Galway forward Conor Whelan says that incurring inter-county expenses as a student is a significant deal and is hopeful the GAA and GPA can find a resolution to their ongoing dispute over player mileage expenses.
The CEO of the GPA Tom Parsons confirmed on RTÉ's Allianz League Sunday that players would be willing to go as far as was needed in order to be "treated fairly" by Croke Park.
This led to a circular from the GAA's director general Tom Ryan Monday evening, asserting the association would cover expenses for up to four training sessions per week, but nothing more.
GPA player reps met virtually on Monday night and are expected to do so again later in the week and Tribes forward Whelan said that while he has never experienced any issues over expenses during his eight years on the inter-county scene, he can empathise with the concerns around the financial wellbeing of inter-county players in college.
It's nearly like something you are saving for subconsciously
"I know from being a player in college that expenses was a huge thing," he said, at the launch of the once-off Allianz retro GAA jerseys which will be worn on St Patrick's weekend.
"It’s nearly like something you are saving for subconsciously. I don’t think any player is going with the intention to try and make money off expenses or anything like that."
Last weekend it was made known that players – and some managers who supported them – would not partake in media interviews after games, a stance expected to continue this weekend.
Parsons insisted on League Sunday that the number of training sessions is not relevant and that the onus should never be on the player to have to negotiate with county boards for incurred expenses.
"It’s not the responsibility of the player. If a county wants to schedule five, or six, or two (training sessions), that’s a county’s responsibility, but they shouldn’t use the players as a cost-control mechanism. That’s what’s happening.
"Expenses is a symbol of respect for players. Even if a player doesn't receive his expenses for one session, it is significant. 30% of our membership are students and are in financial hardship."
Describing Parsons’ argument that no player should be out of pocket for training, Whelan said: "I think it’s a fair enough argument. The whole debate on how many sessions a player should be doing is a whole different conversation. There are lots of moving parts."
Also speaking at the launch was Tyrone forward Cathal McShane. The 2021 All-Ireland winner is hopeful that a resolution can be found.
"It’s a matter of getting things sorted and I think the reps of the GAA and GPA are meeting over the next few days so hopefully everything will be ironed out there and things will be sorted going forward.
"Then that can be put to bed because obviously we just want to focus on football."
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