Jim Gavin says he would quit the GAA if it ever turned professional.

The recent TV deal with Sky Sports has given rise to speculation that pay-for-play is just around the corner, but the All-Ireland winning manager has stressed a professional GAA is not something he would like to be part of.

"I'd be loath to see us going away from our amateur ethos. I think we'd all walk away if that happened, to be blunt about it," he told reporters ahead of tomorrow's Allianz League semi-final against Cork.

"I know the players do it for the right reason. They have a passion for Gaelic games. Players just want small, fringe benefits. It's a duty of care that county boards have to their players to ensure that they're looked after in a small way.

"The bridge we can't cross is pay-for-play. That's just not on. We're all volunteers, and the rules clearly state that. But anything county boards or commercial partners can do for players' needs to be welcomed."

Despite being the reigning Allianz League champions, reaching the knockout stages is a 'bonus' for Dublin according to Gavin.

"We're satisfied with our progress. We take it that we're in bonus territory, we don't have anything to lose," he continued.

"To face Cork again is a great challenge. I was very impressed with them in Croke Park the last day and very impressed to see them against Kerry. They're a serious, serious team that will really push hard in the All-Ireland series, so it's a fantastic test for Dublin at this time of the year." Tweet

Most Read Stories