GPA chiefs lobby for 28% increase in players' grant funding

The players association made the cae to boost the annual funding from €1,800 per player to €2,500.

The Gaelic Players Association has presented the findings of its 2026 Annual Player Survey to Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick ODonovan. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) have lobbied the Government to increase grant funding for inter-county players by 28%.

Officials from the inter-county players’ body and leading hurlers and footballers met with Minister for Sport Patrick Donovan on Wednesday to outline their case to rise the annual funding from €1,800 per player to €2,500.

Citing cost-of-living pressures, the GAA are seeking an additional €2.8 million to cover the inter-county base across the genders. They were increased from €1,400 in 2025.

The GPA also provided O’Donovan with the findings from their 2026 annual member survey, which revealed seven in 10 female players reported an issued with the timing of expenses. 94% of players would prefer to receive reimbursements on a monthly basis.

Almost half of players (49%) across the female and male codes reported they had two weeks or less between the end of their club activities and start of their inter-county training.

Over two-thirds of the 3,555 members who responded to the survey said they were interested in supporting social-impact initiatives and education.

“Government funding is an important recognition of the extraordinary commitment made by inter-county players to our National games,” said GPA chief executive Tom Parsons. “The findings presented to the Minister today gives a clear picture of the reality behind that commitment.

“At a time when the cost-of-living pressures are bearing down on players, Government has an opportunity to deliver something immediate and tangible for the current generation. We are asking for an additional €700 a year per player, bringing the support to €2,500.

“In the overall scheme of things it is a modest increase, but for players meeting the costs of petrol, food, travel and the everyday demands of representing their counties, it would be meaningful. It would also be an important statement of parity of esteem and recognition of the commitment required.

“We see the pride and belief that All-Ireland success can generate across an entire county and the inspiration it provides to the next generation. That social and community value is an important part of what inter-county players contribute to Irish life.

“We appreciate the Minister taking the time to meet directly with players and hear about their experiences. We look forward to continuing our engagement with Government ahead of the Budget.” 

The full survey will be published later this month. Joining Parsons in the meeting with Minister O’Donovan was GPA head of equality and player relations Gemma Begley, GPA national executive co-chairs and current inter-county players Aishling Maher (Dublin) and Niall Morgan (Tyrone).