Are rules meant to be broken?
A meeting has been arranged between the organisers of the Liam Miller Tribute Match and GAA executives in an attempt to come up with a solution to suit both parties with regards to an organised charity match in honour of the late Liam Miller.
Controversy has shrouded the upcoming tribute match as organisers were denied permission to play the game in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Cork’s GAA stadium.
The fiasco surrounding the previously scheduled match has taken over Irish media in recent days, with the GAA being criticised by a number of sports stars for handling the event insensitively.
The decision was taken thanks to GAA Rule 42, which prohibits the playing of non-GAA games in GAA stadiums.
The GAA took to Twitter on Saturday afternoon to confirm that a meeting is to take place between the GAA President, the Ard Stiúrthóir, representatives of the Cork Committee and the Liam Miller Tribute Match organising committee to discuss their collective options.
The GAA President and Ard Stiúrthóir, along with representatives of the Cork Committee, are to seek a meeting with the organising committee of the Liam Miller Tribute Match to discuss issues around the game.
— The GAA (@officialgaa) July 21, 2018
Joe Brolly, former Derry player and current RTÉ sports pundit, also took to Twitter to add his two cents to the issue – stating that the GAA has the legal power to sanction the use of Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
As previously reported, the GAA released a statement about the issue, one which was not well received by GAA fans.
“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 statement reads.
“The Association re-affirms its offer to provide hospitality facilities at the venue free gratis (for free) to assist fundraising efforts around the Liam Miller Tribute Match and wish the event organisers every success in their endeavours.”
The GAA’s statement can be read in full on their website.
Following the issuing of the statement, a number of social media users have begun to use the hashtag #boycotttheGAA in response.
https://twitter.com/Palbbearz/status/1020039805684649990
Miller, a former Republic of Ireland footballer, died of pancreatic cancer earlier this year, aged 36.
A fundraising match was scheduled for 25 September to benefit Miller’s family with sports legends Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Damien Duff set to take part in the event.
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