McAleese 'devastated' to step down from integration body

Former Irish president, Dr Mary McAleese has expressed disappointment after stepping down as chairperson of the steering group to oversee the planned merger of the GAA, Camogie Association and Ladies Gaelic Football Association [LGFA].

The plan to bring all three bodies under one banner gained traction in 2022 when all they voted in favour at their respective congress.

Following the appointment of Dr McAleese in 2022 by former GAA President to lead the Integration Committee, the group identified 2027 as the year for completion.

However, a letter sent by the GAA to the Integration Committee this week said it could not commit to the timeline proposed, following an earlier commitment from the three bodies to hold a special congress next month to create one membership for the merger of the three associations which would begin in April 2027.

"I'm absolutely devastated. I've given four years of my time to this. And four years is a lot, you know, I'm not getting any younger," Dr McAleese told RTE Radio One's Inside Sport., external

"I look at all the people who have given their time to it, people on the committee, but also literally hundreds of people all over the GAA, experts in the culture of the GAA, bringing their experience, their wisdom to bear on everything, on a very long list of issues that we had to deal with and put together like a giant jigsaw puzzle that then turned out to be a map, a roadmap to integration.

"I think of all the effort they have made. Now, I'm hoping that won't be lost, because that's still all there. It's still all sitting, waiting to be used, hopefully by another group sometime.

"I don't know when that will be, because unfortunately, as of now, the GAA have indicated that they cannot commit to any kind of a definitive timeline for integration, while at the same time, of course, saying that they are still committed to integration. I am dubious."

While minuted from a GAA Management Committee meeting in December 2025 expressed that it was "unrealistic" for integration to be completed in 2027 and GAA president-elect Derek Kent, following his election earlier this year, suggested 2034 as a more likely target, the GAA insist they remain committed to the overall project.

"Dr McAleese has played an invaluable part in advancing the future of Gaelic games and delivering the integration project to this significant juncture," the GAA said in a statement.

"She departs her role with the sincere gratitude and good wishes of the entire Gaelic games family.

"The next phase of the project will be to distil the substantial and constructive feedback received from a wide range of stakeholders into a refined set of key principles and structures, and to derive a detailed and sequential workplan, all of which will be advanced in 2027.

"The GAA remains firmly committed to building a single Association that honours the identity, heritage and contribution of each of our sports while creating a stronger and more inclusive future for the entire Gaelic games family."

Camogie Association president Brian Molloy also expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the former Irish president and shared her disappointment "with the decision to step back from the agreed goal of one Association by 2027".

"I believe that while there were significant concerns, none were insurmountable," Molloy said.

"In 2024, the three Associations announced the timetable to deliver full Integration by 2027. It was lauded as a momentous step towards unity, equality and inclusivity.

"The Camogie Association remains committed to the integration project and hopes that the three associations can realign on the path to delivering that vision."

The LGFA also expressed their gratitude but felt Dr McAlese's decision came "unexpectedly" after what they felt was "constructive discussions at the latest meeting of the Steering Group on Monday".

"While challenges are inevitable in a project of this scale and significance, the progress made to date demonstrates the goodwill and commitment that we believe exists among all three organisations to achieve a successful outcome," they said in a statement.

"The LGFA remains confident that the integration process can continue to move forward in a positive and collaborative manner."

The Gaelic Players Association [GPA] - which represents players from all codes - thanked Dr McAleese for her "leadership, independence and commitment" to the role but "share her disappointment that the agreed roadmap towards integration has now been disrupted".

"The mandate for integration remains overwhelming," a GPA statement read.

"A GPA motion calling for integration to be prioritised was supported by 89.8% of delegates at GAA Congress in 2022, following consultation in which 97% of inter-county players supported integration.

"This was further reinforced by the 2023 survey of more than 30,000 members across the three Associations, with nine out of 10 believing integration would be positive for Gaelic games."

The GPA questioned what has changed to disrupt the agreed timeline for completion, insisting no issue was raised when the players' body met with GAA officials last week.

"Players have consistently and overwhelmingly supported integration and will not accept an indefinite delay or a retreat from the commitment what has been made," they continued.

"Over the coming days, the GPA will consult with players to determine out next steps.

"Players have been clear about the future they want for Gaelic games.

"The GPA remains fully committed to integration and to achieving equal recognition, investment and opportunity for everyone who plays our games."