Former Munster Council chairman Sean Fogarty believes the new GAA/GPA deal will drive a wedge between inter-county and club players.

The GAA and GPA unveiled details on Monday of a new framework agreement for the period 2017-2019 which includes a number of significant increases in benefits for inter-county players.

When asked for his reaction by The Examiner, the Tipperary man replied: "In one sentence, we have created a monster and now we have to feed him.

"I would have serious reservations about just how much is being made available to the inter-county player when it's the club player who is struggling most."

He continued: "Clubs are on their knees, struggling to pay €1,000 to affiliate junior B teams that are vaguely interested in playing football and hurling.

"I have the height of respect for inter-county players but there is an imbalance between how club and county players are treated.

"I was on the bus to Cavan to watch the Tipperary footballers last Saturday with ordinary guys and they're all struggling.

"We have become reduced to the roles of ticket sellers to keep clubs afloat.

"We're begging the same people time after time for the sake of the club.

"If we can give over €6m a year to guys who are already well treated and don't have to buy a bit of gear and get overnight stays, then surely we can do more to recognise sacrifices made by club players."

Tweet

Most Read Stories