Final call to GAA chief to speak out on the alcohol sponsor problem

GAA president Séan O'Ceallaigh is being lauded for many things he has done during his term of office, which is now ending. Few will disagree with the general tone of tribute.

Indeed, some might feel that Colm O'Rourke's recent public comment on RTÉ2 (Sunday, April 2) that "he has left quite a mess to his successor", in matters such as the GPA problem, is rather harsh.

But the outgoing president has failed in one far more important matter - that of turning a blind eye to the abuse of alcohol on his watch. Specifically, despite one recent nuanced tack he has allowed - even encouraged - the GAA's involvement with an alcohol firm in the promotion of Gaelic games.

During the past three years I have repeatedly and publicly challenged the president to deal with this precise issue; to address the irresponsibility of accepting sponsorship from an alcohol firm, especially bearing in mind the widespread social crisis that obtains with regard to the tragic alcohol abuse in Ireland today.

Mine was a specific challenge, posed in strict logical form in order to avoid any vague discourse.

My challenge was published in the national dailies, all but one, and in every provincial paper to which I submitted it. Three years later, the president still has not found it convenient to respond.

He has just a few weeks left to ensure that his presidency, for all the encomia he has collected, will not prove to have failed in a question of such national importance.

He has still time to make one positive, redeeming statement of leadership on the issue before he leaves office. Will he?

I wish the president well. Go n-eirí leis.

Leon O'Morchain

2 The Beaches

Louisburgh

Co Mayo