GAA disappointed with meeting with O'Donoghue

The GAA has today expressed its disappointment with the orgainsiation's meeting with Minister for Sport John O'Donoghue today.

The GAA has today expressed its disappointment with the organisation's meeting with Minister for Sport John O'Donoghue today.

The GAA said in a statement: "The GAA is disappointed that its detailed and costed submission in regard to grants for inter county GAA players which is supported by the GPA, has been rejected by the Minister for Sport.

The submission was made at the invitation of the minister and following detailed discussions and agreement with the players body.

Despite the fact that the payment of grants to intercounty players was an initiative of the GPA, and was encouraged by Government representatives for a considerable period, Minister O'Donoghue is now saying that it is a matter for the GAA itself to pay these grants through some undefined funding mechanism, in addition to its increased expenditure and significant commitment to player welfare.

The GAA will be discussing the minister’s decision with the GPA shortly."