Is €2m the price of GAA player peace?

THE GAA could have to cough up €2m of annual commercial income to stave off further unrest and disruption to the Championships from agitating inter-county players.

That’s the price of peace with the country’s hurlers and footballers after it emerged yesterday that the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) is seeking 5% of the GAA’s annual income in their ongoing battle to secure recognition as the official inter-county players’ body.

Based on 2008 income, when the GAA raked in €43.4m, the GPA would be entitled to approximately €2m if the GAA accedes to their demands, but that figure could yet be a negotiating stance by the GPA.

GAA officials last night responded to the developments by expressing their disappointment at the action planned by the GPA surrounding next week’s provincial deciders and stated they would give a briefing on the GAA’s position next week.

Earlier GPA chief executive Dessie Farrell argued that they were looking for a fair amount and that it was in line with monies received by players associations across the world. “There are huge levels of frustration and anger amongst the players. We are 10 years in existence and still no progress has been made. We clearly outlined to the GAA the minimum percentage we would accept is five per cent of commercial income. That revolves around gate receipts, tv rights and the sponsorship monies.

“It’s important to recognise what happens around the world that the players association fulfils a very important role within the overall association. So we see that the GPA and our players should be treated no differently. We have clearly articulated our vision and the two important planks will be government funding and a comprehensive player welfare packet. That I believe is the foundation to protect the amateur status.”

Farrell refused to reveal specific details of what player action is planned for the coming weeks, stating that the targeting of next week’s Munster SHC and Leinster SFC finals is the initial phase with GPA members currently refusing to partake in TV interviews or sponsors promotions ahead of two fixtures. But he did reveal that there are increasing calls amongst the frustrated GPA members for an EGM to be held to discuss future action and that the nuclear option of an all-out strike cannot be discounted.

“I am not prepared to be specific as to what the nature of that activity will be. It will vary from week to week. Already we had a complaint registered from a broadcaster that this was unfair. I made the point that it was unfortunate that a tv broadcaster was caught in the crossfire but that their complaint should have been directed to the GAA.

“The GAA has taken it for granted that players will always participate in whatever activity is required to fulfil those contracts. That is no longer the case. We’ve just asked players to support this action. We’ve been in contact with all the managers and have asked them to partake. They’re 100% supportive but that’ll be a decision for them.

“What I can say is we’re coming under increasing pressure from our membership to have a gathering of players in the shape of an EGM. Obviously there are difficulties at this time of year in doing that. But the national executive committee are seriously considering that.”

Farrell dismissed the possibility of the GAA itself directing money itself towards player welfare schemes and insisted that the GAA had adequate cash reserves to fund the project.

“They did outline that they fund projects but when we teased it out we realised that it wasn’t in a comprehensive way at all. The GAA has enough on its plate to run the affairs of the wider association. We’re a specific body dedicate to player welfare and to the needs of our players. We’re best placed to identify those needs and to roll out the initiatives for. They have quite a healthy bank balance and cash reserves.

“Secondly, what we are looking for is a small, small percentage. Five per cent. The GAA still has 95% to manage the affairs of the Association and to be creative in whatever way they need to be to do that. We believe our percentage request is very fair and reasonable.”

Farrell added: “I believe that there is a fear in GAA circles that in handing over the responsibility and control that they in some way are going to lose power over players and they are somewhat fearful of that.

“We are getting into the element of trust there and the bona fides of the GPA we felt had been accepted with regards to professionalism and this agenda was not about creeping professionalism. This was about providing for our players off the field particularly.

“They would be very aware of what we want to do. Again it is not about professionalism. The fear is that if you fund the GPA somehow the money is going to make its way into the pockets of players. That is not it at all. Particularly in this day and age there is a need to provide those type of services around education, around employment, around injuries, around health.”

Farrell also rejected suggestions that the recent change in the GAA Presidency had impinged upon the negotiations. “I think that would be unfair. This isn’t personal. It isn’t directed at Christy Cooney nor is it directed at Páraic Duffy.”