THE IRISH SPORT Council will make €900,000 available to the GAA over the next two years as part of the revised Inter-County Player Support Scheme.
Michael Ring, Minister for Sport, announced the renewal of the scheme today, which sees the funds distributed appropriately to teams, players and programmes by the GAA.
“I accept the principle behind the Scheme and felt it was important that it be continued in some form,” said Minister Ring.
“I am delighted that the Irish Sports Council will be able to put in place a renewed scheme with the GAA and GPA. Crucially it will cover the period until the end of 2014 which provides stability and certainty to the Scheme”.
Kieran Mulvey, Chairman of the Irish Sport Council added: “It is good news that there is a new agreement in place. Everyone involved wanted to see certainty with the Scheme. The Council appreciates the support of Minister Ring in ensuring there was a consensus reached” .
GPA Chief Executive Dessie Farrell is also supportive of the move. He said: “It is of great importance that our county hurlers and footballers are recognised formally given the unique contribution they make as elite amateur athletes and I’d like to pay tribute to Minister Ring, his Department officials and the Irish Sports Council for their continuing support for this Scheme.”
Individual players get between €300 and €900 per year depending on how far they progress. Your average player will probably get about €400 on this grant scheme. In fairness it takes some commitment to be an Intercounty player.