Time for GAA to realise amateurism was lost long ago
Every Monday morning I dander into Blaneys’ newsagents on the Ormeau Road.
Three of the seven Blaney brothers, John, Peter and Michael, work in the shop. Their brother Greg, a double All-Ireland medallist with Down in 1991 and 1994, was one of the finest centre half-forwards to have ever graced a pitch. Their late father, Seán, captained the Armagh minors to All-Ireland glory in 1949. Greg is now manager of St Brigid’s in Belfast, Eamonn is in charge of St John’s, and Kevin is with Kilclief. Paul is assistant secretary of the Down County Board. You get the picture. Apart from furnishing me with newspapers, the visit to Blaneys serves another important function. The Blaney brothers act as my barometer for all things GAA as they provide an insight into the concerns of rank-and-file members. They are also spectacularly well-informed. Given that they rise earlier than a Dublin footballer, they have all the newspapers devoured and digested by 7am. On more occasions than I can remember the burning issue that was discussed in Blaneys in the morning formed the topic of the following day’s column. This week is a typical example. Earlier this week Michael was on duty and we talked about the illegal payment of managers.
