A HEATED exchange took place at Wednesday night’s Donegal GAA Convention regarding the positions of two schools coaches in Inishowen.
Convention heard that the coaches, whose salaries are part-funded by schools in Inishowen and part-funded by Donegal GAA, are set to finish in their positions in early 2020.
Naomh Padraig, Iskaheen delegate Michael McMenamin demanded answers.
“It is a disgraceful way to treat two employees,” he said.
“The coaches have given 15 years of service to the GAA but are told: ‘you’re finishing up in November, you’re finished up in December’.
“Now we’re told it’s to be extended to February. We’re glad to hear that, but it’s a very poor way to treat anyone. This is partly funded by the schools of Inishowen and partly funded by Donegal.
“Why are there changes coming? Is this a review from HR in Croke Park? The results of that are not out yet.
“There was a review of coaching but the committee doesn’t have the the report yet. We have asked the Chair what the recommending is. Nothing. Is there anything in writing? No.”
McMenamin suggested that the County Board should wait until the review has been completed and subsequently amend the scheme.
“Can we have a clear commitment that this Inishowen scheme will continue until the end of June?” he asked.
“When we were given. Commitment in September, we weren’t aware of any issues coming up or any reasons that we shouldn’t do it.”
Donegal Co Board Chairman Mick McGrath said Convention was not the forum for the discussion.
McGrath said payments had been extended until the end of February.
“I can’t give you the information you are seeking, but we will be supporting all of the coaches in the county,” McGrath said.
“We are not in the business of delivering bad news to anyone. We will work with Croke Park and the Ulster Council in introducing a new structure inclusive of the requirements and targets. I have no reason to believe that it won’t continue.”
McGrath noted that there had been no non-payments to the coaches.
“There have been some late payments, but no non-payments,” the Chairman said.
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