Croker will continue to fund GPA, says Cooney

CROKE PARK will continue to fund the Gaelic Players Association despite the onset of commercial link-ups which will provide further monies for player development programmes and similar welfare schemes.

PwC yesterday inked a three-year joint commercial venture with the two bodies which will see the professional services firm commit funding and expertise to a programme which assists county players with their off-field careers. Last year, the GAA agreed to fund the GPA’s activities to the tune of €8.5m over an initial five-year period but GAA President Christy Cooney insisted there is no intention to wean the players’ body off the bigger association’s financial support. He said: “No, the long-term goal is that the association would continue to support them. They’re part of the association and we have a responsibility to do that. That’s part of our agreement. Every extra money we get in, it helps the player welfare situation but also for the club player.”

Yet, the tie-in with PwC will not be the last.