Burke welcomes increase in funding for intercounty GAA players

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke has welcomed the government decision to increase funding for intercounty GAA players by €1.6 million next year, a rise of more than 28% on 2025 levels.

Minister Burke said he has been engaging with his colleague, Minister for Sport Patrick O’Donovan, on behalf of local players who raised the issue of greater recognition for their commitment and contribution to the game.

The total fund of €7.2 million will be distributed by Sport Ireland and paid to the GAA, which will work with the LGFA, Camogie Association and the Gaelic Players Association to allocate the support to intercounty teams and players competing at the highest level.

Minister Burke said the increase is a welcome acknowledgment of the role intercounty players play, in sport and in cultural and community life.

“Our GAA players are the beating heart of communities across Westmeath,” he said. “Week in, week out, they give us extraordinary entertainment, passion and pride. Off the back of some thrilling county finals, it’s clear just how much they mean to people right across the county.”

He said intercounty players deserve recognition for their dedication and the countless hours they commit to training, matches, and community work, all while maintaining jobs, studies, and family life.

“The GAA is about more than sport – it’s about who we are as a people,” said Minister Burke.

“Our players help preserve our culture, our sense of place, and our community spirit. This increase in funding is a strong signal from government that we value that contribution, but it’s also important that this support continues to grow in the years ahead.”

While this particular funding applies to intercounty players, Minister Burke said the success of the county teams is built on the strength and spirit of clubs across Westmeath.

The minister also congratulated The Downs and Castletown Geoghegan on their recent Senior Football and Hurling Championship victories and wished them the best as they represent Westmeath with pride in their upcoming Leinster campaigns.

“Players like those competing for The Downs and Castletown Geoghegan embody what makes the GAA so special – dedication, teamwork, and community spirit. They’re role models for the next generation and I want to wish both teams well as they fly the county flag in Leinster,” he concluded.