The Gaelic Players Association has teamed up with financial education body LIA to launch a tailored financial wellbeing programme for its 4,000 members.
The ‘Smart Money Habits’ initiative, designed to help elite Gaelic athletes improve their financial literacy, aims to provide critical life skills for managing personal finances alongside the demands of amateur elite sport.
Originally created by LIA for Rugby Players Ireland and later expanded to Olympic and Paralympic athletes through the Sport Ireland Institute, the programme has now been adapted specifically for inter-county Gaelic footballers and hurlers.
The course features six online modules covering budgeting, mortgages, investments, pensions, income protection, and debt management.
It is hosted on LIA’s digital platform and delivered by former All-Ireland champions Seán Cavanagh and Darach Honan.
With inter-county players generating an estimated €591 million annually for the economy, yet each incurring an average net loss of €4,602 to participate, the GPA sees this programme as a vital tool in supporting player welfare. Many players juggle their sporting commitments with careers in sectors such as finance, education, and healthcare, making financial planning even more essential.
GPA CEO Tom Parsons said the programme addresses a growing concern: “Our members dedicate themselves to their sport, but financial security remains a significant concern. This partnership provides them with the tools to plan for their futures.”
LIA CEO Joanne Keane echoed the importance of the initiative, citing research that revealed nearly half of Irish adults feel unprepared for their financial future and 81% experience stress due to money issues. “We’re proud to support athletes with knowledge that will benefit them throughout their lives,” she said.
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
Check out Sport for Business coverage of Player Welfare
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
This partnership marks a key development in athlete welfare, underscoring the need for practical financial support for amateur players navigating the dual demands of elite sport and professional careers.
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