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London GPA members may not get grant
The London-based members of the GPA could well be on a collision course
with their allies across the Irish Sea with the revelation that players
based overseas could receive no share of the hotly-disputed Central Council
grants scheme.
According to sources within Croke Park, players based in both London and
New York may not receive any payment for their participation in the All-Ireland
championships.
With so many loopholes in this scheme, the idea of the Exiles receiving
nothing for partaking in Gaelic games would be seen as an unnecessary
kick in the teeth.
London face defending champions Sligo in this year’s Connacht Championship,
with New York facing Leitrim and neither side is expected to get past
their respective first hurdles.
But to deny them their portion of the Central Council grant would be seen
as a case of out of sight, out of mind from the bigwigs in the GAA.
Croke Park has so far refused to comment on the issue as the ins and outs
of the distribution of the grants still have not been resolved.
With the strike action in Cork at crisis point, they currently have more
pressing issues.
The Sports Council also wiped their hands of the situation, leaving the
GAA to sort out the finer points.
London’s goalkeeper and captain Brian McBrearty is a GPA member
and admits that since the Cork debacle he has heard little about the grants
situation but would be very unhappy should his side not receive their
fair share.
“I’d be very surprised and disappointed if that happens,”
said McBrearty. “The GPA balloted everyone over here. If they didn’t
want us to get anything why did they ballot us in the first place? If
that turns out to be the case it stinks of elitism.
“Because of the Cork situation everything has been pretty quiet.
Also the opposition from counties up in Ulster has meant it’s had
to take a back seat.
“It’s been met with so much opposition and hostility that
you do wonder if it’s worth the hassle. Some people have been very
negative towards it and what could well happen is that it won’t
go through at all. It’s a bit of a joke at this stage.”
Tir Chonaill Gaels clubman McBrearty has not yet returned to county action
this season due to side’s exploits in the All-Ireland club championship.
He did however travel to Tullamore last weekend to witness London’s
5-16 to 1-6 drubbing by Offaly. “I’m just taking a break for
a couple of weeks,” he said. “I’m still going to the
gym and keeping myself fit but I’m just taking a rest from the football.
I’ll be back in the next few weeks.”
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