92 per cent of inter-county players want to cut campaign length to seven months

Eva Osborne

92 per cent of inter-county football players have expressed a preference to trim the campaign length to seven months from pre-season to All-Ireland finals.

According to a survey carried out by the Gaelic Players Association, the majority of its members believe the inter-county season should run for a maximum of seven months from the first collective training session to the last game of the year.

Chief executive of the GPA, Tom Parsons, said the cut to seven months is "achieveable", and that the GAA knows pre-season competitions are "not viable" in the long term, despite their return in 2026.

In total, 3,676 players responded to the GPA survey - 2,320 male players and 1,356 female players.

In addition to setting out their ideal season length, players have also given a vote of confidence to the split season model. 89 per cent continue to agree with its implementation.

87 per cent of players believe there needs to be a mandated off-season for all inter-county players.

Of those who do support the mandated off-season, 50 per cent believe 'No contact November' is the best option, while 39 per cent believe there should be a phased return to inter-county action at the end of the club season.

83 per cent of players had less than two weeks rest between their county and club seasons, and 44 per cent of players had less than two weeks rest after their club finished before inter-county activity started.

Speaking on the survey results, Parsons said: “What is clear from the GPA Annual Player Survey is that players face significant demands due to their inter-county commitments and everyone within gaelic games has a duty to ensure their welfare is protected.

“If our players are telling us that a seven-month inter-county season is the maximum they can sustainably commit to, we need to listen – or face the consequences of player-drain and a threat to the amateur status of our games.

This is not about money. A seven-month season would reduce the demands on players and also lower costs.

Parsons said elite amateur players must be protected and empowered in an increasingly professional environment.

"That means ensuring proper standards, fair reimbursement of out-of-pocket costs, genuine rest periods, and opportunities to grow both on and off the field.

“As CEO, I am committed to ensuring that investment in players — in their welfare, equality, and development — remains the most powerful way for the GAA and the Gaelic Games family to recognise and support these players. Because when players thrive, Gaelic Games thrive."