Confidence remains GAA, Camogie Association, and LGFA will merge by 2027

In the latest dispatch from the Mary McAleese-led group, a recommitment to achieving integration by the 2027 timeline announced at the outset of the process.

The steering group on integration remains confident of merging the GAA, Camogie Association, and LGFA into a single organisation by 2027. Pic: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy.

The steering group on integration remains confident of merging the GAA, Camogie Association, and LGFA into a single organisation by 2027.

In the latest dispatch from the Mary McAleese-led group, the non-binding core principles of integration were outlined following the conclusion of the engagement process with all constituents, including a recommitment to achieving integration by the 2027 timeline announced at the outset of the process.

Other core principles are the single association being called the GAA, introducing new officer roles within the various levels of the merged association to ensure all codes played in a unit are equally represented on the management committee/executive, and the establishment of a new GAA club constitution to reflect the expanded range of playing codes in the new association.

No new GAA rulebook is to be written. Instead, the existing Official Guide will be amended where necessary for effective representation of the Camogie Association and LGFA within the rules.

Decisions regarding club mergers and amalgamations, where separate camogie, ladies football, or GAA clubs currently exist in the same area, will remain at the discretion of local units.

Monday afternoon’s communication from the steering group emphasises how these principles will form part of the final proposals, but are provisional in nature and will not be considered final or binding until they have been formally debated and approved by all three national congresses.

“If we are to remain true to our core objective of providing playing opportunities for all members of our communities, we must recognise that the full flourishing of Gaelic games is intrinsically linked to the adequacy and accessibility of our facilities,” said Mary McAleese, Chairperson of the steering group on integration.

“The future of our games will require full inclusivity, ensuring equal access for all participants. Inevitably, this will necessitate a strategic call on funding in due course, so that we can continue to honour our commitment to the Gaelic games family in every community.”