At the launch of the PwC's partnership with the GPA and GAA were (l-r) Dónal Óg Cusack (Cork hurling captain and GPA Chairman), Cian O'Sullivan (Dublin), Criostóir Ó Cuana (Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael), Seán Cavanagh (Tryone), Ronan Murphy (Senior Partner, PwC), Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny), Joe Canning (Galway), Dessie Farrell (CEO, Gaelic Players Association)

PwC partnership with GAA and GPA marks historic first for Gaelic games

Tues, January 24, 2012

The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and Gaelic Players Association (GPA) are delighted to announce that PwC, Ireland’s largest professional services Firm, is to become the official partner of both Associations for the next three years.

The PwC sponsorship marks a historic first joint commercial venture between the GAA and the players’ body as well as PwC’s first sponsorship with Gaelic games.

Speaking at today’s launch, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Críostóir Ó Cuana, said “This is an exciting development for all parties concerned, not least because it offers further tangible evidence of the excellent working relationship that we have developed with the GPA but also because of the possibilities that working with PwC offers. PwC’s reputation precedes it and in striving for excellence and best practice we share many of the same values. I look forward to a fruitful alliance in the years ahead.”

Ronan Murphy, Senior Partner at PwC, said “We at PwC are delighted to be entering into this partnership with the GAA and the Gaelic Players Association.

“The GAA has established itself as one of the leading sports organisations in the world, which is evidenced by its enormous national and international following, its integration into Ireland’s culture and its superb facilities built up by its membership throughout the 32 counties.  All of this is the result of hard work, efficient organisation and cooperation at every level in the Association.  This new partnership is a perfect fit for PwC, as our values of Leadership, Teamwork and Excellence reflect the Association’s culture and underpin the success of both of our organisations.

“We also look forward to working closely with the GPA and the GAA to play our part in ensuring the continued success of the Player Development Programme.

“We are very encouraged by the positive reaction from our people and our clients to today’s announcement and we look forward to a strong and fruitful relationship with the GAA and the GPA in the years ahead.”

GPA Chief Executive, Dessie Farrell added “this historic agreement is testimony to PwC’s commitment to supporting Gaelic games and our players, something which is particularly commendable in these difficult times.  We are absolutely delighted to be involved with such a prestigious firm.  PwC’s dedication to excellence, teamwork and leadership resonates strongly with the core values within the GPA. We will be working in partnership with PwC to further enhance our Player Development Programme in the coming years.”

Supported by the GAA, the GPA’s Player Development Programme, launched in 2010, assists county hurlers and footballers with their off-field careers through a comprehensive range of supports in the areas of education, career development, health and wellbeing, life skills and benevolent fund.

'It was an honour to be part of this Kilkenny team - Brennan'

January 14, 2012

Kilkenny legend Eddie Brennan has confirmed that he has called time on his illustrious county hurling career.

Speaking to the GPA today, the eight-time All-Ireland winner said that he believed the time was right to move on, something he had been contemplating since last September’s triumph over Tipp.

“To be honest I’ve been thinking a lot about it since last September. Our son Harry was born the week of the final and a new chapter has opened in my life.

“I suppose the first reaction after winning against Tipp was relief that we had won the title back and that was the most important thing for me, that Kilkenny were back on top. However, it meant the opportunity, rare enough for players, to retire on a high.

“As I said that wasn’t the most important thing but as I was considering the move anyway, it helped me to make up my mind.

“I don’t believe this is an end for me, rather one door closing and another opening, moving on to another part of my life, particularly at home with the family.

“I am very honoured, privileged to have been part of this Kilkenny panel under Brian Cody. It has been an incredible journey and I am well aware how lucky and privileged I am to have enjoyed the success I did. I was also lucky not to have sustained any serious injuries and I look around at some of my former team mates and I know they can’t say the same thing.

“County hurling is 100 percent commitment, end of story. You can’t half throw yourself into it, regardless of how important your responsibilities are elsewhere. So I believe the time is right for me,” added the 33 year old Graigue Ballycallan man.

Brennan, a long-time GPA activist and National Executive Committee member, says he is also proud of the progress the players’ body has made during his time as a hurler with Kilkenny, a period that coincided with the emergence of the GPA.

“I am very proud of what the GPA has achieved and where it is now. I am also looking forward to giving more time to the Association now that I have retired, particularly sharing my own experiences with younger players.

“I’d also like to thank the many, many people in Kilkenny who have helped and supported me throughout my career and to all the great players who I had the honour of lining out alongside.”

Brennan, who made his senior debut with the Cats in 2000, won eight All-Ireland senior medals, four All-Stars, four league titles, 10 Leinster championships and an U21 All-Ireland.

GPA launches 24 Hour Members Counselling Help Line for Christmas Period

Friday December 23 2011

The Gaelic Players Association has set up a 24 hour confidential counselling help line for its members during the holiday period including Christmas Day.

The service is an addition to the GPA's nationwide Personal Counselling Programme established last year consisting of a team of experienced psychologists accessible free of charge to county hurlers and footballers.

Given the level of uptake for the counseling service over the first year and a half, the GPA felt it was appropriate that a 24 hour service should be available during the Christmas holidays, a time when personal issues can often manifest themselves.

Commenting on the provision of this new service, GPA Chief Executive Dessie Farrell said: "When we established our confidential Counselling Service as part of the GPA's Health and Wellbeing Programme, we assumed it would be a very slow burner, particularly given the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

"However, we have been taken aback by the level of engagement with the psychologists. This is of course a positive thing that players are coming forward to discuss their personal problems which is essential for good mental health. Because of the demand we felt it important that a 24 hour service should be made available during Christmas, when people experiencing personal difficulties can be particularly vulnerable. It's an identical service to that made available to rugby players through IRUPA.'

The free confidential helpline can be accessed by GPA members in the Republic at 1800201346 and in the North on 08082345183.