GPA seeks €700 increase in inter-county player support

Tom Parsons, Chief Executive Officer of the Gaelic Players Association in attendance at 2026 Congress ©INPHO/Nick Elliott

The Gaelic Players’ Association (GPA) is seeking an additional €700 in annual Government support for each inter-county player.

The proposal would increase the current payment from €1,800 to €2,500 per player, an overall increase of €2.8 million.

GPA chief executive Tom Parsons said the increase would help players deal with rising costs.

“Government funding is an important recognition of the extraordinary commitment made by inter-county players to our national games," Parsons is quoted saying by RTE Sport.

He added: “At a time when the cost of living pressures are bearing down on players, Government has an opportunity to deliver something immediate and tangible for the current generation.”

The GPA’s 2026 player survey also found that 49% of players have two weeks or less between their club season ending and inter-county action beginning.