Farrell reflects on 'momentous year' for GPA

Gaelic Players' Association CEO Dessie Farrell gave hia assessment of a year in which the players' body gained official recognition from the GAA, when he spoke at tonight's Opel GPA awards at the Citywest Hotel.

The former Dublin footballer was high in his praise of all of those who helped make the merger of the GPA and the GAA a reality.

"2010 was a momentous year for our players off the field. For the first time, a one-year interim agreement was reached between the GAA and GPA, while Congress officially recognised the GPA as the representative body for senior inter-county players - a historic milestone for both Associations," he said.

"After 10 years, the most important objective since the inception of the Gaelic Players' Association was achieved. I want to thank the GAA's Director General Paraic Duffy and President Christy Cooney for their tremendous contribution in making this happen. I also want to thank the GPA officers, executive committee, staff, service providers and our GPA reps.

"In reality, what does this agreement mean? For players it means that for the first time, their contribution to the commercial success of the Association is recognised.

"And with that recognition comes funding for the GPA to provide a range of programmes and services to assist players with their lives off the field.

"By investing in players and in their development, this means that their dedication to the inter-county game does not have to come at a personal cost. Playing at the top level requires 100% commitment but preparing for life after an inter-county career requires a similar commitment.

"Now, thanks to official recognition and the financial support provided by the GAA, the GPA Player Development Programme can help players strike that important balance.

"For the GAA, there have been numerous benefits also. Among those is the fact that earlier today the amateur ethos of the GAA was written into the GPA's constitution, enshrining a value which has been so fundamental to the success of the GAA for over 125 years."

And Farrell stated that the links between the bodies will not be just on the field of play, but also in the area of administration.

"This deal also provides the way for much greater harmony between players and administrators. As a critical stakeholder in our games this agreement puts in place a meaningful relationship which will allow players put forward views and ideas on other important areas within our games.

"It establishes a proper partnership which will ensure the continued prosperity of our sports while providing the appropriate supports for our players.

Farrell also paid tribute to those players who retired from either Gaelic football or hurling during 2010.

"Tonight, I wish to acknowledge all those inter-county players who have decided to call it a day. These players have given phenomenal service to our games and their counties - men like Dan Shanahan, Darragh Ó Sé, Ciaran Whelan, Jason Sherlock, Anthony Rainbow, Ollie Canning, Kevin Flynn, Declan Fanning and, of course, the one and only Sean Óg Ó hAilpin.

"These men and men like them have been brilliant ambassadors for our games and also for the GPA. But as they close this important chapter in their lives, they should be aware that they have left an outstanding legacy for all other players, young and old, club and county, the current stars and the stars of the future.

"There could have been no better role models. The skills they demonstrated on the field were self evident but their traits off the field are even more admirable.

"Humility, loyalty, generosity of spirit, an appreciation of the talent they were given and of those who helped nurture that talent. How these great exponents of Gaelic games carried themselves is an example to us all, they are inspirational.

"No doubt, if our future players follow this example, we will continue to produce the lion’s share of Ireland’s greatest sporting heroes."

Concluding his address, the GPA Chief acknowledged the players who sadly passed away during the last 12 months.

"Tonight, it is also important that we remember those players and ex-players who have passed away in the last 12 months, all in very different but equally tragic circumstances," he explained.

"Their passing is a cruel reminder that life, like sport, brings with it some great highs but also some devastatingly low points.

"2010 has been a particularly difficult year and we hope that 2011 will bring much less anguish for men who have worn the county jersey with great pride and distinction."

Meanwhile, Paraic Duffy became the first GAA official to officially attend the GPA Awards ceremony, following the official recognition of the players' body by the GAA late last year.