GAA Integration moves forward in Ulster
The Third Annual Ulster Integration Meeting was held in the Armagh City Hotel on Thursday 29th May.
Director General Pauric Duffy and National Integration Committee Chairman Sean Kelly were present on behalf of the national GAA with National Ladies Gaelic President Geraldine Giles and Ladies Gaelic Football Chief Executive Helen O’Rourke representing the Ladies Gaelic. Catherine O’Hara Vice President of the National Camogie Association and Chairperson of Ulster Camogie Council represented the Camogie Association.
Sean Kelly Chairman of the National Integration Committee announced that the GAA will be following the Ulster Council’s model for Integration and the Central Councils of Camogie, Ladies Gaelic and the GAA will be bringing forward motions to their respective Congresses which will allow for full integration were relevant for clubs. Additionally motions will be brought forward to allow representation for Ladies Gaelic and Camogie on GAA County Boards, Provincial Councils, and Central Council similar to the existing arrangement with Handball. Kelly praised the Ulster Council who has been at the forefront of the Integration process for the last three years.
The proposed outcome of the Integration Process will be:
1) Full integration were appropriate at club level
2) Close cooperation and representation at county level
3) Close cooperation, partnership and representation at provincial level
4) Eventually it is envisaged that a confederation consisting of the GAA, Ladies Gaelic Football Association and Camogie Association will be established allowing the respective organisations to retrain their own identity and governance arrangements while interlinking to one overall umbrella body which will promote all Gaelic Games, Culture and Pastimes.
Tom Daly President of the Ulster Council said
“Integration is vital as the GAA moves forward and the Ulster Council welcomes the announcements on formalising the Integration process by the National Integration Committee which will mirror the existing arrangements already established in Ulster. Over the past three years Ulster GAA has established strong links with both Ulster Camogie and Ulster Ladies Gaelic Football Association and our strong partnership with both bodies is proving to be mutually beneficial for all involved. We have also increased our links with both Hanball and Rounders and look forward to strengthening our partnership with our colleagues in these respective codes over the next year.”
