GPA seeks 78pc increase in State grant available to male and female inter-county players

"Regina Doherty, Sean Kelly, the former GAA president, Maria Walsh, Nina Carberry and Ciaran Mullooly have all advocated that inter-county games "hold a unique place as an expression of Ireland's culture and heritage" and in recognising their "unparalleled commitment, dedication and sacrifice" that it was incumbent on them, as public representatives, "to ensure that this national treasure is safeguarded and supported for future generations. "The reality for inter-county players is that participation comes with significant personal cost," the five MEPS stated in their letter."

"That personal cost and the commitment made was laid out at a presentation by the GPA, led by its chief executive Tom Parsons earlier. Parsons set out the economic, cultural and community case for increasing the grant for inter-county players because of those contributions and their place in society as role models."

The current average grant level is €1,470 per player from an overall annual pool of €5.6m. A pre-Budget submission requests raising the average to €2,500 per player, totalling €10m annually. The players' body has held ongoing discussions with the Taoiseach, the Minister for Finance, the Minister for Sport and a Minister of State. Several MEPs have signed a letter encouraging the Minister for Finance's support. Five MEPs stated that inter-county games hold a unique place in Ireland's culture and heritage and that players' commitment and sacrifice require safeguarding the sport. The GPA presented economic, cultural and community arguments for increasing the grant; grants began in 2008, fell during hard times and were partially restored in 2016.

Read at Irish Independent