Irked Connacht chief John Prenty hits out at GPA, claiming they lack consistency

Connacht GAA secretary John Prenty has claimed the Gaelic Players Association lacks consistency when it comes to player welfare concerns after the cancellation of pre-season competitions this year.

Prenty has referenced the challenge matches taking place during the winter, as well as a return to training for inter-county panels, but feels GPA chief executive Tom Parsons telling media outlets that players would love to see the return of the International Rules indicates it isn't always a factor for the body.

He said it showed "consistency is futile".

Prenty would like to see the return of pre-season competitions in 2026.

The GAA's Central Council recently opted to pause pre-season tournaments on a trial basis.

It will be decided at a later date if the move should be made permanent.

Without the FBD League this season, Connacht GAA has already lost in the region of €100,000 through gate receipts and sponsorship.

While winter weather and pitches have frequently upset pre-season fare, it hasn’t been an issue for Connacht GAA with their Air Dome thriving and in full use at their Centre of Excellence in Bekan in recent years.

And the Connacht secretary took aim at the GPA for pushing for the cancellation of those competitions.

In his annual report to the Connacht convention, Prenty wrote: "The GPA are not fans of the pre-season competitions and have called for their demise in the past.

"Unfortunately, they have got their way for 2025 when in tandem with Ard Chomhairle they have succeeded in having all pre-season competitions discontinued for one year.

"Their theory is based on the fact that pre-season competitions are having a detrimental effect on player welfare. Maybe when next they conduct a survey with the players they might find out