Sponsor plan defended

ARMAGH legend Jarlath Burns has backed the county board’s decision to sell the name of the Athletic Grounds to a corporate sponsor.

The board has been left with an unpaid bill of around £800,000 (€943,680) by the redevelopment of the stadium.

Although there is strong opposition to the move, it is felt that the best way to defray a potentially crippling debt in such a strident economic climate is to sell the naming rights.

And Burns has hit back at those who feel that such a move goes against the GAA grain.

“It’s very easy to be emotional and it’s very easy to cling to tradition, particularly if you are not driving around the country selling tickets,” said Burns.

“It’s a different story when it is your responsibility to raise the money. For those of us who actually have to raise the money, we have to think of every way that is open to us.”

Burns, the county’s central council delegate, challenged the detractors to find alternative revenues.

“The person who can come up with three-quarters of a million pounds can name it after whoever he wants. If someone feels that strongly about it, that offer is open to them.

“Paying off this debt would be another huge drain on our revenue. This is an extra debt we have and we have to find the best way of dealing with it. The only way of raising substantial amounts of cash without going to the ordinary people and the clubs is to go to the corporate sector.”

He did offer some hope to traditionalists though, remarking the name change would not be permanent.

“It must be remembered that the ground will not carry this name forever. I would imagine we will carry a sponsor’s name until we have the debt paid. Once the ground has been paid for, we could then start thinking about naming the ground in honour of someone who made a major contribution to the Association.”