“If something is going to change it’s going to be through the player voice.”
Former Donegal footballer Nadine Doherty believes the time for stalling has passed and that a clear road map is needed towards the merger of the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Associations.
The GPA, which now represents both male and female inter-county players, will go before GAA congress on 26 February demanding that the association “prioritise integration with the LGFA and Camogie Association”.
Speaking to 2fm’s Game On, Doherty said she believed the will was there, on the GAA side at least, and that tangible targets needed to be set towards ending the gender-divided administration of Gaelic games.
“There has been talk about this for a long time. If something is going to change it’s going to be through the player voice and that’s what we have here,” she said.
“In 2005, there was an integration task force set up. In 2017 we had a ‘one club’ model, which I’ve heard people aren’t happy with now.
“We’ve heard past presidents calling for this, massive media hype, and what’s key to (GPA CEO) Tom Parsons statement is that they’re looking for a road map. We can have all these strategic plans but a road map is what’s necessary.
“I think it will pass overwhelmingly because I think the majority of the GAA are in favour. And if it is it will put pressure on the people responsible for the delay to come out publicly and say why it has been held up.
“Since November the GAA have overseen camogie’s commercial rights, and that’s a very clear statement that they’re willing to work together.”
