The GAA’s Steering Group on Integration (SGI) held their first meeting under new chairperson, John Horan, in Croke Park on Wednesday and reaffirmed their shared ambition of bringing the Camogie Association, the GAA and Ladies Gaelic Football Association together under one umbrella.
April 2027 was the original date set for integrating the three associations, but that timeline was halted after the GAA requested time to pause and reflect on the process.
Former President of Ireland Dr Mary McAleese then stepped down from her position as chairperson of the SGI in September.
Horan, who served as Uachtarán CLG from 2018-2021 and navigated the association through the Covid-19 pandemic, then took on the position as chairperson following McAleese’s resignation.
In a statement released by the SGI, the former GAA President said, “There remains a strong and shared commitment across all three associations to continue progressing towardsOne Association.
“Significant work has alreadybeen completed and there is a clear recognition of the opportunities that greater integration presents for our members, clubs and communities.
“My priorityas Chairperson is to ensurethat momentum is maintained, that stakeholders are engaged in a meaningful way, and that there is clarity aroundthe next steps as we continue this important journey together.”
The statement explained that Horan would “lead a Project Team comprising the Ard-Stiúrthóirí of the three Associations and supported by a strengthened project management function whichwill draw on internal and external sourcesas required.
“Their priorityis to operationalize the progress report and createa clear vision with milestones for implementation. They will bring a programme of work to the relevant Management Committee, Central Council and Congress meetings of the three associations during the early months of 2027.”
The SGI also insists that proactive communication and meaningful stakeholder engagement will be central to the next phase of theprogramme and that they will place a particular emphasis on keeping members, volunteers and key stakeholders informed as the programme progresses.
The Group also agreed, in principle, to establish a new full-time role dedicated to supporting clubs in adopting the One Club model, providing practical support to County and Provincial Integration Workgroups, and strengthening collaboration across the associations through joint initiatives.