Time for GAA to turn commitment to integration into action
Time for GAA to turn commitment to integration into action - The Labour Party
Labour Senator Laura Harmon has called on the GAA to urgently set out a clear timeline for the full integration of the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association following the resignation yesterday of former President of Ireland Dr Mary McAleese as chairperson of the Integration Committee. Senator Harmon said the concerns raised by Dr McAleese about attitudes towards women in decision-making must prompt immediate action from the GAA leadership.
Senator Harmon said:
“It is shocking to hear Dr Mary McAleese say that there are people within the GAA who simply do not believe women should be part of decision-making. In 2026, there can be no place for that attitude in one of the most important sporting and community organisations in Ireland.
“It was deeply disappointing to hear the lack of detail from GAA Director General Tom Ryan on Morning Ireland today. While he reiterated the GAA’s commitment to the ideal of integration, he would not commit to a specific date for implementing proposals. The GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association had originally committed to integration into a single governing body by 2027 they must stop kicking the can down the road.
“Dr McAleese’s resignation should be a wake-up call. The GAA now needs to demonstrate that it is serious about equality and integration, confront any resistance and publish a clear timetable for integration.
“Women in Gaelic Games have waited long enough. The GAA must now provide the leadership needed to deliver full integration and look seriously at what happened.”