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The view from outside the union WHILE the Gaelic Players
Association have 92 per cent of inter-county players as members and 95
per cent of their members voted in favour of the action, there have been
some very high-profile players criticising the GPA and in many cases refusing
to become members of the organisation.
Clare hurling goalkeeper David Fitzgerald said: “I support the decision
by the Cork footballers and hurlers to make a stand about the county team-managers’
right to choose his own selectors. I was a member of the GPA but I walked
away. I felt the GPA was all about money.
“There are so many other things they could be dealing with such
as player burnout and players not being looked after when they’re
injured.”
Perhaps the most high-profile non-GPA player in Ireland at present is
Colm Cooper.
He said: “All players have their own concerns and priorities. The
GPA concentrates on a very narrow range of issues and it’s not for
everyone. I respect what they are doing but I want to go my own way as
a player. And I think I would be happier doing that.”
Mayo star Billy Joe Padden is another player who is sceptical. The son
of the legendary Willie Joe, he says that while players’ commitments
have increased no-one forces anyone to play the game and there are many
perks.
“Everyone knows there are GAA players who have jobs only because
they play football. I think it’s obvious that players get other
benefits from playing the game. It’s a relatively short career and
lads can benefit from it for the rest of their lives.
“The one thing I would say about it is that players have to be looked
after in terms of gear and a meal after training.
“I am lucky in that playing for a high-profile county like Mayo
we are well looked after but things should be done to make sure that players
in every county get the same treatment.” |
