Big turnout for talks on payment to managers expected

A BIG turnout is expected this morning at Croke Park, as the GAA gets the first opportunity to debate the discussion document on amateurism and the payment of managers.

Director general Páraic Duffy’s paper was released on Tuesday and distributed to the county boards along with invitations to chairpersons, secretaries and Central Council delegates.

It will be the first set piece in the deliberative process, which the GAA will undertake in the months ahead. It is expected that the work group, due to be selected to consider submissions and make a recommendation to the association, will not be appointed in the immediate future.

The meeting, which will be held in camera will be the first significant indication of how the document, which outlines three options – retaining the status quo which sees the rule book forbidding payment to managers but the membership widely ignoring that, cracking down to enforce the rule or permitting a structured system of payment for intercounty mangers – has been received by GAA administrators.

Meanwhile, Eamonn McEneaney has said he would welcome Tommy Freeman back into the Monaghan squad. The former All Star missed last year’s championship as he was working in the US. “The ball is in Tommy’s court,” said the Monaghan manager. “I think a Tommy Freeman in the right frame of mind would make a difference to anybody.”

However, McEneaney was quick to add that Paul Finlay was producing the goods in Freeman’s absence. “Paul’s a lovely player, he can play anywhere. Another two or three players that could do that would be a great boost. But I believe we’ve two or three other guys that are capable of doing it if we can get them back on the pitch.”