GPA members frustrated at pace of GAA integration process

The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) has outlined its frustration at the pace of integration between the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association

Having previously represented 2,500 male members, the inter-county players body now accounts for 4,000 male and female members.

And at last Saturday's annual general meeting players identified a number of priority areas for the Association to pursue, with a quicker pathway to integration a clear target for players.

Over 100 members attended the AGM in Portloaise on Saturday, the first in person AGM since the merger of the GPA with its sister organisation, the WGPA.

At the AGM, players voiced their frustration at the pace at which the integration process between the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association is moving.

While welcoming the appointment of former President of Ireland Mary McAleese to independently chair the process, the delay in getting to this point was raised from the floor.

This is a subject that CEO Tom Parsons will elaborate further on in a media conference later today.

Another area of note was a rise in those seeking counselling support.

There has been a 61% increase year-on-year in the number of inter-county players accessing the players association’s counselling services.

In the first nine months of 2021, 64 players had received support. The equivalent number for 2022 is 103.

Initial findings suggest there is support amongst the GPA’s male members for the split-season. In research carried out in July, 87% said they’ve had either a positive, or very positive, experience of the split season model.

However, that was their verdict at a particular point in time.

Since then, the organisation said that some red flags have been raised about the training load and length of the season.

The GPA