GPA motion carried at Annual Congress

Uachtarán Tofa Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Derek Kent and GPA CEO Tom Parsons pictured at GAA Annual Congress at Croke Park. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
A motion from the GPA to limit the inter-county season to 30 competitive weekends, including all competitions, was passed at GAA Congress.

The only exception is an All-Ireland final replay, if required which extends the season to a 31st weekend.

As a new rule, it only required more than a 50 per cent majority. A total of 66.7 per cent of delegates voted in favour.

Tom Parsons, GPA Chief Executive Officer, outlined the rationale for the proposal. "This is about the Association appreciating player welfare and the club window," he said.

"Our competitions will always need to evolve, we will always need to tweak them. The 30 weeks is similar to the current footprint.

"I think it sends out a strong message about player welfare, club and county links."

Paul Bellew, Galway GAA chairperson, backed the motion. "This is a motion based on principles, it protects a club window, too," Bellew said.

John Prenty, Connacht GAA CEO, also spoke in support. "Recently the GAA produced a very informative booklet. Today I want to thank the GPA that the provincial competitions have a place in the eco system," he said.

"A total of 30 weeks is completely doable," Prenty concluded.