‘Pay for play’ at Croker will be short-lived

The IRFU and the FAI, obviously appreciate very much the generous gesture by the GAA to allow International rugby and soccer to be played in the Croke Park stadium, while their own stadium is being redeveloped at Lansdowne.

Realistically, however, it is most unlikely that the IRFU and FAI will want to play their international games in Croke Park and leave their own newly developed stadium idle for these very special matches. It just wouldn’t make any sense, even from a cash flow viewpoint.

Croke Park is clearly a very impressive unique Irish Stadium, built exclusively for and to promote amateur Gaelic games.

Most GAA people would like the Association to retain its amateur status — even GPA members.

There is very little support, if any, for the so-called “pay for play”. Therefore, the media generally could play a more constructive role in helping the GAA to retain its enormously successful amateur status.

Ken O’Brien

St Joseph’s

Wilton

Bishopstown Road

Cork