Moving league final for Ryder Cup must be discussed through 'correct channels' insist GPA

The players' association has not shot down the idea of the game taking place five months later than its usual April date.

CEO of the Galic Players Association Tom Parsons. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) says the proposal to move next year’s Division 1A hurling final to form part of the official Ryder Cup programme in September has to be “discussed through the correct channels”.

In a statement released to the Irish Examiner, the GPA has not shot down the idea of the game taking place five months later than its usual April date.

It has been suggested to the GAA that the game be played in TUS Gaelic Grounds on Tuesday, September 14, three days before the Ryder Cup commences in nearby Adare Manor.

However, the GPA say several factors such as the additional demands placed on inter-county players and the impact on the participating counties’ club seasons have to be considered.

A GPA spokesperson said: “I am sure the request was made in good faith by a highly-regarded GAA supporter, and it needs to be discussed through the correct channels rather than becoming a subject of media speculation.

“In that speculation to date, there has been little or no attention paid to how elite athletes are expected to perform in a national showpiece final out of season, the impact of a Tuesday night game on their professional and educational commitments and the potential impact on the club season in the counties involved.

“Be under no illusion that a national final will result in the respective teams maintaining training and preparation throughout the summer, regardless of when they are eliminated from the championship.

“This is not an exhibition game. It is the second most prestigious national title on offer. Those are vital factors from a player’s perspective and would need to be fully and appropriately addressed.” 

At last Wednesday’s briefing of the seven Division 1A counties, there was a mixed reaction among them to the proposal. GAA president Jarlath Burns has asked the counties – Clare, Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick and Tipperary – to strongly consider the one-off promotional opportunity.