Plans to extend the inter-county season to accommodate later dates for All-Ireland finals are set to be opposed by the Gaelic Players Association (GPA).

In his report to last night's AGM, GPA chief executive Tom Parsons noted how the season “already exceeds eight months of inter-county activity” and also spelled out the players' body strong support for the continuation of the split-season model. Sixty-three per cent of players say that the split-season reduces the time demands placed on them.

“A key challenge is the new structures were designed with the intention of pausing the pre-season competitions, and the GAA is trying to squeeze too many competitions into an agreed window for inter-county players,” the former Mayo midfielder stated.

“Our members are elite amateur athletes, with growing professional and commercial demands to generate more income for the Governing Bodies to fund grassroots activities and infrastructure investments.

“Balancing commitments to their club, county, personal lives, and professional careers, continues to be a juggling act that is becoming increasingly unsustainable.

“A shorter season and defined break periods for inter-county players remain an absolute priority.

“Expanding the season with increased playing demands is not a solution to protect amateurism or reduce the load on players."

Parsons added: “Players, of course, support the concept of more meaningful, competitive games, but we find it increasingly challenging to justify pre-season competitions with overlapping eligibility issues in January, which add to the player load."

Meanwhile, Tyrone football goalkeeper Niall Morgan and Dublin camogie player Aisling Maher were elected as the new co-chairs of the GPA's National Executive Committee, succeeding Matt O'Hanlon and Marie Kinsella.

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