Having yesterday announced their decision to withhold the use of Páirc Uí Chaoimh for a charity event in memory of Cork's Liam Miller, the GAA revealed that they intended to meet the organisers. However, contrary to premature reports, it has been confirmed that no change to their initial rejection is yet forthcoming.
It is expected that a meeting(s) between the GAA's representatives and the organisers of the charity event will take place next week.
@officialgaa prez John Horan confirms that 'we are currently working to arrange a meeting (re Liam Miller tribute match) but no date or time yet and certainly nothing agreed.'
— Tony Leen (@tonyleen) July 21, 2018
Cork's Red FM radio station also revealed that Michael O'Flynn, an organiser of the charity event, confirmed no decision had yet been reached. Furthermore, according to the broadcaster, O'Flynn is due to speak on air this coming Monday morning.
The initial decision to meet with the organisers came after an overwhelming rejection of the GAA's stance on the issue. Revealing that they had sought legal advice to ensure they were not in breach of an agreement that saw government funding facilitate the regeneration of Páirc Uí Chaoimh, it was widely felt that the decision held little or no credible reasoning.
It had been reported earlier this evening that an agreement had been the reached, and the the GAA had granted the event's organisers permission to use Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
However, contrary to these initial claims, it quickly became apparent that no such deal had been reached.
Reports this evening that a @PaircUiCha0imh deal has been done have been dismissed by a well-placed source as premature - they're not aware of any deal. Also dismissed by source close to organisers - "adamant" no deal struck.
Expect clarification early in the week#LiamMiller— Stephen Murphy (@SMurphyTV) July 21, 2018
A few on here claiming Liam Miller tribute game has been moved to Páirc Ui Chaoimh - and claiming credit for same!! Steady. Absolutely zero decided yet.
— Tony Leen (@tonyleen) July 21, 2018
Earlier this afternoon, the Gaelic Players Association broke with the GAA over their initial decision to withhold use of the ground for the charity event.
Outlining their rejection of the GAA's stance, the GPA shared their statement over Twitter:
The Gaelic Players Association calls on the GAA to make Páirc Uí Chaoimh available for the Liam Miller charity game. The contribution by the GAA and its members to the social fabric of this nation is second to none. We proud of the part our players past, present and future have played and will play in this. We feel that the decision being taken on this issue is not in line with our values as sportspeople and it should be revisited.
The decision to allow the use of Páirc Uí Chaoimh will now allow a far greater number of fans attend the highly-anticipated event in which a number of Miller's former teammates, including the likes of Roy Keane, Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand, will participate in an exhibition game.
The additional money raised will be a huge bonus to the charity in question.
