GAA going professional ‘a dead duck’

THE concept of the GAA ever going professional is ‘a dead duck,’ according to president Sean Kelly, who warns that the consequences for the association would be dire.

Rejecting media views ‘telling them otherwise,’ he states that the day the inter-county player has no affinity to his club or county ‘the GAA will die.’

“Professionalism is about one God - money - and where that god holds sway we have great exploitation and corruption in the name of sport. God help us! Why change something great for something worse!’’

Kelly’s views on this, and a range of other topics - including the opening of Croke Park to other sports, which he strongly supports - are outlined in an extensive interview in Brian Carthy’s The Championship book, which he launched in Dublin last evening.

It’s the tenth edition of the RTÉ Gaelic games correspondent’s comprehensive review of the championship season, in which 65 games were played in football and 33 in hurling this year.

The GAA president makes it clear he would favour Croke Park being made available for rugby and soccer internationals while Lansdowne Road is being redeveloped.

“Croke Park is a huge asset, which cost €260m to refurbish. Apart from a few games, it’s closed from October until June. I wouldn’t give somebody a 12 month wage for four months work. Croke Park should be made work to provide revenue for the grassroots. It’s totally different to any other ground and could showcase to the world what a great organisation the GAA is and what wonderful progress this country has made.’’

Saying that he respects and understands those people who disagree with him, he points out that many of his friends and family members would be of a like mind. In fact, he would have been on the same side 20 years ago. “But, as times goes by I see a different Ireland, a different world. We are more open and confident now.

“Yes, I am all for change. I said that before I was elected and have reiterated it since taking office. When Lansdowne Road is being refurbished, our competitors - but also our fellow sportsmen - will have to play their ‘home’ games abroad. It’s not the responsibility of the GAA, but neither is the famine in Darfur. Giving a helping hand is part of our human nature.’’

On the thorny issue of inter-county (and club) managers being paid, Kelly acknowledges that such ‘rumours’ abound. “This is what we call in Kerry ‘handy talk’,’’ he says. “The evidence is not easily unearthed, but it’s up to club and county officials to ensure that ‘reasonable’ expenses don’t become ‘exorbitant’ expenses - and that ‘amateur’ doesn’t become profession.’’

Interestingly, he points out that all managerial appointments at inter-county level have to be sanctioned by the Management Committee, on foot of signed declarations by county officials that the appointments are within the amateur code.

“Would county officials put their name to a lie,’’ he asks. “One thing for definite, the four most successful managers this year were not paid - namely Donal O’Grady, Jack O’Connor, Pete McGrath and Brian McEniff.’’

In terms of the huge sacrifices made by inter-county players, the GAA president emphasises the importance of them being treated properly, saying that a welfare package introduced at his first Central Council meeting as president ‘must be implemented fully and hopefully are.’

“Endorsements are allowed and encouraged and if players with high profiles can earn a few bob, then that is great. No pay for play, but ample recognition otherwise is desirable. Clubs and counties often give pocket money to players when they go on holidays or get on an international team and I know that players appreciate that very much...’’

On the games front, he says that they have reached ‘optimum’ at inter-county level. And, if they are to avoid burn-out of players, both club and county need to treat them properly.

“It amazes me that successful counties like Cork and Kerry seem to be able to get the balance fairly right and also get their club games played. This year it was disgusting to hear counties who had won nothing for 30 years say that they couldn’t compete in the Tommy Murphy Cup because it would cause major problems for their club fixtures.’’

On the GPA and his relations with Chief Executive Dessie Farrell, Kelly accepts that he is representing player interests within the amateur code. “There are issues over image rights and matters in the marketing area which have caused difficulties, but that shouldn’t or doesn’t affect our mutual respect.”