A Tipperary inter-county player has welcomed the additional funding announced for GAA and LGFA players but believes it falls short of meeting the real costs of competing at the highest level.
Speaking to Limerick Voice the player who did not wish to be named said:
“It isn’t enough to cover the costs. It is a step in the right direction; it still doesn’t cover all my expenses, but I welcome the additional funding.”
The player’s comments come after an additional €1 million was allocated to GAA and LGFA inter-county players nationwide, increasing the Government’s player support grant to €8.2 million.
Under the revised scheme, each inter-county player across all codes will receive €1,800 to help offset expenses such as travel, nutrition and other costs associated with playing at elite amateur level.
The funding increase follows discussions between The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) Chief Executive Officer, Tom Parsons, Patrick O’ Donovan, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, during which the GPA sought an increase in support funding for players.
The GPA had initially requested a further €2.8 million for its players. This would have resulted in every player receiving €2,500 over the course of the inter-county season.
Mr Parsons has consistently advocated for greater support for players since taking up his role in 2021. Last week, he said that “Government funding is an important recognition of the extraordinary commitment made by inter-county players to our national games”.
According to the GPA, the average cost for an inter-county player is over €4,600 per year. Some players are required to travel approximately two to three hours for training twice a week.
Despite the amateur status of Gaelic games, many believe the demands placed on inter-county GAA and LGFA players are comparable to those experienced by professional athletes.