Brennan opposed to grants cuts

GAA president Nickey Brennan remains hopeful that the player grants scheme will go ahead as planned despite the current economic…

GAA president Nickey Brennan remains hopeful that the player grants scheme will go ahead as planned despite the current economic downturn. Minister for Sport Martin Cullen has admitted next year's scheme is in doubt due to "economic constraints".

In a statement released this afternoon, Brennan confirmed he would be meeting with the Gaelic Players Association to discuss the development and called on the Government to honour the agreement.

Intercounty players have yet to receive this year's payments but they are not believed to be under threat. However, a cut in funding to the Irish Sports Council has placed next year's allocation in considerable doubt.

Brennan described the grants, which were agreed in November of last year, as an "appropriate recognition of the contribution of senior intercounty players to the social, economic and cultural life of the nation".