Gaelic Players Association (GPA) chairperson Brian MacCraith admits that there has been some frustration at the pace of integration between the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association, but is confident that the process will begin to speed up.
Having previously represented 2,500 male members, the GPA body now accounts for 4,000 male and female members.
The GPA have taken a central role in talks aimed at speeding up the process of integration between the three bodies and while progress appears to have slowed, MacCraith is confident that it will pick up soon.
Speaking on RTÉ's The Championship, MacCraith praised the input of former President of Ireland Mary McAleese who agreed to independently chair the process and he believes that much of the ground work has already been completed.
"There would be some frustration expressed at the rate of progress," MacCraith said. "However, I think it’s very important to say that the GPA has been very pleased at the appointment of former President Mary McAleese.
"Personally I and the GPA would have full confidence in what she’s taken on to do and what she will do.
"Mary McAleese, we would all know, doesn’t take on roles lightly and she doesn’t move slowly and I want to express my full confidence in what she has been doing.
"The GPA has already engaged with the integration committee led by Mary and we’re very pleased with that engagement.
"While it’s taken a while to get going, I think we fully believe that stuff will start to happen at a much greater rate."
McCraith believes that all three bodies are fully behind the integration process and once it has been completed, he’s confident that it will can lead to 'full equality’ within GAA.
"We also appreciate that change is difficult for all the organisations involved," he added. "You have two smaller organisations coming together with a much larger organisation, it is difficult but it’s the right thing.
"Ultimately the GPA believes that full equality can’t be achieved unless you have that single association coming together.
"All the organisations have now bought into that vision and I think that’s the important starting point. We’re on a journey to something very special in Irish society as reflected in that."
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