Former Irish president, Dr Mary McAleese has stepped down as chairperson of the steering group which is overseeing the planned merger of the GAA, Camogie Association and Ladies Gaelic Football Association [LGFA].

The plan to bring men's Gaelic games, camogie and ladies football associations under one banner gained traction in 2022 when all three bodies voted in favour as their respective congress.

Following the appointment of Dr McAleese - who served as president of Ireland between 1997 and 2011 - in 2022 by former GAA President to lead the Integration Committee in 2024, 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.

In December 2026, minutes from a GAA Management Committee meeting revealed the 2027 date for completion was "unrealistic".

Upon his election victory earlier this year, GAA president-elect Derek Kent opined that while committed to the integration process, 2034 - the 150th anniversary of the GAA - would be a more realistic target to complete the process.

Speaking on RTE Radio One's Inside Sport, Dr McAleese expressed her disappointment of how events unfolded.

"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," she said.

"And 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."

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 question what has changed to disrupt the agreed timeline for completion by April 2027 and how the decision was made, insisting no issue was raised when the players' body met with GAA officials last week.

They are now seeking confirmation of what new pathway for completion will be agreed and how will the overwhelming mandate for integration be respected in any new plan.

"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."