The GAA’s Central Council has endorsed the association’s proposal to formally recognise the Gaelic Players’ Association (GPA), paving the way for the motion to go before Congress next year.
The proposal was passed by 39 votes to five today and will be put before Congress in Newcastle, Co Down next April.
GAA President Christy Cooney said the interim provisions of the agreement will be implemented over the coming months.
“I welcome the endorsement and support of Central Council and look forward to a motion now going before Congress next year,” he said.
“As has been the case to date at every level of the Association, Saturday's vote was accompanied by a healthy debate and we will now proceed in the coming weeks and months to implement the interim provisions outlined in the agreement.”
Rule changes in both hurling and football will also be discussed at Congress. Trials will be introduced in the National Football League next year and “specific details” are expected next week.
“The rule change proposals are the result of a review process undertaken by sub-committees set up under the chairmanship of Séamus Woods (football) and Simon Moroney (Hurling),” a GAA statement read this afternoon.
The association also sounded a positive message on the coming year’s financial budget, which it envisages will be sufficient to ensure there are “no significant reductions in general allocations to Counties from Central Council in 2010”.
“Specifically, it is also intended that investment in Games Development will remain consistent with 2009 levels.”
It was also confirmed that from January 1st, 2011, championship matches will not be played at venues that “ail to meet the minimum standards for safety and general facilities laid down by the National Infrastructure and Safety Committee”.