Matthew O'Hanlon: 'It is being portrayed that the GPA would be happy to allow over training. It’s a false picture'

The GPA has issued a statement on behalf of Matthew O'Hanlon, GPA National Executive Committee Co-Chair & Wexford Hurler

21 February 2022; Wexford hurler Matthew O'Hanlon speaking during a GPA Media Briefing ahead of GAA Congress at the Radisson Dublin Airport in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

I, like many players, read what GAA Director General Tom Ryan had to say to county boards this week with interest. I have read the reaction to what he had to say and what GPA CEO Tom Parsons has had to say this week too, and I find some of it hard to fathom. So, I want to make some points for clarity.

Last weekend players took a stand that we would not engage in match day media activity around games. It was a small gesture to highlight player frustration over the ongoing issues around squad charters. It had minimal impact on fans, if any. The GAA’s response was to unilaterally, without the agreement of players, try to impose a squad charter on their terms.