GPA backs Duggan’s call for county board help
Spokesman Sean Potts was reacting to news that Cork footballer Diarmuid Duggan was left substantially out of pocket following an injury picked up while playing with the county team.
“It’s very disappointing that his plea for assistance from the county board was ignored,” said Potts.
“That’s an issue. Something needed to be done to clarify that. We cannot tolerate the position when players need medical treatment and the costs incurred go unnoticed.
“It is absolutely paramount that injuries are dealt with to the satisfaction of the player. Overall it’s very disappointing to learn of a story like this and I think it’s a real eye-opener.”
Duggan, 31, has been left out of pocket for almost €7,000 due to the medical expenses he has racked up, even though he did receive a payment of €3,000 from the GPA’s Benevolent Fund. Potts welcomed the fact the fund was present to assist in a case like Duggan’s.
“That’s the least we can do for the players that make a contribution. Cases like this are why the GPA came into existence and we did what we could.
“The benevolent fund is there for hardship cases, not just with a shortfall in medical costs, but for people in financial difficulties and who may need help with mortgage repayments for example. The benevolent fund is there for past players and is part of the player development programme which is being funded by the GAA.”
Potts envisages the Benevolent Fund will continue to play a key role in the GPA’s activities over the next few years and undertaking extensive fundraising efforts to support that fund is a key element of the organisation’s objectives.
Potts said: “As awareness amongst our membership grows, we would think that players a long time away from the game, who will need help for the treatment of chronic injury, will approach us to access the fund. What we intend to do is to supplement that fund substantially through fundraising. We want to ensure that the fund is strong enough, to give meaningful assistance.
“We’ve been fundraising in the USA as well. We’re not sitting around waiting for something to happen and that’s where we’re moving towards definitely. Through all our engagement with inter-county players, it always comes across that medical cover is still of the highest concern.”
