Inter County GAA players were able to breathe a sigh of relief yesterday when learning that the Government investment of €900,000 per annum in a support scheme running since 2008 was to be renewed.
The announcement was made by Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring who said “I am delighted to announce today’s investment. The GAA Inter-County Players Support Schemes recognise the contribution of inter county GAA players in showcasing the skill, excellence and commitment of our national games at home and abroad”.
The money will be invested via the Irish Sports Council and through the GAA who will work with the Gaelic Players Association to appropriately disburse the money to teams, players and programmes. In principle the scheme will operate by refunding players expenses in accordance with the provisions set out in the GAA/GPA Agreement. In previous years this has meant payment to players in reimbursement of expenses in the region of €500.
The money available through the scheme is considerably down from its initial high of €3.5 million but the figure announced is in line with what has been available over the last two years and had been promised up to the end of last year.
The Gaelic Player Association in that time though has become a much more advanced commercial entity, bringing in commercial partners who have been able to work closely with players and make their amateur status and professional commitment sit a little more comfortable.
PwC, Aer Lingus, Lenovo and Glanbia through the Avonmore brand have all been part of that growth in respect and funding but GPA CEO Dessie Farrell was keen to reflect the value of the grants.
More than sport.. More than Money.. Read our report on the work of the GPA from January 2015.
“The Government Support Schemes are of major importance to our county hurlers and footballers as they recognise the unique contribution the players make as the leading exponents of our indigenous national games.”
That area of respect as much as cold hard cash is less tangible but arguably more important and yesterday’s announcement was a positive one.
Kieran Mulvey, Chairman of the Irish Sport Council acknowledged that saying “The GAA Inter County Players Support Schemes recognise that players prepare and train to the highest international standards for team sports and incur significant financial costs in pursuit of their sporting goals.”
“I would like to acknowledge the Minister, GAA and GPA in supporting the continuation of the scheme as well as recognise the contribution that players make to the economic and social fabric of the nation”.
