GPA fight to maintain grants

IF THE purpose of yesterday’s open assembly of the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) was to make a strong case for the continuation of the Government’s player grant scheme, then it certainly succeeded – although it remains to be seen if the scheme itself will succeed for another year.

GPA chief executive Dessie Farrell was a busy man as his made his case, first to the media, and later to the various TDs and Senators who crossed over from Government Buildings to Buswells Hotel.

Among them was Mayo football manager and Fine Gael TD John O’Mahony, and Michael Kennedy of Fianna Fail, although notably absent was Minister for Sport Martin Cullen.

“Obviously we’re very aware that the country is in a difficult financial position,” said Farrell. “The point we’ve consistently made here is that we’re quite prepared to row in with that. What we don’t what to see is the scheme being axed. Or Gaelic players being discriminated against.

“The principle also is very important, apart from the practical benefit to players, in the current downtown, and the difficulties that many of them face. Because parity of esteem with other athletes was one of the big issues for us all along.”

Last year the Government contributed €3.5 million to the scheme, which was distributed among all footballers and hurlers who played some part in the championship. So far, however, there has been no commitment for 2009, and it is understood the Government has held off any decision until after next Tuesday’s Emergency Budget.

“We’ve also asked players to contact their own TDs around the country,” added Farrell, “and the feedback from that has been positive. . . . We’re prepared to take a reduction in the funding.

“But this scheme has been hard-fought for. And the State needs to acknowledge the contribution of players, and the fact that these players are such good role models. We’ve also suggested that county players, as part of this agreement, should be used by Government agencies to promote healthy eating, mental health, whatever.

“There is an awful lot of scope there to leverage players and convey a very important message on important social issues.”

The GPA have threatened some sort of protest action if the grant were axed, possibly even a players’ strike, but Farrell wasn’t contemplating that scenario just yet.

“We’re just focused on the campaign as it stands at the minute. If that changes in due course, then we’ll deal with that at the time. We know speculation is rife that there is no money there, but in the absence of a decision being taken you will have that speculation.

“That’s why we’re pressing for this decision to be taken. The funding is not actually distributed until October. But it’s still important we get a decision sooner rather than later. We’ve spoken to the Minister for Sport some weeks ago, and have requested another meeting.”

- A new film on Michael Cusack will be launched in the Dergvale Hotel at 8pm on Saturday, writes KEITH DUGGAN.

The Man from Carronis a personal exploration into the life of the GAA's founding father. It was written and is presented by Br Seán McNamara, one of the foremost authorities on Cusack.

The intention was to emphasise the Clare man’s importance to the GAA in the year the latter celebrates 125 years in existence.

“I believe I have pictures and information that other sources do not have and I would hope that they would be useful to other people,” Br McNamara said. “I feel GAA headquarters haven’t done enough to celebrate his legacy.”

All proceeds from the sale of the DVD go to the Brothers Mission in Zambia. The sole selling agent is: O’Donnell Sportswear, Abbey Street, Ennis, Clare.

The cost is €10, with free post.