Parsons: Camogie and LGFA only recognise GPA when it suits 

Gaelic Players Association CEO Tom Parsons was critical of the two associations over their selective recognition of the GPA

WHEN IT SUITS: Gaelic Players Association CEO Tom Parsons has accused the LGFA and Camogie Association of only recognising the players body “when it suits their own needs”. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile.

Gaelic Players Association CEO Tom Parsons has accused the LGFA and Camogie Association of only recognising the players body “when it suits their own needs”.

In his annual report, Parsons was critical of the two associations over their selective recognition of the GPA since relations soured in the wake of the equality protest waged by female inter-county players during the 2023 championship.

Parsons' comments could be interpreted as a response to Ladies Football CEO Helen O’Rourke who, in her own annual report back in March, said the GPA-led protests last summer “left a sour taste in our mouths”.

“We held our counsel while the protests continued, rather than being dragged into a war of words.

"We prefer to conduct our business in the boardroom and it was remarkable that the GPA went down the road they did, at a time when we were in active discussions with them on a number of matters,” O’Rourke said of the protests that eventually secured a charter for camogie players and ladies footballers.

Parsons has expressed his hope that the GPA can work collaboratively with the two associations on all issues, not just those that suit the LGFA and Camogie Association.

“The Gaelic Players Association is the official representative body for male and female inter-county players since the amalgamation with the WGPA in 2020.

"However, the leadership of the LGFA and Camogie Association continue to only selectively recognise the GPA as the representative body when it suits their own needs,” wrote the former Mayo midfielder.

“For example, the Associations work collaboratively with us on securing and administering state funding for players. In this process, the GPA is also recognised as the official player representatives by Sport Ireland and the Department of Sport.

“It is therefore contradictory of the Associations to state that they do not recognise the GPA on other matters that are important to players. This issue has become increasingly pronounced since the #UnitedForEquality protest in 2023 and continues to be unacceptable.

“For clarity, the GPA is the official representative body for female inter-county players and will assert the rights of players on their behalf, to ensure fair treatment.”

Turning to their male representatives, Parsons stressed the importance of abolishing pre-season competitions, establishing a sufficient gap between league and championship, and the implementation of the agreed contact hours policy to ensure adequate rest and recovery periods, and a guaranteed off-season.

Such changes, he added, must take place within the current split-season model which is viewed positively by 85% of GPA members.

“A key challenge is the new structures were designed with the intention of pausing the pre-season competitions, and the GAA is trying to squeeze too many competitions into an agreed window for inter-county players.

“Our members are elite amateur athletes, with growing professional and commercial demands to generate more income for the Governing Bodies to fund grassroots activities and infrastructure investments.

"Balancing commitments to their club, county, personal lives, and professional careers continues to be a juggling act that is becoming increasingly unsustainable.

“A shorter season and defined break periods for inter-county players remain an absolute priority. 

Expanding the season with increased playing demands is not a solution to protect amateurism or reduce the load on players.”

Elsewhere in his report, the GPA CEO remarked that maintaining the amateur status of inter-county players, despite the growing professional and commercial pressures, remains a “critical priority”.

“Our members are elite amateur athletes who are key to the GAA's financial success but remain unpaid. 

"Their rights must be fiercely protected, ensuring they are treated with fairness and that their contributions are both recognised and valued.”