The Gaelic Players Association has established a new Player Safety and Welfare Group headed, by former Limerick footballer, Dr Jim O’Donovan which includes Roscommon’s Cathal Cregg, Strength and Conditioning Officer at Connacht GAA, former Fermanagh footballer and physiotherapist James Sherry, Enda King, Lead Performance Rehabilitation Physiotherapist at the Sports Surgery Clinic, Santry and Walter Palmer, former head of EU Athletes and Assistant Executive Director at NBPA and former NBA player.

The group will be tasked with examining all aspects of player safety and welfare, but in particular will be focusing on issues such as the anti-doping protocols and the comprehensive education of all players, concussion policies, the physical and psychological demands being placed on county players and welfare issues pertaining to the sustainability of the modern game.

A separate sub group will be established and dedicate itself to explore issues around the prevalence of gambling amongst county players, risks to the integrity of the county game, and practices within the betting industry pertaining to our games and sport in general. While operating from an independent players' perspective it is envisaged these groups will liaise closely with the GAA's Medical and Scientific Committee on relevant issues.

In conjunction with the establishment of these workgroups, a new awareness campaign is being launched, entitled ‘Protecting our Players, Protecting Our Games’, to focus player attention on matters of a critical importance to the wellbeing of our players and to integrity of the games.

The campaign is also directed at the various stakeholders with a duty of care towards players, to ensure that they are fulfilling their responsibilities to players. The effort to educate and protect players and indeed others involved in the county game, including managers, coaches and medical personnel, particularly in relation to anti-doping and concussion must be commensurate with the effort everyone commits to performing and supporting performance at the highest level.

In addition, and based on a recent consultation process, the players believe that everyone involved in our games must understand the threats posed to our games and players by doping and illegal betting. The need to safeguard against complacency in this regard is vital.

Players, through their own Association's endeavours, are hoping to create an environment that encourages us all to begin to have some mature conversations about these challenges, in the knowledge that these are the types of problems that have blighted other sports in recent years. 

It is important for our players to know that for any individuals who have, in the past or are possibly currently encountering problems, or who may have considered delving into these areas, that they can contact the GPA in a confidential manner and seek the support and guidance necessary. Any players who may have concerns, in general, about doping or gambling in our games are also encouraged to contact the players’ body in strict confidence.

Separately, following a series of regional meeting with Player Reps around the country in recent weeks and feedback in general from players, it has emerged that there are growing concerns regarding the future of county football and hurling vis-a-vis the demands being placed on players.

There is now a strong appetite to examine the sustainability of the current county game model from the important perspectives of player welfare and the overall enjoyment of the playing experience.

This analysis should consist of various elements including a greater sense of hope or optimism for players in relation to fixture scheduling (for both club and county players), the structure and competitiveness of competitions, the increased demands on players' time, the physical and emotional consequences involved, the impacts on life outside the game, the support being provided through adequately resourced player development programmes and basic welfare items such as prompt and full payment of out-of-pocket expenses.

Speaking about the campaign, GPA Chief Executive Dessie Farrell commented: “It is accepted by everyone involved in the GAA that the inter-county game is reaching a level incomprehensible a decade ago. While many players continue to enjoy the games at the highest level, the commitment required nowadays is extraordinary for amateur players and probably not fully understood by most outside of the dressing room.

“As a result and as evidenced by recent research we are witnessing a change in the attitude of players on various issues. More and more players find themselves under increasing pressure – physical, emotional and financial – due to the exceptional demands being placed on them. We need to be conscious of the darker side of modern day sport at the elite level and of the importance of ensuring the appeal to play at the county level remains high, that the most talented players want to continue to play and enjoy the game for as long as possible.

“Similarly, we need to be mindful of how the attitudes and commitment of players impacts the success of the GAA in terms of the appetite of the supporters and the interest of commercial and TV partners involved in the games who are crucial to economic sustainability and growth of the games.

“The engine driving the commercial success of our games is the inter-county playing body and as the pressures increase on players so do the concerns about sustainability, integrity and reputation.

“Through the work of these new groups and with the engagement of relevant stakeholders, the players are keen to explore further these important issues to ensure the playing experience continues to provide the necessary enjoyment and fulfillment for all our players and the games realise their true potential in terms of growth and prosperity.”