Male and Female GAA players to receive equal government funding in 2021

Minster for the State of Sport Jack Chambers has confirmed that female GAA players will receive the same funding as their male counterparts this year.

Speaking on RTE Radio 1 this morning, Chambers said,

“We’ve seen massive growth in ladies football and camogie in the last 20 years. For all of our young women and girls playing gaelic football, we need to make sure there is no artificial glass ceiling when it comes to sport.

“I’m serious about rectifying that. It is absolutely important we have parity of esteem and equality when it comes to funding. I am going to do that this year. Incremental progress, when there is such inequality, isn’t enough.

“We’ll be trebling the amount on the women’s side, it’ll go up to about €2.4m.There are slightly less female inter-county players than male but there will be equality in terms of the average of what both get and will both equate to €1,200. That is the right thing to do.

“It is important for any girl that wants to play for their county that they get that equality of treatment when it comes to state funding. It will enable us to support the welfare of teams in a greater way and also help players around their expenses.”

Chambers proposal will see funding in women’s game almost double, increasing from €700,00 to €1.2m.

The Gaelic Players Association have welcomed the decision, with Football, Hurling, Camogie and Ladies Football all a part of one player association for the first time this season.