Contents · Kilkenny, namely a permanent county ground. This was eventually secured in 1927 with the purchase of land in St. John’s parish in the north of Kilkenny city. It was

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2010-

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Contents

�� Address by Chairman of Kilkenny GAA Strategic Plan Steering Committee01

�� Foreword by Chairman of Kilkenny GAA County Board 01

�� Mission Statement of Kilkenny GAA 01

�� Kilkenny GAA – Our Place, Our Vision 01

�� Schedule of Content 01

� GAMES DEVELOPMENT & GAMES SCHEDULING 01

� FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES & FINANCIAL EXCELLENCE 01

� PLANNING & OFFICER SUPPORT 01

� COMMUNICATIONS, MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS 01

� VOLUNTEERS & URBANISATION 01

� INCLUSION, INTEGRATION, CLUB CULTURE AND COMMUNITY 01

�� Acknowledgements 01

Address by Chairmanof Kilkenny GAA Strategic Committee

I was privileged to be asked by the Kilkenny GAA County Board Chairman Paul Kinsella to act as

Chairman of a new committee called the Kilkenny GAA Strategic Committee to bring forward a

Strategic Vision and Action Plan 2010 – 2015 for Kilkenny and the Clubs of Kilkenny and in to

the future .

We acknowledge the excellent structures already in place in the county, which have served

School, Club and County so well in the past and will continue to do so in the future in

maintaining the prominence of the GAA in our Communities across the City and County,

A six man steering committee was set up to undertake this task. We were privileged to get John

Buggy, Brian Ryan, Brendan O’Sullivan, Richard O’Neill and Conor Brennan to give their time

and expertise to help plan the future of the GAA in Kilkenny. Our focus was to look at what we

are doing in Kilkenny that works and that we should keep, what we are doing in Kilkenny that is

not working or should be dropped and what is not happening in Kilkenny that should be. Of

course we will not want to change what is happening on the hurling front only to acknowledge

the wonderful work that is done by so many Volunteers, Parents, Primary School Teachers,

Second Level School Teachers and all the Coaches at Club level.

We had a number of areas to work on such as Volunteers and Urbanisation, Games Schedule

and Games Development, Funding Opportunities and Financial Excellence, Planning and Officer

Support, Volunteers and Urbanisation, Inclusion, Integration, Club Culture and Community and

Communications. We held a Club Forum last August to get the views of ordinary club members.

The committee then set up various Focus Groups to work on each subject and this is our

findings.

The committee were very happy to put a lot of time and effort into a plan that would help each

Club and indeed the Kilkenny County Board to plan their future and to enhance their local

Communities and to continue to welcome new Volunteers. The strength of the GAA has always

been based on the Community and Volunteers and we want to strengthen that base. Our plan is

that Kilkenny and every Club in Kilkenny will work towards planning their future and working

together to bring forward a plan for themselves for the next 3 to 5 years.

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Plans that are not implemented are little more than academic value. Every action in this plan

is allocated to someone to lead on. Within Kilkenny, the intention is that the actions will form the

bases for the annual work plans. In order to keep a Strategic, County-wide focus, an oversight

group will be set up by the County Committee. Its task will be to maintain an overview of the

plan’s implementation and report formally to the County Committee at least twice a year and to

the County Convention.

Séan Ó hÉilí

Séan Ó hÉilí

KILKENNY GAA STRATEGIC COMMITTEE

John Healy (Chairman) Brían Ryan Dick O’Neill

Planning and Officer Support Games Development Inclusion, Integration,

and Games Scheduling Club Culture and Community

Brendan O’Sullivan John Buggy Conor Brennan

Volunteers & Urbanisation Funding Opportunities Communications, Marketing

& Financial Excellence and Public Relations

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2010-

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Kilkenny GAA Strategic Vision and Action Plan

Teachtaireacht ón gCathaoirleach ChoisteContae Chill Chainnigh

Ba mhaith liom comhghairdeas a ghabháil do na daoine a chur an fhoilseachán agusan phlean thábhachtach seo le chéile go mórmhór an Chathaoirleach Séan Ó hÉilí.

In 2008 Cumann Lúthchleas Gael launched ‘The GAA Strategic Vision and Action Plan2010 – 2015’ asking each County Board to examine its structures and organisation, their strengths andweaknesses and to form a plan which would allow it to grow over the next six years.

Early in 2009 I asked John Healy to form a committee to look at all areas of our organisation and to consultwith people working in all areas. The committee was asked to look at the following areas in particular: a)Volunteers, b) Urbanisation, c) games Schedule, d) Games Development, e) Communications, f) FundingOpportunities, g) Financial Excellence, h) Inclusion and Integration, i) Club, Culture and Community, j)Planning and k) Officer Support.

The Committee began in August by holding a Club Forum where all Club representatives were asked toexpress their views on the above topics. This was followed by each Committee Member being in charge of a‘Focus Group’ to work on each area – examining where we’re doing well and where we have room forimprovement.

Today you are being presented with the Report of the Committee which affords the County Board, DivisionalBoards and you the Clubs the opportunity to plan for the next few years. The report acknowledges the areaswhere we’re doing well - indeed there are many areas where excellent work is being done – but it also highlightsareas where we all need to improve if we’re to maintain the standards set over the last number of years.

The Committee have prioritized where our work should begin and I hope to follow their guidelines during mytime as Chairman. I hope that while we, the County Board, try to implement this plan with your help, thateach club will also put their own plan in place.Successfully carrying out this plan will allow the G.A.A. in Kilkenny to adapt and flourish within the changingand challenging environment of modern Ireland. It is an opportunity for all of us to hand on a better GAA toour successors.

‘This is how change happens, though. It is a relay race, and we’re very conscious of that, that our job

really is to do our part of the race, and then we pass it on, and then someone picks it up, and it

keeps going’. – Alice Walker

Pól Ó CinsealachPól Cinsealach – Cathaoirleach.

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Mission Statement of Kilkenny GAA

� Mission, Vision, ValuesThe GAA’s values are the heart and soul of our Association. In every club around the worldthese values are what binds us together, what makes us unique and what attracts more andmore players, members, volunteers and supporters to our Association.

�� Mission“The GAA is a community based volunteer organisation promoting Gaelic games, culture andlifelong participation.”

The GAA is a volunteer organisation. We develop and promote Gaelic games at the core ofIrish identity and culture. We are dedicated to ensuring that our family of games, and thevalues we live, enrich the lives of our members, families and the communities we serve. Weare committed to active lifelong participation for all and to providing the best facilities. Wereach out to and include all members of our society. We promote individual developmentand well-being and strive to enable all our members achieve their full potential in theirchosen roles.

�� VisionOur vision is that everybody has the opportunity to be welcomed to take part in our gamesand culture, to participate fully, to grow and develop and to be inspired to keep a lifelongengagement with our Association.

�� ValuesCommunity IdentityCommunity is the heart of our Association. Everything we do helps to enrich thecommunities we serve. We foster a clear sense of identity and place.

Amateur statusWe are a volunteer led organisation. All our members play and engage in our games asamateurs. We provide a games programme at all levels to meet the needs of all our players

InclusivenessWe welcome everybody to be part of our Association. We are anti sectarian and we are anti racist.

RespectWe respect each other on and off the playing fields. We operate with integrity at all levelsand listen and respect the views of all.

Player WelfareWe provide the best playing experience for all our players and structure our games to allowplayers of all abilities reach their potential.

Team workEffective teamwork on and off the field is the cornerstone of our association - there is nostrength without working together.

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Kilkenny GAA – Our Place, Our Vision

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1. Galmoy2. Lisdowney3. St. Patrick’s (Ballyragget)4. Conahy Shamrocks5. Erin’s Own (Castlecomer)6. St. Martin’s (Coon-Muckalee-Ballyfoyle)7. Cloneen (Clogh-Moonenroe)8. Railyard (Gaelic Football)9. Muckalee (Gaelic Football)10. Fenians (Johnstown)11. Emeralds (Urlingford)12. St. Lachtain’s (Freshford)13. Tullaroan14. Clara15. Barrow Rangers (Paulstown-Goresbridge)16. O’Loughlin Gaels17. Dicksboro18. James Stephens19. Young Irelands (Gowran)20. Bennettsbridge21. Graigue-Ballycallan22. Danesfort23. John Lockes (Callan)24. Carrickshock25. Dunnamaggin26. Ballyhale Shamrocks27. Graignamanagh28. Glenmore29. Thomastown30. Rower-Inistioge31. Blacks & Whites32. Windgap33. Kilmaganny (Gaelic Football)34. Mullinavat35. Piltown36. Mooncoin37. Carrigeen38. Kilmacow39. Slieverue40. Threecastles

Kilk

enny

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� The HistoryKilkenny GAA has been to the forefront of the social fabric of the county since before the turn of

the 20th century. Both hurling and Gaelic football thrived in Kilkenny in the 1890’s and 1900’s.

Hurling eventually grew to be the predominant code due mainly to the All-Ireland successes the

county enjoyed in 1904, 1905, 1907, and 1909 and in consecutive years from 1911 to 1913.

This dominance saw the need for the GAA to secure a real physical presence in the city of

Kilkenny, namely a permanent county ground. This was eventually secured in 1927 with the

purchase of land in St. John’s parish in the north of Kilkenny city. It was named Nowlan Park in

honour of Kilkenny’s first President of the GAA, James Nowlan. The grounds have been updated

on a gradual basis over time, with a large-scale development commencing in the mid 1990’s

that saw the large town bank converted into a full-seated stand.

Over the course of the decades, competitions became better structured and regulated with

Kilkenny GAA County Board overseeing the work undertaken by four subsidiary boards, namely

Kilkenny GAA Bórd na n-Óg (under-age), Kilkenny GAA Football Board, Kilkenny GAA Northern

Board and Kilkenny GAA Southern Board.

� The PresentKilkenny GAA currently has 40 clubs under its auspices, which caters for approximately 12,000

members (both playing and non-playing). As one can see from the map on the previous page,

the geographical spread of GAA clubs in Kilkenny is wide-ranging. However, the large-scale

growth of the urban population in Kilkenny City, allied to the reduction in the number of people

living in rural areas of the county, means that there is an increasing challenge for Kilkenny GAA

to cater for this population shift.

On the positive side, however, the facilities that GAA clubs have at their disposal have improved

year on year. Currently, Nowlan Park itself is being upgraded, with the O’Loughlin’s End of the

grounds being built into a terraced stand with dressing rooms. On completion, the capacity of

Nowlan Park will be approximately 30,000.

Kilkenny GAA has also sought to enhance and maintain a modern coaching model for the

development of young players. In both primary and secondary schools in the county, the GAA

enjoys a strong presence, thanks in no small measure to the great work undertaken by teachers

in the county, as well as both full time coaches employed by Kilkenny GAA.

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Kilkenny

GAA-Our

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� The FutureThere are many challenges that Kilkenny GAA must meet

throughout the next decade to maintain the

success it has enjoyed both on and off the

field in recent years. Developments in

information technology has changed almost

every aspect of our daily lives. Kilkenny GAA

will embrace all available technologies to

ensure the efficient running of the Association

in the county.

In order to maintain on-field standards, Kilkenny

GAA must continue to provide coaches at all levels

with access to modern coaching methods so that players of all standards and abilities can

develop to their fullest potential. It is vital that the welfare of all players is also taken into

consideration in such development, particularly at primary school level, where enjoyment and

participation should be the main objective.

Access to training for club officers should also be a priority in the coming years. With a regular

change over of officer positions in clubs, newly appointed officials should be provided with

assistance to perform their roles appropriately.

The main content of this strategic plan deals in

further detail with the aims and objectives

which have been identified for Kilkenny GAA

for the next five years. They have been

selected in the hope that the GAA in our

county will continue to flourish as it has done

throughout its existence.

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Ni heolas gan haontios

There is no knowledge without unity ”“

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Games Development & Games Scheduling

� IntroductionThis section deals with the “bread and butter” of what the GAA are striving to achieve in making

our games a fundamental part of life in our parishes/ communities and schools. When the first

ever meeting of The GAA took place in 1884, it was with those very ideals in mind, to ensure

Irish people had an opportunity, based on a parish/community pride, to participate in our very

own Irish Sporting/Cultural activities. With vibrant parishes (clubs) and schools, in conjunction

with an active County Board, vigorously involved in an aggressive promotion of Gaelic Games,

this has the knock on effect of Kilkenny county teams being in a strong position to compete

successfully at National level.

We are certain that all those volunteers involved, have ensured that those ideals have become a

reality in our clubs/schools across county Kilkenny due to the tireless dedication of all who have

carried the torch thus far.

Our role, therefore, is to bring those ideals to the next generation of Gaels.

“Focus on the journey, not the

destination. Joy is found, not in

finishing

an activity, but in doing it.”

Greg Anderson.

Gam

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Involves

Recruiting suitablepersonnel from FixturesCommittees at variouslevels.

All Fixtures in the Countybeing updated to theGAA’s FixturesManagement System

Fixture Planners andCoaching and GamesStaff

Coaching and GamesCommittee

Coaching and GamesCommittee

Outcome sought

To have relevantpersonnel trained re:Fixtures Planning

To enable FixturesCommittee to illicit anoverview of Gamesorganised by Kilkenny.

To enable FixturesCommittee Plan anappropriate FixturesProgramme for all grades,based on Findings fromthe new Fixtures Systemand Manual audit

To ensure all Blitzesorganised by clubs aresmall –sided, ageappropriate, and suit thedevelopment needs of thePlayer not the Coach!

To ensure clubs providemeaningful game timeand coaching time, notsideline time, for ALLtheir young players U-8 toU-12

Action

Provide Personnel for“FixturesPlanning” Training asprovided by Croke Park

Inputting of all KilkennyGAA 2010 Fixtures onthe GAA’s FixturesManagement System

Complete Games Audit(a) Manually and(b) by utilising the GAA’sFixtures ManagementSystem

Agree and Finalise FormatGuidelines for clubs (U-8to U-12) organising theirown Blitz days based onthe “Go Games” model

Ensure clubs follow arecommended“ Coaching Session toGames Ratio”

Completion by

2010

Quarter One 2010

2010- Ongoing

2010

2010 -Ongoing

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� Games Schedule

Our Aim: High quality Fixtures planning

In 2016 we will be able to say:

“All units at all levels provide a co-ordinated programme of meaningful games for players,

appropriate to their needs and abilities. All games are regulated so that players experience fair play

and can take part in well-planned and scheduled games as part of a balanced lifestyle. We have in

place a locally effective and efficient, locally co-ordinated, fixtures planning system”

Key Project: Fixtures Planning

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A “Young Referee”recruitment policy isprepared andimplemented(U-13 to U-18)

Completion of UnderageGames(U-14 to U-18)Programme by end ofSeptember annually,where Practical.

Continue assistance tothe current GaelicFootball DevelopmentSquads System

Assist clubs to analysetheir Current GamesProgramme provided fortheir club playersU-8 to U-18

Primary Schools FixturesReview

Expansion of CurrentSecondary SchoolSuper Touch Programme

Development of One 3GPlaying pitch

RefereesCo-Ordinator andReferees Committee

FixturesCo-Ordinators andClubs, adhering toFixtures, as laid out bythe various FixturesCommittees

Continue to incorporateDevelopment Squadsdates into AnnualFixtures Plans

Coaching and GamesStaff In conjunction withCoaching and GamesCommittee

Cumann namBunscoileanna

Secondary SchoolsCommittee inconjunction withCoaching and GamesCommittee

DevelopmentCommittee

2010- Ongoing

2010-Ongoing

2010

2010-Ongoing

Ongoing

2010-Ongoing

2013

To ensure that there are asufficient number of welltrained referees availableto undertake completionof Games Schedule

To ensure all Underage U-14 to U-18 Club gamesare completed by end ofSeptember wherepractical, to allow smoothimplementation of SecondLevel GAA activities.

To ensure the Squads haveappropriate opportunity toprepare their panels forongoing Blitz Days at allAge Groups

To ensure all clubs Plantheir Calendar of Gamesto ensure all their Clubplayers at various gradesreceive meaningful gamesduring the season

To constantly analyseFixtures to ensure ameaningful gamesProgramme isimplemented for allschools

To ensure All players notmaking First choiceSchool teams receive theopportunity to continuetheir playing careersduring the vitalSecondary School years

To ensure GamesSchedule can take placeirrespective of inclementweather.

Involves Outcome soughtAction Completion by

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� Games Development

Our Aim: Games for everybody.

In 2016 we will be able to say:

“Every player in the county has the opportunity to play meaningful games in an informal, safe and

enjoyable environment”

Key Project: Enhancing and integrating games activities for the benefits of allparticipants.

Involves

All GAA personnel inKilkenny GAA

Kilkenny GAACounty Board/Management Committee

Cumann namBunscoileanna

Outcome sought

To encapsulate all therequirements of the GAAfraternity in the county.

To ensure all units(Primary Schools,Secondary Schools,Clubs, DevelopmentSquads and VariousCommittees etc) arevalued in their promotion/development of GaelicGames in the county

To ensure the invaluableGaelic Gamesdevelopment work in thePrimary Schools sectorcontinues at pace.

Action

Implement a coherent“County GamesDevelopment Plan” thatsatisfies Local, Provincialand National needs asDesignated

Continuation of OngoingSupport from KilkennyGAA for all units involvedin the promotion of GaelicGames

Encouragement of youngKilkenny teachers,working outside of thecounty, to return home,with a strong openinvitation to get involvedin the Cumann namBunscoileannaPhilosophy

Completion by

Annually 2009 -2015

Ongoing

Ongoing

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Ensure all Active Coachingpersonnel have access toCARE Activities

Annual Review ofDevelopment Squads(Hurling and GaelicFootball) in the county

CARE Programmeimplemented


CARE ProgrammeImplemented

Coaching and GamesStaff and AllGAA Coaches

Development SquadsCommittee,Clubs,Schools,Squad Coaches, andExperts in their variousfields

Coaching and GamesStaff

Club PersonnelSchool Personnel


Club PersonnelSchool Personnel

Tutors who have beentrained to deliver Code ofBest Practice for YouthSport

2009-Ongoing

2009 - Ongoing

2009- Ongoing

2011-Ongoing

2010 - Ongoing

To ensure all ActiveCoaching personneloperating at every levelare up-skilled and kept upto date with the latestdevelopments inCoaching and SportsScience

To ensure the Squadscompliment (a)theongoing work completedin schools and clubs (b)that the latest Coaching/Sport Science methodsare implemented, for ourYoung players, to enablethem continue along theircareer pathway

Foundation AwardCoach in place for eachunderage team in eachschool and club.

Respect InitiativeIn place up to U-12’s.

Award One coaches.Plan in place to assistClubs and Schools toachieve their targets onAward One Coaches.Go Games: “Go Games”model in place in eachschool and club.

Code of Best Practicefor Youth SportPlan for Roll-out of Codeof Best Practiceintegrated into CountyPlans.


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Garda Vetting


A “Young Referee” andmentoring recruitmentpolicy is prepared andimplemented(U-13 to U-18)

Primary Schools Forum

Devise and implement aSecond Level Schools“Functional Movementand Strength Training”Module.

Development of One 3GPlaying pitch


All Underage Coaches

RefereesCo- Ordinator

RefereesCo-Ordinator andReferees Committee

Cumann namBunscoileanna inconjunction withCoaching and GamesCommittee


Development Committee

2015

Ongoing

Ongoing

2010- Ongoing

2011-Ongoing

2012- Ongoing

2013

Respect InitiativeIn place at all age levels ineach club and school.Kilkenny GAA arecommitted to ensuringthat the safety andwelfare of the GAA familyis of paramountimportance. To this end allCoaches working inKilkenny GAA have beenvetted. Plan here toensure “newcomers” alsoundergo Garda vetting.Referee Training:to constantly aim toimprove the current highstandard of refereeing inthe countyTo ensure that there are asufficient number of welltrained referees availableto undertake completionof Games Schedule and amentoring plan be put inplace to advise and assistnew referees

To ensure any availableresources/advice/assistance is forthcoming toPrimary Schools tocontinue the developmentof Gaelic Games

To compliment theCoaching work beingimplemented in theSecondary Schools, andprepare Players for theongoing Physicaldemands of participationin Gaelic Games

To ensure GamesDevelopment activitiescan take placeirrespective of inclementweather.


� Acknowledgements

On undertaking this review to enable us to make suggestions for the future, we would strongly

like to acknowledge the excellent structures already in place in the county, which have served,

school, club and county so well in the past, and will continue to do so in the future.

The Fixtures Plan at present in place in the county is one of the most complete Fixtures Plans in

the country, and this is due to the dedication, and attention to detail of many various individuals

who make up Kilkenny’s Fixtures Committee at the various levels.

In undertaking this review we would like to thank the many people involved, from

� Members of the Focus Group for this section : Jim Fennelly (Cumann na mBunscoileanna),

Pat Moylan (Club)and Tom O’Hanlon (Bord na nÓg)

� Planners in place at all three levels,

� The Referees who ensure the games go ahead,

� The Clubs and Schools for adhering to the fixtures,

� The Disciplinary Committee who ensures any misbehaviour is dealt with.

� The Committee who undertook the games club by

club audit,

� The Fixtures Committee who provided us with the

complete Fixtures List for 2009 encompassing all

Fixtures in Kilkenny GAA for the year.

� ALL volunteers who ensure our young players

have to opportunity to play Gaelic Games

� Any other individual, who we might have omitted,

by error.

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www.gaa.ie

2010-

2015Funding Opportunities & Financial Excellence

� IntroductionOur aim is for Kilkenny GAA to build on its existing financial excellence and develop our funding

structures until 2015.

In undertaking a strategic review of all its activities to put in place a strategic vision and action

plan until the year 2015, a key element of this review is Funding Opportunities and Financial

Excellence. In delivering this review we would like to acknowledge the excellent structures and

professional manner in which Kilkenny GAA has in the past and will into the future carry out its

business regarding Financial Management.

� Role of County Board in funding and financial excellence.Kilkenny County GAA Board through its County Finance Committee is the body responsible for

all financial issues, management, best practice guidelines and deliverance of financial excellence

for the GAA in County Kilkenny. Kilkenny County Board is and should be run like any business

that has a turnover in excess of four million euro per annum. To this end the County Board

should at all times have Financial Excellence as one of its primary goals at all times.

This is achieved with the help of a number of third parties including The Kilkenny GAA

Supporters Club, Central Council, Provincial Council, Corporate Sponsors and the individual

clubs in County Kilkenny.

Issues to consider for Kilkenny GAA Finance Committee

� There is a requirement for an annual budget to be prepared at the start of each year and

presented to Central Council.

� The county finance committee should also have a role monitoring the financial health of all

the subsidiary boards under its jurisdiction.

� There needs to be a contingency plan put in place, in the form of a sinking fund to deal with

unforeseen expenditure or loss of regular revenue income that may occur from time to time.

� There should be an external audit committee set up of approximately 3 to 5 people with

expertise in financial planning and commercial planning and corporate governance to deal

with procedures used, reconciliation practice, good housekeeping, and compliance with

standard practice. It is recommended that no member of the County Board should operate

on the Audit Committee.

� The move to a full time or part time paid executive to deal with the entire financing operation

of the board as well as the role of secretary, commercial/corporate manager etc. needs to be

addressed in the immediate to short term.

� The players’ accident/injury scheme requires management from executive level on an

ongoing basis and it is a recommendation of this strategic plan that this be formulated in the

short term.

Funding

Opportunities

&FinancialE

xcellence

Key Goals

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Involves

County FinanceCommittee and themembers of CountyBoard

County FinanceCommittee, ManagementCommittee, CountyBoard

County FinanceCommittee, ExternalAudit Committee,Management Committee& County Board

County Board & CentralCouncil

County Board andIndividual Clubs

County Board andIndividual Clubs

County FinanceCommittee, CountyBoard and IndividualClubs

Outcome sought

Best financial practice anddeliverance of financialexcellence. Thesebudgets should bereviewed quarterly atCounty Board.

Requirement for acontingency plan in theform of a sinking fund todeal with unforeseenexpenditure

This committee should bemade up of people withprofessional expertise infinancial planning who arenot members of thecounty board

To reduce the work loadof the non paid volunteersand to generate incomefor the G.A.A in Kilkenny

To monitor and reduce thecost of this scheme onclubs and County Board

To monitor and reduce thecost of Public LiabilityPremiums and Claims onclubs and County Board

That all club grounds beaudited and surveyed withthe intention of loweringinsurance premiums andclaims and ensure betterHealth & Safety standards

Action

Annual Budgets

Unforeseen expenditure

Auditing of accounts andappropriate corporategovernance.

Appointment of full/parttime paid executive

Players accident/injuryInsurance Scheme

Public Liability InsuranceScheme

Club Properties

Completion by

2010

2010

2010

2010

2010

2010

2010

� Role of Kilkenny GAA Supporters Club in funding to Kilkenny GAACounty Board

The Kilkenny GAA Supporters Club through its network in Kilkenny, Dublin and Kildare have

been and continues to be of great benefit to the GAA in Kilkenny. This committee works

alongside the County Board in its efforts to raise funds which help in the running of the County

Hurling Squads. During 2008 the Supporters Club raised a six figure surplus for Kilkenny County

Board. They have become an integral arm of all fundraising activities associated with the

preparation of all County teams and other costs that occur.

Issues to consider for Kilkenny GAA Finance Committee relating to Kilkenny GAA Supporters Club

� Is there an over reliance on this subcommittee to raise these funds?

� Are there better financial commercial opportunities to be achieved through the Supporters

Club?

� Should the supporters club have a commercial shop unit selling jerseys, membership,

hurleys, etc. in Nowlan Park and on a short term lease contract on High Street in Kilkenny/or

a premises on a short term lease on a central location in Kilkenny City?

� Is there a role for the Supporters Club in generating funds through a monthly Kilkenny G.A.A

magazine/newsletter/e-zine on-line format production?

� Has the County Board concidered a scenario where by the Supporters Club ceased to exist

and the subsequent loss of revenue? What is the level of risk attached to this happening?

� Does the age profile of the Supporters Club Committee need to be addressed going forward?

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2015

Funding

Opportunities

&FinancialE

xcellence

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Fund

ingOpportunities

&Fina

ncialE

xcellenc

e

Involves

Kilkenny G.A.ASupporters Club

County FinanceCommittee and theKilkenny G.A.ASupporters Club



Kilkenny G.A.ASupporters Club andKilkenny County Board

Outcome sought

That the County Boardand the County FinanceCommittee not be asreliant on this group toraise so much finance

To increase revenuethrough different methodsof raising finance

To raise finance andcreate awareness througha designated premises ofthe brand that is KilkennyG.A.A

To raise finance andcreate awareness througha dedicated publicationhighlighting the brand thatis Kilkenny G.A.A

To introduce newExecutive Members of ayounger age profile tocarry on the good work ofthis committee

Action

Fundraising by thirdparties/sub committees

Better FinancialOpportunities

Kilkenny G.A.A SupportersClub Shop

Kilkenny G.A.Amagazine/newsletter/”e-zine” online format

Age Profile of Executive ofKilkenny G.A.A SupportersClub

Completion by

2012

2010

2010

2010

2012

Key Goals

� Information Technology and Kilkenny County Board.

We now live in the age of wall to wall information technology. Kilkenny County Board should

embrace this technology at all levels and be to the forefront in adopting any procedures and

communication tools that will help in the running of the County Board and which is underpinned

from Central Council. All these changes in Information Technology will reduce the fixed costs of

carrying out its business and will/can save Kilkenny County Board considerable expenditure in

the future.

Issues to consider relating to Information Technology

� We should be using the G.A.A Information Technology contract with Google which allows for

Club Secretaries to be set up with all communications from Croke Park via e-mail. This could

save a lot of time and money going forward.

� There would be a major role for the full/part time paid executive Secretary/Commercial

Manager to maximise the use of information technology for the benefit of the Association in

the county.

� All accounts to be done in accordance with directives from Croke Park. We should move

towards a situation where all Clubs prepare accounts in a similar manner.

� Are we making maximum use of text services to publicise locla championship games to all

supporters? This would increase attendances and in doing so help increase club revenue. If

not this should be planned and executed through all clubs. Kilkenny County Board should

implement the G.A.A games management system which is now available through Croke Park

at no cost to the County Board.

� Are officers being encouraged to use IT software to run club activities and should Kilkenny

GAA provide training programmes in the use of such software?

� Is there a possibility of increasing revenue from the kilkennygaa.ie website through banner

advertising and page sponsorship arrangements with local business groups? Are we happy

with this website and the services it offers? Does the County Board have full ownership and

control of the website and its content? It should also be able to allow interaction with social

networking sites such as Bebo and Facebook.

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2015

Funding

Opportunities

&FinancialE

xcellence

Key Goals

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Involves

Kilkenny County Boardand G.A.A Clubs



Kilkenny County Board



Outcome sought

To streamline and speedup the efficiency at whichinformation flows from

Croke Park right down tograss roots level

That all club accounts beprepared in a similarmanner using the samesoftware packageTo keep all supportersinformed and up to dateon G.A.Aactivities/matches andthus increasing revenue toclubs

To increase efficiency andreduce the amount ofpaper moving betweenCounty Boards and Clubs(via website/e-mail)

To increase efficiency andreduce the amount ofpaper moving betweenCounty Boards and Clubs

To increase revenuethrough banneradvertising and pagesponsorship, to allowsocial networkinginteraction and to bringthis website to theforefront in all KilkennyG.A.A matters

Action

Information Technologyfrom CentralCouncil/Croke Park

Preparation of ClubAccounts

Use of text services (Freevia Google)

Implementation of gamesmanagement system as amajor priority.

Clubs using I.T softwareavailable

The use of Kilkenny G.A.AWebsite(www.kilkennygaa.ie) andwho has ownership andmanagement of itscontent.

Completion by

2010

2010

2010

2010

2010

2010

� Corporate Sponsorship/Marketing

The role now played in corporate sponsorship in Kilkenny GAA is very considerable and forms an

integral part of our overall income. The relationships that bring in this revenue stream require a

lot of attention in the future and those that are in place presently are of a long term nature and

need to be constantly reviewed and improved. The brand that is the “Black and Amber “is now

the most recognizable within the GAA and this should be reflected in all corporate sponsorship

relationships and negotiations. Corporate funding now accounts for a large proportion of all

revenue raised and the shift from non core activities is reflected in the most recent Auditors

report.

Issues to consider relating to Corporate Sponsorship and Marketing

� Is there a time frame in place for our current main sponsor to complete? When is it renewed?

Will it be renewed?

� Are we getting value for money from the brand that is the Black and Amber jersey?

� Have we looked at branding other products such as clothes, other leisurewear, Kilkenny hurls,

individuals, etc?

� Is there a structure in place to allow us to get regular feedback from all our corporate

sponsors and their views on their relationship with Kilkenny GAA? If so how is this measured?

Who is charged with fostering this relationship and growing it from the County Boards

perspective?

� In the current climate the level of income from GAA Central Council is going to reduce

significantly. We need to put in place a plan to replace this funding or cut our costs. Can this

extra revenue be obtained from other corporate relationships?

� Is there the possibility that Kilkenny County teams might have multiple sponsors and not just

one as is the present set up and in doing so generate a far greater revenue stream? Could this

also apply to the sponsorship of our local Championships?

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2015

Funding

Opportunities

&FinancialE

xcellence

24 |

Involves

County FinanceCommittee andManagement Committee

County FinanceCommittee andManagement Committee

County FinanceCommittee, ManagementCommittee and/or anexternal marketingcompany

County FinanceCommittee, ManagementCommittee and/or anexternal marketingcompany

Outcome sought

To put in place a newcorporate arrangementcontract for the nextnumber of years

To confirm that KilkennyCounty Board is gettingvalue for money

To put in place a structureto allow Kilkenny G.A.Aget regular feedback fromour corporate sponsorson how they feel ourrelationship is with themand to measure andfoster these relationships

To generate otherrevenues from brandingsuch other productsassociated with KilkennyG.A.A.

Action

Time frame ofsponsorship deal withGlanbia, our current mainsponsor

Review of corporatesponsorship

Management of ourCorporate relationships

Branding of other KilkennyG.A.A products or havinga number of corporatesponsors

Completion by

2010

2010

2010

2011

Key Goals

� Capital expenditure projectsKilkenny County Board has over the last ten to fifteen years invested prudently and wisely on

Capital expenditure improving our County Grounds at Nowlan Park. The Board has also invested

in other venues such as St. Kieran’s College and Callan CBS. This has resulted in our county

grounds being redeveloped into one of the finest facilities in the country. Work is still ongoing at

the Hebron Road end of the ground which will complete all works that have been planned to

date. A considerable amount of the finance raised for these projects came from annual concerts

which are staged in Nowlan Park. The board also received financial help through grant

applications from Central and Provincial Councils as well as from The Department of Arts, Sports

and Tourism. Great credit goes to all the officials over the years that brought these projects to

fruition. Notwithstanding the progress made to date with infrastructure developments, we now

Fund

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&Fina

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xcellenc

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2010-

2015

Involves

County Board and CountyFinance Committee

County Board and CountyFinance Committee

County Board

County Board and/orsome nominated club

Outcome sought

To have a covered area atall four sides of thestadium with new dressingrooms as part of thedevelopment

To improve the quality ofthis stand and to include atelevision gantry also

That there should beG.A.A pitches/facilitiesprovided and it is the dutyof Kilkenny County Councilto provide these facilitiesin the County similar towhat they have providedfor other sports

To ensure fixtures cantake place irrespective ofinclement weather

Action

New stand at end ofHebron Road side ofstadium

Stand at O’ Loughlin Roadside of the ground

Provision of pitchesthrough Kilkenny CountyCouncil

Development of allweather pitch

Completion by

2010

2015

2013

2012

need to consider what needs to be achieved over the next five years.

Questions to consider relating to Capital Expenditure

� How much more capital expenditure is required between now and 2015?

� Is there a requirement to upgrade the stand on the O’Loughlin road side of the grounds

before 2015?

� With the downturn in the economy, how will the financing of these capital projects be

achieved?

� Are we aware that all grant aid from central Government been put on hold because of the

downturn?

� Should all capital projects be deferred until 2015 as funding from Central Council and

Provincial Council will also be limited?

� It is of some concern that Kilkenny County Council has not provided any playing facilities for

Kilkenny County Board or any of its subsidiary Boards to date. The County Board should in

this current difficult economic climate, engage with the local authority with the expectation

that Kilkenny County Council will be obliged to provide training/playing facilities similar to

other codes in the City.

Key Goals

Funding

Opportunities

&FinancialE

xcellence

� The role of a full time Administrator / County Secretary / CommercialManager.

The Secretary of Kilkenny GAA has to date been a voluntary official and the county is indebted to

the many individuals who have held this important role over the years. The need for an

individual to fill this role on a full/part-time basis is now upon us. This position would have an

enormous workload attached to it and would impact all aspects of running the GAA in Kilkenny

in a more efficient and professional manner.

Issues to consider relating to the role of a full time administrator/county secretary/commercial

manager

� Will Kilkenny GAA be in a position to receive considerable financial and administrative

help/backup from Croke Park if this post is filled on a full or part full time paid basis?

� Do we have a shortlist of potential candidates for this position, were it to be decided on to fill

immediately?

� What will the job specification be for this position? There is a considerable amount of help

available from Croke Park on this issue and also on measurement of the role going forward.

� Over 60% of counties have gone down this route already and it appears that more are

considering it. We should also.

� Will the person appointed require back up full time office staff.

� Have we looked at the age profile of all the volunteer officers that are presently in place in

Kilkenny GAA? This needs to be taken into account when planning for the next five years.

Where are our next officers going to emerge from and will they have the expertise to take on

responsible roles and deliver proper leadership to Kilkenny County G.A.A similar to the

leadership we have been lucky to have over the last ten years.

� Would all clubs give their backing to the implementation of a full time officer and do they

understand and appreciate the amount of work being done in their name by a select few of

very dedicated volunteers?

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2010-

2015

Involves

County Board and allG.A.A Clubs

Outcome sought

That Kilkenny CountyBoard and its clubs shouldmove towards theappointment of a FullTime Administrator/County Secretary/Commercial Manager

Action

The appointment of a fulltime administrator/CountySecretary/CommercialManager

Completion by

2012

Key Goals

� Training/Coaching Programmes For Club Treasurers

Each club in Kilkenny GAA appoints its own treasurer at their yearly AGM and this person’s role

is to prepare and administer the day to day financial running of the Club. It is recognized as one

of the most important functions in the club. All clubs have their own way of collating and

presenting their financial statements and records for their own members to scrutinize and

inspect. Clubs do not have to present their financial statements to Kilkenny GAA Board or its

County Finance Committee. Kilkenny GAA Board prepares and presents an Auditor’s Report

annually at Convention time for all clubs to inspect also.

Issues to consider relating to Training/Coaching for Club Treasurers

� There should be courses set up to help all new club treasurers.

� There should be a computer software package to help all Treasurers prepare their Annual

report.

� All Club Treasurers should have a similar reporting system to bring all Clubs into line with

best practice reporting.

� How can we streamline the reporting of finance matters to all club members which makes it

professional and of the highest standard possible?

� We would recommend that Kilkenny County Board through its Finance Committee should

instruct all Clubs to issue a copy of their Annual Financial report to the County Board

Treasurer at the end of each year. This would give the County Board a clearer picture of the

well being of its Clubs on an annual basis.

� The County Board through its Finance Committee should have quarterly meetings with all

Club Treasurers to arrange training courses and to deal with such items as club levy fees and

other issues that the club treasurer should be dealing with in their own Club.

Funding

Opportunities

&FinancialE

xcellence

Involves

County FinanceCommittee and all Clubs




Outcome sought

That all club Treasurerswould be suitably trainedby the County Board andbe efficient in managingtheir own club accountsand financial statementsat the end of each year

That all clubs withoutexception would presenttheir financial statementsin a similar format

That Kilkenny CountyBoard would have a clearpicture of the financialwell being of all its clubson an annual basis

That all Club Treasurersare brought togetherquarterly to review andupdate them on anyissues that are relevant atthe time

Action

Club Treasurer Training

Accounts softwarepackage

Monitoring of all ClubFinancial Situations

Up-skilling of ClubTreasurers throughoutthe year

Completion by

2010

2010

2012

2010

Key Goals

� The role of our County Grounds to generate incomeNowlan Park is the County Grounds of Kilkenny GAA. It is one of the most modern and well

presented playing surfaces in the country. It attracts a considerable number of major games

each year and always receives favourable comments from all who play there. Nowlan Park

should be treated and presented as part of our corporate image as a sign of how we do our

business. In the last number of years Nowlan Park has been used as a venue for Rock concerts

which has proved financially beneficial to Kilkenny GAA and the local economy. We should never

lose sight of the fact that Nowlan Park is our corporate headquarters and should always be

presented as such.

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Issues to consider relating to Nowlan Park

� Is Nowlan Park used to its full capacity to generate income?

� The advertising signs in Nowlan Park should be of similar standard, located at the same eye

level, measuring the same size and erected in the same manner.

� Are there a number of high profile locations that could generate higher income levels for

Kilkenny County Board?

� Could we sell naming rights to the end terrace at the town end and new seated area presently

under construction?

� Should we have more Shops/Hot Food stations available for the general public on match days

which would bring in higher revenue?

� Should we have a sports shop/ “Kilkenny Shop” open at the grounds selling Kilkenny gear as

well as other Club and County gear?

� With our proud history and fantastic achievements is there a role for a visitor tourist

centre/memorabilia shop style building within the Stadium. Kilkenny is a very popular city for

visitors and we should look at the possibility of organising visits to Nowlan Park in association

with the local Tourist Office.

� The possibility of generating additional revenue from the use of Nowlan Park would be a key

challenge for the the full/part-time Secretary.

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2015

Funding

Opportunities

&FinancialE

xcellence

30 |

Involves

County Board

County Board

County Board

County Board

Outcome sought

That all Advertising Signsin Nowlan Park should beof one similar standardsize located at the sameeye level and erected inthe same manner

That the High ProfileAdvertising Locationwithin the stadium beidentified and higherrevenue be got forAdvertising in theselocations

The provision of moreshops and hot foodstations available to thepublic on big match dayswhich would alsogenerate a higher revenue

That the County Boardcould provide a dedicatedroom/centre showing ofDVD clips from matches,pictures of teams, thedifferent gear that can bepurchases, etc. Thisproject could be aseasonal project.

Action

Presentation ofAdvertising Signs inNowlan Park

High Profile AdvertisingLocation within thestadium

Commercial services inthe stadium

Visitorcentre/Memorabilia shop

Completion by

2014

2014

2011

2014

Key Goals

Fund

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&Fina

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2010-

2015Planning and Officer Support

� IntroductionIn undertaking a review of the area of Planning and Officer Support to the GAA Clubs of the

county, Kilkenny GAA wishes to acknowledge the excellent Personnel and Structures already in

place in the Kilkenny clubs.

This review was undertaken as a result of a Club Forum and a Focus Group from big and small

Clubs to develop a County Plan for the next 3 to 5 years.

Kilkenny GAA sees it as vital for clubs to have a development plan at the core of their future

setup. It allows each club to set goals and have targets to measure their progress and affords

their local community to be part of the process.

It is envisaged that all groups within the club unit - players, committee members, parents, and

all Volunteers, club officers and coaches – would be part of the consultation and planning

process.

The major actions we have signalled to be completed in the short to medium term are as

follows:

Planning

andOfficer

Sup

port

32 |

Key Goals

Plann

ingan

dOfficer

Sup

port

Involves

Require County Boardpermission prior toproceeding with anywork.

ComhairleLaighean & KilkennyCounty Board

CoisteBainistiComhairleLaighean & KilkennyCounty Board

Development CommitteeComhairleLaighean and KilkennyCounty Board

Development CommitteeComhairleLaighean & KilkennyCounty Board

Club & Kilkenny CountyBoard

Outcome sought

To have full approval forany work undertaken.

Up to date importantinformation for all Clubs.

Strong management andleadership capacity withinKilkenny’s GAA Clubs.

Clubs informed of andcapitalising on fundingopportunities andapproaches

Best quality playingsurfaces across Kilkennyleading to more andbetter quality GaelicGames

To have each Clubplanning their future

Action

Club Developments

InsuranceSecurityHealth & Safety

Develop and deliverpractical training for keyClub Officers, outliningtheir responsibilities andproviding advice on howto deliver their roles.

Establish a forum whereclubs can shareexperiences and giveadvice on (a) seekingsupport and grant aidfrom “ Non GAA “ sourcesand (b) innovativeapproaches regardingfundraising within Clubs

Host at least once a yeara seminar on bestpractice regarding pitchmaintenance for Clubs.

That every clubcommences and maintaina Club Plan, allowing it towork over a 3-5 yearperiod

Completion by

2010

One Seminar each year

At least one programmedelivered each year.

At least one such eventhosted each year, startingin 2010

One seminar held eachyear

2011

Communications, Marketing & Public Relations

� IntroductionThe advancement of information technology and communication tools has been, without doubt,

the predominant development that has taken place in our world in the last twenty years. This

rapid growth can be clearly seen in our daily dependence on mobile phones for calls and text

messages and on personal computers for access to internet and e-mail facilities. The GAA in

Kilkenny aims to continue to embrace and enhance awareness of the great potential that exists

to make the day to day running of the Association in our county more efficient in using all

available technologies.

In promoting our Association as a positive and progressive group, all aspects of the current

media should be utilised. It is hoped that the GAA in Kilkenny will continue to develop the strong

links that exist with both local and national media, be they in an audio or visual capacity, and

ensure that officers and officials throughout the county are fully aware of the vast potential of the

media in marketing our games to the maximum effect.

The role of PRO is a vital one in any unit of the GAA, thus it is imperative that each person

assigned a PRO position within the Association is fully equipped with the necessary skills and

resources to allow them to operate in their role effectively.

� It is hoped that Kilkenny GAA can accomplish the following within the allotted five year

period:

� To communicate effectively with members and officers

� Give a strong sense of common ownership and a sense of pride in both club and organisation

� To use the latest technology to communicate quickly and effectively with officers and all

members

� To support our volunteers and administrators through our network and provide adequate

training

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2010-

2015

Com

munications,M

arketingand

Pub

licRelations

34 |

� Key ProjectsCommunications

� Training for club officers, especially PRO’s

� Information meeting for PRO’s – including local media

and photographers, etc.

� Increased co-operation between local media and GAA

(Kilkenny People, KCLR)

� Improve access and training on new “@gaa.ie” email

system

� Better relay of information to/from delegates at county

board meetings

Marketing

� Circulation of a regular online County Board newsletter

(“Ezine”) to all our clubs

� Ensure the future development of the County Website as

both an information tool and potential selling point

� Encourage the possibility of Lá na gClub as an annual

event

� Enhance current branding and sponsorship links

� To assist clubs in their own fundraising initiatives

P.R.

� Subsided tickets

� Loyalty scheme for regular match goers

� Counteract the cost of attending matches

� Increased use of star players to promote games in media

and local schools

The major actions we have signalled to be completed in the

short to medium term are as follows:

Com

mun

ications,M

arke

ting

andPub

licRelations

Key Goals

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2010-

2015

Involves

County IT & PRCommittee


County DevelopmentCommittee



County ManagementCommittee and County IT& PR Committee




County P.R./FinanceCommittees

Outcome sought

To provide members andclub officers with anoverview of the years GAAactivities

To promote the GAA tomembers and non-members in the county

To assist our club PRO’s incarrying out their role

To help our club officerscommunicate withexcellence

To improvecommunication with ourmembers and officers

To improvecommunication with ourclubs

To assist our club officersin carrying out their roles

To boost attendances atclub and county games

To ensure that wemaximise sponsorshipand commercial revenuein order to develop theAssociation in the county

To make information onfundraising available to allour clubs

Action

County communicationscalendar developed eachyear

Continuing improvementof County GAA website,ensuring it is updatedregularly, and investigatepossible integration intosocial networking sites

GAA Club PRO trainingprogramme delivered

GAA Communicationtoolkit and stationarytoolkit made available toeach club unit.

County online GAA newsletter developed

County Committee beginsprogramme of regularcommunication with clubs

County & Club officerslinked directly withnational GAA intranet andfully operational with emailsystem

Match AttendancePromotion Programme inplace

County Marketing plandeveloped

GAA Funding templatesand funding toolkitsavailable to all clubs

Completion by

Annual

2010

Ongoing

2010

2010

2010

2010

Annually

2010

2010

Com

munications,M

arketingand

Pub

licRelations

36 |

Volunteers and Urbanisation

� VolunteersThe involvement of volunteers is key to the success and long term sustainability of the GAA at all

levels. Without them the Association could not operate and our brief is a realisation that there is

a need to better manage and nurture our volunteers. We need to understand their needs, why

they volunteer, what motivates them to do the work they do and what motivates them to

continue or leave their roles.

Why Do People Become Volunteers?Generally because:-

� They want to feel part of a team.

� They want to feel useful and valued.

� They want to give something back.

� They may want new skills and/or training opportunities.

� They want to feel welcome and meet new people.

� They want to be recognised for their role.

Challenges for Kilkenny GAA� Attracting suitable volunteers.

� Attracting younger volunteers who have potential to achieve a higher level in the future.

� Monitoring the success/achievements of these volunteers and acknowledging their

contributions.

� Achieving best practice.

� Devise ways to make the lives/work of club officers a bit easier.

� Provide toolkits for officers to carry out their duties efficiently

� Educate officers in the rules and roles of the GAA.

� Devise a system whereby feedback can be received from club officers [to county board] and

enhance teamwork between officers at all levels.

Volun

teersan

dUrban

isation

www.gaa.ie

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2010-

2015

Involves

Clubs and County Board



Club Officers

Club Officers

Club Officers andCommittee

Clubs

Outcome sought

County Board and Clubsworking in tandem

Better use of GAA peoplewho might never getinvolved otherwise

Encourage morevolunteers

Two to three newvolunteers yearly

More volunteers andbetter AGM’s

People to feel moreinvolved in club

Parish to be kept up todate with Club activities

Action

Meeting of County BoardOfficers with Club Officersat least twice a year.Brainstorming Sessions.Information shared.

That the County Board begiven the power to co-optpeople to the Board withspecial competencieswho might never getinvolved.

That county boardcontinues with its practiceof rewarding volunteerswith passes to games inNowlan Park

That clubs actively recruitnew volunteers in theirparishes

That clubs have pre AGMto select and approachpeople who might bewilling to get involved inthe activities of the club.

That more delegation takeplace in Clubs. (Volunteersto be put in charge ofcommittees of differentjobs such as scoreboard,hurleys, newsletter, etc.involved in club)

That clubs print a monthlynewsletter to promotethemselves and their clubactivities in the parish andkeep activities on theirweb page up to date

Completion by

Ongoing

Ongoing

Ongoing

Ongoing

Ongoing

Ongoing

Ongoing

Key Goals

Volunteers

andUrbanisation

38 |

Volun

teersan

dUrban

isation

Club Officers

Club Officers

Club Officers

Club Officers

Club Officers

County Board and Clubs

That Juvenile sectionsdon’t feel isolated

Up to the date on alltopics

All sections of thecommunity involved

Promotion of GaelicGames in schools/Moreplaying

People to feel part of theclub

Less burdensomeadministration. Moreaccess to relevantinformation

That the Juvenile Sectionof clubs be given the fullbacking of theadult club e.g. Facilities,Finance and access to AllIreland tickets

That each club promoteeducational nights duringthe year, e.g., First Aid,Coaching Courses, Codeof Best Practice

That the social aspect ofthe club be encouraged,e.g., Club Day, Barbequeetc.

That the club try toorganize coaches to helpwith coaching in theirlocal school

That people who holdpositions as Club Officersreport regularly on theiractivities and not feelisolated and part of theclub. This is to fit in withnewsletter.

That all GAAcommunication beelectronic by 2010 andclubs to have activewebsites by 2012

Ongoing

Ongoing

Ongoing

Ongoing

Ongoing

2010 - 2012


� UrbanisationAs the city has grown so much in the last ten years it is now imperative that a definite plan be

drawn up to get as many volunteers and juvenile players as possible involved with the city clubs.

With this in mind we would like to make the following proposals.

Key Goals

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2010-

2015

Volunteers

andUrbanisation

Involves


City clubs

Committee

Clubs

Outcome sought

Consensus on what needsto be done.

Maximum numbersplaying

To help identify problemsand maybe solutions

Maximum numbersplaying

Action

That the County Board,Bord na n-Og and cityclubs meet to discussGaelic Games in the city.

That a definite 3 year planbe drawn up to promotethe games in the city withits main objective beinginvolvement andEnjoyment for as manychildren as possible

That a survey of the cityschools be completed tohelp with the aboveprocess

That a special committeebe set up in the city bythe clubs to further theaims of the GAA whichwould be to the benefit ofall in the long run.

Completion by

2010

2010

2010

2010

40 |

Involves

Club

Club and County FixturesCommittee

Club and School

Club and School

Outcome sought

By 2015 clubs will haveadequate facilities inplace for all their playingmembers

To have a structuredtimetable for use of thefacilities

To ensure schools are avalued section of GAA lifein the community

All new families have achance to becomemembers of the local GAAClub

Action

Clubs ensure an effort ismade to share facilitieswith under-age hurling andfootball, schools andcamogie

Schedule put in place inall clubs for organisingtraining and matches

Clubs provide positivesupport to schools as it isneeded, includingfinancially

Get new families involvedthrough the school.Children are more likely tobe involved if their friendsplay. Club must identifypotential families in theircatchment area andpursue them actively.

Completion by

Ongoing

Annually

Immediately

Immediately

Inclusion, Integration, Club Culture andCommunity

As stated previously, the rapid population shift from rural to urban areas has given the GAA a

major challenge for the 21st century in ensuring suitable access to Gaelic games for children

youths and adults. Kilkenny GAA undertake this review to look at the following areas: Inclusion

and Integration (club, culture and community), which play a vital role in maintaining the GAA’s

prominence in our communities across the city and county. To undertake the review of current

practice in the above areas in the association, a Focus Group with representatives from Cumann

na mBunscoileanna, Bórd na n-Óg and a Club was formed. It was charged with looking at these

areas in the context of the following:

� What are we doing in Kilkenny that works and we should keep?

� What we are doing in Kilkenny that’s not working or should consider changing or removing?

� What’s not happening in Kilkenny and should be happening?

The objective is to provide an Association that is open and inclusive and which offers

something for everyone.

Key Goals

Inclusion,

Integration,

ClubCulture

andCom

mun

ity

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Club and the widercommunity

County Board

County Board

Club Executive & CountyBoard

Club Executive

Club Executive

Clubs should be seen as aplace where people canmeet and get enjoyment

Increase playing numbersand generate interest

That both highly skilledplayers and lowerstandard players getexpert coaching throughthe development squadsystem

That it increases thenumber of active clubmembers and thusretaining our traditions ina multi-cultural society

That club members ofboth sexes are fullyinvolved in the clubs’development

That fresh impetus isgiven to clubs to moveforward with more ideasand new potential clubofficers

Clubs provide a socialoutlet for lots of people

Improve the promotion ofGaelic football in thecounty

Ensure that theDevelopment Squadsystem does not becomeelitist and allow players todevelop to their fullpotential

Provide more promotionfor Irish cultural activities,particularly through Scór

Allow opportunities formore women to take upofficial roles in GAA clubs

Allow people with specificskills to provide theirindividual expertise to theclub

Annually

2010

2010

2010

2010

2010

Inclusion,Integration,Club

Culture

andCom

munity


42 |

Acknowledgements

Many people have contributed to the development of this plan over the last five months. It would

be impossible to thank everyone individually, however, it is appropriate to thank a number of

individuals and groups.

� Comhairle Laighean Strategic Committee

� Jim Freeman

� Paul O’Brien

� Officers of Kilkenny County Board

� John Byrne

� Management Committee of Kilkenny GAA

� Helena O’Hara

� Nuala Byrne

� The various club members that attended the Kilkenny GAA Club Forum

� Conor Denieffe

� Pat Moylan

� Jim Fennelly

� Nickey Brennan

� Tom O’Hanlon

� Michael Delaney & John Cotter (Comhairle Laighean)

� Jimmy O’Brien

� Eamon Holland

� Kieran Leddy & Peter Hannon (Croke Park)

� Jim Walsh

� Noel Doherty

� Pat Henderson

� Jimmy Walsh, Eoin Hennessy & Gerry O’Neill for use of photographs

� Gerry Drennan

� Tom Doheny

� Paddy Coady

� Martin Byrne

Most importantly, we wish to thank every single man or woman who has contributed at any

stage as administrator, coach, player referee or general volunteer to our association in Kilkenny.

Your combined efforts have given Kilkenny GAA a strength and a presence that has endured

throughout the years in our county. To you all, we simply say:

Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.

Ackno

wledge

men

ts

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Clubanna ChillChainnigh

www.gaa.ie

Documents

Contents · Kilkenny, namely a permanent county ground. This was eventually secured in 1927 with the purchase of land in St. John’s parish in the north of Kilkenny city. It was