Professional players?

Before I start, those that think this is purely a Kildare GAA forum, run a mile now. But I'm just wondering people's opinions on the below. Some will see it as a guy that works hard and trains hard to become an expert in his chosen sport making a buck in tough times. Personally, leaning towards being uncomfortable with charging an underage team or small club for a training session and to present medals when I believe (and people may have their own examples) a lot of big players including Kildare guys see it as part of their duty in promoting the stars of tomorrow around the place. Not on my high horse before someone takes a swipe, just my belief and wondering what ye all think. And I didn't add in Ryan O'Dwyer's link because it says he is doing it for charity which doesn't make the lads look any better.

http://www.giftencounters.com/index.php?option=com_encounters&view=profile&task=viewprofile&user_id=76

http://www.giftencounters.com/index.php?option=com_encounters&view=profile&task=viewprofile&user_id=120

I find it strange that they proclaim their prices so openly. I would have been assuming that it would be done in a hush hush manner.

Bit pricy. Thought those kind of prices died with the Celtic tiger. Comes across a bit cheesy and mercenary but lads are tight for cash and if someone's prepared to pay for the service then so be it.

I was almost expecting to see a prostitute along side offering their services.

Dont see the problem with this ,lads just trying make a few pounds out of their fame and talent ! If people are willing to pay them what harm .....

don't see a problem, if people want to pay it, but as said here, there Celtic tiger prices, can't see people paying that these days!

Could set a precedent though. If other county players see this and think well if they are being paid I want to be as well, where does it end? When a lot of clubs can't afford to get some famous player in to hand out medals to kids and inspire them?

TommyKeegan wrote:

Could set a precedent though. If other county players see this and think well if they are being paid I want to be as well, where does it end? When a lot of clubs can't afford to get some famous player in to hand out medals to kids and inspire them?

I also remember the lads getting a few pounds for handing out the medals in school......

Well if they are advertising so openly, they must be a legit business that pays their taxes and has a VAT number etc. They'd never get away with it otherwise.