Everyone knows Gaelic football is an amateur Sport. Does everyone know Professional athletes can play this amateur sport? I am going to discuss why I think Professional athletes should not be allowed play in GAA. Is it really fair for an amateur to come up against a professional? I’m sure most GAA fans around the country have heard of the very talented Zach Tuohy who plays Professional Australian Rules Football in Australia. He also comes back to his home GAA club Portlaoise to play the later rounds of Championship (Semi-finals/Finals) in off season. Tuohy is a very proud Portlaoise club man but should he be allowed help his club win an amateur competition? In my view I think he shouldn’t be allowed to play an amateur sport as he’s a professional athlete. Would it be fair for Cristiano Ronaldo to play for his home club where he was brought up in for off season? I wouldn’t think so and there isn’t much difference in this case as Australian Rules sport to Gaelic Football. Professional and amateur athletes have a few things in common, such as some shared skills and passion for their sport. The differences between Professional and amateur athletes are:
Surely the next decade or so will determine what’s in store for the GAA? There are strong opinions for and against the motion of professionalism in the GAA. Personally, I am gradually beginning to lean towards the GAA turning professional. Like everything in life there are pros and cons with each decision we make. However, I think it is only a matter of time before some sort of monetary rewards are given to players. I don’t think there is anyone out there that would deny these incredibly dedicated and talented athletes some sort of pay for play system.
Of course there is always that demographic of the population who would argue against the system because you are deemed to be ‘breaking tradition, the culture and fundamentals of the game’. Their absolutely 100% right in what they are saying. The GAA dates back to 1884 where it was founded in Hayes Hotel, Thurles County Tipperary. The idea of the GAA was to bring people together and there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Hurling, Football, Camogie and Ladies Football all play a unique role in defining what the GAA symbolises and stands for worldwide today. I’d shift Marty Morrissey for a chance to hurl in a County final! Like everything in this life nothing comes easy. Some of the sacrifices that any hurler would have to make in order to help achieve his dream would make any non-sporting person question their sanity. Picture yourself about five months from now on a cold, blistery night in January. While most people are settling in to watch “Coronation Street” or “Reeling In The Years” with a cup of tea and few custard creams, the championship campaign is starting for all the clubs around Ireland. This means cold nights, heavy running, lots of weights, getting sick and contemplating whether or not you are right in the head! So is it really worth it? The sacrifices, the pain, the emotions? If you’re not part of the G.A.A. culture, then probably not, but for those who are, I have no doubt you would do worse.
The G.A.A. as we know it has rapidly transformed into a huge commercial entity since the turn of the millennium. In contrast to when it was first established in 1884, the G.A.A. has grown into one of the finest and most unique sporting organisations in the world today. The players of today’s game are far stronger, fitter, and better conditioned than ever before. The demands placed on inter-county players are comparable to those of professional sportspeople, and in many respects, the vast majority of inter-county players are now training at an elite level.
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