The Club Players' Association (CPA) has raised the prospect of its membership going on strike if a solution to the "fixtures crisis" isn't found soon.

"Over two years have passed since the CPA was established to help 'Fix The Fixtures'," the players' body noted in a statement.

"Unfortunately, the fixtures crisis remains, and nothing has been done by GAA management to materially address the situation or achieve real change.

"Over the last number of months, we have been in extensive dialogue with the Director General and An Uachtarán of the GAA. Substantial and constructive breakthroughs were made in December and January, whereby we got firm commitments that a Fixtures Group would be set up to look at all competitions. It would have an independent chairperson, with representatives from all key stakeholders, including the CPA.

"We have a clear trail of correspondence from Croke Park about the new Fixtures Group, but it has yet to be constituted or a date set for meetings. We thought we were being listened to on the formation of the group, its time-frame of activity and its terms of reference. Sadly, progress has since ground to a halt, despite our efforts and enthusiasm. Words but no action.

"The GAA recently published its new manifesto, which speaks to a lot of what we believe in as members.

"Sadly in the case of fixtures, some of the sentiments ring hollow, and conversely some ring startlingly true. Uncomfortably and perhaps unintentionally so for the manifesto's authors. So we are now looking for action, not words."

The statement concluded: "We will be in touch again soon to update you on next steps, including possible escalation. We ask you as a club player to get ready to stand up for your club against continued inaction."

Tweet

Most Read Stories