Ryan fears GPA protest may have set back integration

The GAA chief criticised the players' association for their influence in some members agreeing to be photographed with a “United For Equality” banner.

TOP TABLE: Stadium Director of Croke Park Peter McKenna, GAA President Larry McCarthy, GAA Director General Tom Ryan and GAA Director of Finance Ger Mulryan. Picture: INPHO/Tom Maher

The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) may have unwittingly damaged the integration process with protest action last year, GAA director general Tom Ryan has suggested.

Ryan criticised the GPA for their influence in players agreeing to be photographed with a “United For Equality” banner prior to the Kerry-Derry All-Ireland senior football semi-final in support of female inter-county players’ campaign for a charter and minimum requirements.