Mayo impasse heightens over grants

The impasse within Mayo GAA circles looks bleaker than ever today as the county's senior football and hurling panels reiterated…

The impasse within Mayo GAA circles looks bleaker than ever today as the county's senior football and hurling panels reiterated their stance against their own County Board and in favour of funding for players agreed by the government, GAA and GPA last week.

"We are extremely disappointed that our County Board would attempt to deny Mayo players parity of esteem with athletes of other codes through a scheme which does not damage the amateur ethos in any way," today's statement read.  "We stand firm on the grants agreement, which was achieved after a thorough and exacting process of negotiation."

The senior panels refer to a process which has been in the public domain for the last five years with "very little public opposition to the concept" and question why their own County Board have decided to take issue now.

"We are now told there is 'unanimous' opposition to the idea at Mayo County Board level, yet it appears this decision was hastily taken by delegates without mandate from their clubs or without consultation with players involved."

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"All Mayo players would ask of its County Board that they be afforded due respect and recognition under this proposed scheme, and that the hurlers and footballers who have the honour of wearing the county jersey with pride receive full support.

The statement continued: "The Gaelic Players' Association accepts, unreservedly, Rule 11 of the GAA's official guide concerning the amateur status of the Association. The GPA is absolutely satisfied that this agreement does not infringe upon that status, which is also acknowledged by Croke Park."