Kelly set to recommend player committee elections

GAA president-elect Sean Kelly is to recommend that inter-county footballers and hurlers be allowed to elect their own national representatives to Croke Park at the weekend’s congress in Belfast.

Acknowledging GPA criticism that the Croke Park “players committee” had been “selected” by the president, Mr Kelly feels that some form of election should be introduced.

“Every inter-county player in the country could be given the opportunity to say yes or no to that and I would hope that may happen during my presidency,” he said.

“It’s important that players would represent themselves and communicate their views to us at a higher level. Once I take over at congress I will have to outline what I think is the best way to go forward and if that’s acceptable we can go ahead quite quickly. After that he would wait for a response.”

On the wider front, county delegations will await with interest the result of Mr Kelly’s deliberations as to who will head up the various committees at national level.

One of the most prestigious appointments will be that of Games Administration Committee chairman. It is widely accepted that outgoing chairman Padraic Duffy proved an outstanding success.

Interestingly, under rule it’s the one position that could not be retained by the incoming president, even if he wished to do so.

On GAA finances, Mr Kelly points out that the association has used its money wisely, as can be witnessed at schools and club level.

“We have an infrastructure that is the envy of other sports, who use whatever income they have to pay players. Any profit we made went back into developing the game. That has to be understood.

“Without that we would not be the organisation we are today and if we were to stop that, it’s quite obvious from looking at other sports, we just wouldn’t have the wherewithal to keep going into the future.

“With the expense now involved in developing the major grounds, be it Croke Park, Pairc Uí Chaoimh or Pairc na nGael, and keeping clubs going and doing the things we want to do in terms of all other pitches and extra facilities for clubs, you just could not possibly pay players and do that at the same time.”

Insofar as he can, taking account of the limitations of the office, he intends to adopt a proactive role.

“Some people feel that the president shouldn’t take any part in rule changes, that it’s up to the membership to make changes. I would take a different view,” he said.

“I have always believed in suggesting what I think should be the way forward. That’s the way I will operate.

“If I feel something should be done, I’ll say it. That’s leadership. I’ll have no hesitation in telling people what I think in regard to any issue and it will be up to them to make up their minds. You have some bit of power in putting committees together. You can change some things and you can point the way forward. But, you’re not God.”