GAA must heed ‘dire’ financial warnings

THE threat of “dire financial difficulties” being experienced by other sporting organisations should serve as a stern warning to the GAA on the dangers of professionalism.

Munster Council secretary Donie Nealon issued this warning to the membership in his 37th and final report to annual convention on Friday in Thurles.

The effect of professionalism would place an enormous burden on the finances of county boards who are experiencing great difficulty in generating sufficient funds to meet the costs of training and preparing their county teams.