Opening shot – Where’s the help for the club players?

Pictured at the annoucement of the GAA and GPA framework agreement 2017-2019 are GPA Chairman Seamus Hickey, left, with Uachtar·n Chumann L˙thchleas Gael Aogan O Fearghail. Croke Park, Dublin. Photo by Piaras O Midheach/Sportsfile

The GAA/GPA deal last week caused John Hughes to ask where was the help for the humble club player.

In his Opening shot column in the current issue of Gaelic Life, Hughes argues that the GAA are continuing to overlook serious issues which affect the club player, issues which could harm future participation.

“Their long voiced concerns about issues such as fixtures, playing rules and officiating are treated as some sort of supernatural phenomenon, beyond the wisdom of mere mortals to resolve.

“These are problems which run to the very core of the game. Resolving them contributes directly to the health of the game for everyone who kicks a ball or hits a sliotar.

“Surely one would think it is these issues that should be at the very front and centre of any administrator striving for the best for the sport.”