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Already, in what can only be described as a fit of pique, GPA representatives have withdrawn spokespersons from TV interviews at this year’s provincial finals.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