Alan Brogan has offered support for the possibility of tax breaks for inter-county GAA players.
Former Kerry All-Ireland winning footballer Kieran Donaghy raised the matter on his Shot Clock on OTB AM this week.
It all comes down to the effort that inter-county hurlers, footballers and camogie players are making.
"I think there could be some arrangement between Croke Park and the Irish Revenue about something they could do for amateur players," Donaghy had said.
Former Dublin All-Ireland winner Brogan tackled the issue during an in-depth chat with Off The Ball.
"The effort and commitment that goes into playing inter-county football at the highest level is just phenomenal," he said.
"I've seen it first-hand"
"And guys are putting lives and careers on hold or putting families on hold for it. I know that because I've seen it first-hand.
"A lot of guys are becoming teachers now [because] it gives them the summer.
"I know myself, I started accountancy exams when I was 22-23. I did a couple of exams and then it was getting in the way of football.
"So I just parked it. That was my decision, I know. Lots of other guys went on and did accountancy exams. But it was getting in the way of my football and I probably took the easy route and concentrated on the football and not bother with the accountancy exams."
With those challenges, Brogan also believes an incentive needs to be brought in.
Sustainability
"I wouldn't be for pay-for-play or professionalism. But something like a tax break might just give a little. A few quid at the end of someone's career that you can maybe put a deposit on a house or you can get yourself a car. Other sportspeople and artists in Ireland have them. There's tax breaks in arts and culture and for guys writing books.
"Maybe it's not a runner. It might be hard to ring-fence it but sure, where there's a will, there's a way. I just think the level that it's gone to now, I'm not sure it's sustainable."
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