Is it time to talk about money?

The issue of semi-professionalism was brought to the fore in Gaelic Life when Jamie Clarke suggested it was inevitable. We contacted three players to ask them if they agreed.

We want to know if players feel that getting a wage would benefit them and the GAA.

Eoin McManus (Fermanagh)

“If the GAA went semi professional it would bring some normality to life.”

Years playing senior county football:

Six years

Do you think that Players get the recognition that they deserve? Explain why or why not?

I feel we get a good amount of recognition in the community etc. Probably coming from a smaller county it isn’t as big a recognition as you may get in the so-called bigger counties. I think everybody does realise the commitment that is put in and they in the community do recognise us for that. However sometimes you would think the GAA can take it for granted.

Do you think semi-professionalism would help deal with some of the issues that players are facing? Explain why or why not?

On a personal note, as an electrician I am working 40+ hours a week. Working 8-5:30 and to go straight from there to training four nights of the week means my week is very busy. It means I leave the house at 7am and I am not home until 10:30pm or later. Therefore if the GAA went semi professional I would be working less hours and have more time to prepare for training and have some sort of a normality to life.

Do you think that a debate about semi-professionalism is needed? Explain why or why not?

100% it needs to be put out there. The commitment that it takes now to compete at the top level is just too much to sustain over a long period of time. I can only presume that the money is there to give the players more support, but there just hasn’t been the drive to go and get it.

Is semi-professionalism going to happen in the GAA?

I think it will yes. But when? I don’t know. Every year more and more commitment is required so I don’t know how lads working those sort of hours will keep committing.

Peter Fegan (Down)

“If the sport turns semi-professional it will lose its tradition and its culture.”

Years playing senior county football:

First year

Do you think that Players get the recognition that they deserve? Explain why or why not?

“Generally I think players get the recognition that they deserve. I think people understand how hard we train and the amount of dedication it takes to be a county player. This is my first year being part of the county senior squad and it is a massive step up in terms of commitment even from u-20s level. A lot of effort goes into gym and pitch sessions. But that is the work that needs to be done to be the best. I enjoy playing the game and training hard. I love the sport, and to be honest I am not too worried if people don’t give us the credit. I think players should be focused on themselves and their team and do the best that they can for the county. If people start turning their attention elsewhere then they start losing sight of what is important which is the team. There are a lot of other things like video analysis and nutrition that can be time consuming but they are done to make us better athletes and to help the team overall. You have to be truly passionate about the sport, and your main priority should be the team and nothing else. Money doesn’t come into my head when I am playing for the county.”

Do you think semi-professionalism would help deal with some of the issues that players are facing? Explain why or why not?

“It would help with some issues, but not all of them. There are players on the Down team who have to travel a fair distance to lay for the Down team due to work commitments. I know that some players might choose a career so that they are able to be involved in the county set up. I understand that extra money would help them. I think that player should play purely for the passion. Nowadays the training demands are a lot more intense than what they used to be. They have more emphasis on gym programmes, and diet. Some people see this as turning towards professionalism. That’s just the way that the game has evolved and you have to want to do it to make you become the best player you can be. You have to make sacrifices to get better.

Do you think that a debate about semi-professionalism is needed? Explain why or why not?

I don’t think a debate should be needed. If the sport turns semi-professional it will lose its tradition and its culture. If the majority of players play mainly for the money instead of for the pure passion of the game. Players would see playing as a way to make extra money, instead of giving full commitment to the crest. If players are getting paid then it might put more pressure on players. That might see a drop in their performances. Players might not be as motivated or committed to play for their club as much as they should do if there is money to be made at the county.

Is semi-professionalism going to happen in the GAA?

I do know there is a lot of talk about it, and players have put forward arguments in support of it. Players see with a busier training schedule and sacrifices that they have to make, then sport is turning more like a professional game. In comparison with rugby the commitment level is up there. I can see the GAA turning semi-professional one day but not for a few years. I am not a big fan of the idea as I just feel players will forget the meaning of the sport, when they get concerned about the money.

Paul Brennan (Donegal)

“Surely the powers that be would have enough respect for the

player to open up this debate.”

Time playing county football:

11 years

Do you think that Players get the recognition that they deserve? Explain why or why not?

There is a number of players who do get the recognition they rightly deserve but for the large majority there is little to none.

Do you think semi-professionalism would help deal with some of the issues that players are facing? Explain why or why not?

Yes. Of course it will not help all the issues but if there was something in place to release some financial pressure it could take a large weight off people’s shoulders, and they could focus more on their playing career.

Do you think that a debate about semi-professionalism is needed? Explain why or why not?

Definitely, and why not have one? If an inter-county player is dedicating 35 – 40 hours a week solely on getting to training, and this is with out taking into account nutrition / video analysis / personal development / rehab surely the powers that be would have enough respect for the player to open up this debate.

Is semi-professionalism going to happen in the GAA?

I do believe so, but not in the near future.