Oisín McConville: Support, not vilify, problem gamblers

The GAA must ensure they provide support to any member found to have bet on a game in which they are directly involved, argues Oisín McConville.

After last Saturday week’s Congress vote, to do so will soon carry a charge of discrediting the association, which carries a penalty of anything from a four-week suspension to expulsion for the individual in question.

All but two of the 236 delegates in Croke Park voted in favour of the motion. None of those who stood up to speak on the proposal mentioned that the GAA should offer to help anyone found to have contravened the rule.