GPA hit out at GAA comments

Started by youbetterbelieveit, December 22, 2006, 09:44:12 AM

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GPA hit out at GAA comments

21/12/2006 15:58:27
The GPA has hit back at what it calls "comments made by GAA officials" regarding the proposed government-sponsored intercounty player grants during the past week.

The players' body, which is headed by Dessie Farrell, reiterated that they have, for the past four years, been lobbying the Irish government for grants inline with that which is already afforded athletes in other codes.

A statement, issued on Thursday, also welcomed the government's confirmation that funding will be ring fenced for the direct benefit of intercounty players.

And Gaelic Player Association chiefs acknowledged that this funding will be contingent on an agreement between the GAA and themselves on the utilisation of the money.

However, they have lashed out at comments from within the GAA domain that the grants amount to pay-for-play.

"Any suggestion that the provision of Government grant aid amounts to 'pay for play' by Croke Park officials' is nonsense," read the GPA statement.

"This is inconsistent with previous assurances sought and received by the GPA, that Croke Park had accepted the bona fides of the association in relation to this issue ie that professionalism is not part of the players' agenda."

The statement added that the grants would in no way damage the GAA's chances of securing government grants for other areas of its association such as stadia development and funding for grassroots level.

"The mechanism for this will not impact upon requests from the GAA for financial assistance, for development of county and training grounds etc.

"The very recent allocation of EUR6.85 million in funding, through the Government's infrastructural development grant scheme, to assist with the installation of floodlights in Croke Park and various stadium and training ground developments, clearly demonstrates this."
 
   
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