Sporting Lisbon – Votail GPA
Talking Balls Comments
Under the terms of the Treaty pro voters claim that Irish sports clubs and organisations will be able to apply directly to Brussels for funding. Better that than trying to circumnavigate a pile of traps laid out by the Nelson McCauslands of this world.
No surprise then that the GPA should throw their hat into the ring in support of this Brave New World.
The GPA’s call follows news that it has joined EU Athletes, a federation of independent athlete and player associations from all over Europe with member associations from 15 European countries representing over 25,000 professional and amateur athletes.
Best of all, the GPA thinks the move will enable it to bring the issues affecting amateur inter-county hurlers and footballers to the European stage and, in particular, to the attention of the European Commission.
Dessie Farrell said: “Strengthening relations with our counterparts in Europe is a really important step for the GPA as it allows us to examine the specific issues relating to inter-county players in a broader context.”
We’re not sure some MEP from Thessalonika gives a flying fiddler’s fart whether the Leitrim hurling corner back got mileage expenses and some wet gear but we’re willing to be proved wrong!
Some years back Ian Paisley senior made a fool of himself (once again) protesting against the then Pope’s appearance in the EU Parliament. So, Talking Balls is fervently looking forward to the antics of Jim Allister when Player’s Grants are up for debate in Brussels. We can expect an extra long filibuster out of that particular arse.
Lisbon allows for the movement of workers between jurisdictions so can we expect an influx of Breton stone throwers, Catalan pelota players and German wurst suckers.
Anyway, if you do get the opportunity, remember to vote early and vote often.
