The Consequences of Professionalism on the GAA

Corbett, Seamus (2014) The Consequences of Professionalism on the GAA. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Founded in 1884, the GAA is the biggest sports body in Ireland. The organisation’s amateur status has been one of the pillars on which it has flourished, but in recent times professionalism has crept in, partly in response to the rapidly changing environment.

The paper investigates the effects of the gradual introduction of professionalism in the GAA. By examining amateurism, professionalism and the drivers of change in sport, the research assesses if the GAA can afford some element of professionalism? The research looks at the introduction of professionalism in other sports such as boxing, rugby and even the Olympics to see what might happen in the GAA.

The researcher adopts a case study method to interview knowledgeable people involved in the GAA and other sports people on account of their positions, experience, and individual viewpoint. A purposeful sample is used to select key cases.

The findings of the study reveal that professionalism is being driven by the commercial and administrative demands of the GAA. These demands are changing the game in positive and negative ways but on balance professionalism has reached saturation point and no further professional influence is required. The bond between the GAA and the community is important and need not be eroded any further. This bond is the life blood of the GAA and what keeps its vast family together.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > Sports
Divisions:	School of Business > Master of Business Administration
Depositing User:	Claire Wallnutt
Date Deposited:	21 Nov 2014 19:07
Last Modified:	24 Nov 2014 12:14
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/1817

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