The GAA Players Association (GPA) have released a statement today revealing that they will "play the remainder of the 2023 championship under protest".
"We find ourselves in a situation we never wished to be in, echoing the experiences of our soccer and rugby counterparts in recent years. Regrettably, we feel, that our National Governing Bodies do not want to hear our real concerns, so we’re speaking directly to you," the Senior inter-county camogie and football panels expressed in the statement.
The statement explained that the GAA, LGFA and Camogie associations have not taken action to address the training and playing environments issues stated in the State of Play Report, which was published over two months ago.
GPA launches ‘State of Play’ equality report: ‘You’re treated less than your male counterparts’CJ https://t.co/9fsHD0Y1g5
— ROI Against Racism (@ROIsaysno) April 22, 2023
The State of Play equality report was compiled following a survey of 1,579 women intercounty players. The survey called on the GAA, LGFA and Camogie associations to work together to bridge the gap in experiences and support for women in Gaelic games.
The statement outlined that the players' main request to the LGFA, the Camogie Association, and the GAA was to develop a charter for female players, in discussions with the GPA, to establish minimum standards for the players' collective welfare. The request was for the charter to be implemented by the 2024 season.
According to the statement, the GPA privately contacted the three National Governing Bodies, seeking collaboration to achieve an agreed-upon charter, following the State Of Play reports publication. The GAA, however, has declined the GPA's proposal, while the Camogie Association requested that a presentation to be made to their Ard Chomhairle, (which took place last week). The LGFA has also "not deemed it appropriate to respond".
The GPA explained that the governing bodies arguments is that they would "prefer to complete the integration process before initiating a charter for female players".
Statement on behalf of the senior inter-county camogie and football panels#UnitedForEquality pic.twitter.com/lVZXbOojjM
— GPA (@gaelicplayers) June 19, 2023
"We are no longer willing to wait. It has been over 18 months since integration was declared a priority and voted in by the membership of the three Associations. While the National Governing Bodies claim to be listening, it is evident that they are not truly hearing us. Urgent issues affecting player welfare have been brought to their attention, yet they refuse to even engage collectively to discuss solutions," the GPA expressed in the statement.
"We as players are not receiving the respect we deserve. Therefore, do not expect business as usual in the upcoming weeks and months. In recent months Cavan’s footballers and Kildare’s camogie players have shown us what potentially lies in store for all of us if nothing changes."
The Camogie Association and LGFA issues statements this afternoon, denying the arguments put forward by the players earlier today.
LGFA fights back and denies most of the arguments put forward by players today pic.twitter.com/ce6mhjzXLJ
— Joanne O’ Riordan (@JoanneOR_Ox) June 19, 2023
According to the Camogie Association's statement, "The GPA shared their State of Play document with the Camogie Association, and on June 14th, 2023, the GPA presented the report to Ard Chomhairle at the invitation of the Camogie Association. The GPA undertook to provide more detailed information on the Camogie data at the request of the Camogie Association. The concerns outlined in the report were discussed, and it was agreed to consider the more detailed information and identify priority areas to be addressed.
The Camogie Association remains available for further discussions and awaits the more detailed information requested."
The LGFA also stated:"Since the publication of the ‘State of Play’ report, the LGFA has worked closely with county boards, who submitted figures relating to the preparation of adult inter-county teams during the 2023 Lidl National Football Leagues.
Figures received indicate that a minimum of €1.8m was spent by county boards in the preparation of teams throughout the Lidl National Leagues in 2023, and with more to come during Championship season.
This is a significant investment from county boards, who operate in a volunteer capacity with limited resources – and with a full schedule of activity to attend to, both at club and inter-county levels."
🗣 "We are elite players of our national sport and we're being told: 'Sort it out yourselves.'"
Clare camogie player Chloe Morey explains in strong terms why the senior inter-county camogie and football panels will play this season 'under protest' | 🏐🏑 pic.twitter.com/M7aPWISHb1— Off The Ball (@offtheball) June 19, 2023
