With increasing rumour the Government is about to reject the proposed €5 million for player welfare grants there was some noticeably vocal support yesterday from Armagh footballer Kieran McGeeney. He criticised those finding fault in the proposals and urged the Government to keep up their half of the bargain, which McGeeney argued would ultimately help preserve the GAA's amateur status.
The Government is still considering the proposal, agreed between the GAA and Gaelic Players Association (GPA) a week ago, and a decision is expected within days. In the meantime the proposals haven't escaped criticism, even from within the GAA, although McGeeney was adamant the grants should be allowed to work.
"It's funny how some people look at this and try to find everything that's wrong with it," he said. "Of course as players we try to find what's right with it. But grants have been available to Gaelic games for over 15 years, and big grants, for grounds or whatever.
"This is nothing more than say a university grant. That's the level we're on about. It's not about the players going out to buy a new Porsche. It's something that would barely take a player on holiday at the end of the year . . . But there's also the generic causes, things worked out between the GAA and the GPA, like insurance, so if they do miss work they're still paid, or even issues like babysitters, all different things where money like that can be a big help".
As one of the driving members of the GPA, McGeeney played an active role in designing the grant proposal, which would see all intercounty players entitled to a maximum of €90 a week during the season, on an expenses-incurred basis.
"Gaelic football is unique," he added, "and we want to keep it unique. Part of that argument is to keep it amateur, and I agree with that. And this is a step in that direction, to make sure there's a balance between looking after the players, and keeping the amateur ethos. So in my opinion this is a great answer towards doing that.
"I know the GAA is a popular sport. A lot of people want to play, and at a high level, and anything that can help them do that should be considered. We should make sure the GAA continues to grow and grow, and sitting with the GAA on this has encouraged me they do really care about the players, they want to move on, and do their best for them.
"So I would hope the Government come through. They've sort of indicated they will. But you wait for it to come along and then people throw out a few more obstacles in its path . . . I just hope all the work that's been done over the past number of years now hasn't gone to waste, and that the Government will keep their half of the bargain."
McGeeney is well known for his professional approach to training, and that, he added, should be promoted among all intercounty players: "Any Gaelic footballer will tell you they want to play at a professional level, without being professional. Like why can't Eoin Brosnan or Bryan Cullen not become elite athletes, just because they're working? They should still have every chance available to them, and won't turn around at 25 or 26 and decide they just can't compete at that level anymore, because there just aren't enough things there to help me do that.
"One of the biggest differences between a true professional is the rest they get, not the money . . . I never want to give the impression playing at the highest level is some kind of weight around my shoulders, because it is what I want, what I enjoy. But that still doesn't mean I don't want to compete at as high a level as I possibly can, and get the same opportunities as the Brian O'Driscoll's . . . "
McGeeney was speaking at yesterday's launch of the GPA's Opel Player of the Month awards for 2007, which will run from April to October. Former Kerry manager Jack O'Connor takes over as chairman of the football judging committee, with former Cork manager Donal O'Grady continuing on the hurling side.
