By John Harrington

GAA Director General, Tom Ryan, believes momentum is building for an amalgamation of the GAA, the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, and the Camogie Association.

Writing in his Annual Report for 2022 which was published today and can be downloaded at the bottom of this article, he cautioned that any such amalgamation could only work if each Association was completely happy with the arrangement.

Ryan said: “The rapid expansion, and ever-growing profile of women’s sport was a heartening theme of the past year. Camogie and Ladies Football are to the forefront of this movement and represent perhaps the fastest growing codes in Gaelic games, if not in Irish sport. The GAA enjoys very close links with both bodies, as evidenced repeatedly throughout these pages. Our core objectives are pursued in common, and our strategies are derived in tandem. I hope you have perceived that common thread.

“The Player Pathway, Healthy Clubs, combatting concussion, safeguarding, Cúl Camps, social games, smart sliotar, Foireann…and many more. Much of what was positive in the GAA last year was achieved jointly with the other two codes. In fact, the instances of collaboration far outnumber those initiatives pursued independently. And far outweigh them in terms of impact.

“However, the core dynamic is still that of three distinct organisations working together. Perhaps the time is approaching when we can build on the progress to date in order that the relationships can evolve to a new level. Our Clubs have shown the way in this regard. The “One Club” model is well established and flourishing. Clearly the three codes can operate to best effect when managed in common.

“Member consultation as part of the recently launched GAA Strategic Plan identified an overwhelming desire for the three Associations to come together. So, I hope and expect that we can start exploring parallels at governing body level in the coming months.

“The parameters of any discussions will have to be set out clearly of course. Any amalgamation can only work – indeed can only happen – when each party is completely happy with the shape, extent and pace of change. So, this is not something to be undertaken lightly, or in haste, but I believe it to be worthwhile.

“It cannot be, or cannot be perceived as, a takeover of any organisation by another. It cannot be forced, and it cannot result in any loss of identity or compromised ambition. The GAA is a devolved organisation which thrives on the independence of its constituents. We value and foster differing identities. That can provide a model for a new organisation encapsulating all Gaelic games codes.

“I should caution, though, that any such combined organisation will not automatically signal the end of tensions and imbalances. Those are a feature of everyday life internally in each of our independent organisations today. So, broadening our shared remit will probably prove more complicated and more challenging.

“But if the outcome is a stronger combined front to promote Gaelic games, then it will also be more fulfilling more effective and more worthwhile. The responsibilities and ambitions that we share with our two organisations, and the direction that we wish to see those evolve are a cornerstone of our Strategic Plan 2022-2026 “Towards One GAA for All”. This is also the subject of a motion proposed by the GPA for debate at Congress. Clearly, momentum is building.”