GPA call for increased funding for inter-county players

Pictured are, Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport Patrick O'Donovan TD, centre, with, from left, GPA head of equality and players relations Gemma Begley, GPA national executive committee co-chair and Tyrone footballer Niall Morgan, Gaelic Players Association chief executive Tom Parsons, and GPA national executive committee co-chair and Dublin camogie player Aisling Maher | SPORTSFILE

placeholder image — Pictured are, Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport Patrick O'Donovan TD, centre, with, from left, GPA head of equality and players relations Gemma Begley, GPA national executive committee co-chair and Tyrone footballer Niall Morgan, Gaelic Players Association chief executive Tom Parsons, and GPA national executive committee co-chair and Dublin camogie player Aisling Maher | SPORTSFILE

An increase in funding would take effect for Limerick senior hurlers, footballers, camogie players and ladies footballers for the 2027 season

THE Gaelic Players Association (GPA) are looking for increased funding for inter-county players ahead of next week's budget.

Representatives from the players body met with Minister for Sport Patrick O’Donovan from Limerick to seek an additional €700 per player per year in State support.

The increased cost of living was cited as a reason for the proposed hike.

"The meeting formed part of the GPA’s pre-Budget engagement with Government, to seek an additional €2.8 million investment, bringing support up from €1,800 to €2,500 per player," a GPA spokesperson said.

"The GPA also presented the Minister with the latest findings from its forthcoming 2026 Annual Member Survey, which complement previous Indecon economic research, and provide a detailed picture of the demands now facing inter-county players."

The survey of over 3,500 players on inter-county hurling, football, camogie and ladies football panels suggested that almost half of players have less than a two-week break between finishing their club campaigns and getting back to inter-county pre-season training.

“Government funding is an important recognition of the extraordinary commitment made by inter-county players to our National games. The findings presented to the Minister today gives a clear picture of the reality behind that commitment," said GPA CEO Tom Parsons.

"At a time when the cost of living pressures are bearing down on players, Government has an opportunity to deliver something immediate and tangible for the current generation. We are asking for an additional €700 a year per player, bringing the support to €2,500.

"In the overall scheme of things it is a modest increase, but for players meeting the costs of petrol, food, travel and the everyday demands of representing their counties, it would be meaningful."

An increase in funding would take effect for Limerick senior hurlers, footballers, camogie players and ladies footballers for the 2027 season.