The ladies football association and camogie association are set to disappear as they merge into the ‘new GAA’ in 2027.
The plan to merge the three association’s was unveiled today in Croke Park under “the pathway to integration” led by Mary McAleese’s steering group.
The three association presidents showed a united front as they outlined their vision; but were short on details of their plan.
While the association outlined a new vision, confirmed to be called the GAA, no details or millstones of the merger where outlined.
However, Mary McAleese admitted the process started today and outlined a plan of the three “F’s”. Fixtures, Finance and facilities.
New Fixture Task Force
While the plan lacked serious details, McAleese advised that work starts from this moment! With new ‘fixtures oversight committee” in the works. They are believed to be due to starting their work immediately.
This would go some way to alleviating issues, for instance occurring last Sunday when Leitrim footballers hosted Wexford in Carrick-on-Shannon, while at the same time, the ladies team played a league game in Ballinamore.
McAleese highlighted that the largest response to a sports survey in Ireland occurred to the GAA, LGFA and camogie members. Some 90% responding in favour of the merger of the three bodies.
It was also confirmed that ladies football and camogie will keep their identity and will not become ‘Women’s football’ or ‘ladies hurling’.
While a closing date was somewhat outlined, details were scant on the ground. The decision on if the ‘new GAA’ would have one president or ‘three’ as currently stands was has not yet been taken.
As with all mergers, come challenges. However, one that was ruled out was job losses. The three presidents and McAleese giving certainty to staff in the LGFA and Camogie association. In fact McAleese expected the ‘new GAA’ to move through a period of employment growth.
Former president McAleese confirmed she would be a part of the next phase of the merger! The challenge and the real work begins.
