GPA proposes cash for causes in multi-million euro government deal

The GPA have put forward an ambitious plan seeking millions of National Lottery funding annually in return for fronting Government policy campaigns.

Documents obtained by the Irish Examiner via a Freedom of Information request reveal the GAA’s official players body hopes of convincing then Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Pascal Donohoe of the merit in striking a new deal, including a sizeable increase in the Government grant aid to players.

Although the precise amount sought by the GPA has been redacted, it is understood to be at least double the original €3.5 million sum paid annually at the outset of the agreement in 2007. The new request also incorporated funding for the WGPA, which was established early last year.