Leinster chairman Derek Kent calls for integration not to be 'pushed from the top down'

Kent also proposes review of GPA annual charity trip.

Sat, 18 Jan, 2025 - 21:00

John Fogarty

Leinster chairman Derek Kent has said the integration of the GAA, Ladies Gaelic Football Association and The Camogie Association must not be “pushed from the top down”.

In his address to the provincial council’s convention on Saturday evening, Kent believes the amalgamation of the bodies should be organic from club level upwards.

“It is my personal opinion that we develop and support the one club model,” Kent remarked.

“Our existing one club models within Counties have naturally developed with little fuss or fanfare.

“Invest in our local clubs, invest in our centre of excellences, grow integration from the bottom up and not let it be pushed from the top down.”

Kent’s remarks appear to conflict with the roadmap announced by the presidents of the respective associations 11 months ago when they set a deadline of 2027 for full integration.

The Wexford native also called for a review of the Gaelic Players Association’s (GPA) annual charity trip to Africa.

“This past year, inter-county players and the GPA once again travelled to Kenya to plant trees as part of their bid to tackle the devastating effects of climate change.

“It is worth noting that it is a worthwhile venture. However, I believe the time has arrived for an in-depth review into the annual project.

"The GPA has a history of supporting noble causes in Ireland and I would respectfully remind them that charity begins at home.”

Kent also called on the GPA to do more to protect the off-season they fought for and counties breaching it to reflect on what they have done.

“Referencing the suspension of the Pre-Season tournaments, we certainly have mixed opinions from the counties here today. Last year, a proposal was tabled by the GPA to support down-time and a definitive closed season for the general welfare of our players.

“November was to act as such, an off season! Players were to be given time and space to themselves and be off limits to managers.

"I personally supported the proposal when I was assured by the GPA that they would police this and be fully accountable for any breach of collective training prior to the agreed 7th of December date.

“I am aware that some counties staged training sessions prior to this and would encourage those who did so to reflect on themselves.

"I would also ask the same of the GPA whose silence on the matter is not only deafening but also troubling.”

Kent also spoke of the pressure put on volunteers at county level by the growing expenditure on teams.

“We had another year of the ‘runaway train’ that is team preparation expenses. In 2024, we in Leinster collectively spent in excess of €14 million on just this.

"What exactly did this amount achieve for us - another year of sleepless nights for our treasurers, that’s for sure.

“They are volunteers who strive to do what is best for their counties but face the constant grind of striking a balance between what can be afforded and what is demanded by team managers and players alike.”