Time to deliver equality in Gaelic games now, not 2034
Time to deliver equality in Gaelic games now, not 2034 - The Labour Party
-Women in Sport Week highlights the need for equality in Gaelic games
Labour TD Alan Kelly, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Sport, has marked Women in Sport Week by warning that any delay to the planned integration of the GAA, the Camogie Association and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association would represent a regressive step for equality in Irish sport.
Deputy Kelly said:
“Women in Sport Week is about recognising the contribution of women and girls across every level of Irish sport, but it must also be a moment for honesty about the barriers that still remain. Gaelic games sit at the heart of communities across Ireland. Thousands of girls and women train, compete and volunteer every week, and they deserve equal status and equal structures within the sports they love.
“It is therefore deeply concerning to hear the incoming President of the GAA suggest that the integration of the GAA, Camogie Association and Ladies Gaelic Football Association could be delayed until 2034. These organisations have already committed to merging into a single governing body by 2027, with the new unified structures due to come into force in 2028.
“Only a few months ago, Mary McAleese and Former GAA president Burns appeared before the Oireachtas Committee on Sport and clearly reaffirmed their commitment to that 2027 timeline. That commitment was an important milestone in delivering equality across Gaelic games.
“To now suggest pushing that timeline out by another decade would be a completely regressive step. Kicking this can down the road would send a terrible signal to the thousands of girls who pull on jerseys every weekend and to the volunteers who keep clubs running in every parish in the country. Equality in sport cannot be treated as optional or something that can wait.
“We have seen enormous progress in women’s sport in recent years. Participation is growing, crowds are increasing and the quality of competition continues to inspire a new generation of players. Gaelic games have been central to that success, but the governance structures of the sport must now catch up with the reality on the ground.
“As Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Sport, I want to see the momentum behind integration maintained. This reform was agreed because it is the right thing to do for the future of Gaelic games and for the generations of players coming through.
“The commitment to integrate Gaelic games by 2027 must be honoured. Players, volunteers and supporters deserve certainty and progress, not delay. Women in Gaelic games have waited long enough and they should not be asked to wait another decade for equality.”