GAA have let down members with Sky deal

I am shocked by the decision of the powers that be in the GAA, an association of which my family and I are ardent members, to sell out to Rupert Murdoch’s Sky Inc.

To me Sky is the antithesis of all that the GAA represents. It stands for big money, globalisation, sameness, mercenary effort, and the Manchester City or Chelsea model of sport as business.

Traditionally the GAA nurtured the local community and supported what was unique and special about every single parish in Ireland. It was built on, and is sustained by voluntary effort, pride in one’s native place and love of the local jersey. It promoted games and pastimes that were ‘racy of the soil’.

And so it was a million miles removed from the global Sky culture that would have everyone looking at the same game at the same time on the same night all over Europe, as happens week in, week out.

I would like to remind the people responsible for this disloyal deal done behind the backs of dedicated rank and file members that you are not the GAA, you are only the temporary keepers of the flame, you do not own the flame.

You were given positions of trust on behalf of the people and you have let down the ordinary, committed, hard-working members of a great association.

As the heirs of Cusack, Croke and Parnel,l you have fallen far short.

Donal Lynch

Termonfeckin

Co Louth