SEMI-PRO IS CRISIS AROUND CORNER SAYS TOM

TOMMIE KENOY has predicted that a move towards semiprofessionalism in the GAA is the ‘next crisis around the corner’.

The ultra experienced official, who has chaired the Roscommon county board, acknowledged

Mattock Rangers of Louth back training this week and, above, Kenoy of CPA (middle) and Briody

Gaelic Players Association chief Paul Flynn’s (left) clarification last winter that pay-for-play isn’t on their agenda.

Kenoy said: “The fixtures situation is the current crisis – the next crisis coming, and mark my words on this, is the threat of some form of semiprofessionalism in the game. That’s the next crisis around the corner.

“We’ve heard the GPA talk about their commitment to the amateur status rule and they’ve said that publicly but they’ve also said their policy on that matter would be guided by the wishes of their members.

“That’s a worrying statement from the GPA. The top players would gravitate towards that. It would completely undermine the GAA as we know it.”