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Joe WhelanEuropean GAA BoardNovember 19-21, 2014

The GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association)

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GAA – World Governing Body for Gaelic Games

Gaelic Football & Ladies Gaelic Football

Hurling & Camógie (Ladies hurling)

GAA Rounders

GAA Handball

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Hurling & Gaelic Football

National pastime for over 2000 years

First written records in the 5th Century (hurling)

First legal reference 1308 (Gaelic football)

Suffered decline under British Rule

Huge revival through nationalism in the 1800’s

Foundation of GAA 1884

To preserve and promote our games, language

and pastimes

Gaelic Games: Origin - Revival - Part of society

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GAA Sports most popular in Ireland 2500 clubs - 20% of population are members No. 1 sport for participation/spectators 300 community based coaches & administrators 1.5m paying spectators per annum in Ireland Volunteer & Community based Cultural and other aspects protected

Amateur Ethos Youth Development

Leader in sports science, research and player welfare

Gaelic Games: Origin - Revival - Part of society

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Mission

“The GAA is a community based volunteer

organisation promoting Gaelic Games, culture

and lifelong participation”

Vision

“Our vision is that everybody has the

opportunity to be welcomed to take part in our

games and culture, to participate fully, to grow

and develop and to be inspired to keep a

lifelong engagement with our Association”

The GAA – Our Mission, Vision and Values

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Values

Community Identity

Amateur Status

Inclusiveness

Respect

Player Welfare

Teamwork

The GAA – Our Mission, Vision and Values

GAA Activities Very organised structure – Official Guide

Club & Regional representation at national level

Tens of thousands of games & events annually

Local & National Competitions at all ages

Annual €55m – all profits reinvested

National Coaching and Development Structures

Structure a cornerstone of growth

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Gaelic Games in Continental Europe

1999 just 4 Clubs – 75 Clubs in 2014

20% annual increase for past five years

5,000 players

24 countries (excluding Ireland and UK)

Not just Irish emigrants but over 50 different

nationalities playing our games

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Gaelic Games in Continental Europe

Thank you for your attention