The Gaelic Players Association is calling for the Irish Government to increase the annual grant awarded to inter-county hurlers, camogie players and footballers to €2,500 per player on average, in its pre-budget submission published today.
This would represent a modest annualised rise of about 1.5 per cent since the grant scheme was introduced in 2008 — some 17 years ago.
The GPA is seeking a total of €10 million in investment with the stated aim of ensuring that players are not forced to abandon representing their counties due to financial pressures.
The sum amounts to roughly 1.6 per cent of the €591 million in total economic impact generated each year by inter-county players, according to a recent Indecon Report.
Based on 2023 data, the report underscores both the growing economic significance and the personal costs borne by players.
The level of grant funding for male inter-county players has remained static since 2018. Players are now facing average out-of-pocket expenses of €4,602 annually and are, adjusted for inflation, €1,499 worse off than in 2018.
In a survey of current inter-county players, many spoke of the impact that their playing commitments have on educational and career progression.
Due to this, current GPA members are projected to suffer a cumulative lifetime earnings reduction of €31 million.+1
“Since the Indecon Report was published back in February, we have undertaken a series of meetings with the Taoiseach, the relevant Ministers, government and departmental officials, opposition representatives and spokespeople and MEPs, to ensure they are fully informed of the economic value inter-county players are bringing to the table,” said Tom Parsons, CEO of the GPA.
“Most, if not all, were already well aware of the social impact inter-county players have.”
“These meetings have been constructive and positive, and we thank all those who have engaged with us and helped us form the ask that we are publishing today in this pre-budget submission.”
“The case for an increase in the government grant to €2,500 per player on average could not be clearer. We feel strongly that the time to act is now to show the State truly values our inter-county players.”
Image Credit GPA
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