Club Development Plan 2017 – 2022

! St. Patrick’s GAA, Dromahair

(Naomh Pádraig C.L.G, Droim Dhá Thair)

Club Development Plan

(Plean Forbartha Club) 2017 – 2022

November 2017 St. 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

St. 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

St. 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

St. 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.

St. 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.

St. 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.

St. 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

St. 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)

St. 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.

St. 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.

St. 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.

St. 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.

St. 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.

St. 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 14

St. 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.

St. 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.

St. 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.

St. 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.

St. 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

St. 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

St. 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.

St. 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; (Q2) playing surface playable for the 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;

St. 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

St. 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

St. 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.

St. 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.