The drive to create a unified Gaelic games organisation has taken another significant step forward, with the Steering Group on Integration reporting major developments in its ongoing efforts to fully integrate the GAA, LGFA, and Camogie Association by 2027.

The integration process began in earnest following the passage of motions at the 2022 Congresses of the Gaelic Athletic Association, Ladies Gaelic Football Association, and Camogie Association.

These motions received overwhelming support, with 92% of delegates across the three bodies voting in favour of prioritising integration.

Chaired by former President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, the Steering Group on Integration held its first meeting in October 2022 at Croke Park. Since then, the SGI has met regularly and overseen the creation of multiple cross-associational working groups, each focused on specific areas critical to delivering a unified association.

Among the most recent developments was the formal establishment of a Central Fixtures Oversight Committee during the SGI’s April 2025 meeting.

This committee has been tasked with developing a long-term vision for fixtures that spans all three associations. The group will also explore protocols around shared access to facilities, ensuring fixtures are coordinated equitably and efficiently across all codes.

Another working group, chaired by former Munster GAA Chairperson Ger Ryan, is currently designing a new structural model for County Boards and Provincial Councils under the future integrated association.

The aim is to finalise proposals by the end of 2025, allowing time for refinement before rule changes are proposed.

At the grassroots level, progress is also being made through the rollout of the One Club Model, which has already been implemented in several counties.

Research into the lived experiences of members in these clubs is ongoing, with four focus groups held to date. The SGI aims to update and expand the model nationwide by the end of 2025, encouraging more clubs to operate collaboratively across the three codes.

Work is also advancing on establishing One Membership across all Gaelic games.

A dedicated working group, comprising experts from the three associations, is developing a single membership system, with 2027 set as the target year for its implementation.

The goal is to simplify the administrative landscape and enhance the experience for members.

Since its inception, the SGI has maintained a clear and consistent vision that “There will be One Association for all Gaelic Games.”

Each SGI meeting follows a detailed agenda, addressing a broad range of topics, and reviewing proposals from working groups.

The integration process is being conducted with thorough consultation and careful planning, reflecting the scale and complexity of merging three long-standing organisations.

Speaking in May 2025, SGI Chair Mary McAleese praised the collaborative approach taken so far.

“From the beginning of the integration process the Steering Group has engaged with and listened intently to the fullest range of stakeholders.”

“We are moving steadily towards an integrated organisation bearing the name GAA. I urge all stakeholders to do everything they can to make an integrated mindset a reality.”

“It is our future, and making it happen is the responsibility of all.”

The integration process is set to continue through to 2027.

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SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

Setting the deadline of 2027 was always going to concentrate minds and this looks as though the thornier issues of County Board structures and access to pitches are now firmly on the move.  This will happen because it is the right thing to do.  The challenge will be to make sure it is done the right way in as many cases for as many individuals and units as possible.

WHAT’S UP NEXT?

This weekend will see Championship fixtures across the three associations.

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