Organisational Announcement

The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) announces today that Chief Executive Officer Paul Flynn, will step down later this year to take on a new and exciting opportunity in another business sector.

Paul has made a significant contribution to the GPA over the last number of years, as a member of the National Executive and as a member of the Board of the GPA, and more recently as the Chief Executive. Paul has expertly led the GPA and has demonstrated exceptional leadership, composure and resilience during his term.

The Board of the GPA would like to thank Paul for his immense contribution to the leadership of the GPA over the last nine years. Paul had many achievements during his term as CEO, most notably the merger of our women’s and men’s players associations into a new GPA, the recently agreed landmark deal with the GAA alongside playing a pivotal role in the restructuring of the fixtures calendar to a split season model.  As well as these achievements, Paul has strengthened the relationships with our key stakeholders- the GAA, Sport Ireland, the Government, our friends and supporters in the US, and our commercial partners.

Paul has built the effectiveness of the internal organisation and this will ensure continuity during the transition. The Board will now commence the process to identify a successor and Paul will contribute to and play an important role in that process.

We wish him every success in his new venture and know that he will always be part of the GPA family.

The GPA Board Chairman Brian MacCraith commented; “Paul has made an immense contribution to the Gaelic Players’ Association over the past nine years. In particular, he has contributed hugely to the advancement of the GPA in his role as CEO over the past three years. Just as in his playing career, he tackled every issue with great energy and preparation and operated to the highest standards. He leaves a wonderful legacy behind him, encapsulated most of all by the historic coming together recently of the WGPA and the GPA. While I will, of course, be sorry to see Paul step down later this year, I am delighted for him personally that his career is moving onwards and upwards and I know that he will be successful wherever that trajectory takes him. He will depart with my very best wishes and continued support.”

Maria Kinsella commented; “Over the last number of years, it has been a pleasure to work alongside Paul in formalising the partnership between the WGPA & GPA. Both personally and as CEO of the GPA, Paul was hugely supportive of the work of the WGPA. His foresight, passion and determination in creating a single players’ body which aims to promote equality in Gaelic Games will be part of his legacy. Paul’s leadership is an example to others in Gaelic Games and Irish sport. I wish him every success in his future endeavours and have no doubt that he will remain an advocate of the GPA for years to come.”

Paul Flynn commented; “I would like to thank the Players, the internal Team, the NEC and the Board for always backing me through this thoroughly enjoyable tenure as GPA CEO. I would also like to thank the GAA, Sport Ireland, the Government, our partners in the US and Ireland for their continued support throughout my term.  I am very proud of what we have achieved together as a team, and I look forward to seeing the newly combined players association grow and develop into the future.”