GPA throw in the ballon tax exemptions

TWO years ago Charlie McCreevy challenged the GPA to indulge in some lateral thinking if they ever hoped to see inter-county GAA players benefit from tax exemptions for sports people and yesterday Dessie Farrell and his association answered him in spades.

Angered and frustrated at the lack of progress they were making on the issue, the GPA effectively set up camp opposite the Dáil in Buswell’s Hotel yesterday from which they made their latest pitch to the Finance Minister. As publicity coups go, this was a highly effective shot across the Government’s bows.

For much of the day, politicians from all parties crossed Kildare Street to lend their support to the players’ organisation. Many accompanied Mr Farrell and company back across the road to hand in a petition in protest of the section of the 2002 Finance Bill which Mr Farrell claims is discriminatory towards his membership.