All-Ireland winning Tyrone footballer Niall Morgan and Dublin Camogie captain Aisling Maher are the new Co-Chairs of the Gaelic Players Association’s National Executive Committee (NEC). The pair were officially elected to the roles at an NEC meeting last night, which took place after the association’s AGM.
Niall and Aisling take on the roles which were vacated by Matt O’Hanlon and Maria Kinsella at the AGM. Both are stepping down having played a massive role in helping steer the association through a period of great change. This included the merger with the Women’s Gaelic Players Association, the Covid-19 pandemic and the moves led by players towards integration of the three National Governing Bodies.
Tom Parsons, GPA CEO said; “We will forever be thankful to Matt and Maria for their outstanding contributions to the welfare and development of players and for ensuring players were always to the forefront when key decisions around our games were being taken. I would like to thank them personally too for their advice and guidance.
“I also want to wish Niall and Aisling the very best of luck in their new positions. Players are in safe hands with leadership of their quality.”
Podge Collins (Clare Hurling) and Niamh Mallon (Galway Camogie) have also stepped down from the NEC. The four vacant spots were filled at the AGM by Maria Curley (Tipperary Football), Dearbhla Magee (Down Camogie), Rory O’Connor (Wexford Hurling) and Shane O’Donnell (Clare Hurling).
The four motions which were down for discussion at the AGM were all passed. Those were:
- The GPA to engage with the LGFA to secure appropriate injury cover to safeguard inter-county players from financial hardship / loss. (Passed 100%)
- The GPA will work with the Associations to ensure that exact dates for all fixtures in the Championship are decided and circulated to players at the earliest possible date prior to the start of the competition. (Passed 100%)
- The GPA to determine inter-county players’ preferences on the Camogie Association mandated wearing of skorts with respect to their comfort, wellbeing and performance. (Passed 99%)
- The GPA to work with the Associations to develop a Legacy Care Programme, that will ensure the inter-county medical team and county board provide medical care for player injuries post inter-county season and post-career. (Passed 99%)
