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https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2024/0220/1433336-gaelic-games-associations-set-2027-as-integration-date/ (https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2024/0220/1433336-gaelic-games-associations-set-2027-as-integration-date/)

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 of Ireland, 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 Camogie Association 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.


Mary McAleese addressing the briefing at Croke Park
"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."


Hilda Breslin: "Our vision is to foster the growth of Gaelic games and contribute to the overall health and wellbeing of the people of Ireland"
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."

Women's sports don't bring in much money. That will have enormous county-level effects.

Ticket prices will go up, sponsorship will have to be increased a good bit (especially multi-nationals) but good that it's all under one roof, so to speak.

The county board spend will have to at least double, maybe more.

A lot of advantages especially around fixture making - a lot of common sense.

Listened to Mary McAleese's interview with the bould Marty...

A lot of positive language but not a lot of detail.

She only said formidable 347 times so sounds like we'll be formidable now 🤷

Ladies will be able to train in the same place every week

It will open a lot of marketing options and to be honest the LGFA campaigns with Lidl could teach the GAA a lot. There will be a more Govt funding and a lot of the stuff at club level is moving along that way anyway.

The women's associations actually the issue a lot of the times in terms of fixtures overlapping and general BS. That will need a clean-out there.

Quote from: Truth hurts on February 20, 2024, 04:11:32 PMWomen's sports don't bring in much money. That will have enormous county-level effects.

Women bring in huge revenue at club level. I know for a fact that without the support of women and girls in our club, fundraisers like Strictly Come Dancing would never have taken place. Ladies run a huge part of our overall fundraising and thank god for them and their energy.

Quote from: trailer on February 21, 2024, 08:35:09 AM

Quote from: Truth hurts on February 20, 2024, 04:11:32 PMWomen's sports don't bring in much money. That will have enormous county-level effects.

Women bring in huge revenue at club level. I know for a fact that without the support of women and girls in our club, fundraisers like Strictly Come Dancing would never have taken place. Ladies run a huge part of our overall fundraising and thank god for them and their energy.

Good man Ted.

Quote from: seafoid on February 20, 2024, 07:41:24 PMLadies will be able to train in the same place every week

We've Ladies football and camogie, they train at the pitch. Do clubs force them to play elsewhere?

Quote from: Captain Scarlet on February 20, 2024, 07:50:41 PMIt will open a lot of marketing options and to be honest the LGFA campaigns with Lidl could teach the GAA a lot. There will be a more Govt funding and a lot of the stuff at club level is moving along that way anyway.

The women's associations actually the issue a lot of the times in terms of fixtures overlapping and general BS. That will need a clean-out there.

The Lidl ads imply that the women's game should get more support, but the scheduling of fixtures does not help that. And I would suggest that the LGFA should not have moved their inter-county finals from September, then they would have all the media attention in August from the QFs onward.

This is all being driven by Government. If the organisations integrate the GAA will be eligible for capital grants.

https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2026/0908/1590769-mcaleese-steps-down-from-integration-role/

Common sense prevails

From GAA.ie

QuoteThe GAA acknowledges that, after four years, Dr. Mary McAleese has stepped away from her role as Chairperson of the group.

We wish to express our appreciation and thank Dr. McAleese for her leadership, commitment and contribution to the work of the group. Dr. McAleese has played an invaluable part in advancing the future of Gaelic games and delivering the integration project to this significant juncture. She departs her role with the sincere gratitude and good wishes of the entire Gaelic games family.

The next phase of the project will be to distil the substantial and constructive feedback received from a wide range of stakeholders into a refined set of key principles and structures, and to derive a detailed and sequential workplan, all of which will be advanced in 2027.

The GAA remains firmly committed to building a single Association that honours the identity, heritage and contribution of each of our sports while creating a stronger and more inclusive future for the entire Gaelic games family

There may be more jobs?

Sounds like a Frank Murphy style project. f**k it up so bad they have to hire you back to help the new guy unfuck it.

Quote from: seafoid on February 21, 2024, 07:03:03 PMThis is all being driven by Government. If the organisations integrate the GAA will be eligible for capital grants.

As opposed to now when they aren't?

McAleese not buying the croke park line. No way them men were giving up even a % of power, or the gravy train half them are on.

If the LGFA and Camogie could merge in the first instance, it would show a good example.

The GAA statement is cringe, but they led themselves up the garden path on this one

LGFA statement is very balanced and mature

The GPA have gone with the standard pissy nonsence drawing comparisons to Katie Taylor and the plain begorrah women of Oireland

Derek Kent has just introduced the GPA to what we'd call senior hurling, long may it continue

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2026/09/08/mary-mcaleese-stands-down-as-chair-of-gaelic-integration-group/

Former president of Ireland Mary McAleese has launched a stinging criticism of the GAA's leadership after taking the decision to step down as chairperson of the Steering Group on Integration.
She charged the GAA's management committee with being "less than impressive" and "lacking in vision", adding that the decision to resign has left her "devastated".

McAleese had remained steadfast in her belief the integration of the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association could be complete by the 2027 deadline, but scepticism around that time frame from some of the parties involved had caused friction.
[ 'Let's just slow down': plan to integrate Gaelic codes raises concernsOpens in new window ]
"I'm absolutely devastated," McAleese said on RTÉ Radio 1's Inside Sport programme on Tuesday evening, just hours after her resignation
The (GAA management committee) was quite frankly less than impressive, and very disappointing to me as a long-term GAA supporter to meet a body that was so lacking in vision for the future of the GAA.
"I hate to say this but I suspect that there are people who are not entirely happy about the idea of including women in decision-making at the top level of Gaelic sports."

She added that, in her opinion, there was a lack of leadership at the top level of the GAA.
"Yesterday, I was shocked to hear the current president of the GAA say that in fact he didn't really support the idea, having supported it up to now."
"I didn't see leadership at the GAA management committee ... I had to remind them that integration was passed by Congress of the GAA and that they came to me to be the independent chair of their idea.
"The leadership is not evident and the commitment to integration has evaporated.
"I'm broken-hearted for the parents of young girls."

I see young girls playing camogie and football on GAA pitches every week.
They couldn't give a fiddlers if they are a different organisation.

The LGFA seemed to be caught on the hop after Mary McAleese's resignation.


The LGFA notes Dr Mary McAleese's decision to step down as Independent Chairperson of the Steering Group on Integration. This comes somewhat unexpectedly, given what we understood to be constructive discussions at the latest meeting of the Steering Group on Monday evening regarding the integration process.

We thank Dr McAleese for her dedication and leadership in this role and wish her well for the future.

Quote from: Rossfan on September 09, 2026, 11:08:04 AMI see young girls playing camogie and football on GAA pitches every week.
They couldn't give a fiddlers if they are a different organisation.

That is club dependant though. Some fully integrate the women. Some charge them to use the club name and facilties. I understand only one camogie club owns it's own grounds.

They split for a reason and McAleeses  comments are ominous that nothing has changed

Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on September 09, 2026, 11:46:08 AM

Quote from: Rossfan on September 09, 2026, 11:08:04 AMI see young girls playing camogie and football on GAA pitches every week.
They couldn't give a fiddlers if they are a different organisation.

That is club dependant though. Some fully integrate the women. Some charge them to use the club name and facilties. I understand only one camogie club owns it's own grounds.

They split for a reason and McAleeses  comments are ominous that nothing has changed

Was there a split? I thought that the LGFA was set up as a seperate organisation, rather than it splitting off from the GAA

McAleese wanted her name up in lights, the GAA put the GAA first and she's threw the head up, was she ever a member of the GAA, what makes her view more valid, if Mary McAleese told you to jump off the edge of a cliff would you do it?

The GAA fucked up indulging the GPA on this topic so far, they finally realised they were in the process of handing over control of their own destiny and took a step back

The GAA are overwhelmingly supportive of the LGFA and Camogie associations, would be interesting to know what % of people flapping their gums on social media are GAA members

Its time the GPA answered Derek Kent's question in fairness, where's the receipt for the Kenya trip lads?

Quote from: StephenC on September 09, 2026, 12:35:35 PM

Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on September 09, 2026, 11:46:08 AM

Quote from: Rossfan on September 09, 2026, 11:08:04 AMI see young girls playing camogie and football on GAA pitches every week.
They couldn't give a fiddlers if they are a different organisation.

That is club dependant though. Some fully integrate the women. Some charge them to use the club name and facilties. I understand only one camogie club owns it's own grounds.

They split for a reason and McAleeses  comments are ominous that nothing has changed

Was there a split? I thought that the LGFA was set up as a seperate organisation, rather than it splitting off from the GAA

Camógaiocht also set up as its own organisation.

What advantages does bringing it under one roof bring?

What disadvantages does it bring?

Not sure the former outweigh the latter. Will it not just end up in extending the same tired old row of hurling vs football in dual counties on a larger scale, with the equality argument thrown into the mix (from social media probably)? At least with 3 separate groups, each can fight their corner. Not perfect, but probably better than one group with constant accusations of bias (regardless of whether perceived or real).


Only thing I'd think is definitely needed would be a rule in that GAA clubs cannot charge LGFA/camogie for use of facilities for each training/match (unless they already charge their own internal teams). That said, does likely need a mechanism to stop all costs of maintenance being burdened on the GAA club and no responsibility on the other users (LGFA/camogie).

Jarlath on the radio now. He said that he wanted a detailed plan to be put to a GAA congress (regular or special), and not just proceed on a general approval of the idea. He also said that the ladies associations were not bringing much funding to the party, so they could not expect equal expenditure immediately.

TBH that is fair enough.

Voting for something not at all defined is not an informed vote.

The UI thread is on a similar line on different topic - need to define what the end will look like before a choice can truly be made.

David Cameron's lack of leadership opened the door to Brexit

While many don't like it (or claim not to like it), whats going on here is fully justified and a show of strength in the GAA leadership, in not being painted into a corner by a legitimate political heavyweight in McAleese and the GPA

The GPA has been quite explicit about what it wants integration to deliver institutionally. Its 2026–28 strategy makes Players Powering Integration one of its five central pillars. Then, at its May 2026 AGM, it passed a motion seeking formal, structured player representation on the key decision-making bodies of an integrated GAA: Central Council, provincial councils and county boards. It separately sought formal player consultation over competition and fixture decisions. It was a trojan horse takeover from a cabal of would-be future six-figure exec's.

Worth noting, the current GAA–GPA recognition agreement already gives the GPA 15% of gross Central Council commercial revenue through to 2029, but they're on the gravy train now and have a taste for it.

Tom Ryan's comments are revealing, he says the membership element of integration is essentially ready, but the unresolved issue is organisational structure, specifically composition of boards, delegated authorities and powers of Congress.

The GAA finally have realised that it wasn't being asked to approve integration of the games but a redistribution of power inside their own Association. As the man says, turkeys (GAA top brass) aren't going to vote for (a GPA) Christmas

GPA rent free in someone's head ::)

Tiempo is correct above but it will be lost in the pile on. Tom Ryan's comments are - in fairness - really good.

I'd advise anyone with an interest to read the March 2026 briefing from the Integration committee. From what I can see that is the first timeline with any detail introduced. It is highly aggressive and I don't find it one bit surprising that structures proposed/made public in March in that document are not agreed yet. They look a but wooly to me on a quick glance. I understand the GAA have been up front about these concerns but worked away regardless.

As for the GPA - I await their confirmation that intercounty males players will receive a reduced rate of mileage etc so that the female players can be treated equally. There's no magic money tree out there.

Rent free is a good term surely.

Last week the club physio (already in receipt of his hourly rate) asked for mileage, I thought it was a right cheek considering the players are hauling ass all year with practically no expenses

Male county players are on €0.70/mile, female county players €0.50/mile, if the male players are as staunch as the blowhards representing them they'll happily accept a €0.10 reduction transferred to the ladies to commence 1st Jan 2027

Good to see the GAA taking steps to quet the tail wagging dog nonsense they've been wedded to in recent years

Quote from: StephenC on September 09, 2026, 12:35:35 PM

Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on September 09, 2026, 11:46:08 AM

Quote from: Rossfan on September 09, 2026, 11:08:04 AMI see young girls playing camogie and football on GAA pitches every week.
They couldn't give a fiddlers if they are a different organisation.

That is club dependant though. Some fully integrate the women. Some charge them to use the club name and facilties. I understand only one camogie club owns it's own grounds.

They split for a reason and McAleeses  comments are ominous that nothing has changed

Was there a split? I thought that the LGFA was set up as a seperate organisation, rather than it splitting off from the GAA

Camogie split in the 50's. LGFA was founded in I think tbe 80's and chose to go out on their own

Camogie association was founded in 1904.

LGFA in 1974.

There was no split. Have been separate organisations all along.

Another black mark against the GAA leadership

It would helpful if the media could actually report on what the actual stumbling blocks are as opposed to rolling out cheap headlines about 'misogyny'. The GAA on its own struggles get its various parts to function in unison (club / county for example) so integrating 2 new sporting bodies which will only add to the complications already faced by the association is a monumental task. I find just putting it all down to misogyny is just a cheap way of generating clicks and deflecting blame.

The 3 organisations involved could get this very wrong and get whole thing off on a very bad footing. They are all responsible for getting it right. Even at the most optimistic outlook someone is going to lose out somewhere to get this off the ground and it won't be the lads and ladies at the top of the game anyway. 

If youre agin it you are backwards. Are you not for progress?

Interesting take from the GAA:

The GAA acknowledges that, after four years, Dr. Mary McAleese has stepped away from her role as Chairperson of the group.

We wish to express our appreciation and thank Dr. McAleese for her leadership, commitment and contribution to the work of the group. Dr. McAleese has played an invaluable part in advancing the future of Gaelic games and delivering the integration project to this significant juncture. She departs her role with the sincere gratitude and good wishes of the entire Gaelic games family.

The next phase of the project will be to distil the substantial and constructive feedback received from a wide range of stakeholders into a refined set of key principles and structures, and to derive a detailed and sequential workplan, all of which will be advanced in 2027.

The GAA remains firmly committed to building a single Association that honours the identity, heritage and contribution of each of our sports while creating a stronger and more inclusive future for the entire Gaelic games family.



I presume that part about contribution reads that what you put into the pot, you will get out of it.

If in doubt play the old misogyny card just like the Zionists throwing in 'antisemitism' when the argument is going against them

This be honest not one step of this situation is surprising.

One party is bringing all the stadiums and grounds, nearly all the sponsorship, commercial and media relationships, the vast majority of volunteer labour and a thousand other things like an IT infrastructure and a tv station.

The other two parties are bringing little more than a desire for ownership over things (including finance) that they did not help to create. Which I will admit is an understandable position to want to take. But any new organisation  founded upon a principle that one of its parts must earn the money and another part is just as entitled to spend, well it's going to fail. Because there's really only so long anyone can put up with that situation.

It's not really equality that's on the table here, and it most definitely is not misogyny in action. The real, fundamental problem is that those who have administered camogie and LGFA since the organisations were formed have never really had a stronger short medium or long term vision than "well we want what they have, and if they won't share it with us then they're misogynistic bastards."

Quote from: DaleCooper on September 09, 2026, 04:01:39 PMIf youre agin it you are backwards. Are you not for progress?

That's the kind of nuanced thinking that always helps in these situations.

If its genuinely going to work for the benefit of the games then I'm fine with it. I just can see it becoming a bit of mess and in the long run having a stultifying effect on the combined organisation as a whole.

I know there are issues with all of the bodies involved that deserve addressing but it's question of how best to go about that and I'm not sure if this is actually the way.

LGFA Camogie Abú

GAA Búúúúúúúúúúú

Be interesting to hear Brolly's take on it considering his old mentor MMA making headlines

Like a lot of subjects there is nuance.

I was involved with a ladies intercounty team a short while ago and the girls didn't really like to give their gloves away as they personally had to buy replacements for training on Tuesday night.  The young kids who came on to the pitch after games expected to receive gloves, like they do after the mens's games.  The kids don't understand that there is such a difference between the men and ladies.  It is wrong that the ladies didn't feel like they could freely give their gloves away.

But at the same time, economically it is difficult to try to argue that both groups should receive the same financial resources when there is such a difference in the revenue generation of the two bodies.

For me, its all about how those two paragraphs can be squared with each other.

Quote from: Smokin Joe on September 09, 2026, 05:12:10 PMLike a lot of subjects there is nuance.

I was involved with a ladies intercounty team a short while ago and the girls didn't really like to give their gloves away as they personally had to buy replacements for training on Tuesday night.  The young kids who came on to the pitch after games expected to receive gloves, like they do after the mens's games.  The kids don't understand that there is such a difference between the men and ladies.  It is wrong that the ladies didn't feel like they could freely give their gloves away.

But at the same time, economically it is difficult to try to argue that both groups should receive the same financial resources when there is such a difference in the revenue generation of the two bodies.

For me, its all about how those two paragraphs can be squared with each other.

Anyone thinking along those lines is daft in the head

Quote from: tiempo on September 09, 2026, 05:26:29 PM

Quote from: Smokin Joe on September 09, 2026, 05:12:10 PMLike a lot of subjects there is nuance.

I was involved with a ladies intercounty team a short while ago and the girls didn't really like to give their gloves away as they personally had to buy replacements for training on Tuesday night.  The young kids who came on to the pitch after games expected to receive gloves, like they do after the mens's games.  The kids don't understand that there is such a difference between the men and ladies.  It is wrong that the ladies didn't feel like they could freely give their gloves away.

But at the same time, economically it is difficult to try to argue that both groups should receive the same financial resources when there is such a difference in the revenue generation of the two bodies.

For me, its all about how those two paragraphs can be squared with each other.

Anyone thinking along those lines is daft in the head

I can't imagine any / too many people would think that.  But how do they get to the position where they can give the gloves away knowing there will be a new pair waiting for them on Tuesday night?  How much more money does the LGFA need to be able to achieve that?
My point is that a line has to be drawn somewhere where they know more gloves are coming weekly (just to pick a practical example) but that it is short of getting the same €€€ as the men's game as it doesn't bring in anywhere close to the same revenue.
And trying to draw that line has to be difficult.

In my experience if you put 100 pairs of gloves on a table for 30 players they'll take 100 pairs of gloves

£45m a year to facilitate the mens inter county game is a staggering sum, there must be some amount of lining the pockets in that, we don't need a second and third feeding frenzy on expenses, we need cold logic, pragmatism and strong governance

The fact is, the GAA LGFA and Camogie dovetail well and are in rude health, just because the ladies can't be provided with silk pyjamas doesn't mean they should be, or that men should be either

I was involved with ladies football at club and county level for years (as an unpaid volunteer). Games are poorly attended and income is minimal. A few years ago there was a row because a county board wasn't paying travel expenses (and, of course, the GAA was blamed, tho nothing to do with them). Football is a hobby, like any other amateur sport; expecting expenses when there is no money is absurd.

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2026/09/09/mary-mcaleese-may-have-done-the-gaa-a-favour-by-burning-the-boats/If you want to talk about apprehension or anxiety as opposed to resistance," Jarlath Burns said at that Oireachtas Committee meeting back in December, "that is mainly coming from county boards. Is [the €40m spent on intercounty GAA teams] going to be multiplied by three?

"The biggest challenge facing us is trying to reduce the amount of money we are spending on county teams. That is why amateur status has been one of the main planks of my presidency. In preparation for integration, we have to make ourselves integration-ready as well. That is one of the major areas in which we are going to have to do that. We simply will not be able to sustain an organisation if we are spending €120 million every year on preparing county teams. That will not work for any of us."

McAleese needs to remember that plenty of Irish men voted for her in the presidential elections. Remember that before you bring up the misogyny argument.
I really hate that word, such an American term, when I hear it I imagine it being said in a high pitched Californian accent.

She took a cut at the GAA mgmt committee in her exit interview with RTE, said they weren't an impressive bunch and lacked vision, funny enough that committee is 40% women

In reality, she didnt have the staying power to see it through, yeno like the generations who built the thing and put the infrastructure in place, shes more accustomed to cutting red tape than rolling the sleeves up

Why was the timeframe not pushed out another five years initially?  I can't see why it was so rushed. Surely everyone knows how long a 'job' like that takes these days.

There no reason county teams are training 4/5 times a week and club team 3/4. Its a f**king money racket to outside managers and trainers.  Who want all this training. 30yrs ago club teams done twice a week, and county teams no more than 3. This is not a professional game, never will be. There be no even spread of money but ladies fball and camogie needs proper bcking. Put them on before NFl fixtures, and the spot minors had in the championship. This rubbed alot of the high knobs up the wrong way. They know certain positions in current committees will keep the same size, but have to take in camogie and ladies fball members, pushing people out who been there way too long to start with.

Quote from: Smokin Joe on September 09, 2026, 05:12:10 PMThe young kids who came on to the pitch after games expected to receive gloves, like they do after the mens's games.  The kids don't understand that there is such a difference between the men and ladies.  It is wrong that the ladies didn't feel like they could freely give their gloves away.

WTF.

Surely the answer there is to stop the men throwing away gloves at €30 a pair "just because they are free".
That attitude is one of the very things feared by the clowns in the GPA being given too much oxygen.


Materialistic bullshit. Kids don't need a f**king souvenir - how many on the board have ever got similar when running onto the pitch after a game?


"You've 2 pairs of gloves for the season lads. If you wreck one, bring it back as proof or you'll be paying for your replacement."

Know a lad got Tohill shorts after a league final 1996, i said u nicked his boots given half a chance. Wasnt a cub either lol.

I wore the rugby gloves.for a good 5yrs, thought them better than the big padded gloves,

Quote from: Wildweasel74 on September 09, 2026, 08:54:07 PMI wore the rugby gloves.for a good 5yrs, thought them better than the big padded gloves,

Didn't even know they had rugby gloves...

They fingerless, with grips on the palms.

I see Mary Lou McDonald has now jumped on the bandwagon

https://youtu.be/7kAK0K9JJhY?is=rSChM-3I71cTncgt

Quote from: seafoid on September 10, 2026, 06:47:14 AMhttps://youtu.be/7kAK0K9JJhY?is=rSChM-3I71cTncgt

Aishlinn hit the nail on the head, even if she didn't mean it.

She wants the GAA to subsidise the intercounty camogie and LGFA players expenses.

I wonder what they get now for the CA and the LGFA!

Read this somewhere else
Crux of the issue is that 3 organizations are to merge.
Two of the groups (LGFA & Camogie) have no money and only one has- GAA

Quote from: seafoid on September 10, 2026, 06:47:14 AMhttps://youtu.be/7kAK0K9JJhY?is=rSChM-3I71cTncgt

Bizarre stuff.

No attempt to explain why the merger is happening. A brief explanation as to why the GAA slowed this down and then the minister getting a bollicking for a GAA decision. The casual viewer will end up much more confused after watching that mess.

Marty Morrissey wearing a pink blazer for a recent news report on the topic just about sums the whole thing up, embarrassing patter from a bunch of wet wipes

Quote from: giveherlong on September 10, 2026, 10:28:02 AMRead this somewhere else
Crux of the issue is that 3 organizations are to merge.
Two of the groups (LGFA & Camogie) have no money and only one has- GAA

Sums it up.
Also only 1 has pitches, dressing rooms, stadiums etc.
A bit like if Moldova, Albania and Germany were amalgamating.
Who'd be paying all the bills?

Quote from: johnnycool on September 10, 2026, 10:02:18 AM

Quote from: seafoid on September 10, 2026, 06:47:14 AMhttps://youtu.be/7kAK0K9JJhY?is=rSChM-3I71cTncgt

Aishlinn hit the nail on the head, even if she didn't mean it.

She wants the GAA to subsidise the intercounty camogie and LGFA players expenses.

I wonder what they get now for the CA and the LGFA!

Mary is taking down the patriarchy!

Men are frightened and fear the future

Mary wants a free dinner and scissors to cut a big ribbon at the end, should of rolled up the sleeves instead, thats how you create a 140 year legacy complete with national infrastructure

That time Ireland bid to host the rugby world cup with 8 of the 12 stadia vested in the GAA, how many were complaining about the GAA then?

Quote from: DaleCooper on September 10, 2026, 11:47:14 AM

Quote from: johnnycool on September 10, 2026, 10:02:18 AM

Quote from: seafoid on September 10, 2026, 06:47:14 AMhttps://youtu.be/7kAK0K9JJhY?is=rSChM-3I71cTncgt

Aishlinn hit the nail on the head, even if she didn't mean it.

She wants the GAA to subsidise the intercounty camogie and LGFA players expenses.

I wonder what they get now for the CA and the LGFA!

Mary is taking down the patriarchy!

Men are frightened and fear the future

What future is that?

The best solution here for the GAA is to just leave things exactly where they are.
An amalgamation only benefits Camogie and LGFA.

Simple fact is there were more people at the Armagh vs down ulster semi final than there was at this years ladies all ireland final.

Lots of complaining about equality etc. Simple fact is not even alot of womem support womens teams.

Quote from: Silver hill on September 10, 2026, 12:27:00 PMThe best solution here for the GAA is to just leave things exactly where they are.
An amalgamation only benefits Camogie and LGFA.

It's not that simple in the slightest. There are countless studies to show investment in and promotion of girls' and women's sport pays off. Payback period might not be as short as people want but a unified association is a stronger commercial animal.

Of course the GAA is the big fish in with the minnows here and of course the legacy men's GAA would subsidise the legacy LGFA and Camogie side of things. Everyone knows this, it's not news.

There are absolutely many important things to iron out but individual loss of position at club, county, provincial and association level cannot be ignored. Some dedicated and hard working volunteers, in all three organisations (along with their perks) will have to accept that there is no longer room for them.

There will always be some vacancy to fill in a voluntary organisation.

Yes but there are an awful lot of county secretaries (as an example), and in all three associations) who would have no interest in losing their role simply because someone else is getting it.

Quote from: DaleCooper on September 10, 2026, 11:47:14 AM

Quote from: johnnycool on September 10, 2026, 10:02:18 AM

Quote from: seafoid on September 10, 2026, 06:47:14 AMhttps://youtu.be/7kAK0K9JJhY?is=rSChM-3I71cTncgt

Aishlinn hit the nail on the head, even if she didn't mean it.

She wants the GAA to subsidise the intercounty camogie and LGFA players expenses.

I wonder what they get now for the CA and the LGFA!

Mary is taking down the patriarchy!

Men are frightened and fear the future

Taking down the patriarchy (that is 43% women).

Quote from: gallsman on September 10, 2026, 01:17:11 PMYes but there are an awful lot of county secretaries (as an example), and in all three associations) who would have no interest in losing their role simply because someone else is getting it.

Not to mention the 3 President roles, 1 each organisation has - Doubt Jarlath was for getting rid of his role in the merger to an incoming camog or LGFA president.

https://www.gaa.ie/downloads/viewer/integration-report-march-2026 (https://www.gaa.ie/downloads/viewer/integration-report-march-2026)

The above is a report from March which I was personally unaware of until yesterday when I went looking. It contains a timeline and proposed structures.

Derek Kent won't be strung along on GPA fantasy island thats for sure

100% but that is replicated the whole way down all the associations. National, provincial, county and club. Even in "one club" clubs there are examples where there's a different chair for each body. That will have to change, but it's not as simple as "for every three roles, there's now one".

There will be instances up and down the country where honest, dedicated and competent people will lose their role simply because there's someone else from a different org who also matches that description. And that's ok, it has to happen. If nothing else, it could be looked at as an opportunity to get rid of some blowhards (again, in all three bodies) who'd otherwise be in situ until their six feet under!

Gaelic Games Europe is my "county" board and is affiliated to all three associations. There are "vice" roles everywhere. Committees are bloated beyond belief. There is a frequent disregard for transparency and bylaws etc. There are some people who have dedicated decades to the growth of the game in Europe who, I'm sorry to say, are a bit dinosaur-ish and might be better being moved aside but carry huge influence because of their track record and achievements.

That's one thing that the GAA in particular has had difficulty with for years, in particularly at club level. In order to thrive, new people have to be blooded to give them insight, understanding and experience in managing a club. One person being the Chair for 20 odd years might be a reflection of incredible service, dedication and humility but might not be what's best for the long term interests of the club, which is what should always be the priority. They have to make sure there is no room for the Frank Murphys of the world in the new body.

Quote from: magpie seanie on September 10, 2026, 02:56:59 PMhttps://www.gaa.ie/downloads/viewer/integration-report-march-2026 (https://www.gaa.ie/downloads/viewer/integration-report-march-2026)

The above is a report from March which I was personally unaware of until yesterday when I went looking. It contains a timeline and proposed structures.

Aoife Lane was on SC and spoke very well on this yesterday. Communication has been a shambles.

Surely the immediate goal should be an amalgamation of the LGFA and Camogie associations?
This would help iron out the major issues that arise every year regarding fixture clashes, etc. The medium term goal once that's bedded in should then be working with the GAA for a unified master fixture calendar at national level, and within counties. Once the conditions are right and the structures are in place without being rushed through, then have the final amalgamation within the next 10-15 years.

When the split season was brought into GAA, I always thought the LGFA missed a trick by shortening their season as well. Within counties there's no doubt that men's club championships would be the priority at this time of year, but on a national level LGFA games would get a lot more attention than they do currently.

Quote from: Mourne Red on September 10, 2026, 02:22:33 PM

Quote from: gallsman on September 10, 2026, 01:17:11 PMYes but there are an awful lot of county secretaries (as an example), and in all three associations) who would have no interest in losing their role simply because someone else is getting it.

Not to mention the 3 President roles, 1 each organisation has - Doubt Jarlath was for getting rid of his role in the merger to an incoming camog or LGFA president.

Why should he or Derek Kent?


Two much smaller organisations who own little or no infrastructure, create little or no revenue (in comparison) are being subsumed into the GAA.

Equality comes with equity.

And I don't buy the shite being pumped out by Evanne Ní Chuilinn, who in fact is building on female stereotypes that that GAA would be on its arse if women stopped washing jerseys, making tea etc.
FFS, what era is she living in?

I coach U16 and Minor camogs, wash their jerseys and hang the feckin things on the line after every game.

I struggle to get FLO's to be there to help out, can count on one hand the number of female referees in Down Camogie, the number of teams that would have female coaches etc.

It cuts both ways.

Quote from: Silver hill on September 10, 2026, 12:27:00 PMThe best solution here for the GAA is to just leave things exactly where they are.

Probably.

To tweak an adage, its probably better to have them outside the tent pissing in than inside the tent pissing all round it.

Quote from: Silver hill on September 10, 2026, 12:27:00 PMAn amalgamation only benefits Camogie and LGFA.

Its not necessarily even a zero sum game.

I think the GAA would actually be harmed in the long run if this was pushed through.

I don't think its too far-fetched to envisage a scenario where more than a handful of volunteers throw up the head when asked to balance 4 sports competing for the same calendar and pitches with the door always open to accusations of sexism thrown in any time unreasonable expectations of 2 groups aren't met.

Quote from: johnnycool on September 10, 2026, 03:09:11 PM

Quote from: Mourne Red on September 10, 2026, 02:22:33 PM

Quote from: gallsman on September 10, 2026, 01:17:11 PMYes but there are an awful lot of county secretaries (as an example), and in all three associations) who would have no interest in losing their role simply because someone else is getting it.

Not to mention the 3 President roles, 1 each organisation has - Doubt Jarlath was for getting rid of his role in the merger to an incoming camog or LGFA president.

Why should he or Derek Kent?


Two much smaller organisations who own little or no infrastructure, create little or no revenue (in comparison) are being subsumed into the GAA.

Equality comes with equity.

And I don't buy the shite being pumped out by Evanne Ní Chuilinn, who in fact is building on female stereotypes that that GAA would be on its arse if women stopped washing jerseys, making tea etc.
FFS, what era is she living in?

I coach U16 and Minor camogs, wash their jerseys and hang the feckin things on the line after every game.

I struggle to get FLO's to be there to help out, can count on one hand the number of female referees in Down Camogie, the number of teams that would have female coaches etc.

It cuts both ways.

I just meant it was a non-starter from the off JC, Should have been an outsider in charge of the merger not left to the 3 Orgs to sort out.

As for Evanne, talking out her arse as you say. Few other commenters have gave off that they've had their trainings cancelled or moved because a men's match is on. Match > Trainings, always been the way we've had to go run the mournes some nights as ladies or u12/14 boys match is on not a sexism thing.

Only started coaching ladies football this year as the eldest started. The FLO was an unknown to me thankfully at least with us never had issue with cover but same women who've been FLO for years has been hard to get people convinced to become one.

Finance is the sticking point.

Someone shared this on tinternet@

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HR2tHwzakAAcSS-?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)


Looks like the CA is dependent on grants from the GAA, Sport Ireland and other Irish Gov grants.

Big bad GAA not giving the girls anything.

Quote from: johnnycool on September 10, 2026, 03:09:11 PM

Quote from: Mourne Red on September 10, 2026, 02:22:33 PM

Quote from: gallsman on September 10, 2026, 01:17:11 PMYes but there are an awful lot of county secretaries (as an example), and in all three associations) who would have no interest in losing their role simply because someone else is getting it.

Not to mention the 3 President roles, 1 each organisation has - Doubt Jarlath was for getting rid of his role in the merger to an incoming camog or LGFA president.

Why should he or Derek Kent?

Because it is an elected role. If someone in future from camogieland wins, they win.

If this attitude of 'ours' is common then the merger is doomed to failure

Quote from: johnnycool on September 10, 2026, 04:20:05 PMFinance is the sticking point.

Someone shared this on tinternet@

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HR2tHwzakAAcSS-?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)


Looks like the CA is dependent on grants from the GAA, Sport Ireland and other Irish Gov grants.

Big bad GAA not giving the girls anything.

Jesus. That is horrendous. Half their income is grants? If that was a private company it would be taken out back and shot.

And their entire turnover is 2% of the GAA's?!? Less than a mid sized LoI club. I knew they were small, but yowzer.

I may be late to all this but surely there were milestones in all this?!
Like how did Mary McAleese, Aoife Lane and the others not have any key points whereby things like this needs to be in place by this date?

Surely they must have known years ago that nothing was actually taking place? Like could they not have asked for updates during this time?

I read through some of the updates on GAA.ie and there doesn't seem to be anything concrete.

For what's it's worth things likes insurance, comms and marketing could easily have neem synched up already in terms of staffing.

I didn't hear the women making the tea for the men comment, but it's mostly men who coach and train women's teams and are often on club and county executives, but that rarely gets mentioned...

From Coaching and Coach Education in Gaelic Games: A Benchmark Report (2022) - GAA, Camogie and LGFA - 10,400 participants

The coaches that participated in this survey were predominantly male (79%), aged between 25 and 54 (85.7%), and experienced, with 89.8% having more than five years' coaching experience.

Coaches in Gaelic games reported being very active: 39.8% coach two or more Gaelic games codes. A significant majority of coaches engage in coaching on multiple days each week (78.3%).

Lavey. Slaughtneil, Glen etc seem to be fit to work round all their teams at all levels. If theres a will it can happen. No reason girls fball and camogie cant be on before NFL aund championship games on a regularly basis.

Quote from: Wildweasel74 on September 10, 2026, 06:04:53 PMLavey. Slaughtneil, Glen etc seem to be fit o work round all their teams at all levels. If theres a will it can happen. No reason girls fball and camogie cant be on before NFL aund championship games on a regularly basis.

Yep you're right, if there's one thing that both GAA pitches and spectators need in January and February it's double headers amongst the pissing rain and freezing damp.

"Where there's a will" might work. It might. Blind optimism and sheer impracticality though, those are the things that inevitably end up in communication and ownership problems that were all predictable, and culminate in women shouting about "misogyny" while men are left scratching their heads.

And whats wrong April to July in the championship?

Quote from: Wildweasel74 on September 10, 2026, 06:29:35 PMAnd whats wrong April to July in the championship?

These are knockout matches. So for a say 2pm GAA throw in on a Sunday, the LGFA match would have to start at 11am. If the first game proceeds to finish up in normal time, it would be done for 12.30pm and the eventual crossover in attendance would be around somewhere enough to fill a minibus.

But you know the one thing that would unite all those pouring through the gate at 1.45pm? It would be a genuine hatred for the GAA (not LGFA) for charging a double header ticket price.

Why it have to be early, minor games were on before these senior games for many years. They already charge u a double header price, they didnt drop the price suddenly when the minor games stopped.

Parts of the integration are already in place.

All three orgs use foireann to manage memberships etc, so there has been movement behind the scenes, but it needs to be staggered.

A lot of clubs are one club integrations already, so the next logical step would have been at county board level, with a few pilot counties going first to work out the structures, highlight any issues, but going by the document shared there would still be "sub committees" dedicated to each code headed up by a Vice chairperson with one county chairperson.

Build from there, work out the pain points and address them. The interprovincial side and corporate side could come later, but finance is the big elephant in the room and both the LGFA and CA need to be honest and realistic about that side of it.

Quote from: thewobbler on September 10, 2026, 07:09:58 PM

Quote from: Wildweasel74 on September 10, 2026, 06:29:35 PMAnd whats wrong April to July in the championship?

These are knockout matches. So for a say 2pm GAA throw in on a Sunday, the LGFA match would have to start at 11am. If the first game proceeds to finish up in normal time, it would be done for 12.30pm and the eventual crossover in attendance would be around somewhere enough to fill a minibus.

But you know the one thing that would unite all those pouring through the gate at 1.45pm? It would be a genuine hatred for the GAA (not LGFA) for charging a double header ticket price.

Well said. So many people scream for double headers without realising the practicalities involved. To answer the follow up poster - the reason the first game would have to be so early is to allow for the possibility of extra time/penalties.

Double headers with the weather we tend to get (certainly in the west) are not great for even the best pitches.

An additional consideration (which very few consider) is that in such a scenario stewards would arrive 90 minutes before the first game. So you're asking volunteers to be there from 9.30am to some time after 4pm.

Finally - and despite the clamour - in practice very few people will go to both games.

In my experience if there is an intercounty hurling football double header and yhe hurling is second the football people will leave after the football.

You have to run the minority sport first.

Quote from: seafoid on September 11, 2026, 09:13:34 AMIn my experience if there is an intercounty hurling football double header and yhe hurling is second the football people will leave after the football.

You have to run the minority sport first.

Unless it's Cork lol

Quote from: johnnycool on September 11, 2026, 08:23:34 AMthe big elephant in the room and both the LGFA and CA need to be honest and realistic about that side of it.

Out of curiosity, is there any suggestion that they are unrealistic about it?

They haven't a leg to stand on on that front. The men's game will subsidise the ladies' from top to bottom. I think that's pretty clear to everyone.

Tom Parsons solution in todays Irish news to the financial log jam is to amalgamate county minor and u20 squads into one age grade.

It's an article worth reading just for the sheer brass neck of the attitude.

For those at the back - the GPA is a trade union for inter county senior players. They don't care about Gaelic games.

Quote from: BigGreenField on September 11, 2026, 10:13:49 AMTom Parsons solution in todays Irish news to the financial log jam is to amalgamate county minor and u20 squads into one age grade.

It's an article worth reading just for the sheer brass neck of the attitude.

For those at the back - the GPA is a trade union for inter county senior players. They don't care about Gaelic games.

I saw him on some show like OTB in the last couple of days talking about equity and it was so disingenuous. Accepting that Limerick hurlers should get more than Donegal hurlers despite the fact his organisations have vehemently fought otherwise for decades. All mens intercounty teams are treated the same under the GAA/GPA agreements. The GPA get 15% of all the GAA's commercial income. The madness has to end and if it isn't addressed before integration when will it be?

Quote from: BigGreenField on September 11, 2026, 10:13:49 AMTom Parsons solution in todays Irish news to the financial log jam is to amalgamate county minor and u20 squads into one age grade.

It's an article worth reading just for the sheer brass neck of the attitude.

For those at the back - the GPA is a trade union for inter county senior players. They don't care about Gaelic games.

That's mental stuff.
What are 18 year olds supposed to do for 2 years? This is the exact age many drop off when part time jobs, uni etc get in the way.

the amount of feminists that couldn't wait to stick the boot into the GAA this week and cry Misogny was quite shocking tbh. the only good thing is most of them will move onto their next target soon enough.

Quote from: tyroneStatto on September 11, 2026, 10:27:08 AMthe amount of feminists that couldn't wait to stick the boot into the GAA this week and cry Misogny was quite shocking tbh. the only good thing is most of them will move onto their next target soon enough.

While it may not be the cause of this current car crash, it is an issue. Clubs out there who will prioritise juvemile male teams over senior female teams. A lot of clubs have made a lot of progress however it isn't universal.

Quote from: Armagh18 on September 11, 2026, 09:21:57 AM

Quote from: seafoid on September 11, 2026, 09:13:34 AMIn my experience if there is an intercounty hurling football double header and yhe hurling is second the football people will leave after the football.

You have to run the minority sport first.

Unless it's Cork lol

True.
Last year in de Páirc 19,000 left after Cork v Kilkenny NHL game as we tried to get in to see the NFL game.
Most of the rest left by half time.

Quote from: gallsman on September 11, 2026, 09:48:38 AM

Quote from: johnnycool on September 11, 2026, 08:23:34 AMthe big elephant in the room and both the LGFA and CA need to be honest and realistic about that side of it.

Out of curiosity, is there any suggestion that they are unrealistic about it?

They haven't a leg to stand on on that front. The men's game will subsidise the ladies' from top to bottom. I think that's pretty clear to everyone.

Watch Aishlinn Thompsons interview I posted earlier.

It's clear she wants intercounty camogs to have the same funding, benefits and grants as hurlers and footballers without bringing the same income to the pot of money.

Should Down hurlers get the same funding as the Down footballers, my answer is no and they are probably pretty well looked after in terms of what the bring in to the pot already.

That's not misogyny, that's reality.

Quote from: tyroneStatto on September 11, 2026, 10:27:08 AMthe amount of feminists that couldn't wait to stick the boot into the GAA this week and cry Misogny was quite shocking tbh. the only good thing is most of them will move onto their next target soon enough.

The GAA managed this message badly. Equality as per the plan is too expensive, so no equality. It's obvious what the headline would be.

"Should Down hurlers get the same funding as the Down footballers, my answer is no...."

Do the hurlers not put in the same effort and time?
Neither are at the top table in League or Championship.

Quote from: johnnycool on September 11, 2026, 12:03:30 PM

Quote from: gallsman on September 11, 2026, 09:48:38 AM

Quote from: johnnycool on September 11, 2026, 08:23:34 AMthe big elephant in the room and both the LGFA and CA need to be honest and realistic about that side of it.

Out of curiosity, is there any suggestion that they are unrealistic about it?

They haven't a leg to stand on on that front. The men's game will subsidise the ladies' from top to bottom. I think that's pretty clear to everyone.

Watch Aishlinn Thompsons interview I posted earlier.

It's clear she wants intercounty camogs to have the same funding, benefits and grants as hurlers and footballers without bringing the same income to the pot of money.

Should Down hurlers get the same funding as the Down footballers, my answer is no and they are probably pretty well looked after in terms of what the bring in to the pot already.

That's not misogyny, that's reality.

I get that, but I mean is there any suggestion from either the LGFA or Camogie that they're bringing an equal share to the party? I don't think anyone's arguing that.

In order to achieve equity and/or equality to women's gaelic games, there is no question that the legacy GAA will have to subsidise it. I don't think it's unreasonable for women who put in the same effort in terms of training, coaching, travelling etc to not want to be left out of pocket any more then their male counterparts. Where the money comes from is a different question entirely.

Nobody will ever use the term, but there is an element of "reparations" about things. The GAA is in the dominant financial position it is relative to the order two because it has 140 years of history, in a society where, for the majority of that period, women's sport was of, at best, little import to all but a tiny minority. The LGFA and Camogie have their own institutional and governance issues, but "the GAA is class and makes loads of money and you're both shit because, well, you're shit" is a bit reductive.

Just as a point of order folks.

If the stumbling block (or major stumbling block) is that ladies believe they should receive exactly the same benefits as men, then it's not equality they're after: it's egalitarianism.

The difference being:

Equality is when everyone is given the some opportunity, regardless of their background or personal situation.

Egalitarianism is when everyone is given the same outcome, regardless of their effort or achievement.

And I'd ask that people here try to understand and accept this. And if what they want to see happen is egalitarianism, then use that word.

——

Footnote: Egalitarianism is a lovely concept but in reality it does not work at any level, in any discipline or endeavour. You'll find no successful examples of it working in history. High providers and high achievers just pick up their things and leave, and take those who understand and accept this, with them.

Quote from: Rossfan on September 11, 2026, 01:21:39 PM"Should Down hurlers get the same funding as the Down footballers, my answer is no...."

Do the hurlers not put in the same effort and time?
Neither are at the top table in League or Championship.

You might not know our county well. But we have approximately 10 serious hurling clubs and approximately 30 serious football clubs.

Which innately brings along a few facts of life:

It's roughly 3 times more difficult to become a county footballer than a county hurler, in Down.

Football's reach (support interest base) in terms of leadership, marketing, communications, sponsorship is roughly threefold.

So when you wonder if hurlers in our county put in the same effort it's a valid question. But it's a heavily loaded question too. For without the money brought in by football's extended reach, those hurlers who want to invest their lives into getting better at an amateur sport, would likely have a different set of challenges each year.

Quote from: gallsman on September 11, 2026, 01:33:14 PM

Quote from: johnnycool on September 11, 2026, 12:03:30 PM

Quote from: gallsman on September 11, 2026, 09:48:38 AM

Quote from: johnnycool on September 11, 2026, 08:23:34 AMthe big elephant in the room and both the LGFA and CA need to be honest and realistic about that side of it.

Out of curiosity, is there any suggestion that they are unrealistic about it?

They haven't a leg to stand on on that front. The men's game will subsidise the ladies' from top to bottom. I think that's pretty clear to everyone.

Watch Aishlinn Thompsons interview I posted earlier.

It's clear she wants intercounty camogs to have the same funding, benefits and grants as hurlers and footballers without bringing the same income to the pot of money.

Should Down hurlers get the same funding as the Down footballers, my answer is no and they are probably pretty well looked after in terms of what the bring in to the pot already.

That's not misogyny, that's reality.

I get that, but I mean is there any suggestion from either the LGFA or Camogie that they're bringing an equal share to the party? I don't think anyone's arguing that.

In order to achieve equity and/or equality to women's gaelic games, there is no question that the legacy GAA will have to subsidise it. I don't think it's unreasonable for women who put in the same effort in terms of training, coaching, travelling etc to not want to be left out of pocket any more then their male counterparts. Where the money comes from is a different question entirely.

Nobody will ever use the term, but there is an element of "reparations" about things. The GAA is in the dominant financial position it is relative to the order two because it has 140 years of history, in a society where, for the majority of that period, women's sport was of, at best, little import to all but a tiny minority. The LGFA and Camogie have their own institutional and governance issues, but "the GAA is class and makes loads of money and you're both shit because, well, you're shit" is a bit reductive.

It is indeed a bit reductive.

But it's also reductive to assume that those institutional and governance issues will not haunt, absolutely haunt, this merger, if not addressed in advance.

I'll give you the case of any career county board official, up and down the country. He / she is likely to have a strong inclination towards either football or hurling, hence they are willing to freely give up their time to help administer their preferred sport. They'll accept, partly because they're Gaels, and partly because it has always been the case, that this means working with and facilitating hurling / football (whichever doesn't float their boat).

The life of this volunteer was poised to change quite heftily, up until this week. Those same logistical challenges were about to double, and his / her influence was about to halve.

More meetings, more aggravation, more stress, and all likely to be underlined with accusations of misogyny at every turn.

This merger was always going to be fraught beyond words at a county board level.

It would be reductive to think there are enough people in any county to happily split their time and interests and preferences 4 ways.

Sorry to be coming at this again, but the reason we are all talking about this is because of who stepped down from a committee and the others reacting to that.

How much expenses were claimed by that group with zero outcome. How can you sit as a chair of something with zero goals and milestones? Surely you must know nothing is happening?!

Then they need a change expert? So be it, but are they allowed point out that most clubs and county boards have serviceable loans that are in the name of the GAA.

As we are talking about equity, will the LGFA and Camogie be asked to buy a share in centres of excellence, etc?

Quote from: Rossfan on September 11, 2026, 01:21:39 PM"Should Down hurlers get the same funding as the Down footballers, my answer is no...."

Do the hurlers not put in the same effort and time?
Neither are at the top table in League or Championship.

They probably do, but if they get attendances of a couple of hundred at best as opposed to a couple of thousand to a football game then expectations need to be lower.

I'm not entirely sure how for instance the national league gate receipts are divvied out, I'd not expect Down hurlers to be getting the same as Cork hurlers, or Dublin footballers, would you?

Why would a Cork camog expect to get the same benefits as their hurlers irrespective of how much effort they put in.

It's the same principle.

On your point Wobbler, I've consistently told our county board delegate (and current Down CC delegate) that Sean O'g would be better off retiring as this amalgamation at Co board level will be an unmitigated disaster knowing how Down Camogie board operate.

This can go so wrong on so many levels and it won't be misogyny to blame, it's a huge undertaking.

Hold on. Are we talking about the gate share county boards get or individual players?

So the Down footballer gets x milage and three square means a day, the hurler x/2 and one and a half?

I seen Slaughtneil senior 6 weeks ago playing Bellaghy down on the bottom pitch. While the main top pitch was used for a ladies minor/U16 game, so they fit to work round the multitude of teams they have.

A lot of teams in the country don't have a second pitch to have that luxury, but seems like an absolute necessity now for any club, maybe even a third in some cases.

Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on September 11, 2026, 03:13:46 PMHold on. Are we talking about the gate share county boards get or individual players?

So the Down footballer gets x milage and three square means a day, the hurler x/2 and one and a half?

A bit of everything.
If the ladies want equity, equality or egalitarianism as Wobbler pointed out, then the money each CB has to invest in it's county teams has to come from it's own revenue streams and if they're getting a bigger slice of league and championship revenues that'll filter down to the county players, development squads etc.

They get the same mileage (well up North is different to the southern rates, most due to our benefit in kind laws being different) but they don't get three square meals a day unlike the Dublin footballers, if that's what you are asking.
I'd doubt the Down footballers get 3 square meals a day. Friar Tucks couldn't keep up to that.

Quote from: thewobbler on September 11, 2026, 02:10:11 PM

Quote from: gallsman on September 11, 2026, 01:33:14 PM

Quote from: johnnycool on September 11, 2026, 12:03:30 PM

Quote from: gallsman on September 11, 2026, 09:48:38 AM

Quote from: johnnycool on September 11, 2026, 08:23:34 AMthe big elephant in the room and both the LGFA and CA need to be honest and realistic about that side of it.

Out of curiosity, is there any suggestion that they are unrealistic about it?

They haven't a leg to stand on on that front. The men's game will subsidise the ladies' from top to bottom. I think that's pretty clear to everyone.

Watch Aishlinn Thompsons interview I posted earlier.

It's clear she wants intercounty camogs to have the same funding, benefits and grants as hurlers and footballers without bringing the same income to the pot of money.

Should Down hurlers get the same funding as the Down footballers, my answer is no and they are probably pretty well looked after in terms of what the bring in to the pot already.

That's not misogyny, that's reality.

I get that, but I mean is there any suggestion from either the LGFA or Camogie that they're bringing an equal share to the party? I don't think anyone's arguing that.

In order to achieve equity and/or equality to women's gaelic games, there is no question that the legacy GAA will have to subsidise it. I don't think it's unreasonable for women who put in the same effort in terms of training, coaching, travelling etc to not want to be left out of pocket any more then their male counterparts. Where the money comes from is a different question entirely.

Nobody will ever use the term, but there is an element of "reparations" about things. The GAA is in the dominant financial position it is relative to the order two because it has 140 years of history, in a society where, for the majority of that period, women's sport was of, at best, little import to all but a tiny minority. The LGFA and Camogie have their own institutional and governance issues, but "the GAA is class and makes loads of money and you're both shit because, well, you're shit" is a bit reductive.

It is indeed a bit reductive.

But it's also reductive to assume that those institutional and governance issues will not haunt, absolutely haunt, this merger, if not addressed in advance.

I'll give you the case of any career county board official, up and down the country. He / she is likely to have a strong inclination towards either football or hurling, hence they are willing to freely give up their time to help administer their preferred sport. They'll accept, partly because they're Gaels, and partly because it has always been the case, that this means working with and facilitating hurling / football (whichever doesn't float their boat).

The life of this volunteer was poised to change quite heftily, up until this week. Those same logistical challenges were about to double, and his / her influence was about to halve.

More meetings, more aggravation, more stress, and all likely to be underlined with accusations of misogyny at every turn.

This merger was always going to be fraught beyond words at a county board level.

It would be reductive to think there are enough people in any county to happily split their time and interests and preferences 4 ways.

I don't disagree with any of that. For wont of a better word, there will be "casualties" at all levels up and down the country at all levels.

Quote from: gallsman on September 11, 2026, 01:33:14 PMNobody will ever use the term, but there is an element of "reparations" about things. The GAA is in the dominant financial position it is relative to the order two because it has 140 years of history, in a society where, for the majority of that period, women's sport was of, at best, little import to all but a tiny minority. The LGFA and Camogie have their own institutional and governance issues, but "the GAA is class and makes loads of money and you're both shit because, well, you're shit" is a bit reductive.

The problem is, its still a tiny minority with no prospect (at least that I can see) of that changing any time soon.

People fervently wishing otherwise does not change reality.

Quote from: thewobbler on September 11, 2026, 02:10:11 PMIt is indeed a bit reductive.

But it's also reductive to assume that those institutional and governance issues will not haunt, absolutely haunt, this merger, if not addressed in advance.

I'll give you the case of any career county board official, up and down the country. He / she is likely to have a strong inclination towards either football or hurling, hence they are willing to freely give up their time to help administer their preferred sport. They'll accept, partly because they're Gaels, and partly because it has always been the case, that this means working with and facilitating hurling / football (whichever doesn't float their boat).

The life of this volunteer was poised to change quite heftily, up until this week. Those same logistical challenges were about to double, and his / her influence was about to halve.

More meetings, more aggravation, more stress, and all likely to be underlined with accusations of misogyny at every turn.

This merger was always going to be fraught beyond words at a county board level.

It would be reductive to think there are enough people in any county to happily split their time and interests and preferences 4 ways.

Absolutely spot on.

Put far clearer than my own attempt back on post #82 (https://gaaboard.com/board/index.php?msg=2426112).

Fella in the club has 2 daughters, in his own words, if I'd boys I'd be the main man within underage and coaching about here, but I don't so I'm not getting involved

Same fella rejected the proposal to bring Roisin Jordan in as a guest speaker to the dinner dance when the first female chair of a GAA county board cus 'no-one wants to listen to a woman'

A complete cretin (and piece of shit taboot)

Other side of the coin, 31/32 LGFA county teams are managed by men, I'd like to ask where are the great women of Oireland to redress this imbalance, are they all at home washing kits for men as we've been led to believe this week?

Its a clusterfuck of a topic, if I was Derek Kent I'd tell the LGFA and CA to merge and seek a merger with the GAA thereafter (knowing it would never happen), the GAA is under no obligation to merge with hostile partners, ironically a lot of that hostility is driven by the GPA, they really are a deluded bunch, gold standard mé féiners, and need put back in their box which I have every confidence DK will make a priority, that and the unearthing invoices for the Kenya trip

Quote from: tiempo on September 11, 2026, 05:01:58 PMFella in the club has 2 daughters, in his own words, if I'd boys I'd be the main man within underage and coaching about here, but I don't so I'm not getting involved

Same fella rejected the proposal to bring Roisin Jordan in as a guest speaker to the dinner dance when the first female chair of a GAA county board cus 'no-one wants to listen to a woman'

A complete cretin (and piece of shit taboot)

Other side of the coin, 31/32 LGFA county teams are managed by men, I'd like to ask where are the great women of Oireland to redress this imbalance, are they all at home washing kits for men as we've been led to believe this week?

Its a clusterfuck of a topic, if I was Derek Kent I'd tell the LGFA and CA to merge and seek a merger with the GAA thereafter (knowing it would never happen), the GAA is under no obligation to merge with hostile partners, ironically a lot of that hostility is driven by the GPA, they really are a deluded bunch, gold standard mé féiners, and need put back in their box which I have every confidence DK will make a priority, that and the unearthing invoices for the Kenya trip

I don't get this? He's a cretin, evident to see. What arguement does it support? That there are c***ts everywhere in the GAA? If so, absolutely the are, and they should be called out. What if his daughters showed interest in Gaelic sports? They'd be denied the opportunity within their own home, never mind the club purely for the fact they're girls.

Quote from: tiempo on September 11, 2026, 05:01:58 PMIts a clusterfuck of a topic, if I was Derek Kent I'd tell the LGFA and CA to merge and seek a merger with the GAA thereafter (knowing it would never happen)

That is a smart suggestion.

As well as getting any initial dirty laundry aired without sexism allegations flying everywhere, it would provide real lessons for any future amalgamation with GAA.

I need to keep asking this. If Dr Mary McAleese was chair of a committee from 2022 and they helped to deliver a timeline in 2024 for what would happen by 2027, surely she had milestones and targets to hit each year.

As a chair of any committee how did she have zero oversight and be taken so aback when the GAA asked for a pause. If something is meant to be locked off in 2027, but no real movement has happened since 2022, that should have been noticed and spoken about before.

And there were others on that steering committee coming on social media and the airwaves who don't seem to have been on top of their brief.

In the past I have played in the 'bottom field' in a beer-belly derby Junior Match while our Senior Camogie women go the top field for a Div 1 game. No remarks past.

Look at the recent BS stories Coin Toss and Skorts with Camogie.

The LGFA disaster match when the pitch was frozen in Parnell Park. And I found this other controversy too from 2020. It was Cork v Galway - God forbid Limerick have the use of their own stadium!

'The Ladies Football Semi-Final has been moved from Limerick to facilitate training for the men. That doesn't sound as though it is equality in action', said the RTE Radio presenter.

Then there's the constant active clashing of club games between the two organisations who are hostile to one another. Let them join together first and go from there.

It was a steering committee. They aren't charged with execution.

Quote from: thewobbler on September 11, 2026, 01:47:53 PMJust as a point of order folks.

If the stumbling block (or major stumbling block) is that ladies believe they should receive exactly the same benefits as men, then it's not equality they're after: it's egalitarianism.

The difference being:

Equality is when everyone is given the some opportunity, regardless of their background or personal situation.

Egalitarianism is when everyone is given the same outcome, regardless of their effort or achievement.

And I'd ask that people here try to understand and accept this. And if what they want to see happen is egalitarianism, then use that word.

——

Footnote: Egalitarianism is a lovely concept but in reality it does not work at any level, in any discipline or endeavour. You'll find no successful examples of it working in history. High providers and high achievers just pick up their things and leave, and take those who understand and accept this, with them.

So when Denise Royle, who was giving her parents £20 for Christmas suggested to her brother Anthony, who was giving £200, that they club together and give a joint present that's egalitarianism

Quote from: Captain Scarlet on September 11, 2026, 05:53:33 PMI need to keep asking this. If Dr Mary McAleese was chair of a committee from 2022 and they helped to deliver a timeline in 2024 for what would happen by 2027, surely she had milestones and targets to hit each year.

As a chair of any committee how did she have zero oversight and be taken so aback when the GAA asked for a pause. If something is meant to be locked off in 2027, but no real movement has happened since 2022, that should have been noticed and spoken about before.

And there were others on that steering committee coming on social media and the airwaves who don't seem to have been on top of their brief.

In the past I have played in the 'bottom field' in a beer-belly derby Junior Match while our Senior Camogie women go the top field for a Div 1 game. No remarks past.

Look at the recent BS stories Coin Toss and Skorts with Camogie.

The LGFA disaster match when the pitch was frozen in Parnell Park. And I found this other controversy too from 2020. It was Cork v Galway - God forbid Limerick have the use of their own stadium!

'The Ladies Football Semi-Final has been moved from Limerick to facilitate training for the men. That doesn't sound as though it is equality in action', said the RTE Radio presenter.

Then there's the constant active clashing of club games between the two organisations who are hostile to one another. Let them join together first and go from there.

I don't see any evidence of milestones and timelines announced until March 2026. Long after the completion date was announced which seems insane to be. Expecting everything to be done in 6 months to go before special congresses was aggressive at best.

A huge amount of overreacting and some clubs and individuals have made real fools out of themselves here. This is absolutely going to happen but - again judging by the wild hysteria of recent days - some people are going to be massively disappointed. The amalgamation of the organisations is only phase 1. Everything people seem to want may never be achieved and it certainly won't be by amalgamation alone. A lot of these blowhards need to get involved and work through the organisation to make things better or stay on the ditch howling at the moon.

Theres an awful stench of toxic feminism and misandry coming from female reps pundits and commentators who have been given the week to platform and boy have they flapped those gums like never before

There will be no hostile takeover of the GAA, the wans that outed themselves this week MMA included have never washed a set of jerseys

Personally I take great pride in the task, seeing it as a burden and trying to weaponise it simply makes you part of the problem

There's a senator talking about a Div 2 Camogie Final and players having to use public toilets and the ref toilet. But surely they had access to dressing rooms.

And tell me this, at county level, when the GAA give a pitch is it not up to the CA to run the event? There's a lot of similar instances being posted online eg lack of access to facilities bar the pitch.

Also the county camogie teams are notorious for dragging opposition teams away from closer pitches. Maybe not a tactic any more, but it was something years ago.

Happily gave free use of the club facilities and pitch to the CA for a final one weekend, set up and all for them, before the final they enquired about a dozen times that the grass was going to be the regulation 19-35mm, then they landed down and one of the reps took a can of spray paint and drew a technical area on the slideline for each teams management, freehand, was like spaghetti, no permission sought just pure entitled as fvck ... it was a learning experience thats for sure

https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/09/12/orla-muldoon-both-men-and-women-built-the-gaa-its-time-women-were-given-equal-treatment/


The development of the GAA into a cultural powerhouse was built on the work of both men and women. But it catered only for men's sports, while happily welcoming the labour of women in non-sporting roles. Just like the invisible work women so often undertake, responsibility for feeding, washing and organising clubs and players; corralling teams and driving to matches up and down the country often falls to women. Today, though women are involved in many roles across the organisation, power – and all of the most important committee positions – remains with men. And the means of making money remains with the GAA.
The visceral loyalty to the GAA, together with the powerful position it has occupied in Irish life, results in serious blind spots. This is often how it works: powerful groups in any society tend to be oblivious to their privilege. They rarely have capture on how their privilege impacts less powerful groups.
By contrast, built on a foreshortened history and reflective of the less powerful position of women in sport, and in Ireland over much of the lifetime of the GAA, the Camogie Association and LGFA come to the integration table as the junior partners, with fewer resources.
For this reason, successful integration requires redistribution of resources. The less advantaged groups require over-investment to bring them up to the level of the more powerful group. Despite how the term has been used and misused by the GAA over the last two days, this is what is actually meant by equity.

It is a recipe for disaster to require the smaller, less resourced parties to fund their own levelling up. It simply will not happen. LGFA and the Camogie Association are historically disadvantaged when it comes to generating resources. To expect that they fund themselves – as Jarlath Burns suggested on Wednesday – is not integration; it is just another way of shirking responsibility for women's sports.
It is a recipe for disaster to requir

his week, Mary McAleese walked away from the steering committee tasked with integrating the GAA, Camogie Association and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA), amid anger and recriminations on both sides.
She described the management committee as "less than impressive" and "lacking in vision"; the GAA president Jarlath Burns asked her to reflect on her remarks, which he described as "offensive".
Her presidency was defined by "building bridges": bringing people together to facilitate rather than force agreement. And therein lies the problem. The GAA clearly will not jump into integration; it will have to be pushed.
───

For a psychologist like me, the GAA offers a heady mix. It is a means through which people can define themselves in terms of club, county and country; friends, place and nation. The GAA isn't just an organisation: for some of us it is part of who we are.

This is a really important detail. Because of this strong identification with the GAA, commentary on an issue relating to the GAA can be taken very personally. A few years ago I wrote a piece for The Irish Times
about the institutional misogyny that lay at the core of the GAA. I soon discovered just how personally that criticism can be taken. My charge against the organisation was interpreted by some men as a personal charge of their own misogyny. They are what is referred to in psychological terms as "highly identified".

But institutional misogyny is, by definition, not a personal accusation. It isn't about individuals; it is about what is baked into the fabric of the organisation's governance, leadership and operational structures. It is the systemic discrimination against women that is built into the rules, daily habits and culture of an organisation or society.
The development of the GAA into a cultural powerhouse was built on the work of both men and women. But it catered only for men's sports, while happily welcoming the labour of women in non-sporting roles. Just like the invisible work women so often undertake, responsibility for feeding, washing and organising clubs and players; corralling teams and driving to matches up and down the country often falls to women. Today, though women are involved in many roles across the organisation, power – and all of the most important committee positions – remains with men. And the means of making money remains with the GAA.
The visceral loyalty to the GAA, together with the powerful position it has occupied in Irish life, results in serious blind spots. This is often how it works: powerful groups in any society tend to be oblivious to their privilege. They rarely have capture on how their privilege impacts less powerful groups.
By contrast, built on a foreshortened history and reflective of the less powerful position of women in sport, and in Ireland over much of the lifetime of the GAA, the Camogie Association and LGFA come to the integration table as the junior partners, with fewer resources.
For this reason, successful integration requires redistribution of resources. The less advantaged groups require over-investment to bring them up to the level of the more powerful group. Despite how the term has been used and misused by the GAA over the last two days, this is what is actually meant by equity.
It is a recipe for disaster to require the smaller, less resourced parties to fund their own levelling up. It simply will not happen. LGFA and the Camogie Association are historically disadvantaged when it comes to generating resources. To expect that they fund themselves – as Jarlath Burns suggested on Wednesday – is not integration; it is just another way of shirking responsibility for women's sports.

There's no doubt that a deep connection and commitment to the Gaelic games and the GAA will be driving the behaviour of those tasked with integration. The integrity of the game, sporting clubs and the organisation will always be their main priority. But protecting the interests of the GAA is orienting the leadership to the financial security of the organisation. Because of their privileged position, they seem unaware of how this orientation is recreating the status quo: a culture that prioritises the participation of men and boys in Gaelic games.

Crucially, the impasse here is about resources. For all the talk of finance, facilities and fixtures, money is by far the most important and has trumped the integration agenda. Women's and girls' participation in Gaelic games is being sidelined in favour of the GAA business model. But stalling integration isn't just damaging to girls' and women's ability to participate in Gaelic games, it undermines the GAA's reputation as an inclusive community organisation.
This will be a hard one for many people, women and men, to swallow. It will ultimately undermine their allegiance to an organisation that they have held dear. This debacle isn't about the integration of Gaelic games; it is about the heart and soul of the GAA.

Whilst I agree with much of Orla's analysis, I really don't like how she has over egged a negative emphasis on the GAA's "business model".

Here's the fundamental point she is (perhaps willingly) missing: somewhere between 99.5 and 99.9% of all camogie matches and LGFA places that have ever been played, were only able to take place because of the GAA's "business model" created the pitches and stadiums to house those games.

Yep, 1 Camogie pitch and no LGFA pitches.
Yet an awful lot of "one club models" seem to operate pretty well.

Home come Soccer or Rugby doesn't have this problem?

Are there 3 Rugby or 3  soccer independent organisations?

Remember when the GAA excommunicated the Masters who had to start their own association, how many female allies went to war with the GAA for these legends?

I think we need a Gaelic Players Jersey Washers Association

Quote from: tiempo on September 12, 2026, 04:48:28 PMRemember when the GAA excommunicated the Masters who had to start their own association, how many female allies went to war with the GAA for these legends?

I think we need a Gaelic Players Jersey Washers Association

Did they? Has that since been resolved?

GMA (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaelic_Masters_Association), men looking an excuse to play getting on with it

Quote from: From the Bunker on September 12, 2026, 04:03:30 PMHome come Soccer or Rugby doesn't have this problem?

. In England there were womens soccer teams in the 1920s

There was a misogynistic backlash in the 30s and women were banned from sport and it lasted until the 70s for international sport like rugby and soccer/football.

FAI ladies team started 1973 and rugby international ladies was 1992.They integrated women into existing systems.

Camogie and LGFA developed outside the GAA.

Camogie started in 1905 and never stopped, unlike soccer and rugby. There are 536 clubs and 100,000 players. It's bigger than Rugby ladies and it is probably bigger than FAI ladies.

And there is more money involved because of Croke Park and because of the numbers.

I thought the driver of it was access to pitches.

It's a bit like West Germany and East Germany.

I think the golden goose will rented out more often.

A way will be found to make this work.

The existing infrastructure hasn't really been paid for by the GAA. It has, by and large, been paid for by Gaels. And ultimately it will be there for the future sons AND daughters of gaels.

• https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2026/09/09/mary-mcaleeses-fiery-resignation-leaves-gaa-roadmap-to-integration-in-tatters/

It was going to take something remarkable for the dial to move from Croke Park hosting the most celebrated event in the history of Irish women's sport to, just five days later, the GAA president appearing on the national airwaves defending the association against accusations of misogyny.
But if Katie Taylor brought the stadium to its feet on Saturday night, Mary McAleese effectively took the legs out from under those within its corridors of power when she stood down as chair of the Steering Group on Integration (SGI) on Tuesday.
McAleese's blistering comments on the GAA leadership had the potential to leave such a trail of destruction that GAA director general Tom Ryan and president Jarlath Burns were left with no option on Wednesday but to pop on their hard hats and get busy firefighting.
The Irish Times has seen the paper Ryan presented to the SGI on Monday in which he outlines the GAA's request to "pause" the direction of travel.

'If Mary McAleese is disgusted by lack of progress ... take heed': GAA clubs on grassroots integratio
───

'I

In it, Ryan states: "As the process moves into the next phase, this may be an appropriate moment to pause, reflect and reframe what we mean by integration and what we ultimately want it to achieve.
"At the heart of this should be a focus on equity rather than simply equality.
"Integration does not necessarily mean treating every part of the association in the same way from the outset. The three associations come to integration from different starting points, with different structures, resources, capacities and challenges. Recognising those differences is important if integration is to deliver fair and sustainable outcomes.
"An equitable approach acknowledges that different supports, resources or approaches may be required in different areas to achieve a genuinely integrated association."
 GAA president Jarlath Burns with GAA director general Tom Ryan. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Such noises have been emanating from the GAA for several months now, with a general acceptance within the association that the 2027 deadline for integration was simply not achievable.
However, with McAleese resolutely sticking to the deadline of April next year, it was clear the parties were heading for a showdown as October approached, at which point the three organisations were each expected to hold a special congress to vote through measures on integration.
[ Mary McAleese may have done the GAA a favour by burning the boatsOpens in new window ]
The latter part of the GAA's correspondence to the SGI was enough to convince McAleese to resign as chair.
"Integration should be viewed as a process rather than a single organisational change or a fixed end date," Ryan added.
"We now need to build on the impressive work undertaken by the SGI to date and derive a clear, detailed and phased plan over the next five years to achieve it."
So, what are the main stumbling blocks? The three fs of finance, facilities and fixtures have previously been highlighted, but after the latest developments there are perhaps a couple more fs to be negotiated en route to integration.
Finance
Without question this is the biggest issue. The GAA have, in particular, been using the example of intercounty team costs as a red flag when it comes to the equalisation of funding. The cost for preparing GAA intercounty teams in 2025 increased by €1 million to €45 million. It is expected to rise again when the 2026 figures are tallied. The GAA have been struggling to contain the runaway train of intercounty costs and at congress in February, delegates supported the introduction of a high-performance licence that would police that spending. In terms of equality, the GAA have been using that €45-million figure as a blunt instrument, claiming integration would see costs rise to €90 million in order to bring in women's intercounty teams. "We just simply cannot sustain that," said Burns.
Facilities
Facilities is a never-ending issue for clubs of every sport right across the country, so this is not a new challenge for the GAA, LGFA or Camogie Association. However, with the ownership of club grounds under the auspices of the GAA, the majority do not have adequate resources for all. In an equal association, an upgrade/expansion of facilities would be required.
Fixtures
Like many of the issues, this is not an insurmountable problem, but it is a complex one. As stand-alone organisations, the LGFA and Camogie Association have found it difficult to avoid fixture clashes, and it has often created bad feeling within certain counties. Add the GAA to the mix and then you have three organisations vying for largely the same time slots at the same venues on the same days. In the name of equality, sacrifices would need to be made.
Figuring out who's in charge
With fear of the unknown also comes the politics of power – what will the organisational structure of the new association look like? What will the composition of its boards be? How will authority be delegated? What will be the powers of congress? How long will the term of the president last? In a 60-40 split of a current board of say 20 individuals, 12 would remain on from the GAA side of the house, four would come from camogie and four from women's football. But that, in theory, would mean eight people currently on the boards would have to step aside.
Federation model
The concept of adopting a federal model has gained traction over recent months, and there are some in the GAA who believe this would be a more effective framework, facilitating a gradual integration. However, the idea has been met with resistance from others. In a federation model, each organisation would maintain its independence while operating collectively within an overarching association. And crucially, it would see each organisation manage their own budgets.Such noises have been emanating from the GAA for several months now, with a general acceptance within the association that the 2027 deadline for integration was simply not achievable.
However, with McAleese resolutely sticking to the deadline of April next year, it was clear the parties were heading for a showdown as October approached, at which point the three organisations were each expected to hold a special congress to vote through measures on integration.
[ Mary McAleese may have done the GAA a favour by burning the boatsOpens in new window ]
The latter part of the GAA's correspondence to the SGI was enough to convince McAleese to resign as chair.
"Integration should be viewed as a process rather than a single organisational change or a fixed end date," Ryan added.

Such noises have been emanating from the GAA for several months now, with a general acceptance within the association that the 2027 deadline for integration was simply not achievable.
However, with McAleese resolutely sticking to the deadline of April next year, it was clear the parties were heading for a showdown as October approached, at which point the three organisations were each expected to hold a special congress to vote through measures on integration.

The GAA then wrote to the SGI on Monday formally seeking to pause the process and push out the target date by possibly up to five years. The correspondence proved one obstacle too many for McAleese.

I was shocked to hear the current president of the GAA [Jarlath Burns] say [in correspondence] that, in fact, he didn't really support the idea, having supported it up to now at all our meetings, but that he was in favour of federation.
"Honestly, somewhere in recent months, the leadership is not evident and the commitment to integration has evaporated, in my view."


The latter part of the GAA's correspondence to the SGI was enough to convince McAleese to resign as chair.
"Integration should be viewed as a process rather than a single organisational change or a fixed end date," Ryan added.
"We now need to build on the impressive work undertaken by the SGI to date and derive a clear, detailed and phased plan over the next five years to achieve it."
So, what are the main stumbling blocks? The three fs of finance, facilities and fixtures have previously been highlighted, but after the latest developments there are perhaps a couple more fs to be negotiated en route to integration.
Finance
Without question this is the biggest issue. The GAA have, in particular, been using the example of intercounty team costs as a red flag when it comes to the equalisation of funding. The cost for preparing GAA intercounty teams in 2025 increased by €1 million to €45 million. It is expected to rise again when the 2026 figures are tallied. The GAA have been struggling to contain the runaway train of intercounty costs and at congress in February, delegates supported the introduction of a high-performance licence that would police that spending. In terms of equality, the GAA have been using that €45-million figure as a blunt instrument, claiming integration would see costs rise to €90 million in order to bring in women's intercounty teams. "We just simply cannot sustain that," said Burns.
Facilities
Facilities is a never-ending issue for clubs of every sport right across the country, so this is not a new challenge for the GAA, LGFA or Camogie Association. However, with the ownership of club grounds under the auspices of the GAA, the majority do not have adequate resources for all. In an equal association, an upgrade/expansion of facilities would be required.
Fixtures
Like many of the issues, this is not an insurmountable problem, but it is a complex one. As stand-alone organisations, the LGFA and Camogie Association have found it difficult to avoid fixture clashes, and it has often created bad feeling within certain counties. Add the GAA to the mix and then you have three organisations vying for largely the same time slots at the same venues on the same days. In the name of equality, sacrifices would need to be made.
Figuring out who's in charge
With fear of the unknown also comes the politics of power – what will the organisational structure of the new association look like? What will the composition of its boards be? How will authority be delegated? What will be the powers of congress? How long will the term of the president last? In a 60-40 split of a current board of say 20 individuals, 12 would remain on from the GAA side of the house, four would come from camogie and four from women's football. But that, in theory, would mean eight people currently on the boards would have to step aside.

Federation model
The concept of adopting a federal model has gained traction over recent months, and there are some in the GAA who believe this would be a more effective framework, facilitating a gradual integration. However, the idea has been met with resistance from others. In a federation model, each organisation would maintain its independence while operating collectively within an overarching association. And crucially, it would see each organisation manage their own budgets.

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2026/09/11/if-mary-mcaleese-is-disgusted-by-lack-of-progress-take-heed-gaa-clubs-on-grassroots-integration/

• https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2026/09/09/mary-mcaleeses-fiery-resignation-leaves-gaa-roadmap-to-integration-in-tatters/

It was going to take something remarkable for the dial to move from Croke Park hosting the most celebrated event in the history of Irish women's sport to, just five days later, the GAA president appearing on the national airwaves defending the association against accusations of misogyny.
But if Katie Taylor brought the stadium to its feet on Saturday night, Mary McAleese effectively took the legs out from under those within its corridors of power when she stood down as chair of the Steering Group on Integration (SGI) on Tuesday.
McAleese's blistering comments on the GAA leadership had the potential to leave such a trail of destruction that GAA director general Tom Ryan and president Jarlath Burns were left with no option on Wednesday but to pop on their hard hats and get busy firefighting.
The Irish Times has seen the paper Ryan presented to the SGI on Monday in which he outlines the GAA's request to "pause" the direction of travel.

'If Mary McAleese is disgusted by lack of progress ... take heed': GAA clubs on grassroots integratio
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In it, Ryan states: "As the process moves into the next phase, this may be an appropriate moment to pause, reflect and reframe what we mean by integration and what we ultimately want it to achieve.
"At the heart of this should be a focus on equity rather than simply equality.
"Integration does not necessarily mean treating every part of the association in the same way from the outset. The three associations come to integration from different starting points, with different structures, resources, capacities and challenges. Recognising those differences is important if integration is to deliver fair and sustainable outcomes.
"An equitable approach acknowledges that different supports, resources or approaches may be required in different areas to achieve a genuinely integrated association."
GAA president Jarlath Burns with GAA director general Tom Ryan. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Such noises have been emanating from the GAA for several months now, with a general acceptance within the association that the 2027 deadline for integration was simply not achievable.
However, with McAleese resolutely sticking to the deadline of April next year, it was clear the parties were heading for a showdown as October approached, at which point the three organisations were each expected to hold a special congress to vote through measures on integration.
[ Mary McAleese may have done the GAA a favour by burning the boatsOpens in new window ]
The latter part of the GAA's correspondence to the SGI was enough to convince McAleese to resign as chair.
"Integration should be viewed as a process rather than a single organisational change or a fixed end date," Ryan added.
"We now need to build on the impressive work undertaken by the SGI to date and derive a clear, detailed and phased plan over the next five years to achieve it."
So, what are the main stumbling blocks? The three fs of finance, facilities and fixtures have previously been highlighted, but after the latest developments there are perhaps a couple more fs to be negotiated en route to integration.
Finance
Without question this is the biggest issue. The GAA have, in particular, been using the example of intercounty team costs as a red flag when it comes to the equalisation of funding. The cost for preparing GAA intercounty teams in 2025 increased by €1 million to €45 million. It is expected to rise again when the 2026 figures are tallied. The GAA have been struggling to contain the runaway train of intercounty costs and at congress in February, delegates supported the introduction of a high-performance licence that would police that spending. In terms of equality, the GAA have been using that €45-million figure as a blunt instrument, claiming integration would see costs rise to €90 million in order to bring in women's intercounty teams. "We just simply cannot sustain that," said Burns.
Facilities
Facilities is a never-ending issue for clubs of every sport right across the country, so this is not a new challenge for the GAA, LGFA or Camogie Association. However, with the ownership of club grounds under the auspices of the GAA, the majority do not have adequate resources for all. In an equal association, an upgrade/expansion of facilities would be required.
Fixtures
Like many of the issues, this is not an insurmountable problem, but it is a complex one. As stand-alone organisations, the LGFA and Camogie Association have found it difficult to avoid fixture clashes, and it has often created bad feeling within certain counties. Add the GAA to the mix and then you have three organisations vying for largely the same time slots at the same venues on the same days. In the name of equality, sacrifices would need to be made.
Figuring out who's in charge
With fear of the unknown also comes the politics of power – what will the organisational structure of the new association look like? What will the composition of its boards be? How will authority be delegated? What will be the powers of congress? How long will the term of the president last? In a 60-40 split of a current board of say 20 individuals, 12 would remain on from the GAA side of the house, four would come from camogie and four from women's football. But that, in theory, would mean eight people currently on the boards would have to step aside.
Federation model
The concept of adopting a federal model has gained traction over recent months, and there are some in the GAA who believe this would be a more effective framework, facilitating a gradual integration. However, the idea has been met with resistance from others. In a federation model, each organisation would maintain its independence while operating collectively within an overarching association. And crucially, it would see each organisation manage their own budgets.Such noises have been emanating from the GAA for several months now, with a general acceptance within the association that the 2027 deadline for integration was simply not achievable.
However, with McAleese resolutely sticking to the deadline of April next year, it was clear the parties were heading for a showdown as October approached, at which point the three organisations were each expected to hold a special congress to vote through measures on integration.
[ Mary McAleese may have done the GAA a favour by burning the boatsOpens in new window ]
The latter part of the GAA's correspondence to the SGI was enough to convince McAleese to resign as chair.
"Integration should be viewed as a process rather than a single organisational change or a fixed end date," Ryan added.

Such noises have been emanating from the GAA for several months now, with a general acceptance within the association that the 2027 deadline for integration was simply not achievable.
However, with McAleese resolutely sticking to the deadline of April next year, it was clear the parties were heading for a showdown as October approached, at which point the three organisations were each expected to hold a special congress to vote through measures on integration.

The GAA then wrote to the SGI on Monday formally seeking to pause the process and push out the target date by possibly up to five years. The correspondence proved one obstacle too many for McAleese.

I was shocked to hear the current president of the GAA [Jarlath Burns] say [in correspondence] that, in fact, he didn't really support the idea, having supported it up to now at all our meetings, but that he was in favour of federation.
"Honestly, somewhere in recent months, the leadership is not evident and the commitment to integration has evaporated, in my view."


The latter part of the GAA's correspondence to the SGI was enough to convince McAleese to resign as chair.
"Integration should be viewed as a process rather than a single organisational change or a fixed end date," Ryan added.
"We now need to build on the impressive work undertaken by the SGI to date and derive a clear, detailed and phased plan over the next five years to achieve it."
So, what are the main stumbling blocks? The three fs of finance, facilities and fixtures have previously been highlighted, but after the latest developments there are perhaps a couple more fs to be negotiated en route to integration.
Finance
Without question this is the biggest issue. The GAA have, in particular, been using the example of intercounty team costs as a red flag when it comes to the equalisation of funding. The cost for preparing GAA intercounty teams in 2025 increased by €1 million to €45 million. It is expected to rise again when the 2026 figures are tallied. The GAA have been struggling to contain the runaway train of intercounty costs and at congress in February, delegates supported the introduction of a high-performance licence that would police that spending. In terms of equality, the GAA have been using that €45-million figure as a blunt instrument, claiming integration would see costs rise to €90 million in order to bring in women's intercounty teams. "We just simply cannot sustain that," said Burns.
Facilities
Facilities is a never-ending issue for clubs of every sport right across the country, so this is not a new challenge for the GAA, LGFA or Camogie Association. However, with the ownership of club grounds under the auspices of the GAA, the majority do not have adequate resources for all. In an equal association, an upgrade/expansion of facilities would be required.
Fixtures
Like many of the issues, this is not an insurmountable problem, but it is a complex one. As stand-alone organisations, the LGFA and Camogie Association have found it difficult to avoid fixture clashes, and it has often created bad feeling within certain counties. Add the GAA to the mix and then you have three organisations vying for largely the same time slots at the same venues on the same days. In the name of equality, sacrifices would need to be made.
Figuring out who's in charge
With fear of the unknown also comes the politics of power – what will the organisational structure of the new association look like? What will the composition of its boards be? How will authority be delegated? What will be the powers of congress? How long will the term of the president last? In a 60-40 split of a current board of say 20 individuals, 12 would remain on from the GAA side of the house, four would come from camogie and four from women's football. But that, in theory, would mean eight people currently on the boards would have to step aside.

Federation model
The concept of adopting a federal model has gained traction over recent months, and there are some in the GAA who believe this would be a more effective framework, facilitating a gradual integration. However, the idea has been met with resistance from others. In a federation model, each organisation would maintain its independence while operating collectively within an overarching association. And crucially, it would see each organisation manage their own budgets.

McAleese resigned from the same committee in December 2025, then reinstated herself a few weeks later, MMA (and the GPA) are on a crusade, this latest stunt is timed to cause the maximum inconvence to Derek Kent the inbound President who is going to put the clamp on the GPAs notions of a magic money tree. Don't be surprised as well if MMA has an autobiography out just in time for Christmas with this conveniently landing just in time to coincide with a top seller dash

Quote from: seafoid on September 13, 2026, 12:54:19 PM

Quote from: From the Bunker on September 12, 2026, 04:03:30 PMHome come Soccer or Rugby doesn't have this problem?

. In England there were womens soccer teams in the 1920s

There was a misogynistic backlash in the 30s and women were banned from sport and it lasted until the 70s for international sport like rugby and soccer/football.

FAI ladies team started 1973 and rugby international ladies was 1992.They integrated women into existing systems.

Camogie and LGFA developed outside the GAA.

Camogie started in 1905 and never stopped, unlike soccer and rugby. There are 536 clubs and 100,000 players. It's bigger than Rugby ladies and it is probably bigger than FAI ladies.

And there is more money involved because of Croke Park and because of the numbers.

I thought the driver of it was access to pitches.

It's a bit like West Germany and East Germany.

I think the golden goose will rented out more often.

I would seriously question those camogie numbers. Are you suggesting there are the same amount of camogie players as hurlers?

I know you find it difficult to accept / understand / believe how successful Gaelic Games are BB2.

But factor this in:

It's pretty much impossible for a club in any GAA code to continue to exist, if it has an active playing membership of less than 100. Anything less makes it very difficult to complete the standard cycle of 6 x juvenile age groups, then adult. No club can afford to lose 2 cycles in a row.


It won't take you long to get close to 100,000 once you start counting like this.

Quote from: thewobbler on September 13, 2026, 06:37:41 PMI know you find it difficult to accept / understand / believe how successful Gaelic Games are BB2.

But factor this in:

It's pretty much impossible for a club in any GAA code to continue to exist, if it has an active playing membership of less than 100. Anything less makes it very difficult to complete the standard cycle of 6 x juvenile age groups, then adult. No club can afford to lose 2 cycles in a row.


It won't take you long to get close to 100,000 once you start counting like this.

I don't believe camogie has the same amount of players as hurling.

Just don't

Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on September 13, 2026, 06:25:39 PM

Quote from: seafoid on September 13, 2026, 12:54:19 PM

Quote from: From the Bunker on September 12, 2026, 04:03:30 PMHome come Soccer or Rugby doesn't have this problem?

. In England there were womens soccer teams in the 1920s

There was a misogynistic backlash in the 30s and women were banned from sport and it lasted until the 70s for international sport like rugby and soccer/football.

FAI ladies team started 1973 and rugby international ladies was 1992.They integrated women into existing systems.

Camogie and LGFA developed outside the GAA.

Camogie started in 1905 and never stopped, unlike soccer and rugby. There are 536 clubs and 100,000 players. It's bigger than Rugby ladies and it is probably bigger than FAI ladies.

And there is more money involved because of Croke Park and because of the numbers.

I thought the driver of it was access to pitches.

It's a bit like West Germany and East Germany.

I think the golden goose will rented out more often.

I would seriously question those camogie numbers. Are you suggesting there are the same amount of camogie players as hurlers?

According to wikipedia there are 85000.in Ireland
That would include girls.

In Galway it is as popular as hurling . I don't know about the other counties.

Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on September 13, 2026, 06:46:30 PMI don't believe camogie has the same amount of players as hurling.

Just don't

They seem a rough crowd
https://x.com/buff_egan/status/2098506764228669741

More Camogs in Derry than there is Hurlers, must be over twice as many clubs

Quote from: Brendan on September 13, 2026, 07:57:03 PMMore Camogs in Derry than there is Hurlers, must be over twice as many clubs

off the top of my head there would be more camogs in Armagh than hurlers as well. (Not exactly a stronghold for either)

Quote from: Armagh18 on September 13, 2026, 09:02:16 PM

Quote from: Brendan on September 13, 2026, 07:57:03 PMMore Camogs in Derry than there is Hurlers, must be over twice as many clubs

off the top of my head there would be more camogs in Armagh than hurlers as well. (Not exactly a stronghold for either)

Did Armagh ever win the camogie?

Quote from: seafoid on September 15, 2026, 11:13:34 AM

Quote from: Armagh18 on September 13, 2026, 09:02:16 PM

Quote from: Brendan on September 13, 2026, 07:57:03 PMMore Camogs in Derry than there is Hurlers, must be over twice as many clubs

off the top of my head there would be more camogs in Armagh than hurlers as well. (Not exactly a stronghold for either)

Did Armagh ever win the camogie?

Yeah won the junior this year. Won it back in 2020 or 21 but was no promotion that year with covid.

Now that I think of it, theres definitely a lot more camogie teams than hurling in Armagh. 

All of this will die down, and all summer you will see stoires about fixture clashes between LGFA and Camogie.

But the famous faces and talking heads won't bite on those small time stories as there are no headline-grabbing mysogony angles there... 

Quote from: Brendan on September 13, 2026, 07:57:03 PMMore Camogs in Derry than there is Hurlers, must be over twice as many clubs

That's probably true in Down also.

There's certainly more camogie clubs than hurling clubs

Quote from: Captain Scarlet on September 15, 2026, 12:10:44 PMAll of this will die down, and all summer you will see stoires about fixture clashes between LGFA and Camogie.

But the famous faces and talking heads won't bite on those small time stories as there are no headline-grabbing mysogony angles there... 

The GPA is the runaway train, would be irresistible force, but its about to meet the immovable object that is Derek Kent. Don't be surprised if Uncle Tam pulls an MMA before long. Either that or discovers that principles becomes flexible when a six-figure salary is on the line

A month now since Mary McAleese threw the head up and not a mention of it on Free State Podcast, interesting editorial decision given Joe's desire to lay the boot into Mickey Harte, Donal Og Cusack, GAA/Allianz and Maigh Eo given half a chance

Iar Uachtarán CLG John Horan replaces iar Uachtarán na hÉireann Mary McAleese.