Given the developments that have taken place in Gaelic games over the past
decade, particularly at the senior inter-county level, there is a concern that the
demands that today’s games are placing on players are having negative effects on
their lives. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and the Gaelic Players Association
(GPA) have introduced a number of measures to ensure that players’ needs are
taken care of and that those who play enjoy their experience. Nevertheless,
questions continue to be raised. Given this, the GAA and GPA jointly commissioned
the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) to conduct an independent
examination of the commitment required to play senior inter-county, and the
impact that this has on players’ personal and professional lives and club
involvement.
The research was primarily conducted through senior inter-county player
workshops and a survey of 2016 players. Workshops were also conducted with
2016 senior inter-county managers, County Board Secretaries and third-level
Games Development Officers (GDOs). What follows is a summary of the principal
findings arising from the study, consideration of their implications for both player
welfare and policy in this area, and some discussion on future directions
