3 Gaelic Games Associations issue Integration update
As Congresses approach, the Steering Group on Integration (SGI) reflects on the steady progress made to date on integration and look forward to an engaging and busy year ahead for the remainder of 2025.
In February of 2024, the Steering Group on Integration announced the Vision for Integration as “One Association for Gaelic Games by 2027”.
Since the landmark announcement in February 2024 the SGI has focussed on strategic future planning to ensure significant and consistent strides are made towards Integration. There was continued collaboration with working groups to consider practical implications and actions and the commencement of projects which will ensure the implementation of integration along with ongoing engagement with Government to provide updates on the process.
Numerous cross – association working groups have collaborated to concentrate on logistical specifics in a range of important areas such as Communications, Facilities, Finance, Fixtures, Games Development, HR, Membership and Match Officials to name only a few.
Each of these working groups have been invaluable in providing recommendations to the Steering Group on Integration on the nuanced details of each focus area. The Steering Group will continue to work with these groups in overseeing projects undertaken to ensure the realisation of these key recommendations throughout 2025 and 2026, in preparation for integration.
In addition to the establishment of the working groups, other projects undertaken include a detailed facilities audit, a research project into the lived experience of the One Club Model and an organisational design project focussed on the design of a future staff structure which reflects the objective of integration to deliver one staffing structure.
As Steering Group Chairperson Dr. Mary McAleese notes: “The Gaelic Games Integration project is now well on course to deliver the support, hopes and ambitions of the overwhelming majority of members of all three associations which were emphatically expressed in the ground-breaking survey commissioned by the Steering Group. For them, integration guarantees the best, most dynamic, sustainable and exciting future.
“When, in February 2024 we announced the Vision Statement for integration we set a timeline which would lead to integration by 2027. We advised that there would be considerable work needed to align all the many moving parts, and that work has been ongoing ever since and at pace.”
In the year ahead, in addition to the implementation of recommendations of projects that have been proposed through the diligent efforts of the working groups, priorities will include a focus on considerations and proposals for One Membership, Integrated County
Board / Committee and Provincial Council structures, along with an expert review group focused on the development of One Constitution to govern One Association.
With plans to engage with clubs across the country, the One Club research design seeks to gain deeper insights into the process clubs that have successfully integrated to become a One Club have followed and learnings that can be garnered from their experience.
It will also examine learnings from clubs who are currently going through the process of aligning to the One Club model to gain an understanding of where challenges were faced by clubs who endeavoured to align to the model but who experienced potential barriers in doing so.
This research will enable relevant updates to the existing One Club Guidance.
A key imperative for the Steering Group on Integration throughout 2025 will also be increased engagement at all levels across the Associations, in addition to continued engagement with Government on integration progress and next steps.
The SGI understands through all the work undertaken in 2023 and 2024, an understandable interest and need for further engagement has been fed back consistently.
The SGI extends its gratitude to all who have invested their time and expertise to date and those who continue to provide invaluable experience and recommendations in the integration progress.
Dr. McAleese added: “The vision of and for integration now has to be in the hearts and minds, words and actions of all who have this opportunity to shape the future of one great Gaelic Games Association, built on the legacy, experience, expertise and momentum of the three remarkable associations which have committed to a fully integrated future.”
Camogie President Brian Molloy commented: “I’m greatly encouraged to see the continued strong commitment to integration that has been evidenced across our three Associations over the past 12 months.
“Moving from three separate Associations to a unified, transformed GAA by 2027, is a complex process but we continue to make progress towards the realisation of our goal - one club, one county, one province, one congress, one Association.
“This unified structure will ensure that Gaelic games are supported and developed in an inclusive and equitable way for everyone.”
GAA President Jarlath Burns added: “The integration process to date has been both productive and enlightening for all involved.
“We have conducted a considerable amount of research which will inform our plans for the remainder of the year and assist our efforts to advance a project that has the potential to place Gaelic games on an even stronger footing.
“As an organisation we look forward to working with Dr McAleese and our fellow organisations to oversee further tangible progress in the months ahead.”
As Micheál Naughton prepares for reaching the end of his term as LGFA President he remarked: “As a member of the SGI, I have thoroughly enjoyed my involvement in this ongoing work and it has been hugely instructive working alongside like-minded individuals.
“At this juncture, I am almost ready to hand over the reins as Ladies Gaelic Football Association President and it’s a good time to reflect. As we move towards that one Association, I wish everybody involved the very best as we continue on that remarkable and historic journey.
“It’s a journey to be embraced, and not feared, but it’s a journey that we must take with a cautious approach and with our eyes wide open on every step of the way.”
The SGI is made up of three association Uachtaráin (Brian Molloy - Camogie Association, Jarlath Burns - Gaelic Athletic Association and Mícheál Naughton- Ladies Gaelic Football Association), the three Ard Stiúrthóirí (Sinéad McNulty - CA, Tom Ryan - GAA and Helen O’ Rourke - LGFA), Mary McAleese as Chair and Project Managed by Mark Dorman with Project Coordination by Aoibhe Dunne.
For further updates on Integration, visit the Gaelic Games Integration Page at https://www.gaa.ie/article/one-association-for-gaelic-games