One year after their launch, the CPA's executive members have reaffirmed their commitment to 'Fix the Fixtures' and to ensure that the GAA club players' needs are at the forefront of GAA decision making.

The CPA's executive members met last weekend to map out their strategy and plans for the coming years and they do not intend to depart the scene until the fixtures situation is resolved and the GAA has more balance.

"Over the last 12 months we have raised a series of issues, when it was unpopular to do so, and placed club issues firmly in the public eye," CPA chairman Micheal Briody said.

"As documented we have met the GAA management to put forward our solutions and plans. We have asked that every party with an interest in fixing the situation be brought together.

"First up in 2018, two of the motions that we made available to clubs are being brought forward to Congress for consideration. The motion on voting transparency will allow delegates to demonstrate clearly that the GAA is accountable to its members at the highest level of decision making.

"To that end we will be communicating with all county boards and other groups in the GAA with voting rights at Congress this week to explain our position and invite their support.

"We were told by management to go back to our clubs and follow the GAA traditional democratic route, which we did and will continue to do. Of the motions a number didn't make it through the process. Where they encouraged debate in county conventions, that was the objective. Where they were sidelined on procedural grounds as was the case in Cork for example, that shines an unflattering light on the GAA's process.

"We are proud that Liam Griffin, one of our founding members is attending congress as a delegate. Liam will have the opportunity to stand and speak for the club player on any motions that require their voice to be heard. We hope that other delegates will be courageous and speak up also.

"In the last 12 months we have led the way in highlighting the situation facing GAA members with club's facing problems with dropout rates, fractured fixture planning and incremental change.

"We have had the incremental introduction of the super eight and the new hurling championship structures. We have had some movement on fixtures but time will tell how effective the new calendar is. When we see emerging from counties like Derry, a plan that gives players certainty and provides opportunities for county players to play for their clubs in all games then we have grounds for hope.

"Together the GAA can fix the fixtures."

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