New three-year agreement to support inter-county players announced
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has announced a new three-year agreement for the continued support of Gaelic men’s inter-county players at Croke Park today.
The new agreement will see a total of €6.9 million provided over the next three years to support Gaelic inter-county footballers and hurlers. As with previous agreements, Sport Ireland will provide the funding to the GAA who will then work with the Gaelic Players Association for the appropriate disbursement of the money to the players.
Funding of €1.6 million will be provided in 2017 increasing to €2.3 million in 2018 and €3 million in 2019.
“As well as promoting increased levels of physical activity, our Gaelic players can act as important role models in a number of other key policy areas at local and national level,” Mr Kenny said. “These include the promotion of mental health wellbeing, the fight against obesity and the prevention of alcohol and drugs misuse.”
Minister Shane Ross added: “This new agreement recognises that inter-county Gaelic players prepare and train to the highest international standards for team sports and incur significant financial costs in pursuit of their sporting goals. It is important that they receive support and recognition.
‘’This new agreement with Government is important for players as it once again recognizes the vital economic and social contribution made by county players,” Seamus Hickey, GPA Chairman said. “It also provides a level of practical support to many players who are under financial pressure across the spectrum; from young students juggling their significant sporting and academic commitments to the more experienced players with young families to care for, mortgages and bills to pay while operating and performing at the highest levels in Irish sport."
