Updated 12.25

DERMOT EARLEY HAS been appointed as the new chief executive of the Gaelic Players Association (GPA).

The former Kildare footballer, who has served as president of the players’ body since 2013, takes over from Dessie Farrell who stepped down last month after 13 years at the helm.

“I am fully committed to that challenge [of succeeding Farrell] and to leading the GPA to the next stage of its development,” he said.

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“And I’m delighted to be taking up the role of CEO at a time when the GPA has just negotiated two strong deals for the players; with the GAA and with Government.”

Earley, 38, will step down from his army position as Officer Commanding the 2nd Brigade Military Police Company to take up his new GPA role from 6 February.

“My initial priority is to assess where we are as an organisation and to listen to the views of all of our members and stakeholders,” he added.

“I want to hear at first hand feedback on how we are doing our job, what we could do better and how we can improve our overall performance. We have to challenge ourselves as an organisation and as individuals.

Our inter-county players deserve the very best support in recognition of the unique contribution they make to our games and to the very fabric of our society. That’s what the GPA is about and that will be the focus of the GPA team over the next few years.

A two-time All-Star, Earley retired from inter-county football in 2013 after 16 seasons with Kildare during which he won two Leinster senior titles and reached the All-Ireland final in 1998.

GPA chairman Seamus Hickey said: “With Dermot’s support, we achieved a great deal in 2016 and today’s announcement gives everybody in the GPA a renewed confidence for the future of our players and our games.”

– Additional reporting by Steve O’Rourke

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