GPA granted formal recognition

The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) was granted formal recognition on a permanent basis by the GAA at Congress in Newcastle on Saturday.

The historic agreement was formally adopted into GAA rule after receiving the support of delegates at the Slieve Donard Hotel.

Having reached an “interim agreement” last November, the GPA has now been granted formal recognition on a permanent basis.

In his speech to Congress, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Criostóir Ó Cuana said: "I believe we can work together and maintain both our amateur ethos and the importance of the volunteer in a modern vibrant Association focused on delivering the best possible playing experience for our players at all levels. We have already announced some key joint initiatives in this area.

"We are working together now in developing a comprehensive agreement to put in place a framework for a long term relationship that respects our values and traditions. We will have this completed in September of this year.

"Our success in reaching a basis for agreement with our players will be looked on as being of major significance in years to come.

"The interim arrangement acknowledges the special contribution that our inter-county players make to the Association as a whole and the great lengths that they go to in making this contribution."

Former Uachtarán Nickey Brennan proposed the motion, speaking eloquently on the need to recognise the players’ body.

“I want to now strongly recommend that we formally recognise the GPA,” Mr Brennan said.

The proposal was seconded by another former Uachtarán, Kerry delegate Sean Kelly.

“We would be going backwards at an almighty rate if we didn’t give the players representation,” Mr Kelly said.

“I think it is a positive motion and it is well worked out. I think we should take a step forward today and preserve the amateur status of the Association.”

Dessie Farrell, the Chief Executive of the GPA, said the amateur status of the GAA was in no way threatened by the agreement, stressing that granting the players’ body formal recognition was a vital step in ensuring that “disharmony” between players and County Boards is avoided in the future.

“We’ve seen the disharmony that can be caused by disputes between players and County Boards; this step will go a long way to ensure that this doesn’t happen again,” said Farrell.

“This is a vote in favour of player welfare and it is a very important signal to send out to our players.”

Mark Conway, Tyrone, spoke out strongly against the motion, while delegates from Dublin, Waterford and Offaly all backed the motion.

Meanwhile, a motion proposing the introduction of a clock/hooter system to signal the conclusion of a game was passed at Congress on Saturday morning.

The adoption of the motion, proposed by Wexford and backed by Westmeath, means the use of the new timing system will be implemented on a trial basis in the 2011 Allianz GAA National Leagues.

The hooter will be sounded following the notification by the fourth official of the finishing time including added time to be played.

Meanwhile, a proposal put forward to reward a scoring sideline cut with two points was rejected.

The rule change was proposed by Tipperary, but it did not get the required two-thirds majority.

A proposal by Mayo to make the wearing of gum shields mandatory in all games and training sessions up to and including Minor level was withdrawn.

The Uachtarán indicated that the matter will be sent back to the Medical Advisory Committee for discussion, and a new motion will be put before Congress in 2011.