The GAA last night released a statement confirming that Páirc Ui Chaoimh is not available to host a charity game in honour of the late Liam Miller later this year, explaining that the hosting of the game is "prohibited by rule". Remarkably, the Association took legal advice to ensure it is compliant with its own rules. "The GAA has sought legal advice around funding received towards the redevelopment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh and believes it is compliant with the terms and conditions laid down in September 2016".
The GAA also confirmed that they are willing to "offer to provide hospitality facilities at the venue" free of charge.
While the GAA had been roundly criticised for not opening up the newly-developed Páirc to the game, this statement - the seeking of legal advice in particular - has triggered a hugely negative reaction.
Here's a sample of it.
The #GAA are a disgrace with there outdated rules. No matter what way you look at it they are depriving the Miller family & various charities an extra million euro or so. They have no problem collecting all the money from Ed Sheeran concerts. Common sense surely prevails here...
— Steven Beattie (@steven5beattie) July 20, 2018
The GAA has the legal power to sanction the use of Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Even if they didn't, no one would mind. This is a good thing all around.
— Joe Brolly (@JoeBrolly1993) July 20, 2018
Rule 5.1 (a) allows GAA pitches to be used for "purposes not in conflict with the aims and objects of the association.." So, the Liam Miller game could easily be sanctioned. In any event, the penalty for a breach is discretionary R5.1(b) so a blind eye should be turned.
— Joe Brolly (@JoeBrolly1993) July 20, 2018
GAA statement comes across cold & heartless. Been better saying nothing. Just bend the rules. Call a central council meeting or something. Stupid rule, always going to come back & bite em. How'd congress vote for it. Did counties feel they couldn't trust themselves/clubs
— Karl O'Kane (@KarlOKane) July 20, 2018
I can't believe how badly GAA HQ has misjudged this... and to release a formal statement... including the legal advice line... It's a charity match for a guy who made his life out of soccer but was a GAA man too. Christ above lads! Come out from behind the rule-book!
— Killian Whelan (@Killian_Whelan) July 20, 2018
I hope we hear the same politicians and public figures lashing the GAA now for keeping PUiC closed lobbying them hard this winter to get a motion on to change the rule at congress. And the same pressure on their own clubs from every other gaa member annoyed by this decision.
— Michael Foley (@MickFoley76) July 20, 2018
This row over the testimonial in Cork is essentially caused by the delegates to Congress, 77% of whom voted against this kind of thing even being considered two years ago. Power will be removed from Congress in time, same as in the VFL/AFL before it went pro.
— Paul Fitzpatrick (@moefitzpatrick) July 20, 2018
The GAA saying they’re prohibited by rule, when they control both the rule and the sanctions attached to that rule, is pathetic. As is releasing a statement saying they’ve sought legal advice on whether they’re ok to enforce their own rule.
— Dodge (@seidodge) July 20, 2018
Shameful statement. Every GAA member, fan & player I know disagrees with this. There is so much to admire about the GAA but it’s clear that the attitudes of the bad old days still have sway among the suits. If Liam Miller had been an American footballer they’d host it no problem. https://t.co/CYc3puuR9j
— Dermot Looney (@dlooney) July 20, 2018
The game will take place at Turner's Cross on September 25th, and will be followed by a gala event at Cork City Hall. More details can be found here. #
