The Camogie Association have expressed their disappointment towards the GPA for their lack of engagement regarding the State of Play report.
They also insist they are going to follow up with GAA Director General Tom Ryan following the comments he made to the Joint Committee for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media yesterday.
Ryan indicated that neither the Camogie Association, nor the LGFA, had requested GAA assistance in the ongoing standoff regarding equality for female athletes involved in Gaelic games.
In a statement released this afternoon, the Camogie Association noted they will be “following up directly with the Director General on the GAA's availability to support the efforts of the Camogie Association to improve supports to inter county players.”
The Camogie Association have also “formally requested re-engagement from the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) regarding the State of Play Report,” and stated they will be “seeking more detailed information and identification of priority areas that need to be addressed.”
“We are steadfast in our commitment to collaborating with them, firmly believing that open and constructive dialogue is the most effective approach to address these issues. The information requested will provide valuable insight into any existing issues or inequities.
“We are fully committed to working with the GPA to address these concerns, using the resources available to our Association in the short, medium, and long term, however, it is imperative we understand all the data presented before we can action any elements of the report,” continued the statement.
The State of Play report in question called for an agreement that gives guarantees to female athletes in regard to gym facilities, medical and nutritional assistance and travel expenses.
The Camogie Association also outlined the funding that is currently available to female athletes, pointing out that €1.6m has already been distributed to players from the two associations (Camogie and LGFA).
“Through the current Inter County Government Support Scheme, Inter County Camogie players are eligible for team supports of up to €14,000 per team.
“Furthermore, individual annual expenses funding totalling Circ. €1.6 million is available to Camogie Association and LGFA inter county players, with allocation distributed among teams and players.
“This funding is administered through an annual 'Squad Charter' process, where county boards, player representatives, and team management collectively endorse the plan.
“In 2023, the Inter County Government Support Scheme receives a total funding of €5,641,791, which is allocated proportionally to ensure equitable financial support for both male and female codes.
“These financial provisions demonstrate our commitment to providing equal opportunities and resources, ensuring that both codes receive comparable support.”
The Ladies Gaelic Football Association has also released a statement "to clarify that recent meetings have taken place between representatives of the GAA, the LGFA and the Camogie Association, contrary to the impression portrayed at yesterday’s Oireachtas gathering."
At a prearranged meeting with the GPA today (Thursday July 13) the LGFA reiterated its commitment to ensuring that a charter is in place for players ahead of the 2024 season.
The LGFA has also this week conducted a wide-ranging survey with county boards to gather baseline information on supports currently provided to adult inter-county teams.
Findings indicate that there has been a significant spend on adult inter-county teams in 2023 – and amid rising costs.
