The Gaelic Players Association has backed a wide-ranging programme of reform and player representation measures at its 2026 AGM, while also electing Sophie O’Callaghan to its National Executive Committee.

The meeting, held online on Monday evening, saw the Limerick Camogie player replace Hannah Looney in the role.

All nine motions discussed at the AGM were passed overwhelmingly, covering areas including equality across Gaelic games, player welfare, governance reform, expenses for female players and stronger representation for athletes within the evolving integrated structures of Gaelic games.

Among the key measures approved was a motion calling for equitable promotion, media coverage and commercial support across inter-county hurling, camogie and football. Delegates also supported proposals to improve support for first-year adult inter-county panellists and to reform the expenses system for female players, moving reimbursements to a monthly basis rather than paying in two instalments after League and Championship campaigns.

Player welfare and representation were central themes of the evening. Members approved a proposal seeking formal mechanisms to ensure inter-county fixture decisions require consultation with player representatives, with the GPA arguing that player welfare and the impact on education and professional careers must be protected in future scheduling decisions.

The AGM also backed motions seeking formal player representation on key decision-making bodies within integrated GAA structures, including Central Council, Provincial Councils and County Boards, while another proposal committed the GPA to working with other sporting bodies to ensure independent athlete representation across Irish sport governance structures.

Other measures passed included calls for affordable underage ticket pricing at inter-county fixtures, amendments to GPA membership rules to allow memberships to run for 12 months from registration rather than on a calendar-year basis, and the introduction of a two-term limit for directors appointed from the National Executive Committee to the GPA board.

In his annual address to members, GPA Chief Executive Tom Parsons described integration within Gaelic games as “one of the most significant opportunities within Gaelic games” and “a defining moment for our association and for the future of our games.”

Referencing the ongoing integration process between the Gaelic Athletic Association, Ladies Gaelic Football Association and Camogie Association, Parsons noted that the process had been under discussion for more than four years and said a unified structure would deliver greater equality, stronger commercial opportunities and enhanced sustainability for Gaelic games.

“A unified structure allows us to present a stronger, more compelling proposition to partners, sponsors and broadcasters,” Parsons said, adding that any resulting growth would benefit players through increased support and investment.

He also pointed to progress made during 2025, including the agreement of a new four-year protocol with the GAA that formally recognises players’ ownership of their Name, Image, Likeness and Personality rights.

Parsons said the agreement would create new commercial opportunities for players while also increasing support for student athletes.

Parsons also highlighted increased Government funding for inter-county players, which he said had risen to €7.2 million compared to less than €2 million a decade ago, alongside expanded player welfare initiatives, including cardiac screening programmes for more than 500 players during the year.

He said the GPA’s recently published Playbook for 2026-2028 would provide the roadmap for the next phase of the association’s development, centred on its four strategic pillars: Development, Welfare, Representation and Equality.

 

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Image Credit: Gaelic Players Association

 

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