Colleges and vocational schools revolt over Kelly amalgamation plans

GAA PRESIDENT Sean Kelly is on a collision course with the colleges and vocational schools authorities over his proposal to amalgamate the administrative side of both bodies, one of the last acts of his presidency.

Among the motions of the Strategic Review Committee in 2003 was one to amalgamate both bodies, which was passed at a special congress and endorsed at a subsequent central council meeting.

However, Kelly's announcement of a new All-Ireland committee to oversee vocational schools and colleges games around the country is likely to be provoke with a huge backlash.

Several meetings were held with personnel representing the SRC, and in Ulster Frank Burke met with the northern schools councils and was left in no doubt that the vocational schools and colleges authorities did not want anything to do with amalgamation.

Ulster VEC servicing officer Tony McCaffrey said there has been no consultation over the appointment of this new committee, and anything that is imposed never works.

"There are far more important issues to be tackled before any amalgamation is made. Many Gaelic schools have been lost to rugby and soccer, and remedial work needs to be done to arrest that trend.

"Ulster is the example the others should be following. Both bodies cater for the whole school populace, not just the elite. This proposed amalgamation will have serious long-term implications for the association at schools level all over the country.

"Our vocational finals are among the best in the country and are fully supported by players, schools and parents. So are the colleges finals, and we would feel this is promoting Gaelic games in the most realistic way.

"There is a real danger that people who are working at vocational schools and colleges level in Ulster will walk away if this new amalgamation is foisted upon us. This is what some of our teachers are telling us.

"The amalgamation was passed at a special congress three years' ago when the vast majority of delegates had left. Teachers had no input into that decision. It doesn't make sense that people who may not be fully aware of the situation should be making these kind of decisions. As far as Munster and Ulster are concerned, this amalgamation is a non-runner."

TJ Egan, the servicing officer of the All-Ireland Vocational Schools GAA, said since Kelly became president, the vocational All-Ireland finals have ceased to be played as a curtain-raiser to the National League finals; that Kelly attempted to remove our representation on central council; and that he has basically tried to dissolve the vocational schools council.

"As a secretary school teacher himself Kelly has done the vocational schools no favours during his term of office. He has done tremendous work in his three years, but he was not prepared to listen and get involved in the debate on this thorny issue," he said.

Munster Colleges secretary Michael Forrestal said that at least two meetings were arranged between representatives of all the sporting bodies from the four provinces and the GAA president but were called off on each occasion.

"Two weeks ago, I was informed that the amalgamation was going through without any consultation. There is no democracy in this decision and I would be fearful for the future. I'm told that our Munster Colleges AGM can go ahead next month, but that we were not to elect any officers. The same will apply in the other provinces.

"I have written to Croke Park on behalf of the Munster Colleges Council telling them that we are totally opposed to this amalgamation. I would be very concerned that come next September when the schools reopen after the summer holidays that Gaelic games would not be organised for the schools and colleges."

Ulster Council secretary Seamus Woods said the appointment of this new committee by the GAA president, and not wanted by his organisation, smacks of jobs for the boys.

"We have an excellent framework in place here in Ulster for colleges games, and it would necessitate dismantling that when there is no need. My committee and I are very disappointed that no meaningful discussion has taken place on this proposed amalgamation and we are totally opposed to it."