“Gaelic games are about to enter a new era,” according to former president of Ireland Mary McAleese, speaking about efforts to integrate the three bodies currently overseeing the sports.
It has been confirmed that the full integration of the Gaelic Athletics Association (GAA), Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) and the Camogie Association is planned to be completed by 2027.
Ms McAleese chairs the Steering Group for Integration, the work of which began with discussions with stakeholders in each of the three organisations concerning their thoughts on integration.
Among the topics which the steering group sought input regarding were facilities, finance, fixtures, human resources, membership, and player welfare.
Using the information and insights gathered from the ‘listening process’, the steering group will put forward proposals for integration which will be brought to the three sporting bodies.
The three organisations’ upcoming annual conferences will also be updated on the steering group’s work to date, as well as its plans for the coming three years.
“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,” Ms McAleese said.
“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.”
The presidents of each of the three organisations welcomed the announcement of the planned integration date, with Cammogie Association president Hilda Breslin describing it as a “significant milestone”.
GAA president Larry McCarthy added: “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.”
Coming as the LGFA prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its establishment this year, the association’s president, Mícheál Naughton, said: “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.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
