Progressiveness shouldn't end with Croke Park The sight last month of FAI's John Delaney, GAA's Sean Kelly and the IRFU's Philip Browne coming together to announce that the GAA was opening its doors for rugby and soccer internationals in 2007 was truly amazing. The political equivalent would be watching Ian Paisley, Gerry Adams and Tony Blair sitting down in a few years time to proclaim a settlement for a united Ireland. Far fetched?... possibly but if someone had predicted 15 years ago that rugby and soccer were to be played on the hallowed turf, they would have been laughed at and kicked into touch. Our great organisation appears to be on a roll to delete all negatives from the rule book. Obviously the ban was perceived as negative and it was removed. Subsequently, Rule 21 became a source of much consternation before it too was promptly deleted. Rule 42 is on its last legs. An unproblematic passage of the soccer and rugby internationals, some gleeful rubbing of the hands, and Rule 42 will swiftly get the chop. The decision to open up the doors of Croker is a massive step to take. In his term of office, Sean Kelly was always advocating a positivity and confidence that was not always present within the hierarchy of the GAA. He has been forthright in his views and adamant that the GAA should move with the times and rise above the ashes of old-fashioned conservatism. The public response to the amendment of Rule 42 has been mainly positive. The vast majority of sports fans in this country did not want to see our international teams playing home games abroad. The rugby and soccer supporters appear content that they will get the chance to see their heroes display their talents on home soil and this within the surroundings of one of the finest stadia in the world. They can sit and cheer, assured that their respective associations are simultaneously benefiting financially. In Sean Kelly's own words, it is a "win-win situation". Despite the positive feedback there are those in our association who remain sceptical. Corkman and former president Con Murphy is one such person, who expresses serious misgivings regarding the amendment of Rule 42, "If we want to preserve our Associations principles, what it's obliged to do under its charter, we should not be allowing this to happen," said Murphy. The sight of the Union Jack flying over Croke Park next year may prove particularly irksome for people with similar objections to the deletion of the rule. There are other senior figures such as ex-president Jack Boothman who remain sceptical. Is there a possibility that Rule 42 reform could bring more trouble than good? In any case, the decision has been taken democracy has had its say and the deafening silence in the wake of the announcement, from those in the 'no' camp has seen Sean Kelly, emerge unscathed from one of the biggest decisions the GAA has ever had to make and with huge credit to his name. His visionary approach is to be applauded and he has handed the reform of Rule 42 with great sensitivity. Let's hope the GAA can confront the next big issue with the same vision and sensitivity - the treatment of its players. In order for Rule 42 to be amended, Sean Kelly as president had to convince grass roots members that the GAA has nothing to be afraid of and that, as an organisation, we have the confidence to adapt and be innovative without losing sight of the aims and objectives of the GAA. The task that Sean now faces is to convince his fellow members in the GAA hierarchy that the time has come to value one of the most important assets - the players. Unfortunately it appears that this is not going to be an easy task. From April this particular onus will fall on Nicky Brennan's shoulders. In the aftermath of the Rule 42 announcement, the GPA reminded the GAA that part of the cash windfall accruing from the rugby and soccer internationals should be directed towards improving player welfare. I have no doubt that the GPA statement made by Kieran McGeeney echoed the thoughts and feelings of every county player. There was an immediate and unfortunate rebuke from the GAA claiming that the GPA were being 'opportunistic' and guilty of jumping on the bandwagon. Hours after making such a ground breaking decision and appearing so progressive, it is amazing how, on the other hand, they can remain so rooted to the status quo. I believe the GAA have done a superb job in facilitating the needs and demands of soccer and rugby players so it is now time that they satisfy the needs of their own players. For years, gaelic players have been treated with contempt. Is it not the players that provide the entertainment and in doing so create massive revenue for the GAA? Yet the players, such an important partner in the whole organisation, remain shut out. Sean Kelly is keenly aware that it is important to raise the collective confidence and self esteem of the GAA membership. He must also be cognisant of the fact that the players themselves are now educated to an appreciation of their own worth within our organisation. After the announcement on Rule 42 the perfect opportunity arose for the GAA to address the issue of player welfare - the GAA failed to take it. At present the Irish government and the Sports council are considering the possibility of a Sports grant to GAA players. Surely the GAA can do more to push this issue along, rather than dragging their feet and impeding progress. In the present era, gaelic players deserve better. Conversely they have to sit back and watch players from other codes walk into their back yard and depart, very well rewarded for their efforts. My calls for improved player welfare should not be confused with 'pay for play'. Treatment of players differs from county to county. Of course those from the successful counties will enjoy good meals, four star hotels, and expenses on time etc but is this happening everywhere? The preparations and lifestyle of a serious county footballer/hurler are on a par with those of any other professional sport. Anything from 20-30 hours a week will be spent on training, weights, physio, club training and travel. Individuals who are self-employed play at a cost - any player hoping to increase work related earnings through overtime can forget it. Surely the GAA, has to face up to the fact that players in todays game should not be playing at a financial loss? A greater degree of co-operation is needed. We have seen the GAA hierarchy embrace change. Now let it embrace the players. The opinions of players must be sought on such issues as fixture scheduling (the back door system has resulted in so much dissatisfaction with club players), insurance schemes and health issues. As GPA chief executive, Dessie Farrell has constantly sought to improve player welfare. An increased GPA membership will help this cause and presenting a united front will coerce the GAA into treating players with the respect they deserve. Two years ago, Cork hurlers stood united and were rewarded with just entitlements. GAA players as a whole are in a strong position to make fair and reasonable demands. Soon we will see the top rugby and soccer players in Croke Park. Let's hope the GAA will ensure that the top hurlers and footballers will be there too! Tweet

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