GPA concerned by scheduling in condensed window

The Gaelic Players Association says it has seen encouraging developments in its relationship with GAA with the leadership of new GAA president Jarlath Burns, but insists that it will tackle several key challenges this year.

These include player welfare and the load of the current competition structure.

At its AGM on Monday, the GPA said it would seek a balanced fixtures schedule that addresses the condensed nature of games.

This would incorporate a sufficient gap between league and championship.

And it would advocate for the implementation of the agreed contact hours policy to ensure adequate rest and recovery periods, and a guaranteed off-season.

However, the GPA insists that those principles need to be designed within the split-season window, which already exceeds eight months of inter-county activity.

“With changes in the competition structures anticipated for 2025, the GPA continues to strongly support a split-season for inter-county and club activity, which has been viewed positively by 85% of our players,” said CEO Tom Parsons.

“63% of players agree that a split-season reduces the time demands on inter-county players.

“A key challenge is the new structures were designed with the intention of pausing the pre-season competitions, and the GAA is trying to squeeze too many competitions into an agreed window for inter-county players.”

Parsons added that GPA members were elite amateur athletes, with growing professional and commercial demands to generate more income for the various governing bodies to fund grassroots activities and infrastructure investments.

“Balancing commitments to their club, county, personal lives, and professional careers continues to be a juggling act that is becoming increasingly unsustainable,” he said.

“A shorter season and defined break periods for inter-county players remain an absolute priority.

“Expanding the season with increased playing demands is not a solution to protect amateurism or reduce the load on players. Players, of course, support the concept of more meaningful, competitive games, but we find it increasingly challenging to justify pre-season competitions with overlapping eligibility issues in January, which add to the player load.”

In his address to the AGM, Parsons said that while the GPA was the official representative body for male and female inter-county players since the amalgamation with the WGPA in 2020, he felt that the leadership of the LGFA and Camogie Association selectively recognised the GPA as the representative body when it suits their needs.

“For example, the associations work collaboratively with us on securing and administering state funding for players,” he stated.

“In this process, the GPA is also recognised as the official player representatives by Sport Ireland and the Department of Sport.

“It is therefore contradictory of the associations to state that they do not recognise the GPA on other matters that are important to players. This issue has become increasingly pronounced since the #UnitedForEquality protest in 2023 and continues to be unacceptable.

“For clarity, the GPA is the official representative body for female inter-county players and will assert the rights of players on their behalf, to ensure fair treatment. In this capacity, the GPA looks forward to working collaboratively with the associations,” Parsons asserted.

Maintaining the amateur status of inter-county players, despite the growing professional and commercial pressures, also remains a priority for the GPA.

“We are actively advocating for policy changes that protect our players’ rights, ensuring they are treated with fairness and that their voices are influential in all aspects of our games; examples include the player charter, contact hours policy and benefits as defined in the protocol agreement,” he added.

“We also call on the broader community, including fans and corporate partners, to recognise and support the players’ amateur status, while respecting the ‘professional’ commitment they bring to Gaelic games.”

Parsons pointed out that his members were elite amateur athletes who were key to the GAA’s financial success but remained unpaid.

“Their rights must be fiercely protected, ensuring they are treated with fairness and that their contributions are both recognised and valued. That is a significant responsibility for the GPA to champion.”

Meanwhile, Tyrone goalkeeper Niall Morgan and Dublin camogie star Aisling Maher were elected as the new co-chairs of the GPA’s National Executive Committee, replacing Matt O’Hanlon and Marie Kinsella.

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