GPA launches jobs initiative for out-of-work players

There was a time when being an intercounty GAA star opened many doors for potential employment but now even household names in the sport are finding it increasingly tough to make ends meet.

There were even predictions that top stars could look to make a new start on foreign shores as soon as their championship seasons are over this year.

In a bid to counteract this, the Gaelic Players Association has announced the launch of its new employment service www.GpaJobs.com and business mentoring programme for players in association with Mentors.ie, a business mentoring company.

The initiatives, aimed at improving the employment and career prospects of players, are the first in a new range of player welfare services being developed by the GPA.

The mentoring programme will provide opportunities for players to receive hands-on advice from leading business experts in various fields provided by Mentors.ie. This practical, one-to-one mentoring, will give recipients a decided advantage in an increasingly competitive work environment.

The jobs board, on www.GpaJobs.com provides a practical platform on which players can launch their careers by coming into direct contact with prospective employers. Player CVs can be uploaded directly while employers can seek out players who fit various recruitment opportunities.

The GPA aims to develop a range of services in the areas of employment and career development given the increasing threat posed by the current economic environment.

The players association believes that the future health of inter-county football and hurling will become increasingly dependent on the development of a practical off-field support structure for amateur players.

Dessie Farrell, CEO of the GPA said: “The establishment of www.GpaJobs.com is hugely important for our players. We are encouraging firms across all industry sectors that are in a position to offer employment to consider inter-county players who by their nature possess many of the traits which are required to be successful in the workplace.

"Our partnership with Mentors.ie is another practical way which we can help players in the area of employment and career development."

Mentors.ie Director, Mícheál Ó Callaráin said “We are delighted to be working with the GPA on this mentoring programme.

"We see huge benefit in providing the years of experience and expertise of a Mentor to the players as they are trying to combine a successful business career with their sporting ambitions."

Amongst those currently facing the dole queues is Waterford GAA star Tony Browne