GPA welcomes €1m Budget boost to inter-county player grants

Inter-county players will receive an extra €250 a year on average

The GPA also welcomed additional Government investment in hurling and Gaelic games. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) have welcomed the €1m Budget boost to the inter-county players' grants scheme.

The news comes as a similar amount of money has been ringfenced by the Government for the GAA’s development of camogie and hurling in urban and non-traditional areas.

The official GAA inter-county players body had been looking for €2.8m in additional funding from the Government to raise each individual male and female player’s grant from €1,800 to €2,500 per annum.

The €1m increase means the inter-county footballer, hurler and camogie player will receive an extra €250 on average and brings the fund to a yearly total of €8.2m. In the last two years, the initiative has jumped €2.6m. In 2024, players received €1,400.

A GPA statement read: “Building on last year’s €1.6m increase, this marks further progress in the players’ campaign for enhanced investment. It reflects the growing recognition of their social and economic contribution to communities across Ireland.

“This year in particular has demonstrated the power of players to lift spirits and bring people together, strengthening the collective sense of belonging at the heart of our games.

“Government support has progressed significantly since the €3.7m allocation in 2021, when Minister Chambers subsequently equalised funding for male and female players. That landmark decision demonstrated clear leadership on equality and recognition, with ongoing increases helping to prompt the experiences of players and achieve parity of esteem with their elite and professional counterparts in Ireland.

“We thank Minister Jack Chambers, Minister Patrick O’Donovan, Minister Charlie McConalogue and all those across Government who have supported this progress. A significant number of players have engaged directly with their representatives on this funding and deserve recognition for their advocacy on behalf of their fellow players.” 

It remains the GPA’s intention to see the fund bolstered by almost another €2m. Their press release continued: “Today is another important step towards our target of €10m in annual player funding. We look forward to continued positive and constructive engagement throughout the lifetime of this Government, with our focus firmly on achieving fair recognition and sustainable support for every inter-county player.” 

It concluded: “We also welcome the additional investment in hurling and Gaelic games announced today, reinforcing the Government’s tangible commitment to strengthening our National games and sporting heritage.”