GPA to call for removal of pre-season competitions

The GPA will call on the GAA to remove pre-season competitions after 90% of members backed a motion at their annual general meeting on Saturday.

Over 100 players from across the country gathered at the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise with five motions passed in all.

The third of those, which read 'Proposal to call on the GAA for the removal of pre-season competitions', was submitted by the GPA’s national executive committee and was accepted by the majority of members with player welfare issues cited as a key reason in the more condensed season.

Writing in notes released prior to the meeting, GPA CEO Tom Parsons had hit out at the GAA’s refusal to remove the early season tournaments with provincial competitions set to take place in 2024.

"Unfortunately, the ongoing efforts by the GPA to remove provincial pre-season competitions during the condensed split season continues to fall on deaf ears at GAA Central Council level," he said.

"Recently, Central Council has acknowledged the pressure of the condensed season. However, following a thorough evaluation of various options, it was ultimately determined that taking no action was the preferred route for 2024."

A motion passed by Clare hurler Shane O’Donnell calling for improved injury coverage from the GAA, LPGA and the Camogie Association was passed unanimously.

Earlier this week, O’Donnell explained how a concussion he suffered in 2021 left him €5,000 out of pocket.

Other motions passed will see a call for the GPA’s representation on GAA’s central council to be doubled from one to two, the amending of past player GPA membership eligibility from five years to three years on intercounty panels and the removal the role of secretary and insert a vice-president role in the GPA’s