A new report claims that inter-county players are generating a total economic impact of €591m annually.
The Gaelic Players Association is calling for an increase in Government grants as it is concerned that its members' contribution to the economy comes at a significant personal expense.
A report conducted by Indecon International Economic and Strategic Consultants (Indecon), commissioned by the GPA, shows that individual players incur an average net expense loss of €4,602 annually to participate at the inter-county level.
The report, entitled an 'Assessment of Economic and Social Impacts of Inter-County Gaelic Football, Camogie and Hurling Players in Ireland', was published this morning and is based on figures from the 2023 season.
The GPA says the report underscores the critical role inter-county players have, not just in Gaelic games but in the broader Irish economy, revealing significant growth in economic impact since 2018.
In 2021, the GPA successfully lobbied to see State funding for female inter-county players rise from €700,000 to €2.4m.
Currently, player grants in the region of €1,471 are paid to male players, with the figures varying from €1,000 to €1,700 depending on squad depth and success.
Female players are paid approximately €920 per year.
"Adjusted for inflation, players are €1,499 worse off than in 2018, largely due to out-of-pocket expenses for training and competing at the elite level"
Among the key findings of the Indecon report are that senior inter-county games generated €359m in direct spending (up 51% since 2018), 4,212 jobs that were directly supported (up 53% since 2018), €353m in gross value added (up 53% in the past six years and ) €62m generated in exchequer impact (up 49% since 2018).
The GPA says that the research conducted by Indecon over a six-month period in 2024 not only highlights the positive economic contribution of inter-county players, but also exposes the financial burden they bear.
"This financial burden has been amplified by the recent cost of living crisis, where inter-county players incur significant additional expenses with regards to their fuel and nutrition," a statement says.
"Adjusted for inflation, players are €1,499 worse off than in 2018, largely due to out-of-pocket expenses for training and competing at the elite level. In a survey of current inter-county players, many spoke of the impact that their playing commitments have on educational and career progression.
"Due to this, current GPA members are projected to suffer a cumulative lifetime earnings reduction of €31m.
"Players are also losing out on €3,500 annually in potential overtime earnings."
The GPA added that it was actively engaging with the Government to enhance recognition of players’ economic and social contribution, which in turn will help address the financial shortfall experienced by inter-county players.
GPA board of directors chairperson Brian MacCraith (above) said: "This important report highlights the significant contribution that inter-county players make to Irish society and the economy – both as role models inspiring future generations and as elite athletes generating substantial revenue for the State. We are urging the Government to ensure that its support reflects this impact.
"While we welcome the increase in grant funding from €3m to €5.6m to address gender disparities, male player grants have remained stagnant at €1,470 per player since 2018, representing a 24% reduction since they were introduced in 2008, and now represent just a 1% return on total economic impact.
"It is clear the Government must do more to recognise and support the vital role played by Gaelic players across all codes — football, hurling and camogie. We look forward to engaging with ministers to push for greater State recognition of their contribution."
Watch Kerry v Dublin in the Allianz Football League on Saturday from 7.20pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app. Listen to Saturday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1
Watch Allianz League Sunday from 9.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on all matches on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app. Listen to updates around the country on Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1
