‘It’s a journey to be embraced, not feared’ – Steering Group remains committed to Integration by 2027

EMBARCE:GAA President, Larry McCarthy, Camogie Association President, Hilda Breslin, Chairperson of the Steering Group on Integration, Mary McAleese and Mícheál Naughton, LGFA President. Pic: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

The Steering Group on Integration (SGI) have released a statement ahead of Congresses to spell out the strides made towards integration by 2027.

In 2024, the SGI announced the 2027 targeted date for the integration of the GAA, the Camogie Association and Ladies Gaelic Football Association. The group is chaired by Dr. Mary McAleese. They has engaged with the government, cross-association working groups, conducted a detailed facilities audit, carried out a research project of the One Club Model and an organisational design project with the object of delivering one staffing structure.

“The Gaelic Games Integration project is now well on course to deliver the support, hopes and ambitions of the overwhelming majority of members of all three associations which were emphatically expressed in the ground-breaking survey commissioned by the Steering Group,” said McAleese. “For them, integration guarantees the best, most dynamic, sustainable and exciting future.

“When, in February 2024 we announced the Vision Statement for integration we set a timeline which would lead to integration by 2027. We advised that there would be considerable work needed to align all the many moving parts, and that work has been ongoing ever since and at pace.” 

The goal of 2027 has been criticised as too ambitious in places. It is envisaged there will be one president for the new GAA organisation (on a rotational basis) and one Congress.

“Moving from three separate Associations to a unified, transformed GAA by 2027, is a complex process but we continue to make progress towards the realisation of our goal – one club, one county, one province, one congress, one Association,” said Camogie President Brian Molloy.

“This unified structure will ensure that Gaelic games are supported and developed in an inclusive and equitable way for everyone.” 

Outgoing LGFA president Micheál Naughton stated that he has enjoyed his time as a member of the SGI while stressing a ‘cautious’ approach is required.

“At this juncture, I am almost ready to hand over the reins as Ladies Gaelic Football Association President and it’s a good time to reflect. As we move towards that one Association, I wish everybody involved the very best as we continue on that remarkable and historic journey.

“It’s a journey to be embraced, and not feared, but it’s a journey that we must take with a cautious approach and with our eyes wide open on every step of the way.”