The view from the Oval Office

ONE has to be careful talking about the GAA.

Last spring, this column expressed the amazement of rugby people, and indeed most sports people, at the intransigence of the GAA regarding the opening of Croke Park to other sports, in particular the Euro 2008 soccer championships.

It seemed incredible that they were against an event which, would not only be lucrative, but would also bring great prestige to the country whose traditional values and culture the GAA purports to represent.

Saying as much provoked a heated response from some passionate GAA diehards (is there any other kind?) who questioned a rugby man's right to comment on 'de association' but we're willing to risk their wrath again.

For, after reading their list of grievances, it was staggering to learn exactly what the Cork hurlers have been subjected to.

All-Ireland league rugby players, who play in front of a couple of hundred of supporters each week, are treated better than athletes who regularly perform before 50,000 crowds and who generate millions for their governing body.

Like the GAA, the AIL is still, essentially, an amateur activity, with players holding down full-time jobs and attending team training twice a week.

But, in my experience, what the Cork hurlers strike for, the AIL club man takes for granted.

Gym facilities: each summer, not only are these provided for all the players, you also have the option of expert tutorials and are encouraged to visit the gym as often as possible.

Physiotherapy: players are encouraged to avail of this as soon as any knock is picked up. Once injuries are assessed by management and judged genuine, the club picks up the tab for whatever treatment is required.

Training gear: before the AIL commences players receive two tracksuits, one regular, one all-weather. In addition, players have access to shorts, socks and jerseys for every match. Players also receive gear bags and boot bags.

Casual gear: players get a blazer, shirt, woolly hat, club tie, slacks and two t-shirts.

Financial reimbursement: players will be reimbursed for significant loss of earnings and generally receive match fees for AIL games. This would not usually constitute a very large amount but would be enough to pay for a holiday.

THAT IS the normal situation for the AIL rugby player and to see highly-trained, skilled athletes of the calibre of Joe Deane, Diarmuid O'Sullivan and Alan Browne, men who thrill thousands every summer, forced to strike for things they ought to receive by right, is shameful.

One of the most amazing revelations last Friday was the players' request that they not be subjected to any more 'verbal abuse'.

In rugby, you can be subjected to barbed comments by disgruntled alickadoos if things are not going well, but to be verbally abused by anyone closely associated with the team would be considered disloyal and unacceptable.

Hopefully, now that the board has attempted to alleviate some the hurlers' and footballers' grievances we will see a general improvement in the treatment of GAA players across the board.

I am reluctant/frightened to comment on Frank Murphy, but I have heard all the stories and rumours and it would seem that, since he has presided over this whole sorry mess, merely resigning as selector is not enough. He also has to look at his position on the executive which picks the new hurling coach.

One thing is certain, if the lot of the GAA player does not improve, other sports will benefit.

For a start, the Browne brothers, Alan and John, were both educated in PBC and I'm certain the rugby fraternity would be more than willing to allow them the opportunity to make up for their lost rugby years in school.