'It just never stops': GAA games managers speak out on fatigue, overwork and family sacrifices

NEVER STOPS: GAA county games development managers are reporting heightened fatigue and disrupted personal lives as a result of their occupations, according to a newly published study. Pic: Brian Lawless / SPORTSFILE

GAA county games development managers are reporting heightened fatigue and disrupted personal lives as a result of their occupations, according to a newly published study.

The research led by former Connacht director of hurling Damien Coleman, now a GM in ATU in Athlone, found the several of those interviewed for his academic paper complained of difficulties.

First reported on the “Wexford Weekly” website, eight game managers participated in the study entitled “Caution! Achievement subjects at work: a Hanian analysis of policy enactment in Gaelic games”.

It was found their “internalised drive to deliver policy objectives fostered deep cognitive and emotional entanglement with their work. This pressure generated a persistent sense of needing to ‘be on’ in navigating the everyday demands and dilemmas of policy enactment.” 

One manager claimed the GAA at central level are not sympathetic to the difficulties faced by them. “Everything now is based on metrics… no one cares, just send in the figures. Nothing about quality or standards or the human side.” 

Another articulated a similar opinion: “The demands are constant from above and below. The job description says x, but you’ll soon find out it means as long as you need to get the job done well… the expectations just keep growing. You want to do well. But it can be really tough going.” 

The feedback from games managers is that they work far more hours than they are paid by the GAA. “We’re officially down to work 39 hours a week,” said one, “but we all do more. Often, it’s 60 hours or more. And if you complain, you’re told it’s your time management and asked how could you manage things better? It’s not fair or acceptable. Weekends, daily... it just never stops. And I don’t think anyone cares, so long as you’re doing the job well.” 

Their reflections on how their roles have impacted their homelife are just as eye-opening. “A young family back at the time, they’re all grown up now, and I wasn’t there. No. But maybe I should have been spending more time with them. My wife checks me up all the time… she asks for me to give her attention. She sees my mind drift off to something I should have done at work that day or will be doing tomorrow.

“She reminds me of the past, and the time lost over last 20 years. I didn’t look at it that way… but I should have. My family should have been first. And it wasn’t. I should have been better.” 

Another games manager also speaks of not being present in the homeplace because of the stresses associated with the job. “At home with the family watching TV, and I’m on my phone the whole time. Someone asks a question, and I answer it. But I haven’t a clue what they asked about. Because my mind is consumed with all the work messages and emails. This causes problems at home. I’m never present to my family. There’s so much going on and I know they suffer as a result”.

Meanwhile, the LGFA has confirmed their Master fixtures plan for 2026. The 2026 Lidl National Leagues will commence on Sunday January 18 with the opening round of fixtures in Division 4.

Divisions 1-3 will start on Sunday January 25 along with round two of Division 4.

The Division 1 and 2 League finals will be played on Saturday April 11 with the Division 3 and 4 finals on Sunday April 12.

THe 2026 TG4 All-Ireland Championship will get underway on Sunday May 31 with the opening games in the Junior and Intermediate Championships. The Senior Championship will kick off on Saturday June 6 with the senior semi-finals taking place on Saturday July 18.

The Championship finals are pencilled in for Sunday August 2 in Croke Park.