GAA could easily bend the rules for charity
SO the GAA is getting it in the neck again this week in relation to a Cork charity match which was suggested might take place at the newly renovated Páirc Uí Chaoimh. There has been a massive amount of news coverage and discussion in relation to the Liam Miller tribute match, in memory of the 36-year-old Cork man who died from pancreatic cancer earlier this year.
He held 21 Republic of Ireland caps and also played with Celtic, Manchester United and various Australian clubs over the course of his career.
The debate arose in recent days, when it became clear that the original venue at Turner’s Cross, Cork, with a 7,000-spectator capacity, would quickly sell out, prompting the organisers to seek a larger venue.
Páirc Uí Chaoimh was suggested and there was much support for the notion, until it was indicated that the GAA might not make it available.
The GAA has received strong criticism for its alleged reluctance to bend the rules for once in allowing a soccer match to be played at one of its grounds, but many say that the charity match loophole should be exploited, especially when this young player’s family will benefit from the proceeds.
By all accounts Liam Miller and his family are highly respected in Cork and beyond and so many will be upset to think that the GAA would not accommodate such a charity event, but the organisers did say, that all they were offered so far was a meeting, which they would be open to.
While Miller made a career out of soccer, he did have a deep affinity with the GAA and played football as a youngster, even lining out in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, and it is a shame that the stadium couldn’t be used for an event in his memory.
While the long-standing GAA rule not to permit any other games being played in their grounds is what it is, it’s disappointing that an agreement couldn’t be reached in relation to charity events in general, especially when numerous large scale concerts and conferences take place every year which are nothing to do with sport.
A number of high-profile GAA members have spoken of their support for the match to be played in Páirc Uí Chaoimh and this appears to be the feeling of many at grass roots level, so maybe it’s time to listen to what the members want, rather than depending on a rule-book.