GAA must resist moves to set up professional elite

REPORTS that GAA authorities have agreed to the formal recognition of the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) is a welcome development, as is the report that they have dismissed a demand for a 5% share of gross income from all gate receipts, sponsorship and broadcast revenue.

Already, in what can only be described as a fit of pique, GPA representatives have withdrawn spokespersons from TV interviews at this year’s provincial finals.

Such behaviour can only be described as the thin end of the wedge of GAA professionalism.

As a lifelong supporter of both codes at club and intercounty level, I am very aware of the commitment and demands on players, particularly those who play for club and county.

Despite the massive commitment of these players, the GPA’s attempts to set up a “professional elite” must be opposed for the overall good of the association. The commercial self-endorsement of a select elite is anathema to the principles of the GAA.

The GAA is not just a sporting organisation, it is the heart of an army of people of diverse political, social, commercial and economic backgrounds, yet all subscribe to the notion of loyalty to the common good, not just to the elite.

It continues to prosper because it places community and society above selfish demands. It is the embracing of this diversity and loyalty which is the strength of the GAA.

It is an organisation that belongs to us all – the players, the teachers who give their time unselfishly, those who mark the pitches and erect the nets, the umpires, linesmen, coaches, the women who wash the jerseys and supply the tea and sandwiches, the mentors who attend the county boards, those who ferry the boys and girls to matches, the grass-cutters, those who organise the raffles and take minutes of the meetings, all done with no monetary rewards, just love of the games.

For generations the GAA in rural townlands, villages, towns and cities, in Ireland and abroad, and exclusively on the premise of volunteer participation, turned the GAA into one of the worlds largest and most successful amateur sporting organisations.

This generation does not own the GAA. No one does.

We are just the current custodians of this organisation whose sporting and cultural assets are worth guarding zealously.

We have a collective duty to future generations to pass on our heritage as it was passed on to us, untainted and unsullied by individual or corporate greed.

Tom Cooper

Delaford Lawn

Knocklyon

Dublin 16