As you know, the GPA has kick-started a campaign to protect government funding for inter-county players. We have asked all players to lobby their local politicians by sending on the email distributed recently. The following are key points in the argument to protect Government funding for players:
PARITY OF ESTEEM WITH OTHER ATHLETES
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.
RETURN TO THE EXCHEQUER VIA TAX RECEIPTS
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.
CONTRIBUTION TO CULTURAL & SOCIAL FABRIC OF SOCIETY
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 FOR IRISH SOCIETY
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.
PRACTICAL ASSISTANCE 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.