GPA move to get motions on agenda

THE GAELIC Players Association (GPA) will begin the process of submitting their recently-agreed motions to the GAA’s Central Council with a view to getting them on the Congress agenda in either 2012 or 2013.

The motions were agreed at their agm in Dublin last Friday, the most pressing of which appears to be the desire to increase match-day panel numbers for all senior intercounty championship matches from 26 to 30. It is proposed teams be allowed to name 15 substitutes, from which five can be used.

The GPA has also agreed to review the structures of the intercounty senior football and hurling championships and publish proposals for “alternative models based on increasing the appeal to players, patrons and commercial interests alike, mindful of the need to facilitate credible club programmes”.

A third motion will see the GPA bring forward proposals for progressive changes to playing rules, where appropriate, based on qualitative research and structured consultation with GPA members.

The GPA is also calling on the higher education committee of the GAA to rescind its decision to limit the number of players allowed access to elite entry programmes in third level institutions as it restricts access to education for a number of intercounty players

GPA chief executive Dessie Farrell also raised the highly-contentious issue of illegal payments to managers: He said: “The GPA has detailed its views in this regard, that payments should be legitimised and formalised.”

Also announced yesterday was a new GAA job scheme. Launched in association with the Government’s JobBridge scheme, which is looking to create some 5,000 internship places over five years, the GAA are targeting unemployed players, coaches and administrators for positions in 2012. Details at www.jobbridgegaa.ie.