A new GPA survey shows a clear divide between the game’s elite and its lower tiers with the GPA keen on another major shake-up of the GAA fixture calendar
GPA chief Tom Parsons has revealed that most of the country’s top footballers are open to the idea of scrapping the League final.
A new GPA survey shows a clear divide between the game’s elite and its lower tiers — with Divisions 1 and 2 stars prepared to allow the curtain-closing decider to go, while Divisions 3 and 4 players want to hold on to their big Croke Park day out.
Parsons says the data could be used to reshape the GAA season — and help players claw back some badly needed rest time.
He said: “It became clear the finals mean a lot to Division 3 and 4 teams who don’t get to Croke Park too often.
“But Division 1 players weren’t that bothered. Most of them have played plenty of big games in Croker already.
“That’s the type of info we can use to rework the calendar and make the whole structure more sustainable.”
The players’ union also found that inter-county footballers want a guaranteed six-week break between their club season ending and county training restarting.
Parsons explained: “We’ve agreed a contact-hours policy with the GAA to ensure every player has a six-week break from club to county.
“Managers can do screenings and give players individual plans — but there can’t be any full-contact collective training before November 21. That’s the big no-no.”
The former Mayo star confirmed he’s already spoken to four Division 1 bosses about sticking to the start date.
“I’m happy with the commitment I’ve had,” he said.
“They’re doing screening and conditioning in groups, but not full sessions — which is positive.
“Eighty-four per cent of players told us last year’s no-contact November policy worked. But that still leaves 14 per cent who didn’t get that rest — and we need to fix that.”
Despite the calls for change, Parsons insists the GPA won’t touch the club calendar, even with many county finals now spilling into late October.
“We don’t want to take anything away from the club window,” he said.
“The months we want to shave off are November and December.
“Nobody wants to be slogging through training in November or playing most of their football in January and February. Those are the problem months.”
Parsons added that a real off-season would benefit everyone — players, coaches and volunteers alike.
“For the GAA as a whole, to just shut down for November and give everyone a proper breather would be massive,” he said.
With players pushing for more downtime, county managers under the microscope, and the League finals now on the chopping block, it’s clear the fixture calendar is heading for another major shake-up — and the GPA is right in the thick of it.
#GPA #insist #majority #county #players #favour #scrapping #major #final
