Longford TD says GAA integration timeline of 2027, 'ambitious'
Deputy Carrigy said it was disappointing that criticism from outgoing chair Mary McAleese was 'put out there publicly'.
Longford TD Micheál Carrigy said he believes the integration plan was overly ambitious and it is disappointing that criticism from outgoing chair Mary McAleese was 'put out there publicly'.
The former Vice Chairperson of Longford GAA County Board and former Central Council representative spoke about the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association integration plan setback.
"I think it's very disappointing, the criticism that she (Mary McAleese) put out there publicly, but I suppose it has brought the topic to the fore.”
Deputy Carrigy said the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association need to reassess the situation.
"I said the timeline was a bit too ambitious myself. I would have engaged at the Oireachtas meetings a number of times that the GAA had been in and I am fully supportive of integration.
"As a Central Council representative for Longford, I seconded the proposal for a Memorandum of Understanding under John Horan when he was GAA President.
"It's something I believe in, and I believe will happen."
Deputy Carrigy said Longford County Board, from his time, ‘was probably the first county board’ to support integration.
He said clubs here were always willing to make facilities available for training, but he believes they 'need a substantial investment'.
"I think it would take upwards of €500 million, actually, to upgrade facilities.
"An awful lot of GAA clubs don't have female facilities, you know, the proper shower facilities."
Deputy Carrigy said there has never been an issue with facilities, but he is critical of an ‘incorrect’ narrative.
"There's questioning on sports capital grants, can clubs apply now because of this not going ahead, which is all rubbish.
"All the clubs in county Longford, and I know every one of them, the ladies club, they work alongside each other together.”