The Gaelic Players Association claims that a potential U-turn on the decision to scrap pre-season competitions would have a significant impact on the health of players and that financial gain is being put ahead of it
Last month, the GAA's Central Council voted to suspend the McGrath, O’Byrne, and McKenna Cups, as well as the FBD Connacht League, citing player welfare concerns. However, there are now calls to reverse this decision and keep them in the traditional calendar. RTÉ Sport reports that the plans could be overturned at a Central Council meeting this weekend.
Some support the potential U-turn; Cavan GAA for example, has tabled a motion for this Saturday's Central Council meeting to reinstate the competitions, with many in Ulster also backing the call
However, not everyone is in agreement with the likes of Cavan GAA
For example, the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) claimed in a statement this week that financial considerations were being prioritised over player welfare.
"Reversing that decision now would prioritise financial income—as recently articulated by the Connacht Council Secretary—over the health and well-being of our amateur athletes, despite overwhelming evidence of player burnout," the statement said.
"If the pre-season competitions are reintroduced on 2 January, the return-to-training date would need to be moved from 7 December to as early as 16 November."
GPA Statement on Pre-Season Competitions:
Finances being prioritised over Player Welfare#Welfare pic.twitter.com/3k4TnmwyTA— GPA (@gaelicplayers) October 23, 2024
The statement further explained that sports science supports the need for players to rest in order to be physically prepared for tournaments like the McKenna Cup, which is now gone.
"Sports science recommends at least a six-week preparation period to ensure that players are physically ready for competitive matches like the McKenna Cup. This adjustment would violate the 'No Contact November' policy, which 78% of players supported, emphasising the need for adequate recovery time to prevent burnout and injury and allow players a guaranteed window to holiday with family, partners, and friends."
The statement also suggested that non-competitive friendly games could be held behind closed doors to help players adapt to the demands of the sport. They added that player safety was paramount to the the GAA
"Non-competitive, behind-closed-doors challenge/training games would be an effective way for players to adapt to rule changes while ensuring their welfare, without requiring an earlier return to training across both codes.
"The GPA remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting player welfare, which is a core value of the GAA."
The full statement can be read here.
