It doesn't look like GAA players will be getting paid for play any time soon after the organisation's director general, Paraic Duffy, said it is not on the agenda.
The debate around professionalism heightened this year due to the Sky deal – even though they're not paying much more than TV3 were, but sure anyhow – and many thought it may have been the first step towards a new era. However, Duffy has dismissed this talk, safe in the knowledge that he also has the backing of the GPA.
Speaking to the Examiner, Duffy said:
We want to look after our players as well as we possibly can. I would see that we would always try to improve our players welfare facilities but as far as pay-for-play is concerned, that’s not on my or anyone’s agenda. It’s not going to happen.
Duffy went as far as to say that there is little demand among the players for such a move either 'I just don’t see any demand (for it) or from our players by and large. We’re an amateur organisation and we’re going to stay an amateur organisation.'
While it may not move to an official pay-for-play, I wouldn't be surprised if more and more benefits – financial and otherwise – are granted to intercounty players over the coming years. However the major question is how will they ensure that a player for the likes of Leitrim or Carlow will be looked after as well as player from one of the top sides.
hat-tip: Irish Examiner
