A groundbreaking new report being published in Dublin this morning reveals that inter-county players are generating a total economic impact of €591 million annually but at a significant personal expense.
According to an independent report conducted by Indecon International Economic and Strategic Consultants (Indecon) and commissioned by the Gaelic Players Association (GPA), individual players incur an average net expense loss of €4,602 annually to participate at the inter-county level.
The report, Assessment of Economic and Social Impacts of Inter-County Gaelic Football, Camogie and Hurling Players in Ireland, is based on figures from the 2023 season, and underscores the critical role inter-county players play not just in Gaelic games but in the broader Irish economy.
It also reveals the significant growth in economic impact since 2018. Among the key findings, senior inter-county games generated:
€359 million in direct spending (+51% compared to 2018)
4,212 jobs that were directly supported (+53%)
€353 million in gross value added (+53%)
€62 million in exchequer impact (+49%)
Financial burden
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.
This financial burden has been amplified by the recent cost of living crisis, where inter-county players incur significant additional expenses with regards to their fuel and nutrition.
Adjusted for inflation, players are €1,499 worse off than in 2018, largely due to out-of-pocket expenses for training and competing at the elite level.
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.
Players are also losing out on €3,500 annually in potential overtime earnings
Engagement
The GPA is actively engaging with the government to enhance recognition of players’ economic and social contribution, which in turn will help address the financial shortfall experienced by inter-county players.
“This important report highlights the significant contribution that inter-county players make to Irish society and the economy — both as role models inspiring future generations and as elite athletes generating substantial revenue for the State,” said GPA Board of Directors Chairman Brian MacCraith.
“We are urging the Government to ensure that its support reflects this impact.”
“While we welcome the increase in grant funding from €3 million to €5.6 million to address gender disparities, male player grants have remained stagnant at €1,470 per player since 2018, representing a 24% reduction since they were introduced in 2008, and now represent just a 1% return on Total Economic Impact.”
“It is clear the Government must do more to recognise and support the vital role played by Gaelic players across all codes — Football, Hurling and Camogie. We look forward to engaging with ministers to push for greater State recognition of their contribution.”
The GPA will also be seeking to address the findings of the report as part of ongoing negotiations with the GAA around a new protocol agreement.
Inflationary pressure
While players are significantly more out of pocket between 2018 and 2023, GAA (Central Council) Revenue grew by 44% to €91.7 million. This included growth of commercial income and gate receipts associated with the inter-county game.
In the same period:
Inflation on mileage (+32%) and nutrition (+16%) has increased the burden on players
The GAA’s reimbursement rate for mileage has remained flat meaning a reduction in real terms
Nutrition rate remained unchanged at €20/week
As a result, players are now €1,499 more out of pocket, taking total annual expenses to €4,622 that are not reimbursed
Players are also experiencing a €5,200 negative impact annually on their income
GAA contribution to the GPA directly increased by only 3%, from €3.8m to €3.9m to support player development and welfare programmes across the same period.
“We are currently negotiating a new protocol agreement with the GAA, and these findings must be seriously considered by those in Croke Park,” added GPA CEO Tom Parsons.
“There is an urgent need to enhance the recognition of what inter-county players are contributing to ensure that participation at this level remains sustainable.”
“I have serious concerns that an inter-county career for students and professionals trying to secure a mortgage or start a family is becoming unviable.”
Footing the Bill
“We are well aware of the significant investment that Croke Park makes in all sections of our games, but inter-county players, whose games generate up to 80% of the money available to spend, cannot be left footing the bill.”
“The independent report demonstrates the significant economic benefits that Gaelic games bring to the island of Ireland,” said Hugh Hennessy, Indecon, who led the assessment.
“Those who compete at inter-county level contribute significantly to this economic value, but often at great personal cost.”
“Players across all codes – Football, Hurling and Camogie – make significant commitments and sacrifices, in respect of their education, their current and future career and wider financial decisions.”
The full Indecon Report can be read HERE.
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
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. Last year the GAA commissioned Sheffield Hallam University to assess the value of Gaelic Games in the widest context and the number from that came to €2.87 billion.
Sport for Business members can read about that report here.
Taking the slice of that which applies to the inter county game and placing the players at the heart of that is the job of their representative body and the arguments they make are fair.
The issue they have to contend with is that committing to play at this level is a choice and that the machinery behind elite sport will always produce a player to fill the shirt.
The questions of inflation and maintaining the original value of the grants is important and likely to be recognised.
The wider question of the impact on career and earnings is well put but it could equally be argued that in the Irish context the kudos and the leadership recognition that come from being an inter county player has a net positive impact on standing and career potential.
The GAA could not exist if it was to be a professional sport. The sums would simply not add up. In many way that is what makes it so special as part of Irish identity and within its communities. Squaring the circle on how players foot the bill physically, emotionally and financially is at the heart of this debate today, and the search for a solution that works for all.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
The report will formally be launched at an event in Dublin this morning from which we will report on later today
MEMBERSHIP AND EVENTS
The GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association as well as the Gaelic Players Association are among the 300+ organisations that are members of the Sport for Business community. Our Gaelic Games coverage is supported by our partnership with AIB
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