The Camogie Association has accused the Gaelic Players Association of failing to engage "in a meaningful way" in the ongoing row over player supports for next season.
Inter-county camogie players and ladies footballers have both been protesting in recent weeks, demanding players' charters for 2024 that set out minimum facilities and expenses for inter-county players.
The GPA announced yesterday that players would not participate in LGFA/Camogie Association-organised media events for the closing stages of the respective All-Ireland championships.
In a statement today, the Camogie Association said that it "recognises the significance of the concerns raised by inter-county players" but wants "more detailed information and identification of priority areas that need to be addressed" from the players' body, which it said it had previously asked for.
The statement said: "The Camogie Association are disappointed the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) has not engaged in a meaningful way with the Association regarding the State of Play Report since 14th June 2023.
"The Camogie Association has again formally requested re-engagement from the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) regarding the State of Play Report. This request comes after the GPA presented the report to the Ard Chomhairle on June 14th, 2023. The Association are seeking more detailed information and identification of priority areas that need to be addressed.
"The Camogie Association recognises the significance of the concerns raised by inter-county players and emphasises the importance of the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) re-engaging with us on these matters. We are steadfast in our commitment to collaborating with them, firmly believing that open and constructive dialogue is the most effective approach to address these issues.
"The information requested will provide valuable insight into any existing issues or inequities. We are fully committed to working with the GPA to address these concerns, using the resources available to our Association in the short, medium, and long term, however, it is imperative we understand all the data presented before we can action any elements of the report."
The GPA responded on Twitter by saying they had emailed the Camogie president and CEO at 5.12pm on Wednesday asking for a meeting.
Hey folks, maybe check your inbox? Our CEO emailed both your President & CEO at https://t.co/SyS7gIAeQ5 yesterday (let's be exact as facts matter) seeking a meeting this week or next. So maybe check their diaries and let’s talk!#UnitedForEquality@OfficialCamogie https://t.co/PPA7SDWKRB
— GPA (@gaelicplayers) July 13, 2023
The LGFA said in a statement later on Thursday that they had met GPA representatives today and "reiterated its commitment to ensuring that a charter is in place for players ahead of the 2024 season".
The LGFA said it had conducted a survey with county boards this week, which found that
- 94% of teams have a strength and conditioning coach.
- 100% have a team physiotherapist.
- 76%of teams have a performance analyst.
- 94%of teams provide a meal to players after every training session.
- 97% of teams have access to a team nutritionist.
- 58% of teams have a set venue for training.
- 88% of teams have access to a gym
The LGFA added that "significant distribution of match-day and training gear has been reported by counties".
The Camogie Association had also outlined current supports available, including government-funded grants of up to €14,000 per team for physical and performance support, facilities, nutrition, and gear, and €1.6 million for inter-county players and teams in both codes, allocated through a 'squad charter' process.
The association said its county boards "tirelessly fundraise to implement the current squad charter recommendations for adult inter-ounty players. Simultaneously, they ensure the provision of services to all other players at the club and underage levels".
GAA director general Tom Ryan told an Oireachtas Committee on Wednesday that the GAA were willing to help the LGFA and Camogie Association establish a female charter, should they be asked to do so. The three associations are currently engaged in talks on a potential merger.
The GPA subsequently welcomed Ryan's comments and the Camogie Association today said it was "following up directly with the Director General on the GAA's availability to support the efforts of the Camogie Association to improve supports to inter county players".
The LGFA added that "recent meetings have taken place between representatives of the GAA, the LGFA and the Camogie Association, contrary to the impression portrayed at yesterday's Oireachtas gathering.
"At these meetings, it was acknowledged that a charter for inter-county players forms part of the overall and ongoing integration process and cannot be deal with in isolation, as constitutionally, the GAA, LGFA and Camogie are three separate Associations."
