Scheme a victory for most sports figures

The new tax relief scheme introduced in yesterday's Finance Bill is likely to benefit a wide range of sports figures resident in Ireland, from part-time earners to world-leading professionals.

Those that make a major income from playing sport and are still resident in the State will naturally benefit most - in some cases to the tune of millions. Top earners in rugby, golf, horse racing and athletics will be in line for sizable paybacks when they eventually retire.

Others further down the line, especially part-time soccer players, can also anticipate an improved financial status upon retirement.

The Irish Rugby Football Association (IRFU) was among the sporting organisations to welcome the tax scheme. "We would obviously be delighted on behalf of all sports," said IRFU spokesperson Mr John Redmond. "And specifically we would welcome it from the of view of rugby players. Under this players will be more inclined then ever to stay in Ireland."

Players such as Brian O'Driscoll may be now harder to tempt abroad while some of those based overseas, including captain Keith Wood, may be enticed to see out their careers at home.

Although all the big earners in Irish soccer are based in England, the National League continues to make moves towards full-time player contracts, most notably the leading clubs such as Shelbourne, St Patrick's, Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers.

The Players Football Association of Ireland secretary Fran Gavin also welcomed the scheme. "It makes sense for a lot of reasons, but I think League of Ireland players will benefit more so in the future." Golfer Padraig Harrington is currently one of the top earners in Irish sport, and has remained resident here since turning professional in 1995. Two of the other top earners - Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley - are resident in London, and are now sure to be thinking about returning home.

Among the other top-earning sports figures resident in Ireland are jockeys and as their careers typically extend into numerous decades they can be more selective in benefiting from the scheme.

The big losers are the GAA players. The association's amateur status continues to rule out any pay-for-play yet efforts to change this scenario are being made by the Gaelic Players Association.

The Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Dr James McDaid, said the tax relief was "the latest evidence of this Government's commitment to sport."