The New South Wales GAA has embarked on a campaign to secure playing grounds for 2012 and beyond at Rockdale, near Sydney Airport.
The association has submitted a proposal to Rockdale Rugby Union Club for shared use of their facilities at Redmond Field, the Irish Echo has learned.
A NSW GAA insider told the Irish Echo: “The facility is good, in particular parking, the actual playing fields and close proximity to the east.”
We understand that both the changing rooms and canteen facilities need an upgrade so part of the proposal is to have a joint development fund for some redevelopment.
The NSW GAA refused to comment on the news.
As it stands, the NSW GAA has no playing grounds for the 2012 season having lost access to facilities in the Auburn council area.
Matches are currently being played at Mona Park on a ground that is less than the required size for Gaelic games.
Concern has been growing within GAA circles that the association will be homeless next year.
The association’s failure to secure facilities in Sydney has come to the attention of the GAA leadership in Croke Park following an RTÉ television report in which local players complained about the lack of proper facilities in Sydney.
The players themselves were hauled before the NSW GAA committee and cautioned for speaking out.
:: Croke Park seeking meeting with NSW GAA committee
Secretary of the Australasian GAA, Gerry Roe, who is employed full-time by Croke Park, told the Irish Echo that the lack of facilities in Sydney was raised with him on a recent trip to Ireland in May.
“I met the uachtarán, Christy Cooney, members of central council and the overseas committee,” Mr Roe said.
“Many of those present were aware of the problems NSW is experiencing with playing facilities, including Michael Delaney from Leinster Council who was recently in Sydney and who also briefed them on the issues at hand.”
Mr Roe said that Croke Park was “keen to help whatever way they can” but that the NSW GAA will need to prepare detailed submissions about any new home facilities.
“What will need to be done is that for finance to be forthcoming a detailed submission will have to be prepared setting out specific details of proposed playing and other facilities,” he said.
“Those that I met with know that the NSW committee is looking long term at Gaelic games in Sydney and that they will present when ready, a submission that will relate to ownership or a long-term lease. I have been asked to work closely with NSW on the project and to report directly to Croke Park on progress. Consequently, NSW has been asked to provide me with ongoing monthly or bi-monthly updates.”
Mr Roe, who is based in Alice Springs, revealed that he was also asked to set up a meeting between the President of the GAA Christy Cooney and the NSW committee later in the year when he is here with the International Rules team.
While the prospect of Croke Park’s support will be welcome news for the NSW GAA, the Irish Echo understands that there is concern about the association’s level of governance.
The NSW GAA was recently criticised by the NSW Department of Fair Trading for failing to lodge an annual return since 2004.
