The GPA has expressed strong opposition to a move by Cavan to reinstate pre-season competitions in 2025.

The Breffni County is bringing a motion to Saturday's Central Council meeting to reverse the decision to suspend January tournaments such as the Dr McKenna Cup, O'Byrne Cup, McGrath Cup, FBD Connacht League, Walsh Cup and Munster Hurling League for 2025, after which a review will determine if their removal from the fixtures calendar should be made permanent. 

The reasoning behind this proposal is to create a competitive setting where county teams can adapt to and trial the new rules that are currently under review, while counties would also benefit financially from the extra games, meaning there is likely to be considerable support for the motion.

However, the GPA has called on counties not to reverse the decision in the interest of player welfare.

"Reversing that decision now would prioritise financial income – as recently articulated by the Connacht Council Secretary - over the health and wellbeing of our amateur athletes, despite overwhelming evidence of player burnout," a statement from the players’ body read.

"If the pre-season competitions are reintroduced on 2 January, the return-to-training date would need to be moved from 7 December to as early as 16 November.

"Sports science recommends at least a six-week preparation period to ensure that players are physically ready for competitive matches like the McKenna Cup. This adjustment would violate the "No Contact November" policy, which 78% of players supported, emphasising the need for adequate recovery time to prevent burnout, injury and allow players a guaranteed window to holiday with family, partners and friends.

"Larger panels will need to be introduced to support these pre-season games, ensuring that high-load players who have already faced heavy demands at the club level are not required to take part.

"Additionally, we strongly urge consideration for student-athletes, who will already be balancing academic pressures, including exams, alongside their participation in the Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cup competitions in January. These additional commitments place considerable strain on players' time and energy."

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