In an interview on Newstalk radio, Jerry Kiernan was critical at the granting of a public grant of €600k to the GAA for the development of spectator facilities at a stadium in London. He argued that the GAA were the richest sporting organisation in the country and that they didn't need public funding.
Here is an excerpt of what he said..."It’s very difficult to be a top international sports person without help along the way. It’s very, very difficult. The GAA is largely a local association. The standards to play it, there’s not an awful lot required. If you wish to run an Olympic Games and I’ll just give you an example. If you wish to run the 1500m in the next Olympic Games, you have to be able to run the equivalent of a 3.52 mile. That’s the standard which is required at international level. I’m sure it’s the same in swimming, I’m sure it’s the same in rowing and everything else. There are standards applied for getting money for international sport. There is no standard applied to GAA getting money except their popularity."
The full audio is below.
Jerry Kiernan on Newstalk Breakfast
Although a GAA fan myself I have to say it is refreshing to hear someone finally have a serious go at them as they are one of the last few sacred cows in Ireland.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Jerry sport is for everyone but funding is only for the most talented!!! Luckily the GAA, whose accounts are openly available to every member, do not use that yardstick when granting financial support to local clubs. Big or small, the money is ploughed back in to support the game and the members no matter of what standard. It's all about playing the game. Support for the exiles who have been forced to leave Ireland by this government's policies of austerity is to be welcomed. It should be followed by giving them the right to vote here.
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