The GAA and organisers of Liam Miller memorial match have released a joint statement after talks in Dublin.
The two parties met to discuss the venue for the game, which is still set to be played in Turner’s Cross rather than at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.
The GAA were widely condemned for their original stance regarding the match. They released a statement last week saying that they have to abide by their rules and could not alter their rules until a meeting of Congress, which doesn’t sit again until February 2019. Rule 5.1 of the GAA states that their property, other than Croke Park, can “be used only for the purpose of or in connection with the playing of games controlled by the Association.”
Miller was just 36 when he tragically passed away in February after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a widely-respected sporting figure in Cork and left behind a young family. The match is for a noble cause, to raise money for Marymount Hospice and the Miller family. Several high-profile Manchester United, Ireland and Celtic legends are making the trip over for the game. Pairc UI Chaoimh was also redeveloped with tax-payers’ money to the tune of €30m. Yet, the GAA originally ruled out staging the memorial game because of a rule.
There were hopes that they would come to their senses and do the right thing. And maybe they still will, but, after Tuesday’s talks, there is still no sign of the match getting moved to the larger-capacity Pairc Ui Chaoimh.
Here’s the joint statement released on Tuesday:
“A meeting took place today between the GAA and members of the Organising Committee of the Liam Miller Tribute Match. This meeting involved the GAA’s Director General and Uachtarán and the Chairperson and Secretary of the Cork County Committee. The Organising Committee was represented by its Chairman Michael O’Flynn, Graham Barrett and Ciarán Medlar.
“Both parties agreed that the meeting was open and constructive and the GAA will now further consider the proposal discussed at the meeting. There will be no further comment from any of the parties involved in these discussions at this time.
So, the GAA have had a meeting and are set to have another meeting about making a decision that shouldn’t require a second thought. How many opportunities do they need to do the right thing?
The GAA will "further consider" something that doesn't require any consideration#LiamMiller pic.twitter.com/ZcK8tvJIoS
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) July 24, 2018
