Inter-county camogie and women's football panels have stated that they will play the remainder of the season "under protest" and have warned not to expect "business as usual in the coming weeks and months".
Representatives of the two inter-county codes, incorporating intermediate and junior squads also, came together at a press conference this morning, arranged by the Gaelic Players Association, to outline their frustration at the LGFA, Camogie Association and the GAA and to engage in discussions to develop a charter designed for inter-county players.
Recent events with the Kildare camogie team and Cavan ladies footballers have brought players issues and challenges to the forefront.
Today, through the GPA, the two inter-county codes warned that they are no longer prepared to wait for a charter to be drawn up.
"We find ourselves in a situation we never wished to be in, echoing the experiences of our soccer and rugby counterparts in recent years," a statement read.
"Regrettably, we feel that our national governing bodies do not want to hear our real concerns, so we’re speaking directly to you.
"We will play the remainder of the 2023 championship under protest.
"Our representative body, the GPA, released the State of Play report two months ago which shed light on significant issues within our training and playing environments.
"The main request has been well documented. We asked the LGFA, Camogie Association and the GAA to engage in discussions with the GPA to to develop a charter designed for female players to be implemented in the 2024 season.
"This charter would establish minimum standards for our collective welfare."
The statement revealed that the GPA privately contacted the three NGBs, seeking collaboration to achieve the charter.
They are claiming the GAA "declined our proposal".
They added: "Despite initial positive indications the GAA has since declined our proposal. The Camogie Association did, however, request a presentation be made to their Ard Comhairle which took place last weekend. Regrettably, the Ladies Gaelic Football Association has not deemed it appropriate to respond.
"Their primary rationale is that they prefer to complete the integration process before initiating a charter for female players. Despite the evidence presented, they expect us to wait to patiently endure the treatment of second-class citizens.
"We are no longer willing to wait. It has been over 18 months since the integration process was declared a priority. While the NGBs claim to be listening, it is evident that they are not truly hearing us."
The statement added that business as usual in the coming weeks and months should not be expected.
"In recent months Cavan’s footballers and Kildare’s camogie players have shown us what potentially lies in wait for all of us if nothing changes.
"We are not willing to wait for 56 more individual battles to arise.
"We stand here together, unified. And together we will remain resolute in our pursuit of a better future."
Reacting to the GPA statement, the Camogie Association issued one of its own, which read: "The Camogie Association was informed this morning of a joint statement by Camogie Association captains, LGFA captains, and the GPA.
"The GPA shared their State of Play document with the Camogie Association, and on June 14th, 2023, the GPA presented the report to Ard Chomhairle at the invitation of the Camogie Association.
"The GPA undertook to provide more detailed information on the Camogie data at the request of the Camogie Association.
"The concerns outlined in the report were discussed, and it was agreed to consider the more detailed information and identify priority areas to be addressed.
"The Camogie Association remains available for further discussions and awaits the more detailed information as requested.
"Under the current Inter-County Government Support Scheme, inter-county camogie players are eligible for team supports worth up to €14,000 per team, which covers physical and performance support, facilities, nutrition, and gear.
"Additionally, individual annual expenses funding worth €1,673,571 is available to inter-county players, which is divided between teams and players. This is managed through an annual Squad Charter process, where county boards, player representatives, and team management jointly sign the plan.
"The total funding of €5,641,791 for the Inter County Government Support Scheme in 2023 is equivalent to the funding provided to male counterparts on a pro-rata basis, ensuring equal financial support for both codes.
"As part of the ongoing integration process, a player charter for both male and female codes will be agreed upon in due course."
The LGFA described its reaction to the statement as one of "surprise" and said: "Despite claims to the contrary, the LGFA was actively involved in correspondence arising from the publication of the GPA's State of Play Equality report."
The statement added: "The LGFA takes issue with the suggestion that inter-county players are treated like 'second class' citizens.
"It should be noted that, in 2023, over €1.4m of Government funding will be allocated to LGFA inter-county squads to assist with player expense claims.
"Of this figure, over €900,000 is allocated directly to player expenses, while almost €500,000 is designated for LGFA team funding.
"The LGFA’s Central Council continues to recognise and acknowledge the vital role of the inter-county player – and earlier this year agreed that the full LGFA allocation (€1.4m) of Government funding would be assigned to player expenses for 2023, with the LGFA self-funding the team element for counties.
"Additionally, the live-streaming of all adult inter-county games, not shown live by TG4, from the Lidl National Leagues and TG4 All-Ireland Championships, provides inter-county management teams with an outstanding and unique service to assist with internal analysis."
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