The relaxation of rule 42? That was only for the top brass’ benefit.
A club in Longford has been hit with a fine by the GAA for hosting a soccer school.
Dromard, a club in the north of the county, has been fined €2,000 by the Central Hearings Committee for allowing a Jamie Carragher Soccer School event to take place on its premises in August 2015.
It isn’t the first of such incidents to come under scrutiny. Nemo Rangers were cautioned in 2010 for allowing the Irish rugby team to train on its grounds.
Such non-Gaelic Games activity on GAA grounds breaks rule 5.1 (a) which states that property “shall be used only for the purpose of, or in connection with, the playing of the Games controlled by the Association, and for such other purposes not in conflict with the Aims and Objects of the Association, that may be sanctioned from time to time by the Central Council.”
The soccer school took place on the club’s 3G pitch which Dromard argued was a community resource, according to the Irish Times.
It was also suggested that this sort of activity is not uncommon around the country.
The fine from the CHC smacks of irony though.
Just last summer, All-Ireland senior football semi-finals were rescheduled so the Croke Park Classic American Football game between Penn State and Central Florida could take place at headquarters.
Croke Park was also primary to the country’s other sports like rugby and soccer when the Aviva Stadium was being built.
It didn’t seem to come into consideration for Dromard who confirmed that they will appeal the fine.
(1/2)Following on from the statement released by the Central Hearings Committee, Dromard GAA have decided to exercise their right to appeal
— Dromard GAA (@DromardGAA) February 4, 2016
(2/2) the sanction to the CAC. The club will be making no further comment on this matter.
— Dromard GAA (@DromardGAA) February 4, 2016
The GAA are also rescheduling Leinster Championship matches this summer so they can host a Bruce Springsteen concert at Croke Park.
Once again, that property rule states: “GAA property shall be used only for the purpose of or in connection with the playing of the Games controlled by the Association…”
https://twitter.com/spider_ricco/status/695547667007598592
https://t.co/lMnnNTBwoL It's ok if the GAA want to profit from it though!!!
— Emma McCloughan (@emmasloan) February 5, 2016
@TomasColton unreal stuff from gaa but have no problem taking sky sports money, hypocrisy of the highest
— Daithi regan (@daithi_regan) February 4, 2016
Go on the Dromard boys, the ppl back you 👍 #Justice https://t.co/I99JSdYIdM
— therealbigmc (@TheRealBigMc) February 5, 2016
@DromardGAA proper order
— rita martin (@brucearva) February 4, 2016
2) down to Dromard and you wonder are the hierarchy of the GAA even connected to the people anymore? Do they see what the reality of it is?
— Cormac O'Malley (@cormacpro) February 5, 2016
