“I have spoken to the players on a number of issues and have listened to what they have to say,” Kelly said. “They are immensely proud to be wearing the colors of their country and I think it’s time that we took their representation to a new level. We would like to mark it some type of ceremony because we think that it means an awful lot to the players.”
If caps were being awarded Derry’s Sean Marty Lockhart and Ciaran McManus of Offaly, who have been selected every year since 1998, would now have 10 caps each.
And Kerry-born Tadhg Kennelly, who plays in the AFL for Sydney Swans, said that the GAA should take a leaf out of the AFL’s book.
“I have made nearly 60 appearances for Sydney and hope to reach the 150 mark when I hope to become a life member of the club,” said Kennelly, whose father, Tim, was a Kerry hero in the 1970s. “In Aussie Rules if you make the ‘150 Club’ you are entitled to certain privileges, such as free access to games when you retire, first call on tickets and special corporate incentives. What’s stopping the GAA doing the same? Let’s say you play 50 times for your county in league or championship, then you’re entitled to get extra tickets for games.”
To be fair, most county boards offer players who have won All-Ireland senior medals the opportunity to purchase All-Ireland final tickets. And, thanks to the Gaelic Players Association, players are generally taken care of much better now than they were 10 or 20 years ago.