New GAA call is a shock to many good causes across Ireland

The recent change in policy towards charities and campaigns being promoted on GAA playing gear will come as a shock to many causes across the country. In times of need, clubs are a focal point in a community and if a form of fundraising is needed and undertaken in a parish, it adds great energy and drive if a GAA club can get behind it. 

The recent ruling from Croke Park had a direct impact on Clonoulty Rossmore and the Dillon Quirke Foundation. The Quirke family has been driving the foundation to raise awareness and raise funds to screen young people playing sport for SADS and similar heart conditions. In other countries the Government and sporting organizations screen young people but this isn’t the norm in Ireland.

The Dillon Quirke Foundation took it on board to start the screening process and fill the gap that is there currently in Ireland.
It is a great cause and one that the Tipperary and Limerick hurlers as well as their respective management teams were rowing in behind. That was until the latest ruling which means that both counties won’t be allowed to wear the special jersey bearing the name of the Clonoulty Rossmore hurler who lost his life playing hurling in the field of dreams in Thurles. 

It is a disappointment and regret to all involved locally and it is a decision that many will hope can be reversed for the good of communities across Ireland. The GAA has become a bedrock of rural Ireland in recent decades but as the association grows many feel that the grassroots supporters are being left behind and forgotten about. The organization is meant to be a grassroots one so, if the foundations of support go, where it will leave the organization is anyone’s guess.

It highlights the importance of staying local and being in touch. Hopefully the GAA hierarchy will listen to those on the ground in the heartlands.