OISIN McConville has hit out at the GPA, labelling the players' body "an elitist organisation."
Writing in his Sunday Life column, the former Armagh and Crossmaglen star said that club players are being left in the cold when compared to inter-county players.
The solution, according to McConville (pictured above), is to bring club players into the GPA. "Time and time again we listen to high-profile GAA officials reiterate the mantra that the clubs represent the very heartbeat of the Association," said McConville. "But words tend to ring hollow when it is considered that the Gaelic Players' Association (GPA) represents something like two per cent of the adult playing membership. "Whether we like to admit it or not, the GPA is something of an elitist organisation focused on serving the needs of the leading county players. "But I feel if a concerted effort was made to attract more club players into the GPA it could become a stronger, more meaningful body."
The big issue, as far as club players are considered, is fixtures being put on hold while their county team remains in the All-Ireland Championship.
McConville thinks if club players were represented in the GPA, this could be addressed. "While November may be regarded as almost being a 'closed' month within the GAA, this should not be allowed to disguise the fact that many meaningful matches are played at this particular time of the year," he continued. "This being the case, players are very much in focus and thus we come to appreciate the huge effort and self-sacrifice they make to maintain their active involvement in Gaelic football. "The least that can be done for them is to ensure that they are afforded regular games and have somewhere to turn to when they require assistance of any nature. "This is where I feel that the Gaelic Players' Association can play a big part in helping to give club players fresh self-esteem."