Kelly calls for tax credits for GAA ‘contributions’

GAA president Sean Kelly believes inter-county players are entitled to benefit from State coffers, as do their professional rugby and soccer counterparts.

A submission will be made to the Government for tax credits, in the line of a 'lump sum or ex-gratia payment' of between €1,000 and €1,500, to be paid annually to members of official inter-county senior squads.

Mr Kelly said such payments 'would not compromise' their amateur ethos. And he saw no contradiction in the GAA refusing to pay players. He described it as the: "country making a contribution" to the players for the time they spend and the sacrifices they make.