Tom Parsons: 'My self-esteem was wrapped up in being an inter-county footballer. That's when the GPA stepped in'

GPA CEO Tom Parsons, left, and Cliona's Foundation CEO Brendan Ring at Croke Park to announce that the GPA and Cliona's Foundation have teamed up as official charity partners. Text FAMILIES to 50300 to donate or go to www.clionas.ie. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

New Gaelic Players Association chief Tom Parsons admits the union helped pick him off the floor when he was struggling as a young Mayo player.

The former midfield star, who retired from inter-county duty in January, was announced as the GPA's new chief executive officer in May.