Brennan rejects criticisms

GAA:GAA president Nickey Brennan has rejected suggestions that the association has become too commercial and out of touch with its membership. Dissatisfaction among some members has been expressed in relation to the Croke Park decision to accept the Gaelic Players Association's case for government grants, an issue currently the subject of negotiations between the three parties.

"We haven't said much on this issue because talks are ongoing," Brennan told The Irish Times, "but it's important to remember that the money at stake here isn't the GAA's money; it's the Government's. They decided to give it to the players.

"I'm not sure if people are suggesting we shouldn't have supported the making available of those funds. I think we were obliged to support the players when the offer was made."

Yesterday on RTÉ Radio's Pat Kenny Show, Fermanagh footballer and GPA member Colm Bradley was critical of what he felt was a lack of consultation. The comments were a reiteration of sentiments expressed by Bradley - who is a journalist - in a piece written for the Sunday Tribuneat the weekend, which disagreed with the whole idea of player grants.

"If you consider Rule 42," he said on RTÉ, "which was probably the most divisive issue in the association over the last 20 years, at least the grass-roots had their say. The grass-roots were never consulted about whether they thought inter-county players should receive grant aid. The GAA just agreed on their behalf."

GPA chief executive Dessie Farrell also rejected the view that the players' organisation was not reflecting its members' views. "Colm is the only player I've heard expressing those views, but maybe there are others who don't have his platform. But we did a lot of groundwork before the strike ballot went out to make sure that playing squads were happy with the ballot and course of action.

"I think Colm was also apportioning blame to the GAA because he wasn't happy with the road they were travelling and the emphasis on commercial sponsorship, television rights as well as support for the player grants."

Brennan equally rejected this suggestion, which is topically based on current negotiations for a new sponsorship model, designed along the lines of the Uefa Champions League's multiple sponsors - a departure that has signalled the end of All-Ireland football sponsor Bank of Ireland's 13-year involvement - and also for the new broadcast rights issue.

"For as long as the GAA has been in existence," said Brennan, "we have always had to fund a host of projects, be they games development or infrastructure. To do that, we have had to maximise our income. The GAA is well aware of its audience and constituency. We will take a decision that is right for the association and it won't be based on purely commercial considerations."

Another of Bradley's criticisms concerned the cost of attending matches: "Ticket prices are also exorbitant and yet there's no debate about it."

Again Brennan took issue with the allegation. "In relation to ticket prices we compare favourably with all other entertainment outlets and I can say without contradiction that no organisation gives out as many concession tickets for its events.

"The issue of ticket prices is a big one for counties who are making multiple trips to matches and we could look at different pricing models or methodologies for getting people into matches. There's potential there, although the National League obviously has more potential than the championship. But overall there's merit in trying to improve our systems so that people who come regularly can benefit more than the casual spectator. There's a case for rewarding loyalty."

Farrell confirmed that whereas the result of the GPA ballot is expected soon no definite date has been set for the announcement of the details.