Time to merge the LGFA and Camogie Association under the GAA umbrella

[johnnycool]

quality is at the essence of the latest effort to amalgamate the two women's Gaelic games organisations with the GAA, the Gaelic Players' Association (GPA) looking to crystallise opinion on that matter with their motion at Congress this weekend.

GPA chief executive Tom Parsons outlined that exact intention at a press briefing at the Radisson Hotel in Dublin Airport on Monday, highlighting the fact the biggest push is coming from the players themselves, and that the time for integration is "here and now".

Motion 33 calls on the association "to prioritise integration with the LGFA and Camogie Association in order to jointly ensure equal recognition, investment and opportunity for all genders to play all sports in the Gaelic games family".

For Parsons, the former Mayo footballer, there's already been enough talk on the matter, now is the time for action.

"There's been a journey for the three separate governing bodies for 20 years now," he said, "even going back to 2003 when Seán Kelly set up a working group to bring them all together as one GAA family, by the end of 2007.

"Since then all we've seen are memorandums of understanding, agreement to make stronger links, but we've never got a commitment. That's what players are shouting for now, a commitment and timeline, because equality cannot be achieved as long as there are three separate organisations.

"The motion is about integration, but also to ensure equal opportunity for every GAA player, girl or boy, man or woman. Morally and culturally it's the right thing to do, but it also creates great opportunities, to further propel the GAA as one of the greatest sporting organisations in the world. The one thing that's holding the GAA back is that it represents boys and men only."

As for barriers which to date may have prevented such a move, Parsons believes fear of losing some "voice" may be chief among them: "There might be the fear of losing an independent voice, or would there be equal investment and recognition. There's a responsibility for the GAA to ensure this is a win-win for all three associations, same as when the GPA merged with the LGPA [last year]. Since we merged the women's voice has only been strengthened.

This isn't just in the gift of the GAA, but the Camogie Association and LGFA to settle their outstanding difficulties within and for those who think this is a non brainer and at certain levels it is, but each and every County board will need to merge as well as at club level which to a certain extent happens as per the outworking's of the 2007 agreements.

Most clubs I know are already defacto merged and if anything the Camogies Association has better medical cover for their players than what the GAA currently offer..

[Truth hurts]

Would there be much complications at croke park when the merger happens?

[tiempo]

quality is at the essence of the latest effort to amalgamate the two women's Gaelic games organisations with the GAA, the Gaelic Players' Association (GPA) looking to crystallise opinion on that matter with their motion at Congress this weekend.

GPA chief executive Tom Parsons outlined that exact intention at a press briefing at the Radisson Hotel in Dublin Airport on Monday, highlighting the fact the biggest push is coming from the players themselves, and that the time for integration is "here and now".

Motion 33 calls on the association "to prioritise integration with the LGFA and Camogie Association in order to jointly ensure equal recognition, investment and opportunity for all genders to play all sports in the Gaelic games family".

For Parsons, the former Mayo footballer, there's already been enough talk on the matter, now is the time for action.

"There's been a journey for the three separate governing bodies for 20 years now," he said, "even going back to 2003 when Seán Kelly set up a working group to bring them all together as one GAA family, by the end of 2007.

"Since then all we've seen are memorandums of understanding, agreement to make stronger links, but we've never got a commitment. That's what players are shouting for now, a commitment and timeline, because equality cannot be achieved as long as there are three separate organisations.

"The motion is about integration, but also to ensure equal opportunity for every GAA player, girl or boy, man or woman. Morally and culturally it's the right thing to do, but it also creates great opportunities, to further propel the GAA as one of the greatest sporting organisations in the world. The one thing that's holding the GAA back is that it represents boys and men only."

As for barriers which to date may have prevented such a move, Parsons believes fear of losing some "voice" may be chief among them: "There might be the fear of losing an independent voice, or would there be equal investment and recognition. There's a responsibility for the GAA to ensure this is a win-win for all three associations, same as when the GPA merged with the LGPA [last year]. Since we merged the women's voice has only been strengthened.

Tom needs to give his head a wobble with that soundbite, a bit rich the GPA lecturing on perceived inequality, there are 3 organisations, its OK to have 3 organisations, 3 organisations which I'm sure are proud of their achievements and rightly so. 3 organisations that I'm sure can be integrated and will be, but why is it any more the GAAs responsibility than either of the other 2 organisations. Vomit inducing to be honest.

Conor Meyler giving it the big one too... "if you stay quiet you're part of the problem" "it's a lack of awareness and education in young males" "we seen the Aisling Murphy incident... how many males went and had a conversation then? I was able to go to my girlfriend and have a conversation about it because you're trying to break down barriers"  ... bore the f**k off you absolute unicorn

[Keyboard Warrior]

quality is at the essence of the latest effort to amalgamate the two women's Gaelic games organisations with the GAA, the Gaelic Players' Association (GPA) looking to crystallise opinion on that matter with their motion at Congress this weekend.

GPA chief executive Tom Parsons outlined that exact intention at a press briefing at the Radisson Hotel in Dublin Airport on Monday, highlighting the fact the biggest push is coming from the players themselves, and that the time for integration is "here and now".

Motion 33 calls on the association "to prioritise integration with the LGFA and Camogie Association in order to jointly ensure equal recognition, investment and opportunity for all genders to play all sports in the Gaelic games family".

For Parsons, the former Mayo footballer, there's already been enough talk on the matter, now is the time for action.

"There's been a journey for the three separate governing bodies for 20 years now," he said, "even going back to 2003 when Seán Kelly set up a working group to bring them all together as one GAA family, by the end of 2007.

"Since then all we've seen are memorandums of understanding, agreement to make stronger links, but we've never got a commitment. That's what players are shouting for now, a commitment and timeline, because equality cannot be achieved as long as there are three separate organisations.

"The motion is about integration, but also to ensure equal opportunity for every GAA player, girl or boy, man or woman. Morally and culturally it's the right thing to do, but it also creates great opportunities, to further propel the GAA as one of the greatest sporting organisations in the world. The one thing that's holding the GAA back is that it represents boys and men only."

As for barriers which to date may have prevented such a move, Parsons believes fear of losing some "voice" may be chief among them: "There might be the fear of losing an independent voice, or would there be equal investment and recognition. There's a responsibility for the GAA to ensure this is a win-win for all three associations, same as when the GPA merged with the LGPA [last year]. Since we merged the women's voice has only been strengthened.

Tom needs to give his head a wobble with that soundbite, a bit rich the GPA lecturing on perceived inequality, there are 3 organisations, its OK to have 3 organisations, 3 organisations which I'm sure are proud of their achievements and rightly so. 3 organisations that I'm sure can be integrated and will be, but why is it any more the GAAs responsibility than either of the other 2 organisations. Vomit inducing to be honest.

Conor Meyler giving it the big one too... "if you stay quiet you're part of the problem" "it's a lack of awareness and education in young males" "we seen the Aisling Murphy incident... how many males went and had a conversation then? I was able to go to my girlfriend and have a conversation about it because you're trying to break down barriers"  ... bore the f**k off you absolute unicorn

Was a bit confused at this line in particular. What that has got to do with the LGFA and Camogie Association being better organised or agreeing to come under the GAA umbrella is beyond me.
Many in society are better placed to address/comment on those broader societal issues than Conor Meyler and Tom Parsons ffs.

[seafoid]

One of the things this change does is reduce the number of counties administered by the GAA who have never won a senior all Ireland.

Monaghan ladies have 2 all Irelands
Antrim have 6 camogie titles
Mayo ladies know how to win finals

[From the Bunker]

One of the things this change does is reduce the number of counties administered by the GAA who have never won a senior all Ireland.

Monaghan ladies have 2 all Irelands
Antrim have 6 camogie titles
Mayo ladies know how to win finals

Mayo Ladies have not won an AI in nearly 20 years. It's like saying Galway footballers know how to win AI's?

[Baile Brigín 2]

One of the things this change does is reduce the number of counties administered by the GAA who have never won a senior all Ireland.

Monaghan ladies have 2 all Irelands
Antrim have 6 camogie titles
Mayo ladies know how to win finals

Mayo Ladies have not won an AI in nearly 20 years. It's like saying Galway footballers know how to win AI's?

His point is valid. Where is this assumption the GAA can do it better coming from? It's a bit mansplainy

[Rossfan]

Nordies against change
Bejases that's one thing that will never change

[seafoid]

One of the things this change does is reduce the number of counties administered by the GAA who have never won a senior all Ireland.

Monaghan ladies have 2 all Irelands
Antrim have 6 camogie titles
Mayo ladies know how to win finals

Mayo Ladies have not won an AI in nearly 20 years. It's like saying Galway footballers know how to win AI's?

The standard deviation is 30 years so why the panic ?

[From the Bunker]

 

One of the things this change does is reduce the number of counties administered by the GAA who have never won a senior all Ireland.

Monaghan ladies have 2 all Irelands
Antrim have 6 camogie titles
Mayo ladies know how to win finals

Mayo Ladies have not won an AI in nearly 20 years. It's like saying Galway footballers know how to win AI's?

The standard deviation is 30 years so why the panic ?

[RedHand88]

Nordies against change
Bejases that's one thing that will never change

Yes I forgot Roscommon was a bastion of progression and modernisation.

[thewobbler]

Can't help thinking that being a club / county administrator in a One Club system could end up extraordinarily time-consuming and thanklessly unrewarding. Not really sure how shortfalls in venues, volunteers and referees might improve under such an approach.

[full moon]

quality is at the essence of the latest effort to amalgamate the two women's Gaelic games organisations with the GAA, the Gaelic Players' Association (GPA) looking to crystallise opinion on that matter with their motion at Congress this weekend.

GPA chief executive Tom Parsons outlined that exact intention at a press briefing at the Radisson Hotel in Dublin Airport on Monday, highlighting the fact the biggest push is coming from the players themselves, and that the time for integration is "here and now".

Motion 33 calls on the association "to prioritise integration with the LGFA and Camogie Association in order to jointly ensure equal recognition, investment and opportunity for all genders to play all sports in the Gaelic games family".

For Parsons, the former Mayo footballer, there's already been enough talk on the matter, now is the time for action.

"There's been a journey for the three separate governing bodies for 20 years now," he said, "even going back to 2003 when Seán Kelly set up a working group to bring them all together as one GAA family, by the end of 2007.

"Since then all we've seen are memorandums of understanding, agreement to make stronger links, but we've never got a commitment. That's what players are shouting for now, a commitment and timeline, because equality cannot be achieved as long as there are three separate organisations.

"The motion is about integration, but also to ensure equal opportunity for every GAA player, girl or boy, man or woman. Morally and culturally it's the right thing to do, but it also creates great opportunities, to further propel the GAA as one of the greatest sporting organisations in the world. The one thing that's holding the GAA back is that it represents boys and men only."

As for barriers which to date may have prevented such a move, Parsons believes fear of losing some "voice" may be chief among them: "There might be the fear of losing an independent voice, or would there be equal investment and recognition. There's a responsibility for the GAA to ensure this is a win-win for all three associations, same as when the GPA merged with the LGPA [last year]. Since we merged the women's voice has only been strengthened.

Tom needs to give his head a wobble with that soundbite, a bit rich the GPA lecturing on perceived inequality, there are 3 organisations, its OK to have 3 organisations, 3 organisations which I'm sure are proud of their achievements and rightly so. 3 organisations that I'm sure can be integrated and will be, but why is it any more the GAAs responsibility than either of the other 2 organisations. Vomit inducing to be honest.

Conor Meyler giving it the big one too... "if you stay quiet you're part of the problem" "it's a lack of awareness and education in young males" "we seen the Aisling Murphy incident... how many males went and had a conversation then? I was able to go to my girlfriend and have a conversation about it because you're trying to break down barriers"  ... bore the f**k off you absolute unicorn

Was a bit confused at this line in particular. What that has got to do with the LGFA and Camogie Association being better organised or agreeing to come under the GAA umbrella is beyond me.
Many in society are better placed to address/comment on those broader societal issues than Conor Meyler and Tom Parsons ffs.

Very strange statement from Meyler. Seems to be trying to shoehorn some feminist agenda into it.

And he's doing a PhD on Gender in Sport?  What does that qualify him to do? Some odd fellows up in Tyrone it must be said.

[full moon]

quality is at the essence of the latest effort to amalgamate the two women's Gaelic games organisations with the GAA, the Gaelic Players' Association (GPA) looking to crystallise opinion on that matter with their motion at Congress this weekend.

GPA chief executive Tom Parsons outlined that exact intention at a press briefing at the Radisson Hotel in Dublin Airport on Monday, highlighting the fact the biggest push is coming from the players themselves, and that the time for integration is "here and now".

Motion 33 calls on the association "to prioritise integration with the LGFA and Camogie Association in order to jointly ensure equal recognition, investment and opportunity for all genders to play all sports in the Gaelic games family".

For Parsons, the former Mayo footballer, there's already been enough talk on the matter, now is the time for action.

"There's been a journey for the three separate governing bodies for 20 years now," he said, "even going back to 2003 when Seán Kelly set up a working group to bring them all together as one GAA family, by the end of 2007.

"Since then all we've seen are memorandums of understanding, agreement to make stronger links, but we've never got a commitment. That's what players are shouting for now, a commitment and timeline, because equality cannot be achieved as long as there are three separate organisations.

"The motion is about integration, but also to ensure equal opportunity for every GAA player, girl or boy, man or woman. Morally and culturally it's the right thing to do, but it also creates great opportunities, to further propel the GAA as one of the greatest sporting organisations in the world. The one thing that's holding the GAA back is that it represents boys and men only."

As for barriers which to date may have prevented such a move, Parsons believes fear of losing some "voice" may be chief among them: "There might be the fear of losing an independent voice, or would there be equal investment and recognition. There's a responsibility for the GAA to ensure this is a win-win for all three associations, same as when the GPA merged with the LGPA [last year]. Since we merged the women's voice has only been strengthened.

Tom needs to give his head a wobble with that soundbite, a bit rich the GPA lecturing on perceived inequality, there are 3 organisations, its OK to have 3 organisations, 3 organisations which I'm sure are proud of their achievements and rightly so. 3 organisations that I'm sure can be integrated and will be, but why is it any more the GAAs responsibility than either of the other 2 organisations. Vomit inducing to be honest.

Conor Meyler giving it the big one too... "if you stay quiet you're part of the problem" "it's a lack of awareness and education in young males" "we seen the Aisling Murphy incident... how many males went and had a conversation then? I was able to go to my girlfriend and have a conversation about it because you're trying to break down barriers"  ... bore the f**k off you absolute unicorn

That statement from Meyler is so ridiculous and inappropriate on many levels.

The GPA embarrassing themselves with some of these statements.

[full moon]

https://www.twitter.com/SmallerFishGAA/status/1496067967796318214

Parkinson calling out Meyler. He's correct in this instance, to shoehorn in a recent high profile murder into this is really shameful and unnecessary.