More than €40million was splashed on GAA county teams in 2024 – current spending is unsustainable in amateur association
THE GAA confronted the elephant in the room when it came to paying managers — but what happens next is anyone's guess.
In fairness to Jarlath Burns, he vowed to tackle the runaway train of inter-county team spending when he
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The state of football was also high on the agenda and that has largely been addressed by Jim Gavin's Football Review Committee.
But the feedback from the Amateur Status Survey — launched by Croke Park chiefs yesterday — will make for interesting reading, especially when it comes to managers and money.
A review into where the GAA stands in its amateur ethos is being led by Professor David Hassan and the former Derry footballer is a shrewd appointment.
Association members will be asked if they feel a unit should be established to enforce amateurism in the GAA.
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But the standout is if an 'allowance' should be granted to inter-county managers or whether a rigid expenses system be introduced and enforced.
Regarding managers, it is time for transparency.
The team spending issue must be addressed too.
More than €40million was splashed out by county boards last year to keep their flagship panels on the road.
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That sort of cash is not sustainable in an amateur environment that is becoming almost professional.
The GPA will be eagerly awaiting the feedback in relation to reducing the weekly hours asked of inter-county players too.
Tipperary GAA star 'had to do live apology on RTE' the day after cursing during All-Ireland interview -
The commitment levels are insane.
And they have been increasing all the time.
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Hassan's committee will report back to top brass in the autumn, with potential motions going before annual Congress next year.
The survey — which can be completed by members on the GAA website — will play a big role in the direction of the association.
Preserving amateurism while coming clean when it comes to remuneration for bosses is a tricky balancing act.
But will players eventually demand the same?
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That's the real question.
1
GAA President Jarlath Burns has vowed to address spending on managers
Credit: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
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