Mary McAleese resigns as chair of Gaelic games integration steering group
BBC Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 6:49 PM
Last updated Sep 8, 2026

Former Irish president Mary McAleese has resigned as chairperson of the steering group overseeing the merger of the GAA, the Camogie Association, and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association. Her departure follows a recent notification from the GAA that it can no longer commit to the previously established April 2027 deadline for completion. McAleese described herself as devastated by the development, noting that the committee had dedicated four years to building a roadmap for the integration. The Gaelic Players Association has expressed disappointment regarding the disruption of the agreed timeline and is currently consulting with players to determine future steps. While the GAA maintains that it remains committed to the principle of integration, it has indicated the 2027 target is no longer realistic. Incoming GAA president Derek Kent has suggested 2034 as a potential alternative timeline for the project.
- •Mary McAleese resigned as chair of the Integration Committee on September 8, 2026.
- •The GAA informed the committee that the April 2027 completion date is no longer feasible.
- •The Gaelic Players Association reports that 89.8% of GAA delegates supported integration in 2022.
- •Derek Kent has proposed 2034 as a potential target year for the merger.
- •The Gaelic Players Association plans to consult members to address the delay.
- 9:42 PMBBC Sport — McAleese 'devastated' to step down from integration body
- 6:49 PMYahoo Sports — McAleese resigns as head of Gaelic games' integration
"Former Irish president, Dr Mary McAleese steps down as chairperson of the steering group which is overseeing the planned merger of the GAA, Camogie Association and Ladies Gaelic Football Association [LGFA].
"Former Irish president, Dr Mary McAleese steps down as chairperson of the steering group which is overseeing the planned merger of the GAA, Camogie Association and Ladies Gaelic Football Association [LGFA].
Sources
External links- BBC SportSep 8, 2026, 9:42 PMMcAleese 'devastated' to step down from integration body
Former Irish president, Dr Mary McAleese steps down as chairperson of the steering group which is overseeing the planned merger of the GAA, Camogie Association and Ladies Gaelic Football Association [LGFA].
- Yahoo SportsSep 8, 2026, 6:49 PMMcAleese resigns as head of Gaelic games' integration
Former Irish president, Dr Mary McAleese steps down as chairperson of the steering group which is overseeing the planned merger of the GAA, Camogie Association and Ladies Gaelic Football Association [LGFA].
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