GPA calls for end to GAA's pre-season competitions

Motion to stop the likes of the McGrath Cup, O'Byrne Cup and Dr McKenna Cup came from the GPA’s national executive committee and was accepted by the vast majority of members at Saturday's agm

GPA chief Tom Parson

THE Gaelic Players Association wants the GAA to ditch all pre-season competitions, with 90% of members at Saturday's agm supporting a motion to that effect.

Over 100 players from across the country gathered at the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise with five motions passed in total.

The motion to stop the likes of the McGrath Cup, O'Byrne Cup and Dr McKenna Cup came from the GPA’s national executive committee and was accepted by the vast majority of members present. CEO Tom Parsons had already stated his disappointment at the "deaf ears at GAA Central Council level."

Meanwhile a motion from Clare hurler Shane O’Donnell calling for improved injury coverage from the GAA, LPGA and the Camogie Association was passed unanimously. In national media Saturday O’Donnell explained how a concussion he suffered in 2021 left him €5,000 out of pocket.

The GPA will also seek to have its representation on Central Council increased from one to two.

Meanwhile Aisling Maher (Dublin camogie), Kieran Lillis (Laois football), Damien Comer (Galway football) and Cora Staunton (Mayo football) were added to the national executive committee, replacing Aoife Murray (Cork camogie), Ciaran Kilkenny (Dublin football), Philip Greene (Sligo football) and Niamh Hanniffy (Galway camogie), who are stepping down.