The Gaelic Players Association met with an Taoiseach Micheál Martin at his offices in Government Buildings yesterday to discuss the findings of the ‘Assessment of Economic and Social Impacts of Inter-County Gaelic Football, Camogie and Hurling Players in Ireland’.
Martin is a keen supporter of Gaelic Games and his son plays in goals for Nemo Rangers and on occasion for the Cork Senior Football team.
Gaelic Players Association CEO Tom Parsons, Head of Equality and Player Relations Gemma Begley and National Executive Committee member Shane O’Donnell were in the GPA delegation.
They used the time to highlight some of the key challenges faced by inter-county players as evidenced by the independent report which was compiled by economic consultants Indecon and which was published last month.
The research, conducted by Indecon over a six-month period in 2024 not only highlights the positive economic contribution of inter-county players but also exposes the financial burden they bear.
We pointed out in our reporting of the research that “Social and Economic Value is an important metric to press the case for Government support and to draw a definitive line on the importance of sport way beyond the white lines.”
“The work carried out by the Gaelic Players Association on behalf of inter-county players is crucial and I was very happy to meet with Tom, Gemma and Shane,” said an Taoiseach.
“Our inter-county players have a unique role in Irish society as amateur athletes performing at an elite level while also being role models for the next generation and active members within their clubs and communities.”
“It is important that their voices are listened to.”
“First of all I want to thank the Taoiseach for taking the time to meet with us and for his genuine interest in the findings of the report,” added Tom Parsons.
“As a well-known Gaelic games supporter, it was important for us to make him aware of the difficulties faced by inter-county players, while having a massive, positive economic and social impact for the country.”
“It was a very constructive meeting, and we look forward to engaging with the Taoiseach on this and other matters in the future.”
Further Reading for Sport for Business members: The Cost and Value of Being an Inter-County Player
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
Having access to the very highest levels of Government is something which Irish sport has that very few other countries can to anything like the same extent. The recognition of the importance of sport for society and as a political matter has accelerated in recent years and long may that be the case.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
Tom Parsons will be a guest on the Sport for Business podcast later this month.
MEMBERSHIP AND EVENTS
The Gaelic Players Association, The GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association, and the Department of Arts, media, Communications, Culture and Sport are among the 300+ organisations that make up the Sport for Business community. Our Daily content on the commercial world of sport is read by 40,000 readers each month. See below for our membership and our upcoming events. Our Gaelic Games coverage is in partnership with AIB.
The Sport for Business Membership comprises over 300 organisations, including all the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies.
