Player welfare fund created

The Mayo Football League has established a player welfare fund ahead of the start of the 2015 season.

League chairman Padraig McHale explains the thinking behind the fund: “We will maintain this fund separately from the normal league accounts and hope to be in a position to help players who may suffer losses as a result of injury or serious illness.

“We will collect €3 with every player registration, which will go directly to the fund, while we will also donate all the proceeds from the Charity Shield (played last Saturday), and we further intend to donate 20 per cent of the net gate receipts from all of our cup finals.

“It is our intention to establish a five-person sub-committee to act as trustees and it is our intention that this committee would be made up of two LMC (league management committee) members, one member of the referees' branch and two club representatives, at least one of whom should be a current player.

“I hope that no one needs help from this fund but if someone does it will be there for them.”

Mr. McHale said the Mayo Football League also intends to formalise its arrangement with the Mayo Mental Health Association in promoting positive mental health among players and those who take part in the game.

The announcement of the player welfare fund was made at the annual general meeting of the Mayo Football League.