Gaelic Players Association

The Gaelic Players Association (Irish: "Cumann na n-Imreoirí Ghaelacha" ) or GPA is a body that represents inter county Gaelic footballers and Hurlers in Ireland.

The Gaelic Players Association is the representative body for senior inter-county hurlers and footballers. The GPA currently has 1856 members.

The GPA is committed to protecting and promoting all aspects of player welfare and to the provision of a collective voice for inter-county players.

The GPA was founded in September 1999 by former IMG employee Donal O'Neill and a number of high profile players including Tyrone's Fergal Logan, Peter Canavan and Dublin captain Dessie Farrell. O'Neill helped develop the association's commercial operations and was a central figure in the players' body until he left in October 2008Fact|date=April 2008.Farrell, became the first chairman of the organisation in 2000 and quickly became the driving force behind the GPA among the playing body.

Farrell was subsequently appointed as full-time chief executive of the GPA in 2003 and has since become one of the most prominent figures in Irish sport.

Farrell and O'Neill helped secure a groundbreaking sponsorship deal with drinks manufacturer C&C in 2003 which has underpinned the position of the GPA as a self-funded, not-for-profit players representative body. The emergence of the GPA has changed the relationship between the GAA and players. Players can now benefit from product endorsement and their profile continues to grow in direct relation to expanding television coverage of games.

Farrell was replaced as chairman by Cork hurling goalkeeper Donal Og Cusack who has become a prominent spokesperson for the organisation. The current president is former Offaly hurler Brian Whelahan. Former Armagh football captain Kieran McGeeney is the GPA secretary and current players on the executive include Armagh footballer Martin O'Rourke, Dublin footballer Paul Casey, Kildare footballer Ronan Sweeney,Dublin hurler David Curtin and Cavan hurler Mark McEntee. Each county panel has three GPA reps while their are also GPA reps in every province.

Former Sligo footballer Dara McGarty was appointed National Development Officer of the GPA in spring 2008.

The GPA's biggest achievement to date was the securing of Government Funding for all inter-county players following a lenghthy campaign. The agreement was reached in Novemeber 2007 and although there was some protest among grass roots GAA members, the agreement was passed by GAA Congress in April 2008. The scheme aims to assist players with the expense of committing to inter-county hurling and football.

The GPA is currently in negotiations with the GAA over formal recognition and is seeking direct funding from the GAA to run the players organisation.

= 2006 Emergency General Meeting =

Lead up to the EGM

On April 1, 2006 the GPA held an EGM to deal with the perceived snub by the GAA who didn't attend a meeting the GPA had arranged with the Irish sports minister to discuss sporting grants for inter-county players. After the meeting the GPA called an EGM and has become increasingly militant. On March 28, 2006 the GPA conducted a poll of his members via Text MessageFact|date=February 2007 to gauge support for strike action. The result was a large majority in favour.

Results of the EGM

The GPA's EGM on April 1, 2006 was held in two venues in Dublin and Belfast, with them being linked by video conferencing. On April 4, 2006 the GPA has issued a list of demands to the GAA and have lifted the threat of immediate strike action. The GAA replied to these demands by stating they would deal with the GPA face to face and that the issue of players welfare would be dealt with at the GAA's annual congress. GPA members also decided that they would delay the throw-in of all National Football League on the 9 of April 2006 by 15 minutes.Fact|date=February 2007

Potential Strike 2007

On Friday November 11 2007, The GPA members voted to strike. The results where 95.3 % in favour. [ [http://gaelicplayers.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=124&Itemid=60 Gaelic Players Association - GPA Strike Ballot Result ] ] The GAA, met this statement of a potential strike with regret and negotiations began to come up with a settlement. [ [http://www.hoganstand.com/dublin/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=85720 Hoganstand.com - GAA Football & Hurling ] ] It was argued that the cancellation of the O'Byrne Cup could have the opposite effeect for the welfare of Gaelic players as the cup was used as a tournament to raise money for the players welfare funds. This allegation was met with assurance that the GPA would compensate in the event of a strike. [ [http://www.hoganstand.com/dublin/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=85899 Hoganstand.com - GAA Football & Hurling ] ] There was an eventual breakthrough in the dispute over players grants and the grants of 3.5 million euro went ahead and the pending strike was subsequently cancelled. [ [http://www.hoganstand.com/dublin/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=86382 Hoganstand.com - GAA Football & Hurling ] ] This agreement was eventually officially recognised by both the GAA and the GPA and it was agreed that the GAA's amateur status would stay intact. [ [http://www.hoganstand.com/dublin/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=86735 Hoganstand.com - GAA Football & Hurling ] ]

Representatives

GPA Officers:

* President : Brian Whelahan
* Chairman: Donal Óg Cusack
* Secretary: Kieran McGeeney
* Chief Executive: Dessie Farrell

* National Developpment Officer: Dara McGarty

* Office & Projects Manager: Siobhan Earley

* National Executive Committee Secretary: Cathal Ó Torna

* Accountant: Ciaran Mc Ardle

* Communications Officer: Sean Potts

The GPA Awards

The launched a new award in 2006 entitled the GPA Gaelic Team of the Year to recognise the achievements of Gaelic football and hurling players. An annual award is also given to the Footballer of the Year and the Hurler of the Year.

Partnerships

The GPA has three main sponsors - Energise (now owned by Britvic Ireland), Opel and Halifax. In May 2008, the GPA announced a strategic partnership with the Communications Clinic, providing career development and communications training for GPA members. The GPA also has arranagments with the Sports Surgery Clinic Dublin and Setanta College.

References

External links

* [http://www.gaelicplayers.com/ Official Gaelic Player's Association Website]
* [http://www.gaa.ie Official GAA Website]