Connacht GAA Secretary John Prenty has criticized the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) for a perceived lack of consistency regarding player welfare, particularly after the cancellation of pre-season competitions for 2025.
In his annual report to the Connacht convention, Prenty argued that while the GPA has expressed concerns about player welfare, its position appears inconsistent. He referenced the cancellation of the FBD League this year, a decision influenced by player welfare concerns, but pointed out the irony in GPA CEO Tom Parsons’ recent comments expressing players’ desire for the return of the International Rules series.
Prenty stated, “Consistency is futile,” suggesting that the GPA’s advocacy for the removal of pre-season competitions doesn’t align with its broader concerns about the players’ wellbeing.
The GAA’s Central Council recently announced that pre-season tournaments would be paused on a trial basis for 2025, with a final decision to be made later. Connacht GAA has already lost approximately €100,000 in revenue from gate receipts and sponsorships due to the cancellation of the FBD League. However, Prenty highlighted that Connacht GAA’s Air Dome at the Centre of Excellence in Bekan, which allows for training in winter conditions, has not faced the same issues as other regions with weather-affected pitches.
In his report, Prenty also criticized the GPA’s stance on pre-season competitions, pointing out their opposition to such events in the past. He also questioned the GPA’s claims that pre-season tournaments negatively impact player welfare, suggesting that many inter-county teams are playing challenge games as early as December. “The irony of the GPA’s concerns about player welfare is the recent call for the return of the International Rules,” Prenty remarked, adding that pre-season competitions could help players and teams familiarize themselves with new rules in a less competitive setting.
The GPA, however, argued that the introduction of pre-season tournaments would necessitate a change in the return-to-training date from December 7 to November 16, which they believe would violate the “No Contact November” policy supported by 78% of players. The association also warned that larger panels would be required to accommodate high-load players who have already faced intense club demands.
Prenty also voiced ongoing concerns about the pressure on young players, particularly at minor and academy levels. He noted the increasing demands placed on underage players, saying, “We must remember that those players are in essence children and must not be expected to adhere to adult norms.” He stressed the importance of allowing these players to commit fully to their school or club teams and argued that the majority of underage players will never reach inter-county level.
In addition to his concerns over player welfare, Prenty expressed hope that the new rules approved by the Football Review Committee would encourage forward-thinking coaching strategies and high-scoring games that fans would enjoy.