‘False claims’ threaten scheme

THE GAA’s Player Injury Scheme is being undermined by “false claims” which threaten its future viability, believes Leinster Council chairman Sheamus Howlin.

Many of the claims being presented prove successful and it was now time for counties “to take ownership” of the scheme before it was too late, he warned at provincial convention this week.

“We must ensure our players who genuinely need the scheme are looked after properly in the years ahead,” said Howlin.

“This is our own scheme which is funded by all our units, administered by the GAA and is in most danger from within our own organisation,” he added, pointing out that in 2006, it cost €6.4 million and there were 6,000 claims. In contrast, the estimated cost for last year is €9.2m, with the number of claims jumping to 10,500.

“There is no doubt that a number of false claims are being presented and many of these get through the control system. We must all ensure that any abuses are stamped out and I appeal to our county officers to put stringent controls in place,’’ said Howlin.

Complimenting the counties for embracing the change in the senior hurling championship, Howlin expressed the view that while Antrim did not do themselves justice against Dublin, the presence of Galway certainly added a new dimension to the competition.

“Antrim and Galway were excellent participants and I am glad to say were treated with the respect that they both deserved,’’ he said. “We welcome both counties again in 2010 and 2011.”

At a different level, the Leinster boss made it clear that he was not happy with the actions of counties in relation to disciplinary matters, stating that it was time to stop appealing every suspension. Instead, they should be taking their responsibility seriously and ensure that their players behaved in a more disciplined way.

“It is a bit disingenuous for county boards to suspend club players and then defend the same action by county players. I ask you all to start leading by example in this area,’’ he commented.

l Leinster Convention elected a new treasurer, with former Louth Secretary Pat Toner defeating John Healy from Kilkenny by 53 votes to 41.