As part of a two week deep dive into the GAA Annual report we are looking at different aspects that go into and beyond the numbers.
Today We are looking at what was said about the integration of the GAA, Ladies Gaelic Football Association and Camogie Association.
How is progress being made towards 2027?
The heading under which the integration question appears in this year’s report is ‘The Wider Family’, and like any family there will be different dynamics at play and different understandings of what is meant.
So how are the nuts and bolts coming together?
12 months ago the leadership of each association under the guidance of President Mary McAleese announced 2027 as the date by which integration would have taken place.
Since then “there has been the continuation of cross–association working groups concentrating on the logistical specifics in areas such as Communications, Facilities, Finance, Fixtures, Games Development, HR, Membership and Match Officials,” we learned from the report.
“Each of these working groups have provided recommendations to the Steering Group on Integration and we
can expect to see realisation of key recommendations from these working groups throughout 2025.”
“These recommendations include the publishing of facility best practice, improvement in management of cross code
fixtures, updated One Club guidance and alignment of the staffing of each of the associations to One Staffing
Structure to name just a few.”
So everything is progressing well?
Ard Stiúrthóir Tom Ryan was careful in his language when asked this and while he did not describe ‘barriers’ he did speak of challenges that were arising and having to be overcome.
This was just an honest assessment of the transition from a high level agreement that this was the right thing to do through to the detail in so many different elements of making three into one, or at least creating one overarching Association where the three traditional bodies and the multiple different codes can co-exist and be stronger together.
As has been know the most difficult area is the middle ground of county board level. Many clubs are already there in practice under the established One Club model and at national level relationships are good.
It will just require patience but the deadline of 2027 is providing a focus for getting things done.
Should there be a concern the deadline will not be met?
The section in the Report devoted to this finishes off with the honest appraisal that “The future of Gaelic games is a combined one. The route to that is perhaps more convoluted than we foresaw, but the commitment and goodwill demonstrated by all organisations thus far leaves no doubt that we can make progress.”
It is better then to be aware and open about the fact that there are challenges, rather than only addressing it when time is too short to do anything about it.
The pressure from above and below will gradually sharpen the discussions towards resolution, and while not everyone will achieve everything they want, the greater good will prevail.
Join us again tomorrow when we will be looking at the Volunteer Ethos.
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
This is a vital look at our biggest sporting body, holding itself to account for major revenue generation and expenditure
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
On Tuesday we will look at what was said about Volunteering.
The GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association are among the 300+ organisations that are members of the Sport for Business community.
The Sport for Business Membership comprises nearly 300 organisations, including all the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies.
