The LGFA and Camogie Association have defended themselves against accusation of inaction after inter-county camogie and ladies’ football panels announced on Monday morning that they will play the remainder of the 2023 championships ‘under protest’
Players representing both codes said they were taking a stand stand on the delay in implementing a charter for female players of Gaelic Games.
While they stopped short of an all-out strike, representatives of county teams across Ireland have warned in a strongly-worded statement issued though the Gaelic Players’ Association (GPA) that it will not be ‘business as usual’ in the coming weeks.
Following high-profile incidents involving Cavan ladies footballers and Kildare camogs, the issue of an egalitarian approach to player welfare has been to the fore.
The statement issued by the GPA on Monday on behalf of the players involved argued that the three national governing bodies (NGB) committed to integration have indicated that they would wait until that process was completed before addressing the issue of players’ charter.
The statement said: “Their primary rationale is that they prefer to complete the integration process before initiating a charter for female players. Despite the evidence presented, they expect us to patiently endure the treatment of second-class citizens.
“We are no longer willing to wait. It has been over 18 months since integration was declared a priority and voted in by the membership of the three Associations. While the National Governing Bodies claim to be listening, it is evident that they are not truly hearing us. Urgent issues affecting player welfare have been brought to their attention, yet they refuse to even engage collectively to discuss solutions.
“We as players are not receiving the respect we deserve. Therefore, do not expect business as usual in the upcoming weeks and months.”
The LGFA responded to the statement, saying: “The LGFA takes issue with the suggestion that inter-county players are treated like ‘second class’ citizens.
“It should be noted that, in 2023, over €1.4m of Government funding will be allocated to LGFA inter-county squads to assist with player expense claims.
“Of this figure, over €900,000 is allocated directly to player expenses, while almost €500,000 is designated for LGFA team funding.”
The GPA statement revealed that the Camogie Association had asked them for a presentation to be made to their Ard Comhairle, whick took place last week.
In referring to that presentation and responding to Monday’s statement, the Camogie Association said: “The concerns outlined in the report were discussed, and it was agreed to consider the more detailed information and identify priority areas to be addressed.
“The Camogie Association remains available for further discussions and awaits the more detailed information as requested.”