Former Wexford hurler Diarmuid “Gizzy” Lyng believes the GAA’s primary focus is on the elite side of the game.
Lyng says more emphasis needs to be put on building the local club side of the game.
“Gizzy” joined this morning’s OTB AM show and says the GAA could reap the benefits if they re-establish a connection with local communities, in order to focus on keeping potential talent in smaller rural communities.
“I think a shift in focus is needed. It’s not a capitalism or communism thing. It’s a scale, and I we’ve tipped that scale too far towards the elite, professional game. It benefits too many people who have vested interests in the GAA at the moment."
The Wexford man went on to add that he thinks there is too much corporate influence that hinders the direction in which the GAA should be going.
“They’ve gotten in under the surface of the GAA. Now decisions that are going to be made will be impacted by those people, as well, or by consideration for those people because they have invested money in the organization, and money that goes back to grass roots level, and everything else.”
The 36-year-old says president is being given to the corporations ahead of the fans, players and people who are essential members of the GAA community.
“Rural Irelands’ towns, villages, parishes around the country - this is another issue in GAA at the moment- who are struggling to field teams, who are struggling to have enough of a fabric of identity in there area to be able to field a team, to be able to feel as though your area is even worth staying in. Opposed to just running off to Dublin whenever you get to the age of working,’ Lyng added
He says the GAA have a great opportunity to re-establish a connection with rural communities if they focus on the club side of the game. He believes by projecting the focus on local areas will instil value back in smaller communities, making people proud to represent their areas.
“I think if we re-focus a little bit more on the club side of the game. I think that will work as the natural handbrake to the runaway kind of elitism. That will also give great value back to local areas. Where people are proud of their areas”
You can listen to the full OTB AM show by subscribing on our Youtube channel here
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
