Tom Parsons, chief of the Gaelic Players Association (GPA), reiterates his opposition to pre-season competitions despite some counties organizing challenge games in their absence. Parsons argues that players need a longer off-season break and emphasizes that challenge games differ significantly from competitive matches.
Tom Parsons has said that his stance on pre-season competitions hasn’t changed despite counties arranging challenge games in their absence last month.
GPA chief Parsons says that he is in favour of the competitions remaining off the inter-county calendar in 2026, insisting that players need a longer rest period in the off-season without having to play competitive games early in the new year.READ MORE:How much money is the GAA giving to Dublin these days?
“So, I don't think we can take one step forward and two steps backwards on the pre-season competitions. You need that block of six weeks before a competitive game.” But Parsons countered: “I was one voice of 60 in Central Council but collectively we made the decision and the GPA and me personally would absolutely take responsibility for the welfare of our players but I think a fair approach is that the powers that be don't blame the GPA and look at 'is there a shared responsibility here?' And of course there is. The counties are contracting management teams, many of whom are paid.
GAA GPA Pre-Season Competitions Player Welfare Challenge Games
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