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Gaelic Players Association
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Gaelic Players Association (Irish: Cumann na n-Imreoirí Ghaelacha) or GPA is a body that represents inter county Gaelic footballers and Hurlers in Ireland.
The stated goal of the GPA is to improve players representation and conditions. It was founded in September 1999 by Donal O'Neill. The current chief executive is Dessie Farrell, a former Dublin player. The GPA has managed to secure a number of high profile deals for player such as an increase in mileage allowance and a deal with the drinks manufacturer C&C. The current President is Kilkenny hurling player D.J. Carey.
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The GPA isn't officially recognized by the Gaelic Athletic Association and is treated with hostility by some leading sports journalists such as Tom Humphries.[citation needed] Although, the current GAA president Nicky Brennan has indicted that a plan is in place to officially recognise the GPA as the principal representatives of inter-county GAA players.[1]
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On April 1, 2006 the GPA held an EGM to deal with the perceived snub by the GAA who didn't attend a meeting the GPA had arranged with the Irish sports minister to discuss sporting grants for inter-county players. After the meeting the GPA called an EGM and has become increasingly militant. On March 28, 2006 the GPA conducted a poll of his members via Text Message[citation needed] to gauge support for strike action. The result was a large majority in favour.
The GPA's EGM on April 1, 2006 was held in two venues in Dublin and Belfast, with them being linked by video conferencing. On April 4, 2006 the GPA has issued a list of demands to the GAA and have lifted the threat of immediate strike action. The GAA replied to these demands by stating they would deal with the GPA face to face and that the issue of players welfare would be dealt with at the GAA's annual congress. GPA members also decided that they would delay the throw-in of all National Football League on the 9 of April 2006 by 15 minutes.[citation needed]
GPA Officers:
- President : D.J. Carey
- Chairman: Donal Óg Cusack
- Secretary: Kieran McGeeney
- Chief Executive: Dessie Farrell
- Commercial Director: Dónal O'Neill
- National Executive Committee Secretary: Cathal Ó Torna
- Accountant: Ciaran Mc Ardle
The launched a new award in 2006 entitled the GPA Gaelic Team of the Year to recognise the achievements of Gaelic football and hurling players. An annual award is also given to the Footballer of the Year and the Hurler of the Year.