'Our work is done': CPA decides to disband
The Club Players Association (CPA) has announced that it has dissolved - as their objective of major fixtures reform has been achieved following the GAA’s decision to go with a split season model.
The CPA was founded in 2016 and launched in early 2017, with Micheál Briody as Chairman. Its main aim was to see club players across the country given a guaranteed and fair fixtures programme that was not likely to be swiftly changed due to the inter-county scene.
Although the CPA put forward numerous fixture solutions, it withdrew from the GAA's Fixtures Task Force in 2019 when they claimed it was set-up to merely "ratify the status quo".
The split season that came about in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic completely changed the thinking on fixtures, ending with a proposal for it to be implemented every year passed by GAA Congress last weekend.
Such a fixtures model had been previously proposed by the CPA, and its adoption by the GAA means that the CPA now feel their job is done. And following an EGM this week, the association unanimously agreed to disband.
A statement from the Club Players' Association follows:
"The Club Players' Association Executive, at its Extraordinary General Meeting on 1 March 2021, decided unanimously to dissolve the CPA. The decision was taken in accordance with the CPA Constitution, and there were no dissenters.
"The CPA was established in 2016 and launched in 2017 by a group of GAA volunteers to lobby and campaign on the single issue of fixing the fixtures for all players. This was driven by alarm bells over GAA player participation and drop out levels. It was due to serious concerns related to players' physical and mental wellbeing, because of the demands and uncertainty of the playing season.
"With Congress at the weekend making the historic decision to institute a split season model, the CPA Executive considers its task is now complete. The responsibility is now with GAA Management directed by An Uachtarán, Larry McCarthy and Ard Stiúrthóir, Tom Ryan, to implement Congress's unanimous and democratic decision. And it is the role of club and county players and officials to monitor the delivery of the new fixture arrangements and hold the Association accountable.
"Since 2017, the CPA has been central to keeping the fixtures debate in the public forum. We advocated a split season approach as a sensible, fair and logical solution to the fixtures issue, and we warmly welcome Congress’s decision, though overdue.
"A rising tide lifts all boats, and over recent years, despite the ebb and flow of debate, the tide of public opinion and the stream of discussion in the GAA has brought all parties to this destination. It is a time for optimism.
"Thank you to all players and GAA members who participated in surveys, sent us season models and ideas (all were read and given consideration), offered feedback, provided encouragement and constructive criticism. We are grateful for the contributions of our executive members past and present, including Declan Brennan. We also thank the GPA (Gaelic Players Association) for their cooperation and support. Thanks to GAA management for the ongoing engagement. We are also grateful to the media for the opportunities and platforms to discuss and debate our ideas.
"We are a diverse group of GAA volunteers from different backgrounds in clubs across Ireland. We are brought together and united by our commitment to the Gaelic Athletic Association. We share a single-minded belief that the goal of a workable fixtures programme was achievable to make the GAA better as a sporting organisation.
"Our reasoning has always been that the right approach to fixtures would provide a vastly improved platform for participation in our games for all players at all levels. With that objective achieved, the time is right to step away.
"If other motivated individuals wish to champion another cause, the Joint Captains' Association perhaps, that is their choice. We have played our part, and our work is done."