Players won’t be taken for granted, says GPA chief

PLAYER welfare is the primary objective of the Gaelic Players Association and pay for play is not on their agenda, chief executive Dessie Farrell said at last night’s Carphone Warehouse sponsored gala awards function in the Citywest Hotel in Dublin.

In the presence of GAA President elect Sean Kelly, the Players Committee chairman Jarlath Burns and several prominent county managers, Farrell said the days of treating players for granted were at an end.

But in a generally conciliatory address in which he expressed optimism about the outcome of continuing negotiations with GAA leaders, he made it clear they would not tolerate a situation where players were not treated with respect.

“Let me say clearly, we are not in favour of pay for play and we are not in favour of embarking upon the road to professionalism. And yes, we do recognise the achievements of the GAA and its special place in the hearts and minds of the people at home and abroad. Nobody appreciates this more than the players themselves,” he said.

Farrell said while it was “another year of great performances and heroic deeds” once more, players had “spilled blood, sweat and tears” to make it happen. “Every year the level of skill and commitment that is required to make the grade increases, the sacrifices made by players day in day out increases, the dedication increases. It seems to me that everything bar the players mileage allowance increases, but that’s a matter for another day.”

From the perspective of opening negotiations with the GAA leadership, Farrell described the year as one of substantial progress, adding: “the positive mood from our most recent meeting in October augurs well for the

future.

“To that end I would like to welcome Sean Kelly and Jarlath Burns here tonight. Their very presence at this event reflects their own commitment to the players. And the players would like to thank Jarlath for his efforts on their behalf and wish Sean Kelly a successful and satisfying term in office with the full backing of the GPA.

“The wind of change is blowing through Gaelic games whether we like it or not. The growth of player awareness, player solidarity, commercial realities and social change are upon on us. To those who are prepared to embrace change, the GPA asks you to support us, to help us build on our achievements. Help us build a better association where players’ interest will be catered for, where the stars of our national game will no longer be brow beaten by the ever grinding rhetoric of the past, where the standard on the field is matched in the committee rooms off it.

“Advertisers paint GAA stars as giants, but the sad reality for many a committed inter county star is that he or she is still looked down in certain sectors. But no more. To treat our players with the respect that they deserve does not diminish the role of the GAA in the parish, the town, the hinterland or in the city.

“Rather the GAA will be complemented and enhanced for listening to the voice of the players.

“No longer will the crippling schedules of today threaten the health of the players or the longevity of their careers, no longer will their commitment at the top level jeopardise their jobs or their families. For those of you scared of change, the GPA says ‘trust us,’ do not be sceptical or cynical. The balance of goodwill within the country that underpins the GAA will not be broken.’’