The Irish sporting story of the week has no doubt been the refusal by the GAA to allow the 45,000 capacity Pairc Ui Chaoimh to be used for the late Liam Miller’s tribute match which is set to be hosted at Cork City’s Turner’s Cross.
The match is already a sell-out and the move to the home of Cork GAA would see a substantial increase in attendance and ultimately, more money raised for Miller’s family.
The GAA released a statement on Friday outlining that they cannot host games outside of the control of their association without a change at the Annual Congress which does not take place until February.
This has been met with widespread condemnation from across the Irish political and sporting spectrum as you can see below.
Weren’t we able to bring in a complete rule change mid season about the penalties not crossing the 21 when Stephen O Keefe got that big bruise rushing the ball? #GAA Can act fast when it suits. Call a f*cking meeting. Take the vote. It’d be done in 10 minutes. #LiamMiller
— Jamie Wall (@Jamwall7) July 19, 2018
Enough said. #LiamMiller https://t.co/EubW9r37B4
— Henry Shefflin (@ShefflinHenry) July 20, 2018
Every pitch except Croke Park has to go before Congress for permission for outside use. So even though Cork county board were open to letting the Liam Miller testimonial match go ahead in pairc Uí Chaiomh (45000) they can’t use it and it will be in Turners Cross (7000) my God
— Tomás Ó Sé (@tomas5ky) July 19, 2018
This is Liam Miller
This is Siath na Svoil.
This is Pairc ui C pic.twitter.com/EpjtuFlPhJ— Eamonn Duggan (@Eamonn120) July 20, 2018
Scandalous the Gaa wouldn’t allow the use of Páirc Uí Chaoimh for the Liam miller memorial match, Liam represented ireland from u15 all the way up to senior level and gave everything, shocking!!! No problem having Garth brooks or Neil diamond play Croker tho😏
— Andy Reid (@AndyReidXI) July 19, 2018
Rule 5.1 (a) allows GAA pitches to be used for "purposes not in conflict with the aims and objects of the association.." So, the Liam Miller game could easily be sanctioned. In any event, the penalty for a breach is discretionary R5.1(b) so a blind eye should be turned.
— Joe Brolly (@JoeBrolly1993) July 20, 2018
They hold meetings with little notice to suspend players but not to help out Liam Miller’s family #getwiththetimes #gaa #DoTheRightThing
— Conal keaney (@ConalKeaney) July 20, 2018
https://twitter.com/karlsheppard9/status/1020316914420199424
GAA HQ has missed a golden opportunity by not opening the doors of Pairc Ui Chaoimh for the Liam Miller tribute match in Sept. An event this special should be in the best stadium Cork has to offer. What a wasted opportunity 2 show the true values of the GAA.
— Michael McGrath (@mmcgrathtd) July 19, 2018
The GAA is rooted in community. Liam Miller and family are of our community. Páirc Uí Chaoimh underpinned by our community. The unique event organised to reflect that community ethos and to honour Liam Miller should be held in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) July 20, 2018
BE the exception NOT the rule @officialgaa #LiamMiller was one of your own. How can a benefit match to support his grieving family "conflict" with your Aims & Objects? #DoTheRightThing https://t.co/o0pZm1l6q5
— Vicky Phelan (@PhelanVicky) July 20, 2018
Read More About: GAA, Liam Miller, Pairc Ui Caoimh
