Mayo MEP says GAA President must answer public concerns over failure to integrate

The GAA’s failure to progress integration with the LGFA and Camogie Association has left players and the public with serious concerns which must be answered urgently by President Jarlath Burns, MEP Maria Walsh has stated.

The Mayo-based public representative said the resignation of Dr. Mary McAleese as chairperson of the integration committee has exposed a failure at the highest levels of the GAA to deliver on its commitment to integration and gender equality, and has undermined public confidence in the organisation.

MEP Walsh, a full member of the Gender Equality Committee in the European Parliament, commented: “The GAA’s reputation has been seriously damaged over the past 24 hours, and public confidence in one of our most beloved national institutions now hangs in the balance. While I welcome the news that Minister Patrick O’Donovan will meet with the GAA to discuss the issue, it is the players and members of the public who deserve clear answers. They deserve to know whether the GAA remains fully committed to integration and, if so, what concrete steps will now be taken to deliver it.

“The statements coming from the GAA to date have been insufficient and inconsistent. On the one hand, we are told that the organisation remains committed to integration; on the other, we are hearing attempts to dilute that support.

“This causes confusion and only serves to deepen mistrust. The public deserves better. The public deserves answers and actions directly from the very top.

“This is not simply about missing a deadline. The crux of the matter is the GAA’s commitment to female players and participation. I fear that those at the very top of the GAA have underestimated just how important equality is to its players and members.

“The GAA runs exceptional programmes throughout their network, such as Game Changer, that tackle gender-based violence and equality. However, the true value of these initiatives could be called into question if equality is not prioritised throughout the highest levels of decision-making, including in situations where additional financing and resources may be required.

“What the public understands, but the GAA appears to have forgotten, is that equality truly matters. The decision to place greater focus on equity over equality is completely misguided, as evidenced by the public outcry since Mary McAleese’s resignation, and shows that the GAA is frustratingly out of touch with its members and the public.

“Our former president reminds us that bias and barriers remain within the very highest level of the GAA which prohibit women from being an equal driving force in sport and community.

“However, we must also remember that the GAA belongs to its members. It is a grass-roots organisation, with the power ultimately resting with its members and players - many of whom clearly want to see integration and equality delivered.”

Earlier this decade, the three Gaelic games organisations – the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association – committed to achieving integration by 2027. Dr. McAleese was appointed by the GAA in September 2022 to serve as the independent chairperson of the process.

Special congresses were to be held next month by the organisations to enable the creation of one membership of one organisation from April next year.

This week, however, the GAA told the steering group that it could not commit to a definitive timeline for integration.

APPRECIATION

In a statement following Dr. McAleese's resignation, the GAA said: “We wish to express our appreciation and thank Dr. McAleese for her leadership, commitment and contribution to the work of the (implementation) group. Dr. McAleese has played an invaluable part in advancing the future of Gaelic games and delivering the integration project to this significant juncture. She departs her role with the sincere gratitude and good wishes of the entire Gaelic games family.

“The next phase of the project will be to distil the substantial and constructive feedback received from a wide range of stakeholders into a refined set of key principles and structures, and to derive a detailed and sequential workplan, all of which will be advanced in 2027.

“The GAA remains firmly committed to building a single association that honours the identity, heritage and contribution of each of our sports while creating a stronger and more inclusive future for the entire Gaelic games family.”

The LGFA also thanked Dr. McAleese's for her dedication and leadership, but said her decision to step down came 'somewhat unexpectedly' given what they understood to be constructive discussions at the latest meeting of the steering group on Monday evening regarding the integration process.

The statement continued: “The LGFA remains fully committed to the integration process and to working with the GAA and Camogie Association on its next steps. We continue to believe that integration represents the best opportunity to strengthen Gaelic games for current and future generations, creating a more unified, inclusive and sustainable structure that will support players, volunteers, clubs and communities across the island.

“While challenges are inevitable in a project of this scale and significance, the progress made to date demonstrates the goodwill and commitment that we believe exists among all three organisations to achieve a successful outcome. The LGFA remains confident that the integration process can continue to move forward in a positive and collaborative manner.

“We will continue to engage constructively with the GAA and Camogie Association as work progresses towards the next phase of the process.”

The Camogie Association also thanked Dr. McAleese for her 'unwavering commitment' to integration and for her leadership over the past four years since her appointment to the role in 2022.

Uachtarán an Chumainn Camógaiochta Brian Molloy added: “Dr. McAleese has been a huge asset to the integration process and her exit is a huge loss.

“Like Mary, I too was disappointed with the decision to step back from the agreed goal of one association by 2027. I believe that while there were significant concerns, none were insurmountable.

“In 2024, the three associations announced the timetable to deliver full integration by 2027. It was lauded as a momentous step towards unity, equality and inclusivity.

“The Camogie Association remains committed to the integration project and hopes that the three associations can realign on the path to delivering that vision – One Club, One County, One Province, One Congress, One Association – as was set out in 2024.”