Leinster chief's "trafficking" concern

February 23, 2010

Leinster Chairman Michael Delaney
Michael Delaney has expressed his concern over the "trafficking" of GAA players from one county to another.

In his annual report to Convention, the Leinster Council chief executive says the movement of players to more affluent clubs could reach epidemic proportions unless action is taken.

The problem appears to be particularly rife in Delaney's own county, Laois, where the likes of Colm Begley, Michael Delaney and Colm Parkinson have already transferred to Parnells in Dublin, with another high-profile county player, MJ Tierney, seeking a similar move.

"It's happening within counties, but because of local bye-laws and/or strong leadership, it can be curtailed," Delaney says.

"Most worrying is the trafficking of promising players from clubs in one county to clubs in another county. This is becoming rampant in Leinster and must be a cause of great concern among county officials.

"The suffering clubs, understandably in the present economic climate, are reluctant to rock the boat. That, though, does not make the practice acceptable. I do not have a solution to the problem, but I do know that unless it is addressed soon it will become an epidemic. Our smaller, weaker clubs are entitled to expect leadership and protection in this issue."

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