Paul Hearty is encouraged by the potential of the CPA to aid club players

CROSSMAGLEN veteran Paul Hearty has given his backing to the Club Players Association but warns that “so-called traditionalists” represent a potential stumbling block to its success.

The CPA was launched on Monday this week in Dublin and aims to establish a “balanced fixture programme” for club players. The long-serving Cross’ goalkeeper says it’s about time someone has moved to redress the plight of the club player.

“It’s good to see someone take the bull by the horns. It’s great that the club players finally have a voice, for too long it was the county players who had a voice with the GAA.

“It’s a big step forward for Declan Brennan and company to go ahead with this and it was great to see a number of high-profile players at the top table backing it. I think it is very important to raise the profile of the club player who has been left at the wayside for too long.”

Hearty also said put forward his belief that GAA conservatives need to be open to change if the organisation is to flourish well into the future.

“When you get all the so-called traditionalists and these lads who say ‘that’s the way it has been for 100 years and that’s the way it should be’ you’ll face problems. Big organisations have to be open to change. It can’t be a closed door.”

See this week’s Gaelic Life for more reaction to the launch of the CPA, in store today or online here.