GPA concerned by too many competitions 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.

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