Martin Breheny: Pat Gilroy’s belief that GAA has lost its way should sound warning bells in Croke Park

AnalysisMartin Breheny: Pat Gilroy’s belief that GAA has lost its way should sound warning bells in Croke ParkFormer Dublin football and hurling manager Pat Gilroy (right), All-Ireland winner and former Tyrone footballer Peter Canavan and All-Ireland winner and former Meath footballer Colm O’Rourke (left) attend a protest outside Croke Park during the GAA Annual Congress last February  © Ray McManus/SportsfileMartin Breheny2 Sep 2026 5:30 AM

Pat Gilroy has grown disillusioned with the GAA, so disillusioned that, over the past year, he wondered whether he should have encouraged his children to take up other sports.

That’s quite an admission from someone who is the ultimate GAA man, having been immersed in it all his life as a player, manager, coach, supporter, as well as contributing to the strategic side through various committees.