Dublin icon calls for ex-GAA players to receive same treatment as rugby men

It's an interesting point...

Currently, former players from sports such as rugby, golf, soccer, cycling, swimming, tennis, cricket and horse racing, can all apply for a 40% tax relief from income earned from their sport over a ten-year period.

However, due to the GAA's amateur status and the fact that they do not earn income directly from their sport, the Sportsperson’s Relief scheme does not apply to them.

However, Brogan believes this should change, and that players should be allowed claim back on income tax that was paid while they were inter-county athletes.

He said: “What I do think they could do, and when I get the headspace I’ll work with Tom Parsons in the GPA on it, I think there’s definitely scope to look at the tax break stuff, it’s something I’m quite passionate about.

“I was a tax accountant before I started the businesses and you look at the rugby guys, and they get four or five years (sic) of their tax back at the end of their career. I can’t even remember the exact number, it could be 10 actually.

“I think the line is that they add to the fabric of Irish society, and that’s why they get this tax break – how would GAA people not do the same?

“Obviously you’d have to put in measures, like if you play five years as an inter-county player, if you do it at this level…but that can all be solved.

“These guys are working hard, so to give them something back at the end of their career, to say thank you for your service to your county and to your country.

“And for inspiring the next generation in such a positive way…if it’s there for rugby, if it’s there for jockeys, why shouldn’t it be there for GAA?”