The GAA and the people have spoken.
As previously stated, the GAA released the following statement about the venue issue regarding the tribute match for Liam Miller and it has not been received well.
Their statement reads: “Only a change at Annual Congress can alter this situation. Congress takes place in February each year. The GAA has sought legal advice around funding received towards the redevelopment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh and believes it is compliant with the terms and conditions laid down in September 2016.” The Association re-affirms its offer to provide hospitality facilities at the venue free gratis to assist fundraising efforts around the Liam Miller Tribute Match and wish the event organisers every success in their endeavours.”
These 118 words have incited a plethora of anger and frustration towards the GAA after they officially announced that the tribute match in memory of Liam Miller – to raise funds for his wife and kids – will not be taking place in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
The match will now be played in Turner’s Cross but there’s no denying that the 38,000 extra tickets sold would have been welcome – not only for football fans that want to pay their respects to Miller and see a litany of great footballers – but more importantly, the financial aid that Miller’s family will now be missing out on.
Since the decision was made, the reaction has been very strong with the majority condemning the GAA and their adherence to Rule 42 which states that there can be no playing of non-GAA sports in GAA stadiums – excluding Croke Park – for other codes.
GAA now releasing statements about how they sought legal advice and are compliant with state funding around Pàirc Uí Chaoimh. They do themselves no favours at times. Whatever about rules around Liam Miller testimonial, choose you battles. Law on their side not issue here.
— Ewan MacKenna (@EwanMacKenna) July 20, 2018
GAA statement summed up – we can’t because of our own rules but even if we could we don’t have to https://t.co/VgWt8ZlUaf
— Dion Fanning (@dionfanning) July 20, 2018
Wow. The GAA have gone to the trouble of seeking legal advice to support their decision to not host a CHARITY football match in aid of the family of a former GAA youth player-turned-international footballer #LiamMiller pic.twitter.com/mELWVrmzZh
— Mark McCadden (@markmccadden) July 20, 2018
Hiding behind a rulebook. Shame
Also, to play the legal card is appalling https://t.co/YKU4VofM3e
— YBIG (@YouBoysInGreen) July 20, 2018
The GAA saying they’re prohibited by rule, when they control both the rule and the sanctions attached to that rule, is pathetic. As is releasing a statement saying they’ve sought legal advice on whether they’re ok to enforce their own rule.
— Dodge (@seidodge) July 20, 2018
https://twitter.com/ColmCuddihy/status/1020359475906121728
GAA wish #LiamMiller fundraising organisers (working to benefit his family) "every success in their endeavors" & in same breath ensure they cannot achieve that success. Shambles & another crap day for #GAA. Play game @ #PaircUiChaoimh. Only the #GAA can punish itself for doing so pic.twitter.com/UMb1WxKRdg
— Barry Duggan (@dugganbarry) July 20, 2018
“Prohibited from hosting games other then those under control of the Association…” So when did the GAA take over the playing of American football? https://t.co/tjAeXyI1RW
— Fionn Davenport (@fionndavenport) July 20, 2018
An absolute PR disaster #owngoal , worst decision I have seen in many many years by an organization @officialgaa hiding behind legalistic terms & conditions #HangYourHeads in shame , we all stand with #LiamMiller https://t.co/orJGjR6Un1
— Jimmy Stafford (@JimmystaffordDJ) July 20, 2018
This makes it pretty clear that it's not a case of congress not meeting until afterwards. Those in charge of the GAA just don't want to host a tribute/fundraiser to a young man taken from his family far too young. https://t.co/525kSsHQoj
— Daithí Ó Donnghaile (@YeSecondPost) July 20, 2018
