The GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association will become one organization in 2027

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Former Irish president Mary McAleese chaired the steering committee for integration for the past 18 months.

The Gaelic Athletic Association, Ladies Gaelic Football Association and Camogie Association are to be fully integrated into one body by 2027.

The date was revealed at a press conference chaired by Mary McAleese in Croke Park on Tuesday.

The former Irish president has led the steering committee for integration over the past 18 months.

The committee's work included gathering feedback on what it called „Ireland's biggest ever survey”.

According to outgoing GAA chairman Larry McCarthy, the survey involved 30,000 respondents „with a majority in favor of integration”.

„Gaelic games are about to enter a new era,” said McAleese, who was Irish president from 1997 to 2011.

„We are now at a stage where the wish of the members of the Gaelic Games Associations for amalgamation will be fulfilled if our recommendations are followed and acted upon.”

In the coming weeks, the annual congresses of the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association will be planned for the next 36 months as the work of the steering committee and organizations move towards consolidation.

At the GAA congress in Newry this weekend, McCarthy will be replaced as president of the association by Jarlath Burns, who has previously voiced support for amalgamation.

„We now have a roadmap to deliver an exciting future for all three associations that will benefit all of our players, our clubs and the communities they represent,” McCarthy said.

“Working together, these projects represent a new dawn for Gaelic sports and we remain committed to its growth and success.

„I want to thank Mary McAleese for her leadership of SGI and look forward to presenting the details of this proposal at our respective congressional meetings in the coming weeks.”

'Thriller New Chapter'

Camogie Association President Hilda Breslin said Tuesday was a „significant milestone” and an „exciting new chapter” for the association.

„It's exciting today as a club, a county, a province, a congress, an association come together and embark on a path of progress,” Breslin said.

“This important step towards unity, equity and inclusion is a testament to our shared goal of creating an environment that fosters excellence and supports the holistic development of our players.

“Our vision is to promote the growth of Gaelic sports and contribute to the overall health and wellbeing of the people of Ireland.

„Central to making this vision a reality is our network of dedicated volunteers, the backbone of our association. Their passion and commitment drive us forward, not just as an association, but as a collective effort that belongs to each and every one of them.”

Michael Naughton, chairman of the LGFA, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, said it was „time to embrace” the next chapter of the Gaelic Games.

„We are proud of our progress and as a strong and vibrant sport, ladies' Gaelic football will only be strengthened and improved through integration,” said Naughton.

„I am honored to serve on the steering committee for the merger, and our work will continue as we move forward with renewed purpose and focus.”

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