GAA hints at U-turn over Liam Miller fundraiser
THE GAA looks set to bow to pressure to allow a fundraising match for a former Republic of Ireland soccer international to take place in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
The Association announced last night it plans to meet the organisers of the Liam Miller Tribute Match, following days of pressure over their reluctance to allow the game to be played in their revamped 45,000-seater venue.
‘The GAA President and Ard Stiúrthóir, along with representatives of the Cork Committee, are to seek a meeting with the organising committee of the Liam Miller Tribute Match to discuss issues around the game,’ they tweeted.
Organisers of the match – which is raising funds for the family of former Manchester United and Ireland international Miller, who died of cancer this February – had their initial requests to have the match played in Páirc Uí Chaoimh turned down by the GAA.
The game was instead scheduled for the 7,000-seater Turner’s Cross stadium, with tickets to the game, featuring stars such as Roy Keane and Rio Ferdinand, selling out in a matter of minutes.
Cork developer Michael O’Flynn, chairman of the organising committee for the game, told the MoS that he is looking forward to the prospect of meeting with the GAA.
‘I haven’t had any direct approach in relation to the meeting. All I can really say is that I welcome the statement and I look forward to engaging with the GAA in relation to their suggestion.
‘A lot of people have been involved in the last few days to try and get this situation moved on and I welcome the statement and I look forward to meeting up, as the chairman of the organising group, we look forward to meeting with the GAA,’ he said.
Mr O’Flynn said that the Cork County Board were initially receptive to the idea of hosting the game at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, but cited a rule prohibiting them from hosting games other than those under the control of the Association in the stadium, without a changing of the rules at the National Congress which isn’t due to take place until February next year.
Lord Mayor of Cork Mick Finn told the MoS he welcomed the GAA’s decision to meet for talks and hopes a resolution can be found to honour the late Cork sportsman.
‘It’s a positive move that they’ve asked to meet with the committee and I would encourage them to push to get the result.
‘Liam would have been a very popular Corkman and he played GAA for his local club before he burst onto the international soccer scene...
‘It’s the logical step to have it moved. This isn’t a regular scheduled soccer match, it’s an event by a group of people and I hope it can be accommodated by the GAA.’
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin also called for the fundraiser to be moved to Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
‘Liam would have been a very popular Corkman’