Breaking GAA to cover mileage for a maximum of four sessions per week

The GAA has confirmed that it will cover up to four collective gatherings per week for player mileage expenses - but anything in excess of this will be borne by individual counties.

And the GAA says that the mileage rate for any additional training sessions/games will now be required to be negotiated locally between each county and their players.

In a circular to counties this evening, GAA Director-General Tom Ryan said: "For the purposes of clarity, the sole difference between the 2022 Charter, and the Charter that was in place pre-covid, is that the 65c per mile expense rate provided for in the new charter covers up to four collective training sessions/games per week only.

"The metric of up to four collective sessions is arrived at following consultation with yourselves (counties) in recent weeks and represents a level that is sustainable for counties and for players alike."

Ryan added: "The mileage rate for any additional training sessions/games now requires to be negotiated locally between each county and their players, in the context of the overall budget for the preparation of your county team. I know that you will undertake this in a spirit of fairness and respect for players."

The GPA wanting "unlimited expenses" for whatever number of sessions is a move towards semi-professionalism, says Colm O'Rourke, while adding that the GAA offer on expenses is "generous" #rtegaa #allianzleaguesunday pic.twitter.com/Ak2Vm8d0Gj

In a note to county chairpersons and secretaries this evening, Ryan also highlighted a wider time commitment issue that needs to be examined to ensure that GAA games are played in a way that enables players to continue to enjoy them; one that does not adversely affect other aspects of their lives.

Ryan said