The Government has confirmed plans for the first ever payment scheme for top amateur Gaelic Games players and in doing so averted the threat of strike action.
On a day when the GAA All Star Hurlers departed for an exhibition game in New York the government announcement ensured the new season will not be disrupted.
The package includes €3.5million to fund team performances and support inter county players.
The schemes will be funded through the Irish Sports Council.
Up until last night the three parties involved, Government, GAA and the Gaelic Players Association (GPA), had failed to reach an agreement. But the latter two associations welcome today's decision.
"I welcome the agreement that has now been reached," said Minster for Sport Seamus Brennan who also deemed it "equitable and sensible all round.
"This issue has been debated and discussed for several years and as the Minister with responsibility for sport I took the view that it was important to end the continuing uncertainty and to bring finality to it."
The Gaelic Players Association has warmly welcomed the announcement to fund the Annual Team Performance Scheme and an Annual Support Scheme for inter-county GAA players.
The player body had campaigned vigorously in recent years for the introduction of state funding for inter-county players
GPA chief executive Dessie Farrell said: "This is an important day for players and the GAA. Since our inception, the GPA has brought the welfare of players to the top of the priority list and underpinning our drive to improve welfare has been the campaign for state funding which we believe enhances a player's position while protecting the amateur status.
"I'd like to thank everyone who supported the GPA, in particular the players who showed great solidarity. I'd also like to thank the Minister, the Government, Department officials, various politicians and the ISC for their commitment to this scheme.
"We also wish to acknowledge the efforts made by the GAA and, particularly, President Nickey Brennan to improve player welfare in recent years and we now look forward to developing a strong and productive relationship with our governing body."