THE STEERING GROUP on integration is set to present a proposed governance structure to the GAA, Camogie Association, and LGFA congresses in the new year.
That 2027 date had initially been the target to complete integration of the three Gaelic games associations. However, that ambition was extinguished as steering group chair Mary McAleese stepped down while issuing a stunning critique of GAA management’s handling of the process in September.
Former GAA president John Horan was installed as Dr McAleese’s successor last month and he chaired his first meeting of the steering group on Wednesday.
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A “strengthened project structure” will now see Horan lead a team comprising the directors general of the three associations.
“Their priority is to operationalise the progress report and create a clear vision with milestones for implementation,” read a statement. “They will bring a programme of work to relevant management committee, central council, and congress meetings of the three associations during the early months of 2027.”
The progress report noted that the governance structure is being “refined following extensive feedback”. It will go through management committees and regional consultation sessions before being aired at congress across the three associations “for consideration and decision”.
It also reported that detailed financial modelling had been completed, with “discussions ongoing to develop a sustainable funding and resource allocation framework”.
A player charter workgroup is conducting a cost analysis in regard to “consistency, equity, and best practice across inter-county Gaelic games”.
An integrated official guide will be produced, while code-specific playing rules will remain separate. A central fixtures oversight committee is under “initial proposals”. An integrated referee pathway is “ready to launch”.
All counties have been “requested to establish integration committees”.
The steering group has 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.
The update published on behalf of the three associations reiterated their focus on “maintaining momentum, providing continuity from work completed to date, and progressing the next phase of the integration journey”.
The group has committed to “proactive communication and meaningful stakeholder engagement”, with an emphasis on keeping members updated.
It has been agreed that the new unified association would carry on the GAA name.
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GAA integration: Governance structures set for 2027 decision, cost and fixture analysis ongoing
THE STEERING GROUP on integration is set to present a proposed governance structure to the GAA, Camogie Association, and LGFA congresses in the new year.
That 2027 date had initially been the target to complete integration of the three Gaelic games associations. However, that ambition was extinguished as steering group chair Mary McAleese stepped down while issuing a stunning critique of GAA management’s handling of the process in September.
Former GAA president John Horan was installed as Dr McAleese’s successor last month and he chaired his first meeting of the steering group on Wednesday.
A “strengthened project structure” will now see Horan lead a team comprising the directors general of the three associations.
“Their priority is to operationalise the progress report and create a clear vision with milestones for implementation,” read a statement. “They will bring a programme of work to relevant management committee, central council, and congress meetings of the three associations during the early months of 2027.”
The progress report noted that the governance structure is being “refined following extensive feedback”. It will go through management committees and regional consultation sessions before being aired at congress across the three associations “for consideration and decision”.
It also reported that detailed financial modelling had been completed, with “discussions ongoing to develop a sustainable funding and resource allocation framework”.
A player charter workgroup is conducting a cost analysis in regard to “consistency, equity, and best practice across inter-county Gaelic games”.
An integrated official guide will be produced, while code-specific playing rules will remain separate. A central fixtures oversight committee is under “initial proposals”. An integrated referee pathway is “ready to launch”.
All counties have been “requested to establish integration committees”.
The steering group has 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.
The update published on behalf of the three associations reiterated their focus on “maintaining momentum, providing continuity from work completed to date, and progressing the next phase of the integration journey”.
The group has committed to “proactive communication and meaningful stakeholder engagement”, with an emphasis on keeping members updated.
It has been agreed that the new unified association would carry on the GAA name.
Camogie GAA Gaelic Football Hurling Integration LGFA Merger