The GAA and the Gaelic Players Association have reached agreement on a new protocol to cover the next four years.
It will see a continuation of the 15 per cent share of net commercial revenue coming into the GAA going towards the GPA. This figure has been in place through 2020 after the last four-year agreement was extended by 12 months to allow time for negotiation.
The original figure was arrived at to encourage the two associations to work in partnership to develop commercial revenues to their full potential.
Its success to date has allowed for enhanced investment in all areas of Gaelic games including the off-field lives of inter-county players.
It has also meant that there have been no conflicts in the different partnerships which both organisations have been able to bring to the table.
As part of the new deal, it is understood that a number of existing GAA partners will have the benefit of their partnership extended to the GPA as well.
The amount of money which the GAA provides through this mechanic was €2.97 million in the last published accounts for 2019 and this represents just under 40 per cent of the GPA’s annual revenues. The balance is made up of Government grants to players and fundraising activity.
Expenses incurred by players in preparing for the inter-county game will be covered in a separate players’ charter, which will be negotiated separately in 2021.
The agreement is one that works well within the amateur status of the GAA, while at the same time ensuring the players are not out of pocket for the commitment they make to playing at the highest level.
It is one that the IRFU must be envious of given that it is now looking to negotiate player contracts in and around the €46 million cost of the professional game, at a time when revenues through gate receipts have fallen off a cliff with lockdowns.
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