The GPA has resurfaced.
Too often accused of being compromised because of its relationship with the GAA, and too often watching on as the newly-formed CPA tries to make things better for players, the GPA was starting to lose its identity.
It helps some county players with grants and welfare support but, on the actual issues within the GAA, the GPA were silent for too long.
It took this weekend’s games hastily being rescheduled for Monday for the GPA to finally come out with any sort of protest.
On the road since half 6 this morning. 2hrs down the road on way to Waterford got word game was off. Grand. 2hr drive home, get word game may be on tomorrow at 2pm, same venue(9 hr round trip) Seriously!We just do what we’re told #joke
— Emlyn Mulligan (@emlynmulligan) March 18, 2018
Unfortunately we don't all get bank holidays off and still no confirmation that our league game is 100% going ahead tomorrow! @officialgaa any confirmation our game is on so I can book off work?
— Derek Maguire (@maguire_13) March 18, 2018
As the GAA tried to condense the vast majority of its inter-county season into the first three months of the year, bad weather in December, January, February and now March has fecked everything up from club fixtures, to pre-season competitions, to Sigerson Cup and, once again, the national league.
Now, to try and save just a little face, the GAA are trying to move Sunday’s cancelled games to the bank holiday Monday, with hardly any notice.
The GPA are not happy. Finally.
“Following the GAA’s decision to re-schedule a number of the National League games by 24 hours to tomorrow, Bank Holiday Monday, the GPA have been contacted by a number of affected squads extremely unhappy with the arrangements.
“Notwithstanding the recent inclement weather conditions creating considerable challenges for the CCCC with regard to rescheduling of games, the GPA consider it wholly unacceptable that no consultation was made with players beforehand.
“It would appear that little or no consideration was given to players who have contractual obligations to their employers to fulfil. Furthermore, many of our players have personal or family arrangements for tomorrow which must now be changed at short notice.
“The GPA will be supporting a number of squads who have outlined their commitment not to fulfil their fixtures tomorrow due to players unavailability. We have this evening contacted the GAA outlining our support for these squads and requesting that the CCCC find an alternative arrangement for these games.
“In 2017, over 70% of inter county football squads voted against the revised fixture schedule which was subsequently passed at GAA Congress. This condensed calendar season has little or no contingency for adverse weather conditions or suitable periods for rest and recovery of our amateur players. In the interests of welfare of our members, the GPA feels this is something that the GAA needs to review.”
