The Liam Miller memorial match and Rule 42

Surprised that the issue that has put the GAA into the front pages and headlines is not the subject of a thread.

Thoughts?

For me the ban is patently ridiculous in this day and age, when across the world other sports share facilities where possible to optimise funding, share costs etc.

On the other hand, what's also ridiculous is the sight of politicians and public figures coming out, pretending to be surprised by it and having a go at the GAA when it's been in place since time immemorial. And Government after Government has handed huge cheques to the GAA knowing full well of the restrictions in place. There was at least an implied acceptance of the situation.

While it may be too late for Liam Miller's family, hopefully the outcry will see the matter back on the agenda and the appropriate Motion will be brought and vote cast to prevent this happening again.

Sheep breeder

Look the gaa treated their own bad this summer in wicklow and Kildare over playing matches on their own grounds.

harr

Once an organisation get public money and grant money to build /improve facilities those facilities should be for the public to use and not to line the pockets of said organisation.
Was there not an EU ruling on this matter?

threeball

The top brass could have overturned a very negative year for them by classifying this as a charity event and allowing it to ahead. Instead they launched themselves headlong into another battle on the PR front.

The statement they released I presume came from Alan Milton. If so the guy should be sacked. PR is about getting people on side. Talking about taking legal advise to determine that you're right is not the way to go about that. He made a total shambles of the Newbridge fiasco too. The performance on newstalk was combative and cringeworthy.

The GAA have won no friends this year and fell out with a lot of supporters. They're eroding goodwill at a rate not seen before and I don't see it stopping anytime soon. I think we're less than 10yrs away from them being a carbon copy of the FA or FAI where only the elite matter to them.

Fr Tod Umptious

There is a certain cohort of "soccer people" in this country that are in constant jealousy of the GAA and when things like this come up they shout as loud as they can.

I certainly think that, in the future, the GAA can amend it's rules to allow certain circumstance like this, just like it did for the RWC and for Croke Park.

I don't think the GAA have done anything wrong here, they have a rule and it's a rule that cannot be changed on the fly.
But as I said there are always people who will attack the GAA and as the OP said always politicians and the like who will bring this up and act surprised when the GAA say no.

And this notion that just because the GAA get public funding then their grounds should be open in very very over simplified.

The GAA give far more back to society than they take out.
Go to another country and you will find swathes and swathes of "playing fields" and public facilities, and payed for by taxpayers and maintained by local councils.

You don't have that in Ireland, what you do have are thousands of GAA facalities, payed for in part by the tax payers, but largely by the club members and maintained by the hard work and dedication of local club members.

They save the tax payer millions every year when it comes to the provision of facilities.

And other sports bodies get funding too remember.

Because this is very much a Cork soccer event on a Tuesday afternoon in September I think the right play for it is Turners Cross, it will be a far more "authentic" way to celebrate the mans life.

And you can be damn sure many Cork GAA fans will be there and many many more will contribute towrads the fund.

harr

harr wrote: »

Was there not an EU ruling on this matter?

I have seen reference to this elsewhere.

If there is, that's serious. But not for the GAA. But for the civil service officials or Government department that authorised the grant when the dogs on the street know the GAA rule.

ted1

harr wrote: »

Once an organisation get public money and grant money to build /improve facilities those facilities should be for the public to use and not to line the pockets of said organisation.
Was there not an EU ruling on this matter?

That money is recouped quickly enough.
It provides a venue for concerts which fill the hotel , pubs and restaurants. Jobs created, taxes paid and money pumped into the local community.

Bonniedog

I agree with Tod.

We have all sorts of characters jumping on the band wagon to try to browbeat the GAA on this.

Were they even asked by the organisers before they began to talk up the use of PUC?

I have to confess I never heard of the chap Miller so no idea of how popular he is, but given that Cork City's average attendance is around 4,000, it is surely huge leap of imagination to assume they might even half fill PUC.

As Tod said there are a lot of soccer people here who hate the GAA. FAI demonstrated this when allowed use Croke Park, by changing the name of Hill 16 to "North Terrace" on their tickets. Anyone who thinks that was other than childish reflection of their hatred and jealousy of the GAA is naïve.

Bonniedog

Bonniedog wrote: »

I have to confess I never heard of the chap Miller so no idea of how popular he is, but given that Cork City's average attendance is around 4,000, it is surely huge leap of imagination to assume they might even half fill PUC.

As well as Cork City FC he also played for Manchester United and Celtic - clubs with a huge following here - and the Irish national side.

Bonniedog

Right. And is the Aviva closed then?

Fr Tod Umptious

Bonniedog wrote: »

I agree with Tod.

We have all sorts of characters jumping on the band wagon to try to browbeat the GAA on this.

Were they even asked by the organisers before they began to talk up the use of PUC?

I have to confess I never heard of the chap Miller so no idea of how popular he is, but given that Cork City's average attendance is around 4,000, it is surely huge leap of imagination to assume they might even half fill PUC.

As Tod said there are a lot of soccer people here who hate the GAA. FAI demonstrated this when allowed use Croke Park, by changing the name of Hill 16 to "North Terrace" on their tickets. Anyone who thinks that was other than childish reflection of their hatred and jealousy of the GAA is na.

He played in the premier league and for Ireland, he was a bit of a journey man, had a stint with Man Utd but never really made it there, not unlike many of the current Ireland team.

But he was from Cork, and like all things Cork he was a big deal for Cork people.

And that's why I also think moving it out of Turner's Cross would take away from the event. It's a Cork City FC/Cork soccer event.
They should celebrate him on their own patch.

Bonniedog

Bonniedog wrote: »

Right. And is the Aviva closed then?

He's from Cork.

The Aviva is in Dublin.

super_furry

Deleted User wrote: »

While it may be too late for Liam Miller's family, hopefully the outcry will see the matter back on the agenda and the appropriate Motion will be brought and vote cast to prevent this happening again.

What makes you think it would pass? For many in charge of the GAA and people here it seems too, things are very much working as intended right now.

C__MC

Bonniedog wrote: »

Right. And is the Aviva closed then?

They want to play it in his own county- where he was from be silly to drag it to Dublin

C__MC

Wasn’t there American football in croker a while back? It’s ridiculous to be fair but the GAA are stuck in the Stone Age on certain things.

ted1

C__MC wrote: »

Wasn’t there American football in croker a while back? It’s ridiculous to be fair but the GAA are stuck in the Stone Age on certain things.

American football does not compete for players with the GAA.
They would have planned long in advance. Not 2 months before hand.

Bonniedog

C__MC wrote: »

They want to play it in his own county- where he was from be silly to drag it to Dublin

No-one is asking them to. They can have it in Cork city ground. He didn't play for Cork GAA.

The arrangements for the soccer and rugby internationals in CP was a one off. We can't have situation where GAA is being pressurised to host other sports at the drop of a hat. Especially by people who have no time for us.

Unlike the FAI, the GAA is a democratic organisation that requires the consent of its members, not the whim of some unaccountable oligarch. You would imagine that former President Kelly might be aware of this,

super_furry

Bonniedog wrote: »

No-one is asking them to. They can have it in Cork city ground. He didn't play for Cork GAA.

https://twitter.com/con_oregan/status/1020228615655444481?s=21

theoneeyedman

Look on the face of it, I personally have no problem with the game in PUC, but as usual the 'issue' is being used to bash the GAA for having the vision to build stadia around the country.

The 'tax payers money' argument is interesting. There is tax payers money invested in ballyliffan golf course, can I organise a charity rugby game there? There was tax payers money given to St Vincent's hospital for example, can I just demand to use some of their facilities when I want? No, no I can't.

As an aside, I assume all of the participants in this charity event are doing so free gratis, for nothing, and without huge 'expenses'. I've seen some of the costs involved with these 'charity' soccer events in the UK in the last and they would make your eyes water, with appearance money/expenses etc (Eric Cantona springs to mind). I certainly hope all of the money raised wherever it is held goes to the Miller family trust.

Fr Tod Umptious

super_furry wrote: »

https://twitter.com/con_oregan/status/1020228615655444481?s=21

Padraig Harrington played football in Croke Park, should they play a pitch and putt tournament there ?

Miller's game was soccer and that was his career and that's what he played at the highest level, that's what he represented Ireland at.

Not GAA.

B-D-P--

So if the gaa don't back down, it has to be played in a 7000 seater stadium in cork.... Why not the Aviva??

dixiefly

harr wrote: »

Once an organisation get public money and grant money to build /improve facilities those facilities should be for the public to use and not to line the pockets of said organisation.
Was there not an EU ruling on this matter?

Is this the Alan Milton you are referring to?

Experienced Head Of Media Relations with a demonstrated history of working in the sports industry. Skilled in Crisis Communications, Event Management, Editing, Journalism, and Public Speaking. Strong media and communication professional with a Master of Arts (MA) focused in Journalism from DCU.

Skilled in crisis communications....yeah right!

As a by the way, I remember being at an American Football game in Navan in 2012. How did that game get played with this rule in place?

threeball

Fr Tod Umptious wrote: »

Padraig Harrington played football in Croke Park, should they play a pitch and putt tournament there ?

Miller's game was soccer and that was his career and that's what he played at the highest level, that's what he represented Ireland at.

Not GAA.

It's a charity event ffs. A lot of the money is going to a hospice who comfort people through their last agonising days of succumbing to cancer. Many of them will be lifelong gaa members but don't let that get in the way of sticking by "The rules" which this year have been shown can be bent to suit any particular situation.

ted1

dixiefly wrote: »

As a by the way, I remember being at an American Football game in Navan in 2012. How did that game get played with this rule in place?

They probably went through the appropriate process and gave plenty of notice.


There are channels which allow exceptions

remember this. https://www.google.ie/amp/s/www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/gaa-club-fined-2-000-for-allowing-jamie-carragher-soccer-school-on-premises-1.2523022?mode=amp

threeball

dixiefly wrote: »

Is this the Alan Milton you are referring to?

Experienced Head Of Media Relations with a demonstrated history of working in the sports industry. Skilled in Crisis Communications, Event Management, Editing, Journalism, and Public Speaking. Strong media and communication professional with a Master of Arts (MA) focused in Journalism from DCU.

Skilled in crisis communications....yeah right!

As a by the way, I remember being at an American Football game in Navan in 2012. How did that game get played with this rule in place?

Yes, he's an abrasive dipstick. Totally unsuited to PR. Can't remember the last time the GAA had good PR.

Niles Crane

Deleted User wrote: »

He's from Cork.

The Aviva is in Dublin.

He was a soccer player.

PUC is a GAA ground.


The GAA should have turned a blind eye and done the right thing (and they probably will in the end) but lets not pretend that the organisers were completely unaware of the GAA's rule, if they had tried working with the GAA and presenting an argument to them through proper channels permission would have been granted but instead they decided to take the undignified approach and make a big spectacle out of this when there was no need to purely so they could get their little digs in at the GAA.

Dyr

This is a bit like your alcoholic deadbeat relative demanding that his family move into your house because they were put out in the street for him gargling away the rent. Apparently the fact that he doesn't have his **** together is your fault.

wonga77

Bambi wrote: »

This is a bit like your alcoholic deadbeat relative demanding that his family move into your house because they were put out in the street for him gargling away the rent. Apparently the fact that he doesn't have his **** together is your fault.

Bridge93

Bambi wrote: »

This is a bit like your alcoholic deadbeat relative demanding that his family move into your house because they were put out in the street for him gargling away the rent. Apparently the fact that he doesn't have his **** together is your fault.

This isn't an FAI event. It's a charity event that happens to be a football game

Bonniedog

Bridge93 wrote: »

This isn't an FAI event. It's a charity event that happens to be a football game

Of course it requires FAI involvement!

You can be certain a lot of people will be wetting their beaks as usual.

Read some of Dunphy's old articles about the FAI and such events. Neither their "culture" nor nepotism has changed.

Barge pole - other end of

Bridge93

Bonniedog wrote: »

You can be certain a lot of people will be wetting their beaks as usual.

Read some of Dunphy's old articles about the FAI and such events. Neither their "culture" nor nepotism has changed.

Barge pole - other end of

I'm sure they will and I've no time for anyone involved with the running of the FAI. If they try hijack this they should be harshly told where to go

Fr Tod Umptious

threeball wrote: »

It's a charity event ffs. A lot of the money is going to a hospice who comfort people through their last agonising days of succumbing to cancer. Many of them will be lifelong gaa members but don't let that get in the way of sticking by "The rules" which this year have been shown can be bent to suit any particular situation.

And people can and will contribute to that charity without going to a game on a Tuesday afternoon in September

I'd argue that this foroe will help the Miller charity no end.

As a GAA fan I've absolutely no problem with this game going ahead in PUC, if it did it would be great.

What I don't like is this situation being used as some sort of a stick to beat the GAA with.

And the beating seems to come from people very very ill informed about the GAA, what they contribute to Irish society, and their rules ,.

dixiefly

ted1 wrote: »

American football does not compete for players with the GAA.
They would have planned long in advance. Not 2 months before hand.

The GAA rule as far as I know mentions other sports. Not "other sports that compete for players with the GAA"

I am much more a GAA person than soccer all my life and that will continue but I find some of the comments here in support of the GAA position a bit sad. I certainly knew who Liam Miller was but whether we personally knew who he was is neither heer nor there.

Personally I dont think it would open the floodgates and whatever version of the rules was used to allow American Football into Navan should be allowed here.

Niles Crane

Niles Crane wrote: »

if they had tried working with the GAA and presenting an argument to them through proper channels permission would have been granted.

Ah let's not talk nonsense.

The idea that it would have been granted only his family and/or the charity organising it went and blabbed is just rubbish.

Many of the attacks on the GAA are wide of the mark, but blaming the organisers of a charity match is lame and low.

threeball

Fr Tod Umptious wrote: »

And people can and will contribute to that charity without going to a game on a Tuesday afternoon in September

I'd argue that this foroe will help the Miller charity no end.

As a GAA fan I've absolutely no problem with this game going ahead in PUC, if it did it would be great.

What I don't like is this situation being used as some sort of a stick to beat the GAA with.

And the beating seems to come from people very very ill informed about the GAA, what they contribute to Irish society, and their rules ,.

I'm no soccer fan. Hate the game actually and am well up to speed on most matters GAA and I think it's a shocking decision. If it were one of those pre-season exhibition games I'd say no way. Cork city vs man u in UEFA cup could go swing too. But this is a charity event for the benefit of a young man's family cut short in his prime and for the medical facilities that cared for him in his final days. To me it's not even a question

Wailin

Fr Tod Umptious wrote: »

There is a certain cohort of "soccer people" in this country that are in constant jealousy of the GAA and when things like this come up they shout as loud as they can.

I certainly think that, in the future, the GAA can amend it's rules to allow certain circumstance like this, just like it did for the RWC and for Croke Park.

I don't think the GAA have done anything wrong here, they have a rule and it's a rule that cannot be changed on the fly.
But as I said there are always people who will attack the GAA and as the OP said always politicians and the like who will bring this up and act surprised when the GAA say no.

And this notion that just because the GAA get public funding then their grounds should be open in very very over simplified.

The GAA give far more back to society than they take out.
Go to another country and you will find swathes and swathes of "playing fields" and public facilities, and payed for by taxpayers and maintained by local councils.

You don't have that in Ireland, what you do have are thousands of GAA facalities, payed for in part by the tax payers, but largely by the club members and maintained by the hard work and dedication of local club members.

They save the tax payer millions every year when it comes to the provision of facilities.

And other sports bodies get funding too remember.

Because this is very much a Cork soccer event on a Tuesday afternoon in September I think the right play for it is Turners Cross, it will be a far more "authentic" way to celebrate the mans life.

And you can be damn sure many Cork GAA fans will be there and many many more will contribute towrads the fund.

Utter bollocks. Where was rule 42 when they allowed rugby and football at croke park? Only when they line their pockets. A charity event won't line the pockets. This is why I despise the organisation. Run by " cute hoors" with nothing but greed on their minds. How often have we seen games run into added time until a team draws level and game is immediately ended for a replay and more money?

Fr Tod Umptious

threeball wrote: »

I'm no soccer fan. Hate the game actually and am well up to speed on most matters GAA and I think it's a shocking decision. If it were one of those pre-season exhibition games I'd say no way. Cork city vs man u in UEFA cup could go swing too. But this is a charity event for the benefit of a young man's family cut short in his prime and for the medical facilities that cared for him in his final days. To me it's not even a question

But that's the problem, it's not a decision

Cork GAA had no discretion on this, they could not make a decision to allow or deny it.

If it means a rule change at Congress then great, but for now unless they find some sort of a fudge, and maybe they can, there is no decision that can be made.

threeball

Wailin wrote: »

Utter bollocks. Where was rule 42 when they allowed rugby and football at croke park? Only when they line their pockets. A charity event won't line the pockets. This is why I despise the organisation. Run by " cute hoors" with nothing but greed on their minds. How often have we seen games run into added time until a team draws level and game is immediately ended for a replay and more money?

Now we're really in the realm of utter bollox. I'm all in favour of this event but conspiracies about replays really are total crap.

Fr Tod Umptious

Wailin wrote: »

Utter bollocks. Where was rule 42 when they allowed rugby and football at croke park? Only when they line their pockets. A charity event won't line the pockets. This is why I despise the organisation. Run by " cute hoors" with nothing but greed on their minds. How often have we seen games run into added time until a team draws level and game is immediately ended for a replay and more money?

Had the GAA denied rugby and soccer to be played in Croke Park during the rebuilding of Landsdowne Rd the likes of yourself would be the first here to call them ever name under the sun for not allowing it

Money from the rent of Croke Park wen back into the GAA

It's not some sort of business enterprise

Owryan

As a neutral I have no interest in where the game is played and anyone I've spoken to are talking about how the gaa reacted to the suggestion.

Rather than simply say "we don't feel it's appropriate" they talked about rules, congresses, games in competition with themselves. It's like the Kildare/Mayo game. Instead of saying "it's about money" they talked about health and safety, animosity between fans, the rules.

It gives the perception that the gaa don't care about fans or have no empathy. They end up looking detached from society, narrow minded and greedy.

I played soccer in Dr Cullen Park in Carlow and the world didn't fall in. It would've been a nice gesture to allow the game go ahead in PUC, it could've been a time to remember a sportsperson not a soccer player, and, it would help raise more money for his family. Like someone said earlier, plenty of gaa fans will support the fundraising effort anyway.

threeball

Fr Tod Umptious wrote: »

But that's the problem, it's not a decision

Cork GAA had no discretion on this, they could not make a decision to allow or deny it.

If it means a rule change at Congress then great, but for now unless they find some sort of a fudge, and maybe they can, there is no decision that can be made.

Of course there is. You just don't classify it as a soccer match. If it's brought up again that cork city want to play there for UEFA cup then you say sorry that was a charity event and our rules don't allow other sports. Simple as that and no one could argue it.

threeball

threeball wrote: »

Of course there is. You just don't classify it as a soccer match. If it's brought up again that cork city want to play there for UEFA cup then you say sorry that was a charity event and our rules don't allow other sports. Simple as that and no one could argue it.

Not sure it's that easy. The rule refers to a ban on use for field games, it doesn't say a ban on events described as whatever term they use. Now maybe they will interpret it like that to get around the issue, but think it would be open to challenge by those in favour of the ban.

Bonniedog

threeball wrote: »

Now we're really in the realm of utter bollox. I'm all in favour of this event but conspiracies about replays really are total crap.

I don't believe Wailin has ever posted on GAA forum before. He is typical of type of soccer person, especially in Dublin, that GAA should certainly not be kow towing to.

Just as an anecdotal aside, I know someone who works in CP and was involved with the arrangements for the rugby and FAI events. Found IRFU to be completely upfront and respectful of where they were, and the others to be ingrates who he suspected were up to all sorts of shennagins. Which we kow to be true from their involvement in ticketing for World Cups and European competitions.

You wouldn't trust them to mind your hamster.

n!ghtmancometh

The GAA. Great, amateur 'for the community' ethos who then sold their wares to British Sky Broadcasting and put their games behind a paywall once the price was right. Don't Sky hugely promote one of the GAA's competitors for players too?

Now won't let the family and local community benefit from a one off charity event in a 42% taxpayer funded stadium. Two faced from the GAA as usual, so doesn't really surprise me. Sad to see the no doubt 'good gaa men' of the country on here defending the organisation though. Brainwashed I suppose.

Pale Red

Just so you know where I'm coming from _ I was in Thurles last Sunday and quite happy to miss the WC final. I think they could play a Gaelic football match with a few agreed caveats in PUC. It's a charity game so could be worked. Play as soccer but 15 a side with no offside. Players not to use hands. Points to score as gaa. 45 and line ball instead of corners and throw in.

The 15 aside means more celebs can play and make up for bigger pitch. Those who want to go to watch are not looking for a quality game as many players are retired. The novelty format might get the curiosity factor going and rule 42 wouldn't apply as it is a gaelic match.

threeball

Bonniedog wrote: »

I don't believe Wailin has ever posted on GAA forum before. He is typical of type of soccer person, especially in Dublin, that GAA should certainly not be kow towing to.

Just as an anecdotal aside, I know someone who works in CP and was involved with the arrangements for the rugby and FAI events. Found IRFU to be completely upfront and respectful of where they were, and the others to be ingrates who he suspected were up to all sorts of shennagins. Which we kow to be true from their involvement in ticketing for World Cups and European competitions.

You wouldn't trust them to mind your hamster.

Agree completely on the FAI and it would be completely within the gaa's rights to get an explanation of the breakdown of the proceeds and where it goes before sanctioning the event. How heavily the FAI are involved in this I don't know.

Bonniedog

Bonniedog wrote: »

Just as an anecdotal aside, I know someone who works in CP and was involved with the arrangements for the rugby and FAI events. Found IRFU to be completely upfront and respectful of where they were, and the others to be ingrates who he suspected were up to all sorts of shennagins. Which we kow to be true from their involvement in ticketing for World Cups and European competitions.

You wouldn't trust them to mind your hamster.

But we also all know people who are so consumed by their hatred of soccer that they genuinely believe that all supporters and players are of a certain type.

Bonniedog

Deleted User wrote: »

But we also all know people who are so consumed by their hatred of soccer that they genuinely believe that all supporters and players are of a certain type.

I don't hate soccer. Played it as a kid and enjoyed it, and used to follow Leeds when Giles and Charlton and Clarke et al were there. Was interesting game then. Still enjoy listening to Giles reminisce about those times on OTB. Modern game doesn't interest me in the slightest.

I have no time for FAI and there is a deep and longstanding animosity between them and Dublin GAA. It is they who are consumed by hatred and jealousy. The GAA being consumed by any emotion towards the FAI would be like Leonard Cohen regarding Lady Gaga as a serious rival.

threeball

Pale Red wrote: »

Just so you know where I'm coming from _ I was in Thurles last Sunday and quite happy to miss the WC final. I think they could play a Gaelic football match with a few agreed caveats in PUC. It's a charity game so could be worked. Play as soccer but 15 a side with no offside. Players not to use hands. Points to score as gaa. 45 and line ball instead of corners and throw in.

The 15 aside means more celebs can play and make up for bigger pitch. Those who want to go to watch are not looking for a quality game as many players are retired. The novelty format might get the curiosity factor going and rule 42 wouldn't apply as it is a gaelic match.

I don't see any reason why they can't get a few gaa players involved, play 15 aside as you say and leave the pitch as it is. Therefore it's not technically any sport and not in contravention to the aims and objectives of the association. Plus it would widen the appeal.

Fr Tod Umptious

Bonniedog wrote: »

I don't believe Wailin has ever posted on GAA forum before. He is typical of type of soccer person, especially in Dublin, that GAA should certainly not be kow towing to.

Just as an anecdotal aside, I know someone who works in CP and was involved with the arrangements for the rugby and FAI events. Found IRFU to be completely upfront and respectful of where they were, and the others to be ingrates who he suspected were up to all sorts of shennagins. Which we kow to be true from their involvement in ticketing for World Cups and European competitions.

You wouldn't trust them to mind your hamster.

The rules regarding the opening of Croke Park changed shortly after the Aviva was finished around 2010.

No longer did it need a motion at Congress to allow other sports to be played there as was the case in 2005, but instead it would be decided by Central council on a case by case basis.

So for example if the Aviva became unavailable tomorrow the next rugby or soccer match could be played in CP without much drama.

They were roundly criticised from the usual suspects when they made this change.
The critcism was "why did ye not do that back in 2005 instead of opening CP just for the duration of the Aviva rebuild"

And by all accounts the reason was that the GAA were so distrustful of the FAI that they feared that if access to CP was made any easier then the FAI would not be as committed to the Aviva and the place might never get built.

But with the Aviva finished then the FAI were committed to it.

I would not be one bit surprised if that were true.

Niles Crane

Deleted User wrote: »

Ah let's not talk nonsense.

The idea that it would have been granted only his family and/or the charity organising it went and blabbed is just rubbish.

Many of the attacks on the GAA are wide of the mark, but blaming the organisers of a charity match is lame and low.

No it's not.

They went about this badly.

If they had presented a proper argument given time for Cork GAA and central council to sort something the match probably would have went ahead.

They decided to turn the whole thing into a big furore without giving some time for the GAA to sort it out.

What sort of sensible individuals would go to an organisation and ask for permission to use their facilities and break their rules and then let the thing explode when it wasn't immediately granted without going back and trying to negotiate properly with the parties involved.

Part of me thinks they knew exactly what they were at and could create massive publicity and have the GAA take all the blame.