GPA take bite of the Big Apple

SAM MAGUIRE and Liam MacCarthy tend to cross paths around this time of year.

But their meeting last night in midtown Manhattan must seem just that little bit more unusual, even by their own well-travelled standards.

At least they were under the watchful supervision of hardened Dublin defender Ger Brennan and the great Kilkenny hurler Henry Shefflin.

Irish American publisher Niall O’Dowd, an early runner for the Áras, hosted the All-Ireland cups at the New York Athletic Club as part of the Gaelic Players Association’s promotional tour to raise awareness of their Player Development Programme. The visit is supported by the American Ireland fund.

Although still in its embryonic stage, and mindful not to tread on the fundraising toes of their American brethren, this GPA gathering seemed like the beginning of something important for the future welfare of inter-county footballers and hurlers.

“The idea behind the trip is to try and sow the seeds for a network of support for the Player Development Programme in the States,” said Dessie Farrell, the GPA chief executive.

“We’re looking beyond the GAA network that already exists in the US as we know how vital this is to grass roots development there.

“However, we would hope that our promotional work will also help clubs in the States as we will be making a very strong case as to the importance of Gaelic games and the appeal of the sports.

“We believe that the future well-being of Gaelic games in general is dependent on a thriving inter-county scene and the player programme is aimed at ensuring that players can continue to contribute to that scene while pursuing successful careers off the field.”

Brennan and Shefflin are at contrasting junctures in their playing careers yet both recognise the value of strengthening the programme via the support of the Irish-American business community.

“As someone who as actually benefited from the GPA programme through the personal development and communication skills services, I’m delighted to do it,” said Brennan.

“Obviously after winning the All-Ireland there’s a great buzz here in New York among the Dublin GAA people and just like at home I can see what it means to them.”

Shefflin added: “As one of the older guard I have been very lucky with my career off the field but I know that there are many players who ignore this part of their lives.

“I think it’s wonderful that the GPA is addressing this with their programme and I would encourage all county players to engage with it, it can help in so many ways.

“However, I’m aware that demand for services will increase dramatically over the next few years which is why we’re in New York with the Liam MacCarthy and Sam Maguire Cups; the GPA are hoping that some of the successful Irish business community here will help support the programme in the future.”

GPA chairman and Cork hurling goalkeeper Donal Óg Cusack is also among the travelling party to New York.