The GAA is under fire once again for their ban on charity emblems on GAA jerseys, with Limerick manager John Kiely the latest to call for Croke Park to re-examine the decision ahead of Limerick's Munster round robin game against Tipp next month.
The past number of years has seen a rise in intercounty teams lining out in once-off special jerseys Charity sponsored jerseys, however, the GAA have now banned the process meaning teams will no longer be allowed to wear jerseys bearing Charity's emblems.
24 July 2018; AIG Insurance has today announced a Dublin GAA jersey takeover, children’s charity Aoibheann’s Pink Tie’s logo will appear on the Dublin GAA jerseys for an upcoming football, ladies football and camogie fixture this summer. Dublin players, from left, Ciara Trant, John Small and Doireann Mullany were on hand today to launch Aoibheann’s Pink Tie Dublin GAA jersey takeover in Parnell Park. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
The ban has thrown Limerick and Tipperary's plans to support the Dillon Quirke Foundation into disarray. Named in honour of Tipperary's Dillon Quirke who tragically died from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome while playing in Semple Stadium, the charity aims to screen young GAA players for signs of SADS.
Speaking about Tipperary and Limerick's plans to support the charity, Limerick Manager John Kiely made a heartfelt appeal for the decision to be re-examined and expressed his belief that the plan for May is bigger than simply supporting a charitable cause.
This concept was put forward that the Foundation emblem would be put on the jersey for that one game between ourselves and Tipperary...We were very happy to do that. And that afterwards the jerseys would be handed back to the Foundation for them to auction.
Clearly, it has run into a difficulty now, because of the particular rule it might be in breach of. That’s disappointing. I feel his situation is that little bit unique in that he died playing the game that he loved, on one of the most hallowed surfaces of all in Semple Stadium.
I think his situation is different to wider charitable causes. I think there is a distinct difference here. A player, playing for his club, who is a county player, who died whilst on the surface in Semple Stadium. For me, that makes it different. And maybe a reason to examine the situation and see if there is a way for us to find something that will work for both Tipperary and ourselves. And for the Foundation most of all.
19 February 2023; Tipperary players, from left, John Campion, Joe Fogarty, Conor McCarthy and Cian O'Dwyer before the Dillon Quirke Foundation Hurling Challenge match between Tipperary and Kilkenny at FBD Semple Stadium in Thurles, Tipperary. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Limerick play Tipperary in the Munster Championship on the 21st of May in Semple Stadium, whether they'll be allowed to wear the jersey is yet to be seen, but lets hope common sense prevails and The Dillon Quirke Foundation is well supported.
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