Inter-county camogie players to be paid rate of 50 cent per mile

'MINIMUN REQUIRED STANDARDS': Camogie Association President, Hilda Breslin. Pic: Morgan Treacy, Inpho

Inter-county camogie players are to be paid 50 cent a mile as part of the Camogie Association player charter unveiled on Friday.

Within the €2.5m figure pledged by the Camogie Association across the next three years, players are to receive a mileage rate of 50 cent per mile.

The payment of this flat fee for the entirety of the 34-week season is not guaranteed, however, given player expenses per county is capped at €45,866.

A GPA report published last year highlighted that only 9% of female inter-county players are in receipt of mileage expenses. Of that 9%, 6% received less than 20 cent per mile, with 3% getting between 20 and 40 cent.

Those figures are expected to improve dramatically off the back of this Camogie charter announcement.

The Camogie Association’s year-on-year investment of €845,000, along with €1.1m in Government grant aid and an anticipated €20,000 from county boards toward their own flagship team, means an annual pot of €95,000 will be available to each inter-county camogie team for supports and players expenses.

This three-year proposal, hailed as “transformative” by the Camogie Association, will extend to the 26 counties participating in both the Very National League and Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Championship. The charter applies exclusively to first teams; counties' second teams have not been included.

Expenses, facilities, physical support, performance support, nutrition, and training gear – designed to support a maximum squad of 30 players - are among the key aspects which will be catered for by the Camogie Association investment.

“The Camogie Association’s Player Charter signifies our dedication to agreed minimum required standards and player expenses, reflecting a substantial investment of €845,000 by the Camogie Association,” said Camogie Association president Hilda Breslin.

“This Charter has been formulated through engagement and research with Camogie County Boards and covers substantial costs, ensuring a level field from which all counties can start their journey towards excellence.”