Croke Park bar plans - GAA alcohol message is ambiguous
They will soon unveil 11 bars at their headquarters in Croke Park, having secured planning permission from Dublin City Council.
Based on both decisions, it is hard to disagree with Mountjoy Prison Governor John Lonergan, that the message being sent out by the GAA in relation to the availability and consumption of alcohol is confusing.
As a member of that GAA taskforce which, among other things, called for an end to alcohol sponsorship deals with the association, Mr Lonergan’s disillusionment is understandable.
In one instance it has responded positively and responsibly to the problem of alcohol abuse in this country, yet, in his words, proclaims that alcohol is part of the GAA by opening the 11 bars.
It is, indeed, difficult to reconcile one with the other.
However adamantly it claims that it will be able to control the consumption of alcohol on its property, the fact is that the GAA will be actively promoting its sale on the grounds of commercialism.
In a stadium with a potential capacity of 82,000 fans, and allowing for the fact that not all of them would drink, the control of drink and its attendant problems will pose a daunting prospect.
At the moment, alcohol is only available to about 10,000 supporters, who enjoy corporate hospitality or are premium ticket-holders, in Croke Park.
By opening 11 bars spread around the ground, the availability of alcohol will be greatly increased.
With its recent decision to make the stadium available to soccer and rugby games, the commercial aspect becomes even more compelling, as well as the staging of concerts there.
The aims of the GAA taskforce were admirable and even courageous from the point of view that it recommended that alcohol sponsorship be ended, which was contrary to official policy.
Without a doubt, the association is a powerful influence, on young people especially, and in promoting sport and a healthy lifestyle, has contributed enormously to the well-being of this country as a whole.
But the decision to open 11 bars at Croke Park displays an ambivalence in its attitude to alcohol, and a recognition that its sale is commercially important.
Alcohol abuse has always been a curse in our society and has done irreparable harm to family life in too many instances.
By promoting it in their headquarters so extensively, the GAA is not doing its own image any good, especially in light of aspirations expressed by its own taskforce.
No matter to what extent the association protests it has not been motivated by the profit factor, the fact is that it will be perceived to be doing so.
That is the message which will be received by the general public.
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