Kilkenny secretary points to profits from opening up Croker

KILKENNY Secretary Pat Dunphy believes financial considerations are now the priority topic when debating the potential use of Croke Park by non-GAA sports.

In his report to next weekend’s annual convention, Dunphy stops short of actually saying the policy on the use of GAA headquarters should be changed. But he suggests a policy change would be of huge benefit in monetary terms.

Equally, while he doubts inter-county players want to be paid, he expresses the view that people who make “huge sacrifices” should be “looked after”.

Mr. Dunphy, one of the county secretaries who openly advocated a change in the rule governing the use of Croke Park two years ago, questions the policy of expending so much finance on the stadium.

“We are still spending big money on Croke Park and will continue to do so in 2003, with the development of the Nally Stand and Hill 16 side of the grounds and still you wonder, why spend so much money on a stadium that will only open its doors for six months of the year?’’ he writes.

“Surely, from a business point of view, the grounds and facilities are well capable of generating huge income for the Association.

“We are fighting for the youth to play our games, but many of these cannot understand why Croke Park cannot be opened up to other sports when in the past it has been opened to boxing, American football and

concerts.

“In 2003 it will open the Special Olympics, which incorporates all sports.’’ Dealing with player issues, Mr. Dunphy says the GPA is “here to stay”, commenting that the seeds of the organisation were grown by the GAA itself when “some player needs were not met in a proper way.

“Players must be looked after and they should have their rewards from playing the game, but not paid - and I don’t think that is an issue.

“As it is, everyone working for the GAA, players, officers and clubs are all involved because they want to be

involved - and didn’t get involved for payment.

“However, if people are making huge sacrifices, they need to be looked after - whether they be club members or if they perform in the national stage.’’

*The county’s success in recording the All-Ireland minor and senior double, along with the National League, was matched by a good year financially. The Paul Simon concert in Nowlan Park in mid-summer

produced a profit of €84,000, with an additional €56,000 coming from a draw.

Team administration expenses, including catering, travel, sports gear and medical expenses - along with a €25,000 contribution to the senior team’s trip to South Africa - amounted to €363,000.

Meanwhile the Tyrone senior hurling team could be disbanded as a crisis grips the game in the Red Hand county, according to county secretary Dominic McCaughey.

Another option being considered is the nomination of the county champions to represent Tyrone at inter-county level.