Gaelic games integration: Sport minister calls for 'realistic timeline' in wake of McAleese resignation

Sport minister Patrick O'Donovan speaking to the media outside his department in Dublin today. Picture: Mícheál Ó Scannáil/PA

Wed, 09 Sep, 2026 - 18:58

Tadgh McNally

Minister for Sport Patrick O'Donovan is calling for a “realistic timeline” for the amalgamation of the three Gaelic games associations after the resignation of integration committee chairperson Mary McAleese.

Mr O’Donovan said there is now a requirement for a new chairperson to be selected to head up the integration committee, with further meetings due to take place on October 8.

“When they get that new chairperson, they will have to then put in place realistic timeframes by which the next step can be achieved,” Mr O’Donovan said.

“I would prefer that timeframe to be realistic rather than rushed. It is far better to get this right."

Mr O’Donovan described the resignation of Ms Aleese and the fallout as a “massive setback”.

Ms McAleese criticised the GAA management committee for pushing back the integration timeline beyond 2027.

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Mr O’Donovan said it was “really disappointing” that Ms McAleese felt she needed to resign.

“But, as she and I agreed, some good will come out of this because all of a sudden the whole issue of integration of Gaelic games is now a top-line story,” Mr O’Donovan said.

He stressed that all three organisations say they remain committed to integration.

“There has been nothing said to me that would dissuade me from accepting that integration is ultimately the objective of all three associations."

Earlier on Wednesday, GAA President Jarlath Burns pushed back on Ms McAleese’s criticism of the GAA management committee, saying her comments were “very regrettable” and “quite offensive”.

Mr Burns also outlined that financial concerns around equal funding for male and female teams were part of the reason for the delays in integration.

“We actually have a poor record in the GAA of controlling expenditure currently.

"If we go straight into equality, the €45m, which we currently spend preparing county teams, goes to €90m. We just simply cannot sustain that,” he said.