GPA condemns Offaly Board as ‘arrogant and incompetent’

THE Offaly County Board were yesterday accused of being ‘arrogant and incompetent’ in relation to player welfare issues and operating in breach of GAA guidelines.

The criticism came from Dessie Farrell, Chief Executive of the GPA, following the decision of the county’s senior footballers earlier in the week to withdraw their services after the resignation of the team management.

In a statement, the Association confirmed its “unequivocal support” for the decision, pointing that they had consulted with the Offaly squad on this specific issue for some time

“This recent escalation is clearly a direct result of continued County Board arrogance and incompetence in the interim,’’ the statement said.

Farrell alleged that the Offaly players had been treated ‘disgracefully’ over a number of seasons and that it was indicative of an ‘enduring inconsistency with GAA policy’ on the matter of player welfare.

“Whilst some county boards can be commended on their treatment of players, the Offaly administration has clearly been operating in breach of standard GAA guidelines relating to player welfare.

“With a wholly supportive playing body analysing developments closely from the sidelines, the full resources of the GPA remain at the immediate disposal of the Offaly players in their quest for fair play.’’