It's claimed Michael Cusack "Would turn in his grave" over GAA plans to introduce a €5 charge for U-16s at national league games.

Clare County Council has this week become the first local authority in Ireland to request that Croke Park scrap the proposals.

On the 26th of January, Clare will begin the defence of their National Hurling League title when Kilkenny visit Cusack Park.

It will be the first time ever for this competition however that U-16s will be charged to watch the sides in action.

Their admission to Division 1A and 1B games will now cost €5 and must be purchased alongside an adult ticket.

Whitegate Councillor Pat Burke believes its merely a money making exercise.

The GAA announced the policy in December and says the new arrangement will assist with event control and health and safety protocols for fixtures that attract bigger attendances."

The move came shortly after an incident in September where a 12-year-old was attacked by a large group at Wexford Park.

However the additional charge has sparked anger in the local authority leading to a joint motion from Clarecastle Councillor Paul Murphy, Clarecastle GAA Vice Chairman Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle, Whitegate Cllr Pat Burke, Ennistymon GAA Chair Cllr Shane Talty and O'Callaghan's Mills Cllr Conor Ryan calling for it to be scrapped.

Similar motions are expected to pass through all 31 local authorities nationwide this month, but the GAA will not be obligated to change anything.

Councillor Paul Murphy told the Council Chamber that Michael Cusack "would turn in his grave" at the very notion of the charges.