The GAA and the Gaelic Players Association have confirmed a new framework agreement covering relations between the two bodies for the period 2017-2019. It is against the grain of recent sponsorship deals that this agreement will be shorter than the one it replaces, signed in 2011 and extended by twelve months to cover this year.
A likely reason why that may be the case is that it is now aligned with the cycle of media rights negotiations which are currently underway again covering 2017 to 2019.
The amount of money which the GAA will centrally fund to the GPA will increase by 25% on what was agreed for this year, to a figure of at least €2.5 million per annum. This could climb higher if GAA revenues from media rights, sponsorship, licensing and franchising rise as there is a caveat that it will give over 15% of this sum if that is bigger than the €2.5 million.
Increase
There is also an increase in the expenses that will be paid to cover travel and now nutrition. Those payments will be capped at €1.5 million and €1.2 million respectively. While they will still be paid through counties, there will be a ring fencing mechanic on GAA funding of county boards to ensure this is where the money goes. It will also be on a vouched basis.
All of the GPA’s commercial activities will now be channelled directly through the Le Cheile partnership which will be revamped with a new Board including external non-executive directors. The GAA is guaranteeing an additional €800,000 from this series of relationships with companies including Aer Lingus, PwC, Lenovo and Glanbia.
Closer
There are other changes including an additional delegate to the GAA Annual Congress, crossover relationships between a number of committees including Finance and governance measures around budget control and reporting, all of which will serve a secondary purpose to tie the two ever closer together in pursuit of common purpose.
“Our inter-county players make a special contribution to the Association in so many ways,” said GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail announcing the deal in Croke Park.
“The increased commitment involved in playing our games at inter-county level has been commonly acknowledged for some time.
“We are serious about the welfare of our players and will continue to work with the GPA to safeguard that welfare.”
Middle Ground
GAA Ard Stiúrthóir Páraic Duffy praised those on both sides who had negotiated the deal saying that “this had been a process that required middle ground between our two organisations.”
“Today’s announcement is another historic milestone for players, the GPA and the GAA,” said GPA CEO Dessie Farrell.
“This agreement, emphasises the crucial role played by county players in our games and indeed acknowledges their dedication and commitment in performing at the highest level.”
“It ensures the financial impact on players is reduced while placing the support structures within the GPA for players on a very firm footing.”
“This three-year agreement now establishes a long-term commitment to link player welfare and development with the GAA’s commercial success which is highly significant.”
