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The Gaelic Players Association Annual Report 2014investing in a better future for county players
Annual Report 2014
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Contents
Page
Gaelic Players Association 2
Chairman’s Address 4
Investing in a Better Future for Players 8
Education — A Cornerstone of Player Development Programme 18
GPA Personal Development Programme 20
GPA Personal Counselling Service 22
Mind Your Own Business 24
Social Responsibility 26
GAA GPA Joint Venture 30
GPA Activity Update 2014 32
Getting to the Heart of the Matter 34
A Lot Has Changed But Your Place Remains 36
GPA’s Social Revolution 38
Super 11s Hurling 41
Players Earning Their Stripes in US 45
GPA Education Patron Programme 47
Insights Through Excellence Programme 49
The Institute 52
Madden Programme to Inspire New Generation of Leaders 57
Frequently Asked Questions 60
Financial Statements
Gaelic Players Association
Officers
Dermot Earley ( President) Dónal Óg Cusack ( Chairman)David Collins ( Secretary)Dessie Farrell ( Chief Executive)
GPA National Executive Committee
Cathal Cregg ( Roscommon)Philip Greene ( Sligo)Rob Hennelly ( Mayo)Seamus Hickey ( Limerick)Richie Hogan ( Kilkenny)Paul Flynn ( Dublin) Aaron Kernan ( Armagh)Matthew Donnelly (Tyrone)Ronan Sweeney (Kildare)Mark Ward (Meath)Colin Moran ( Dublin)Brian Mulvihill ( Tipperary)Keith Rossiter ( Wexford) John Glennon ( Baker Tilly Ryan Glennon) Sean Murphy ( Aer Lingus)Aaron Shearer ( LLB, AM)Pat McGarty ( IT Tralee)
GPA Former Players Group
Tony Hanahoe ( Chairman)Joe ConnollyVinnie GlennonSeamus Darby Sean WalshDeclan O’LoughlinPat ManganMick GalvinDonal O’Grady
GPA Finance Committee
John Glennon Chairman, Managing Partner, Baker Tilly R yan Glennon
Dessie Farrell CEO
Philip Greene Manager Corporate Banking, Bank of Ireland Brian Mulvihill Finance Manager, Irlandia Investments
GPA Remuneration Committee
Tom Dillon Global Logistics Director, Diageo Dónal Óg Cusack Chairman,GPA
Martin Kelly Head of Group HR Specialist Services, Irish Life Teddy Owens CEO Cork VEC
Annual Report 2014
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GPA Staff
Dessie Farrell Chief Executive
Aidan Gordon Chief Operations Officer
Siobhan Earley Player Development Programme Manager
Seán Potts Head of Communications
Eamonn Murphy Projects & Events Co-ordinator
Tomás Colton National Development Officer (Munster, Ulster)
Dara McGarty National Development Officer (Connacht, Leinster)
Shona Drumgoole Accounts Administrator
Karen Thorpe Executive Assistant
Niall McGovern Administrator
Niamh McGuinness Project Manager
Barry Cahill Business Development Manager. GAA / GPA.
01 David Collins02 Dermot Earley03 Dónal Óg Cusack
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Chairman’s Address
On the Gaelic Players Association’s visit to New York for the annual Heritage Awards Gala last October I had a brief moment before the event in the iconic Plaza Hotel to reflect how far the players’ body has come.
Annual Report 2014
Later that evening over 400 guests, many from the city’s leading business and finance institutions, gathered to honour two great supporters of the GPA and to pay tribute to our players’ contribution to another remarkable season.
They gave a standing ovation as travelling players, former and present, were paraded into the room. More importantly the guests provided tangible support to the GPA Player Development Programme — a practical endorsement for the work of the players association and the role of the county hurler and footballer in Irish society.
This support will help provide scholarships, career development, business start-up assistance, personal coaching, counselling, health screening. And these supporters are taking an increasing interest in our games and the future of our athletes.
I know it’s considered something of an Irish thing to seek an external blessing but personally I believe that our players and our games stand on the threshold of an incredibly exciting future and it was franked by that gathering three thousand miles from Croke Park.
That optimism is generated by the increasing number of county players engaging with GPA programmes, it is generated with every positive outcome and with every heart-warming story of a player who has faced down adversity in his personal life.
The GPA programmes exist to ensure that the county player’s increasing commitment to elite level football and hurling is not being made at the expense of their personal development. We know this is a difficult task and we know that there is still a significant challenge for the
players’ body to encourage young players entering the county ranks to engage with services at the soonest opportunity.
However, with increasing regularity, the GPA are conveying positive testimonials from players relaying their personal stories about how engagement with programmes has had a profoundly positive impact on their lives.
Support for programmes, however, comes at a significant cost and, after five years, the GAA is now closing the first chapter in its new relationship with county players — funding essential services through the GPA to help them to realise their off-field ambitions.
These services are also supported through our GAA / GPA joint venture sponsorships and partnerships and the work of Barry Cahill in Le Chéile and GAA Commercial Director Peter McKenna in securing these important relationships has helped the delivery of critical player programmes enormously.
It is important to note just how successfully the GAA and GPA have been working together during the past five years and Ard Stiúrthóir Paraic Duffy deserves great credit for his positive and practical endorsement for the work of the GPA.
Uachtarán Liam Ó Néill will soon depart after three years in office and for me personally and the players association in general he has been a powerful advocate for the role of the GPA and the importance of the county playing body to the wider GAA.
The joint GAA / GPA project promoting hurling to a new audience in the US via the Super 11s model in many ways reflects the new relationship between county players and the GAA. It is an ambitious and far-reaching enterprise but one that is predicated by placing the leading exponents
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in our games to the fore. The GAA is remarkably successful at promoting grass roots activity all over the world. Super 11s is now carrying the county game to the world and it is a very exciting prospect.
I would like to pay tribute to the work and professionalism of GPA Chief Executive Dessie Farrell, the GPA staff at HQ in Northwood and the many service providers around the country for their tireless efforts in ensuring the Player Development Programme is delivered to the highest possible standards.
I would also like to thank the wonderful voluntary efforts of the GPA National Executive Committee and Officers, our Finance and Remuneration Committees who continue to ensure that the work of the GPA is carried out to the most exacting standards of governance.
Thanks to all our Social Responsibility Programme partners — Pieta House, Soar, Headstrong, Alan Kerins Projects, Pips Charity and Ashoka — who do such important work in society. Thanks also to all the county players, former and present, who give so much back to their communities through their charity and voluntary work. In particular thanks to those GPA ambassadors who have taken a leading role in helping to tackle the scourge of suicide and depression.
The GPA Former Players Group, under the chairmanship of Tony Hanahoe, held its second annual networking dinner in Croke Park last September where former playing legends Ned Wheeler of Wexford and Meath’s 1949 captain Brian Smyth were honoured. It was a resounding success and augurs really well for the future of the Former Players network which has an increasingly important role to play in the development of the GPA.
Thanks to our US Advisory Board and Dinner Committee for their incredible dedication to supporting our projects and we look forward with renewed optimism to 2015. Thanks also to our partners in Aer Lingus who have helped underpin our important work in the US.
Finally, congratulations to Kerry and Kilkenny for their respective All-Ireland triumphs last year. As the two most successful teams in our games, 2014 was once again a testament to the enduring traditions in both counties.
Congratulations to all the county hurlers and footballers for your contribution to the 2014 season which was marked by some outstanding contests. Well done to the GAA / GPA All-Stars and to Opel for their continued support for our joint monthly and annual player awards. Well done also to the Ring, Rackard and Meagher teams of the year who were honoured at the annual All-Stars ceremony in Dublin last October.
Launch of the GPA Jim Madden Leadership Programme, December 2014
Annual Report 2014
Investing in a Better Future for County Players
Everyone speaks of how Gaelic games have evolved over the years but it’s worth pausing to consider the implications.
We are now in an era of strategic game plans with tactical nuances, advanced strength and conditioning programmes, complex drills to increase speed and agility, GPS monitoring, strict nutritional plans, fat burn and lean muscle protein shakes, in-depth video analysis, collective and individual real time stats, psycho babble, jujitsu, training camps… on and on it goes.
And everyone loves it; the crowds throng, the sponsors flock and the TV audience grow — all around the world. Over the last decade at numerous times we thought we had reached saturation point in terms of the level of professionalism being introduced and the dedication of county players. We seemingly have not and I don’t hear anyone shouting stop anytime soon.
In society with the advancement in technology, devices of all shapes and sizes, the ‘ internet of things’, social media and so on, some argue that proper interaction between human beings; family, friends, colleagues is suffering. This may or may not be true but it is a valid question to ask — with all this progression does anything give way?
The same question applies within our sports. The county boards appoint the managers who, year on year, improve the standards with even more sophisticated approaches which require more buy-in and dedication from the players.
What gives? I think we know. The years players commit to the
county game are also the formative years in their careers outside of the game. Some players get this but many don’t. For many of our players, they are actually in denial. For others they recognise it but hope it all works out or that they can play catch up later.
For those lucky individuals who have the insight, they embrace the challenge of tending to a dual career; being an elite athlete and preparing themselves for the rest of their lives during their playing days. Developing this insight is the important first step.
There are numerous supports in place through the GPA Player Development Programme for the enlightened, programmes which are making a meaningful difference to the lives of those players who use them.
Player development must play a more prominent role everywhere with our games — in our dressing rooms, selectors’ discussions, county board meetings, at Congress and so on.
It must become part of the narrative
for players, managers, administrators and supporters. It must become imbedded in the mindset and language we use. In the same way we discuss player’s training schedules, team selection, refereeing decisions, the GAA’s amateur status — it is time for player development to be identified for the vital role it has to play in the lives of our players.
At an event I attended last September I was struck by a comment from a former player and All-Ireland winner in a Q&A session when he stated that while the game was good to him on the field it wasn’t good to him off it. This is not a player who, subsequent to his playing career, had problems with alcohol, gambling or with his mental health. This was just a statement of fact. He wished the Player Development Programme was established in his day.
Annual Report by Dessie Farrell, Chief Executive Officer, Gaelic Players Association
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No doubt there are many more former players who feel the same. The county player ‘conveyor belt’ mentality has been challenged by the Gaelic Players Association and things have improved for the better. Our programmes are all now available to former players and while it’s never too late to be interested in personal renewal it must be a priority that current generation of players do not look back with any regrets in this regard.
There is more and more evidence to suggest that there is a tangible link between off field development and on field success across a range of sports which is important information for the manager within the county. We need more managers to understand this.
In an era of strong competition from professional sports a strong emphasis on player development is also good for
the games and the Association. We need more administrators of the games to understand this.
We pride ourselves on having some of the best field games in the world — the ambition for everyone involved should be to have one of the best Player Development Programmes in the world.
To make that a reality it requires us to think differently about player development and to invest heavily in it ensuring that more and more players transition from the county game prepared for life after. It is also imperative that the county game continues to prosper and maintains its pre-eminence on the sporting calendar.
Agreement With GAA2015 marks the final year in our five-
year agreement with the GAA and it is
time to reflect on the journey to date.The practical manifestation of the
recognition protocol was the Player Development Programme which, since 2010, has provided support for county players in the areas of career, education, personal development, health and wellbeing and hardship assistance.
In recent years I am loath to just keep listing our services or rattling off statistics — however impressive — because to do so does not do justice to the human stories, big and small, that lie behind the various programmes — the players whose lives were saved due to intervention with our counselling service or cardiac programme, the former player whose career has been re-ignited thanks to educational support, the player whose business is blossoming thanks to start-up assistance and mentoring, the player
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01 2014 All Ireland Hurling Final
who has emerged from the peripheries of his panel struggling to cope in college to winning an All-Ireland medal and powering towards a first class honours degree or the player who conquered addiction to become a leader in society.
One common feature among the players who have fared best through engagement with GPA programmes is self-awareness.
Athletic identity can be an all-pervasive force in the life of an elite footballer and hurler but through our Personal Coaching Programme, players discover their true potential as individuals and are then better equipped to manage the serious challenge of a dual career.
The journey of self-awareness has other positive benefits as players become conscious of the various transferable skills from elite level sport, particularly in the area of leadership. The GPA is committed to introducing a new programme next year designed to cultivate, enhance and develop these qualities, to enable our players to become leaders in business, in education, in the professions, in work and in their communities.
Delivering world-class support to our members has required an enormous effort on the part of the GPA staff and team of service providers in 2014 and we thank them for their great contribution.
It is essential that this effort is redoubled in 2015 and that the organisation expands to meet the growing demand for programmes.
However, like any burgeoning organisation, funding remains a constant challenge. It is unthinkable that access to programmes would have to be curtailed because of growing demand and the GPA has continued to work hard in the US to generate additional support for our work and our players.
The third annual GPA Ireland-US Heritage Awards Gala event was staged in New York in October 2014 and it was a resounding success. We are humbled by the continuing generosity of our supporters in the US and I would once again like to thank this year’s wonderful honourees Mike Brewster and Tom Moore along with our hard-working US Advisory Board and Dinner Committee.
It is incredible to see so many people, particularly those with no GAA background whatsoever, touched by the story of our games and our players. There is extraordinary potential to expand the interest in our leagues, championships and those who perform in them in the US and it is hugely exciting aspect of the GPA’s work. Just like in Ireland, an expansion of interest in the county game
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will boost grass roots development, particularly US clubs trying to nurture underage programmes.
In partnership with the GAA, we have begun to take Super 11s hurling to the US — the aim of the short-form game is to enable us to stage serious competitive contests at iconic venues in the US and beyond. The success of last year’s visit to the University of Notre Dame we hope has paved the way for other major events in the future where once again our leading hurlers will be exposed to a new and influential US audience.
‘ WeWearMore’ Campaign2014 also marked the launch of
the GPA ‘ WeWearMore’ campaign designed to promote emotional and mental wellbeing among our players and in Irish society. Spearheaded by our inspirational ambassadors like Conor Cusack, Alan O’Mara and Niall McNamee, this campaign has way exceeded our expectations and has established a serious platform, one now shared by many other organisations, to help tackle the stigma associated with depression and suicide in our society.
We can be very proud of the active part county players played and continue to play in this campaign. The GPA has always championed players as role models in their communities and ‘ WeWearMore’ reflects the willingness and desire of players to be leaders in society, to challenge consensus and build new powerful relationships in the process.
To emphasise the impact of this campaign, WeWearMore.ie was named the Best Sports Site and Best Micro Site of the Year at the 2014 Web Awards
The GPA sees itself as a bulwark against abuse of players and the Association remains committed to the positive promotion of our players and our games. We have a culture in our sports, one primarily controlled by the manager, of curtailing the profile of the player — a somewhat outdated concept that only by suspending the individual’s public character can we achieve success. This notion has been rubbished by professional sports and while it is true that the amateur player, as an individual rooted in his own community, needs to be protected from over-exposure and over-hype, we simply have to apply a new thinking to how our players engage with the media. Like most things in life, education and training can provide the solution. The more comfortable our players are in projecting themselves as representatives of their county teams, the better for everyone involved. The GPA has been
02 GPA Reps Summit 201403 Mayo’s Rob Hennelly who took part in the
GPA WeWearMore Campaign
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supporting players — both current and former — in this area and will continue to encourage players and managers to take a mature and long-term view.
In regard to the GPA’s public profile I am continually amused when the players’ body is perceived as being ‘subsumed’ by the GAA and that the players voice is been somewhat silenced. It is ironic because never has the player had greater influence within the Association including on all of the GAA’s decision making bodies.
However, observers must understand what the GPA does and how it works as an organisation. The central aim of the GPA is helping our members to realise their potential off the field of play. We do that through the delivery of world class programmes but we also do it by working, as a strong independent body, in partnership with the GAA who have provided outstanding support for our services and our work.
To think that we have not had our differences is of course absurd but so too is the notion that serious disputes are not dealt with efficiently at central level. It just happens that this business is now conducted through a formal process where issues are resolved through negotiation rather than megaphones.
We enjoy an excellent working relationship with the GAA and I’d like to thank Director General Paraic Duffy and outgoing President Liam O’Neill for their outstanding support throughout the year. During his three-year tenure, Liam O’Neill has been a powerful supporting voice for the GPA and for county players and he leaves a rich legacy. I would like to wish incoming President Aogán Ó Fearghail the very best of luck when he takes office this year. Also thanks to the staff in Croke Park and the many voluntary committee members who have also worked with the GPA during 2014.
The GAA / GPA Joint Venture arrangement — Le Chéile — provides additional support for the Player Development Programme by attracting new sponsorship arrangements. 2014 was an excellent year for the Le Chéile project under the management of former player Barry Cahill. Opel Ireland have remained staunch supporters of our joint annual All-Stars awards while PwC also renewed their joint sponsorship this year. Other established partners include Lenovo and Opro while Avonmore Protein Milk and Best Menswear arrival this year have given great impetus to the joint venture model.
It is important to note that these commercial partnerships / sponsorships support all players — they help fund scholarships, counselling programmes,
personal development coaches and many other critical services. I would like to thank our joint sponsors and our GPA partners Aer Lingus for their outstanding commitment to supporting player development and welfare.
Another pioneering partner for the GPA has been ICON the global provider of outsourced development services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries. ICON, one of the great success stories for Irish business, sponsor the GPA’s Life Sciences scholarship programme supporting players engaged in the relevant undergraduate and postgraduate courses including medicine, pharmacy, biology, science and mathematics.
Player Engagement One of the GPA’s biggest challenges is
active engagement with members and ensuring not only that players are aware of the supports available but that they are encouraged to access services from the outset. Of particular concern to the GPA is the student cohort of county players representing a third of the membership. This group is particularly vulnerable both in terms of finance and time management. They are also likely to be serving a number of different panels which compounds their problems. During the GPA student meetings held earlier in the year we heard stories of players struggling to cope with the psychological stress of trying to satisfy the competing demands of different managers and teams.
This is an intolerable situation but it is a complex one given that the GAA is one of the few sporting organisations in the world where a player is expected to commit to five or six different teams simultaneously. The GPA supports the GAA’s efforts to tackle the fixture issue but it is important to highlight that the problems for individual players sometimes go much deeper. This year with the support of the GPA Education Committee, we have compiled a wide-ranging report based on a comprehensive survey of our student members. This report, due for publication shortly, reveals how student county players, unlike the normal student cohort, are locked in a constant struggle for time, juggling personal, academic and playing responsibilities, frequently with a lack of formal support.
It is an area of priority for the GPA in 2015 and we have been working hard with the third level institutions to create an acceptable athlete friendly policy designed to support county players during their period of study.
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04 Wexford’s Lee Chin who took part in the GPA WeWearMore Campaign
Annual Report 2014
05 Kildare hurlers Mark Moloney (l) and Éanna O’Neill celebrate their Christy Ring Cup final victory over Kerry last year
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GPA Player Institute One of the characteristics of the Gaelic
Players Association since its inception in 1999 has been an underlying ambition to affect positive change and we believe this is an underlying trait of the GPA that can continue to serve players and their Association well in the future.
One of the most ambitious plans being developed by the GPA at the moment is the creation of a world-class institute dedicated to the personal development of athletes; a purpose-built facility to house our programmes and to create an efficient, concentrated environment for county players where all GPA activities can be included. Whether this centre is constructed as a stand-alone, state-of-the art building or co-located on an educational, sporting or business campus is still being scoped but we hope that this ambitious project will progress from the concept stage in 2015.
The institute will support our core activity in career, education, life skill, leadership and health and wellbeing along with services such as enterprise and innovation, athlete engagement, social responsibility, research and corporate management and we believe this centre will vastly improve the delivery of services to our members.
Women’s Players Association The GPA was founded by county players
for players and while the organisation has evolved considerably over 15 years; that player-driven focus has never wavered.
While the GAA continues to dismantle the barriers that exist between the men and women who perform at the top level of our games, the GPA has recently been exploring ways in which we could support our female colleagues, inter-county ladies footballers and camogie players, to provide them with a platform to develop an independent voice and construct a similar support model for their athletes. Despite the contrasting commercial realities between the codes, things are changing and over the past 12 months the GPA has engaged and is working directly with representatives from both women’s games to support them in developing a structure and association for their players. It is an exciting development and one we believe will have a profound impact not only on the welfare of individual players but also on the future development of women’s football and camogie.
Jim Madden Leadership ProgrammeThe launch of the Jim Madden
Leadership Programme for players
before Christmas 2014 was a significant milestone for the GPA and a wonderful endorsement for the Association’s work in the US where we first met with Michael Madden.
This Programme, the first of its kind in Ireland, is made possible thanks to the support of Michael and his family who are dedicating the new curriculum to the memory of their late father Jim who was a tireless grassroots GAA and community activist in Tipperary.
The Programme will develop a group of county players from hurling, camogie, Gaelic football — men’s and ladies — with the necessary skills, motivation and experience to become successful leaders in the community.
A Year Of Progress As Chief Executive it is great source
of satisfaction and pride to reflect on the GPA’s achievements in 2014, none more so than the continued increases in successful player engagement with our programmes. Our success has been made possible by an incredibly hard-working, innovative and passionate staff, our excellent service providers, underpinned by our voluntary Executive and various committees. I would like to thank all our staff, service providers, officers, board and committee members for their work throughout the year. In particular I would like to single out GPA chairman Dónal Óg Cusack whose dedication to the player cause is quite extraordinary. Thanks also to our officers President Dermot Earley and Secretary David Collins for their commitment to players all over the country.
On the field of play, meanwhile, we enjoyed another incredible season, one extended for the third year in a row. Of course it marked Sky Sports first venture into the Gaelic games broadcast arena and their viewing figures for the All-Ireland finals would suggest there is huge scope for growth in the UK and beyond. Allied to the impact of RTÉ’s successful roll out of GAAGo providing on-line access to games globally, we believe the additional exposure of our players and games to new audiences in this progressive way can only be good for the wider Association.
Television’s globalisation of sport cannot be ignored and we need to be confident about the potential of our own games in this regard.
Central to this success are the county players. When all the dust settles about structures, tactics, analysis, sponsorship, technology, broadcast deals, appointments, venues, refereeing decisions, finance, comments and fixtures
we are left with the unassailable fact that the dedication and commitment of our county hurlers and footballers carry our games and our society on the most wonderful voyage each season, a celebration of our culture and our spirit.
Those players are now supported in a manner hardly conceivable two decades ago but as we approach the end of the first five-year agreement between the GAA and GPA let me paraphrase — this is merely the end of the beginning.
County players, nurtured and developed by club volunteers, are harnessed commercially to support the GAA at every level; a virtuous circle where the efforts of those who perform in Croke Park help sustain the commercial health of the most wonderful sporting organisation in the world. Critical to this cycle of success is the Player Development Programme and the GPA remains committed, passionately, to the continued enhancement and refinement of this model.
Congratulations to all county players for your extraordinary contribution to the sporting fabric of our nation in 2014. Only the lucky few can taste the elusive joy of ultimate success on the field of play. However, while they bask in the glow of victory, every county player who had the privilege of shouldering the dreams of the county this season remains an integral part of the GAA’s rich tapestry and a valued member of the players association.
While they carry that responsibility and long after they hang up their boots, we are there to support them.
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James O’Donoghue ( Kerry ) and Christy Toye ( Donegal )
Annual Report 2014
Education — A Cornerstone of Player Development Programme
The GPA Education Programme is designed to support athletes operating in a high performance environment to maximize their potential through education and develop the next generation of leaders.
It can be a great challenge to get the balance right between the career as a county player and the required focus on studies. Over 30% of county players in third level education must repeat a year in college. Other players never get the opportunity to go to college. We aim to change this!
Categories: General Scholarship Programme
Players pursuing undergraduate and post graduate education whose commitment to a high performance amateur athletic career precludes the ability to work on a part-time basis to supplement the cost of education are supported through an annual individual bursary.
Back to College / Financial HardshipFund to facilitate a return to
education for players whose financial circumstances would otherwise prohibit such a pursuit. This category is aimed primarily though not exclusively at older or former players. Often there is no previous experience of third level education. This is often regarded as a life changing intervention by players who are supported in this manner.
Sponsor-A-Scholar Fund Fund designed to support the
education of high achieving players enabling them to excel and develop to their full potential both athletically and academically. This funding recognises the added pressures brought to bear for these exceptionally talented athletes to perform with numerous teams at various different age levels. Funding is generally donor advised.
PHD SupportsWhere candidate satisfies the relevant
criteria to pursue a post graduate doctorate, the GPA will provide a limited number of scholarships to fund this commitment. Relevance to GPA research into related athletic matters is favourable but not compulsory.
Leadership ProgrammeThe GPA announced the new Jim
Madden Leadership Programme in December 2014. This Programme is specifically tailored to support elite athletes in their pursuit of authentic leadership competencies. The course is designed to cultivate, enhance and develop the many transferable skills possessed by our players, to enable them to become leaders in business, in education, in the professions, in work and in their communities. First intake of players for this course will take place in March 2015.
There is a particular focus on supporting players or former players whose circumstances prohibit the pursuit of further education and encouraging a return to education where appropriate.
An additional Educational Advice Resource aimed at ensuring players make the right educational choices supplements this Programme.
Up to December 2014, 631 players were directly supported in their education and Professional Skills Training which accounts for a little over a quarter of all of the 2,250 player engagements with GPA services in the calendar year.
Players supported in education have been assisted under the following categories: • Scholarship Programme • Back to Education • Sponsor-A-Scholar Fund • PHD Supports • Leadership Programme • Professional Skills Training
The aim of the GPA Education Programme is to ensure that county players maximise their career potential through education while simultaneously managing their substantial commitment to our elite amateur games.
01 Recipients of 2014 GPA DCU Masters Scholarships announced in December
02 At the launch of GPA Scholarships in Queen’s University Belfast back in 2011 marking the first year of the GPA Player Development Programme
03 Galway hurler Niall Burke ( centre ) with ICON Chief Executive Ciaran Murray ( right ) and GPA Chief Executive Dessie Farrell ( left )
04 Former Westmeath footballer David O’Shaughnessy who received a GPA DCU MBA Scholarship in 2014 along with GPA Chief Executive Dessie Farrell
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“ This time last year I contacted the GPA in a state of worry about funding for my Masters degree and was stressed out to the max. A year later I have Sigerson, Munster and All-Ireland medals in my back pocket, I’m in line for a 1.1 in my Masters degree and I just got offered a fantastic job in my home town. This was made possible with the assistance of the GPA and I am forever grateful.”
Brian Kelly, Kerry footballer
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Annual Report 2014
GPA Personal Development Programme
Unlocking Player Potential
“ I truly believe that every person has unlimited potential and that we all have a unique voice which wants to be heard. Deep down, behind all the bullshit, we just want to be ourselves, and when people are given the opportunity to express their real selves, they can achieve whatever they want, they can have all the love, happiness and success they require. Very often this process starts simply by someone believing in them.”
Jim Stynes 1966 — 2012
The GPA’s Personal Development Programme is designed to support players in maximizing their potential off the field of play.
Increasingly underpinning many of the GPA services, Personal Development Coaching guides the individual on a journey of self-discovery, helping them to develop a keen awareness of their personal strengths and identify areas for improvement.
It assists players in recognizing the individual traits they possess as athletes which are transferable into other important areas of their lives. Each player is also supported in the production of a personal development plan.
Through this programme players come away with a deeper understanding of their own individual identity which is separate to their athletic identity and are equipped to seek out and embrace new and exciting opportunities leading to a greater self fulfilment and a superior quality of life.
Up to December 2014, 232 players were supported in intensive one-to-one Personal Development Coaching, marking a steady rise in engagement with this programme.
The service is conducted by skilled coaches and due to the increase in engagement it is an area the GPA intends to expand considerably in the short term. Future plans include the introduction of more full time and part-time Personal Development Coaches, establishing training and development courses for coaches and GPA staff, establishing a voluntary mentoring network to supplement the programme and developing an on-line learning system.
01 Kilkenny’s Richie Hogan who engaged with the GPA Personal Development Programme
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“ I am certain that were it not for the GPA I would not have had the confidence to go back to education and take a new career path. I wasn’t fully sure of what particular direction I would go, but this Program helped me to discover things about myself and gave me a much greater sense of purpose in my life. I am convinced the decision to take this course and travel a different road will have nothing but positive effects on my life and those around me.”
Richie Hogan, Kilkenny
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Annual Report 2014
GPA Personal Counselling Service
The Personal Counselling Service is a key component of the GPA Health and Wellbeing Programme. The service is designed to support players who are experiencing distress in their lives as well as promoting good mental health within the playing body and in wider Irish society.
The Personal Counselling Service operated by a team of psychologists and counsellors and backed up by a 24 Hour Player Helpline has supported over 235 players — 117 in 2014 alone — with a variety of issues ranging from simple stress-related problems to serious addiction and depression.
The GPA partners a number of mental health organisations through the Social Responsibility Programme, harnessing the profile of county players to help promote good mental health in the community.
Former Cork hurler Conor Cusack and Offaly footballer Niall McNamee, both powerful advocates for mental health in Ireland, now operate as ambassadors for the GPA Personal Counselling Service and our various campaigns and partnerships.
A Positive Emotional Health and Wellbeing booklet was published by the GPA in 2014 along with a set of specific guidelines on gambling for county players.
‘ We Wear More’In May 2014 the GPA launched ‘ We
Wear More Than Our County Colours’, an internal campaign focussing on the emotional health and wellbeing of county players.
The aim of the campaign is to help normalise conversations between players around the more emotional aspects of their lives and to help them develop effective coping mechanisms for times when things are not going so well.
Featuring a visually-compelling short film highlights the many issues that can often trigger emotional reactions for players. Players are encouraged to look out for each other, to recognise signs of distress and to facilitate intervention through conversation and support.
Problems with retirement, relationship break-ups, depression, stress, financial difficulties, addiction, performance and anxiety all feature in ‘ We Wear More’.
The theme of the campaign refers to the fact that behind the often high profile public persona of a county player, the individual wears more than the jersey and is frequently vulnerable to emotional distress.
Strong athletic identity, a characteristic of many elite footballers and hurlers despite their amateur status, can lead to a player struggling to cope with transition, serious injury or simply managing their dual career.
‘ We Wear More’ is helping to raise self-awareness among the playing body and prepare players for the many adverse situations which may arise during their careers.
The GPA believes that by encouraging county players to engage in conversations about emotional wellbeing that this can have a positive impact on communities all over Ireland, encouraging young people in clubs, schools, colleges and in wider society to talk about their problems.
The campaign features the following county players: Michael Murphy
( Donegal ), Padraig Brehony (Galway ), Seamus Hennessy ( Tipperary ), Alan O’Mara (Cavan ), Padraig Collins ( Clare ), Conal Keaney ( Dublin ), Richie Hogan (Kilkenny), Colm Begley ( Laois ), Eoin Cadogan (Cork ), Rob Hennelly ( Mayo), Jonny Cooper ( Dublin ), Ciaran McKeever (Armagh), Lee Chin ( Wexford ), Niall McNamee (Offaly ). For more information check out www.wewearmore.ie
Telephone Helpline A critical telephone helpline service
which is available to GPA members 24 / 7, 365 days a year allows players constant access to a trained counsellor at the other end of the phone. Any serious and / or critical issues are dealt with immediately and emergency referrals provided if required.
Freephone Republic of Ireland 1800 989 285 and from Northern Ireland dial 0800 044 5059.
Counselling Service The GPA provides a nationwide team
of psychologists and counsellors who are available to meet with players who require one-to-one treatment on a short — or long-term basis. Typical issues addressed are depression, anxiety, gambling addiction, bereavement and relationship difficulties.
Residential ProgrammeIn serious cases some members
may require a residential treatment programme. The GPA has established a relationship with a leading treatment facility who will work with our psychologists to ensure the player receives the best care and after-care programme possible.
01 Launch of GPA’s WeWearMore Campaign
02 Ciaran McKeever Armagh, part of the WeWearMore Campaign
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Issues Presenting Jan — July 2014
Depression 41%
Addiction — Gambling 22%
Anxiety 13%
Relationship Difficulties 9%
Addiction — Alcohol 6%
Suicidal 4%
Bereavement 2%
Struggling with balancing Dual Career
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“ The first step is to admit that gambling is making your life unmanageable. This is also the hardest thing to admit to someone because there is a lot of shame and guilt attached to it. I thought I was the only person who suffered with this addiction but it is a widespread problem so there is no need to feel like you’re alone. Since admitting my problem to my father I have received huge support from my family, friends, team mates and the GPA. The support I have received through talking about my addiction has helped me to get my life back and be much happier as a person.”
Niall McNamee, Offaly Footballer
Niall McNamee has been assisted through funding for a residential addiction treatment programme and ongoing after care counselling treatment. Niall is also an ambassador for the GPA Mental Health Programme.
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Annual Report 2014
Mind Your Own Business
GPA Business Start-Up ProgrammeThe GPA’s Business Start-Up Programme is broad-based service designed to support players in taking the first critical steps as an entrepreneur.
The GPA’s Business Start-Up Programme is broad-based service designed to support players in taking the first critical steps as an entrepreneur.
Starting a new business can be very daunting but for players already committed to elite level sport it can be particularly challenging.
However, the GPA Business Start-Up Programme is conducted in a ‘safe’ environment where players can develop ideas and models before presenting their proposals to various enterprise boards and financial institutions.
The first step in the process is to introduce candidates to a personal coaching programme that ensures that the player is ready, has the necessary skills and motivation to establish and successfully run a business.
Following the personal coaching process the player then undergoes a series of business planning meetings where the viability of the idea is tested. This can be a difficult leg of the journey for players whose proposals are scrutinised in great detail to ensure that they are robust enough to endure.
However, when they have successfully negotiated the planning meetings players are then introduced to the GPA’s Financial
Advice service where they are trained in areas such as company set-up, personal financial advice, accountancy service for VAT / tax affairs and managing cash flow.
They are then given a number of practical marketing supports — the service of a designer to help develop a brand identity including logos, business cards, stationary and invoices. They are supported with the service of an online media company to help develop an online presence, social media strategy and website.
After this journey the player is then equipped to take the business idea into the market place. However, they can avail of on-going business advice from the GPA and the return rate of players engaging in the service is high as they aim to expand and further develop their businesses.
When the player has established their business we then encourage them to engage with our Business Mentoring Programme where a mentor is assigned to assist with developing his business to the next level.
From our experience mentoring works best when the player has already gained a degree of experience in business are ready to harness the knowledge of those operating at the cutting edge.
Twenty-two players were supported through this comprehensive service up to December 2014, many of whom are engaged in the sports / fitness sector.
With the explosion of gyms around Ireland, county players are perfectly placed to run a business in this area as they possess the credibility to develop ‘centres of excellence’ and bring their unique experience to the table.
Career Development Over 138 players were supported with
the GPA Career Development Programme in 2014.
This service is a practical support to equip players in their pursuit of employment and includes career guidance, CV preparation, networking and communications.
Players can also avail of specific coaching in the area of communications, presentation skills and media training. This includes players who wish to up-skill to further develop their careers, those preparing for a job interview and former players who are engaging in media punditry.
However, an increasing number of younger players are engaging with this service to strengthen their ability to deal with media responsibilities during their playing careers.
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“ From the moment I developed my business idea, the GPA have provided an immense support network, helping with everything from funding, accounting, planning, marketing and networking. The programme focuses on empowering and enabling me as an entrepreneur. They have created a business support network allowing players in business to engage in a meaningful way with each other and the community.”
Shane Lyons, Fermanagh
01 Fermanagh Footballer Shane Lyons
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Annual Report 2014
Social Responsibility
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Players are wonderful role models in their communities. The GPA Social Responsibility Programme harnesses that collective strength to help bring positive change to our society.
The GPA approached Soar and set them the challenge of running an emotional wellness camp with primary schools from Ballymun and inner-city Dublin. The combined sports and emotional wellness camp was designed to achieve the following results: • Increase self-confidence, awareness and self-belief amongst the young people
• Promote empathy and peer respect • Increase resiliency • Recognise core strengths and passions.
Feedback from everyone involved was overwhelmingly positive. It was a powerful four days to witness the journey of these incredible young people from two separate schools.
Initially defensive and reluctant to engage with each other, the group was powerfully bonded due to the shared experience. The positive impact of the group sharing their experiences, vulnerabilities, challenges and dreams was very evident at the end of the week.
Speaking after working as a coach on the Camp, Dublin footballer Jonny Cooper commented:
“ We saw the kids transform in the matter of days which was incredible and it was an absolute privilege to be around them. I think as county players we have a responsibility to recognise our role in society outside of football or hurling and for me participating in the camp was very rewarding and opened my eyes to the potential of this type of engagement. It helps us as adults to share our experiences with these kids, particularly how to cope with the serious challenges they face. We’re really learning from them as much as they are from us.”
The GPA will continue to work closely and support Soar in a combined effort to create a boy and girl specific programme for young people. These programmes will challenge stereotypes, and aim to give our young people the self-belief, resilience and support they need to be their true selves.
Commitment To Mental HealthThe GPA’s WeWearMore Campaign
catapulted the players’ body onto the national stage as a pivotal movement in the efforts to tackle the stigma of mental health and the scourge of young people dying by suicide or self-harming. Along with our own internal work the GPA helps support a number of mental health organisations through our Social Responsibility Programme.
Pieta HouseAs part of the GPA’s broader
commitment to supporting mental health in society, the players’ body teamed up with Suicide and Self Harm Crisis Centre Pieta House in 2013 where a number of county players were unveiled as ambassadors to promote the work of the organisation in particular the Mind our Men campaign. In 2014 the GPA is supporting Pieta’s Spot the Signs, Save a Life campaign. A number of high profile county players were actively involved in the annual Darkness into Light event in May.
HeadstrongHeadstrong is the National Centre for
Youth Mental Health in Ireland. Two years ago the GPA developed a partnership with Headstrong which saw over 20 players inducted as Youth Mental Health
GPA & Soar Community CampThe third annual Community Camp was
hosted by the Gaelic Players Association in the ALSAA Centre in Dublin in July 2014 where the GPA teamed up with SOAR to broaden the remit of Camp.
Now a central component of the GPA’s Social Responsibility Programme, the Camp is aimed at young secondary school children who would not normally get a chance to attend an activity camp. Daily sessions were conducted with the attendees to help them develop a greater appreciation of themselves and those around them.
With a team of current and former county players operating as coaches, the Camp uses sport as a vehicle to promote and encourage positive emotional health and wellbeing.
Soar was co-founded in 2012 by former Clare hurling All-Star Tony Griffin and Karl Swan in a desire to ignite a generation of Irish young people to fulfil their true potential. Soar has been inspired by Jim Stynes and his work with The Reach Foundation in Melbourne, Australia, where they continue to have strong links today.
Soar creates and delivers early intervention preventative programmes for young people from all backgrounds, where within a safe and supportive environment they are given the opportunity to be themselves, to build emotional awareness, self-confidence, peer respect, self-belief and resiliency.
Since their inception, Soar has worked with over 6,000 young people by creating and delivering early intervention, emotional wellness workshops inside and outside the school system for 12 — 18 year olds.
01 Jonny Cooper helping out at the GPA’s Annual Community Camp
Annual Report 2014
advocates in their communities. The GPA actively promotes the themes from Headstrong’s ‘ My World Survey’ a comprehensive study of youth mental health for those aged 12 — 25 years in Ireland. We also help promote Headstrong’s ‘Jigsaw Programme’ a community based service for young people with mental health vulnerabilities.
PIPSSuicide Prevention Organisation,
Northern IrelandThe GPA is supporting the PIPs
Programmes social enterprise in Northern Ireland which has developed a number of suicide prevention and awareness training programmes. A number of GPA ambassadors will be helping to promote PIPs Programmes and work in the community.
Commitment To Social Entrepreneurship, Commitment To Leading ChangeASHOKA
The GPA has begun working with Ashoka Ireland with a view to developing active relationships with other social entrepreneurs committed to affecting positive change in society. The Ashoka movement supports social entrepreneurs who are leading and collaborating with changemakers. Ashoka believes that anyone can learn and apply the critical skills of empathy, team work, leadership and changemaking to be successful in the modern world.
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02 — 06 Images from the GPA’s 2014 Community Camp which was run in conjunction with Soar
Annual Report 2014
GAA GPA Joint Venture — Putting Players in the Picture
When the GAA and GPA established an Agreement back in 2010, central to the working partnership was the Joint Venture funding model.
these partners and sponsors both for individual players who are commissioned to work as ambassadors and for the wider playing body.
Business networking events for current and former players, player appearances, commissioned reports, affinity schemes and discount offers are only some of the significant additional benefits to members from our various arrangements and we look forward to working with these organisations to expand the scope of the partnerships further.
The following is a list of our GAA / GPA Le Chéile Partners for 2014.
LeCheile Commercial Partners 2014
Opel: • Official sponsor of the GAA/GPA • Four properties within this sponsorship package: 1. Kit for Clubs Initiative 2. Player of the Month Awards 3. All Star Awards 4. All Stars Tour
PwC: • Official sponsor of the GAA/GPA • Corporate hospitality on match days with inter-county players
• Access to players all year round for different events
• Business Profile initiative with inter-county players who run their own business
• Recent website launched — www.playerpulse.ie
Opro: • Official partner of the GAA / GPA • Supplier of custom fitted mouthguards to all inter-county footballers
• Distribution agreement of OPRO self-fit mouthguards into Ireland ( through sports stores, shops, GAA clubs etc )
Avonmore: • Official partner of the GAA / GPA • Royalty payment agreement for Avonmore Protein Milk
• Percentage of all sales goes towards GPA Player Development Programme fund
• Number of brand ambassadors and use of inter-county player imagery
• Product available in all stores ( Tesco, Supervalu, Centra, Mace, Spar, Esso, Topaz etc )
Lenovo: • Official title sponsorship of the Lenovo GAA Skills Hubs
• Website is www.gaa.ie / lenovoskillshub • GAA camps for teenagers run by inter-county players
• Approx 20 camps in 2013 and 2014 with 750 participants each year
• Affinity deal for GAA / GPA members with discounted products
• Website is www.lenovo.com / gaa
Best Menswear: • Official partner of the GAA/GPA • Affinity deal for all GPA members through their 14 nationwide stores
• Supplier of tailored suits to inter-county players on All-Star tours and Super 11’s trips
This model is designed to attract joint sponsorship and partnership arrangements for both Associations to support welfare and development projects at club and county level.
The first formal Joint Venture deal involved long-time supporter Opel Ireland who came on board to sponsor the new GAA / GPA annual and monthly All-Stars following the amalgamation of both player award schemes.
However, as the joint arrangement grew rapidly, the GAA and GPA established ‘Le Chéile’ in 2012, a company to manage the dual commercial arrangements under the management of Barry Cahill, former All-Star footballer.
From a GPA perspective, the Le Chéile commercial partner / sponsorship portfolio provides critical additional support the Player Development Programme and these arrangements are increasingly important as demand for services from players continues to grow.
While it is important to deliver high profile activation for all sponsorships and partnerships it is equally critical to emphasise the link between these deals and the direct provision of player services such as scholarships, career and personal development programmes, counselling and health screening services.
However, there are many additional benefits from working closely between
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01 Launch of Avonmore as official GAA / GPA partner
02 Tj Reid, Danny Sutcliffe and Aidan Walsh at launch of Best Menswear as GAA / GPA partner
03 PwC renewed their sponorship of GAA and GPA in 2014
04 Lenovo who sponsored the GAA Skills Hub in 2014
05 Alan Dillon and Michael Murphy at launch of Opro Mouth Guards
06 Opel monthly winners Paul Flynn and TJ Reid
• typotheque
Annual Report 2014
GPA Activity Update 2014
Along with our core work, 2014 has been a busy year for the players’ body on many fronts.
GAA/GPA Joint Review Committee. The GPA is actively engaged with a number of GAA research groups while also supporting the GAA’s Community and Health Promotion Programme. County players are regularly engaged through the GPA as ambassadors for GAA social campaigns and promotional events.
Government Funding2014 marked the second year of a
three-year cycle of ring-fenced funding for the annual Inter-County Players Support Scheme. Minister Michael Ring has proven a strong supporter of the Scheme and remains committed to Government support for players. A total of €900,000 of grant aid is provided to the GAA via the Irish Sports Council and then disbursed to the county playing body by the Gaelic Players Association. The protection of the principle of government support for county hurlers and footballers remains an important commitment on the part of the GPA. The reference point for this funding remains the 2010 Economic Impact Study carried out by the GPA which shows that over €200 million is generated annually for the State by the inter-county game. As part of the Scheme, the GPA continues to work with Government to support important social initiatives.
Anti-DopingThe GPA communicates regularly
with all members in relation to the Anti-Doping Code. Players are made aware of their responsibility to the Code and members were briefed at squad meetings and student workshops throughout 2014. Vigilance in this area is critical at all times and it is imperative that players are familiar with the Code and consult their
team doctor if they have any concerns or queries. GAA players remain some of the most tested athletes in Ireland.
Supporting Anti-Racism, Supporting Respect Campaign
The Gaelic Players Association is committed to a policy of inclusivity and diversity. Though very infrequent, issues of racism and abuse do arise and the GPA continues to tackle these problems actively through our education programmes and our involvement with external organisations such as Show Racism the Red Card. Correspondence to discourage on-field abuse and to encourage mutual respect is distributed to all members at the commencement of the championship each year. The GPA also supports the GAA’s Respect Initiative and helped introduced new match day formalities to promote the campaign including the pre-game team handshake.
EU AthletesThe GPA plays an active role with
EU Athletes, the federation of European player associations and athlete unions representing over 25,000 athletes across the continent. EUA is an increasingly important forum in which to highlight and benchmark the work of the GPA and to promote the unique position of Gaelic games within Europe.
Hurling Development / Twinning Programme
The GPA once again played a central role in the Freestyle Hurling project, a joint initiative with the GAA aimed at harnessing modern media to showcase the skills of the sport. The project has had excellent uptake from juvenile players
GAA / GPA All-Stars Sponsored By Opel The GAA / GPA All-Star awards sponsored by long-time supporters Opel are now in place for the fourth year as a joint venture and the 2014 winners were honoured at a televised gala event in Dublin’s Convention Centre. The joint annual and monthly awards programme once again generated outstanding media coverage and excellent prominence for the Opel brand. The GAA media remains very loyal to the awards scheme of which they are integral part. Along with the announcement of the All-Stars, Players of the Year and Young Players of the Year, the Champion 15 teams from the Ring, Rackard and Meagher were also celebrated at the gala event. The annual All-Star nominations and selections are made by a committee of GAA correspondents while the Players of the Year are selected by the players. The 2013 and 2014 Football All-Stars travelled to Boston last November.
GPA Representation On GAA Committees & Workgroups
The GPA continues to provide key player representation on all important GAA decision making bodies including Central Council, the Medical and Scientific Committee, the GAA’s Insurance Workgroup, the Research Committee and National Games Development Committee. The working relationship between both Associations is administered through the
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with the winners unveiled at half-time in the All-Ireland Hurling final. GPA Hurling Twinning visits also took place to Fermanagh and Tyrone while assistance was provided to Cavan summer camps. Through the Super 11s project the GPA continues to highlight the agenda of player names on jerseys and the overall promotion of hurlers and hurling. During the Super 11s clash at half time in the US College football game staged at Croke Park, county players from Munster and Leinster wore jerseys carrying their own image on the front — a potent reminder of the importance of strengthening the profile of the game’s leading exponents.
EU AthletesThe GPA plays an active role with
EU Athletes, the federation of European player associations and athlete unions representing over 25,000 athletes across the continent. EUA is an increasingly important forum in which to highlight and benchmark the work of the GPA and to promote the unique position of Gaelic games within Europe. This year GPA Player Development Manger Siobhán Earley was asked to be part of the staff running an EU-funded project investigating the challenges facing dual career athletes. The GPA have also taken an active role in this project by taking part in an exchange programme where we hosted visits from other players’ organisations such as: French footballers Union, French basketball union and Professional Cricketers Association. The project also includes a conference on “ Improving Player Association Support for Dual Career” and regular correspondence between players associations in Europe. The GPA have also taken part in Project
01 Mayo GAA / GPA All-Star Footballers, sponsored by Opel, 9:-r) Keith Higgins, Cillian O’Connor and Colm Boyle
02 Minister Michael Ring who has supported the principle of Government Funding for inter-county players
03 Kerry’s James O’Donoghue, GAA / GPA Footballer of the Year, sponsored by Opel
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Along with the squad visits, over 250 student members of the GPA attended 11 different workshops across the country. These meetings provide an important outlet for students to convey the specific issues pertaining to this particular cohort. Following on from this year’s student workshops, the GPA conducted a survey of student players and will shortly publish a comprehensive report on county players at third level.
The second GPA Reps Summit took place in December 2014 with a focus on Leadership and Engagement. Over 100 players were present and took part in a series of practical workshops designed to help the GPA with its strategic planning and improving player engagement. Guest speakers at the event included Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney, Tony Griffin of Soar and former Cork football captain Alan Quirke.
Following the success of the first two Reps Summits it is envisaged that this annual gathering will continue to grow in importance in terms of player engagement and programme uptake.
The annual administration of Government Funding and Scholarships for players is supported by the GPA Development Officers with funding being distributed to 2013 championship panels earlier in 2014.
Payments for 2014 will be distributed to players early in 2015. The administration process for the Scheme is intensive and players are encouraged to take great care when submitting personal details. The payment procedure can be delayed significantly where errors arise.
The Officers also support the administration of GPA Scholarships while also acting as important conduits between
players and the Development Programme managers.
All player issues arising on an on-going basis are communicated to the GPA and, where appropriate, to the GAA by the Officers. While this has proven to be a very effective process in avoiding or quickly resolving disputes, problems over the distribution of player expenses did present themselves in a small number of counties once again during 2014. These problems have all been relayed to Croke Park and it is hoped that no such issues will arise next season.
Non elective GPA health and wellbeing supports such as cardiac screening and provision of custom-fitted mouth guards to players are also co-ordinated by the Development Officer team.
In 2014, 390 players were supported in Cardiac Screening, 875 Mouth Guards were distributed, while 2,250 players were covered under the Enhanced Injury Scheme. Eight players were supported through the Benevolent Fund.
Face-to-face engagement with players is an essential component in the success of the Player Development Programme and 2014 saw GPA Officers visit 60 squads and conduct 11 student workshops nationwide.
Supported through a variety of communications platforms, the formal visit to each squad is increasingly critical in ensuring that players connect with the Player Development Programme and access appropriate services at the earliest opportunity.
It is an important forum for players to enquire about the nature and specifics of programmes and to convey any issues arising for individual players or the panel.
Meetings are now conducted on a formal basis, outside of the dressing room where a formal presentation on the GPA’s Development Programme is delivered.
The visits are headed by National Development Officers Dara McGarty (Connacht / Leinster) and Tomás Colton (Ulster / Munster) who also liaise with the GPA representatives in each squad on an on-going basis, ensuring the efficient administration of programmes, grant payments, squad charters and player issues arising.
Annual Report 2014
Getting to the Heart of the Matter
• 60 county squads visited in 2014
• 11 student workshops conducted nationwide
• Annual GPA Reps training day established
• Government Funding administered to over 2,000 players
01 Limerick hurler Seamus Hickey addresses a work group at the GPA Reps Summit 02 GPA CEO Dessie Farrell at student
workshop with ( l — r ) David Kelly, Cillian O’Connor, Cathal Cregg and Rory O’Carroll
03 Leadership was the central theme at this year’s player summit
04 GPA Development Officers Dara McGarty and Tomas Colton
05 Players at the GPA AGM
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Annual Report 2014
GPA Former Players Group The Gaelic Players Association Former Players Group was established to help create a support network for ex-county players and to supplement the work of the GPA.
A Lot Has Changed But Your Place Remains
Connolly and Sean Walsh who were supported this year by Pat Mangan, Donal O’Grady, Mick Galvin, Ronan Sheehan, Fergal Logan and Declan O’Loughlin.
Former players have always been supported by the GPA but many are unaware that they can access all of the GPA’s programmes and the challenge for the Group is to promote what the GPA does and how it can help ex-footballers and hurlers.
Over €150,000 has been invested in supporting former players in 2014 including areas such as return to education, post graduate education support, mentoring, financial assistance for medical procedures and counselling.
An example of this support is where former Meath All-Star Darren Fay received a bursary to return to fulltime education as a science student in Maynooth University. Darren’s business had folded during the recession and by accessing the GPA Development Programme he discovered a new career pathway, returned to sit his leaving cert and has completed his first year in college with first class honours.
Hanahoe asserts that the construction of a strong former players’ network is a very important step for the GPA. “ The Former Players Group was established to help create an active network of past players under the umbrella of the GPA and the annual social gathering is beginning to bed itself into the GAA calendar as an important step in that process,” said Hanahoe.
“However, these are still the formative stages and we need to establish a solid contact in each county and region so that players who require support either directly from the GPA or from other
former players can be readily accessed. “A strong network can provide support
to former players who may be in personal difficulty for whatever reasons. While ultimately this will include fundraising for a players benevolent fund, we would hope that within that network, players would also be prepared to offer their professional services to those in need.”
Following the Former Players social event it the GPA, in conjunction with joint partner PwC, is hosting a number of Business Networking events around the country where current and former players will be invited to meet with the business and professional communities with a view to supporting their long-term personal development.
Under the chairmanship of Tony Hanahoe the group hosted its second annual former players networking function in Croke Park where the inaugural GPA Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to legendary players Ned Wheeler of Wexford and Brian Smyth of Meath.
Ned Wheeler, 82, won three All-Ireland medals with the Wexford hurlers in 1955, ’56 and 1960 along with six Leinster championships and three Railway Cup medals.
Meath’s Brian Smyth, 90, captained the Royal County to All-Ireland glory in 1949 where he scored four points. He won another All-Ireland title in 1954 and was selected on the ‘ Ireland teams’ of 1950 and 1951 to play in the annual representative games against the Combined Universities.
The Lifetime Achievement Awards will now be presented annually and will become a focal point for the event.
This year’s dinner was attended by over 350 former hurlers and footballers and was supported by the GAA along with corporate and individual sponsors.
The GPA Former Players Group includes Seamus Darby, Vinnie Glennon, Joe
01 Dermot Earley presenting GPA Lifetime Achievement Award to Meath’s Brian Smyth
02 Former Kerry footballers at 2014 gathering including GPA Trustee Liam Hassett ( 2nd from left )
03 Eoin Liston and Seamus Darby
04 Former Sligo footballers including GPA Development Officer Dara McGarty ( 2nd from right )
05 GPA Former Players Group Chairman Tony Hanahoe presents Lifetime Achievement Award to Wexford’s Ned Wheeler
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Annual Report 2014
GPA’s Social Revolution
The rise of social media has had the single biggest impact on communications strategies for most organisations and the Gaelic Players Association is no different.
If fact given the demographic represented in the playing membership the use of new tools and platforms to convey important messages and to promote our brand is particularly important.
At the beginning of June 2014 the GPA commenced working with strategic communications and marketing partners LoveMedia to help grow the GPA’s on-line presence, to drive more traffic through our website, promote our specific content particularly around the Player Development Programme and to improve internal and external communications.
Headed by Mayo players Rob Hennelly and Cathal Freeman, LoveMedia has help drive GPA’s on-line statistics during a five-month period and a number of ambitious targets are being set for 2015.
Regular engagement with social media can be a positive activity for many county players although the GPA continues to issue annual guidelines to our membership regarding safe usage and reputation management. The issue of on-line abuse of players was raised during the summer and was addressed through social media channels as well as through mainstream media.
Video has become a central platform for promoting GPA activity, particularly campaigns such WeWearMore. All important GPA events are filmed with
productions housed on GPA TV on gaelicplayers.com and communicated through our various social platforms.
Through our various media partners the GPA has produced very successful content over the past six months including the WeWearMore campaign film and the post-season viral ‘ Thank You’ video which players themselves helped to compile.
The GPA’s Engagement Group headed by Secretary Dave Collins has been examining methods of improving central communications with GPA membership and in 2015 new WhatsApp groups will be established for all GPA reps who in turn can feed important material to their squads on a regular basis.
For the first time ever the GPA engaged two recently retired county players — Johnny Doyle of Kildare and Cork’s Tom Kenny — to deliver expert opinion columns throughout the championship season. This is an ideal opportunity for former players to develop their punditry skills and we hope to strengthen this component of our on-line content next season.
The GPA’s ‘Players in Business’ section on gaelicplayers.com will commence in 2015 with a view to developing a network for entrepreneurs and promoting new ventures.
A private on-line player forum is being developed for the GPA website while additional features to enhance the user experience are being reviewed.
GPA Social Media Insights June — December 2014
Twitter • Total number of followers: 23.981k • Number of tweets sent since 29 May: 1,252
• Number of impressions made on Twitter since 29 May: 5,777,107
• Retweets since 29 May: 3,572 • Average Daily Reach of @GaelicPlayers since 29 May: 31.9k
Facebook • Total number of likes: 3,223 • Number of posts since 29 May: 775 • Number of impressions made: 552,634 • Likes, Shares and Comments: 2,963 • Average Daily Reach: 2,846
YouTube • Thank You video: 10,894 views • We Wear More video: 3,933 views • We Wear More launch video: 1,445 views
Vimeo • We Wear More video: 13,400 views
01 GPA increased its presence on social media considerably in 2014
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Super 11s Hurling
important sporting venues so the Super 11s team sat down and constructed the new 11-a-side format with specific rules designed to suit the new parameters.
With the support of Aer Lingus Super 11s was first played at an international hurling festival in Galway in 2013 but subsequently performed in Croke Park on All-Ireland final replay day before eventually making the trip to the famous University of Notre Dame last October. Making up the concept team were Galway’s Mattie Kenny, Donal O’Grady and Tom Barry of Cork along with Kilkenny’s Martin Fogarty. Aer Lingus have also continued as enthusiastic supporting partners.
At South Bend the hurlers of Munster took on Leinster as part of the game-day build up to the Fighting Irish v USC College Football game. Played at the college’s Arlotta Lacrosse stadium the Super 11s visit included a coming together with the University’s Lacrosse team for an evening of show and tell. It was a wonderful celebration of two ancient sports.
Heading that particularly visiting party was outgoing GAA President Liam O’Neill a strong and enthusiastic supporter of the short-form concept.
Electrically fast-paced and with all the attendant skills and physicality of hurling, the goals-only format of Super 11s, played by the sport’s top athletes, is particularly high-scoring and proved a huge hit once again in Croke Park in August 2014 when performed at the interval during the clash between Penn State and the University of Central Florida.
The 55,000 football fans, many of whom had made the journey from the US to Dublin for the College game,
immediately reacted to the Super 11s game, particularly the heroics of both goalkeepers — Nickie Quaid from Limerick and Colm Callinan from Galway along with the many big hits being put in during the contest.
ESPN featured the contest during their interval coverage and the display inspired some very positive feedback from viewers.
As part of our long-term project to promote our games in the US, we are currently finalising plans to bringing Super 11s back to the States to showcase another contest at a famous sporting venue later in 2015.
Bringing our game and our players to the world
Over the years we’ve become accustomed to people extolling the virtues of hurling and another yet epic season we are once again hailing the greatest game on earth.
Yet in the Gaelic Players Association we have long felt the need to tell the world about hurling and Gaelic games in general. How many times have we heard ‘if only sports fans around the globe could witness what we saw in Croke Park today’?
For sure there are plenty of viewers among the Diaspora; historically the GAA has been hugely successful in connecting Irish people internationally through our games; it continues to grow rapidly at grassroots level.
However, outside of that immediate Irish connection, few know about hurling or the extraordinary exponents and our wonderful athletes despite living in an age of multi-media platforms.
In response to this annual scenario, the Super 11s was born in 2013. Spearheaded by Dónal Óg Cusack who headed up a group of hurling experts and supported by the GAA, the short form of hurling was created to showcase the skills and excitement of hurling to a new audience at iconic venues in the US and beyond.
A lot of international field sports have a short form specifically designed to encourage participation and promote the sport and those at the coal-face of hurling in Ireland felt the time was right.
Because of the size of GAA fields, it is impossible to play our 15-a-side game at
01 Limerick’s Gavin O’Mahony in action for Munster during the Super 11s game in Croke Park in August 2014
Annual Report 2014
1. IntroductionExcept as varied in this document the
Playing Rules of Hurling shall apply.
2. DimensionsThe field of play shall be rectangular,
and its dimensions shall be as follows:Length — 110 yards (100 metres ).Width — 60 yards ( 55m ).
The field of play will be laid out in two halves with a Defensive Zone around each goal, formed by the end line, running 18 yards from each goalpost and extending 18 yards into the field of play.
3. Size of GoalsThe scoring space ( known as the
goal ) shall be at the centre of each end line. Each goal shall be formed by two goalposts, circular in cross section, which shall have a height of not less than 8 feet ( 2.44 m ) above ground level, and be 8 yards ( 7.32 m ) apart. A cross bar at a uniform height shall join the top of each goalpost.
4. Match OfficialsControl of the game shall be entrusted
to a Referee assisted by a sideline official who shall decide on the field all matters affecting play.
5. Number of PlayersEach team shall consist of eleven
players and three substitutes.
6. SubstitutionsA player may be replaced during play
by a substitute in the following manner:( a ) The substitute shall carry a baton
and shall enter the field of play from the sideline nominated to his team by the referee before commencement of play.
( b ) The substitute shall then proceed directly to the player he is to replace without interfering with play.
(c ) The substitute shall hand the baton to the player he is to replace.
(d ) The substitute may then engage in play and the player he is replacing shall forthwith leave the field of play at the nearest point of exit without interfering with play.
Save that a team may not make more than two substitutions during play at the same time there is no limit on the number of substitutions that can be made in a game.
In the cases of a player retiring through injury or temporarily suspended from the field of play the substitute may only enter the field of play with the permission of the referee or sideline official.
The following are the rules for Super 11’s Hurling as at 13 August 2014. Given the experimental nature of the game they can be adapted to meet particular circumstances and are likely to evolve further.
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02 The Leinster and Munster Super 11s Hurling teams take to Croke Park for their game during the interval of the College Football Clash last August
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Penalty for infringement of any of the provisions of this clause — The offending team plays without the intended substitute and the player he was to replace for 2 minutes playing time ( enforced by the referee or sideline official ).
7. Duration of GameThe playing time shall consist of four
periods of twelve minutes each, but time shall be added on in each period for incidental or deliberate delays. There shall be a five minute break after the first and third periods of twelve minutes and a break of ten minutes after the second period of twelve minutes.
8. Starting the GameAt the start of each period of play the
referee shall place the ball on the centre point of the field of play. One player from each team shall stand each side of the halfway line facing the referee with his hurley raised over his shoulder. On the referee’s signal the ball may be played. All other players shall be at least 10 yards from the ball.
9. RestartsAfter each period of twelve minutes the
teams shall switch ends.
10. Hand PassingThe ball may be passed with the hand
no more than once consecutively by players on the same team.
Penalty for infringement — Free puck to other team at the point where the foul was committed.
11. KickingThe ball may not be intentionally
kicked.Penalty for infringement — Free puck
to other team at the point where the foul was committed.
12. ScoringWhen the ball is played over the goal-
line between the goalposts and under the crossbar a goal is scored.
A goal scored from within the Defensive Zone is equivalent to three points. A goal
scored from outside the Defensive Zone is equivalent to five points. An additional point is awarded for a goal struck with the hurley being the scorer’s first contact with the ball in that sequence of control by the scorer.
13. Time LimitsOnce a team gains possession it shall
have thirty seconds to attempt to score a goal. If it fails to do so possession shall pass to the other team by the ball being placed on the ground by the player in possession. All players on that player’s team must retreat 5 yards. The ball shall be played by the opposing team as a free puck.
Penalty for infringement — temporary suspension and penalty puck to the opposition team.
In the last two minutes of each period of twelve minutes the period for attempting to score shall be reduced to twenty seconds.
14. Puck OutsA puck out cannot be taken until the
referee signals.The ball cannot be played by a player
on the team taking the puck out until it goes into the opposition team’s half or is played by a player on the opposition team. Penalty for infringement — Free puck to other team at the point where the foul was committed.
If from a puck out the ball fails to go into the opposition team’s half or is not played by a player on the opposition team the opposition team is awarded a sixty five.
It is not necessary for all players to be outside the Defensive Zone until the ball has been struck.
15. SidelinesWhen a team plays the ball over the
sideline a sideline puck can be taken by a player from the opposing team from the place where the ball crossed the sideline. The taker cannot step onto the field of play until he has struck the ball.
Penalty for infringement — Sideline puck to the other team.
16. Free PucksWhere a foul is committed a free puck
or penalty puck shall be awarded to the opposing team. If a player from the team which commits the foul is in possession of the ball he shall immediately release the ball.
Free pucks shall be taken from the point at which the free puck is awarded by a player from the team awarded the free puck playing the ball in any permitted manner. All players on the opposing team must immediately retreat 5 yards and cannot impede the taker of the free puck until he has taken 4 steps or the referee calls play on.
Penalty for infringement — temporary suspension and penalty puck to the opposition team.
17. Penalty PucksIf a foul is committed by a player
in his own team’s Defensive Zone a penalty puck shall be awarded to the opposing team.
A penalty puck shall be struck from a point no closer than 22 yards and straight from the centre point of the goal-line.
For penalty pucks the ball may be struck with the hurley in either of two ways:
( a ) Lift the ball with the hurley and strike it, or
( b ) Strike the ball on the ground.Only one defending player may stand
on the goal-line. All other players, with the exception of the player taking the puck, shall be behind the closest point to the goal line from which the penalty puck may be taken and at least 10 yards from the point from which the penalty puck is taken until the ball has been struck. If a defending player fouls before the ball is struck and a goal does not result, the referee shall allow the penalty puck to be retaken. The fouling player shall incur temporary suspension.
Annual Report 2014
18. ‘Sixty fives’When the ball is played over the
end-line and outside the goal-posts by the team defending that end, a free puck shall be awarded to the opposing team. The free puck shall be taken from the centre point of the sideline nominated by the referee before commencement of play.
19. Penalty Shoot-OutIn the event of the teams finishing
the game on level scores each team will alternate five penalty pucks. If one team is not ahead on goals after these five penalty pucks, each team shall take a further one penalty each, repeated until only one team scores.
20. Temporary SuspensionsWhere a player commits a
cautionable foul he shall be temporarily suspended from the field of play for a period of ten minutes playing time. After the expiration of this period the said player may return to field of play in the same manner as a substitute
A player temporarily suspended from the field of play under this rule can be replaced immediately under the direction of the sideline official.
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03 Munster Super 11s Hurling Squad
04 Leinster Super 11s Hurling Squad
05 Jackie Tyrell along with Richie Hogan, JJ Delaney and Tommy Walsh Leinster’s victory in Notre Dame
06 Tempers flare during the Notre Dame Super 11s clash
07 Two ancient sports — Limerick’s Donal O’Grady tries his hand at Lacrosse
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Players Earning Their Stripes in US
Following the establishment of an Advisory Board in New York, the GPA initiated an annual fundraising event — the Ireland-US Gaelic Heritage Awards — where influential Irish American figures in business and public life are honoured and the contribution of county players is celebrated.
The practical aim of this work, which receives wonderful support from our partners Aer Lingus, is both to strengthen our ability to support our players in critical areas of their lives and to bolster the GPA’s ambition to make a meaningful difference in Irish society.
The first GPA Awards Gala took place in New York in 2012 where former Coca-Cola President and corporate champion of Ireland Don Keough was honoured. Last year’s honourees included Irish Voice and Irish Central editor Niall O’Dowd and Ciaran Murray, Chief Executive of ICON, global leader in clinical research and one of Ireland’s most successful indigenous companies.
The culture of philanthropy is very strong among the Irish American community and when the opportunity
arose for the GPA to give something back, it was seized to great effect in the winter of 2012 / 2013 when, following a visit to the storm-ravaged New York suburb of Breezy Point, a work party of players returned with the support of Aer Lingus to help with reconstruction work — an act that was subsequently acknowledged by President Obama during the Taoiseach’s White House visit.
Placing our players at the centre of our work in the US is of primary importance and every year legends of Gaelic games, past and present, are celebrated at the annual gala, an event which has gained great traction on the New York calendar and provided significant supplementary support for the GPA Player Development Programme.
Along with the annual gala, the GPA continues to promote its work in the US on an on-going basis and earlier in 2014 mental health ambassador Conor Cusack addressed an audience in the Irish Consulate residence on the GPA’s efforts to promote emotional health and wellbeing in Irish society.
The Super 11s Hurling project aimed at promoting our games at iconic venues in the US also continues to gain traction and the GPA is poised to make a significant announcement regarding a future Super 11s event in the near future.
At the 2014 GPA gala awards, All-Ireland winners Jackie Tyrell and Marc Ó Sé headed the travelling group which paid tribute to Gaelic Heritage Award recipients, Mike Brewster of Credit Suisse and leading lawyer Tom Moore of Kramer Dillof Livingston and Moore — both of whom were honoured for their outstanding support for Gaelic players and the work of the Players Association.
GPA US Activity 2014 The Gaelic Players Association has been working in the US for the past three years to develop a strong support structure for the Development Programme and to promote our players and our games to a new audience.
Longford native Mike Brewster, an outstanding Irish philanthropist, has been a powerful advocate for the work of the GPA and for Gaelic games and his influence has brought the story of our work and our players to a new audience in the US.
Tom Moore, who left Waterford for the States over 50 years ago, has provided valuable assistance to the GPA’s Education Programme, assistance that has made a significant difference to the lives of many of our county hurlers and footballers.
Moore spoke eloquently and passionately at the event about the outstanding contribution of our players and the important role the GPA is now playing to support them and ensure that their commitment to the game is not made at the expense of their own personal development.
Among the legends present at the Dinner Gala this year were current Tyrone football star and former player of the year Sean Cavanagh, Mayo hero Kevin O’Neill, Dublin football icon Jason Sherlock, former Clare hurling All-Star Tony Griffin and Galway’s 1980 All-Ireland Hurling winning captain Joe Connolly.
The annual event is organised by a New York based Dinner Committee, a sub group of the GPA Advisory Board and this year’s gala, hosted in the iconic Plaza Hotel, was headed by Dinner Co-Chairs Carmine Rubino, Adrian Jones and John Neary.
The GPA is hugely grateful to the outstanding voluntary efforts of these people who share the vision of our organisation to build a better future for the hurlers and footballers who make such a significant contribution to the cultural and social fabric of Ireland.
Annual Report 2014
GPA US Gala Dinner Committee 2014 Anthony Callaghan, Esq, Tim Devlin,
Ronan Downs, John Fitzpatrick, Matthew Flocks, Mary Beth Glaccum, Michael P. Higgins, Diarmuid Hogan, Paul Hurley, Martin Kehoe, Neasa Nic Dhónaill, Cillian O’Bradaigh, Niall O’Dowd, Eoin O’Muircheartaigh, Kevin O’Neill.
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01 John Neary presents Gaelic Heritage Award to Tom Moore along with Dessie Farrell and Dónal Óg Cusack
02 Dessie Farrell presents Gaelic Heritage Award to Mike Brewster along with Adrian Jones ( l ) and Dónal Óg Cusack
03 Tom Moore and Mike Brewster04 The GPA Ireland US Gaelic
Heritage Awards designed by Jarlath Daly
05 Kerry’s Marc Ó Sé with Adrian Jones
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GPA Education Patron Programme
Programme providing a comprehensive range of supports in the areas personal development, education, leadership and health and wellbeing. The Programme is tailored to meet the specific needs of individual players and aimed at helping them realise their potential off the field of play.
About the GPA Education ProgrammeThe Education Programme is the
cornerstone of the GPA suite of player supports. With a range of scholarships and bursaries provided to undergraduate and post-graduate students along with individual personal development coaching, the Programme is designed to support athletes operating in a high performance environment who are unable or need assistance in financing their education. Due to their commitment to the elite level game most players are not in a position to hold down part time jobs and for others family circumstances make it extremely difficult to pursue a 3rd level option. The Programme also assists former players interested in opening a new chapter in their lives by returning to education or engaging in 3rd level education for the first time.
The Patron ProgrammeSince 2010 and the inception of the
Player Development Programme the GPA has invested over €2.5 million in educational support for county players.
To help us sustain the growing demand for scholarships and introduce targeted support for high potential candidates we are now establishing a GPA Education Patrons Programme for leading organisations to support our educational commitment to our student athletes.
How Your Organisation Can Become a GPA Education Patron
We are seeking 10 leading corporations to support this initiative generating in excess of €500,000. To become a Patron organisation you will be asked to commit to a minimum of €50k per annum for a three year period.
ICON Plc. are a founding Patron of this scheme.
“ ICON is very proud of its partnership with the Gaelic Players Association in support of their excellent work in the areas of player development and education. Both organisations share values of leadership, excellence and a commitment to developing people which makes the partnership a good fit. As a global leader in clinical research and a recognised industry innovator, we are committed to helping build Ireland’s reputation as a global centre of excellence for science and research. Through the ICON-GPA Life Sciences Scholarships, we are encouraging players to pursue courses in an area where there is strong demand for life sciences graduates. We were delighted to extend our partnership with the GPA in 2014, becoming the first company to partner with the association on their Education Patron Programme which will help create the next generation of Irish leaders.”
Ciaran Murray, CEO, ICON PLC
Benefits to your OrganisationThe benefits for companies who become a Patron include: • The provision of two ‘rising stars’ as brand ambassadors who will carry out the following: − attend a high profile national launch
of the initiative with relevant PR − attend one other three hour event of
The Gaelic Players Association is committed to making a real difference to the personal development of the extraordinary Gaelic athletes who contribute so much to the social and cultural fabric of Ireland.
Central to the work we do for our players is our Education Programme whereby we support our county players with their educational pursuits at all levels through the provision of undergraduate and post graduate scholarships, an educational advice service and our individual personal development coaching.
We want to support our athletes to be part of a new generation of authentic leaders in Irish society; leaders in education, business, politics and community activism. Critical to this ambition is their education.
By investing in our Education Programme your organisation can help make that happen. We are asking you to join us in partnership in leading this transformational change. Together we can build a great future for our players who as important role models in Irish society, can have a great impact on communities all over the country.
About the Gaelic Players AssociationThe GPA is the official representative
body for county Gaelic footballers and hurlers with over 2,200 current playing members and a growing alumni. The GPA supports its members through a personalised Player Development
Annual Report 2014
Patron’s choice − issue six posts on social media to
highlight the arrangement. • Branding on GPA website with company profile and logo
• Partnership promoted through GPA social media campaign
• Access to elite players via the GPA mentoring programme; Insights Through Excellence Programme
• Access to other elite player graduates for recruitment purposes
• Sector exclusivity • Table at annual GPA Former Players Gala Dinner
• Invitation for two people to GAA / GPA All Stars event
• Invitation to other GPA hosted events in Ireland and the US
• Capacity to leverage the GPA brand, capabilities and network to support your organisation and its work.
“ PwC is proud to have several GPA members on our team. These highly talented senior county GAA athletes bring to our firm all of the skills and attributes that make them so successful in their sporting careers — discipline, focus, teamwork and leadership.
“ PwC supports the GPA members in combining success in the workplace and their professional examinations with the intense demands of being part of a senior inter-county panel. We ensure that players are offered the necessary flexibility to allow them meet their training schedules and other commitments. We willingly support our GPA members in this way, but we know we are the real beneficiaries for their professional approach to everything they do.
“ We commend the outstanding work of the GPA in supporting its members in reaching their full potential in all areas of their lives. In particular, its work in coaching the athletes towards achieving their academic and career goals while performing at the elite level in their sport is hugely important and highly valued by athletes. Our relationship with the GPA has enhanced our status as the employer of choice in professional services and we look forward to the continuing mutual benefits of this partnership.”
Carmel O’Connor, Partner PwC
01 ICON Life Sciences Scholarship recipients Tiernan McCann, Shane O’Donnell and Jack McCaffrey along with Dessie Farrell and ICON Chief Executive Ciaran Murray
02 Jack McCaffrey, Tiernan McCann and Shane O’Donnell
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Insights Through Excellence Programme
Insights Through Excellence will provide players with increased ambition and high potential with valuable access to a select and exclusive group of successful senior executives and management teams of Irish and multi-national companies, exposing them to leadership roles within the organisations.
Insights Through Excellence… The Benefits
For the OrganisationParticipation in this live-learning
educational scheme will enhance the organisation’s corporate social responsibility programme by helping to develop future leaders both in business and in the community. Developing corporate relations with elite players is of proven benefit to organisation’s profile, brand promotion and internal corporate communications.
Leaders on the field of player, county hurlers and footballers are role models within their own communities and enjoy significant profile.
For the Player High potential players will be selected
by the GPA as potential future leaders in business and / or society. They will then participate in a rigorous personal coaching programme to ensure the quality of their match-up with the respective organisation.
High potential county players display extraordinary leadership qualities in a high-pressure sporting environment. However, the Insights Through Excellence Programme will expose them to authentic leadership in a business context to supplement their pre-existing skills and competencies. Players will gain indispensible experience and expertise in a focussed, learning environment.
A number of suitable organisations will be approached by the GPA and requested to provide access to players at periods agreeable to both parties:
Sample Interactions: • Shadow CEO for a limited period of a day / week
• Mentoring relationship with a CEO / members of senior management
• Placement within a senior management team to garner experience
• Field visits with management teams.
1. Programme Objectives • Provide authentic leadership experience to enhance player development
• Develop the player’s competencies in terms of future leadership role
• Programme will be delivered in an engaging, experiential learning environment.
2. Player to Gain Insight Into Professional Leadership
• Through exposure to CEO and senior leadership roles in successful Irish and multinational companies
• Undertaking real-time learning processes.
3. GPA Objectives • Supplement GPA Player Development Programme
• Develop skills and competencies of a select group of county players
• Encourage players to explore and experience potential career paths and leadership positions within a business environment.
Annual Report 2014
Programme Characteristics
Organisations • Must be recognised in the field as market leaders
• Must have active participation of CEO and senior management team.
Players • Have been identified by the GPA as a future leader
• Can be a budding entrepreneur, business owner, in the workplace or a student
• Will have shown leadership capability, drive and ambition to succeed through the personal development process.
The ProcessAn official engagement and sign-up
process will be conducted by a GPA contracted party to ensure mutual effectiveness and suitability for both the player and company.
Target for 2015 is for 10 high potential players to have fully engaged with the Insight Through Excellence Programme. For the inaugural year, a small and exclusive group of companies will be chosen.
What’s Involved ( Sample ) • Shadow a CEO for a limited period of a day / week
• Mentoring relationship with a CEO / members of senior management team ( requiring two hours per month for limited period )
• Placement within a senior management team for a limited time to gain experience
• Field visits with management teams • Network / Contact sharing opportunities.
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01 Kilkenny’s Jackie Tyrell
2nd Floor
1st Floor
This purpose-built facility will house the GPA programmes and establish an efficient, concentrated environment for county players where all GPA activities can be included.
Whether this centre is constructed as a stand-alone, state-of-the art building or co-located on an educational, sporting or business campus is still being assessed but we hope that this ambitious project will
progress from the concept stage in 2015.The institute will support the GPA’s
core activity in career, education, life skills, leadership and health and wellbeing along with services such as enterprise and innovation, athlete engagement, social responsibility, research and corporate management.
To take the delivery of Player Development Programmes and Services to a new level, the GPA is currently scoping out an ambitious plan to create a world-class institute dedicated to the personal development of athletes.
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The InstituteTaking the delivery of GPA Programmes to a whole new level
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Life Skills
6. Enterprise & Innovation Centre • Shared Services • Offices • Enterprise Partners • Innovation Hub
7. Social Responsibility Centre • Social Responsibility Partners • GPA Ambassadors Hub
1. Career Centre2. Education Centre3. Life Skills Centre
8. Athlete Engagement Centre • Networking Space • Meeting Rooms • Auditorium / Training Centre
9. Research Centre • GPA Research Unit • Visiting Researchers ( National & International )
10. Corporate Management & Support Centre • Finance & Legal Unit • Commercial & Marketing Unit • Technology Unit • Administration / Project Management Unit
4. Leadership Centre5. Health & Wellbeing Centre
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Annual Report 2014
What’s Different? • New state-of-the-art facility. • The work of the Institute is underpinned by professional research.
• An expanded coaching network to engage all players and develop a personal plan.
• Strong focus on the development of future leaders in all aspects of life.
• A comprehensive Health & Wellbeing programme that is globally recognised.
• Support extended beyond current players to former, younger and female players.
• Creation of a cohort of skilled and motivated leaders from within the playing body to contribute to the future development of the GAA at all levels.
The Journey for Our Players
From To
Performance • All players performing at the highest level on the field.
• Some are maximizing their potential off the field.
Performance • All players performing at the highest level on the field.
• All are maximizing their potential off the field.
Personal Development • The majority of players being supported on a programme request basis.
Personal Development • All players supported by a dedicated coaching network to establish personal career + life plans.
Leadership • An informal approach to identifying and developing the leaders of the future.
Leadership • A structured programme to systematically identify, support and develop the leaders of the future.
Role Models • Recognised as sporting role models locally & nationally.
Role Models • Recognised as role models in all walks of life locally, nationally and internationally.
Social Responsibility • Recognised as contributing to society, albeit in an ad hoc way and on an individual basis.
Social Responsibility • Recognised as making a real difference to society beyond the sports field via a dedicated and structured GPA programme.
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The Journey for Our Programmes
From To
Research • A Narrow Research Programme.
Research • A dedicated professional research unit that guides the future direction of policies and programmes through comprehensive research.
Health & Wellbeing • A relatively limited Health Programme in terms of scope and reach.
• A Wellbeing Programme that is largely reactive.
Health & Wellbeing • A research-focussed proactive multi-disciplined Health & Wellbeing Programme that is recognised globally as best in class.
Education • An Education Programme that provides restricted financial support and advice.
Education • A Education Programme that provides wide-ranging support for the financial, academic, emotional and social needs of players.
Career A Career Programme that delivers: • Some planning, up-skilling and technical supports for those seeking employment.
• Limited start-up supports for budding entrepreneurs.
Career A comprehensive Career Programme that also: • Provides training & development, internships and networks for players seeking employment or career progression.
• Encourages more entrepreneurship through business mentors, networks and funding.
Annual Report 2014
What Does the Facility Consist Of? • A stand-alone, state-of-the-art building possibly co-located on an educational, sporting or business campus.
• The building to include: − Corporate offices for GPA
( 500 sq. meters ) − Health & Wellbeing centre
( 250 sq. meters) − Enterprise centre ( 250 sq. meters ) − Research centre (150 sq. meters ) − Athlete engagement centre ( 500 sq.
meters ) − Social Responsibility centre
( 250 sq. meters ) − A building size of circa 2,250 sq.
meters. − Potential to include 1,000 to 2,000 sq.
meters to be rented out commercially to generate an income stream for the Institute.
What is the High-Level Costing?
From To
GPA Existing Annual Expenditure • €3.3 million
GPA Existing Annual Expenditure • €7 million
GPA Existing Capital Expenditure • €0
GPA Existing Capital Expenditure • €8 — 10 million
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Madden Programme to Inspire New Generation of Leaders
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The launch of the Jim Madden GPA Leadership Programme in December 2014 was one of the most significant announcements of the year.
Annual Report 2014
The Programme will develop a group of county players from hurling, camogie, Gaelic football — men’s and ladies — with the necessary skills, motivation and experience to become successful leaders in the community.
This Programme, the first of its kind in Ireland, is made possible thanks to the support of Michael Madden and his family who are dedicating the new curriculum to the memory of their late father Jim who was a tireless grassroots GAA and community activist in Tipperary.
Many of our Gaelic athletes have exceptional leadership qualities. These skills are honed through the experience and resilience developed as elite players in a highly competitive environment, where high performance is often predicated on the player’s own ability to lead by example encouraging greater
levels of performance from team-mates.The Jim Madden Programme will now
establish a learning pathway for players who wish to develop these qualities which can be harnessed both for their personal development and for the benefit of society.
Speaking about the launch of the new initiative Programme sponsor Michael Madden commented: “As a family we are immensely proud of our late father Jim’s legacy and we wanted to mark his memory in a positive way. This Leadership Programme will hopefully inspire a new generation of Jim Madden’s all over the country, people driven by the desire to lead, to give back and to make a difference in their communities and society. We are delighted to work with the Gaelic Players Association to deliver this new Programme and to be the first to include camogie and ladies
footballers in the mix. We wish all the future participants in the course the very best of luck with their education and look forward to watching them grow and develop as people, as players and as role models along the way.”
Gaelic Players Association CEO Dessie Farrell added: “ We are deeply indebted to Michael Madden and his family for having the foresight, courage and generosity to help develop a new cohort of leaders from within the county playing body. This Programme is unique yet it is inspired by the legacy of Jim Madden and the many selfless community volunteers who underpin our games and our society. This is the first time a GPA Programme will have an intake of elite female athletes from camogie and Gaelic football — a historic step for the Games and the development of player welfare across the
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sports. Tailored to suit county players, the new syllabus will sit centrally in the GPA Player Development Programme and will help players to harness the many transferable skills they develop at the top level of their sport.”
Through the Madden Programme, the Players Association is now in a position to support the next generation of young leaders — players who are considered to be successful in their lives and careers outside of their sporting endeavours, who understand the importance of civic and social responsibility and can see the benefit of ‘giving back’ in a host of different ways by optimising their status as role models in society.
Using a primary schools network by which the students can execute their new skills, the three-year course will encourage this cohort of young men and women to dream big and think bigger, to be as ambitious for what they can achieve in life away from the playing fields and to go on to do extra-ordinary things which will make a real difference in their own lives and in the lives of people they encounter.
The Programme The Programme, which will run
initially for three years, is a bespoke, one-year blended learning Leadership Course which will be delivered by the Gaelic Players Association in conjunction with independent leadership experts. The syllabus will be divided into four principal modules:
1. Leadership Masterclass; 2. Personal Effectiveness Module; 3. Interpersonal Skills Module; 4. Group Skills Module Participants will have a GPA Personal
Development Coach assigned to them and will undergo personal development training and will have to design, construct and deliver a community project through the primary schools network.
Significance 1 First Player Development Programme
wholly-funded through private donation2 First Player Development Programme
available to men and women from both codes
and Chris in both hurling and football. From the Canal End from where Jim
watched many an All-Ireland hurling final to the Hogan Stand in 1984 Jim watched his daughter Margaret play in her first All-Ireland Senior Camogie final. A disappointing loss on the day but it was not long before another daughter Claire played in Croke Park winning Junior and Intermediate All-Ireland titles, five Senior All-Irelands and 11 interprovincial titles. Jim was a huge influence on Claire’s success and the way in which she played. Jim was on the sideline as a selector alongside one of Tipperary’s greatest hurlers, Michael Cleary as manager they guided Tipperary to an All-Ireland final on four occasions. All this success despite his early diagnosis with Parkinson’s when Jim would keep his hand in his pocket to try and conceal his tremor and illness.
The sporting highlights for Jim was his time as a selector on the famous All-Ireland winning Tipperary Senior Camogie team (1999, 2000, and 2001) that won three All-Ireland Ireland titles in row with his daughter Claire playing corner back. His daughter Sarah winning an All-Ireland with St. Mary’s Secondary School, Nenagh, daughters Margaret and Colette winning numerous county senior camogie titles. His son Chris still continues to play hurling in Sligo and is the hurling goalkeeper for their county team.
Jim’s legacy will be recognized for his commitment and dedication to his community and his love of Portroe. Playing hurling with his club into his late 40’s, managing teams at all levels with continuous service to his club and county managing teams or as a selector. When Jim returned to Portroe from England in 1971, no year passed without him being involved with some Portroe or Tipperary team for over forty years. Coaching at all levels from under age to senior, hurling to Camogie and Gaelic football. He even discussed the idea with a lady originally from Waterville but now living in Portroe about starting the club’s first ladies Gaelic Football team.
Jim Madden passed away on the 18th July 2013 while on holidays with his family in Galway.
3 First Leadership Programme of its kind in Ireland
4 First Player Development Programme with a specific community-based project.
About Jim Madden ( 1940 — 2013 )
Born in Portroe, Tipperary, in 1940 Jim Madden’s passion for life, commitment to his community, determination and humility in how he carried himself through life and sickness signified his infectious and popular character.
Jim’s father died when he was only 14 and as an only child like many other people at that time he left school at an early age to provide for his mother. His passion growing up in Portroe was music and sport. A talented young hurler he was forced to seek work in England in the 1960s before returning to his beloved Portroe as a married man with a young family in 1971.
After returning home he wasted no time getting involved with his local club making immediate impact when he was a selector on the Portroe U14 hurling team that won their division ( the only Tipperary team to do so that year ) in the very first Féile na nGael in Thurles in 1971. It’s recognized in his club that his contribution to hurling laid the foundations to Portroe becoming a senior hurling club in 1990 and ultimately winning the North Tipp Senior title in 2012. He was there on the day to enjoy the success and experience the emotional scenes for one of the smallest GAA clubs in Ireland.
Jim’s success with nurturing teams and coaching individuals not only as a player but as a person was always about their success and never about Jim. He was always happy to see others succeed content with the knowledge that he played his part and made his contribution to what they achieved.
The inspirational dressing room speeches half-time motivational talks and the will to win defined him as a player and leader. Like many a father from a small GAA Club he managed to play for Portroe ( Junior B! ) with his sons Michael
02 At the launch of the Madden Leadership Programme, back row (l-r) Darren Gleeson, Liam Sheedy. Front row (l-r) Dessie Farrell, Michael Madden, Seamus Hickey
03 The late Jim Madden04 The Madden family at the launch
of the Leadership Programme in Croke Park in December 2014
Annual Report 2014
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Does the Gaelic Players Association Represent?
The GPA is the officially-recognised representative body for inter-county hurlers and footballers. Founded by players in 1999, the GPA supports over 2,100 current county players and a growing number of former players through the Player Development Programme.
What is the GPA Player Development Programme?
The PDP is comprehensive suite of services designed to assist players with all aspects of their off-field lives and personal development. The services include a personal development coaching programme, career development supports, business start-up programme, educational scholarships advice and advocacy for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, leadership development, counselling services for those suffering emotional distress, a residential treatment support for those suffering serious addiction, cardiac screening, medical surgery support, an enhanced injury scheme and hardship support.
GPA Programmes — Who Benefits?Research has consistently shown that
athletes with a balanced lifestyle are more likely to achieve sporting and personal goals, and to cope with stresses that can be encountered on a periodic basis throughout their careers. As a result, the GPA established a comprehensive Player Development Programme to meet the needs of members. Every county player has access to the same level of service from the Programme. However, in the experience of the GPA, better organised squads are more engaged with the Player Development Programme and uptake is commensurately higher in those squads. Promoting programmes and encouraging active engagement is of paramount importance to the GPA.
The issue of why some counties have a higher rate of engagement with programmes was addressed at the recent AGM where the importance of players taking responsibility for their
own off-field personal development was highlighted. This is a message delivered to members through all communication platforms on a regular basis. All squads are visited by GPA officers during the year; receive regular GPA communications while training is offered to all reps at the annual GPA Reps Day.
1,945 players have availed of our elective services over the past three years of the Development Programme. This is where players specifically engage with programmes such as personal development coaching, career development, business start-up, personal counseling, educational support and other such services.
However, in addition ALL county players receive non-elective services such as cardiac screening, enhanced injury cover and mouth guards ( footballers ). Every county player also receives an annual Government grant which was vigorously campaigned for by the GPA to bring about parity of esteem with other elite level athletes supported by the State. This funding is distributed through the GPA directly to players to assist with the significant costs associated with preparing and playing the game at the top level which are not covered by the traditional county board ‘mileage expenses’.
The following is the number of players in each squad who have availed of elective services up to October 2014 ( this doesn’t include the general supports received by all players — government grants, enhanced injury scheme, cardiac screening, mouth guards etc).
County Code Total
Armagh Football 60
Dublin Football 59
Roscommon Football 57
Antrim Football 53
Mayo Football 49
Clare Hurling 48
Sligo Football 47
Westmeath Football 47
Tipperary Hurling 47
Cork Football 46
County Code Total
Cavan Football 45
Down Football 45
Galway Hurling 45
Waterford Hurling 44
Offaly Football 43
Donegal Football 42
Fermanagh Football 42
Galway Football 41
Wexford Football 41
Wicklow Football 41
Longford Football 40
Louth Football 40
Tipperary Football 40
Cork Hurling 40
Wexford Hurling 40
Kildare Football 39
Limerick Football 39
Leitrim Football 38
Meath Football 38
Monaghan Football 38
Dublin Hurling 38
Mayo Hurling 37
Limerick Hurling 36
Kerry Football 35
Kilkenny Hurling 35
Westmeath Hurling 35
Laois Football 34
Antrim Hurling 34
Laois Hurling 33
Derry Football 32
Carlow Football 31
Armagh Hurling 31
Offaly Hurling 30
Waterford Football 29
Meath Hurling 29
Sligo Hurling 29
Tyrone Football 27
Carlow Hurling 27
Derry Hurling 26
Down Hurling 26
Kildare Hurling 26
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What about GPA governance?The GPA has been led and driven by
county players since its inception. The GPA is governed by three elected officers, a national executive committee and three sub-committees — management, finance and remuneration. Officers are elected annually at the AGM where motions are presented by squads.
GPA OfficersDermot Earley ( President, Kildare )Dónal Óg Cusack ( Chairman, Cork )David Collins ( Secretary, Galway )
GPA National Executive CommitteeCathal Cregg ( Roscommon )Philip Greene ( Sligo )Rob Hennelly ( Mayo )Seamus Hickey ( Limerick )Richie Hogan ( Kilkenny )Mattie Donnelly ( Tyrone )Aaron Kernan ( Armagh )Colin Moran ( Dublin )Brian Mulvihill ( Tipperary )Ronan Sheehan ( Down )Mark Ward ( Meath )Keith Rossiter ( Wexford )Ronan Sweeney ( Kildare )Paul Flynn ( Dublin )Pat McGarty ( IT Tralee )Aaron Shearer ( LLB, AM )Sean Murphy ( Aer Lingus )John Glennon ( Baker Tilly Ryan Glennon )
What About GPA financial governance?The GPA accounts are presented
quarterly to the GAA for review and biannually to GAA Central Council. All central council delegates and county boards have access to this information. There has also been an independent review of the GAA / GPA agreement in terms of finances which was presented to Central Council. GPA accounts are independently audited and are also available on Companies Registration Office.
The GPA has a Finance Committee which oversees the financial governance of the organisation.
The independent chairman of the GPA Finance Committee is John Glennon Managing Partner of Baker Tilly Ryan
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Annual Report 2014
Glennon and the other members are former Sligo player, Philip Greene, Bank of Ireland and current Tipperary player Brian Mulvihill, Irlandia.
How Many People Does the GPA Employ and How Big is the Membership?
The GPA employs a staff of 11, 10 full-time and one part-time. Our Officers, National Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Remuneration Committee and working groups who total 35 are all volunteers.
Many of the programmes the GPA provides for players such as career development, business start-up, scholarship support, are delivered in-house while personal development coaching, counselling, educational advice are provided externally across the country.
The GPA represents 2,100 current playing members. This is one of the largest current athlete memberships of any players association across Europe or indeed in the world. We also have a growing former player constituency which is supported in various aspects of their own lives. By comparison the Professional Footballers Association in the UK has a staff of 60. The Professional Cricketers Association have approximately 450 current playing members — a fifth of what the GPA is dealing with — and is supported by 17 full-time and three part-time staff.
The GPA Development Programme is highly relevant in supporting elite amateur players who are not earning salaries from their sports careers but are managing the challenges associated with a ‘dual career’ — their career in sport and their career / education / life outside of sport.
How is the GPA funded?Annually nearly 80 percent of GAA
funding is generated by the inter-county game through sponsorship, broadcast rights and gate receipts — and it is roughly the same percentage that is redistributed throughout the GAA at all levels. The contribution made by the county player to the commercial success of the county
game cannot be underestimated as indeed the importance of the county game to the entire Association. Unlike his counterpart in professional sports, the county player is not paid for his endeavours, the entertainment value he provides and the contribution he makes to the social fabric of this country. The amateur ethos of the Association is the bedrock on which the GAA has flourished. That principle is acknowledged in the official recognition agreement between our players and our administrators. The independence of the GPA and the requirement to provide funding to support our top players through the GPA Player Development Programme for the contribution those players make to the commercial success of the GAA, is also recognised.
This year the annual donation made by the GAA was €1.875 million; this funding is provided to operate and administer the Player Development Programme.
Additionally, funds are raised through the GAA / GPA Joint Venture Scheme which helps supplement the Development Programme.
Due to the growing demand from more and more county players for assistance with their lives off the field, there is a significant challenge in funding the growth of these programmes and building capacity within the organisation which enables the GPA to meet this demand and ensure the continued delivery of vital support to county players.
Why Does the GPA Engage in Fundraising?
As with all non-profit organisations, with increased demand for services the GPA needs to look various different channels to support its work. The more players engage with GPA programmes and experience successful outcomes the more demand increases and the more revenue is required to fund this growth.
One example of this demand is the level of support provided to student members; the GPA has distributed nearly €2.5 million worth of scholarships since the Education Programme was introduced in 2010. Personal coaching, cardiac surgery, residential care for players suffering
from mental health issues or various addictions, former players requiring support for knee and hip replacements who have no private health insurance are only some of the services that the GPA provides for members. This level of service requires substantial funding, and the GPA is committed to ensuring that a growing number of players can continue to access these levels of support.
The GPA decided to initiate a fundraising campaign at home through corporate support and abroad via philanthropic contributions. Like many other Irish organisations the GPA looked to seek support from the Irish American community. The GPA has been working very successfully with our supporters in US for the past three years to develop a strong network to help fund our services and to assist in the promotion of our games to a new audience.
That support has made a tangible difference to the lives of many players and is becoming increasingly important in the future development of the organisation. We are extremely grateful to all those individuals who are supporting our work on behalf of county players.
The ‘Club Fixture Crisis’ While this is strictly a matter for
the GAA, the Players Association is, nonetheless, consistently questioned about the matter.
All GPA members are first and foremost club players, and share the concerns of poorly scheduled club fixture programmes. However, it is important to note that clubs do have control of their own destiny. Contrary to the misconception that club players are ‘ voiceless’ the truth is that every club and club player in Ireland is represented at county board level. Each county board is responsible for its own club programme. If club players raise concerns through their executive and county board delegate, then those concerns should be aired constructively where they can be acted upon — at the county board. It is at this forum that club fixtures are compiled and managed.
This is where most can be done for the clubs and their players in terms of
62 — 65
scheduling etc. Clubs and club players must realise this and, if interested enough, make it work for them. Each county is unique and has different issues regarding their club games schedule. But it is here at the county level that a structured approach to identifying the specific problems and advocating viable solutions must happen. It is widely recognized that some counties have made great strides with their fixtures programme, while others have not.
In the words of Denis Walsh, one of the most respected GAA correspondents in the country and an active club administrator; “Change from the top down hasn’t worked. The only way to make this ( club fixture crisis ) better is from the bottom up. Clubs have the power to hold their county boards to account on this issue. The have failed to do so. That is their fault.”
As for the GPA influencing positive change within GAA — it was part of the agreement between both Associations that the GPA would engage constructively on all player-related issues. This is what players had campaigned for when looking for official recognition over many years. This now includes player representation on all GAA decision-making bodies including fixture programming, rule changes, insurance groups and medical groups. Players never had any representation prior to the GAA / GPA Agreement, now their views are an integral part of the process of delivering change.
Why Does the GPA Not Represent Club Players?
It is important that there is no confusion about this recurring theme. No players association in the world represents their playing body at all levels and Gaelic games are no different. County players are separately supported through a Development Programme in specific recognition of their commercial importance and significance to the GAA in three main areas — the sale of sponsorship deals, broadcast rights and gate receipts. The GAA is unique in the world of sport in that it does not pay
its elite tier players. However, the GAA, through an agreement with the GPA, provides funding to support these players with their personal development off the field of play. The level of funding needed to extend programme support to over 100,000 players, all operating at different levels, would be implausible. Relevant issues pertaining at club level such as injury scheme payments are matters for the club committee and county officers. All club players have representation through their executive and county board officer and need to engage with those administrators in terms of influencing desired change.
Commercial Activity — Why are High Profile Players Featured Predominantly?
National player appearances promoting commercial partnerships, games, events, social responsibility initiatives usually feature high profile county players. However, it is a misconception to confuse this activity with GPA’s core work around the Development Programme as they are completely unrelated. Brands and sponsors who engage with the GAA seek players with the higher profiles from the higher profile teams. This is true of sponsorship and marketing in all sports. The PR agencies, media and other interested parties demand high profile players, usually those still actively involved in competition.
The GPA uses various players to promote our work and campaigns. When promoting our services, players who have been through the programmes are generally those that are featured — there is no bias, no discrimination — those who engage with programmes are central to the story.
Mental Health — Why is it so Important to the GPA?
The GPA Personal Counselling Service and member helpline has been a cornerstone of the Development Programme since it commenced in 2010. This confidential service is provided on a 24 hour, 365 day a year basis. Over 250 players have already engaged with our team of counsellors with support being provided for a wide range of emotional
issues, depression and addiction. The service has included full-time residential care for a number of players. However, following the tragic death of Galway hurler Niall Donoghue by suicide in 2013 the GPA initiated a powerful internal campaign to promote emotional health and wellbeing. The award winning ‘WeWearMore’ campaign has been very successful both in terms of educating players about the importance of sharing emotional issues and coping with distress as well as promoting mental health in Irish society in general. A team of GPA mental health ambassadors including Conor Cusack, Alan O’Mara and Niall McNamee have been incredibly active all over the country.
Can Former County Players Access GPA Services?
Yes, all former county players can apply for support under the Player Development Programme. To date the GPA has assisted former players with back-to-education support, career changes, assisting return to employment after a lay-off, personal counselling and a number of medical procedures. Benevolent funding is provided as part of a wider support process for those experiencing serious difficulties in their lives.
What About the So-Called Weaker Hurling Counties?
Hurlers from the Ring, Rackard and Meagher counties are entitled to the same level of support under the Development Programme as all other competing counties ( see figures above ). The GPA has always promoted the connection between the various hurling tiers through our Hurling Twinning Programme, a model subsequently adopted by the GAA as part of their hurling promotion initiative. The GPA has provided a detailed submission to the GAA’s 2020 Committee on Hurling Development as well as being active in promoting the debate about Team Ulster and other amalgamated teams to provide a pathway to elite games for all current and future members.
Annual Report 2014
How Does the GPA Communicate With its Members?
The GPA harnesses a number of different channels to communicate with internal and external stakeholders. These include SMS, ezines, press releases, mainstream media, publications, website, video and direct engagement. However, for the current playing demographic, particularly younger players, social media is increasingly providing the communication platforms of choice.
As in all other walks of life the advent of social media has empowered players to control and promote their own profile publicly while providing ready-made cost-free communications groups for panels. Young players in particular are unlikely to read a newspaper column or article unless it appears in their Twitter, Whatsapp or Facebook timelines. As a result, GPA activity, programme details, campaigns, social responsibility work, player promotion, commercial updates, news and opinion are now increasingly conveyed through social media platforms — primarily Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Feedback suggests that this medium is the most effective in reaching the Association’s membership. All of this activity is measureable and can be analyzed in terms of reach and efficiency.
While there are issues with social media, particularly around reputation management and moderation, mainstream media now harnesses these platforms both to promote its own content and to convey news gathered from player activity on social media. Consequently players and the GPA will frequently respond to public issues arising using social media as the principal platform.
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The Gaelic Players Management Company Limited
The Gaelic Players Management Company Limited
Registration Number 334032
Abridged accounts for the year ended 31 December 2013
Kearney McArdle McEneaney & Co.Registered Auditors12 Crowe StreetDundalk, Co. Louth
The Gaelic Players Management Company Limited
The Gaelic Players Management Company Limited
Page
Abridged Auditors' report to the company pursuant to Section 18 ( 4 ) 1 — 2
Independent Auditors' report to the shareholders 3 — 4
Abridged balance sheet 5
Notes to the abridged financial statements 6 — 10 including Statement of Accounting Policies
Contents
The Gaelic Players Management Company Limited
1
To the directors of The Gaelic Players Management Company LimitedThe following are copies of our report dated under section 18( 4 ) Companies ( Amendment ) Act 1986 to the directors of The Gaelic Players Management Company Limited and our report dated 20 February 2014 under section 193 Companies Act 1990 to the members of that company for its financial year ended 31 December 2013.
Report of the auditors under section 18( 4 ) Companies ( Amendment ) Act 1986:We have examined: ( i ) the abridged financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 on pages
5 to 10, which the directors of The Gaelic Players Management Company Limited propose to annex to the annual return of the company; and
( ii ) the financial statements to be laid before the Annual General Meeting, which form the basis for those abridged financial statements.
This report is made solely to the company's directors as a body, in accordance with Section 18( 4 ) of the Companies ( Amendment ) Act, 1986. Our work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company's directors those matters we are required to state to them under section 18( 4 ) of the Companies ( Amendment ) Act, 1986 and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's directors as a body, for our work, for this report, or for the opinion we have formed.
Respective responsibilities of directors and auditorsThe directors are responsible for preparing abridged financial statements which comply with the Companies ( Amendment ) Act 1986. It is our responsibility to form an independent opinion that the directors are entitled under section 18 of the Companies ( Amendment ) Act 1986 to annex abridged financial statements to the annual return of the company and that those abridged financial statements have been properly prepared pursuant to sections 10 to 12 of that Act and to report our opinion to you.
Basis of opinionThe scope of our work for the purpose of this report was limited to confirming that the directors are entitled to annex abridged financial statements to the annual return and that those abridged financial statements have been properly prepared, pursuant to the provisions of Sections 10 to 12 of the Companies ( Amendment ) Act, 1986, from the financial statements to be laid before the Annual General Meeting.
OpinionIn our opinion the directors are entitled under Section 18 of the Companies ( Amendment ) Act 1986 to annex to the annual return of the company abridged financial statements and those abridged financial statements have been properly prepared pursuant to the provisions of Sections 10 to 12 of that Act (exemptions available to small and medium-sized companies).
Other informationOn we reported, as auditors of the company, to the shareholders on the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2013, and the full text of our audit report is reproduced on pages 3 to 4 of these financial statements.
Neil G McGeown — Statutory Auditor for and on behalf ofKearney McArdle McEneaney & Co.Statutory Auditors12 Crowe Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth.
Report of the Auditors under section 18(3) of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986 ...continued
The Gaelic Players Management Company Limited
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Report of the Auditors under section 18( 3 ) of the Companies ( Amendment ) Act, 1986 ...continued
Report of the auditors under section 193 Companies Act 1990:We have audited the financial statements of The Gaelic Players Management Company Limited for the year ended 31 December 2013 which comprise the Profit and Loss Account, the Balance Sheet and the related notes. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is Irish law and accounting standards issued by the Financial Reporting Council and promulgated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland (Generally Accepted Accounting Practice in Ireland).
This report is made solely to the company's members, as a body, in accordance with Section 193 of the Companies Act, 1990. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Respective responsibilities of directors and auditorsAs explained more fully in the Directors' Responsibilities Statement set out on page , the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements giving a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with Irish law and International Standards on Auditing ( UK and Ireland ). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.
Scope of the audit of the financial statementsAn audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the company’s circumstances and have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the directors; and the overall presentation of the financial statements. In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the annual report to identify material inconsistencies with the audited financial statements. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.
Opinion on financial statementsIn our opinion the financial statements:
— give a true and fair view, in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice in Ireland of the state of the company’s affairs as at 31 December 2013 and of its profit for the year then ended; and
— have been properly prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Acts 1963 to 2013.
The Gaelic Players Management Company Limited
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Matters on which we are required to report by the Companies Acts 1963 to 2013 — we have obtained all the information and explanations which we consider
necessary for the purposes of our audit; — in our opinion proper books of account have been kept by the company; — the financial statements are in agreement with the books of account; — in our opinion the information given in the directors' report is consistent with
the financial statements; and — the net assets of the company, as stated in the balance sheet, are more than
half of the amount of its called-up share capital and, in our opinion, on that basis there did not exist at 31 December 2013 a financial situation which under Section 40 ( 1 ) of the Companies ( Amendment ) Act, 1983 would require the convening of an extraordinary general meeting of the company.
Matters on which we are required to report by exceptionWe have nothing to report in respect of the provisions in the Companies Acts 1963 to 2013 which require us to report to you if, in our opinion, the disclosures of directors’ remuneration and transactions specified by law are not made.
Neil G McGeown — Statutory Auditorfor and on behalf ofKearney McArdle McEneaney & Co.Statutory Auditors12 Crowe StreetDundalkCo. Louth
Report of the Auditors under section 18(3) of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986 ...continued
The Gaelic Players Management Company Limited
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2013 2012 Notes € € € €
Fixed assetsTangible assets 4 13,542
Current assetsTangible assets 4 11,455Debtors 998,373 922,812Cash at bank and in hand 490,670 534,293 _______ _______ 1,500,498 1,457,105 Creditors: amounts fallingdue within one year 5 ( 1,225,563 ) ( 1,181,625 ) _______ _______ Net current assets 274,935 275,480 _______ _______Total assets less currentliabilities 274,935 289,022Creditors: amounts falling dueafter more than one year - ( 100,327 ) _______ _______
Net assets 274,935 188,695 _______ _______Capital and reservesCalled up share capital 6 125 125Other reserves 2 2Profit and loss account 274,808 188,568 _______ _______Equity shareholders' funds 274,935 188,695 _______ _______
Abridged balance sheet as at 31 December 2013
The directors have taken advantage of the abridged disclosure exemptions conferred by Sections 10 and 12 of the Companies ( Amendment ) Act, 1986 on the grounds that the company is entitled to the benefit of those exemptions as a small company.
The abridged accounts were approved by the Board on 20 February 2014 and signed on its behalf by
Brian Whelahan Donal Óg Cusack Director Director
The Gaelic Players Management Company Limited
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1. Statement of accounting policiesThe following accounting policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items which are considered material in relation to the company's financial statements.
1.1. Basis of preparationThe audited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting standards generally accepted in Ireland and Irish statute comprising the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2013, Accounting Standards generally accepted in Ireland in preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view are those issued by the Accounting Standards Board. The financial statements have been prepared on a break up basis.
1.2. Turnover PolicyTurnover represents the total invoice value, excluding value added tax, of sales made during the year. Turnover is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have passed to the buyer, usually on dispatch of the goods.
1.3. Tangible fixed assets and depreciationTangible fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment loss. Cost includes all costs that are directly attributable to bringing the asset into working condition for its intended use.
DepreciationDepreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value, of each asset systematically over its expected useful life, as follows:
Fixtures, fittings and equipment — 25% Straight Line
1.4. Foreign currenciesMonetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into euro at the rates of exchange prevailing at the accounting date. Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the date of the transactions. All differences are taken to the Profit and Loss account.
Notes to the abridged financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2013
The Gaelic Players Management Company Limited
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1.5. Taxation and deferred taxationThe yearly charge for taxation is based on the profit for the year and is calculated with reference to the tax rates applying at the balance sheet date.
Material deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date where transactions or events have occurred at that date that will result in an obligation to pay more, or a right to pay less or to receive more, tax, with the following exceptions:
Provision is made for tax on gains arising from the revaluation ( and similar fair value adjustments) of fixed assets, and gains on disposal of fixed assets that have been rolled over into replacement assets, only to the extent that, at the balance sheet date, there is a binding agreement to dispose of the assets concerned. However, no provision is made where, on the basis of all available evidence at the balance sheet date, it is more likely than not that the taxable gain will be rolled over into replacement assets and charged to tax only where the replacement assets are sold; Provision is made for deferred tax that would arise on remittance of the retained earnings of overseas subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures only to the extent that, at the balance sheet date, dividends have been accrued as receivable; Deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that the directors consider that it is more likely than not that there will be suitable taxable profits from which the future reversal of the underlying timing differences can be deducted. Deferred tax is measured on an undiscounted basis at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the periods in which timing differences reverse, based on tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.
1.6. PensionsPension benefits are funded over the employees' period of service by way of defined contributions to a separate fund. The company's contributions are charged to the profit and loss account in the period to which they relate.
Notes to the abridged financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2013
The Gaelic Players Management Company Limited
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2. Directors and secretary and their interests The directors who served during the year and their interests in the company are as stated below:
Ordinary shares 31 / 12 / 13 01 / 01 / 13 or date of appointment
Ciaran McArdle ( resigned 30 April 2013 ) - -Brian Whelahan - -Donal Og Cusack - -Dara O'hAinnaidh ( resigned 30 April 2013 ) - -Tommy Dunne - -
Company SecretaryCiaran McArdle ( resigned 30 April 2013 ) - -Brian Mulvihill ( appointed 30 April 2013 ) - -
There were no changes in shareholdings between 31 December 2013 and the date of signing the financial statements.
3. Taxation 2013 2012 € €
Current year taxationCorporation Tax 13,172 7,928
Prior yearsCorporation Tax 12 - _______ _______ 13,184 7,928 _______ _______
Notes to the abridged financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2013
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Notes to the abridged financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2013
Tangible
4. Fixed assets fixed assets €
CostAt 1 January 2013 41,802Additions 6,519 _______At 31 December 2013 48,321 _______Depreciation At 1 January 2013 28,260Charge for year 8,606 _______At 31 December 2013 36,866 _______Net book valuesAt 31 December 2013 11,455 _______At 31 December 2012 13,542 _______
Tangible fixed assets have been included in current assets as the financial statements have been prepared on a break-up basis as the Company is being wound up.
5. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2013 2012
€ €
Creditors include the following:
Corporation tax 6,782 -PAYE / PRSI 60,578 55,726VAT 9,632 35,246 _______ _______ 76,992 90,972 _______ _______
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6. Share capital 2013 2012 € €Authorised equity100,000 Ordinary shares of €1.25 each 125,000 125,000 _______ _______Allotted, called up and fully paid equity100 Ordinary shares of €1.25 each 125 125 _______ _______
7. Ultimate controlling parties
The ultimate controlling parties are the National Executive Committee of the Gaelic Players Association on behalf of all its members.
8. Accounting Periods
The current accounts are for a full year. The comparative accounts are for a full year.
Notes to the abridged financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2013
Action From Finals 2014
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P: +353 (0) 1 8575686F: +353 (0) 1 6975454info@gaelicplayers.comwww.gaelicplayers.comwww.wewearmore.ie
Gaelic Players Association27 Northwood HouseNorthwood Business CampusSantry, Dublin 9
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