"As an organisation, the GAA can never compete with professional sport"

December 12, 2017

Kerry's David Clifford and Jack Griffin celebrate.
©INPHO/Tommy Dickson.

County chairman Tim Murphy says Kerry need to "create as attractive an environment as possible" to try to convince their young stars to resist the lure of the AFL.

The Kingdom have suffered more than most counties at the hands of the professional game Down Under, losing the services of men like Tadhg Kennelly and Tommy Walsh in the past, while Mark O'Connor joined Geelong only last year and this year's minor talisman David Clifford has also been linked with a possible move to the AFL, which he has so far resisted.

Five of the 21 players viewed by scouts at a two-day AFL camp in UCD last week were from Kerry.

"I have been consistent in my view that as an organisation the GAA can never compete with professional sport - it is simply not possible," Murphy told Kerry County Board Convention in Killarney last night, according to The Irish Examiner. "What we can do is endeavour to create as attractive an environment as possible here at home and convey to our players the benefits of remaining in Ireland while also assisting them with educational opportunities, career advice and enhanced employment prospects.

"I am happy to advise that the ad hoc committee set up this year has worked well and it came as a great boost in October when David Clifford confirmed he was committed to Kerry for at least 2018. I hope to formalise this committee next year and ensure that any other players considering a move are given the benefit of choosing an attractive alternative to remain at home."


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