GPA express 'serious concern' over potential pre-season u-turn

The Gaelic Players Association has warned of its serious concern over the potential reinstatement of pre-season competitions in 2025.

The proposal by Cavan GAA to reinstate the competitions follows the GAA Central Council's decision in September to suspend such competitions.

It has been mooted that the decision to scrap pre season fare will be overturned at a Central Council meeting this weekend to allow for further testing of the new Football Review Committee enhancements.

Those FRC enhancements will also be dealt with by Central Council on Saturday.

But the players association claims that any decision to reinstate pre-season competitions, despite clear risks to player health, would represent a significant shift in how certain factions of the GAA prioritised financial income over well-being and its values.

The GPA also recalled how the decision to end pre season competition was taken after extensive discussions, with strong backing from GAA President Jarlath Burns and several others.

The GPA says its concern centres around the importance of player welfare.

"Reversing that decision now would prioritise financial income – as recently articulated by the Connacht Council Secretary - over the health and well-being of our amateur athletes, despite overwhelming evidence of player burnout," a statement said.

"If the pre-season competitions are reintroduced on 2 January, the return-to-training date would need to be moved from 7 December to as early as 16 November.

"Sports science recommends at least a six-week preparation period to ensure that players are physically ready for competitive matches like the McKenna Cup. This adjustment would violate the "No Contact November" policy, which 78% of players supported, emphasising the need for