A Longford GAA club has been fined €2,000 by the GAA for allowing a soccer camp to be hosted on their grounds last year, but have said they will appeal the decision.
The GAA’s Central Hearings Committee (CHC) handed the penalty to Dromard GAA club earlier this week.
The Jamie Carragher Soccer School took place on one of the club’s pitches in August 2015, and the CHC said this was in breach of “Riail 5. 1 (a) T.O. 2015, which deals with the use of property owned by or under the control of units of the Association”.
The rule states that a GAA property "shall be used only for the purpose of or in connection with the playing of games controlled by the Association and for such other purposes not in conflict with the aims and objects of the Association, that may be sanctioned from time to time by the Central Council".
A statement from the GAA said: “Dromard GAA requested a Hearing. At the subsequent Hearing, An Lár Choiste Éisteachta (Central Hearings Committee) noted that the Club admitted the infraction and imposed a fine of €2000.”
However the club have since said on Twitter that they intend to appeal the ruling.
(1/2)Following on from the statement released by the Central Hearings Committee, Dromard GAA have decided to exercise their right to appeal
— Dromard GAA (@DromardGAA) February 4, 2016
(2/2) the sanction to the CAC. The club will be making no further comment on this matter.
— Dromard GAA (@DromardGAA) February 4, 2016
The Jamie Carragher Soccer School has been running since 2013 and camps have taken place in Ireland since 2014. The camps cater for boys and girls aged 5-12.
Limited places so don't miss out this Feb half term. 9-3 Monday to Thursday. Looking forward to seeing you all pic.twitter.com/WWx9uBPwBv
— JCSS Northwest (@JCSS_Northwest) January 28, 2016