Pay for coaches document may not be published

GAA President Christy Cooney has admitted Director General Páraic Duffy’s discussion paper on payments to inter-county and club managers may never be acted upon.

The much-anticipated document has been in circulation among members of the Association’s Management Committee (Coiste Bainistí) since before Christmas.

Although it is believed one of Duffy’s suggestions might include a “super-coach” proposal, none of its contents have materialised.

Speaking at the launch of the Allianz Leagues in Croke Park yesterday, Cooney revealed there are no plans as yet to publish the paper.

“It’s under discussion,” he said. “Coiste Bainistí will decide in due course what’s to happen, if anything is to happen. It’s a topical subject but whatever we decide as a Coiste Bainistí we’ve got to ensure that it’s in the best interests of the Association, will be adhered to and can be adhered to and can be delivered.

“There’s no plan to release it currently but it’s ongoing and we’ve had two lengthy discussions at Coiste Bainistí. As you’re all aware it’s a most challenging area and whatever we decide to do at the end of the day we’ve got to make sure it’s right and in the best interests of the Association, not just at county level but at club level.

“If it takes a number of months to get it right, it takes a number of months or longer. We’re not going to rush into making a decision, which wouldn’t be fair on Páraic and the time and effort he put into preparing the discussion document for Coiste Bainistí.”

Cooney declined to confirm whether the paper will be discussed beyond Management Committee level or agree it is a situation that needs to be addressed.

Cooney was also made aware yesterday of reports of a soccer game played in the sports centre on the Mallow GAA Grounds on Sunday night a few hours after the Munster club SFC final.

According to rule 5.1 of the GAA’s Official Code, “Grounds controlled by Association units shall not be used or permitted to be used, for Horse Racing, Greyhound Racing, or for Field Games others than those sanctioned by Central Council.”

Cooney underlined the importance of the rule being respected and called on clubs to put forward a motion to Congress if they wish to amend it.

“There’s a rule in the book and there’s been no proposal to change it,” he pointed out.

“The rule is there and we have to adhere to it. I don’t know whether they were club members or not club members.”

Cooney also said he is not entirely satisfied with the November and December ban on inter-county collective training.

Earlier this month, Director General Duffy admitted the moratorium in its current form was not working and would likely have to be addressed. It’s understood the GAA are looking at pushing the window back a month to October and November.

Cooney also confirmed the GAA have no plans to move away from the calendar season, although he acknowledged there is a motion, calling for an autumn start to the Allianz Leagues, going forward to Congress in April.

The medical and player welfare committee is reported to be calling for a fixtures overhaul.