GAA and GPA relationship deteriorates in wake of McAleese integration exit

Comments from the players' chief Tom Parsons have stung. 

GAA president Jarlath Burns. Pic: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Relations between the GAA and Gaelic Players Association (GPA) have deteriorated following Mary McAleese’s departure last week as steering committee on integration chairperson.

The Irish Examiner understands GAA president Jarlath Burns recently wrote to GPA chief executive Tom Parsons, in which he articulated his disappointment with the official inter-county body’s public reaction to McAleese’s explosive exit last Tuesday week.

The correspondence is said to have been strong in tone, outlining what Burns felt was the GPA’s over-the-top criticism of the GAA’s decision not to commit to the initial phases of integration in 2027 as had been planned.

Last December, the GAA’s Management Committee had highlighted the deadline for next year was “unrealistic” and informed McAleese as much. Their opinion had been reported in the national media.

GAA officials also maintain the GPA had been kept informed on developments from them during the process and knew of the challenges presented in the merger of the three Gaelic bodies.

Burns and Parsons have enjoyed a good relationship during the former’s term as president but remarks made last week have stung. In the wake of the decision, Parsons said he saw no leadership from the association and that the reasoning of cost made by the GAA for the delay was “smoke and mirrors”.

He also claimed his organisation were surprised by the GAA’s change in stance. “I just cannot believe as CEO of the Gaelic Players Association, the messages I’ve received from countless players today, to be blindsided and it sounds like Mary (McAleese) was blindsided. I think the whole association was blindsided.

“In no governance structure has this been highlighted that they’re going to pause and reflect, cannot commit to a definitive timeline and the extension could be up to five years. I’m totally thrown by this.” 

Speaking later that day, Burns queried the figures Parsons had quoted regarding minimum standards for inter-county teams following integration. Parsons said over a phased period the initial cost would be €4.5 million. The workings of the sub-committee, of which Parson was a member, revealed for women alone the number was over €10m.

Burns said: “I would urge the GPA to work with us on this because I note some of the comments that they have made over the last 24 hours have been inaccurate around the costs of integration at the high-performance level.” 

Speaking to “The Irish News” last week, Parsons had taken issue with Burns’ claim that inter-county spending would double to €90m “If we went straight to equality”.

Parsons remarked: “What’s not factual in any sense is that the money that’s being spent on inter-county teams goes from €44m to €90m. There’s no factual report that demonstrates that.” 

McAleese’s replacement is expected to be in place for the start of October when the steering committee meet again. Before that, GAA Management Committee and Central Counci meetings are to take place on October 2 and 3. Parsons is expected to attend the latter as the GPA delegate.

Last week, government ministers wrote to the GAA, Ladies Gaelic Football Association and The Camogie Association for a revised roadmap for integration.