"By ignoring the totally illegal payment of managers and coaches at
both club and county levels, Gaels across Ireland have contributed to the
position we are in today where our inter-county players threaten strike
unless they get their slice of the cash pie.”
Fermanagh player and anti grant campaigner Colm Bradley claims that
under the table payment to club manager has led to the situation where intercounty
players now demand grant aid
"We are a laughing stock. I said that from day one - once we opened
Croke Park to other sports, how do we close it? Why can’t we play our
national hurling or football league finals there or our Ulster final? Then
you look at the time the other teams have in Croke Park. The rugby and soccer
sides get five or six training sessions there while any team playing in
the All-Ireland final is lucky to get half an hour out on the pitch.”
Outspoken critic of removing Rule 42, Michael Greenan, has another
pop at the GAA over letting other sports into Croke Park
"There may be another amendment to Rule 42 which would allow them
to play certain games at Croke Park, but I don’t know. As far as I’m
concerned, when Lansdowne Road reopens, the original rule reverts. If there
is to be any change to that, it will need another motion from somebody.
But I will be well off the pitch by then."
GAA President Nicky Brennan is unsure if Croke Park will continue
to host rugby and soccer after Lansdowne Road is redeveloped, but is sure
that the decision will need to be handled by his successor
"The only people that the close season would suit would be the counties
that are playing in the All-Ireland finals in September. The teams that
are involved in August and September will be happy to take a break, but
how are the rest of the teams meant to progress?"
Laois manager Liam Kearns hits out at the rule which prevents counties
from playing challenge matches in November and December
"A groin injury is not something that crops up overnight, it was a
case of wear-and-tear in Brian’s situation. Considering he was carrying
the injury, Brian did extremely well for us last year. His free-taking was
impeccable and his overall play was excellent. It makes sense for Brian
to take a break and get himself in 100 per cent shape for this year."
Meath boss Colm Coyle explains that he will be resting top scorer
Brian Farrell early on in the year to ensure his groin injury has healed
for the league and championship campaign
"It’s not a definite. David Fitzgerald’s career hopefully
isn’t over. We have had talks. David Fitzgerald has to decide himself.
He is a perfectionist and if his finger or hand isn’t right, then David
Fitzgerald won’t return. He has to be number one. He has to be the
best. That’s what made him the best - his own attitude towards training
and playing."
Clare boss Mike McNamara explains that Davy Fitzgerald will only return
to the county fold if he is able to play to his own high standards