Kerry chairman O'Sullivan: GAA can't keep pretending nothing wrong with AFL recruiters
BRISBANE BOUND: Austin Stacks' and Kerry teenage tyro Ben Murphy. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Kerry chairman Patrick O’Sullivan has told the GAA at national level that they “can’t just pretend there is nothing wrong” with how Australian Rules clubs are recruiting Gaelic footballers.
O’Sullivan has called on the association to act in the interests of clubs and try to regulate the practice of AFL outfits signing up-and-coming football stars.
There are currently four Kerry talents signed to AFL clubs – Mark O’Connor, Rob Monahan, Cillian Burke and most recently Ben Murphy – and O’Sullivan revealed in his Kerry convention speech Tuesday night that two more are being pursued.
“In a perverse way, the quality of our footballers shows our clubs are doing something right but it feels so wrong losing such talent,” O’Sullivan said. “It gives me no pleasure to report another couple of Kerry’s young players who will sit exams next year are being targeted with a mind to adding to the four Kerry players already signed to Australian clubs. These young men will make their own decisions, ones they believe are right for them and I hope for Kerry.”
O’Sullivan wished Brisbane Lions’s new signing Murphy the best but would like to see their clubs acknowledged by the AFL recruiters. “If the clubs who nurtured these footballers can’t be compensated, in future these professional outfits should at the very least do right by them in making a donation or providing equipment.
“The players have benefitted from their GAA clubs’ investment in strength and conditioning programmes as well as our own at county level. They have never been physically better. I won’t say they are ready-made for the switch to Australian Rules but these AFL clubs are no longer experimenting coming to Ireland. They are no longer taking a punt.”
He hit out at those in this country who operate on behalf of AFL clubs. “I would also question the intentions of the Irish scouts, some of whom would be GAA members. They may justify their situation to themselves and say they are only helping athletes pursue professional careers but what about their finders’s fees? As far as I can see, what they are doing is only in the interests of themselves and their activities should be a matter for the GAA at the highest level.”
O’Sullivan spoke of Kerry GAA ensuring their best young footballers’s education needs are met but insisted the organisation’s national leadership have to tackle the problem.
“I would strongly urge the GAA to look at how we can ensure there is a proper process put in place to guarantee transparency and possible recourse for our clubs.
“Mickey Harte said years ago we were better off having nothing to do with the Australians. From where we sit here at the minute, it is hard to disagree. We are but a soft and easy recruiting target for the AFL and the GAA can’t just pretend nothing is wrong.”
O’Sullivan also called on the Government to exempt GAA clubs from paying commercial rate and for the authorities to develop a “gift aid” initiative that would allow the GAA to claim back a tax rebate on donations made to them.
On rates, he remarked: “Last year, a report revealed the GAA’s social worth to Irish society is almost €3 billion. For each euro invested in the GAA, the return is almost quadrupled. The GAA has proven to be value for money but is it truly appreciated?
“GAA clubs can’t be considered simply as commercial entitles; they are so much more than that. An exemption from rates is the right thing to do and it is long overdue.” While he felt donations to the GAA can go a lot further. “At present, approved sports organisations such as the GAA are not permitted to claim the tax return on donations made to them.”
O’Sullivan reiterated his view that the Ladies Gaelic Football Association and The Camogie Association must first unite as one body before integration with the GAA takes place.
“When they find their common ground, they can then find the same with the GAA. If the merging of the two female Gaelic games organisations had been prioritised, I am convinced we would be further down the line in this process.” He added: “It is wishful thinking to believe county boards with their current revenue streams will be able to incorporate the additional needs of two other organisations unless there is substantial subvention.”
After Kerry GAA made a voluntary tax disclosure, O’Sullivan warned clubs will also be assessed by Revenue. “I don’t want to spark any fear but we have been informed at county level that clubs’ activities around expenses and payments to managers and backroom team members will be next to be scrutinised in the coming years. I would appeal to all clubs to be vigilant and ensure their tax affairs are in order.”
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