Pat Spillane believes the recent Olympic Games have only served to highlight the GAA’s failure to market its biggest stars properly.

The Kerry great was especially taken by how accessible and media-friendly Ireland’s Olympians were, including gold medallists Dan Wiffen, rowers Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy, boxer Kellie Harrington and gymnast Rhys McClenaghan.

“Wearing my GAA hat, I couldn’t but feel envious of all those boys and girls who represented Ireland. Wiffen, the rowers, Harrington, they did us so proud. The 4x400m girls too, who fell so agonisingly short of a medal,” he wrote in the Sunday World.

“Our athletes, medallists or not, have become poster boys and girls. They are the role models Irish youngsters look up to and aspire to be. They have been media friendly, accessible and recognisable. They are very marketable and are brilliant advertisements for their sports.

“Contrast that with the world of the GAA, where we have had four major finals these last few weeks. Take the camogie. Would many recognise a player from Cork or Galway from last Sunday outside of those counties? Highly unlikely.

“What about ladies’ football? Who would be known outside their own county boundaries. Maybe Hannah Tyrrell, Carla Rowe (who weren’t even in the final) and Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh. Maybe three?

“Move on to the Clare hurlers. John Conlon is one of the greatest all-round hurlers of the modern era. Aidan McCarthy is their ace free taker. But would they be recognised outside their county? Highly unlikely.

“What about man of the match in the football final Oisín Conaty? Or the man who scored the vital goal in the final, Aaron McKay. Would they be recognised outside Armagh? Absolutely not. And doesn’t that reveal how we hide our main products, our top stars, away for seven and eight months of the year?

"A spectacular own goal by any measure.”

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