The GAA as we know it will be a brand-new association by 2027 according to the organisation. It was announced this morning at a media event in Croke Park that the Camogie Association and the LGFA will be fully integrated in to the new association within three years.
Former President, Mary McAleese has been chairing a steering group for the last 18 months and today it recommended that by 2027 there would be just one new association.
This means one club and one county board working to provide games, finance and facilities for its members. The recommendations come at the end of a detailed consultation process involving more than 30,000 respondents. The committee said it was clear that this was what the membership wanted to happen.
Over the next number of years staff in both the CA and LGFA will be subsumbed into the bigger new association. There will be no job losses.
In response to a question from RTE News, Mary McAleese said that on the contrary there was a strong possiblity of job numbers growing in the GAA
On the pathway ahead, McAleese, speaking at a press briefing at Croke Park on Tuesday, said: “The Steering Group on Integration, after 18 months of intense listening and discussion, has now a recommended pathway to what will be the most historic development in Gaelic games and that is one association for all of Gaelic games by 2027.
“Gaelic games are about to enter a new era. We are now at a point where the will of the members of the Gaelic games associations on integration can be delivered if our recommendations are followed and acted upon and made real.”
On today’s development, GAA president Larry McCarthy said: “One of the biggest ever sports surveys of its kind, with more than 30,000 responses, produced an overwhelming majority in favour of integration.
“That gave the SGI the mandate to make the dream of One Association a reality. We now have a roadmap to deliver an exciting future for all three Associations that will benefit all of our players, our clubs and the communities they represent.
“Working together, these proposals represent a new dawn for Gaelic games, and we will be committed to its development and its success. I’d like to thank Mary McAleese for her stewardship of the SGI and look forward to presenting details of this proposal to our respective congress gatherings in the coming weeks.”
Camogie Association president Hilda Breslin added: “Today marks a significant milestone for the Camogie Association, signifying a thrilling new chapter in our journey. Today is filled with excitement as we embark on a path of progress, merging to become one club, one county, one province, one congress, one association.
“This momentous step towards unity, equality and inclusivity is a testament to our shared goal of creating an environment that champions excellence and supports the holistic development of our players.
“Our vision is to foster the growth of Gaelic games and contribute to the overall health and wellbeing of the people of Ireland. Central to the realisation of this vision is our dedicated volunteer network, the backbone of our association.
“Their passion and commitment drive us forward, making this not just an association but a collective endeavour that belongs to each and every one of them. It is their combined efforts that will propel us to our 2027 goal.
“This is more than just an organisational shift. Together, we are actively recognising the vital role of women in sport, emphasising inclusivity, progress, and the collective strength of our association.”
LGFA President Micheál Naughton said: “We have come a long way since the formation of the LGFA in 1974 and as we prepare to celebrate our 50th anniversary in July, it’s time now to embrace the next chapter in the development of our game.
“We are rightly proud of our progress and, as a strong and vibrant sport, Ladies Gaelic Football will only be strengthened and enhanced through integration. I have been proud to work on the Steering Group on Integration and our work will continue as we move forward with renewed purpose and focus.”
