Media Exclusion from Cork GAA Meetings: A Persistent Issue
The Cork GAA’s stance on media exclusion from county board meetings has sparked debate and raised concerns among delegates and journalists alike. In a recent board meeting, delegates from the Carbery division, Tommy Lyons and Aidan O’Rourke, attempted to challenge the 2024 decision that banned journalists from monthly gatherings. However, their efforts were met with resistance, as the board chairman, Pat Horgan, ruled the subject out of order.
This isn’t the first time the media exclusion has been brought to the forefront. Last February, a similar proposal was made, but it was also declared out of order without a vote. The Cork GAA’s decision to bar journalists from attending monthly meetings in early 2024 was justified by the board’s statement, emphasizing the need for more open and transparent engagement with clubs. They argued that this practice aligns with the national level, where media is not present at Central Council meetings.
Interestingly, this approach stands in contrast to the majority of GAA County Boards across the country, which generally welcome media presence at their meetings. The Cork GAA’s stance has sparked a discussion on the importance of media engagement and transparency in sports governance. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the Cork GAA will reconsider its position and allow media access to these meetings, ensuring a more inclusive and open environment for all stakeholders.