GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association to become one organisation in 2027

The Gaelic Athletic Association, Ladies Gaelic Football Association and the Camogie Association plan to be fully integrated as one organisation by 2027.

The date was revealed at a media briefing at Croke Park on Tuesday, which was chaired by Mary McAleese.

The former Irish president has led the Steering Group for Integration over the past 18 months.

The group's work included gathering feedback in what was called "Ireland's largest ever survey".

The survey involved 30,000 respondents with an "overwhelming majority in favour of integration" according to outgoing GAA president Larry McCarthy.

"Gaelic games are about to enter a new era," said McAleese, who was the Irish president from 1997 to 2011.

"We are now at a point where the will of the members of the Gaelic Games Associations on integration can be delivered if our recommendations are followed and acted upon and made real."

Over the coming weeks, the Annual Congresses of the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association will be updated on the work of the steering group and plans for the next 36 months as the organisations move towards an amalgamation.

At this weekend's GAA Congress in Newry, McCarthy will be replaced as the association's president by Jarlath Burns, who has previously voiced his support for integration.

"We now have a roadmap to deliver an exciting future for all three Associations that will benefit all of our players, our clubs and the communities they represent," said McCarthy.

"Working together, these proposals represent a new dawn for Gaelic games, and we will be committed to its development and its success.

"I'd like to thank Mary McAleese for her stewardship of the SGI and look forward to presenting details of this proposal to our respective congress gatherings in the coming weeks."

'Thrilling new chapter'

Camogie Association president Hilda Breslin said Tuesday marked a "significant milestone" and a "thrilling new chapter" for the association.

"Today is filled with excitement as we embark on a path of progress, merging to become one club, one county, one province, one congress, one association," said Breslin.

"This momentous step towards unity, equality and inclusivity is a testament to our shared goal of creating an environment that champions excellence and supports the holistic development of our players.

"Our vision is to foster the growth of Gaelic games and contribute to the overall health and wellbeing of the people of Ireland.

"Central to the realisation of this vision is our dedicated volunteer network, the backbone of our association. Their passion and commitment drive us forward, making this not just an association but a collective endeavour that belongs to each and every one of them."

Micheal Naughton, president of the LGFA which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, said it is "time to embrace" the next chapter in Gaelic games.

"We are rightly proud of our progress and, as a strong and vibrant sport, Ladies Gaelic Football will only be strengthened and enhanced through integration," said Naughton.

"I have been proud to work on the Steering Group on Integration and our work will continue as we move forward with renewed purpose and focus."