Bookies out as GAA take a stand against all odds

The GAA has brought in a blanket ban on betting sponsorship, a move new president John Horan welcomed.

‘We’ve taken the lead out of pure social responsibility,’ said Horan.

At Croke Park yesterday, delegates at Congress voted by a 93-7 per cent majority to ban ‘sponsorship by a betting company of any competition, team, playing gear or facility’. At a time when the Association’s values are being put under the spotlight with criticisms of an over-emphasis on commercial activity and high finance, this was an important statement and one that sets it apart from its main sporting rivals.

It also fits comfortably with the GAA’s stance on alcohol sponsorship as well with Guinness after being phased out as a main hurling championship sponsor in favour of the multi-sponsor model of recent years.

‘In a funny kind of a way, I think the betting problem in this country is a lot more dangerous than people think,’ added Horan, the Na Fianna clubman officially installed as the association’s 39th president. The whole movement of betting into credit cards, phones, that sort of thing, is exposing people in a far greater way.

‘In fairness, the GPA and our own Health and Well-Being [Committee] are working hard on trying to help people. You heard Alan Kerins allude to the fact that there are so many people with the problem.

‘It’s worse than an alcohol

problem. An alcohol problem, people will fall down. A betting problem can wipe families out.’

Mick Rock spoke strongly in proposing it from the top table and spoke of how this would ‘enhance the moral standing’ of the Association. He declared that modern sport is ‘besieged by gambling’ and that implementing a sponsorship ban would protect the integrity of Gaelic games.

Former Galway dual player Alan Kerins explained its necessity from the viewpoint of the Gaelic Players Association, outlining the societal scourge of gambling addiction and how over 100 members had accessed the counselling services for this very problem. ‘We would like to commend the GAA on taking this leadership step for society as a whole.’

Right now, no county team is sponsored by a betting company but some clubs and county boards have local arrangements.

Multiple All-Ireland football champions Crossmaglen Rangers remain the most highprofile, sponsored by Bar One Racing.

They will be allowed to continue in the position until existing contracts run out.