PARITY OF ESTEEM
Government Funding for Inter-County players was introduced to afford GAA players the same status as elite athletes in other codes who receive State funding and Irish professional sports men and women who get tax breaks on their career earnings.
CONTRIBUTION TO IRISH EXCHEQUER
Inter-county Gaelic games generate significant revenue for the Exchequer through returns from travel, fuel, food, drink, accommodation. The success of the Ulster football teams and their large support throughout the 2000s in particular has added greatly to this revenue stream.
PRACTICAL BENEFITS TO PLAYERS
Now, more than ever, players need this contribution to their welfare. The rate of job losses is rising alarmingly and players are compromised due to the time constraints involved with inter-county commitments.
CONTRIBUTION TO CULTURAL AND SOCIAL FABRIC
Inter-county games are of huge cultural importance to Ireland. Big championship occasions are among the most important dates on the Irish calendar, a celebration of Irish culture.
ROLE MODELS
County players are role models for young footballers and hurlers. Their pursuit of sporting excellence provides a vital ideal, essential for the development of any sport at grassroots level.