Interim CEO’s
Address
Dear Members
Welcome to our 2020 Annual Report; a report that documents the work of the Gaelic Players Association on your behalf in 2020. I joined the Association as Head of Finance and Operations in March of the year and little did I, or any of us, know at that point what lay ahead. Firstly, I want to acknowledge the outstanding work done on your behalf by our now former CEO Paul Flynn. Paul has left a lasting legacy for inter-county players and deserves our thanks and respect. To Paul’s successor Tom Parsons, the very best of luck. We all look forward to working with you in the days, months and years ahead.
One thing that Paul made certain to provide for following his departure was continuity as regards the work of the GPA. I have worked with Paul closely since my arrival and even more so following the announcement of his departure to ensure there would be consistent support for our members. This was his and my key focus. It was a focus shared by the staff and also by the board and National Executive Committee. My thanks in particular to NEC Co-Chairs Tom Parsons and Maria Kinsella and Board Chair Brian MacCraith for their help, advice and input. Let me be clear – you the players remain at all times top of our agenda, indeed you are our only agenda.
Inter-county games are the financial heartbeat of the Gaelic games family. They attract the attendances; they attract the media coverage; they attract the commercial revenue. This commercial revenue is then distributed down along the chain to all units of the GAA. It is those units that provide the volunteers, develop the facilities and nurture players some of whom progress to inter-county level. The inter-county game cannot thrive without the club game; the club game cannot thrive without the inter-county game. What has surprised me since my arrival at the GPA is the insistence among some commentators to try and drive a wedge between the two. 98% of players are not club players. 100% of players are club players.
When I see the significant revenue generated by the inter-county games, I am surprised by the focus often on the ‘unsustainability’ of inter-county costs. I find it difficult to square the two. Could we all be more efficient and effective with our investments and expenditure? Undoubtedly! Are costs associated with inter-county games ‘unsustainable’? That’s a far more nuanced question to answer so let’s look at the revenue generated in 2019 v 2020.
In 2019, with a thriving inter-county game, the GAA generated record revenues, 83 cent in every euro of which was invested back into schools, clubs, counties and provinces. In 2020 revenues generated by the inter-county game fell off a cliff due to Covid-19 and GAA units across the country and overseas were left with little to no investment as the GAA just didn’t have the money. It’s a simplistic analysis but tells a tale.
The money spent on the inter-county game is not a cost; it’s an investment; an investment that all units of the GAA benefit from. Let’s see where savings can be made but let’s be careful about what we wish for at the same time. And where we are not getting a return for the investment, let’s make those savings.
We cannot look back on the year without reference to Covid-19. It has impacted all of our lives and sadly for many of us has taken loved ones from us. The unified response of the Gaelic games community across the island in the face of the pandemic is something that as a ‘GAA man’ makes me extremely proud. We are part of a unique and special family. Like all families, we have our arguments and fights, but 2020 again demonstrated that when we come together, we have an influence on our communities that cannot be matched.
The positive impact of our inter-county games on the national psyche and mood was also clearly seen in 2020. The boost given to people in communities right across the island by the return of inter-county action in the latter part of the year was considerable and has been recognised at the very highest levels within our government. Thanks to each and every player who trained and played during the pandemic and lifted our spirits.
This will be the final GPA Annual Report which concentrates solely on our male membership. With the merger on December 2020, we grew to be a 4,000 strong, united, players association. The GPA’s key pillars of Representation, Development and Welfare remain in place but an equally important pillar has been added formally to our constitution – Equality. We want to see a situation where there is equality in Investment, Recognition and Opportunity regardless of gender. This will not happen at the flick of a switch. A merged GPA is not a destination; our work in this area is only beginning. It was heartening that when you, our male membership, were asked to back a merger you did so unanimously. If we are to get to where we want to be, that support will need to be harnessed. It’s something I look forward to being part of with you.
The following report looks back on our work in 2020. It is always good to reflect and take stock of what has been achieved and where improvements are required. However, we’re not standing still. There are major pieces of work coming to fruition such as a new unified brand for our association and a new membership system. These will symbolise the integration of our male and female membership. After that we will not have male GPA members and female GPA members. We will have solely GPA members; Different backgrounds; One association.
Ciarán Barr.
CHAIRMAN’S
ADDRESS
Introduction
It is a great privilege for me to address you as Co-Chair of the NEC. I was extremely proud to be voted into the position at our AGM in 2020 by you my fellow players. Firstly, I would like to pay tribute to the work carried out by my predecessor Séamus Hickey during his time as Chairman. He has been a rock of sense and a powerful voice for players and I know we can call on his support and counsel should we need it into the future. His passion for our association, and the care he showed for the welfare of all players has been infectious from day one. Thank you Séamus. Secondly, I would like to thank my fellow NEC members for their time and commitment in serving inter-county players.
While the Annual Report looks back on 2020, it’s important I mention the departure of Paul Flynn as our CEO. Paul, is someone I really admire as a player and person. He has played a huge role in the history of the GPA through his work. The renegotiation of a funding agreement with the GAA and leading the GPA into our merger with the WGPA are two significant achievements I know we are all proud of. Paul has showed incredible care and passion for us as players during a challenging year with Covid-19. His leadership proved invaluable in what was a difficult period for our members. Paul has always represented the voice of the players with strength, conviction and courage. I want to thank you Paul on behalf of all inter-county players for your commitment, dedication, care and respect you gave to the role of CEO. As I take up the role I know I have your support.
All of the above points to a time of change for our association, but it is also an exciting opportunity for growth, development and creativity. We must remember that our association is “for the players, by the players and led by the players” and the heartbeat of that is the NEC and all the player reps in teams across the country. Thank you for your commitment, passion and time in these voluntary roles. To this end too I should also mention the GPA staff who ensure continuity in the day to day running of the GPA and the amazing work they do on our behalf every day.
2020 was without doubt one of the most challenging years most of us have experienced. I want to pay a special tribute to our members who have been on the frontline in the battle against Covid-19. The whole country owes you a debt of gratitude it will be impossible to repay. Your work will never be forgotten. To our members who have lost loved ones to the virus my sincerest of condolences. Please know, we are with you.
I also want to take the time to acknowledge each and every one of you who played such positive roles within your communities and in society as a whole in 2020. Firstly, in playing our amazing games during a global pandemic, providing a source of hope, joy and excitement for the country. Secondly, in how you gave back so much to society during this period, from fundraising activities, helping those in need, using your social media channels for positivity to helping keep the younger generation active with skills challenges; please do not underestimate the positive influence you had for so many in a difficult 2020. Thank you.
There are lots of highlights from 2020 as well which were outlined in this report, two of which I want to mention specifically. The first of those is the merger with the WGPA. It was a proud moment to see the overwhelming support from players both male and female for the move, which stands as a symbol of what we represent in sport in Ireland and globally. Work is ongoing at a practical level to ensure the full integration of the two associations into one. What stands out for me is the opportunities it brings. The formation of one players’ body is a game changer in many respects, as we as players are now seen as leaders in inclusion and diversity, in sport and community across the world.
The second highlight from 2020 I want to reference is the move towards a ‘split-season’ for inter-county and club activity. This will, without doubt, benefit us as players and people. It will allow us to achieve better balance in our lives and also allow us to contribute to our clubs in a way that would not be possible if the status-quo had endured. The GPA played a pivotal role in collaborating with other stakeholders to ensure this happened.
2020 was a trying year for the us all but in many ways also a very rewarding year. As we look ahead now, I want to remind you that this is our association. I would encourage as many of you as possible to have your voices heard, be active members and leverage the opportunities there are for you on and off the field.
I believe, acting collectively our influence & strength going forward is an incredibly exciting time for our association and for us all as players.
Tom Parsons.
National Executive
Committee
Tom Parsons
Chairman
Matthew O’Hanlon
Secretary
Dónal Óg Cusack
President
Séamus Hickey
Podge Collins
Pádraic Mannion
Michael Murphy
Brian Mulvihill
Mickey Quinn
Ciaran Kilkenny
Eoin Price
Collie Moran
Niall Morgan
Keith Rossiter
Niall O’Meara
Neil McManus
Noel Connors
Philip Greene
Stephen McDonnell
Ronan Sheehan
Seán Murphy
Independent
Brian MacCraith
Independent
John Glennon
Independent
GPA & WGPA MERGER
December 14th 2020 saw a new chapter start in the history of our Association. At independent Extraordinary General Meetings of the GPA and the WGPA players voted to take the steps necessary to come together as one players’ body representing 4,000 inter-county players.
It was both the culmination of two year’s work and the start of a whole new era for the newly combined Association. As such, this is the final time the GPA will publish an Annual Report independently of our new members formerly of the WGPA.
The newly combined GPA is working for the entire membership across the pillars of Representation, Development, Welfare and Equality, which has been added to the GPA constitution as part of the merger process.
It is our belief, backed by the near unanimous vote of our members that this move will benefit all players and help raise standards across the board. Work began immediately in December to integrate the operations, services and finances of the two player associations. Immediate priorities centred on:
formation of a transitional national executive committee
Procurement of a new membership
system
rebrand of the
newly combined
gpa
This is only the beginning!
New Protocol
Agreement
In November of 2020, following intense and prolonged negotiations, the GPA and the GAA jointly announced that a new protocol agreement had been reached for the next 4-years (2021 to 2024), having been approved by our National Executive Committee and by the GAA’s Central Council. It was a hugely significant and positive agreement for inter-county players and the long-term nature of this agreement gives certainty and security to our association.
The new funding agreement encourages the two associations to work in partnership to maximise commercial revenues, which in turn allows us to meet our key objectives i.e. enhanced investment in the off-field lives of inter-county players. The agreement gives us:
SECURITY FOR THE ASSOCIATION AND STRENGTHENS OUR FINANCIAL POSITION FOR FOUR YEARS
THE OPPORTUNITY
TO NEGOTIATE THE PLAYERS CHARTER
SEPARATELY
GROWTH IN RESOURCES TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE CURRENT AND FORMER PLAYERS UNDER THE 3 PILLARS OF PLAYER REPRESENTATION, PLAYER WELFARE AND PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
Engagement
The GPA is a bottom-up organisation, led by players for players. Continued and increased player engagement will always be a priority for the association.
The challenges presented by Covid-19 restrictions resulted in a reduced ability to complete many of our important face to face player engagements throughout 2020. However, despite these challenges, the GPA staff team and wider association worked proactively to innovate and find new ways of engaging our membership. Many of our support and development programmes were quickly adapted to be provided through online platforms and the use of technology was recognised as an excellent opportunity to reach the wider membership in a unique and efficient way.
We of course welcome the return of meeting players face to face, and hope it will be possible very soon, but we have also recognised the excellent engagement opportunities technology provides. Going forward we will look to utilise technology to further enhance our member engagement, as a reinforcing support to our integral in person contact.
New Engagement Strategy
New digital channels
availed of
Staff assigned
a number of squads
each
Major set piece
engagement plus regular proactive check-ins
Engagement with our members underpins the work we do across our pillars. In particular in 2020 players were regularly engaged on the following hugely important areas:
covid-19 return to play protocol
gpa shorter season proposal
fixture review taskforce – new competition structure proposals
2020 lower tier hurling competition structure
GPA/WPGA
Merger
Engagement Process
3 REPS AND
CAPTAINS
CALLS
PLAYER
FOCUS
GROUPS
PLAYER
RESEARCH
DIRECT
INDIVIDUAL
PLAYER
ENGAGEMENT
DEVELOPMENT
The 2020 playing season was, as we all know, severely interrupted by the Covid-19 Pandemic. From the initial stages of its impact on Ireland we consulted with players around their needs during what was a very unsettling and, for many, a very difficult time. We tailored our supports and services in light of that feedback to ensure members’ key priorities were catered for. We also adapted to the use of technology to deliver those supports and services remotely through digital platforms and channels. What was also clear was that players who previously had limited time on their hands due to training and playing commitments, now had more time to dedicate to their development than would normally be the case.
Programmes Delivered
Individual Players Supported
INDIVIDUAL HURLERS SUPPORTED
INDIVIDUAL FOOTBALLERS SUPPORTED
CLICK ON THE MAP FOR FULL BREAKDOWN
Development Highlights
GPA JIM MADDEN LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME
- 31 players graduated in January 2020 from 2019 Class
- 19 players graduated from the Special Purpose Award in Professional Leadership
- 33 players were selected to be part of the Class of 2020
TIME 2 THRIVE WEBINAR
SERIES
- Webinar series focussing on helping players make best use of their time during lockdown
- Focussed on: Mindset during uncertainty, nutrition with reduced training load, challenges and opportunities in injury and performance, financial wellbeing and sleep and wellbeing for athletes
- Presented by GPA Personal Development Coach, Declan O’Connell, Dr Brendan Egan (DCU), Enda King (Sports Surgery Clinic), Seán Cavanagh (Chartered Accountant) and Michelle Biggins (Chartered Physio and PhD Candidate)
NEXT GEN LEADERS
- Aims to engage and connect passionate young GPA and WGPA members with the people and resources necessary to influence positive change within our games and our society.
- 12 young leaders selected from over 80 applicants • Full brochure available here: https://bit.ly/38tKhDr
Business
Development
- Covid-19 has provided players with the opportunity to explore alternative avenues and interests, entrepreneurship being one
- The GPA aims to support players in identifying their idea, developing a business plan, supporting them with subject matter expert advice and then into launching their business
- We’re with them every step of the way
ENHANCED
SCHOLARSHIPS
- New agreements put in place with Trinity College Dublin, Mary Immaculate College in Limerick
- 9 partnerships in total by year’s end
- 27 players benefitted from these partnerships
GPA GOOGLE DIGITAL GARAGE
- Practical advice and mentoring from Google experts to help small businesses grow and enhance their online presence
- 10 spots per quarter
Representation
In a year like no other it was more important than ever that the voice of the players was heard. Major issues and decisions were required and it was vital that the opinion of the players was represented clearly and strongly to the GAA. These decisions were as wide ranging as the structure for the inter-county season going forward to returning to play during a global pandemic to matters around anti-doping. What was most encouraging was the willingness among our members to have their voices heard and air their opinions. This gave the GPA a clear mandate on numerous matters when engaging with stakeholders such as the Covid Advisory Committee.
Implementation of Shorter/Split Season
- Engagement with Fixture’s Review Taskforce
- Consultation with players
- Establishment of player subcommittee
COVID-19 RETURN TO PLAY
- Representation on GAA Covid Adivsory Committee
- Development of return to play guidelines
- Engagement with other players associations
- Review and monitoring of guidelines/implementation of testing procedures
Implementation of centralised online expenses system
ANTI-DOPING EDUCATION
- Over 2,500 players completed anti-doping education with details submitted to Sport Ireland
- Development of improved anti-doping education system for roll out end 2020
AGM MOTIONS
- 3 motions proposed relating to Anti-Doping Education, Optimal Player Contact time and Confidential Disclosure Platform • All 3 motions were passed with over 96% support
- Confidential Disclosure Platform was established in late 2020 to monitor closed season and is being utilised to monitor Covid-19 restrictions and recommendations breaches
ENGAGEMENT WITH ATHLETE BODIES
- Partner on PROLead Project with EU Athletes to develop an international leadership programme (based on Madden)
Welfare
AS ALWAYS, the welfare of our members was a key PRIORITY AND 2020 BROUGHT THIS ASPECT OF OUR WORK INTO FOCUS MORE THAN EVER. The impact of Covid-19 was far reaching and we needed to ensure we were providing the necessary support structures for inter-county players. This was carried out while also putting in place longer term plans to ensure we are aware of our members’ needs as we emerge from the pandemic.
MENTAL WELLBEING
GPA/WGPA Wellbeing Support Text Line
Launched in September in partnership with 50808 and Shout 85258
Text GPA or WGPA to 50808 (ROI) Text GPA or WGPA to 85258 (NI)
Confidential support available 24/7/365
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING
2-day training completed by all GPA staff, Player Engagement Officers and Personal Development Coaches Certified by Mental Health First Aid Ireland
Training Benefits:
- improves attitudes towards people with mental health difficulties
- reduces stigma and improves knowledge
- improves people’s confidence in providing help while also increasing the likelihood of advising people to seek professional help
MENTAL FITNESS WEBINAR SERIES
2-part Mental Fitness and Wellbeing webinar series was developed and launched.
Part 1 - Mental Fitness and Mindset
- Richie Sadlier in conversation with Alan Kerins
- Elite sports stars discussing challenges and opportunities of life during and after the game
- 65 attendees
Part 2 – Leading with Courage
- Tony Griffin in conversation with Ruairí McKiernan
- Explored how we can cultivate courage in tough times to enhance a sense of peace, purpose and wellbeing
- 63 attendees
Covid focussed supports
Return to Play Guidance was circulated to all squads ahead of return to inter-county training in mid-September 2020.
HSE and Government information and guidance was collated and shared on social media and GPA website
Information
on ROI & NI Government supports collated & circulated to all members based on their employment profiles – Employees, Self-employed & Business owners
31 Players provided with
1:1 follow-up support and
signposting/ referral in relation
to specific Covid-19 queries and
personal circumstances
BEYOND COVID-19: UL RESEARCH STUDY
The GPA and WGPA facilitated and supported the participation of members in a research study entitled Beyond Covid-19: Cross-Sport Survey Exploring the Impact of Covid-19 on Elite Athletes conducted by a Research Group based at the University of Limerick.
The research also involved Irish Olympic athletes and professional rugby players.
The findings from the research will be used to inform the development of supports and resources for players post Covid-19 and will be published in an academic journal in conjunction with data from other high-performance environments in both Ireland and the UK.
This aligns closely with our aim to consistently develop supports and resources for players that are evidence-based and informed by best practice.
Balance 2020
219 people attended our second annual player welfare conference – Balance 2020 took – which place online on 12th September 2020. Its theme was Creating an Optimum Training and Playing Environment for Players.
Expert national and international speakers who presented best practice from both academic and field-based perspective, on the holistic approach of preparing athletes to perform at optimum level.
Balance 2020 was hosted by the GPA’s Player Safety and Welfare Committee
Dr Jim O’Donovan
Chairman
Medicine Consultant
Dr Ciaran McDonald
Eamonn Murphy
Enda King
James Sherry
Jennifer Rogers
manager
Dr. Brendan Egan
Colm Begley
Engagement
Manager
David Breen
Wasps Rugby
Walter Palmer
2019 Highlights
COUNSELLING
SERVICES
CARDIAC
SCREENING
MOUTH
GUARDS
ENHANCED
INJURY SCHEME
PAST PLAYERS
MEDICAL & SURGICAL
INTERVENTION FUND
BENEVOLENT
FUND
Congratulations
to the Champions
Football
All-Ireland Champions
Dublin
Allianz leagues
division one
Kerry
Allianz leagues
division Two
Roscommon
Allianz leagues
division Three
Cork
Allianz leagues
division Four
Limerick
Hurling
All-Ireland Champions
Limerick
Joe McDonagh
cup
Antrim
Christy Ring
Cup
Kildare
Nicky Rackard
Cup
Donegal
Lory Meagher
Cup
Louth
Allianz Leagues
Division One
Limerick
Allianz Leagues
Division 2A
Antrim
Allianz Leagues
Division 2B
Down
Allianz Leagues
Division 3A
Donegal
Allianz Leagues
Division 3B
Sligo
Communications
The appointment of a new Head of Communications (Kieran McSweeney) in November of 2019 allowed for the strategic planning and implementation of GPA communications to be brought back ‘in-house’ during 2020.
Given how the 12-months panned out this was hugely important to the Association as never before had communicating with our key stakeholders, particularly our membership, been as important.
New GPA
communications
strategy
developed and
executed
New GPA
social media
strategy
developed and
executed
Focus on
digital
communications
made all the
more vital
by covid-19
GPA annual
report becomes
an interactive
digital
document
Team of
GPA
spokespeople
developed
Oversight
of all
social
outreach
initiatives
Continued
promotion of the
mcdonagh, ring,
rackard and
meagher cups
Establishment
of
the players’
voice
podcast
The Players’ Voice is now a consistent tool used by our Association to address key issues pertaining to players.
Presented by Kieran McSweeney and GPA Player Engagement Manager and Laois Footballer Colm Begley, to date it has addressed issues such as transitioning out of the inter-county game and into retirement, changing career path, racism in Irish society, business development and mental health.
All episodes are available on:
Social Outreach
We would like to thank all the players who made these projects possible and so successful. You are having a direct, positive impact on people’s lives.
Thank you too to all of you who took part in various initiatives across 2020, be it as part of your squads or individually, to raise money or awareness of projects and campaigns within your own communities.
You have lived up to your positions as role models and leaders.
HSE & Government Public Health Messaging Support
From the very beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak in Ireland inter-county players and former players from rights across the island have used their influence to educate the public around the steps we can all take to reduce the risk to ourselves, our families, our friends and our communities. The impact players have had in this regard has been acknowledged by the Department of the Taoiseach, now former Minister for Health Simon Harris and by the HSE. One example of the work undertaken is the #HomeTeam video which was produced by the GPA to encourage people to adhere to the prevailing restrictions on movement.
pieta Support
r.e.s.t
The importance of looking after our mental health has really come to the fore during the pandemic. We teamed up with Pieta to spread awareness around the importance of taking steps to look after this aspect of our lives. The R.E.S.T. campaign coincided with Pieta’s Sunrise Appeal, the fundraising initiative which replaced Darkness Into Light given the restrictions brought about by Covid-19. Players from all 32 counties supported the R.E.S.T. campaign via their social channels
All-Ireland FIFA20 Charity Tournament
The GPA teamed up with Joanne O’Riordan and Insomnia Dublin to run the All-Ireland FIFA20 Charity Tournament on the May Bank Holiday Weekend. Representatives from all 32 counties took part with provincial competitions followed by All-Ireland semi-finals and the All-Ireland final. Games were streamed live with well-known broadcasters including Marty Morrissey lending their support and time on commentary duty. Laois hurler Eric Kileen came out on top but more importantly all money raised went to frontline workers across the island.
SELF HELP AFRICA
ONE MILLION TREES CAMPAIGN
The GPA partnered with Self Help Africa on their One Million Trees campaign. One Million Trees is a local-to-global initiative that saw development charity Self Help Africa plant ten new trees in Africa and one native tree in Ireland for every €5 that is raised for the campaign. The aim of the campaign was simple: plant 1,000,000 trees in Africa while at the same time planting 100,000 trees here in Ireland. We are delighted to report that these targets have been met with 1,000,000 trees having been planted across 5 countries in Africa: Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi and Uganda. Congratulations to our partners in Self Help Africa.
National Walking Day
Promotion
Two Player Ambassadors – Dublin’s Kevin McManamon and Galway’s Niamh Kilkenny – were involved in the promotion of National Walking Day as part of European Week of Sport 2020. Both participated in individual videos highlighting their favourite walking routes. This project was undertaken in partnership with Local Sports Partnerships and Sport Ireland.
Events and
Alumni
For the past seven years the GPA have held annual former players lunches (for hurlers and footballers), honouring the legends of the past on the eve of the All-Ireland finals.
Unfortunately, we were unable to deliver a face-to-face event in 2020, but we were able to celebrate the legends of the game digitally with the production of two videos and also the production of two special episodes of The Players’ Voice podcast.
FINANCE &
GOVERNANCE
IN 2020, WE DELIVERED 81% OF NET REVENUES TO PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND WELFARE PROGRAMMES
REVENUE SOURCES
Government Grants 47%
GAA Core Funding 37%
Commercial 8%
Fundraising 7%
Membership & Benevolent 1%
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
Player Development
Programmes/Player Welfare 89%
Operating Costs 8%
Other Programmes 2%
Organisational Development 1%