GPA want Ahern to clarify his remarks

THE GPA will require clarification from the Taoiseach about remarks he made in relation to their campaign for government grants for inter-county players at the week-end.

Mr Ahern indicated there would be difficulties in regard to the State funding such grants, not least because of the knock-on effect it would have across the sports spectrum. However, he pointed out that as far as the GAA was concerned, the Minister for Sport would be examining ‘options’ for additional funding to be made available to county boards — and that this, in turn, could free up cash for player welfare.

Mr Ahern was speaking at the annual GPA awards dinner in Dublin, where Chief Executive Dessie Farrell was critical of the Government stance in relation to their grants campaign. He stated that they would not tolerate being treated any differently to athletes of other codes by the Government.