November 2017 - St Patrick's Dromahair
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St. Patrick’s GAA, Dromahair
(Naomh Pádraig C.L.G, Droim Dhá Thair)
Club Development
Plan
(Plean Forbartha Club)
2017 – 2022
November 2017St. Patrick’s GAA (Naomh Pádraig C.L.G), Club Development Plan (Plean Forbartha Club), 2018 - 2022
Contents
1. Chairman’s Address.......................................................................................................................................................... 2
2. History of St Patrick’s GAA Club ....................................................................................................................................... 3
3. Methodology .................................................................................................................................................................... 5
4. Mission, Vision, Values ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
Values ................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Amateur Status ..................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Inclusiveness ......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Respect ................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Player welfare ....................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Teamwork ............................................................................................................................................................................. 8
5. Background to Club .......................................................................................................................................................... 9
6. Activity Area 1: Coaching and Games Development ..................................................................................................... 10
Key Projects: ....................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Establish a Coaching Committee .................................................................................................................................... 10
Club Coaching Officer ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
Coach Education............................................................................................................................................................. 11
Underage Games Programme ........................................................................................................................................ 11
Develop Nursery (Academy) .......................................................................................................................................... 11
Club/School Link ............................................................................................................................................................. 11
Develop Youth Development Plan ................................................................................................................................. 11
Code of Best Practice and Code of Behaviour ................................................................................................................ 12
Referees ......................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Review ............................................................................................................................................................................ 12
7. Activity Area 2: Club Structures and Administration ..................................................................................................... 16
Key Projects: ....................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Club Constitution ........................................................................................................................................................... 16
Club Sub-Committee Structure ...................................................................................................................................... 16
Plan Implementation Sub-Committee............................................................................................................................ 16
Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy .............................................................................................................................. 16
8. Activity Area 3: Finance and Fundraising ...................................................................................................................... 18
Key projects ........................................................................................................................................................................ 18
9. Activity Area 4: Facilities and Development ................................................................................................................... 21
Key Projects ........................................................................................................................................................................ 21
Upgrading of Main Playing Field .................................................................................................................................... 21
Maintenance and Operating Costs ................................................................................................................................. 21
Club Safety Statement/Plan ........................................................................................................................................... 21
Visibility of Clubs presence within the Dromahair Arts and Recreation Centre ............................................................. 21
10. Activity Area 5: Communication, Public Relations and Culture ..................................................................................... 23
Key Projects ........................................................................................................................................................................ 23
11. Implementation and Review Mechanism for the Plan ................................................................................................... 25
12. Appendix 1: Development Plan Sub Committee, 2016-2017 ......................................................................................... 26
1St. Patrick’s GAA (Naomh Pádraig C.L.G), Club Development Plan (Plean Forbartha Club), 2018 - 2022
1. Chairman’s Address
At the 2015 AGM of St. Patricks GAA Club, Dromahair, it was ‘proposed’ and ‘seconded’ that a Club
Development Pan would be formalised, which would provide a cornerstone for the progressive growth
of the Club, over the next 5 years.
The Plan, which is now presented herewith, has been a work in progress for the past 18 months and
is based on five key activity areas: Coaching and Games Development; Club Structures and
Administration; Finance and Fundraising; Facilities and Development; and, Communication, Public
Relations and Culture. There are a range of Objectives and Key Performance Indicators set out in these
key activity areas, which we hope will help us as a club, to harness, grow and maintain the interest of
our current club members and the wider community, young and old alike.
The plan has been formulated following significant work undertaken in the background, by a number
of people, particularly those on the specially formed ‘Club Development Plan’ committee. The work
has involved numerous collective meetings, a workshop where former club officers were invited to
provide their opinion, meetings between individuals who worked on various key activity areas,
research into practices elsewhere within the country, a specially formulated community questionnaire
and finally the drafting and editing of the final document. I thank everyone who contributed to every
aspect of the Plan; in particular, I extend thanks to Gavin Sweeney, our Club Development Officer and
to Angela McLaughlin who have both led the process throughout.
The publication of the Plan is timely, insofar as it coincides with the great work of the Dromahair Arts
and Recreation Centre (DARC) committee and the development of community all weather playing
facilities in Dromahair. These facilities together with this plan, provides an opportunity for St. Patrick’s
GAA Club to grow and increase participation in both Gaelic games and culture for all the people in our
area.
The past members have served and enabled the club to stabilise and grow. The onus is on the future
club administrators and members to ensure that St Patrick’s GAA Club Dromahair continues to be a
force for good in the community. What happens over the next decade will depend on the vision and
drive of everyone in the Club.
Ní neart go cur le chéile
Is Mise le Meas,
Fergus Ó Miochain
Cathaoirleach, Naomh Pádraig C.L.G
2St. Patrick’s GAA (Naomh Pádraig C.L.G), Club Development Plan (Plean Forbartha Club), 2018 - 2022
2. History of St Patrick’s GAA Club
The first known history of GAA in Dromahair dates back to 1886, with the formation of three separate
GAA clubs, namely; Dromahair Joe Biggars, Killenummery, and Killargue/Crevelea.
Nationally, the formation of GAA clubs, following on the foundation of the Gaelic Athletic Association,
was rapid and widespread but the early enthusiasm did not last, mainly due to famine, emigration and
agrarian unrest. With the formation of the Leitrim County Board in 1889, Gaelic games became more
organised. Championship games were organised for 1890 and Dromahair Joe Biggars took part.
However, by 1891 there were no clubs in existence in Dromahair. Attempts were made in 1905 and
1917 to re-organise North Leitrim Gaelic games but it was not until 1925 that a Dromahair club
appeared again. By 1932 North Leitrim again was reorganised and the Dromahair club was still in
existence in 1940, but the Second World War interrupted its progress. Club activities suffered and
football was localised with matches taking place in Ballinagar, the Five Cross Roads, Kilavoggy,
Dromahair, Drumlease and Newtownmanor. Lack of transport and petrol coupled with security issues
of the war years in the form of the LDF (Local Defence Force) and LSF (Local Security Force) contributed
to the poor organisation of Gaelic games at club level.
Between 1951 and 1956, the Dromahair Club struggled and some players went to play with
neighbouring clubs, mainly Sean McDermott’s (Manorhamilton) and the newly formed club in
Crevelea (1954). The Dromahair GAA Club was reorganised in October 1955 as St. Patrick’s GAA club
and entered championship and leagues in 1956. In 1956 Dromahair won both the North Leitrim Junior
and Minor titles, only to be beaten by St. Mary’s, Carrick on Shannon in the County Junior Final. In
1959 Dromahair became a senior club and continued to develop the games at juvenile and senior level
with many successes.
The club struggled with emigration but continued in existence through the 1960’s and 1970’s, where
the foundations for future success were being laid, with an emphasis on training and preparation.
1976 was a breakthrough year and a notable milestone in the clubs history, with the winning of the
junior championship, its first major success at adult level.
Throughout the early 1970’s and into the 1980’s, the juvenile side of the club was reorganised and
regular coaching and training brought success in 1976, 1978, 1980, 1985, 1986 and 1987. Dromahair
Park Development Committee was also formed and it was this group of people, who were the driving
force behind a development of the park including a new playing field and the pavilion, which were
officially opened in 1986.
Throughout the 1990’s more and more players became involved in the administration of the club and
its various fund raising activities. The highlight of many years throughout the 1990’s was the Annual
Festival of music, entertainment and tournaments. Success was also building on the football fields
which peaked with the 1998 success in the Junior County Final when St. Patricks Dromahair beat Eslin,
a success which came some 22 years from the aforementioned 1976 success.
Throughout the early 2000’s great progress was made in the areas of coaching, administration and
cultural activities. The Junior Championship was won again in 2001. In 2009 St Patrick’s GAA club
were promoted to the Senior League Division 1; however it was not until 2014 that the club finally
won the Intermediate Championship and were promoted to the Senior Championship. These
successes were powered by many factors, one of which was the very successful underage teams
3St. Patrick’s GAA (Naomh Pádraig C.L.G), Club Development Plan (Plean Forbartha Club), 2018 - 2022
nurtured by the dedicated coaches and mentors who have given so much to the development of the
club. Success was had at all age grades, but notable successes included the clubs first 15 a side title in
2009. This talent pool has provided the club with a rich playing population which sustained the push
for the aforementioned Intermediate title. The winter and spring of 2009, provided the club and the
community with a wonderful adventure when the senior team embarked on a unique journey in the
RTE reality programme “Celebrity Bainisteoir”; the team became local and national heroes as they
took on the might of Cuala GAA in Dublin, then Rockwell GAA in Tipperary, before falling at the last
hurdle in a memorable final at Parnell Park to Glassdrumman GAA of County Down.
4St. Patrick’s GAA (Naomh Pádraig C.L.G), Club Development Plan (Plean Forbartha Club), 2018 - 2022
3. Methodology
At the 2015 Club Annual General Meeting, it was decided to look at developing a strategic five year
plan for St Patrick’s GAA Club Dromahair. After an initial discussion among club officers it was decided
to approach members of the club with the objective of forming an open ‘Club Development Sub
Committee’.
Membership of the Sub Committee was open to any member interested in contributing to the plan
and many members have helped in the development of the questionnaire, consultation process, and
later in the formulation of the five action areas.
The core group began by looking at the Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) to
the club at this time and from these initial discussions, a proposal to develop an online questionnaire
was made. It was envisaged, that this would form part of a wider consultation process that could
reach past and present club members, along with other members of our community not traditionally
involved with our club.
The Sub Committee met on numerous occasions to fine tune, open and closed questions, which we
hope would show a wide geographic spread of opinions and a broad view of the club from inside and
outside the membership. Each question was agreed individually and related to the demographic of
the respondent with all the action areas included in the open and closed questions. The
Questionnaire was distributed online via ‘Survey Monkey’ for a period of 4 weeks. The link to this
questionnaire was sent initially to every club member via text message, then advertised on the club
Facebook page and detailed in the club notes within local paper editions. The link was also sent to the
following:
All parents of our underage players
Dromahair Community Facebook page
Newtownmanor Community Facebook page
Parish of Killenummery Facebook page
Drumlease and Killenummery parish Bulletins
Facebook Pages for the Parents Associations associated with the national schools of Joseph’s
Killenummery and St Mary’s Ardvarney
By written communication distributed to the parents of children attending the national
schools of Drumlease and Leckaun. Hard copies of the survey were available and a small
number were filled out in this way.
In total 75 people responded to the questionnaire, which was made up of 60% non, or past members
and 40% current members. The survey attracted responses from all the club areas and from all age
groups.
Arising from the results of the questionnaire the subcommittee decided to hold a focus workshop.
This was attended by current and former officers of the club along with persons with long standing
affiliation with the club. This workshop identified the Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats
to our Club. Based on this analysis, each focus group gave collective feedback as to the strength and
direction a Club Development Plan should take in the next five years.
5St. Patrick’s GAA (Naomh Pádraig C.L.G), Club Development Plan (Plean Forbartha Club), 2018 - 2022
As part of the consultation process, the local schools were approached informally and the views of the
Principal and teachers with an interest in the promotion of Gaelic games were sought and obtained.
While acknowledging that the needs of each individual school are different; common needs and
opportunities were identified. From these initial discussions we look at how the club can encourage
and strengthen relationships with the four local primary schools in the club catchment area.
We continue to develop our links with local secondary schools and strive to support our players as
they move into third level and further education.
6St. Patrick’s GAA (Naomh Pádraig C.L.G), Club Development Plan (Plean Forbartha Club), 2018 - 2022
4. Mission, Vision, Values
The GAA’s values are the heart and soul of our Association. In every Club around the world they are
what bind us, what makes us unique and what attracts more and more players, members, volunteers
and supporters.
“The GAA is a community based volunteer organisation promoting Gaelic games, culture
and lifelong participation.”
The GAA is a volunteer organisation. We develop and promote Gaelic games at the core of Irish
identity and culture. We are dedicated to ensuring that our family of games, and the values we live,
enrich the lives of our members, families and the communities we serve. We are committed to active
lifelong participation for all and to providing the best facilities. We reach out to and include all
members of our society. We promote individual development and well-being and strive to enable all
our members achieve their full potential in their chosen roles.
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.
Values
Community Identity
Community is at the heart of our Association. Everything we do helps to enrich the
communities we serve
We foster a clear sense of identity and place
Amateur Status
We are a volunteer led organisation
All our members play and engage in our games as amateurs
We provide a games programme at all levels to meet the needs of all our players
Inclusiveness
We welcome everybody to be part of our Association
We are anti sectarian
We are anti racist
Respect
We respect each other on and off the playing fields
We operate with integrity at all levels
We listen and respect the views of all
Player welfare
We provide the best playing experience for all our players
We structure our games to allow players of all abilities reach their potential
7St. Patrick’s GAA (Naomh Pádraig C.L.G), Club Development Plan (Plean Forbartha Club), 2018 - 2022
Teamwork
Effective teamwork on and off the field is the cornerstone of our Association
Ní neart go cur le chéile (There is no strength without working together)
8St. Patrick’s GAA (Naomh Pádraig C.L.G), Club Development Plan (Plean Forbartha Club), 2018 - 2022
5. Background to Club
Although much of this plan represents new models, concepts and ideas, in terms of how we will run
the GAA Club in the future; some aspects have been successfully in place for the past number of years,
such as our Members Club Draw (and Loyalty Card Scheme) which provides the financial underpinning
of our Club.
The population of the Dromahair Catchment area has risen dramatically over the course of the past
decade. The large demographic profile of our younger children means that there are now, more
children playing Gaelic games in Dromahair than ever before, this represents the clubs greatest
opportunity, and our challenge, is to now, cater for this need. By the same token, we have also had to
contend over the past few years, with reduced employment opportunities in the region, particularly
for our twenty something year old generation; a factor which has meant many of our playing
population have had to travel, either abroad or to other parts of the country.
We currently have teams competing at Senior, Junior, u20, u17, u15 and u13 in both league and
championship, while our younger teams at u11, u10 and u8 compete in various organised blitzes.
The facilities which we play within are under the stewardship and management of the Dromahair Arts
and Recreation Centre (DARC), a voluntary community based organisation that have overall
responsibility for the development of facilities of the Park. Our continued partnership with DARC and
the Naomh Pádraig Ladies Club over the coming years, will prove crucial in terms of achieving many
of our objectives set out in the ‘Facilities and Development’ section of this Development Plan.
9St. Patrick’s GAA (Naomh Pádraig C.L.G), Club Development Plan (Plean Forbartha Club), 2018 - 2022
6. Activity Area 1: Coaching and Games Development
In five years time we will be able to say:
“Our underage section is one of the best. We will continuously strive for excellence in coaching
standards through the education and up skilling of our volunteer coaches. We will be providing games
for our young players in a safe and enjoyable environment”
Key Projects:
Establish a Coaching Committee
We will establish a coaching committee to represent all the grades in operation at the club which will
also oversee all aspect of games development within the Club. The coaching committee will be chaired
by the club coaching officer.
We would look to the coaching committee to establish standards and guidelines for an age
appropriate, coaching and skills development programme. This committee will oversee the correct
implementation of the following initiatives in line with the “GAA player development pathway”.
Figure 1: GAA Player Development Pathway
The progress of such a coaching and skills development program would be reviewed on a bi-monthly
basis through meetings of the coaching committee. The coaching sub-committee will take an active
role in the identification and recruitment of suitable personnel to become referees.
The chairman of this committee will sit on the Club Executive committee and update the club
executive and club membership of coaching activities and team coaching developments at the
monthly club meetings.
Club Coaching Officer
The Club Coaching Officer will be appointed as chairman of the Coaching and Games Development
sub-committee. He/she will have responsibility for managing the affairs of the committee and for
overseeing all coaching and games development related activities and policies.
10St. Patrick’s GAA (Naomh Pádraig C.L.G), Club Development Plan (Plean Forbartha Club), 2018 - 2022
Coach Education
We will put in place a programme to further advance our coaching philosophies in line with GAA
protocols and requirements. This programme will make sure that as a minimum every player is
coached by a person who holds a foundation level award certificate. We will aim to ensure that each
team will have at least one coach who holds an Award 1 level certificate. The programme will further
ensure that each underage grade will have resources and equipment necessary for adaptation of the
Nursery Coaching pack and Fun-Do packs.
Underage Games Programme
We will put in place a programme of games for all players in line with the GAA Development pathway
and that players will be competitive in the County, u12 and Four Star Skills Challenge. The Club will
continue to implement the Go Games coaching model for 7 – 11 year old players and that 12 -17 year
old players continue to be coached in game play and competition. We will strive to develop age
appropriate conditioning programmes as set out by Connacht coaching that will be supervised by club
trained coaches. Team involvement in blitzes will provide further means for increasing skill level in
our players and allowing every player the chance to participate in our Gaelic games. Through the
successful implementation of these initiatives, players above the age of 17 years along with our adult
players will have the ability, fitness and conditioning to join the club adult teams.
Develop Nursery (Academy)
We will continue to build on the development of the Skills nursery for 4 years to 6 years old boys. As
the Nursery Programme is the first introduction for children into Gaelic games, the purpose of the
Nursery is to introduce children into the club environment and provide maximum opportunity for
children to have fun and develop age appropriate skills associated with GAA. A fun environment is
one of the key components of a Nursery programme and we will ensure that each child who engages
in the Club Nursery will be part of a fun and enjoyable environment. The Club will expand and develop
our Nursery coaches.
Club/School Link
We will further develop close links with our local primary schools in the catchment area. We will
provide support and advice to schools promoting our games. It is important to maintain and foster
this link and this will be done through the appointment of a liaison officer to promote club enrolment
at primary school level. Now that St Patrick’s GAA Club have established a nursery for 4-6 year olds,
the role of a Liaison Officer will become even more important.
Develop Youth Development Plan
We will encourage and promote the implementation of a development plan focusing on the ages of
boys between the years of 13 - 17 in our club.
The Youth Development Plan will involve designing and implementing a sustainably focused, managed
and monitored plan. The Youth Development Plan should be phased into the Club over a five year
period breaking the “youth development” category into three groups i.e. U13, U15 and U17. This
concept would be piloted initially across one selected group in Year 1.
11St. Patrick’s GAA (Naomh Pádraig C.L.G), Club Development Plan (Plean Forbartha Club), 2018 - 2022
The Club Youth Development Plan would assist in producing consistent throughput of quality senior
players to the U20 and adult teams as well as empowering character development amongst our
juvenile members to include player welfare, participation and health and well being.
Code of Best Practice and Code of Behaviour
We will ensure that all our volunteers and coaches working with children in our Club are Garda vetted
and that every coach has completed the ‘Code of Best Practice’ in youth sport as is mandatory by law.
We will strive to ensure that everyone in our club will show due respect to each other, team mentors
and to match officials. In all things, we will operate in a safe, respectful environment and where
there may be a compromise in safety, we will not proceed with either coaching or games.
Referees
The Club will aspire to have two referees active in adult games along with two referees active in the
underage games programme.
Review
The Club coaches will meet on a quarterly basis to review the progress of teams as well as to ensure
that the health and well being of no player is being compromised due to participation in a number of
teams across differing grades. This will allow for greater cohesion within our club. Each of the club
coaching teams will have their own set of coaching equipment and take responsibility for same.
Feedback from the quarterly coaches meeting should transfer to the coaching sub-committee.
12St. Patrick’s GAA (Naomh Pádraig C.L.G), Club Development Plan (Plean Forbartha Club), 2018 - 2022
Table 1: Coaching and Games Development
ACTION OUTCOME TIMESCALE RESPONSIBILITY
Establish a Coaching Establish standards and 2018-2019 Club Executive
Committee guidelines for an age
appropriate, coaching
and skills development
programme and ensure
correct structures are in
place.
Develop the role of the Appointment as chair of 2018-2019 Club Executive
Club Coaching Officer the new club coaching
and games development
committee.
Responsibility for
managing the affairs of
the committee and for
overseeing all coaching
and games development
related activities and
policies.
Establish Nursery Feeder system to boost Established 2017 Club Executive
programme for 4 – 6 skills and numbers for (Continue 2018 – 2022) Coaching Officer
year olds. future grades.
Fun and enjoyable
activity for children to
participate and stay
involved in Gaelic games.
Development plan
formulated to guide
coaches.
To encourage more To increase the number 2018 – 2022 Coaching and Games
parents to become of coaches available to Committee
coaches. our Clubs.
Improve the quality of To ensure the proper 2018 – 2022 Coaching committee
coaching in each grade structures are in place in Current and incoming
relation to coaching and coaches
development.
Each coach holds a
foundation level
award certificate
Each team has at
least 1 coach who
holds an Award 1
level certificate
Provision of tailored
internal workshops
in game play and
skills development
Each team has their own Gives greater 2018 – 2022 Club Executive
coaching equipment and responsibility to each
access to Fun-do Pack coaching team.
and Nursery coaching
pack
Go Games model in Ensure every player has 2018 – 2022 Coaching and Games
place for all 7-11 year old the chance to develop (Established 2017) Development Committee
players. skill and participate.
13St. Patrick’s GAA (Naomh Pádraig C.L.G), Club Development Plan (Plean Forbartha Club), 2018 - 2022
ACTION OUTCOME TIMESCALE RESPONSIBILITY
Game play and Assist in the GAA player
competition in 12-17 development pathway.
year olds
Promote Summer time A meaningful
blitzes and challenge programme of games all
game participation. year round for all youth
players.
Research, design and Encourage and promote Phased basis Youth Development Plan
implement a Club Youth the implementation of a Officer
Development youth development plan 2018 – 2022
Programme for 13 – 17 in conjunction with
year olds. Leitrim Co Board and
Coaching and Games
Connacht GAA. Year 1 Development Committee
Research Phase
The Plan would assist in 1 Selected Age Category
producing consistent
throughput of quality Commence 2018
senior players to the U20
and adult teams as well
as empowering character Year 2
development amongst
our juvenile members to Pilot Phase
include player welfare,
participation and health
and wellbeing.
Year 3
Additional Age Category
Year 4
Full implementation
across U13, U15 and U17
teams
Develop age appropriate Conditioning 2018 – 2022 Coaching and Games
conditioning programmes as set out Development Committee
programmes for all by Connacht GAA will be
grades. supervised by club
trained coaches.
Identify suitable Club Executive
locations to conduct
such conditioning
programmes.
Establish the role of Promote club enrolment 2018 - 2022 Coaching and Games
Club/School Liaison at primary school level Development Committee
Officer. coaching.
Provide support to
schools promoting our
14St. Patrick’s GAA (Naomh Pádraig C.L.G), Club Development Plan (Plean Forbartha Club), 2018 - 2022
ACTION OUTCOME TIMESCALE RESPONSIBILITY
Gaelic games at regular
intervals throughout the
school year.
Establish a ‘club corner’
in each primary school in
the catchment area.
GAA Code of Practice To promote an 2018 – 2022 Children’s Officer
and Code of Behaviour in environment of respect (Already established)
Place in the Club and to ensure
that all children
participate in a safe
environment.
All Coaches working with To ensure that all 2018 – 2022 Children’s Officer
children under 18 attend children participate in a (Already established)
Safeguarding 1 Child safe environment.
Protection Workshop
All coaches working with To ensure that all 2018 – 2022 Children’s Officer
children under 18 years children participate in a (Already established)
of age have been Garda safe environment.
vetted as mandatory by
law To ensure compliance
with (Children and
Vulnerable Persons) Acts
2012 to 2016.
Increase club member Ensure player health and 2018 – 2022 Club Executive
numbers who are well being while playing
trained in the use of the and/or training with our
defibrillator machine Club.
and other basic first aid.
New referees identified To ensure the Club has 2018 – 2022 Coaching and Games
and trained sufficient referees at Development Committee
underage and adult level.
Quarterly review by Create better cohesion 2018 – 2022 Coaching Officer
Coaches and formalised structure All club coaches
to develop a style of play.
Ensure player welfare is a
priority.
15St. Patrick’s GAA (Naomh Pádraig C.L.G), Club Development Plan (Plean Forbartha Club), 2018 - 2022
7. Activity Area 2: Club Structures and Administration
In five years, our Club we will be able to say:
“Our Club excels in its administration. We have the structures in place appropriate to the Club’s needs.
Our Club Executive is vibrant and we have increased the number of people volunteering in the Club.”
Key Projects:
Club Constitution
We will adopt the GAA constitution. Our Club will be administered in accordance with this
constitution.
Club Sub-Committee Structure
We will appoint a number of sub-committees to deal with:
Finance and Fundraising in the Club (to include Members Club management);
Coaching and Games Development;
Games Stewardship;
Communication and Public Relations;
Scór (Promotion of representing the Club at Scór competitions. Establish a Scór subcommittee
and commence the revival of the Scór competition; with the aim to increase the numbers
participating);
We will recruit new volunteers to sit on these committees who have a particular talent for these areas.
Plan Implementation Sub-Committee
We will appoint a sub-committee to monitor the implementation of the Club Plan. This committee will
include the Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Development Officer, PRO, Assistant P.R.O.and Coaching
Officer as well as others as required.
Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy
We will put in place an Alcohol and Substance Abuse policy to make sure that our Club is following
best practice regarding the use of alcohol in the Club. All juvenile medal ceremonies will take place in
an alcohol free environment and we will comply with the GAA rules banning the drinking of alcohol
from cups.
Table 2: Club Structures and Administration
ACTION OUTCOME SOUGHT TIMESCALE RESPONSIBILITY
GAA Club Constitution To make sure that the 2017 AGM Chairperson and
Adopted and in place Club is being run in Secretary
accordance with GAA
rules.
16St. Patrick’s GAA (Naomh Pádraig C.L.G), Club Development Plan (Plean Forbartha Club), 2018 - 2022
ACTION OUTCOME SOUGHT TIMESCALE RESPONSIBILITY
Plan Implementation Sub- To monitor the On adoption of the Chairperson and
Committee in place. implementation of the Club Plan Secretary – The
Club Plan Executive Committee
Other Sub Committees in To strengthen our Annually at the AGM Chairperson and
place: executive structures. Secretary – The
Executive Committee
- Finance and Fundraising;
- Coaching and Games
Development;
- Games Stewardship;
- Communication and
Public Relations;
- Scór
GAA Volunteer Recruitment That the Club is 2018-2022 Chairperson and
Toolkit used by Club officers following best practice Secretary
(www.gaa.ie) in terms of recruiting
and retaining volunteers
GAA on line Club Advice To help all Club officers 2018-2022 Chairperson and
Manual used by Club with administration in Secretary
Officers the Club
(www.gaa.ie/clubzone/club-
manual/)
Club Alcohol and Substance To make sure that the 2018 (Q3) Alcohol and Substance
Abuse Policy developed Club is following best Abuse Officer
practice regarding the
use of alcohol in the
Club
All Players and Members To comply with GAA 2018-2022 Registrar
registered on GAA online regulations on
Annually during the
registration system shall registration of players
months of
have all dues paid up. All and members
January/February
teams affiliated to the Player
Injury Fund.
Children’s Officer and To oversee 2018-2022 The Executive
Designated Person implementation of the Committee
Annually at the AGM
appointed GAA Code of Best
Practice and to deal with
any allegations of abuse
in the correct manner.
To create a club Use of WhatsApp/ Viber 2018 (Q1) The Executive
communication policy for groups to communicate Committee
the executive. within the committee.
(Nb.: Ensure members
without use of these
services are not
excluded)
Club – Schools Connection To create and promote 2018 (Q1) Club/School Liaison
Policy club awareness within Officer
the schools.
17St. Patrick’s GAA (Naomh Pádraig C.L.G), Club Development Plan (Plean Forbartha Club), 2018 - 2022
8. Activity Area 3: Finance and Fundraising
In five years, our Club we will be able to say:
“Our club is successful and progressive in its fundraising endeavours ensuring a solid financial
foundation exists for our continued growth and development into the future. We have new and
innovative fundraising ideas that involve existing & new club members. We have delivered on our
commitment to visibly integrate our underage teams into the local community”
The continued success of our Club depends on the ongoing efforts of our volunteer club members to
raise sufficient revenue to maintain our current structures and finance our underage and adult teams.
The club have a successful Club Members draw and loyalty Card scheme in place for many years and
this has been acknowledged as our main source of finance, especially in the more recent past. The
loyalty card scheme also promotes local businesses in the area.
To continue to build on the work already done, the Club Development Plan will outline a five (5) year
financial plan which will allow the Treasurer and the Finance committee work on a multi-year basis to
plan for expenditure and support the ongoing development of playing facilities in the park.
A collaborative approach with the ladies club has been successful over the course of the past 2 years
in raising funds to assist DARC with the development of an all weather community facilities in the park.
Key projects
We commit to prepare an estimated budget for the Club at the beginning of the year which will allow
the finance committee plan fundraising events throughout the year. We commit to looking at an
annual budget for our individual teams.
Team mentors and the Finance committee will prepare an estimated budget for each team and review
of this is planned during the year for example travel, Buses, training equipment expenses etc.
As outlined above the club have successfully collaborated with the Ladies GAA in raising €23,600 to
help the development of the DARC all weather playing surface. St Patrick’s club commits to working
with the Ladies Club over the next 5 years to help DARC develop the main playing pitch.
18St. Patrick’s GAA (Naomh Pádraig C.L.G), Club Development Plan (Plean Forbartha Club), 2018 - 2022
Table 3: Finance and Fundraising
ACTION OUTCOME SOUGHT TIME SCALE RESPONSIBILITY
Formalise the finance Treasurer- Chairperson 2018 (Q1) Treasurer
committee
Club Members draw coordinator:-
By appointment
National draw Coordinator:- By
appointment
Club PRO
A Committee of 8 people in total
who are put in place at the AGM
following consultation with the
incoming executive committee.
Examine the financial expertise
within the club and facilitate these
skills in the Finance Committee
Prepare an Annual budget for 2018 – 2022 Finance committee
our playing teams
Stabilise the Club Report on the number of 2018 – 2022 Finance Committee
Members to 100 people in the draw, quarterly
members and increase at Club meetings. Plan to
by 5 annually increase membership by 5
each year
Increase awareness of Plan an Annual awareness 2018 – 2022 Finance Committee
the benefits of the Club campaign of the club loyalty
Loyalty Scheme scheme e.g. St Patrick’s day
(Float and info stand)
Engage with Local businesses
and increase the
attractiveness of the scheme
Online promotion of the
Loyalty card and draw via
Facebook and Website
19St. Patrick’s GAA (Naomh Pádraig C.L.G), Club Development Plan (Plean Forbartha Club), 2018 - 2022
ACTION OUTCOME SOUGHT TIME SCALE RESPONSIBILITY
Agree a fundraising Build on the existing structure 2018 (Q1) Treasurer and
target with DARC and which has successfully
the Ladies Club to completed the task of Sub joint
redevelop the Playing fundraising for the all weather committee
field playing facilities.
Set up a subcommittee of the
fundraising committee to work
with the ladies club to
complete the annual pitch
fundraising target
Pin point an annual joint
fundraiser in addition to the
budgeted expenditure for our
playing teams
Agree a timetable of events
run on an annual basis using
the ideas generated from the
Club survey
Establish a coaching Seek out a local business that will 2018-2022 Finance Committee
academy for U6 and U8 sponsor the academy on an annual & Coaching
teams that is basis. Committee
sponsored by a local
business Agree a structure around the
level/type of sponsorship required.
Formally launch and brand the
academy on an annual basis with
the Sponsor’s name etc
20St. Patrick’s GAA (Naomh Pádraig C.L.G), Club Development Plan (Plean Forbartha Club), 2018 - 2022
9. Activity Area 4: Facilities and Development
[This section of the Club Development Plan represents a Partnership approach between St.
Patricks GAA, Dromahair Arts & Recreation Centre (DARC), and Naomh Pádraig Ladies GAA
Club]
In five years, our Club will be able to say:
“Our players and members now enjoy the very best possible facilities in the area, both on and off the
Pitch”
Key Projects
Key projects to be completed over the life time of this plan will include the following:
Upgrading of Main Playing Field
In conjunction with DARC and the Naomh Pádraig ladies club, we will put together a phased
programme of works and fundraising activities which will improve the condition of the main playing
field in the Dromahair Arts and Recreation Centre.
In addition to improving drainage and the playing surface, these works shall also include the provision
of perimeter pedestrian fencing and dugouts.
Maintenance and Operating Costs
In conjunction with DARC and the Naomh Pádraig ladies club, we will put together a yearly
maintenance programme to maintain the newly developed ‘Main Playing Field’ described above. We
will also agree a funding model to sustain these works on an annual basis.
Similarly, we will agree with DARC and the Naomh Pádraig ladies club, a fair and proportional basis for
operating costs associated with the Pavilion; these will include for example ESB, Water Charges and
general upkeep.
Club Safety Statement/Plan
In conjunction with DARC and the Naomh Pádraig ladies club, we will develop a Safety Statement/Plan
for GAA activities in the Dromahair Arts and Recreation Centre which will help identify all potential
safety hazards; thus ensuring that our grounds follow best practice in providing a safe environment
for players and supporters.
Visibility of Clubs presence within the Dromahair Arts and Recreation Centre
In conjunction with DARC and the Naomh Pádraig ladies club, we will erect and present club colours,
flags and our club crest in the Dromahair Arts and Recreation Centre. The intention will be to highlight
the club’s presence within the Centre.
21St. Patrick’s GAA (Naomh Pádraig C.L.G), Club Development Plan (Plean Forbartha Club), 2018 - 2022
Table 4: Facilities and Development
ACTION OUTCOME SOUGHT MILESTONES RESPONSIBILITY
TIMESCALE
Upgrading of Main We will provide a 2018 Surface water DARC;
Playing Field playing surface carrier drain
which will be provided as part of
comparable with DARC Astro Turf
other club grounds development
within the county
and which shall be 2019 (Q3) to 2020 Upgrade of Main DARC;
playable for the (Q2) playing surface
St. Patricks GAA;
majority of
weather Naomh Pádraig
conditions. GAA;
Secure the field to 2020/2021 Perimeter Fencing DARC;
pedestrian activity & Dugout’s
St. Patricks GAA;
only;
Naomh Pádraig
GAA;
Maintenance and Grass Cutting Continuous N/A DARC;
Operating Costs
St. Patricks GAA;
Naomh Pádraig
GAA;
Wear and Tear Annual N/A DARC;
Maintenance
St. Patricks GAA;
including for
example: Verti Naomh Pádraig
draining, Grass GAA;
Strengthening,
Weed Control’
Miscellaneous.
Policy agreement Q2 2018 New procedures DARC;
to ensure fair and for distribution of
St. Patricks GAA;
proportional costs.
allocation of costs; Naomh Pádraig
GAA;
Club Safety In terms of Q1 2018 Control Measures DARC;
Statement/Plan Activities: implemented Q2
St. Patricks GAA;
2018;
Identify the
Naomh Pádraig
hazards;
GAA;
Assess the Risks;
Implement Control
measures;
Club Visibility within Improve the Clubs Q2 2018 Erect Club Crest DARC;
the Dromahair Arts visibility within and colours;
St. Patricks GAA;
and Recreation Dromahair Arts
Erect Club Flags;
Centre; and Recreation Naomh Pádraig
Centre GAA;
22St. Patrick’s GAA (Naomh Pádraig C.L.G), Club Development Plan (Plean Forbartha Club), 2018 - 2022
10. Activity Area 5: Communication, Public Relations and Culture
In five years, our Club will be able to say:
“Our Club is all inclusive in the community and promotes sporting, cultural and social activity within
our Community. We connect with our members and supporters through traditional and new media.
We inform our members and the wider community of all events that are happening in the Club. Our
Club was represented in and had some success in Scór na n-Óg Sinsir agus Scór na mBunscoileanna
especially in 2017/2018”.
Key Projects
Our Club will participate in events organised by the local Ciorcal Cainte as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge.
Our Club will participate in local Grúpa Oidhreachta events as part of Heritage Week.
Names of Club Officers e.g. Cathaoirleach (A Chathaoirligh), Rúnaí, Cisteoir to be used comfortably at
meetings, in correspondence and on Club Headed Paper. The Club will do our best to ensure that the
Irish appearing on any medium is correct.
Table 5: Communications, Public Relations and Culture
ACTION OUTCOME SOUGHT TIMESCALE MILESTONES RESPONSIBILITY
Promotion of Scór Promotion of Scór through 2018 – 2022 Participate in Coiste Chultúrtha
within the club. the schools and develop (Established) Liatroim Cultural
Scór from underage and Win Liatroim committee
hold local annual Participate in
competitions. Connacht
Win Connacht
Win All- Ireland!
Promotion of Awareness of and 2018 – 2022 Seachtain na Coiste Chultúrtha
Heritage and Irish participation in events (Established) Gaeilge 1 – 17 Cultural
Language organised by local groups. Márta committee
Heritage Week
Promote the use of the mid-August
Irish Language in day to
day club activities. Using
Bilingual signs where
possible,
Launch new Club To have an up to date 2018 (Q2) N/A PRO/IT Officer
website website that is
informative and well
presented
Club Facebook page To help improve 2018 (Q2) N/A PRO/IT Officer
developed communication with our
members, particularly
with those who are
abroad
23St. Patrick’s GAA (Naomh Pádraig C.L.G), Club Development Plan (Plean Forbartha Club), 2018 - 2022
ACTION OUTCOME SOUGHT TIMESCALE MILESTONES RESPONSIBILITY
Weekly Club notes in To inform the local 2018 – 2022 N/A PRO
the local newspaper community about all of the
Clubs activities (Established)
Nótaí as Gaeilge uair sa
mhí – notes in Irish once a
month in Leitrim Observer
Collect email address To allow us to 2018 (Q1) N/A PRO
and phone number communicate directly with
for each Club all Club members
member
Issue quarterly Club 2018 – 2022 N/A PRO
news letter
24St. Patrick’s GAA (Naomh Pádraig C.L.G), Club Development Plan (Plean Forbartha Club), 2018 - 2022
11. Implementation and Review Mechanism for the Plan
This plan is a ‘Live’ document. It will be reviewed, assessed and adapted to ensure it facilitates the
Club in reaching its potential over the next five years.
The Club Executive will put in place a Plan Implementation subcommittee. This subcommittee will
meet on a quarterly basis and assess the progress of the plan against its stated objectives and will
report directly to the Club Executive Committee.
This team will decide on the most appropriate method to carry out a comprehensive annual review of
the Plan. This will involve the assessment of the current initiatives, their appropriateness for the needs
of the Club and the identification of additional initiatives to assist in the completion of achieving the
goals and objectives. If required, the Plan will be modified and adapted as required.
The Committee will also be responsible for communicating the modified Plan to all Club members.
25St. Patrick’s GAA (Naomh Pádraig C.L.G), Club Development Plan (Plean Forbartha Club), 2018 - 2022
12. Appendix 1: Development Plan Sub Committee, 2016-2017
This was an open group and many people contributed to meetings, workshops, online email and in
the development and composition of this Plan, including:
Gavin Sweeney, Angela McLaughlin, Fergus Meehan, Anne McGee, Stephen Keegan, Dermot
O’ Donohoe, Kieran Meehan, Kenny Casey, Hughie Clinton, Bríd Ní Dhonnchú, Eoghan
Sweeney, Darragh McMorrow, Bernard Torsney, Kevin Torsney, Kevin Conlan, Andy Bartlett,
Jim Meehan, Joey Bird, Martin Kelly, Sean O’Hara, Declan Conlan, Charlie Meehan, Stephen
McInerney, Liam Filan, Caroline Speers, Sean McTernan.
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