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Agreement to support Gaelic inter-county players

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Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Minister Shane Ross and MoS O'Donovan with members of the Gaelic Players Association in Croke Park

Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Sport Ministers Shane Ross and Patrick O’Donovan today announced a new three-year agreement worth €6.9 million to support Gaelic inter-county players.

The agreement will provide funding of €1.6m next year to support Gaelic inter-county footballers and hurlers, increasing to €2.3 million in 2018 and €3 million in 2019. Under the agreement, Sport Ireland will provide the funding to the GAA who will work with the Gaelic Players Association on the appropriate disbursement of the funding to the players.

Speaking at the announcement in Croke Park, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said:

“As well as promoting increased levels of physical activity, our Gaelic players can act as important role models in a number of other key policy areas at local and national level. These include the promotion of mental health wellbeing, the fight against obesity and the prevention of alcohol and drugs misuse. I look forward to the continued support of our inter-county footballers and hurlers in these and other areas and as role models which young people's can emulate.”

Minister Ross added:

“This new agreement recognises that inter-county Gaelic players prepare and train to the highest international standards for team sports and incur significant financial costs in pursuit of their sporting goals. It is important that they receive support and recognition.”

MoS O’Donovan commented:

“The Government recognises the valuable contribution that our inter-county footballers and hurlers make to Irish society.
“Their achievements will serve to encourage participation at local level, particularly among young people who like to emulate their sporting heroes.”