The captains of the senior men's inter-county football and hurling teams have released a joint statement voicing their support for the ongoing protests by female players in the Glen Dimplex Camogie and TG4 Ladies Football All-Ireland Championships.
At issue is the integration of the GAA, LGFA, and the Camogie Association, which has been approved in principle by all three groups, but which players say is progressing too slowly.
Many are also calling for a player charter to ensure minimum facility and player care across all four codes.
Both the camogie players and Ladies footballers have announced they are playing the current season 'under protest,' and sit-down and stand-together protests prior to fixtures have been held around the country.
The letter was released by the Gaelic Players Association on behalf of the captains and is addressed to GAA leadership and management. It reads:
"We, the 68 captains of the male senior inter-county teams, want to express our full support for our female colleagues and stand beside them #UnitedForEquality. As such, we are asking you to work with the Camogie Association, the Ladies Gaelic Football Association and the Gaelic Players Association to discuss the steps necessary towards providing the minimum standards of welfare and care for female players for 2024. They cannot be expected to wait any longer.
"We do not accept that this is a matter solely for the two female governing bodies which is the response you have given to date. Among the GAA's values is that of Community Identity. Community is at the heart of our Association. We know from our own communities that if our neighbour is struggling or requires help, the local GAA club steps forward to provide it.
"We know our female inter-county colleagues in the Gaelic games community are in need of support. They need help to provide basics such as medical support, nutritional support, access to facilities and financial support to offset travel expenses.
"Are you going to live that value of community, or will you allow this opportunity for positive change to pass us by? In the GAA we know and love, there would only be one answer to that question."
The LGFA and the Camogie Association faced particular criticism last weekend when Cork Senior Camogie and Ladies Football Championship matches took place at the same time in Clare and Cork respectively, forcing several players on both sides to choose which game to miss. Both organisations claimed they made efforts to resolve the conflict, but though Tipperary was at least asked if rescheduling was possible, it's reported that no alternative date was requested from Clare.
Throughout the weekend female players wore white t-shirts with the phrase "#Unitedforequality" ahead of games, bringing wider awareness to the protests as many games were streamed live, including two Ladies Football games on TG4.
