PLAYERS
THRIVE ON
AND OFF
THE FIELD
GAELIC PLAYERS
ASSOCIATION
STRATEGIC PLAN
2017 — 2019
EOIN
PRICE
Westmeath
INTRO
Hurler
Teacher
Father of one
I was trying to revolve my
life around sport and began
to feel an emptiness in
my personal life. I had no
direction and was becoming
frustrated trying to decide
on a career path.
It is a great privilege for me to represent you
all as Chief Executive of your organisation. I
myself have been a member of the GPA since its
inception, but also at the Executive level since
2013 and I have always felt very passionate
about the GPA and the needs of its members.
I approached the GPA
looking for guidance and I
am extremely thankful for
all their help as I have since
qualified from St. Patrick’s
College, Drumcondra.
I have become the GPA
Player Representative for
my team to give back and
encourage anybody who is in
the position I was in to avail
of their services.”
04
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DERMOT EARLEY
GPA Chief Executive
When I was appointed as
CEO in February 2017, my
priority was to assess where
we were as an organisation
and to listen to the views
of all our members and
stakeholders. I wanted
to ensure that I had the
best understanding of our
players’ current needs
before putting together a
strategic plan for the next
three years.
Following some extensive
planning with those groups I
feel confident that, with your
input, we have addressed
our main objectives as an
organisation between now
and 2019 in this plan.
I am looking forward to
challenging ourselves as
an organisation and as
individuals in providing the
best support available for
you, our county players.
Having spent the last few
months travelling around the
country to meet and consult
with players, managers, our
committees, the media,
Government, GAA officials,
and donors to name a few,
I was able to relay your
opinions and thoughts
to our National Executive
Committee and Board.
This organisation has always
been and will remain a
player-led organisation. I
invite you all as members
to play your part in helping
every member to become
their personal best...
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05
VISION
Players thrive on and off the field.
PURPOSE
To represent players and invest in their
development as people.
VALUES
• Players First
• Courage
• Unity
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• Integrity
• Excellence
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07
CONTENTS
STRATEGIC THEMES
1
3
2
4
5
1. PLAYING A BETTER GAME
11
2. WORKING TOGETHER
FOR PLAYERS
15
3. INVESTING IN PLAYERS
19
4. LEAVING PLAYERS IN A BETTER PLACE
23
5. MORE THAN JUST A PLAYER
27
6. CELEBRATING PLAYERS
31
1. W
exford’s David
Dunne
2. S
eamus O'Carroll
of Limerick in
action
3. S
tephen Maher
of Laois in action
against Seán
Geraghty of Meath
4. C
hris Barrett of
Mayo in action
against Matthew
Donnelly of Tyrone
5. J amie Gonoud
of Westmeath is
tackled by John
Tubritt of Wexford
6
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STRATEGIC PLAN
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OPERATIONS
WHAT WE DO FOR PLAYERS
37
GOVERNANCE
43
6. K evin Conlan
launching Réalta in
a Leitrim school
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09
1.
PLAYING
A BETTER
GAME
10
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11
PLAYING
A BETTER
GAME
1
Changing our games for the better
through a united players’ voice.
OBJECTIVES
OUTCOMES
Making sure that the players’
1.
voice is heard by those who
A revamped master fixture list
1.
in hurling and football delivering
influence our games.
competitions to deliver
2.Eavolving
better experience for players.
welfare standards
3.Rforaising
players.
3
2
vibrant county, club and thirdlevel competitons.
ppropriate standards of welfare
2.Aprovision
for all squads.
new programme for
3.Ainter-county
managers and
coaches focused on player
welfare and development.
ffective systems in place to
4.Ecapture
the voice of the players.
layer-mandated actions for
5.Ppositive
change delivered.
4
5
1. G
PA’s Annual
Reps Day
2. Kilkenny’s Michael
Fennelly at the
Annual Reps Day
3. GPA CEO Dermot
Earley representing
the organisation at
Congress
4. Group of players
participating in
the GPA Madden
Leadership
Programme
5. Cavan’s Killian
Clarke at the
Students Redefined
Workshop in
Belfast
6. GPA Chairman
Seamus Hickey
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6
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13
2.
WORKING
TOGETHER
FOR
PLAYERS
14
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15
WORKING
TOGETHER
FOR
PLAYERS
1
Working with players and building a
passionate team of supporters
2
OBJECTIVES
OUTCOMES
Increasing face-to-face time with
1.
players nationally.
ncreased amount of regional
1. Iface-to-face
engagement with
2. Ensuring those who influence
our games understand the
power of the work that we do
with players.
romoting a culture of strong
3.Pvoices
who support players and
inspire others.
3
groups and individual players.
reater understanding of
2.Ghow
we serve players by
all stakeholders.
ncreased number of
3.Iadvocates
championing our
4
purpose and vision.
he network of individuals and
4.Tgroups
who support our work
1. G
PA Annual
Reps day
continues to grow.
2. A ddressing the
crowd at the GPA
Inaugural Boston
Dinner
nnual independent poll of
5.Aplayers
and stakeholders
3. T he GPA New York
Gala
showing increased levels of
understanding and awareness
of our work.
4. T he launch of the
Government Grant
Payment Scheme
5
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STRATEGIC PLAN
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5. S
upporting the
#OnHerSide
campaign
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17
3.
INVESTING
IN PLAYERS
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19
INVESTING
IN PLAYERS
1
“GPA’S POSITION
STRENGHTENED BY
NEW €6.2M DEAL
WITH GAA”
Ensuring adequate funding is available as
the demands on players continue to grow.
OBJECTIVES
OUTCOMES
Putting the player at the
1.
centre of decisions and
Continued support from
1.
Government, commercial
resource allocations.
– Irish Times
anaging available funds
2.Mresponsibly,
effectively and
transparently in line with
best practice.
nhancing our range of
3.Esustainable
funding sources.
partners, donors and the GAA.
alue for money maintained
2.Vand
enhanced.
rowth of independent funding
3.Gstreams
to support the
increased demand from players
for our services.
egular, consistent and
4.Rtransparent
financial reporting
available to stakeholders.
5% of net revenue allocated to
5.7player
welfare and development.
2
“GOVERNMENT AND GPA
AGREE €6.9M DEAL TO
EXTEND GOVERNMENT
GRANTS SCHEME TO
INTER-COUNTY PLAYERS
FOR 3 YEARS”
1. T he annoucement of the GAA
and GPA framework agreement
2017-2019
2. A n Taoiseach Enda Kenny,
Minister Shane Ross
Department of Transport,
Tourism and Sport and
Minister Patrick O'Donovan
Minister of State for Tourism
and Sport at the launch
of the GPA agreement
with Government on
government grants
– Irish Independent
20
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LEAVING
PLAYERS IN
A BETTER
PLACE
22
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2017 — 2019
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23
LEAVING
PLAYERS IN
A BETTER
PLACE
CREATING LEADERS OF THE FUTURE...
Chloe Morey, Clare, Thomas Brady, Dublin, James Sherry, Fermanagh, Julia White, Cork, Kevin McManamon, Dublin, Siobhan Hurley,
Kildare, Ronan Flynn, Sligo, Anna Geary, Cork and Hugh Paddy O’Byrne, Carlow taking part in the GPA Madden Leadership Programme
Inspiring leaders of the future to leave
a lasting legacy.
OBJECTIVES
OUTCOMES
Creating equal opportunities
1.
for players to contribute to
An expanded range of leadership
1.
programmes for players.
meaningful change.
in the talent that
2.Investing
contributes to a vibrant and
relevant player-led organisation.
ontinuing to benchmark our
3.Cwork
so we can deliver worldclass supports to players.
...TO BUILD ON THEIR LEGACY
ctive player involvement in
2.Astrategy
and policy decisions
through an open and transparent
governance procedure.
n experienced advisory board
3.Aestablished
providing guidance
and perspective to the National
Executive Committee and Board.
enchmarking of our work
4. Bdelivered
through regular
GPA Founders Kieran McGeeney, Donal Óg Cusack and Dessie Farrell
engagements with other players’
bodies and participation in
international player organisations.
layers and former players are
5.Pengaged
as community leaders
at local, national and global level.
24
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25
5.
MORE
THAN JUST
A PLAYER
26
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2017 — 2019
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27
MORE
THAN JUST
A PLAYER
AIDAN
CONNOLLY
Mayo Hurler
Teacher
Father of three
Last year I moved with my wife and three
kids to the Middle East. I contacted the GPA
and the response was fast and brilliant.
Within three weeks I was doing life-coaching
sessions and was provided with contacts
for people who had already made the same
move. I have found all this invaluable.”
Working with players to unlock their full
potential and become a game-changer in
their own lives.
OBJECTIVES
OUTCOMES
Delivering life-changing
1.
programmes so all players can
Players understand who they
1.
are, where their passions lie and
unlock their full potential.
romoting a balanced lifestyle
2. Pwhere
players can thrive both on
and off the field.
3.Focusing on newer members to
prepare for future challenges
and opportunities.
what direction they would like to
take with their lives.
ncreased uptake of Life
2.ICoaching
and Player
Development programmes.
better equipped to have
3.Palayers
lasting and empowering career
playing for their county.
stablish a comprehensive
4.Einduction
programme and player
passport system for new squad
members.
robust quality assurance
5.Aprocess
operating annually
in relation to all of our
programmes.
FIONN
FITZGERALD
Kerry Footballer
University Lecturer
28
STRATEGIC PLAN
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I would strongly encourage
players to engage with
the services available as I
have first-hand experience
of the positive impact they
can have on your on- and
off-field success.”
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29
6.
CELEBRATING
PLAYERS
30
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CELEBRATING
PLAYERS
1
2
A positive voice that champions our
unique players and is proud of what
they contribute.
3
4
1. T ipp’s Brendan
Maher with fans
2. L ee Keegan,
Mayo, and Austin
Gleeson, Waterford,
pictured with their
GAA/GPA Opel
All-Stars Player of
the Year Awards
5
6
3. Jonny Cooper,
Dublin, Cormac
Costello, Dublin,
and Richie Hogan,
Kilkenny, take part
in activities at Jump
Autism Support’s
Easter Camp
4. M
ike Lyons and
Gerard Smith of
Louth celebrate
after the Lory
Meagher Cup Final
5. G
alway's Joe
Canning signs
autographs after
the Championship
Quater-Final
against Dublin
6. M
eath captain
James Toher lifts the
Christy Ring Cup
7
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STRATEGIC PLAN
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OBJECTIVES
OUTCOMES
Sharing how our work
1.
transforms players’ lives.
Player stories are the heart of
1.
our communications.
aising awareness of players’
2.Rcontribution
to society.
layers’ contribution to their
2.Pcommunity
and wider society is
3.Changing perceptions through
open and engaging dialogue.
promoted and celebrated.
ncreased understanding of our
3.Iwork
fostered through open and
positive dialogue.
recognition scheme
4.Aimplemented
to acknowledge
the contribution of long-serving
players when they retire from
the game.
argeted communication
5.Tchannels
strategy used
to facilitate increased
understanding of our vision
and purpose.
7. J ack McCaffrey,
Dublin, TJ Reid,
Kilkenny, and Gillian
Whittall, Marketing
and PR Manager
Opel Ireland at
the launch of the
2015 Opel GAA/
GPA All-Stars jersey
in support of the
Childhood Cancer
Foundation
STRATEGIC PLAN
2017 — 2019
33
BRIAN
DARBY
Offaly
ANNUAL GPA FORMER PLAYERS EVENT
Footballer
Teacher
Father of two
As a person who was very
uncertain about what to do
with my life, I have been
given clarity and guidance
in channelling my skills in
the best possible way. I
would openly advise fellow
players to seek out and
benefit from the GPA’s
exemplary services.”
1
3
1. D
ermot Earley
addresses the
room at the
annual GPA
Former Players
event
2
2. S
eamus Darby,
Offaly, and
Charlie Nelligan,
Kerry
3. F ormer Cork
hurlers Kerry
Kelly, Roger
Ryan, and Jimmy
Brohan with
former Tipperary
hurler Tony Wall
5
4
4. D
ermot Earley
with Mick
O’Dwyer
5. F ormer Kildare
football teammates, from
left, William
McCreery,
Charlie
McCreevy, Sos
Dowley, Aidan
Walsh, Eddie
McCormick, and
Hugh McCreevy,
at the GPA
Former Players
Event
6
34
STRATEGIC PLAN
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6 T ony Hanahoe
with Mícheál Ó
Muircheartaigh
NOEL
McGRATH
Tipperary Hurler
Athlete mentor in
sports education
I was faced with a massive challenge
in my life when I was diagnosed with
testicular cancer. The GPA were very
supportive of me during this time to
make sure I was getting the best help
possible. I have since made a return
to hurling and made a full recovery.”
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35
PARAIC
O’KEEFFE
Wexford Footballer
Teacher
WHAT WE
DO FOR
PLAYERS
The GPA programmes had a knockon benefit on the field of sport and
has further empowered me to take
action towards the goals that I want
to achieve short-term and long-term
— to get the best out of myself in
everyday life.”
LORCAN
McLOUGHLIN
Cork Hurler
Business Development
& Marketing Officer
Father of one
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The GPA has been
very beneficial for me
with regards to making
important career-path
decisions. I now have a
better balance between
my personal life,
professional career and
sporting career.”
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37
PLAYER
DEVELOPMENT
HOW WE
ACHIEVE THIS
Facilitation
Unlocking players’
full potential
and building a
solid foundation
for personal and
professional growth.
• GPA Staff
• GPA Personal Development Coaches
• GPA service providers
Focus
• Athletic identity
• Career vision
• Emotional intelligence
• Education and skills plan
• Personal values and vision
• Wellbeing
Services
CAREER
PERSONAL
• C
areer plan development (CV,
interview and communication skills)
• Development coaching
• B
usiness start-up and development
programme
• Brand management
• Social, charity and community
engagement
EDUCATION
• F inancial advice
• Education planning and advice
• L eadership programmes
• Scholarships
• Upskilling scholarships
WELLBEING
• Personal counselling 24/7
• Residential treatment
What success looks like
• P
layer is better able to manage the
demands of a dual career as an
amature athlete.
• P
layer feels supported, empowered and
equipped, with the tools and confidence
to improve his quality of life.
• P
layer has explored and understands
the concept of athlethic identity.
• P
layer feels much more fulfilled, enjoys
life and is in a position to make an
increased contribution to his game, his
community and our society.
• P
layer has a better understanding of
himself and his purpose in life, with a
greater sense of optimism for what the
future holds.
38
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• Player is operating at his personal best.
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39
PLAYER
REPRESENTATION
HOW WE
ACHIEVE THIS
Facilitation
• GPA staff
Raising welfare
standards through
a united players’
voice to enable
players thrive on
and off the field.
• GPA service providers
• GPA volunteer player groups
Focus
• Squad charters
• Competition structure reform
• GAA/GPA player policy forum
• Individual case management
• Player safety and welfare
• Research
Services
• Cardiac screening programme
• Anti-doping awareness protocol
• The GPA enhanced injury scheme
• Concussion awareness protocol
• Former player surgical fund
• Coaching pathway for retiring players
• GPA benevolent fund
• Protecting the integrity of our games
• Dental protection
What success looks like
• E
fficient operation of Squad Charters
with timely delivery of player entitlements
as agreed.
• P
rotecting the integrity of our games
through player education and awareness
protocols.
• D
elivering a vibrant playing environment
and experience for all players.
• E
vidence-based research underpinning
welfare policies for current, former and
future county players.
• C
omprehensive physical health screening
and interventions for all players.
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41
2017 GPA
REPS
NATIONAL
EDUCATION
OFFICER
GOVERNANCE
PROVINCIAL ENGAGEMENT OFFICERS
NOEL CONNORS
TOMÁS COLTON
ULSTER
Leinster
NIALL McNAMEE
LEINSTER
ALAN KERINS
CONNACHT
ALAN O’MARA
MUNSTER
Munster
CARLOW
Daniel St Ledger
Brian Tracey
LOUTH
Adrian Reid
Gerard Smyth
CLARE
Martin McMahon
David Reidy
LIMERICK
Ian Ryan
Barry Hennessy
DUBLIN
Jonny Cooper
Eoghan O’Donnell
MEATH
Donnacha Tobin
Damien Healy
CORK
Mark Collins
Lorcan McLoughlin
TIPPERARY
Brian Fox
Brendan Maher
KILDARE
Daniel Flynn
Niall Ó Muineacháin
OFFALY
Sean Pender
Shane Dooley
KERRY
Darran O’Sullivan
John Griffin
WATERFORD
Tadhg Ó Huallacháin
Noel Connors
KILKENNY
Richie Hogan
WESTMEATH
Kevin Maguire
Eoin Price
Connacht
WEXFORD
Brian Malone
Eanna Martin
GALWAY
Finian Hanley
John Hanbury
ROSCOMMON
Donal Smith
Naos Connaugthon
WICKLOW
John McGrath
Billy Cuddihy
LEITRIM
Gary Reynolds
James Glancy
SLIGO
Charles Harrison
Eolan McCarthy
LAOIS
Darren Strong
Ross King LONGFORD
Michael Quinn
Patrick Walsh
MAYO
Jason Doherty
Corey Scahill
Ulster
ANTRIM
Chris Kerr
Neal McAuley
DOWN
Kevin McKernan
Connor O’Prey
Overseas
ARMAGH
Aidan Forker
Ciaran Clifford
FERMANAGH
Eoin Donnelly
Ryan Bogue
LANCASHIRE
Jason Patton
WARWICKSHIRE
Joe Meagher
CAVAN
Jack Brady
Mark Hayes
MONAGHAN
Darren Hughes
Brian Flanagan
LONDON
Phillip Butler
Tadhg Healy
NEW YORK
Ross Wherity
DERRY
Chrissy McKaigue
Ruairi Convery
TYRONE
Matthew Donnelly
Padraig McHugh
DONEGAL
Ryan McHugh
Padraig Doherty
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Football
Representative
Hurling
Representative
STRATEGIC PLAN
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43
Board
National Executive Committee
Chairman & Director: Fergus Clancy*
Paul Flynn
Brian Mulvihill
Philip Greene
Sean Murphy*
Director
Director
Seamus Hickey
Director
Seamus Hickey
Chairman
Limerick Hurling
David Collins
President
Galway Hurling
Paul Flynn
Secretary
Dublin Football
Stephen McDonnell
Cork Hurling
Director
Director
Matt Hoban
Company Secretary
Finance
Sub-committee
Chairman & NEC Member: John Glennon*
Philip Greene
Director
Colin Moran
NEC member
Noel Connors
Waterford Hurling
Aidan Forker
Armagh Football
Ronan Sheehan
Down Hurling
Mattie Donnelly
Tyrone Football
GPA CEO
Richie Hogan
Kilkenny hurling
Meath Football
Cathal Cregg
Rosscommon Football
Brian Mulvihill
Tipperary Football
Richie Hogan
Kilkenny Hurling
Director
Mícheál Carrigy
Barry Cahill
Dublin football
Michael Quinn
Longford football
Seamus Hickey
John Griffin
Ronan Sweeney
Ruairi Convery
Limerick hurling
Kildare football
Chairman: Tom Dillon*
Fergus Clancy*
Sean Murphy*
Director
Director
Paul Flynn
Director
Audit & Risk
Sub-commitee
Chairman: Liam Twohig*
Mark Ward
Seamus Hickey
Director
NEC member
Martin Kelly*
GAA Rep.
Competition
Structure Reform
Committee
Dermot Earley
Mark Ward
Brian Mulvihill
Remuneration
Sub-commitee
Kerry hurling
Derry hurling
Colin Moran
Dublin football
Player Safety Welfare
Committee
Chairman: Dr Jim O'Donovan - Limerick football
Cathal Cregg
James Sherry
Ciaran McDonald
Enda King
David Breen
Walter Palmer
Roscommon football
Tipperary football
Limerick hurling
Fermanagh football
Sports Surgery Clinic
GPA US/Former Gen
Secretary EU Athletes
Former Players Group
Chairman: Tony Hanahoe
GPA Squad Charter
Group
Alan Kerins
Galway Dual Player
Keith Rossiter
Wexford Hurling
Philip Greene
Sligo Football
Colin Moran
Dublin Football
John McGrath
Hugh Paddy O’Byrne
Paddy Stapleton
Aidan Forker
James Toher
Eoin Doyle
Finian Hanley
Kevin Maguire
Wicklow football
Tipperary hurling
Meath football
Galway football
Ronan Sweeney
Kildare Football
John Glennon*
Independent
Sean Murphy*
Independent
Fergus Clancy*
Independent
Joe Connolly
Vinnie Glennon
Seamus Darby
Sean Walsh
Declan O’Loughlin
Pat Mangan
Mick Galvin
Donal O’Grady
Carlow hurling
Armagh football
Kildare football
US Advisory Groups
New York Advisory
Board
Boston Friends of
the GPA
Westmeath football
Governance
The GPA adhere to the Governance Code for Community, Voluntary and Charitable Sector in Ireland
*Committee members who are independent of the playing body
44
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45
GAELIC PLAYERS ASSOCIATION
Unit 27 Northwood House
Northwood Business Campus
Santry, Dublin 9, Ireland
Tel: +353 1 857 5686
www.gaelicplayers.com
www.wewearmore.ie
@gaelicplayers
Gaelic Players Association
GPA is a member of EU Athletes
euathletes.org
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