GPA receives official status from GAA

History was made today at the GAA Games Development Conference in Croke Park, as it was confirmed that the Gaelic Players Association has been granted official status by the GAA.

A series of discussions have taken place over the last two months between the GAA and the GPA.

In a statement, the GAA said that they are 'pleased to announce that common ground has been found which safeguards and enshrines the GAA's amateur status while at the same time affording the GPA official status and recognition as the Association's player representative body.'

Key county officers were briefed on the contents of the document this morning and the approval of the GAA's Central Council will be sought at its next meeting which takes place on December 5.

Welcoming this ground-breaking development, GAA President Christy Cooney said: "This is an important day for the Association and one that I believe will lead to a brand new working relationship with the GPA, a body that has been in existence for the past 10 years.

"We are confident that we can forge a relationship with our inter-county players that will be for the betterment of the GAA as a whole.

"We have always been committed to our amateur and voluntary ethos and the belief structure that has underpinned the values at the heart of our Association.

"With these proposals we have stayed true to these ideals, while at the same time coming to a position that recognises the important role that our inter-county players play in the promotion and commercial well being of the Association.

"Our exchanges with the GPA have been frank and cordial and I think the progress that has been made is reflected in the agreement that we have reached.

"I acknowledge the role of everyone involved, but especially Turlough O'Donnell.

"This is the beginning of formalising the relationship between the two bodies and we look forward to building on this very important first step."

Gaelic Players Association Chief Executive Dessie Farrell said: "Official recognition for the players' association will provide a platform on which the GAA and the GPA can work together to secure a better future for our games and our players.

"This interim arrangement is the culmination of years of hard work on both sides to establish trust and understanding.

"I would like to thank the many people within the GAA and GPA who contributed to that process to date and the players who strived to have their distinctive voice heard within the GAA."

Full details of the interim arrangement reached between the GAA and the GPA are as follows:

INTERIM PROVISIONS -

It was recognised by all parties that a final and comprehensive agreement could best be achieved through the implementation of a number of interim provisions which would have the effect of developing trust and confidence and would enable specific issues that arise as part of this working relationship to be addressed and incorporated as appropriate.

Such a comprehensive agreement will be finalised over the course of the coming year but no later than October 31, 2010.

Ultimately, the comprehensive agreement will come from the experience of the parties working together. The final agreement will include greater detail on long term funding of the GPA and on protocols relating to its representative role.

In the meantime, the following has been agreed:

(a) The GAA will provide the GPA with €1,100,000 for the year 2010 to fund player welfare projects. This funding will be in addition to existing GAA commitments to player welfare.

(b) The GAA will provide the GPA with €250,000 towards its administraion costs for 2009.

(c) The GAA will provide the GPA with €250,000 towards its administration costs for 2010.

(d) The sums mentioned at (a), (b) and (c) will be paid on the basis of an agreed process which will involve advance evaluation of all projects and costs as well as evaluation subsequent to the expenditure of the funds.

This process will be conducted with full transparency, in a spirit of goodwill and co-operation, with the objective of: (i) ensuring that all funding is drawn down and spent in the manner agreed, and (ii) deepening the developing relationship of mutual respect, trust and co-operation.

(e) The GAA and GPA will work together to maximise commercial opportunities for the benefit of the Association generally and enhance the funding available for player welfare projects

(f) Any future commercial activities undertaken by the GPA outside of those they are already committed to will be subject to approval under an agreed mechanism to ensure minimum impact on existing sponsors and interference in sponsorship agreements already in place.

(g) All GPA expenditure will continue to be on administration and approved player welfare projects.

(h) As it is expected that new commercial opportunities will emerge as a result of this agreement, an agreed protocol will be established as a priority to deal with such opportunities.

WORKING GROUP -

The working group over the past 3 months has comprised:

GAA: President, Christy Cooney; Director General, Paraic Duffy; Operations Manager Feargal McGill and Liam Keane

GPA: Chairman, Donal Og Cusack; Chief Executive Dessie Farrell and Fintan Drury of Platinum One Ltd

It is intended that the process will continue with similar groupings together with the appropriate expertise, when required. Turlough O'Donnell has committed to remaining available to assist, if necessary.

CONCLUSION -

The GAA and GPA realise that they are part of one great organisation which has made a tremendous contribution to Irish life and culture in its 125 year history.

In addressing the consequences of commercial activity in their sport, they faced the challenge of remaining faithful to the fundamental values and ethos of the GAA, while at the same time recognising the role of inter-county players as core contributors to the commercial success of the Association in the modern era.

Throughout the process, this conundrum was confronted and never avoided. The interim agreement begins to deal with it and both parties are satisfied that the work will be completed in 2010.