GAELIC GAMES NEWS ROUND-UPTHE GAA would be opening itself to an onslaught of recruitment by Australian Rules football clubs if it votes against the resumption of the International Rules series, according to association president Nickey Brennan.
In a fairly passionate declaration ahead of the Central Council's pivotal decision on March 17th, Brennan outlined the dangers of turning down the recent agreement with the Australian Football League (AFL), designed to revive the series later this year under stricter disciplinary guidelines.
So far, however, it seems counties remain split on the series - and that opposition could still be strong enough to see it cancelled permanently.
"Well that's what we asked counties to do," stated Brennan, "to consider the matter. Going back to the last game in Croke Park, people will remember my view. I was very angry. Since then Páraic Duffy and I met Andrew Dimitriou (AFL chief executive) in Dubai and also Paris, to try to get our relationship back on track, and it was clear at those meetings that the Australians realised there was a major issue with discipline, and that even in their own country people were horrified with what went on.
"We also got feedback from the players, the team management, and many others, who felt the series was worth carrying on. And obviously I had a duty then to see if that was possible. So we went to Dubai with a detailed agenda, and I think it's fair to say that even those who were opposed to the series were pretty impressed with what we came back with. So I think right now there is basis for continuing the series.
"But I would also say there's been a lot of talk about the recruitment of young players to Australia. And both Páraic and I would be strongly of the view that if we as an association want to have some influence over what will happen in that area in the future then our only prospect is to have a relationship with the AFL.
"If we don't have that, and turn down the series on March 17th, then I'm afraid we'll have no part to play in what is likely to happen with any recruitment. The bottom line is that the AFL clubs are pretty cash-rich at the moment, and yet the salaries of top players are capped, so they're looking at opportunities to recruit, and they see Ireland as a rich, fertile ground, and they're prepared to take a chance on the players going out, because they're getting them fairly cheap, from a professional point of view. And even if only a fraction of them make it, it's still seen as a worthwhile exercise."
Among the counties to already mandate their Central Council delegate to vote against the resumption of the series are Down, Kerry and Antrim - with Down feeling particularly strong about the loss of Martin Clarke.
"Well the AFL wants to expand their number of teams," added Brennan, "and move into new territories of the country, especially the north of the country. And to do that, I suspect they're looking across here at Ireland, and seeing people like Martin Clarke, who have suddenly come out of nowhere and set the whole scene on fire over there.
"If we have a relationship with the AFL we have some chance of putting some controls in place. I've already raised the age profile up to 19, so that nobody before age 19 would go. That's still on the agenda, but we haven't put it down as a prerequisite. If the series goes ahead then maybe it might be.
"But if the series falls through why would the AFL want to bother with us, if we're not prepared to have a relationship with them? What's the incentive in it for them? I won't be getting much change if I ring up the AFL and say this is ridiculous, you're after taking two or three players from wherever?
"In fairness to the counties, it is very emotional, especially those who are losing young players. But they are seriously mistaken if they think that scrapping the International Rules series is going to stop the recruitment of young players. It won't, because we won't have any influence on it whatsoever."
Brennan was adamant this wasn't a personal appeal to revive the series: Central Council will hear from delegates at their March 17th meeting, a vote will be taken, and decided on a simple majority. If they vote in favour the series continues, and will likely take place this year. If they say no then everything is dead in the water.
"I'm not appealing to anyone. I want to make it quite clear that I was very angry at the way the series finished up in 2006. I had a responsibility to listen to the views of different people, and the players came back very emphatic that they wanted it to continue. It's their sole opportunity to wear an Irish jersey."
"I've been open and fair on this, and I'll stand over what we've done now. I believe we've brought out a document that is fair and reasonable, and addresses the issues. But I'm not pleading with anybody. People can make up their own minds. I'm in favour of continuing it now, but if counties vote against it I'll take the box and move on to the next issue."
