THE Gaelic Players’ Association yesterday launched its new three-year strategic plan with six main themes to help players “thrive on and off the field”.
The players’ representative body say they will focus on enhancing player representation and investing in the personal development of the intercounty players over the next three years.
Having come under scrutiny for their lack of a timely response to the proposals for a reformed All-Ireland football Championship that were passed at Congress earlier this year, the GPA says one of its six main themes under the new plan will be the fixture list.
It says that it will aim towards “changing our games for the better through a united players’ voice, for example, delivering a revamped master fixture list in hurling and football.”
They have also pledged to manage their funds “effectively and transparently” in terms of investing in players, and will promote “a balanced lifestyle where players can thrive on and off the field”.
Speaking about the new strategy Dermot Earley said: “I set out immediately [upon his appointement as CEO] to take soundings from our players around the country with two purposes in mind, to hear firsthand about the things that are important to them, and to reiterate to them that the GPA exists solely to support them, both on and off the field of play.
“I also spoke with our many stakeholders around the country, including GAA officials, Government, Sports Ireland and many more, with a view to understanding their views about our organisation and how they can help our members.”
