Gaelic Players Association

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Gaelic Players Association Logo

The Gaelic Players Association (Irish: Cumann na n-Imreoirí Ghaelacha) or GPA is a body that represents inter county Gaelic footballers and Hurlers in Ireland.

The stated goal of the GPA is to improve players representation and conditions. It was founded in September 1999 by Donal O'Neill, a former employee of Mark McCormack's IMG, the sports marketing behemoth. O'Neill is widely regarded as the driving force behind the association and its commercial success in particular. Originally from County Down, the controversial figure left the organisation in October 2008[citation needed] and was hailed by one national newspaper as the commercial genius behind the organisation. He was also referred to as "the most powerful and influential figure" in the GPA by the Irish News. His departure came days before an announcement that the Irish government would provide grant aid to GAA players. This has proved controversial amongst grass roots members of the GAA and has yet to be 100% confirmed.

The current chief executive is Dessie Farrell, a former Dublin player. The GPA has managed to secure a number of high profile deals for player such as an increase in mileage allowance and a deal with the drinks manufacturer C&C. The current President is Kilkenny hurling player D.J. Carey. It is sponsored by Halifax.

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[edit] Status

The GPA isn't officially recognized by the Gaelic Athletic Association and is treated with hostility by some leading sports journalists such as Tom Humphries.[citation needed] Although, the current GAA president Nicky Brennan has indicted that a plan is in place to officially recognise the GPA as the principal representatives of inter-county GAA players.[1] Of the GPA's main executive officers, only Donal Óg Cusack is an intercounty player. Its president, DJ Carey, secretary Kieran McGeeney and chief executive Dessie Farrell have all retired from the intercounty game

[edit] 2006 Emergency General Meeting

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[edit] Lead up to the EGM

On April 1, 2006 the GPA held an EGM to deal with the perceived snub by the GAA who didn't attend a meeting the GPA had arranged with the Irish sports minister to discuss sporting grants for inter-county players. After the meeting the GPA called an EGM and has become increasingly militant. On March 28, 2006 the GPA conducted a poll of his members via Text Message[citation needed] to gauge support for strike action. The result was a large majority in favour.

[edit] Results of the EGM

The GPA's EGM on April 1, 2006 was held in two venues in Dublin and Belfast, with them being linked by video conferencing. On April 4, 2006 the GPA has issued a list of demands to the GAA and have lifted the threat of immediate strike action. The GAA replied to these demands by stating they would deal with the GPA face to face and that the issue of players welfare would be dealt with at the GAA's annual congress. GPA members also decided that they would delay the throw-in of all National Football League on the 9 of April 2006 by 15 minutes.[citation needed]

[edit] Potential Strike 2007

On Friday November 11 2007, The GPA members voted to strike. The results where 95.3 % in favour.[1] The GAA, met this statement of a potential strike with regret and negotiations began to come up with a settlement.[2] It was argued that the cancellation of the O'Byrne Cup could have the opposite effeect for the welfare of Gaelic players as the cup was used as a tournament to raise money for the players welfare funds. This allegation was met with assurance that the GPA would compensate in the event of a strike.[3] There was an eventual breakthrough in the dispute over players grants and the grants of 3.5 million euro (originally 5 million euro) went ahead and the pending strike was subsequently cancelled.[4] This agreement was eventually officially recognised by both the GAA and the GPA and it was agreed that the GAA's amateur status would stay intact.[5]

[edit] Representatives

GPA Officers:

  • National Executive Committee Secretary: Cathal Ó Torna
  • Accountant: Ciaran Mc Ardle

[edit] The GPA Awards

The launched a new award in 2006 entitled the GPA Gaelic Team of the Year to recognise the achievements of Gaelic football and hurling players. An annual award is also given to the Footballer of the Year and the Hurler of the Year.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Gaelic Players Association - GPA Strike Ballot Result
  2. ^ Hoganstand.com - GAA Football & Hurling
  3. ^ Hoganstand.com - GAA Football & Hurling
  4. ^ Hoganstand.com - GAA Football & Hurling
  5. ^ Hoganstand.com - GAA Football & Hurling

[edit] External links

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