Anger at boot deal grows

The GAA and Gaelic Players’ Association are facing renewed calls to review their relationship with British sportswear firm Sports Direct, which operates the recently-launched website gaelicboots.com.

At the end of February, details were announced of a website, supported by the GAA and the GPA, set up specifically for the Irish market, with consumers able to avail of discounts compared to store prices and the proceeds generating funding for player welfare and development programmes.

Concerns have been expressed by independent retailers, however, with Ger Wyley, a Dungarvan-based footwear and sportswear merchant, yesterday publishing an open letter to GPA chief executive Dessie Farrell. In it, he outlines a fear that local shops, long-time supporters of clubs, may be forced out of business.