GAA and GPA can work together claims president

SEAN KELLY is confident the GAA and GPA can “talk things through” and avoid a potential player strike.

The GPA was incensed when the GAA sent no representative to a meeting discussing grants for inter-county players with Minister for Sport John O’Donoghue last week.

Kelly was surprised by the player association’s reaction and was adamant yesterday that both parties could still work together on the matter.

Said Kelly: “There’s no problem with sitting down and talking things through. That’s the sensible way to do things. Hopefully it will work out in the end.”

The GPA executive met last night to discuss its options and are expected to release a statement this morning.

Kelly added: “The GPA had been looking for this meeting for some time and I had intended going to it because it involved discussions at ministerial level, but Nicky Brennan as incoming President said he would like an opportunity to discuss the matter with the GPA before we made any moves of that nature.

“Management and Central Council respected that. It is postponed rather than any decision having been made on it, but I can understand their frustration.”

Meanwhile, Kelly called on clubs and county boards to think twice before accepting lucrative offers for their stadiums and grounds, pointing out that money was not the main consideration in any prospective deals.

“There are tempting offers for clubs. The price of land has gone up and most clubs who would have been quite happy and self-sufficient with one ground in the past are now requiring up to three or four grounds to cater for ladies games, coaching, schools games, you name it.

“When offers of that nature come along they have to discuss them. Ultimately the decision must be, does it benefit the club? By moving will you be losing the club’s heart?”