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.

Back row (l-r) Justin McNulty, GPA/DCU MBA Scholar, Laois manager, Bryan Cullen, DCU graduate and Dublin captain, Donegal captain and DCU student Michael Murphy, Roscommon's Cathal Cregg, DCU student, Dublin's Paul Flynn, DCU student, Colin Moran, former Dublin captain and GPA/DCU MBA Scholar. Front row: Patrick Quinn, GPA/DCU MBA Scholar and Sligo hurler, David Kelly, Sligo footballer and DCU student and Michael Martin, former Louth hurler and GPA/DCU MBA Scholar

Donegal ’keeper Paul Durcan, Sligo hurler Patrick Quinn and former Louth hurler Michael Martin announced as the GPA/DCU MBA Scholars

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Dublin City University Business School and the Gaelic Players Association are delighted to announce that Donegal footballer Paul Durcan, Sligo hurler Patrick Quinn and former Louth hurler Michael Martin have been granted scholarship places on the prestigious Executive MBA Programme.
The three graduates join Laois manager Justin McNulty and former Dublin football captain Colin Moran who became the first recipients of the MBA scholarships last year bringing the total number of scholarship places to five.
Having satisfied this year’s entry requirements and the selection process, Durcan (Quantity Surveyor/Project Manager), Quinn (Software Engineer) and Martin (Architect/Project manager) will participate in the MBA two-year part-time programme, widely recognised as the degree of choice for rising executives with ambitions to become leaders in their respective employment. The scholarship with DCU Business School forms part of the GPA’s Education portfolio under its Player Development Programme established in 2010.
The DCU MBA programme is aimed at established and mid-career business professionals and technical and engineering specialists who want to make the transition to senior management positions. Participants are typically drawn from a variety of industry sectors, including financial services, manufacturing and technology, as well as the public and not-for-profit sectors.
Speaking about the announcement, GPA CEO Dessie Farrell said: “I’d like to congratulate Paul, Michael and Patrick on receiving their scholarships for the Executive MBA in DCU. The MBA course is a life-changing opportunity for these players and I wish them the very best over the next two years. It is wonderful to be able to provide an additional scholarship this year following the commencement of the programme last year. The MBA scholarships are an integral part of the GPA’s commitment to supporting the education of our players. I’d like to thank Dublin City University sincerely for supporting this scholarship programme once again. The GPA is committed to developing long-term educational partners and we are delighted that DCU Business School has led the way for us.”
The Dean of DCU Business School, Anne Sinnott commented: “We are really pleased to be involved in this initiative and to offer scholarships on our Executive MBA Programme to current and former GAA players.  Our partnership with the Gaelic Players Association is important to us and we hope that we can continue this relationship for many years to come.  I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate this year’s Scholarship recipients, Paul, Michael and Patrick and to wish last year’s recipients, Colin and Justin every success as they move towards the last semester in their MBA programme.”

Over 60 Tyrone footballers and hurlers were the latest to undergo the GPA’s cardiac screening initiative which is being provided to all county squads over the coming months.
As part of the GPA’s Health and Wellbeing Programme all county players are entitled to be screened and the mobile screening unit has visited 38 county squads all over the country since the initiative commenced earlier this year.
The tragic loss of Tyrone star Cormac McAnallen in 2004 thrust the issue of Sudden Cardiac Death to the fore in Irish sport and led to the provision of automated external defibrillators in many sports clubs nationwide. It also highlighted the need to promote cardiac screening for young athletes.
The GAA’s Medical and Scientific Committee subsequently carried out an extensive body of work in this area and issued a number of recommendations for the screening process. Given that up to 100 young persons (under 35 years) die each year in Ireland from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome, it also recommended that all players should be screened.
In line with the GAA’s Medical and Scientific Committee’s Cardiac Proposals, the GPA, in association with mobile cardiac screening service Heartaid, is providing the screening facilities for each squad.
The Cardiac Screening Programme is funded by the GPA and is seen as a critical welfare component of the Association’s Player Development Programme.
The Development Programme, supported by the GAA, provides a comprehensive suite of support services for inter-county GAA players in the areas of Career Development, Education, Health and Wellbeing, Life Skills and Benevolent Support.

GPA members (l-r) Alan Freeman, Aidan O'Shea (Mayo) and Emyln Mulligan (Leitrim) at the launch today of Off the Booze and On the Ball

Tuesday Nov 22, 2011

The GAA has issued an exciting new health challenge to its members at the launch of ‘Off the Booze and On the Ball’ in Croke Park today.
This fun challenge with a healthy twist invites participants to abstain from alcohol for the month of January and in doing so seek sponsorship to go towards their local GAA club. Participants are also encouraged to engage in some new exercises that help them reach their recommended weekly activity levels during the month, and hopefully throughout 2012.
The challenge was extended personally by Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Criostóir Ó Cuana, who launched the event with Minister of State at the Department of Health, Róisín Shortall. The initiative is being driven by the Association’s Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) Programme – a joint initiative with the HSE that aims to reduce the harm caused by the misuse of alcohol and other substances.
“January is a month of the year when the commencement of good habits comes into sharp focus and twinning a reduction in alcohol intake with increased physical activity makes perfect sense after the possible excesses of the festive season,” said the President of the GAA. “This scheme also offers members the chance to generate funds for their local clubs through sponsorship so the benefits for those involved are plain for all to see.”
Minister Shortall added “The history of the GAA, from a small organisation which grew from a meeting in a hotel in 1884 to the huge Association it now is with a presence in every community can be a metaphor for what we are launching here today. Everything begins with small steps and I am confident that this programme will find its way into every club, every community and every county in Ireland. Alcohol abuse presents one of the greatest challenges our country faces and I am delighted to see an organisation as renowned and respected as the GAA take a lead on this issue and I hope other sporting associations will adopt similar schemes”
Crossmaglen’s Oisín McConville and Mayo’s Aidan O’Shea and Alan Freeman were on-hand to support the launch, as were members of the Melvin Gaels club, Leitrim Intermediate champions 2010. Their senior panel is going ‘Off the Booze and On the Ball’ come January.
“It’s a good way to kick start the New Year and it gives the lads a challenge to engage in together,” explains their manager Billy Gavigan. “We’re back in senior championship in 2011 and for the first time the squad is engaging in a strength and conditioning programme in January to complete the activity side of the challenge.”
Club Treasurer Joe McCarron added that any money raised by the players would be a welcome boost to the club. “Fundraising is becoming more and more challenging and new, interesting ideas are always welcome.”
Individuals and panel members can sign up at www.gaa.ie/asap where they will receive a sponsorship card and an information pack containing details on health, exercise and diet. All participating clubs will be in with a chance to win a training session with one of Ireland’s leading high performance coaches or one of the country’s leading sports nutritionists in 2012.  
Off the Booze & On the Ball, which is endorsed and supported by the GPA, fully supports the RSA’s road safety message and the Ulster Council’s ‘Live to Play’ programme and participants are encouraged to make themselves available as a designated driver for friends or family during their month of abstinence.

For more information contact Colin Regan, ASAP National Coordinator, on 087-2945705 or email: colin.regan@gaa.ie

• Representatives from more than 100 player associations representing over 150,000 athletes establish an umbrella of world player associations.
• The new platform will tackle crisis in governance of world sports organisationsWADA and the Olympic Athletes Agreement come under fire
• IOC Athletes Commission head does not respond to invitation

Nyon, Switzerland, 15th November 2011 –

During the World Athletes Summit at UNI Global Union head office in Nyon, the elected representatives of 150,000 athletes from across the globe - including the Gaelic Players Association - voted unanimously to establish a federation of world player associations. The “Nyon Declaration” is a landmark in the fight to champion athletes’ rights.
Philip Jennings, General Secretary, UNI Global Union told the participants, “I’m proud to say that I was there when the Nyon Declaration was signed. Something is changing – you are changing the world of sport. This is a break through for athletes. The players’ associations now have a united global voice and the governing sports bodies and governments will have to listen.”
In an historic first meeting, players’ associations came together at UNI to demand that the rights of athletes be fully respected.
Theo van Seggeln, Secretary General, International Federation of Football Players Unions, said “Professional sport is global and therefore solutions to the problems we have in sports need to be solved on a global level. For that reason today we took a big step forward.”
Rob Nichol, Executive Director, International Rugby Players’ Association added, “This new initiative gives athletes a united global voice. We look forward to a much higher level of engagement with sporting administrators around the world. This is long over due.”
UNI Global Union hosted the World Athletes Summit to champion athletes’ rights. More than a 100 players’ associations from as far a field as Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Japan representing sports as diverse as Gaelic football, baseball, ice hockey and cricket are seeking a blueprint for success - a new agenda to drive forward the rights of sportsmen and sportswomen.
Walter Palmer, responsible for sport at UNI Global Union said, “There is a consensus among players that a crisis in sport governance exists. Athletes now have a platform to assert their independent voice without being filtered by sport administrators. We will engage with WADA. We will engage with the IOC and international federations over the unfair Olympic contract and we will support players worldwide with their struggle to be recognised and heard. We regret that Frank Fredericks did not choose to respond.”
The key topics discussed included collective bargaining, the status of players, and the reform of the anti-doping rules, anti-corruption measures, image rights, and dual careers/transition programmes.
All the players’ associations present at the World Athletes Summit stressed the importance of education for athletes and tailored training that will give them the chance to fulfil their potential once their playing careers have come to an end.
With reference to the Nyon Declaration, Yves Kummer, President, European Elite Athletes Association, said, “Dear Mr. Howman, dear Mr. Rogge, we now have a “W”. It’s finally time to give the sport back to the athletes. The athlete trade unions are the only independent voice of sportsmen and sportswomen. And they need to take their place within the family of sport."

Read the Nyon Declaration here: