GPA officially recognised by GAA

History has been made at GAA Congress within the past hour, as the Gaelic Players Association has been given official recognition by the GAA.

The historic agreement, which has been formally adopted into GAA rule, comes after the two bodies reached an 'interim agreement' last November.

Speaking at the Congress in Newcastle, Co Down, GAA President Christy Cooney said: "I believe we can work together and maintain both our amateur ethos and the importance of the volunteer in a modern vibrant Association focused on delivering the best possible playing experience for our players at all levels. We have already announced some key joint initiatives in this area.

"We are working together now in developing a comprehensive agreement to put in place a framework for a long term relationship that respects our values and traditions. We will have this completed in September of this year.

"Our success in reaching a basis for agreement with our players will be looked on as being of major significance in years to come.

"The interim arrangement acknowledges the special contribution that our inter-county players make to the Association as a whole and the great lengths that they go to in making this contribution."

Former GAA President Nicky Brennan and GPA Chief Executive Dessie Farrell were among those who spoke strongly in favour of bringing the players' body under the umbrella of the GAA.

“I want to now strongly recommend that we formally recognise the GPA,” Brennan said.

Another former GAA President, Sean Kelly, seconded the proposal, saying: "We would be going backwards at an almighty rate if we didn't give the players representation.

"I think it is a positive motion and it is well worked out. I think we should take a step forward today and preserve the amateur status of the Association."

Farrell said: "We've seen the disharmony that can be caused by disputes between players and County Boards; this step will go a long way to ensure that this doesn't happen again.

"This is a vote in favour of player welfare and it is a very important signal to send out to our players."

Tyrone delegate Mark Conway and former GAA President Paddy McFlynn spoke against the motion.

In his speech to Congress, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Criostóir Ó Cuana said: "I believe we can work together and maintain both our amateur ethos and the importance of the volunteer in a modern vibrant Association focused on delivering the best possible playing experience for our players at all levels.

"We have already announced some key joint initiatives in this area.

"We are working together now in developing a comprehensive agreement to put in place a framework for a long term relationship that respects our values and traditions. We will have this completed in September of this year.

"Our success in reaching a basis for agreement with our players will be looked on as being of major significance in years to come.

"The interim arrangement acknowledges the special contribution that our inter-county players make to the Association as a whole and the great lengths that they go to in making this contribution."