One Association for Gaelic Games
One Association for Gaelic Games | Integration
February 2022 marked a pivotal moment in the history of Integration of the Camogie Association, the GAA and the LGFA. Motions passed at each Congress in 2022 directed the Associations to “Prioritise Integration” and thus the Steering Group on Integration was established. The SGI were tasked with proposing a way towards Integration of the three separate Associations to One Association, one which respects and reflects the rich history of the Gaelic Athletic Association.
The role of the Steering Group on Integration (SGI) is that of a recommending body and comprises representation from each of Association through the Uachtaráin of each Association, Ard Stiúrthóirí of each Association alongside Project Manager Mark Dorman, Head of Organisation Change and an Independent Chairperson.
In September 2022, the SGI announcement the appointment of Iar-Uachtarán na hÉireann, Mary McAleese as Independent Chairperson. The SGI met for the first time in October 2022 and during this meeting it was unanimously agreed that the future integrated structure will be based on One Association for all Gaelic games and built on the principle of equality. It was also unanimously agreed that a significant listening process would be required to assist the development of the integrated structure as this process should be one where all voices are given an opportunity to contribute.
General View
This extensive listening exercise commenced in February 2023 with workshops, submissions and meetings undertaken with management, player representatives, counties, provinces, staff and clubs. The climax of the listening exercise was the commissioning of a vast membership survey between July and August 2023 which saw over 30,000 members take the opportunity to have their voices hears as part of the process. The SGI were encouraged to see the results of this survey highlighting 90% of members viewing Integration as positive for their membership experience. Key themes which emerged from this listening exercise were Facilities, Finance, Fixtures, HR / Staffing, Membership and Player welfare.
Armed with the instrumental feedback provided throughout the listening experience, in November 2023 the SGI established working groups focussing on these key 6 areas of Facilities, Finance, Fixtures, HR / Staffing, Membership and Player Welfare. These cross organisational working groups comprised representation from each association across various levels of the Associations. These groups collaborated in a condensed timeframe to work through the finer details and utilised their practical experience and expertise in considering how each of these areas could operate in an integrated organisation.
Detailed proposals were submitted by each of these working groups to the SGI in December of 2023 for consideration, discussion, and inclusion within the Pathway towards integration. In terms of the specific proposals put forward by these working groups.
All of the feedback obtained throughout the listening exercise, coupled with the detailed proposals submitted by the working groups enabled the articulation by the SGI of a vision for Integration along with a proposed timeline.
2024 represents a landmark year for each of the Associations, marking 140 years, 120 and 50 years for the GAA, Camogie Association and the LGFA respectively since their founding years of 1884, 1904 and 1974. It was therefore very fitting that in February 2024, the Steering Group on Integration revealed 2027 as the proposed date for their plans for full integration between the three organisations.
As the process continues, it is the intention of the Steering Group on integration (SGI) to keep all members updated throughout. On this site you will find all news and updates from the SGI.
Integration Videos
