for their hobby who are lucky to play on pitches and facilities built by the blood sweat and tears of their forefathers.
They should all be whipped to the bone and thank their lucky stars rrhf has honoured them by showing up to watch.
It might be a long time before I pay in to see Mayo again.
Quote from: rrhf on October 17, 2013, 04:46:19 PM
It might be a long time before I pay in to see Mayo again.
Even if we have them worship you personally and the sacrifices your forefathers made for them, before
and after the match?
I just can't watch your forward line
Quote from: rrhf on October 18, 2013, 07:29:12 AM
I just can't watch your forward line
But would you do it to honour the blood sweat and tears of their forefathers?
there comes a point...
Quote from: rrhf on October 18, 2013, 03:05:10 PM
there comes a point...
... but not very often, if it's Mayo.
Quote from: Hardy on October 18, 2013, 03:40:25 PM
Quote from: rrhf on October 18, 2013, 03:05:10 PM
there comes a point...
... but not very often, it it's Mayo.
Ouch Hardy. You were so keen to put the boot in you made a bags of it :) You'll have to call yourself to give out to yourself.
What?
Too late. I knew you'd do that, so I quoted it :)
(http://t.qkme.me/3oo5bq.jpg)
Quote from: AZOffaly on October 18, 2013, 03:46:40 PM
Too late. I knew you'd do that, so I quoted it :)
Surely you mean you misquoted it.
Quote from: rrhf on October 18, 2013, 03:05:10 PM
there comes a point...
..when you get back on topic?
Hurling at Arlotta Stadium
Hurling comes to Notre Dame
South Bend Indiana: Fighting Irish fans arriving early for the USC game who happened to walk by Arlotta Stadium, usually home of the Fighting Irish lacrosse team, witnessed a unique moment.
Arlotta is a stone's throw from the main stadium and the puzzled looks soon turned to excitement.
5,000 or so spectators were packed like sardines into the venue to watch the first-ever exhibit of hurling, Ireland's most ancient game, at the Mecca of Irish American sport. Among them was Irish Ambassador to the U.S. Anne Andersen making her first visit to Notre Dame.
Twenty-two of Ireland's finest players were doing battle in a modified form of the game called Super 11 where only goals count. The teams from Leinster and Munster were renamed for the occasion as Ireland versus the Fighting Irish. Ireland won but that was not the point.
NBC, CBS and ireland's broadcasting network RTE were along to show the Americans and the folks back home the world's fastest game on grass.
And exciting it was. The sheer speed of the game, the clash of the ash as the hurleys met, the incredible split-second skill of the players, enthralled the spectators, who gave both sides a standing ovation at the end.
Unlike the typical exhibition game, the two teams went at it hammer and tongs and some of the physical clashes drew gasps from the crowd. It is not a game for the faint-hearted with the ball flying in the air at well over 100 miles an hour and players fighting for possession like their life depends on it.
Hurling is is also the oldest field game on earth. According to Notre Dame historian Professor Kevin Whelan, the Irish language is the third oldest on earth after Greek and Latin and hurling is mentioned in the earliest texts meaning it precedes even the Christian age by centuries. Whelan calls it "the Riverdance of sport, poetry in breathtaking motion, the fastest, most exciting field game in the world."
He's right. But there had never been an official hurling game at Notre Dame between Ireland's top players, an astonishing oversight when you consider the incredible connections between the two entities.
That was remedied on Saturday by the initiative of the Gaelic Players Association (GPA), an organization originally formed by the Irish hurlers and footballers themselves, which looks after the all-amateur players' welfare as well as seeking to spread the game worldwide.
The GPA has a social mission to help those players who have difficulty post career. They also seek to combat depression and suicide among young people in Ireland by seeking to get them involved in sports and appointing sports figures as community leaders. In the Ireland of today their work is badly needed.
Yesterday, thanks to the efforts of GPA and Notre Dame luminaries such as Don Keough and Martin Naughton who make up the power behind the Keough-Naughton Institute of Irish Studies, the historic game went ahead on playing fields on a campus that has been a Mecca for Irish Americans for generations.
It was yet another unique moment in the relationship between Notre Dame and Ireland. Last year's game in Dublin between Navy and the Irish was a massive success. This year the hurlers of Leinster and Munster made their bit of history at Notre Dame.
Wonderful hurling and Notre Dame went on to eke out a win over USC.
A great day for the Irish whatever side of the Atlantic you were on.
Source?
This looks and reads like a Notre Dame release. Maybe from UND.com? 5,000 seems optimistic from what I heard, but at least it was a good entertaining game by all accounts. It is gas the way we promote our games by not actually playing our games :D
I was wrong, it's from the Irish Central, Niall O'Dowd, you'd hear him on the radio a good bit, especially about Irish American immigration issues.
http://www.irishcentral.com/story/news/periscope/the-day-irish-hurling-and-history-came-to-notre-dame-228524271.html (http://www.irishcentral.com/story/news/periscope/the-day-irish-hurling-and-history-came-to-notre-dame-228524271.html)
Thanks AZ. Niall was in my school.
Reads like a regurgitated GPA press release
Any videos? nowt on you tube as yet.
I believe RTE have a copy of the game so expect to see it soon
Quote from: antoinse on October 22, 2013, 06:21:43 PM
I believe RTE have a copy of the game so expect to see it soon
Marty Morrissey was there so there should be some sort of coverage, hopefully not of Marty off duty.
Donal O'Grady's thoughts on it...............
Super Eleven can fulfil American dream for GAA
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
The home of the famed University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana was an unlikely venue for a piece of hurling history over the weekend.
By Donal O'Grady
Hurling is an unique spectacle and its power, passion and skill has the capacity to attract a worldwide audience.
Now the GAA/GPA have looked at internationalising hurling and winning new supporters by introducing a form of the game that will travel globally.
Super Eleven is the result of their work.
Teams comprise of 11 players and the dimensions conform in size to a normal soccer or lacrosse pitch. The availability of GAA pitches worldwide is a resource that most overseas hurling clubs struggle to achieve.
But there are lacrosse pitches across the United States and soccer pitches throughout the world that can easily double as Super Eleven pitches.
On Saturday in the Arlotta Stadium, the home of lacrosse in Notre Dame, teams representing the Munster and Leinster Championships served up a tremendous game of power, passion and skill.
It was enthusiastically received by spectators. Many emigrants, involved in hurling clubs in the USA, were hugely impressed with the spectacle.
But it was the reaction of US citizens who had never seen hurling before which was most pleasing.
Later that evening, I was seated alongside a couple from Ohio at the Notre Dame/USC football game, who had, by their own admission, attended the Super Elevens out of curiosity.
They told me that "they were blown away by the action" and they want to see and learn more about the game.
On the morning of the match, Dessie Farrell and Donal Óg Cusack made a presentation on hurling to the prestigious Ireland Council of Notre Dame, who oversee the biggest university faculty of Irish Studies worldwide.
Notre Dame see themselves as an Irish university and this game boosted the relationship between this great institution and Ireland, building on the links established down through the generations.
GAA president Liam O'Neill has endorsed the new format and spoke encouragingly on this trip of the need for the GAA/GPA to further the links with international outlets and to cater for their needs.
This new game, he felt would go a long way to achieve those goals in the immediate future.
There is no doubt that a shortened format will appeal hugely to units of the GAA abroad. The game can be adapted to a nine-a-side, 11-a-side or 13-a-side depending on the pitch sizes, a huge plus given the difficulties in sourcing full-sized pitches abroad.
The players involved last weekend, and in the previous trials, have expressed a huge interest in the concept. Those on this trip insisted on preparing for the game in Notre Dame as they would have for a regular championship game here at home. There were no late nights and they abstained from alcohol, which showed a huge commitment to giving a top level performance for the American audience.
But does the game have a future? Without doubt — and not just abroad. It is an ideal game to foster the skill level and improve standards in the non-traditional hurling counties.
Four regional teams, such as Connacht (without Galway) could take on a Down-Antrim-Armagh-Monaghan combination while a grouping from outside the elite counties of Leinster could play a Carlow\Kerry combination. Guest players from the so-called stronger counties with experience of playing this game could supplement the squads, thereby improving standards all round.
The games could be played when there is no inter-county activity. This would give some players extra exposure to high quality contests in the "weaker counties" and further develop the 15-a side game.
Developing it further is key. Whether it is kept exclusively for overseas involvement or whether the GAA can find a slot for it in their domestic calendar (the interprovincial series comes to mind), the game is here to stay.
It has the potential to satisfy the hurling needs of all age groups even moving up to the veteran level in winter leagues. But the major challenge is moving it on to the next level over the next few months.
It will thrive if given the right support. And I got the sense in this Irish university at the weekend that a new glorious chapter was being unveiled in the GAA's proud history.
© Irish Examiner Ltd. All rights reserved
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suK__krLyR4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suK__krLyR4)
It was on Nationwide during the week, prob still available on RTE player
Quote from: cornerback on November 08, 2013, 09:56:20 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suK__krLyR4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suK__krLyR4)
What's that ball they're using?
A few oul' captions would have been no harm, to let us know who the talking heads were.
Had to laugh at the two lads taking the piss out of Marty and he taking it seriously.
Even the begrudgers can't begrudge the help the GPA gives to the likes of Shane McAnarney. Hadn't heard about his health issues but great that he seems to be on the mend.
http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/i-remember-chasing-lads-at-training-up-the-hill-of-tara-anything-could-have-happened-i-could-have-keeled-over-29753022.html
Quote from: Hound on November 14, 2013, 08:43:03 AM
Even the begrudgers can't begrudge the help the GPA gives to the likes of Shane McAnarney. Hadn't heard about his health issues but great that he seems to be on the mend.
http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/i-remember-chasing-lads-at-training-up-the-hill-of-tara-anything-could-have-happened-i-could-have-keeled-over-29753022.html (http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/i-remember-chasing-lads-at-training-up-the-hill-of-tara-anything-could-have-happened-i-could-have-keeled-over-29753022.html)
What a cheap way to deal with such a topic.
"Begrudgers" my ass. The GPA does a fine job when they stick to their brief of player welfare. It's when they exceed their brief, try to stick their oar into the GAA's job of games promotion, and completely bypass the structures of the GAA that I have a problem with.
I wasn't aware the promotion of our games was the sovereign domain of an annointed few. What level do you need to reach in the hierarchy before you are permitted to have an idea?
The hurling 11s initiative looked spot on to me. 10 odd generations of the same approach made no headway so why not try something different?
I have to say, this thread and its tone bewilders me.
"Anointed few"? You mean "elected majority."
"No headway" you say? Hurling clubs have been springing up left right and center in the USA lately. The GPA arrogantly assumed that we'd have nothing to contribute to the discussion despite our experience of promoting the game here, and they froze us out completely.
"Super elevens" looks like a bastardized game that the GPA have developed so they can play it outside the remit of the GAA and its inconvenient rules about amateurism.
I mean, really? You'd like to see Gaelic games split in two like rugby did between union and league with two different games?
And you think that might happen? Anyway, football and hurling are far different sports that union and league.
I'm talking about two distinct versions of a sport, one designed with professionalism in mind.
Do you really think that's the agenda? I can't see it.
Duplicating the all-star awards (later merged into the GAA all-stars)? Running a twinning program to develop hurling in the weaker counties, completely outside the games development systems put in place by the GAA? Now a separate game with their own rules and promoted completely outside the structures of the GAA? All of these activities that have nothing to do with player welfare?
Spot on
Quote from: Hardy on November 14, 2013, 03:43:03 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 14, 2013, 08:43:03 AM
Even the begrudgers can't begrudge the help the GPA gives to the likes of Shane McAnarney. Hadn't heard about his health issues but great that he seems to be on the mend.
http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/i-remember-chasing-lads-at-training-up-the-hill-of-tara-anything-could-have-happened-i-could-have-keeled-over-29753022.html (http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/i-remember-chasing-lads-at-training-up-the-hill-of-tara-anything-could-have-happened-i-could-have-keeled-over-29753022.html)
What a cheap way to deal with such a topic.
Wow.
Put up a link to a national newspaper story of the GPA promoting a version of "hurling" in the US and you get pages of comments on alleged ulterior motives.
Put up a link on the same thread about how the GPA helped a player in his battle with serious illness and its "cheap".
Shame on Shane for giving the GPA some praise for the help they gave him. How could he not see their ulterior motive that they only did for the publicity ::)
Up the begrudgers Hardy. You won't be climbing down from never giving them praise anyway.
It's cheap and cowardly to call someone who disagrees with you a begrudger. Just to be absolutely clear, my remark, as you know, was not aimed at Shane, but at your cheap broadside at all who criticise the GPA, at your casual labelling of us as begrudgers and at your cheap attempt to use the plight of a decent player to do it. Your attempt to put "shame on Shane" into my mouth is just as cheap.
Quote from: Hound on November 15, 2013, 08:54:45 AM
Quote from: Hardy on November 14, 2013, 03:43:03 PM
Quote from: Hound on November 14, 2013, 08:43:03 AM
Even the begrudgers can't begrudge the help the GPA gives to the likes of Shane McAnarney. Hadn't heard about his health issues but great that he seems to be on the mend.
http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/i-remember-chasing-lads-at-training-up-the-hill-of-tara-anything-could-have-happened-i-could-have-keeled-over-29753022.html (http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/i-remember-chasing-lads-at-training-up-the-hill-of-tara-anything-could-have-happened-i-could-have-keeled-over-29753022.html)
What a cheap way to deal with such a topic.
Wow.
Put up a link to a national newspaper story of the GPA promoting a version of "hurling" in the US and you get pages of comments on alleged ulterior motives.
Put up a link on the same thread about how the GPA helped a player in his battle with serious illness and its "cheap".
Shame on Shane for giving the GPA some praise for the help they gave him. How could he not see their ulterior motive that they only did for the publicity ::)
+1.
There are a few paranoid bucks around here alright.
Tough oul life wakening up every morning in a blind panic about what the GPA might get up to next.
We'll all be rooned says Hanrahan....
Quote from: Hardy on November 15, 2013, 10:01:51 AM
It's cheap and cowardly to call someone who disagrees with you a begrudger. Just to be absolutely clear, my remark, as you know, was not aimed at Shane, but at your cheap broadside at all who criticise the GPA, at your casual labelling of us as begrudgers and at your cheap attempt to use the plight of a decent player to do it. Your attempt to put "shame on Shane" into my mouth is just as cheap.
The next time someone has a pop at Ryanair/Michael O'Leary, I'll be sure to mention how the bould Mick gave €200,000 to the fund for JT McNamara and up the begrudgers.
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on November 14, 2013, 11:15:16 PM
Duplicating the all-star awards (later merged into the GAA all-stars)? Running a twinning program to develop hurling in the weaker counties, completely outside the games development systems put in place by the GAA? Now a separate game with their own rules and promoted completely outside the structures of the GAA? All of these activities that have nothing to do with player welfare?
If it has little to do with player welfare it has even less to do with professionalism.
The twinning program was a decent idea though not something I would have supported as I didn't think it would do much but it surely was as worthwhile as the GAA hurling development program that has managed to make little or no indoors into two thirds of the country in over 100 years.
A separate game or a promotional game designed to bring hurling to a new audience? There's not a hope in hell that 11 a side thing will develop into a professional sport. You seem to have your nose put out by not being consulted on this which is plain daft.
In fairness Zulu, and God knows Eamonn and I have had a good few disagreements in the past, I understand where he is coming from on this one. If your remit is to spread the gospel of hurling into the 3rd level institutions of the US, and that remit is sanctioned and indeed instructed from the County Board you are attached to, it does strike me as at least a bit disrespectful that another official organ of the GAA would come in unbeknownst to either the county board or the sub committee looking at 3rd level colleges and stage a hurling game on the site of one of the biggest Irish American Universities in the States.
Letting the GPA into the tent was the beginning of the end of the GAA as we know it. They shouldn't have been entertained. If lads don't want to play county football or hurling off with them. Someone else will take their place.
The intercounty game is destroying the organisation as a whole and the intercounty agenda is driven by the GPA. Bloody sicken my hole the whole lot of them.
Quote from: magpie seanie on November 15, 2013, 01:58:50 PM
The intercounty game is destroying the organisation as a whole and the intercounty agenda is driven by the GPA. Bloody sicken my hole the whole lot of them.
But what do you
really think?
Quote from: magpie seanie on November 15, 2013, 01:58:50 PM
Letting the GPA into the tent was the beginning of the end of the GAA as we know it. They shouldn't have been entertained. If lads don't want to play county football or hurling off with them. Someone else will take their place.
The intercounty game is destroying the organisation as a whole and the intercounty agenda is driven by the GPA. Bloody sicken my hole the whole lot of them.
The raced to the bottom argument, can't see 80,000 turning up to see lads who barely make their club team at home. The idea that the GPA is running the IC scene is pure fantasy. The problem with the GAA is you and me, did Donegal clubs not vote to destroy their own season or are you telling me Donal Og bought them all off?
There is a very simple solution to the problems with club GAA but 'GAA men', 'club' men even won't do it. Limit players to one code and one grade (minor, U21 or senior) at IC level, get rid of the provincial championships and set out a structured one competition season for each IC grade so that all CB's know when they can fix club games (no replays at IC if at all possible). It won't be perfect, it can't be when players are playing for two separate teams (club and county) but it would help a huge amount.
Quote from: magpie seanie on November 15, 2013, 01:58:50 PM
Letting the GPA into the tent was the beginning of the end of the GAA as we know it.
Oh dear !!! :-[
They said the same about abolishing Rule 27, Rule 21, Rule 42 and no doubt they also said it about abolishing the point posts, reducing numbers from 21 a side, doing away with sideline throws, Down wearing black shorts( they did!!!), goalkeepers wearing a different jersey, throwing in the ball among the 4 midfielders only, Eliz Windsor visiting Croke Park etc etc.
The FRC will have some document out soon about re structuring inter Co Championships/calendar so let's see what the membership will do then.
Remember it wasn't the GPA ( God Bless them ) whp reintroduced replays for Provincial and 1st Round Senior Championships ;)
All of those reforms were carried out within the structures of the GAA, voted upon and agreed upon. A completely separate game outside the association's structures is a new development that we should all be concerned about.
And no, I'm not "waking up in a blind panic about it every morning."
QuoteA completely separate game outside the association's structures is a new development that we should all be concerned about.
Really? A harmless modified version of hurling that the GAA know about and apparently support, can't see the big deal myself.
Quote from: Zulu on November 15, 2013, 06:47:40 PM
QuoteA completely separate game outside the association's structures is a new development that we should all be concerned about.
Really? A harmless modified version of hurling that the GAA know about and apparently support, can't see the big deal myself.
There are thousands of kids that play in the CYC tournament every year in rotating cities across North America - does that tournament get the exposure that this novelty game did?
Nope, nor does the All British Championships that our underage team competed in last summer but that's a different argument. This 11 a side thing is a waste of time and money IMO but so is a lot of what passes for GAA international games development and that's because the GAA isn't serious about it.
Quote from: Rossfan on November 15, 2013, 02:46:42 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on November 15, 2013, 01:58:50 PM
Letting the GPA into the tent was the beginning of the end of the GAA as we know it.
Oh dear !!! :-[
They said the same about abolishing Rule 27, Rule 21, Rule 42 and no doubt they also said it about abolishing the point posts, reducing numbers from 21 a side, doing away with sideline throws, Down wearing black shorts( they did!!!), goalkeepers wearing a different jersey, throwing in the ball among the 4 midfielders only, Eliz Windsor visiting Croke Park etc etc.
The FRC will have some document out soon about re structuring inter Co Championships/calendar so let's see what the membership will do then.
Remember it wasn't the GPA ( God Bless them ) whp reintroduced replays for Provincial and 1st Round Senior Championships ;)
My oul lad doesn't like Down for this reason!! Any time I mention them to him, he goes into a rage about them wearing 'black togs'. :D
I presume he doesn't like our laidíns wearing blue ones since 1979 either ;D
Quote from: Zulu on November 15, 2013, 08:16:15 PM
Nope, nor does the All British Championships that our underage team competed in last summer but that's a different argument. This 11 a side thing is a waste of time and money IMO but so is a lot of what passes for GAA international games development and that's because the GAA isn't serious about it.
Well they should be - its seems very patronising when you see people come out and give us a pat on the head and say "good work" when they really don't give a damn
I agree 100%, but don't get your knickers in a twist over this old nonsense. Those of us involved in the promotion of the GAA internationally need to be concerned about real issues and not promo opportunities like this 11 a side rubbish. The only players that matter internationally are the 6 - 12 year olds IMO, these are the ones that, if brought through, could be as good (and better) than those at home. It's only when we start developing players of the quality of home grown ones that we truly have an internationally GAA worth talking about.
Oh boy. Is this the most embarrassing article ever written? How much do you reckon they paid him to write this?
QuoteHow the Gaelic Players Association has saved lives in Ireland
Posted on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at 07:27 AM
It was an exceptional night at the Gaelic Players Association awards at the New York Athletic Club on Thursday last.
The GPA has quickly become a major force both in Ireland and America and the 500 who attended the organization's second annual dinner was adequate proof of that.
There were Wall Street titans, construction magnates, community leaders, top sportsmen and a star-studded delegation from Ireland, including leading members from this year's All-Ireland winners from Dublin and Clare.
The GPA has transformed the lives of many young men and women in Ireland. It offers a sounding board and outreach for players and young men and women in trouble.
In an era where suicide and depression and such issues have become major problems in the Emerald Isle their work is desperately important.
Much of their work is with elite former players who find it very hard to adjust when the cheering stops. Unlike in America, where retired sports stars have massive nest eggs thanks to the huge contracts they got as players, Irish players are amateurs and face into uncertain futures after giving their lives to Gaelic games.
On the day of the dinner there were two stories in the Irish newspapers, one involving a player recovering from a desperate gambling addiction with the help of the GPA, the other about a former top player who discovered during a heart scan, first introduced for all players thanks to GPA pressure, that he needed immediate major bypass surgery.
Such stories are merely the tip of the iceberg for the GPA and its top team is led by Cork hurling legend Donal Og Cusack and former Dublin star Dessie Farrell.
Here in America the GPA first made an impression last year when they volunteered teams of workers in the Rockaways to help with the recovery from Superstorm Sandy.
Their work was widely praised, including an extraordinary mention by President Obama during his speech at the White House during the St. Patrick's period.
The honorees on the night were Ciaran Murray CEO of ICON, a major Irish drug company that has helped out GPA enormously and myself.
I told my story of how the GAA helped me start my life in America. When I came here in the late '70s I had no immediate relatives to go to.
But when I got off the plane I had a job, a bed and group of friends thanks to the St. Mel's Club in Chicago and its chairman, Kerry man Joe Gleeson.
The same thing happened when I moved to San Francisco, where the San Francisco Gaels helped set up my life there for six wonderful years.
Without the GAA I would never have been able to put together the Irish network that eventually helped me start my career in publishing.
My story is a very common one concerning Irish lads coming to America looking for that first, and most vital, leg-ups.
Today the very same thing is happening every summer. Wherever the young Irish go they still find in the GAA a welcome home and a chance at a new experience.
The GPA is the Delta Force of the GAA, ;D reaching out and extending its boundaries and informing its decision-making in key and important ways.
It was great to attend their event, even better to be an honoree this year. The GPA is simply the best new organization out of Ireland in a very long time.
Irish Central (http://www.irishcentral.com/story/news/periscope/how-the-gaelic-players-association-has-saved-lives-in-ireland--232643611.html#ixzz2lGPgGUFw)
The only thing missing is a statement about how well endowed Dessie Farrell is. I dare you to click on the article and check out the astroturf comment at the bottom. Interesting insight into how these people view themselves.
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on November 21, 2013, 07:46:13 AM
QuoteHow the Gaelic Players Association has saved lives in Ireland
Posted on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at 07:27 AM
It was an exceptional night at the Gaelic Players Association awards at the New York Athletic Club on Thursday last.
The GPA has quickly become a major force both in Ireland and America and the 500 who attended the organization's second annual dinner was adequate proof of that.
There were Wall Street titans, construction magnates, community leaders, top sportsmen and a star-studded delegation from Ireland, including leading members from this year's All-Ireland winners from Dublin and Clare.
The GPA has transformed the lives of many young men and women in Ireland. It offers a sounding board and outreach for players and young men and women in trouble.
In an era where suicide and depression and such issues have become major problems in the Emerald Isle their work is desperately important.
Much of their work is with elite former players who find it very hard to adjust when the cheering stops. Unlike in America, where retired sports stars have massive nest eggs thanks to the huge contracts they got as players, Irish players are amateurs and face into uncertain futures after giving their lives to Gaelic games.
On the day of the dinner there were two stories in the Irish newspapers, one involving a player recovering from a desperate gambling addiction with the help of the GPA, the other about a former top player who discovered during a heart scan, first introduced for all players thanks to GPA pressure, that he needed immediate major bypass surgery.
Such stories are merely the tip of the iceberg for the GPA and its top team is led by Cork hurling legend Donal Og Cusack and former Dublin star Dessie Farrell.
Here in America the GPA first made an impression last year when they volunteered teams of workers in the Rockaways to help with the recovery from Superstorm Sandy.
Their work was widely praised, including an extraordinary mention by President Obama during his speech at the White House during the St. Patrick's period.
The honorees on the night were Ciaran Murray CEO of ICON, a major Irish drug company that has helped out GPA enormously and myself.
I told my story of how the GAA helped me start my life in America. When I came here in the late '70s I had no immediate relatives to go to.
But when I got off the plane I had a job, a bed and group of friends thanks to the St. Mel's Club in Chicago and its chairman, Kerry man Joe Gleeson.
The same thing happened when I moved to San Francisco, where the San Francisco Gaels helped set up my life there for six wonderful years.
Without the GAA I would never have been able to put together the Irish network that eventually helped me start my career in publishing.
My story is a very common one concerning Irish lads coming to America looking for that first, and most vital, leg-ups.
Today the very same thing is happening every summer. Wherever the young Irish go they still find in the GAA a welcome home and a chance at a new experience.
The GPA is the Delta Force of the GAA, ;D reaching out and extending its boundaries and informing its decision-making in key and important ways.
It was great to attend their event, even better to be an honoree this year. The GPA is simply the best new organization out of Ireland in a very long time.
Irish Central (http://www.irishcentral.com/story/news/periscope/how-the-gaelic-players-association-has-saved-lives-in-ireland--232643611.html#ixzz2lGPgGUFw)
In some ways the GAA has a lot to answer for!
Quote from: magpie seanie on November 15, 2013, 01:58:50 PM
Letting the GPA into the tent was the beginning of the end of the GAA as we know it. They shouldn't have been entertained. If lads don't want to play county football or hurling off with them. Someone else will take their place.
The intercounty game is destroying the organisation as a whole and the intercounty agenda is driven by the GPA. Bloody sicken my hole the whole lot of them.
Well put. I was chatting with a recent former intercounty player and someone who would have dealt with the GPA in a few things. He was very frank in his cricticism of them - purely motivated by money and to make money for the elite players.
Said they'd happily relegate the club game further to improve the needs of their members. Also said that the work put into the game by Intercounty players is way overstated by the media and there are many club players, other amateurs playing other sports who put in as much without the same support and resources in place.
He actually believes its time that the clubs formed their own body to represent themselves (players as well) as going through the current structures would get nowhere as Intercounty managers are controlling county boards.
It was interesting to see it from someone who i'd have thought be a GPA loyalist.
Quote from: Bingo on November 21, 2013, 09:41:30 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on November 15, 2013, 01:58:50 PM
Letting the GPA into the tent was the beginning of the end of the GAA as we know it. They shouldn't have been entertained. If lads don't want to play county football or hurling off with them. Someone else will take their place.
The intercounty game is destroying the organisation as a whole and the intercounty agenda is driven by the GPA. Bloody sicken my hole the whole lot of them.
Well put. I was chatting with a recent former intercounty player and someone who would have dealt with the GPA in a few things. He was very frank in his cricticism of them - purely motivated by money and to make money for the elite players.
Said they'd happily relegate the club game further to improve the needs of their members. Also said that the work put into the game by Intercounty players is way overstated by the media and there are many club players, other amateurs playing other sports who put in as much without the same support and resources in place.
He actually believes its time that the clubs formed their own body to represent themselves (players as well) as going through the current structures would get nowhere as Intercounty managers are controlling county boards.
It was interesting to see it from someone who i'd have thought be a GPA loyalist.
In the case you outlined above Bingo, that particular "GPA loyalist" has disembarked from the gravy train.
It was always going to be an elitist organisation. Whats happening now, and over the last couple of years, the first generation whom benefited from the "perks" are finishing their careers are now realising they are surplus to requirements. Its funny how peoples attitudes change once they are on the outside looking in.
Quote from: Bingo on November 21, 2013, 09:41:30 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on November 15, 2013, 01:58:50 PM
Letting the GPA into the tent was the beginning of the end of the GAA as we know it. They shouldn't have been entertained. If lads don't want to play county football or hurling off with them. Someone else will take their place.
The intercounty game is destroying the organisation as a whole and the intercounty agenda is driven by the GPA. Bloody sicken my hole the whole lot of them.
Well put. I was chatting with a recent former intercounty player and someone who would have dealt with the GPA in a few things. He was very frank in his cricticism of them - purely motivated by money and to make money for the elite players.
Said they'd happily relegate the club game further to improve the needs of their members. Also said that the work put into the game by Intercounty players is way overstated by the media and there are many club players, other amateurs playing other sports who put in as much without the same support and resources in place.
He actually believes its time that the clubs formed their own body to represent themselves (players as well) as going through the current structures would get nowhere as Intercounty managers are controlling county boards.
It was interesting to see it from someone who i'd have thought be a GPA loyalist.
The whole thing is going to fragment with the intercounty game (GPA) going one way and the rest (GAA) going another. The top players will be snapped up for the formerly county teams (there will be 10-15 franchises in each code, less in hurling I'd say) and officially paid (as opposed to the makey uppy "extra expenses" sham that is in place at present) and the club scene will probably benefit from having more weekend to play games. I'm reconciled to it. It will be sad to lose the best players from your club but there will be some benefits for clubs.
Zulu's response is typical of the GPA outlook. Force people to only play one grade. Abandon tradition. This is (supposedly) an amateur organisation run by volunteers. As for developing internationally interesting that anyone over 12 is deemed a lost case. I suspect this interest in developing overseas is again all about developing elite talent only to help the pro game that has always been the GPA's end game.
Quote from: magpie seanie on November 21, 2013, 10:25:38 AM
[The whole thing is going to fragment with the intercounty game (GPA) going one way and the rest (GAA) going another. The top players will be snapped up for the formerly county teams (there will be 10-15 franchises in each code, less in hurling I'd say) and officially paid (as opposed to the makey uppy "extra expenses" sham that is in place at present) and the club scene will probably benefit from having more weekend to play games. I'm reconciled to it. It will be sad to lose the best players from your club but there will be some benefits for clubs.
Zulu's response is typical of the GPA outlook. Force people to only play one grade. Abandon tradition. This is (supposedly) an amateur organisation run by volunteers. As for developing internationally interesting that anyone over 12 is deemed a lost case. I suspect this interest in developing overseas is again all about developing elite talent only to help the pro game that has always been the GPA's end game.
Your first scenerio is what they would possibly envisage but I could only see it lasting a few years.
The first big fall out would be when a player gets cut from the panel. Suddenly you've have a players in the media claiming how harshly they've been treated, talking about law cases for unfair dismissal etc. Then you've have players going straight into these set ups, playing there for a few years and then been dumped out and finding themselves careerless and on the outside of everything.
From a spectator point of view you can see the interest falling off for professional sets ups - the connection between your current county player and your normal spectator would be lost - the team would no longer be representing them. We already see how lukewarm that spectators hold for collective teams - Railway Cup, Sigerson, International game. No real hunger to attend these games.
The figures attending club games (in ulster anyway, Cork Hurling final etc) show that there is a real opportunity there and the strong attachment to the club game still exists.
Financially as well, its a whole new ball game to go down the other route and they would need the international element - sky TV for example.
We'll all be ruined says Hanrahan..... ::)
QuoteThe whole thing is going to fragment with the intercounty game (GPA) going one way and the rest (GAA) going another. The top players will be snapped up for the formerly county teams (there will be 10-15 franchises in each code, less in hurling I'd say) and officially paid (as opposed to the makey uppy "extra expenses" sham that is in place at present) and the club scene will probably benefit from having more weekend to play games. I'm reconciled to it. It will be sad to lose the best players from your club but there will be some benefits for clubs.
Fantasy, pure fantasy but that's common for doomsday prophets of all ilks, ignore realities while grimly sticking to your barn pot predictions of future Armageddon.
QuoteZulu's response is typical of the GPA outlook. Force people to only play one grade. Abandon tradition. This is (supposedly) an amateur organisation run by volunteers. As for developing internationally interesting that anyone over 12 is deemed a lost case. I suspect this interest in developing overseas is again all about developing elite talent only to help the pro game that has always been the GPA's end game.
Jesus wept give me patience!!! I've argued players to stick to one grade at IC level to create more games for club players while decreasing the demands on overburdened young IC standard players. How you've managed to twist that into a pro GPA agenda I'll never know.
My point about focusing on young kids internationally is simply about improving retention rates and the quality of player being produced internationally, you know a bit like in Ireland. I'm heavily involved in developing the GAA in Britain so I know a thing or two about what's needed and for you to spout such uneducated codollogy as some version of the facts is quite pathetic.
Your post could be summed up in two words- utter shite.
Very mature Zulu, as per usual.
I am confident that my prediction will not be very far off the mark. While there are aspects I don't like about it overall it would be better than what exists at the moment where clubs and GAA people are being bled dry in counties like my own to put in place intercounty setups and backroom teams that you "must" have in order to compete. Spending 3-400k+ on a group of 30 lads is ridiculous and scandalous for a county like mine. It's completely and utterly unsustainable and thats the main reason that things will change. Clubs can't keep financing the professionals elite and doing thier own job of spreading the gospel and developing their facilities as well and I see plently of signs around that they won't.
QuoteVery mature Zulu, as per usual.
What's that supposed to mean?? You think you can come on here and tell me what I'm thinking and twist my words into your paranoid version of the world where everything is a GPA plan for domination. Back up your previous post or stop talking rubbish.
QuoteI am confident that my prediction will not be very far off the mark. While there are aspects I don't like about it overall it would be better than what exists at the moment where clubs and GAA people are being bled dry in counties like my own to put in place intercounty setups and backroom teams that you "must" have in order to compete. Spending 3-400k+ on a group of 30 lads is ridiculous and scandalous for a county like mine. It's completely and utterly unsustainable and thats the main reason that things will change. Clubs can't keep financing the professionals elite and doing thier own job of spreading the gospel and developing their facilities as well and I see plently of signs around that they won't.
That's all good a well but it doesn't address how a professional game would actually survive. It can't so it won't happen and those of us living in the real world know that.
This thread is a laugh.
4 legs good, 2 legs bad.4 legs good, 2 legs bad...
Quote from: Zulu on November 21, 2013, 07:16:25 PM
QuoteVery mature Zulu, as per usual.
What's that supposed to mean?? You think you can come on here and tell me what I'm thinking and twist my words into your paranoid version of the world where everything is a GPA plan for domination. Back up your previous post or stop talking rubbish.
QuoteI am confident that my prediction will not be very far off the mark. While there are aspects I don't like about it overall it would be better than what exists at the moment where clubs and GAA people are being bled dry in counties like my own to put in place intercounty setups and backroom teams that you "must" have in order to compete. Spending 3-400k+ on a group of 30 lads is ridiculous and scandalous for a county like mine. It's completely and utterly unsustainable and thats the main reason that things will change. Clubs can't keep financing the professionals elite and doing thier own job of spreading the gospel and developing their facilities as well and I see plently of signs around that they won't.
That's all good a well but it doesn't address how a professional game would actually survive. It can't so it won't happen and those of us living in the real world know that.
Maybe the difference here is there are those who would like to see professionalism at inter county level, but realise that as of now that is a pipedream. I do believe the GPA, by and large, fall into that camp.
Others, including myself, would never like to see a professional GAA, regardless of the financial viability. It goes against a lot of what I believe the GAA to be about.
In short, one camp seem to have an idealistic opposition to any moves in that direction, while the other recognise it's not practical at the moment.
One thing I will say is that the GPA are clearly adept at positioning and marketing themselves (and I use that word deliberately) and will be in a strong position should any monies need to find a home. They are far better at promoting themselves and their initiatives and ideas than the GAA are at promoting the core ideals of the association and at protecting the vast, vast majority of their playing members.
PS, I should say that I don't think any less of GPA members because of what I believe their preference to be, I just disagree with it. And if I were currently in their shoes, my opinion might be different entirely, and I might well be pointing at huge per annum attendences and asking where's my compensation for all the hard work. I see their point.
I just wish we had a club players GPA as well. The Ying to their Yang.
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 22, 2013, 10:08:28 AM
PS, I should say that I don't think any less of GPA members because of what I believe their preference to be, I just disagree with it. And if I were currently in their shoes, my opinion might be different entirely, and I might well be pointing at huge per annum attendences and asking where's my compensation for all the hard work. I see their point.
I just wish we had a club players GPA as well. The Ying to their Yang.
The GPA can talk about welfare all day long but it has been exposed as a sham from their silence over the recent club championship fixture mess. Its not even as if this isn't affecting their members but it seems when they have to put on a club jersey they wash their hands of them.
In fairness they did make some noise about players missing the chance to
market themselves pull on the Irish jersey rather than play club fixtures.
As has been mentioned, the player welfare they are concerned with is inter county player welfare. And if that is their mandate then fair enough but, as I said earlier, who is looking after the club player welfare?
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 22, 2013, 10:20:35 AM
As has been mentioned, the player welfare they are concerned with is inter county player welfare. And if that is their mandate then fair enough but, as I said earlier, who is looking after the club player welfare?
But isn't a county player also a club player? 8 of the Clare All-ireland Winning hurling squad have had to play two football championship matches within 24 hours of each other.
Surely they have a duty to these players when they go back to their clubs? Are they purposedly allowing this to happen so that the Intercounty game has a stronger case for players abandoning club games eg players are ok and well looked after at Intercounty level but they can't then go and play club games as its bad for them?
I can't speak for them, obviously, so I don't know their motivations for sure.
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 22, 2013, 10:44:05 AM
I can't speak for them, obviously, so I don't know their motivations for sure.
Dam it, just make it up then ;)
Quote from: Bingo on November 22, 2013, 10:45:52 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 22, 2013, 10:44:05 AM
I can't speak for them, obviously, so I don't know their motivations for sure.
Dam it, just make it up then ;)
There are enough at that already ;)
QuoteMaybe the difference here is there are those who would like to see professionalism at inter county level, but realise that as of now that is a pipedream. I do believe the GPA, by and large, fall into that camp.
Others, including myself, would never like to see a professional GAA, regardless of the financial viability. It goes against a lot of what I believe the GAA to be about.
In short, one camp seem to have an idealistic opposition to any moves in that direction, while the other recognise it's not practical at the moment.
I fall into neither category and I'm sure I'm not alone but what gets my goat up is the anti-GPA crowd trying to find something negative about the GPA in everything, look at MS's post for a classic example of this. Anti-GPA folk could be right about the GPA and its agenda but it's boring and annoying when some of them fall over themselves to see what they want to see in any GPA statement or initiative.
QuoteOne thing I will say is that the GPA are clearly adept at positioning and marketing themselves (and I use that word deliberately) and will be in a strong position should any monies need to find a home. They are far better at promoting themselves and their initiatives and ideas than the GAA are at promoting the core ideals of the association and at protecting the vast, vast majority of their playing members.
The GAA have been failing in this for years (both club and IC level), in fact that's part of the reason the GPA exists.
Quote from: Bingo on November 22, 2013, 10:16:35 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 22, 2013, 10:08:28 AM
PS, I should say that I don't think any less of GPA members because of what I believe their preference to be, I just disagree with it. And if I were currently in their shoes, my opinion might be different entirely, and I might well be pointing at huge per annum attendences and asking where's my compensation for all the hard work. I see their point.
I just wish we had a club players GPA as well. The Ying to their Yang.
The GPA can talk about welfare all day long but it has been exposed as a sham from their silence over the recent club championship fixture mess. Its not even as if this isn't affecting their members but it seems when they have to put on a club jersey they wash their hands of them.
In fairness they did make some noise about players missing the chance to market themselves pull on the Irish jersey rather than play club fixtures.
Nonsense, the GPA don't represent the clubs but I'll tell you who do, the CB's and the GAA. If you want a bad guy it's them. The clubs of Donegal voted to abandon their own season, CB's voted to reintroduce replays for the early rounds of the IC championship (against the wishes of Croke Park) and there's a thousand other examples.
Yes Zulu. The GAA's treatment of players led directly to the creation of a militant group which was designed to stand up for the elite players. The GAA, rather than properly address the concerns which affect *all* their players, simply brought the GPA inside the tent. That made that noise go away, but the result is now a whole swathe of players who are not being properly represented, as you say.
The only group that can, and should, look after all players is the GAA and if the club players aren't happy they should do something about it through their clubs. No point in giving out that the GPA aren't looking after everyone when there is already a bigger more powerful organisation that should be doing it.
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 22, 2013, 10:20:35 AM
As has been mentioned, the player welfare they are concerned with is inter county player welfare. And if that is their mandate then fair enough but, as I said earlier, who is looking after the club player welfare?
It isn't even about inter-county player welfare its about, elite inter-county player welfare.
When did Dessi issue a statement giving out to the Ulster council about the poor treatment of the Ulster hurling final?
Has he given out that the teams in Div3B only get something like three or four hurling games?
QuoteWhen did Dessi issue a statement giving out to the Ulster council about the poor treatment of the Ulster hurling final?
Has he given out that the teams in Div3B only get something like three or four hurling games?
So what? If Dessie Farrell was to comment on every IC issue he'd need his own TV show. The GPA are doing more for every IC player than the GAA ever did.
By the way, what is he meant to say about a provincial final that a provincial council can't seem to fix or lower level hurling teams when 'hurling' counties have less interest? This is just another vain attempt to beat the GPA when the problem is the GAA itself, though I'm not sure there even is a problem regarding division 3B hurling fixtures.
Quote from: Zulu on November 22, 2013, 02:47:19 PM
The only group that can, and should, look after all players is the GAA and if the club players aren't happy they should do something about it through their clubs. No point in giving out that the GPA aren't looking after everyone when there is already a bigger more powerful organisation that should be doing it.
I think you're putting words in my mouth here. I'm not giving out that the GPA aren't doing it. Once you accept that they are all about the 'elite' then they are absolved from blame. It's not their problem. It's up to the GAA as a whole to respond to their requests/demands. But the GAA seems unable or unwilling to oppose the GPA in anything these days.
What I am giving out about is that the GAA have only one players body, and that body represents a very loud lobby on behalf of about 2% of players. But as I say, that's not a gripe with the GPA.
And to suggest that club players across the land mobilise or attempt to beat their own boards individually is a bit disengenous. What would be wrong with another players body sanctioned by the GAA, with representatives from club players across Ireland on the board, who would lobby the GAA for the Club Players needs? I don't think that's an outlandish concept.
What are the GPA actually providing to players, that wasnt provided to most teams beforehand ? ??? Serious question
I know they have initiatives around education, help with work etc etc. I also know their very presence has probably stopped a few Cork type situations developing over the recent past. I see them more like a watchdog that IC squads are not being abused, and a lobby group for benefits for IC players.
Sorry AZ I was underlining my point rather than responding directly to your post so I wasn't attempting to put words in your mouth.
QuoteAnd to suggest that club players across the land mobilise or attempt to beat their own boards individually is a bit disengenous. What would be wrong with another players body sanctioned by the GAA, with representatives from club players across Ireland on the board, who would lobby the GAA for the Club Players needs? I don't think that's an outlandish concept.
I disagree with this however. Your club is meant to represent your view at CB level and if enough clubs believe something then their CB should reflect that at national level and if enough counties share this view then it should come to pass. That it doesn't is your fault and mine, not some evil county manager or self serving elite players. Why did Donegal clubs vote to have no season? Jim McGuinness isn't the bad guy for looking for it, the bad guys are the clubs for voting for it.
Besides, how many club players are there? 200,000 perhaps? You'd need a large very well funded representative body to be able to cater for the varying needs of that many people, think the GPA x 100 I'd say.
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 22, 2013, 04:08:27 PM
I know they have initiatives around education, help with work etc etc. I also know their very presence has probably stopped a few Cork type situations developing over the recent past. I see them more like a watchdog that IC squads are not being abused, and a lobby group for benefits for IC players.
They've also done a lot of work on mental health and addiction issues as far as I know.
I don't think so. Each county has it's own agenda, such as what happened in Donegal. A body made up of say 60 players, that met once a quarter with a quorum of 40, should be able to create proposals on behalf of all club players around the country, regardless of individual counties.
Quote from: Zulu on November 22, 2013, 04:13:09 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 22, 2013, 04:08:27 PM
I know they have initiatives around education, help with work etc etc. I also know their very presence has probably stopped a few Cork type situations developing over the recent past. I see them more like a watchdog that IC squads are not being abused, and a lobby group for benefits for IC players.
They've also done a lot of work on mental health and addiction issues as far as I know.
Correct, the whole Pieta House association with the GPA is quite strong.
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 22, 2013, 04:14:33 PM
I don't think so. Each county has it's own agenda, such as what happened in Donegal. A body made up of say 60 players, that met once a quarter with a quorum of 40, should be able to create proposals on behalf of all club players around the country, regardless of individual counties.
Don't think that is realistic. The issues of an intermediate footballer in Waterford would/could be quite different from a hurler in Longford, not to mention the fact that even if you did have some common issues you'd have 32 different CB's to contend with. I'm not saying a GPA for club players is a complete non runner but I don't think it would have any clout and would find itself swamped by various small issues.
Ok Zulu - can you give me exactly what the GPA's mandate is? You seem well versed in it.
I can't get my head round the fact that they only represent Intercounty players on intercounty action, when they are been forced to play games day in day out, its not their problem.
Of course this is a GAA problem and only from there can be addressed but you can not argue that the whole structure of the GAA is changing and that the tail is now wagging the dog. As someone very involved at club level, there is a growing bewilderment with the club game and I genuinely feel we are looking at clubs folding in the near future as club players abandone the game. This is based on the length of the club season and the amount of money been sent at the top level. I've been told that the FRC are looking into the calender from a high level source and also that they are fuming with Donegal over this. The next findings of the FRC will be cruical or I do think that CB's will be under severve pressure from clubs.
And I will have no sympathy for the clubs in Donegal should they have a rush of games next October.
QuoteOk Zulu - can you give me exactly what the GPA's mandate is? You seem well versed in it.
I don't know Bingo bar looking after and representing the IC player. I doubt anyone knows exactly what their role will be as this is all new for the GAA and the needs of IC players will change as the GAA changes.
QuoteI can't get my head round the fact that they only represent Intercounty players on intercounty action, when they are been forced to play games day in day out, its not their problem.
Forced, how so? As far as I can see IC players are happy to have this daft season.
QuoteOf course this is a GAA problem and only from there can be addressed but you can not argue that the whole structure of the GAA is changing and that the tail is now wagging the dog.
It has always been thus. If we aren't happy with this then we should change it through the clubs and CB's.
QuoteAs someone very involved at club level, there is a growing bewilderment with the club game and I genuinely feel we are looking at clubs folding in the near future as club players abandone the game. This is based on the length of the club season and the amount of money been sent at the top level. I've been told that the FRC are looking into the calender from a high level source and also that they are fuming with Donegal over this. The next findings of the FRC will be cruical or I do think that CB's will be under severve pressure from clubs.
A few years ago I coached my clubs intermediate football team and such was the nature of our 'season' that I'd never do it again. I've argued for many years here that the whole structure of the season needs to be changed, including getting rid of the provincial championships, limiting players to one code and grade. If some or all of these changes were made we could have a decent season for both IC and club players and this is the point, it isn't the GPA or IC managers who are the problem, it's ourselves and if we want to change it we can.
Quote from: Zulu on November 22, 2013, 04:11:37 PM
Your club is meant to represent your view at CB level and if enough clubs believe something then their CB should reflect that at national level and if enough counties share this view then it should come to pass. That it doesn't is your fault and mine, not some evil county manager or self serving elite players.
In a world where the club had nothing else to do, then this would make sense. However the club is an entity by itself and it has a myriad of issues to worry about - fundraising, underage, sufficient volunteers to keep the show on the road, players, managers, backroom teams....club players are a grouping and a club has to be conscious of so much more.
Basically as a player, senior or junior B, you can bring something to your club but your club has to in turn reflect the views of everyone in the club, not just the exclusively club player. Yes there is a democracy, but there is a fundamental unfairness when one minority group is given direct access to the top table. If a club player in Ferbane GAA has an issue, they can bring it to the committee and try and win approval there, and then it has to be carried through the Offaly CB, and onwards from there. The GPA on the other hand are a group with largely the same agenda, and they've got the ear of the decision makers. Some would say that they've got the decision makers running scared of them.
In theory, it's a democracy - however that's like saying that I have one vote when it comes to the affairs of the country, and so does any single member of Enda Kenny's family. However I think we both know that my voice won't be heard amidst the din of all the others screaming for attention at the same level, while the family member can pull them aside and have their agenda heard at any time.
Ah yes but we're not talking about club players issues with employment or lack of footballs at training, we're talking about the club season. This is the very essence of every club, if their players don't have games then the clubs themselves have little reason to exist so why aren't clubs lobbying their CB's to ensure they have a season?
Because clubs are diverse. A club with no county players will have a very different agenda to the one with five guys on the senior panel and seven more on the minor and u21. Dual clubs will have different agendas again. Clubs also want to see the county team do well, and they are mentally trapped by the current status quo.
Above all, there is no easy solution to this, and there is no solution that won't have a knock on effect somewhere else. It's easy to have big ideas when (1) you have a head guy who's full time job is just to look after and advocate for your interests, and (b) you don't have to worry about other points of view. The GPA looks for stuff and they let the GAA worry about the guy on the other side who's going to have to take the hit or write the cheque. Your average club player might also be a seller of lotto tickets, a trainer of under-12s and a brother to a county man - he's by definition going to look at matters through a wider lens.
Dessie Farrell can spend a week researching a plan, studying possible ways to implement and canvassing opinions. A club player doesn't have a figurehead that can spend that kind of time on his behalf, much less one that's paid by the GAA itself, the organisation that's supposed to cater for him.
QuoteBecause clubs are diverse. A club with no county players will have a very different agenda to the one with five guys on the senior panel and seven more on the minor and u21.
Only one fifth of clubs will have anyone on the county senior panel. For junior and intermediate clubs, whose leagues are generally not too badly interrupted, county success can raise the profile of the GAA and bring more members (for tickets) and help promote the sport among kids.
Quote from: Bensars on November 22, 2013, 04:04:25 PM
What are the GPA actually providing to players, that wasnt provided to most teams beforehand ? ??? Serious question
Glossy press releases. "Star studded" gala events in New York. The ability to name-drop big-shot millionaires.
Quote from: Lone Shark on November 22, 2013, 06:05:31 PM
Because clubs are diverse. A club with no county players will have a very different agenda to the one with five guys on the senior panel and seven more on the minor and u21. Dual clubs will have different agendas again. Clubs also want to see the county team do well, and they are mentally trapped by the current status quo.
Above all, there is no easy solution to this, and there is no solution that won't have a knock on effect somewhere else. It's easy to have big ideas when (1) you have a head guy who's full time job is just to look after and advocate for your interests, and (b) you don't have to worry about other points of view. The GPA looks for stuff and they let the GAA worry about the guy on the other side who's going to have to take the hit or write the cheque. Your average club player might also be a seller of lotto tickets, a trainer of under-12s and a brother to a county man - he's by definition going to look at matters through a wider lens.
Dessie Farrell can spend a week researching a plan, studying possible ways to implement and canvassing opinions. A club player doesn't have a figurehead that can spend that kind of time on his behalf, much less one that's paid by the GAA itself, the organisation that's supposed to cater for him.
But that's my point, because there is such diversity within the club scene there is little or no chance a GPA for clubs would be effective as it couldn't solve the myriad of issues different clubs in different counties have. The problems of an intermediate football club in Limerick could be vastly different than those of a similar club in Tyrone. Even within counties, sorting out the problem with your senior hurling championship when some clubs are serious dual clubs and others are not or hurling only is difficult so how a club GPA with perhaps 3 or 4 individuals full-time could hope to address them is beyond me.
I doubt they'd even have any clout, club players in Mayo aren't going to strike for Carlow club players and even Carlow football clubs may not strike for issues within junior hurling.
I don't agree the GPA looks for stuff while leaving the GAA to deal with the consequences, what examples of this do you have? The GAA has made it's own bed by not looking after IC players and it's making it's own bed now re club players.
QuoteYour average club player might also be a seller of lotto tickets, a trainer of under-12s and a brother to a county man - he's by definition going to look at matters through a wider lens.
What wider lens? The only thing the GAA should, absolutely should, provide players is a structured season. All players, supporters, club administrators and coaches want this but it's the one thing many club players aren't getting.
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on November 22, 2013, 06:54:38 PM
Quote from: Bensars on November 22, 2013, 04:04:25 PM
What are the GPA actually providing to players, that wasnt provided to most teams beforehand ? ??? Serious question
Glossy press releases. "Star studded" gala events in New York. The ability to name-drop big-shot millionaires.
You read the informed previous responses before posting your ill-informed, sarcastic one I presume?
Quote from: armaghniac on November 22, 2013, 06:12:36 PM
QuoteBecause clubs are diverse. A club with no county players will have a very different agenda to the one with five guys on the senior panel and seven more on the minor and u21.
Only one fifth of clubs will have anyone on the county senior panel.
It's a bit of an aside, but WHAAAA?
We've 43 adult clubs in Offaly, providing 60-odd county panellists - I'd say the majority of clubs would have at least one senior panellist, particularly when you factor in that a club football panel might include a member of the county hurling panel. I accept we're a small county and so a little bit extreme, but even so, that seems ridiculous on a national level. Maybe at a stretch it's true in Dublin and Cork, but nowhere outside of that.
Quote from: Zulu on November 22, 2013, 06:59:35 PM
Quote from: Lone Shark on November 22, 2013, 06:05:31 PM
Because clubs are diverse. A club with no county players will have a very different agenda to the one with five guys on the senior panel and seven more on the minor and u21. Dual clubs will have different agendas again. Clubs also want to see the county team do well, and they are mentally trapped by the current status quo.
Above all, there is no easy solution to this, and there is no solution that won't have a knock on effect somewhere else. It's easy to have big ideas when (1) you have a head guy who's full time job is just to look after and advocate for your interests, and (b) you don't have to worry about other points of view. The GPA looks for stuff and they let the GAA worry about the guy on the other side who's going to have to take the hit or write the cheque. Your average club player might also be a seller of lotto tickets, a trainer of under-12s and a brother to a county man - he's by definition going to look at matters through a wider lens.
Dessie Farrell can spend a week researching a plan, studying possible ways to implement and canvassing opinions. A club player doesn't have a figurehead that can spend that kind of time on his behalf, much less one that's paid by the GAA itself, the organisation that's supposed to cater for him.
But that's my point, because there is such diversity within the club scene there is little or no chance a GPA for clubs would be effective as it couldn't solve the myriad of issues different clubs in different counties have. The problems of an intermediate football club in Limerick could be vastly different than those of a similar club in Tyrone. Even within counties, sorting out the problem with your senior hurling championship when some clubs are serious dual clubs and others are not or hurling only is difficult so how a club GPA with perhaps 3 or 4 individuals full-time could hope to address them is beyond me.
I doubt they'd even have any clout, club players in Mayo aren't going to strike for Carlow club players and even Carlow football clubs may not strike for issues within junior hurling.
I don't agree the GPA looks for stuff while leaving the GAA to deal with the consequences, what examples of this do you have? The GAA has made it's own bed by not looking after IC players and it's making it's own bed now re club players.
I agree that club needs are diverse, and that a GPA for club players would not make sense. I don't agree however with the special status afforded the GPA, for this reason. They are the only group within the GAA that have a specific lobby group, and either they are completely useless, or else that will lead to some skewing in their favour when it comes to administrative decisions.
Quote from: Zulu on November 22, 2013, 06:59:35 PM
QuoteYour average club player might also be a seller of lotto tickets, a trainer of under-12s and a brother to a county man - he's by definition going to look at matters through a wider lens.
What wider lens? The only thing the GAA should, absolutely should, provide players is a structured season. All players, supporters, club administrators and coaches want this but it's the one thing many club players aren't getting.
A structured season means very different things to different people, and is completely separate to the GPA issue. Compacting the intercounty season would be a big step in the right direction as far as I can see, but those looking to market the GAA wouldn't agree with that - essentially the only games played in August would be the All Ireland finals, which would mean an extra month of soccer and rugby taking over the headlines. Either that or you stop even half heartedly trying to accommodate dual players, you tell football clubs that they may have to play championship games without intercounty hurlers, or you restrict the number of teams that certain players can play for, thus minimising crossover issues. All of these would be very bitter pills for some people to swallow. There is no panacea to all ills here.
QuoteThere is no panacea to all ills here.
Absolutely agree with you here and we shouldn't be looking for a solution that pleases everyone.
QuoteA structured season means very different things to different people, and is completely separate to the GPA issue.
Not if you are looking for a club GPA as some are advocating here.
QuoteCompacting the intercounty season would be a big step in the right direction as far as I can see, but those looking to market the GAA wouldn't agree with that - essentially the only games played in August would be the All Ireland finals, which would mean an extra month of soccer and rugby taking over the headlines. Either that or you stop even half heartedly trying to accommodate dual players, you tell football clubs that they may have to play championship games without intercounty hurlers, or you restrict the number of teams that certain players can play for, thus minimising crossover issues. All of these would be very bitter pills for some people to swallow.
I'd wholeheartedly support getting rid of the IC dual player at every level from minor up and restricting players to one grade. It is the only sensible thing to do IMO if we want club players to have any kind of season.
QuoteI don't agree however with the special status afforded the GPA, for this reason. They are the only group within the GAA that have a specific lobby group, and either they are completely useless, or else that will lead to some skewing in their favour when it comes to administrative decisions.
I'm really not bothered if they have one or not as long as IC players are treated properly but the GAA has failed to do this and so the GPA was born. I do believe the IC players puts in a huge amount into the GAA and like it or not they are our shop window so looking after them in a unique way is fine by me.
Dessie and the boys are lining their pockets,in truth doing damn all since they sold out to the GAA.
Jobs for the boys
So GPA spent €742k on salaries in 2021
10 staff
Quote from: Saffrongael on January 13, 2023, 08:50:12 AM
So GPA spent €742k on salaries in 2021 10 staff
Can you name the 10, their salaries and what they do?
Quote from: OrchardOrange on January 14, 2023, 09:18:14 PM
Quote from: Saffrongael on January 13, 2023, 08:50:12 AM
So GPA spent €742k on salaries in 2021 10 staff
Can you name the 10, their salaries and what they do?
https://www.gaelicplayers.com/about-us/#staff
Revealed: how GAA star in Garda probe received €30,000 from GPA
John Fogarty - Irish Examiner 9 April 2024
The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) gave €30,000 in 2022 to a former inter-county player who has since come under investigation by An Garda Síochána.
The individual received the monies from the official inter-county players body in two tranches amounting to the five-figure sum, the Irish Examiner understands. The GPA chose not to comment when contacted.
Donations between the association and players are kept confidential between the two parties.
In conjunction with the GAA, the organisation has a past player medical and surgical intervention fund. However, the donations did not come from that source, which is under the auspices of the GAA and was established "to assist former senior inter-county players who may require medical or surgical intervention arising from their involvement with their relevant county team".
The GPA have their own benevolent fund, the aim of which is described in their annual accounts ending December 2022 as offering "support to members of the company who experience setbacks, both personal and professional. The service exists to offer support in a way that helps people find their feet by providing more than financial assistance."
Benevolent fund donations in 2022, which are deducted as a portion of annual membership fees, amounted to €20,550. That year, the GPA spent €2.843 million on player development programmes, €71,493 on player engagement services and €23,832 on welfare support expenditure, while they had two "staff and pension costs" entries, one for €506,183 under player programmes and another for €284,719 under operating costs.
Other units either associated with the GAA or part of it may also have given money to the ex-player. Some provincial councils use gate receipts from pre-season competitions to provide hardship funds for GAA players, both club and county. Supporters groups are also known to ring-fence monies raised for welfare and hardship funds for current and former inter-county players.