The full integration of the Gaelic Athletics Association, Ladies Gaelic Football Association, and the Camogie Association has been confirmed, with plans to be completed by 2027.
Over the past 18 months, various discussions have been held with the members and officials of all three organisations. Mary McAleese commented on Tuesday that "Gaelic games are about to enter a new era," following the confirmation of the proposed date.
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The plan to merge all three associations was revealed in Croke Park under the Steering Group for Integration's "Pathway To Integration". Mary McAleese chairs the Steering Group, who facilitated discussions with several stakeholders from the association on integration.
The Steering Group on Integration, after 18 months of intense listening and discussion, has now a recommended pathway to what will be the most historic development in Gaelic games and that is One Association for all of Gaelic games by 2027.
Gaelic games are about to enter a new era. We are now at a point where the will of the members of the Gaelic games associations on integration can be delivered if our recommendations are followed and acted upon and made real.
McAleese said that the merger will come into place at all levels, from club level to Croke Park, and that the plan will include 'the entire structure, at local level right up to national level, that if people follow our pathway then in 2027 we will have a fully integrated association at every level'.
In the upcoming weeks, Congresses will be updated on the work of the last year and a half and plans for the next 36 months.
The presidents of each association have welcomed the concept of the integration. GAA president Larry McCarthy said:
We now have a roadmap to deliver an exciting future for all three associations that will benefit all of our players, our clubs and the communities they represent.
Camogie Association president Hilda Breslin spoke passionately on the importance of this integration and its impact on inclusivity of sport:
This is more than just an organisational shift. Together, we are actively recognising the vital role of women in sport, emphasising inclusivity, progress, and the collective strength of our association.
Michaél Naughton, president of the LGFA, stated:
We have come a long way since the formation of the LGFA in 1974 and as we prepare to celebrate our 50th anniversary in July, it’s time now to embrace the next chapter in the development of our game.
