Ag ARDú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge Raising the Red Hand Higher

It is by planning for those who come after us that we honour best those who went before us

A Strategy for ‘Gaelic Tyrone’ 2013-2017 2 Raising the Red Hand Higher Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge 3

CONTENTS

Introduction 5 Theme 2: Games Development 28 County Teams and Squads Gaelic Tyrone 6 Coaching The Tyrone Contexts 9 Hurling Tyrone’s Schools Tyrone: The Place … Tír Eoghain: An Ait Urban Tyrone Tyrone: The Story … Tír Eoghain: An Scéal Rural Tyrone Tyrone: The People … Tír Eoghain: Na Daoine Club Clustering Tyrone: At Work … Tír Eoghain: Ag Obair Refereeing Tyrone: At School … Tír Eoghain: Ar Scoil Theme 3: Playing the Games 32 Tyrone: The Plans … Tír Eoghain: Na Pleananna Club Fixtures and Competitions Tyrone: The Garvaghey Project … Tír Eoghain … ‘Ag Cothromú Gharbh Achaidh’ Theme 4: Tyrone GAA’s Infrastructure 34 County Grounds “Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge … Playing Facilities Raising the Red Hand Higher”: Supporting Facilities Our Plans for Gaelic Tyrone 20 Theme 5: Managing Garvaghey 36 Theme 1: Governance 22 Strategic Approach to Gaelic Games in Tyrone Theme 6: Tyrone’s Gaelic Administration Culture and Heritage 38 Financial Excellence and Best Practice The Irish Language Income Maximization Scór Control of Expenditure Culture and Heritage Club Financial Mentoring and Support Theme 7: Inclusion and Well-Being in Tyrone 40 Planning/Review and Consultation Inclusion of all the Gaelic Games Marketing, Promotion and Communication Wider Inclusion Partnerships with Others Health and Well-Being The ‘Respect’ Agenda Emigration Making it All Happen 42 As others see us … Mar a fheiceann daoine eile a dhéanamh linn

The recent surge of success … is a success rooted in planning, commitment, desire and vision. Critically, though, even had Tyrone never won an All-Ireland, or even an Ulster title, the triumph of the GAA in the county has been its central position in the lives of so many people. … More so even than the All-Ireland success, the manner in which the GAA is embedded in the community and the fact that some fifty clubs are engaged in playing football, hurling, camogie, handball and other social and cultural initiatives is perhaps the greatest testament to the success of the Association in the county.

The GAA County by County’ by Mike Cronin, Mark Duncan and Paul Rouse The Collins Press, 2011: page 378 4 Raising the Red Hand Higher Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge 5

Introduction

We are honoured to introduce what we believe is a unique and pioneering piece of work, the first-ever integrated strategic plan for the development of Gaelic games and associated activities within a County.

Gaelic Tyrone and all that comes with “Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge it – the games; language; culture; art; … Raising the Red Hand Higher” brings literature; drama; music; crafts; song; dance; Tyrone GAA; Camogie; Handball; Ladies history; heritage; geography; traditions; Football; and Rounders together for a volunteerism; and, above all, the people common purpose. We will still retain our and communities – are important to us. ‘governance independence’ and work to That’s why we’re involved in our various our own internal agendas as appropriate. Associations and why we are delighted But through our joined-up planning we’re to step forward as one to jointly work signing up to a bigger picture. Many to develop and deliver things that are people helped us develop that bigger important for us and for Tyrone. picture, attending meetings; taking part in workshops; completing surveys; making Thanks to the unwavering commitment of comments; undertaking analyses. Those those who went before us, Gaelic Tyrone were people from within the Tyrone is strong. This plan is not only about Gaelic family and beyond it. Without keeping it that way but about making it them we wouldn’t be here. Gaelic Tyrone stronger, more vibrant and even more is in their debt. attractive. Drawing up a plan is one thing. Making it happen is another. We have set Ar scath a cheile a mhaireann na daoine. out daunting programmes of work and People do live in one another’s shelter. ambitious targets under seven different This plan is the proof of that. Themes and delivering them will not be easy.

Ciaran MacLochlainn Martin Conway Tyrone GAA Tyrone LGFA

Peadar O’Tuatain Pat Darcy Ulster Rounders Council Tyrone Camogie

Paul Allison Sarahjane Kelly Tyrone Handball Planning Convenor 6 RaisingRaising the RedRed HHandand Higher Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge 7

Gaelic Tyrone … Stair Thír Eoghain

An Cumann Camogaiochta

Although the 1907 Fintona Rose Cumman Kavanaghs were Tyrone’s first Camogie Luth-Chleas Gael team, the first Camogie County Convention didn’t happen until 1933 when a dramatic revival saw fifteen Clubs develop. Four decades of decline followed Tyrone’s first GAA County Board was Cumann Peil Oidhreacht … Legacy formed in 1904, building on a strong if but by 1980 Tyrone had 12 Camogie Gael na mBan “Something that’s cherished which is Clubs playing and reached the All-Ireland fluctuating tradition of Gaelic games in Junior Final. Currently nine Clubs provide the County. The first half of the 20th passed on to someone who’s cherished” Camogie in Tyrone. Century was essentially about survival in what were largely unfriendly economic The first formal Tyrone Ladies Board was and political times. From the 1950s formed in 1991 though Ladies football In 1929 Tyrone GAA was technically insolvent. The Ó Néills County Cup, bought two years onwards, Tyrone GAA has been on an had developed a strong presence in parts earlier for £20.4s.0d had still not been paid for. To raise funds County Secretary Mick Coney upward path in terms of the games; of Tyrone over the previous twenty years. led an effort to organise a major Sports Meeting for 29 July in Ardboe. A day-long downpour infrastructure; and associated culture/ Since then Ladies football has become ruined the event which actually ended up costing Tyrone GAA money. Three months later the heritage activities. Today Tyrone stands as firmly established throughout the County one of Ireland’s leading GAA Counties. with over 40 Clubs now affiliated to the Wall Street Crash ushered in a decade of harsh depression. But those Tyrone Gaels did not LGFA. Virtually all of these are integrated falter. The work went on. The cause endured. The hope still lived. And the dream never died. Formal handball was recorded in Omagh GAA/LGFA Clubs and provide structured They are our inspiration. Our challenge is to inspire those who come after us. in 1797 and in Dungannon in 1823 and Ladies Gaelic opportunities to girls was played across Tyrone up to World from six years of age upwards. Tyrone War I. Revivals in the 1930s and 1950s County teams are strong with the adults petered out but renewed effort in the a consistent presence in the Inter-County 1970s and 1980s has paid dividends with Senior Grade. Tyrone now having seven registered Clubs and ‘One Wall’ handball spreading rapidly, especially in schools.

Organised Rounders was introduced to Tyrone in/around Cookstown in 1972 through what is now Holy Trinity College as well as Kildress and Lissan GAA Clubs. Interest then spread to Cookstown; Donaghmore; Loughmacrory; Moortown; and Pomeroy. Both Kildress and Pomeroy have gone on to win national Rounders titles.

TíR EOGHAIN 8 Raising the Red Hand Higher Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge 9

The Tyrone Contexts

Tyrone: The Place … Tír Eoghain: An Ait

Tyrone is a geographically large county of some 3,155 sq km, spreading out from Tyrone: The Story … the flat western shores of Lough Neagh west to the Donegal border and from Tír Eoghain: An Scéal Monaghan’s ‘drumlin belt’ north into the Sperrin Mountains it shares with Derry. Tyrone has been peopled since the Tyrone: Much of Tyrone is upland, peaking in earliest times and the impact of every The People … Sawel Mountain at 678m: large parts of it epoch is still visible across its landscapes. are marginal in land quality terms. Over a thousand standing stones and Tír Eoghain: Na Daoine other cairns; monuments; and tombs Tyrone is also shaped and influenced by remain in place. Beaghmore Stone Circles Like most of rural Ireland/Ulster, over the a number of rivers and their valleys – the provide one of Europe’s finest megalithic past four centuries Tyrone’s population Blackwater in the south and east; the features whilst the subsequent history of grew; declined; and is now growing again. Ballinderry in the east; the Strule/Mourne the County and its people can be plotted Comprising a mere 20,000 around the system in the centre and west; and the through high crosses; monastic/church Plantation of Ulster and heading towards Derg and Finn in the west. Although a remains; castles and bawns; planted a third of a million just before the Great totally inland County, Tyrone merges into towns; farm and field patterns; and a Hunger, the County’s population then fell Ireland’s largest lake, Lough Neagh. particular industrial archaeology which into a century-long decline, from which ranges across canals; coal; and textiles. it has only recently emerged. Since the In Tullyhogue Fort Tyrone hosts the 18th Century many Tyrone people have remnants of the crowning place of the been forced into a habit of ‘going away’, O’Neills during the flowering of something else which survives to this day gaelic Ulster. and which has led to vibrant Tyrone- rooted communities in the USA and Always a Gaelic stronghold, Tyrone’s other parts of the world. history is entwined with that of Ireland. This was particularly the case over the Modern Tyrone’s population is just over past four-plus centuries where all the 182,000 and is projected to rise over major national; political; and cultural the next decade by almost 18% to some conflicts were played out here. Tyrone’s 213,000. Most of the growth will be in people, of whatever background or the east of the County with Dungannon/ tradition, have always been very loyal to South Tyrone forecast to grow by almost it: that loyalty is a decided strength as the a third and Cookstown by almost a fifth. challenges of the 21st Century are faced. Across Tyrone the bulk of the growth will continue to be in urban settings. Within NI’s particular community context, almost two-thirds of Tyrone’s The towns of Omagh (25,000); Strabane population has a Catholic/nationalist (15,000); Dungannon (13,000); and community background whilst a third Cookstown (12,000) are increasingly holds to the Ulster-Scots/unionist important, not just as places where tradition. The NI conflict of the late growing numbers of people live but as twentieth Century impacted heavily on business; shopping; education; social; and Tyrone with some 350 people losing public service centres. their lives here during it. Those legacies remain within the County. Tyrone’s population is young with over a quarter aged 16 or under. Births currently exceed deaths by about 1,600 a year and during the past decade the County has attracted many in-migrants, mostly from Eastern Europe and Portugal. These ‘New Tyrone’ communities are concentrated in the east of the County and amount in total to over 12,000 people. 10 Raising the Red Hand Higher Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge 11

Tyrone: Population Change Over Four Centuries The Tyrone Contexts 350,000

300,000 Tyrone: At Work … Tír Eoghain: Ag Obair 250,000 Although it faces several structural disadvantages – a roads infrastructure 200,000 that needs investment; low levels of educational achievement; retracting public services; a restricted ICT network; Deprivation in Tyrone 150,000 and a reliance on what are perceived by some to be ‘old economy’ industries Measure C* D&ST* O* s* NI – Tyrone persists as an entrepreneurial place. A world-leading materials-handling Economically Inactive 41% 40% 39% 44% 38% 100,000 engineering cluster has emerged in the County and it is also home to many Average weekly wage for Men £352 £412 £452 N/A £414 leading construction firms and vibrant 50,000 farming/food-processing communities. Average weekly wage for Women N/A N/A £238 £228 £298 Omagh is a public administration centre of regional significance and retailing People on Income Support 7% 7% 8% 11% 8% 0 and services provide large numbers of 1600 1666 1753 1821 1841 1851 1881 1911 1937 1961 1981 2001 2010 town-based jobs. For many Tyrone people Children in Income however travelling to work elsewhere Support Households 14% 15% 16% 24% 20% remains a constant fact of life. Post-Primary Free School Meals 20% 19% 19% 27% 18% Tourism in the County remains limited and parts of Tyrone, particularly No/low Qualifications 65% 61% 61% 70% 59% Cookstown and Strabane, suffer from a Urban Tyrone: Home to Nearly Half Our People lack of public sector jobs: this dearth of People with Limiting public jobs impacts on earnings levels Long-Term Illness 22% 21% 20% 23% 20% which across most of Tyrone are well 30,000 below the NI average. Multiple Deprivation Rank** 15th 12th 17th 2nd - Tyrone’s structural disadvantages create Income Deprivation Rank** 18th 11th 13th 8th - 25,000 and are in turn maintained by levels of deprivation relating to Income; Employment Deprivation Rank** 22nd 12th 10th 9th - Employment; Health/Disability; and 20,000 Education/Skills: Tyrone’s ‘deprivation black-spots’ are concentrated along the * C = Cookstown; D&ST = Dungannon and South Tyrone; O = Omagh; S = Strabane Lough Neagh shores; in mid-Tyrone/The ** Out of NI’s 26 Council areas, where 1st is the ‘worst’ 15,000 Sperrins; in the far west of the County; and in parts of the main towns. The County suffers particularly badly under 10,000 the ‘Access to Services’ measure although the picture is much more positive in terms of the ‘Living Environment’ and 5,000 ‘Crime/Disorder’ measures. The incidence across Tyrone of some key 0 deprivation measures currently used are n g t a y e set out right (with figures ‘worse’ than the Mo NI average in yellow): Omagh omor Strabane Finton Dr Dungannon Cookstow Coalisland Castleder Sion Mills Fivemiletown Newtownstewar 12 Raising the Red Hand Higher Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge 13

The Tyrone Contexts

Tyrone: Tyrone’s Second-Level Schools At School … Tír Eoghain: Ar Scoil District ToWN sChools type Pupils

Cookstown Cookstown Holy Trinity College Co-ed 852 As befits a county with a burgeoning youth population Tyrone is home Cookstown High School Co-ed 901 to a large number of schools, both Primary and Second-Level. The schools infrastructure is being rationalised on an Dungannon Dungannon St Patrick’s Academy Co-ed 1,379 ongoing basis with a sustainability rule-of- thumb of 100 pupils for a Primary School St Patrick’s College Co-ed 643 and 600 pupils for a Second-Level school now being applied. Dungannon Royal Co-ed 665

There are 145 Primary Schools in Drumglass High School Co-ed 372 Tyrone (48 Controlled; 91 Maintained; 3 Integrated; and 3 Irish Medium), currently Dungannon Integrated Co-ed 492 attended by some 17,806 pupils (5,609 Controlled; 11,427 Maintained – including Coalisland St Joseph’s High School Co-ed 630 492 Irish Medium - ; and 770 Integrated). Donaghmore St Joseph’s Whilst the Primary Schools are spread Grammar School Co-ed 579 across Tyrone in urban and rural settings, the Second-Level schools are much more Ballygawley St Ciaran’s College Co-ed 809 centralized and reflect historic types of provision. Currently some 15,854 pupils Aughnacloy Aughnacloy College Co-ed 179 attend 24 schools in 12 different locations. Nearly two-thirds (9,920) of the pupils Fivemiletown Fivemiletown College Co-ed 441 attend Maintained Schools; 30% (4,784 pupils) attend Controlled Schools; whilst 7% (1,150 pupils) attend Integrated Schools. Omagh Omagh Christian Brothers Grammar Boys 968 The next decade is likely to see significant reconfigurations of Tyrone’s Second- Loreto Grammar Girls 892 Level provision, including the possibility of a major new multi-school campus in Sacred Heart College Co-ed 921 Omagh town. Omagh Academy Co-ed 657 There are three Special Schools in Tyrone, Arvalee, Omagh; Knockavoe, Strabane; Omagh High School Co-ed 430 and Sperrinview, Dungannon with a total enrollment of some 300 spread fairly Drumragh College Co-ed 658 evenly across all three Schools. Carrickmore Dean Maguirc Although Tyrone has no stand-alone Third High School Co-ed 464 level provision the South-West College has developed into one of Ireland’s most Dromore St John’s College Co-ed 147 vibrant and dynamic further education Colleges. It provides access to a number Third Level courses and has major Strabane Strabane Holy Cross College Co-ed 1,509 new campuses in place in Omagh and Dungannon (and, to a lesser extent, in Strabane Academy Co-ed 666 Omagh). Up to 15,000 students attend the College’s Tyrone campuses. Castlederg St Eugene’s High School Co-ed 127

The new Public Services College at Castlederg High School Co-ed 473 Desertcreat outside Cookstown will add greatly to Tyrone’s Third Level portfolio. 14 Raising the Red Hand Higher Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge 15

The Tyrone Contexts

Tyrone: Tyrone: The Gaelic Story … The Plans … Tír Eoghain: An Stair Ghealach Tír Eoghain: Na Pleananna When What The various reorganisations of public Essentially it sees: from Tyrone. They understand they share services over the past 40-plus years have these strategic concerns with Gaels and fragmented Tyrone. It is now administered • Cookstown; Dungannon; Omagh many others in neighbouring Armagh; 1800s Community-based Gaelic games exist but in the early days of the GAA, activity is sporadic in Tyrone through four local government Districts; and Strabane acting as ‘main hubs’ Derry; Fermanagh; and Monaghan. three Health Trusts; two Education and where investment and development During the lifetime of this plan the new 1900s: First County Board established; Club Championships started; and teams representing Tyrone fielded: will be concentrated with Cookstown/ Library Boards; two Police Districts; Public Services College will be built Beginnings first Camogie Club, Rose Kavanagh’s, established and a number of other government/ Dungannon/Magherafelt and Strabane/ at Desertcreat outside Cookstown. agency divisions. Only rarely do these Derry developing as clusters This is one of Ireland’s largest single 1910s Decline sets in followed by a post-1916 revival organisations work to coterminous capital projects and will make a major • The Sperrins and Lough Neagh as boundaries. The Review of Public contribution to the quality of life for many strategic natural resources Administration will do little to address people in Tyrone. 1920s: The first difficult years of the new northern state see Tyrone GAA teeter on the edge of bankruptcy this fragmentation although it may add • The A4 Belfast/Dungannon/Enniskillen/ Courageous but the O’Neills Cup is purchased and the courage of the few wins out to the powers that local government will Sligo and the A5 Dublin/Omagh/ Finally, “Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Survival have. After 2015 Tyrone will be governed Strabane/Derry routes being Deirge … Raising the Red Hand Higher” by three new Councils, two of which will developed as Key Transport Corridors is Tyrone’s second strategic plan for 1930s: First Ulster Minor Football titles are won and a first Ulster Senior Final is reached: Camogie flourishes also cover significant parts of Derry with gaelic games and associated activities. Its Moving across Tyrone. the third also including all of Fermanagh. Tyrone Gaels continue to have concerns predecessor, “Ag Ardú na Laimhe Deirge”, about the Strategy’s prioritisation of the was published in 2007 and set out a way 1940s: The Regional Development Strategy for Belfast Urban Area (necessarily at the ahead that has now been almost entirely Tyrone wins back-to-back All-Ireland Minor titles and Tyrone players backbone St Patrick’s College NI to 2035 sets out government’s spatial expense of other areas and communities); delivered. In Tyrone we believe firmly in Breakthrough I Armagh’s Hogan Cup-winning team. strategy for Tyrone and the rest of NI. about planners’ persistent lack of the value of good planning. But what we empathy with rural Tyrone; and with the require of ourselves we are entitled to 1950s: First Ulster Senior Football titles are won along with McKenna and Lagan Cups as Armagh, Derry and accelerating withdrawal of key services expect of others. Breakthrough II Down also move up to Ulster’s ‘top table’. First Tyrone County Handball Committee is formed in 1952.

1960s: A structured approach (which lasts to this day) is introduced to underage football and first All- Consolidation Ireland Junior and Vocational titles are won. Tyrone GAA administration and structures are radically reorganised. Two Ulster Junior Camogie titles are won.

1970s: Tyrone dominate Ulster underage football and win a third Ulster SFC title … but as with all of Ulster To Another Level the conflict takes hold for the next quarter century

1980s: Three Ulster SFC titles are claimed and a first All-Ireland Senior Final is reached. Vocational; Under 21; Further Growth and Minor titles are also won. Centenary Year sees a surge of Club-based infrastructure development. Camogs win Ulster Junior title and reach All-Ireland Final.

1990s: Tyrone’s presence at national level grows, winning All-Ireland Under 21; Minor; Vocational; and College On the Cusp football titles as well as Junior Hurling and reaching the NFL and Senior All-Ireland Finals. Ladies Football is formally established in Tyrone.

2000s: All-Ireland football titles are won at Senior; Under 21; Minor; Vocational; and College levels as well as Breakthrough III first NFLs. Ladies reach a first All-Ireland Senior Final and Camogs win two Ulster Junior titles and the All-Ireland Junior ‘B’. Healey Park is redeveloped and work on Garvaghey and a raft of Club projects begins. “Ag Ardú na Laimhe Deirge” is published.

2010s and beyond: The driving challenge is to hand on Gaelic games in Tyrone in even better shape than they were Ensuring the Legacy handed on to us. 16 Raising the Red Hand Higher Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge 17

The Tyrone Contexts

Tyrone: Gaelic Games in Tyrone: The Working Capital The Garvaghey Dungannon & Project … Cookstown Omagh Strabane South Tyrone Tír Eoghain: ‘Ag Cothromú GAA/LGFA/Camogie/Handball Clubs

Gharbh Achaidh’ Tyrone: The Issues … Ardboe* Aghaloo* Badoney (L) Aghyaran* Tír Eoghain: Na Saincheisteanna Over the past five years Tyrone GAA/ Brocagh* Aodh Ruadh (L) Beragh* Castlederg* CLGTE has scoped; planned; resourced; Cookstown* Augher Brackey (HB) Clann na nGael* and effectively completed its £6.7m Garvaghey Project. The 43-acre site Kildress* Brackaville* Cappagh (HB) Dregish The Issue The Consequences for ‘Gaelic Tyrone’ accommodates six floodlit GAA pitches; Moortown** Clogher Carrickmore* Glenelly* team changing and support facilities; Naomh Brid (C) Clonoe* (plus HB) Newtownstewart* and County GAA administration. What Tyrone is a Pomeroy* Coalisland* Dromore* Owen Roes* • Place and community persist as the key drivers makes Garvaghey unique is its ambition geographically large (plus HB) Drumquin* and inclusiveness. It has been deliberately Derrylaughan** Shamrocks (H) and varied County • Clubs must continue as the anchors of their communities and be supported in this role developed to cater for all the Gaelic Stewartstown* Derrytresk** Drumragh* Strabane* codes; for the GAA’s culture and heritage The Rock* Donaghmore* Eire Og (H & C) Urney* work; for both genders; for activities Tyrone has always been • Culture and heritage have to remain core to the Tyrone ‘offer’ at Club, school and County levels; and Dungannon Errigal Ciaran* a Gaelic stronghold for people of all abilities. It is, boldly, Edendork** Eskra • Tyrone’s non-Gaelic traditions also have to be respected something that’s true to the spirit of the Fintona* GAA in that it is for the ordinary; the less Eglish** Fr Shields (H & C) ordinary; and the extra-ordinary. Eoghan Ruadh (H) Tyrone’s population is • Everyone in the County should have the opportunity to enjoy Gaelic games Gaeil Padraig (Y) Gaeil Ceapach (Y) robust and growing The greater part of the cost of Gortin • Additional fit-for-purpose infrastructure is essential Garvaghey has been or will be raised by Galbally* the Gaels of Tyrone. Their commitment Kileeshil* Greencastle • New partnerships have to be developed and generosity are what has made it (plus HB) Killyman* happen. Garvaghey will act as an engine Killyclogher* • The games need to be rooted and expanded in urban Tyrone for the development and growth of the Moy* Loughmacrory* GAA at all levels in Tyrone on through Naomh Colm (plus HB) the 21st Century. Cille (H) Tyrone is • All money raised for Gaelic games and associated activities has to be managed and Omagh* (plus HB) Naomh Treasa (C) entrepreneurial used to best effect Sperrin Og (L) but faces economic difficulties St Macartan’s (L) • Gaelic games must remain ‘free-at-the-point-of-delivery’ Tattyreagh* Trillick* Tyrone’s school • Coaching in and support to schools need to continue to be prioritised and resourced population comprises over 33,000 pupils • Club/School links have to be built and maintained * Integrated GAA/LGFA Clubs; ** Integrated GAA/LGFA/Camogie Clubs; (H) Hurling; (L) LGFA; (C) Camogie; (HB) Handball; (Y) Youth Tyrone is not always • Clubs and County Committees need to continue to take ownership of the ‘Tyrone cause’ Primary School Enrolments well-served by government plans and • Government has to be lobbied as appropriate strategies 26 Schools: 43 Schools: 44 Schools: 32 Schools: 3,426 pupils 5,681 pupils 4,821 pupils 3,505 pupils Tyrone GAA moves • ‘Legacy’ has to remain a central and driving concept Second-Level School Enrolments into its second century vibrant • Integration across all the Gaelic codes has to be progressed and growing 2 Schools: 10 Schools: 8 Schools: 4 Schools: • Garvaghey must become one (but by no means the only) engine to drive 1,753 pupils 6,189 pupils 5,137 pupils 2,775 pupils Gaelic Tyrone forward 18 Raising the Red Hand Higher Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge 19

The Tyrone Contexts

Tyrone: Progress Since “Ag Ardú na Laimhe Deirge”

Since “Ag Ardú na Laimhe Deirge” was developed in 2007 among the changes in and around Tyrone have been:

In Tyrone

• Population increased by 10,000 and migrant communities continuing to grow into the Tyrone fabric

• New Public Services College confirmed for Desertcreat, Cookstown

• A4/’Ballygawley Line’ roadway completed: A5 road plans stalled

• South-West College major campus developments in Dungannon and Omagh completed

• Alley and Strule civic theaters/arts centres opened in Strabane and Omagh: ongoing development of Mid-Ulster Sports Arena, Cookstown

• Severe impact of the recession on the local construction industry

• Rural Development and urban regeneration programmes rolled out

In Tyrone GAA

• All-Ireland football titles won in 2007; 2008; and 2010

• Ulster football titles won in 2007; 2008; 2009; 2010; 2011; and 2012

• Ulster/All-Ireland Scór titles won in 2008; 2009; 2010; 2011; and 2012

• Significant progress in GAA/LGFA/Camogie integration

• Healey Park re-development completed

• £6.7m Garvaghey Project scoped; planned; resourced; and virtually completed

• Several Tyrone Clubs attain Ulster GAA ‘Club Maith’ accreditation

• Major Club infrastructure projects completed in Aghaloo; Ardboe; Carrickmore; Castlederg; Clann na nGael; Coalisland; Cookstown; Donaghmore; Dromore; Drumragh; Dungannon; Edendork; Eoghain Rua (Leckpatrick); Eoghan Ruadh (Dungannon); Eglish; Errigal Ciaran; Eskra; Fintona; Galbally; Kildress; Kileeshil; Loughmacrory; Moy; Stewartstown; Strabane; and Urney GAA Clubs. 20 Raising the Red Hand Higher Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge 21

“Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge … Raising the Red Hand Higher”: Our Plans for Gaelic Tyrone

As already pointed out, “Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge” is a unique document in that it sets out the stalls for all parts of the Tyrone Gaelic family – the GAA; Camogie; Ladies Gaelic; Handball; and Rounders. It does not include everything that the various family members have in their own action and operational plans. But it does include the strategic elements and, particularly, those growing areas where we all work together. Our plans for the next five years are set out below under seven Themes as follows:

1. Governance 3. Playing the Games

• Strategic Approach to Gaelic Games in Tyrone • Club Fixtures and Competitions • Administration • Financial Excellence and Best Practice 4. Tyrone GAA’s Infrastructure • Income Maximization • County Grounds • Control of Expenditure • Playing Facilities • Club Financial Mentoring and Support • Supporting Facilities • Planning/Review and Consultation • Marketing, Promotion and Communication • Partnerships with Others 5. Managing Garvaghey • The ‘Respect’ Agenda • Emigration 6. Tyrone’s Gaelic Culture and Heritage

• The Irish Language 2. Games Development • Scór • County Teams and Squads • Culture and Heritage • Coaching • Hurling 7. Inclusion and Well-Being in Tyrone • Tyrone’s Schools • Inclusion of all the Gaelic Games • Urban Tyrone • Wider Inclusion • Rural Tyrone • Health and Well-Being • Club Clustering • Refereeing 22 Raising the Red Hand Higher Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge 23

Theme 1: Governance What We Intend to Do Led By Targets Set Outcomes Sought

Minimal confusion and/or Ensure all Clubs are briefed re Processes in place and misunderstanding re disciplinary Gaelic games in Tyrone have traditionally been well-governed, in large part because they adhere to core principles, values and County disciplinary procedures and practices worked to from 2013 issues and a strengthening of practices whilst continually adding in new good practice whenever and wherever it is needed. Although the GAA; LGFA; and Camogie Committees in the County are and will remain separate organisations, ‘Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge’ will ensure joint working and in all codes as appropriate. forward Tyrone’s ‘GIVE-EARN-GET collaboration to mutual advantage. Current structures and practices are seen to be largely fit-for-purpose but there are needs to: Respect’ ethos.

Work (including the delivery of relevant County All Tyrone Gaelic settings and Processes in place and • Ensure more discussion/engagement at GAA County Committee meetings training) to ensure full compliance Committees activities secured as safe places worked to from 2013 • Make Sub-Committees work to even better effect with independent safe-guarding and Children’s Officers for children and vulnerable forward. • Recruit; train; retain; and above all cherish Gaelic volunteers Child Protection legislation. Ulster GAA adults. • Continue to meticulously manage the finances, being constantly aware that this is money entrusted to us by others Develop a ‘Grow our Tyrone Gaelic • Build and maintain a strong ‘Tyrone Gaelic’ identity and brand through good marketing and promotion Games Volunteers’ strategy based on: • Address strategic issues such as emigration and ‘Respect’ • Showcasing what Tyrone GAA/LGFA/ Camogie/Rounders are and do • Elected officers identifying and inviting specific people to fill specific What We Intend to Do Led By Targets Set Outcomes Sought roles/bring specific skills • Using time limits to avoid County Committees burn-out/tiredness Increased numbers of Strategic Approach to Gaelic Games in Tyrone • Acceptance and promotion of Strategy developed and committed Tyrone Gaelic Development Officer turnover at all levels approved during 2013 volunteers, who are Officers Maintain and develop cross-Gaelic • Constant support for volunteers via and worked to thereafter. not overloaded or Protocol in place and A seamless, corporate and games collaboration in Tyrone via the County training etc inappropriately tasked. worked to from 2013 effective Tyrone Gaelic family • Facilitating volunteers’ own Clubs via the ongoing work of the Committees Integration Committee. forward. in place. development eg via CVs; personal statements; etc • Public acknowledgment and Every Tyrone GAA Club/ County celebration of volunteering Work to develop and sustain the Club area delivering at Robust presence of all the Committees, • Use of programmes such as ‘Have a ‘One Club’ model in Tyrone. least two Gaelic games Gaelic codes across Tyrone. and Clubs Go’; ‘Mum and Me’; ‘Gaelic 4 Mums’; by 2015. ‘Puck Around Town’; etc

Sustain and develop joint Officer and County All training in Tyrone to be A seamless, corporate and Financial Excellence and Best Practice other training as appropriate across Committees and provided on an integrated effective Tyrone Gaelic family the Tyrone Gaelic games family. Ulster GAA basis from 2013 forward. in place. The GAA County Finance Sub- Committee will oversee those Continue with and improve ‘master County financial matters delegated to it by the GAA Finance Ongoing Fixture-Planning’ approach – for all Committees and Current joint-working Increased Gaelic synergy County Committee and work closely Committee codes and all levels (Club; relevant Ulster maintained. within Tyrone. with the County Committee and County; schools) Councils Management Committee. Present monthly reports to Administration Management Committee, County Committee and County Convention GAA Finance From 2013 forward Ensure existing Sub-Committees showing reconciled financial position: Committee (and those to be established in 100% compliant year-end reports Close supervision and best Camogie and for Handball): produced for auditors. practice planning, management • Set out work-plans at the start of Efficiently and effectively Process in place and and control of Tyrone GAA each year County managed Gaelic activities in Develop and implement a best worked to from 2013 finances • Report back through the various Committees Tyrone, with workloads shared practice Tyrone GAA Manual for GAA Finance forward. In place in 2013 County infrastructures during and burnout avoided. Finance and Internal Control policies Committee the year and procedures. • Report on their year’s work to County Conventions/AGMs. Develop and implement Central GAA Finance 2013-14 Council National Accounting System. Committee Move to full E-based communication More effective and efficient and registration within the Tyrone All communication to County communication in place, Develop rolling five-year Financial Gaelic games family and provide be E-based from 2014 Committees reducing the burden on Plan/Budget and Cash-Flows GAA Finance ongoing support and training to forward. In place by 2014 volunteers. incorporating annual Sub-Committee Committee facilitate this. plans and budgets. 24 Raising the Red Hand Higher Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge 25

What We Intend to Do Led By Targets Set Outcomes Sought What We Intend to Do Led By Targets Set Outcomes Sought

Income Maximization Planning/Review and Consultation

Enhance the scheduling; promotion; County Host a structured, facilitated Tyrone County Well-planned programmes of and pricing of Club Championship Committees Gaelic Games planning/review and Committees Strategic Tyrone Gaelic From 2013 forward. well-located games in place Annually from 2013 games to sustain their core GAA Finance consultation event involving all parts Strategy issues identified, discussed which maximize gate receipts. forward. financial contribution. Committee and levels of the Tyrone Gaelic family Implementation and addressed. (Club; County; schools; and Colleges). Committee Further develop strategies and systems for ‘gate management’, GAA Finance Safe control of a central element Marketing, Promotion and Communication From 2013 forward. including the collection and Committee of Tyrone GAA’s cash income. depositing of receipts. Maintain and develop use of County www.tyronegaa.ie, Facebook and Committees More people better informed GAA IT and in easily accessible ways about Keep Clubs and others aware of grant Twitter and integrate Tyrone LGFA, From 2013 forward. Communication Tyrone Gaelic business opportunities, from both GAA and GAA Finance Grant aid for Tyrone GAA Camogie and Rounders into these From 2013 forward. Committees and affairs. external sources. Committee maximized. vehicles as appropriate. PROs Maintain the production of ‘Red Hand Maximize Garvaghey’s income View’ match programmes at County potential whilst retaining tight Garvaghey delivering maximum GAA Spectators better informed GAA Finance and Club levels and include items/ control of its costs and ensuring its From 2013 forward. benefit at minimal cost to Communications Ongoing about Tyrone Gaelic business Committee features on Handball; Ladies Gaelic; loan repayments. Tyrone GAA. Committee and affairs. Camogie; and Rounders. GAA County Annual income targets set Ongoing underpinning of Tyrone County Committee Maintain Club Tyrone as a key and achieved GAA’s finances and continued Develop appropriate match-related Committees GAA PR and Building of the Tyrone Gaelic contributor to Tyrone GAA finances. Annual work-plans agreed bolstering and development of promotion and entertainment. GAA Culture and Ongoing Marketing brand/identity. and delivered. the Tyrone Gaelic brand/identity. PR & Marketing Committee Committees

Develop strategic and innovative County approaches to sponsorship and Host an annual facilitated workshop Committees commercial income for Tyrone Gaelic Ongoing underpinning of the GAA Better mutual understanding of Sponsorship of County involving the media and all levels of From 2013 forward. games, whilst: Tyrone Gaelic family’s finances Communications each others’ views and needs. County teams and main Tyrone Gaelic games. • Ensuring there is no conflict/ and continued bolstering and Committee Committees competitions consistently duplication within the Tyrone Gaelic development of the Tyrone PROs in place. games family Gaelic brand. • Avoiding sponsorship from sources Use major Tyrone fixtures (County County Promotion of all the games associated with ‘addictive activities’ and Club) to showcase the full Committees From 2013 forward. and building of the Tyrone Gaelic family of Gaelic games and GAA Culture brand/identity. Control of Expenditure associated activities. Committee

Partnerships with Others Maintain strict expenditure and GAA Finance More financially-sustainable Ongoing tendering control procedures. Committee Tyrone Clubs. Maintain the current links with Tyrone’s County Committees four Councils and work to establish Ongoing All Clubs producing GAA Management Maintain strict management of Fixed GAA Finance new links with the post-RPA Councils. In place by 2014 standardized, high quality year- Committee Asset and Stock Control. Committee end reports. Host a ‘Public/Other Bodies’ planning/ County consultation event every two years. From 2014 forward. Club Financial Mentoring and Support Committees Improved mutual understanding between sectors and joint- working to improve the quality Work with Ulster GAA to develop County Liaise with education authorities of social and economic life in and deliver ‘Management of Debt’ and Committees County More financially-sustainable regarding their development and Ongoing ‘Long-Term Viability’ support/advice In place in 2013 Tyrone generally. GAA Finance Tyrone Clubs. rationalization plans. Committees for Clubs. Committee

Support Clubs with financial best All Clubs producing Work with others to ensure Tyrone GAA Finance County practice and standardise year-end From 2014 forward standardized, high quality year- benefits to best economic effect from Committee Committees reporting through a mentoring strategy. end reports. major GAA games; events; etc. 26 Raising the Red Hand Higher Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge 27

What We Intend to Do Led By Targets Set Outcomes Sought

The ‘Respect’ Agenda

Develop and promote a ‘GIVE-EARN- GET Respect’ ethos at all levels via: County • All Tyrone Gaelic fixtures; blitzes; A Tyrone Gaelic ethos where all Committees Development Squads; etc From 2013 forward. participants’ input is respected, • Face-to-face meetings and events appreciated and honoured. • Tyrone Gaelic publications Clubs • All Tyrone Gaelic communication

County A Tyrone Gaelic ethos wherein Maintain a zero-tolerance approach to Committees Ongoing violence is shunned and physical violence at all levels. Clubs perpetrators are ostracised. GAA CCC

Safeguarding and Developing Young People

Implement (across all the Gaelic codes) the ‘Our Games Our Code’ County Safe settings for young people Code of Best Practice re working with Committees From 2013 forward across Gaelic Tyrone. Underage Players. Youth Committee Children’s Officer GAA County appointed in every Club Prioritize the welfare of children and Children’s Officer by 2014. young people within the County’s Clubs Influence policy and practice Gaelic games family. within the County.

County A Gaelic Tyrone that better Promote the development of Committees reflects young people’s views leadership skills in our youth, including GAA Youth and aspirations and the shaping From 2013 forward. via the establishment of a Youth Committee of future generations of Forum/Voice initiative. GAA County GAA volunteers, officers Children’s Officer and administrators.

Emigration

Identify and use GAA networks to County Improved quality of social help support Tyrone migrants pre and Committees From 2013 forward. and economic life for Tyrone post-migration. Clubs emigrants.

Maintain/develop links with Tyrone- County related GAA presences overseas, Building of the Tyrone Gaelic Committees From 2013 forward. especially in the USA; Britain; brand/identity. and Australia. Clubs

Consider 13-a-side games for Clubs GAA County Local impact of emigration on with reduced numbers. Committee From 2013 forward. the playing of Gaelic Clubs games reduced.

Continue to lobby for more County More native rural people appropriate rural planning and rural Committees Ongoing remaining in their own schools policies. Ulster GAA robust communities. 28 Raising the Red Hand Higher Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge 29

Theme 2: Games Development What We Intend to Do Led By Targets Set Outcomes Sought

Coaching Over the past decades Tyrone has invested heavily in the development of Gaelic games through the provision of ever-better facilities (see Themes 4 and 5 below) and coaching. It is now important to continue to fine-tune the coaching and roll it out across all the Gaelic codes. Produce a Tyrone Gaelic Games Coaching Framework which will: The recent focus on developing Hurling needs to be maintained and expanded. Ongoing facilities development will also help develop • Incorporate the 2012 Tyrone GAA the games. The emphasis within Development Squads needs to be on the multi-layered development of players and not on labeling Strategic Coaching Plan them as elite/high-level achievers: Development Squads also need to complement the work put in by Clubs and schools. • Prioritize the development and well- Framework developed Tyrone Gaelic games seen as being of the player and agreed by 2014 attractive and enjoyable by Refereeing is central to the games and Tyrone wants to continue to provide referee support regimes which aid referees and build on • Create synergies across the codes players at all levels; spectators; their talents/commitment rather than overburden them via bureaucratic assessment. • Avoid duplication and waste Coaching Plan reviewed coaches; volunteers; sponsors; • Make full use of the in 2014 and media via: Garvaghey resource County • Capitalize on Ulster-level programmes 120 Foundation and 60 • Raised standards of coaching Committees • Encourage more people to become Level 1 Handball coaches expertise in all Clubs and in What We Intend to Do Led By Targets Set Outcomes Sought GAA Coaching in place by 2017: formal all codes coaches in all codes Committee presentations of Level • Motivated coaches continually • Provide recognition for coaches GAA Youth 1+ certificates at County updating their expertise County Teams and Squads • Act against coach burn-out Committee level • Raised standards of playing • Fully establish ‘Go Games’ Clubs • Develop and roll-out player profiling abilities at Club and County Tyrone teams acting as the Ulster Councils Continue to support and resource, in GAA County (including injury history; successes; Full recorded profile of levels One Ulster SFC; U21FC; flagship for the GAA in the • sustainable ways, all Tyrone County Committee personal bests; S&C history; test skills of all 12 year olds Raised skills levels for or MFC per year. County and contributing to the available by 2016 underage players GAA teams. Clubs results; etc) • Tyrone GAA brand/identity. • Integrate lifestyle issues The use of full profiling for • Deliver at least one annual Tyrone Complete U14 pilot with all development and County Croke Park in 2013 squads Continue to roll-out the Tyrone GAA Gaelic Games Coaching Underage Development Strategy Workshop/Conference which includes: • Facilitate coach tutoring and mentoring being provided in-house • Player profiling to Clubs. GAA County • Structured coaching from session Ongoing Tyrone GAA players properly Committee to session prepared to take part in, enjoy Maintain/develop County Development GAA Coaching • Lifestyle management; player 10 squad sessions per and reap the full benefits from opportunities across all the Gaelic Players developed in line with Committee County In place from 2014 education; discipline; and ‘Respect player per year. Gaelic games. codes for young people aged 13 their potential and GDM Committees forward. for the Jersey’ and above. their aspirations. • Flexibility programme • Strength-and-conditioning input Lobby Councils to increase their • Minimal conflict with support for Gaelic games coaching, County Equitable and fair support for Club-based activities. Ongoing from 2013. including funding for Games Committees Gaelic games. Promotion Officers.

Improve the standard of Tyrone Improved ‘quantity and quality’ of County Handball, Camogie and At least one Rounders Work with Ulster GAA to provide County Committee Rounders play in Tyrone and the Rounders teams by: coaching event delivered Rounders coaching. Ulster GAA game seen as part of the pa from 2013 forward. Gaelic mainstream. • Using trials and good coaching LGFA and and management to ensure the Camogie County Tyrone Handball, Camogie and best players are ‘best-prepared’ to Win Camogie Senior All- Improved equality through Committees Rounders seen as strong and Provide, with Provincial and national County represent Tyrone at all levels Ireland National League Course(s) in place from increased numbers of qualified Rounders sustainable presences at inter- support and input, coaching courses in Committees • Establishing development squads Division 4 by 2015. 2013 forward. women coaches in place at Club; Committee County levels. all codes specifically for women. Ulster GAA (and re-focusing on the Minor Clubs school; and County levels. grade in Rounders) • Putting skills development; player Hurling performance; and lifestyle coaching in place. Resource, implement and monitor GAA County Hurling established as part of Tyrone GAA’s Five Year Strategic Plan Organize U13 to U16 ‘Super Touch’ Rounders More young people playing and Committee Ongoing the Gaelic fabric at all levels Three blitzes pa. for Hurling, 2012-2017. Rounders blitzes. Committee enjoying Rounders. Hurling Workgroup across Tyrone. 30 Raising the Red Hand Higher Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge 31

What We Intend to Do Led By Targets Set Outcomes Sought What We Intend to Do Led By Targets Set Outcomes Sought

Tyrone’s Schools Club Clustering

Maintain links and and liaison with Establish Club clusters to help develop County Access to the full range of County Clusters operating from Tyrone Cumann na mBunscol (which Ongoing Handball; Camogie; Hurling; Rounders; Committees Gaelic games provided across Committees 2014 forward. already promotes all the Gaelic codes). and the Irish language. Clubs all parts of Tyrone. Development and maintenance Maintain support for and liaison with of a ‘full life/full family’ ethos Refereeing Tyrone’s Second Level Schools and County in and around Gaelic games Ongoing ensure the place of Gaelic is not Committees in Tyrone and continued diminished via ongoing rationalizations. development of players at Establish a Tyrone Referees Academy all levels. which will: • Address and develop generic Promote the development of Club/ All Tyrone Clubs to have Gaelic games refereeing and School links. Clubs formal links in place discipline issues by 2015. • Identify and recruit new, young referees and encourage players, current and past, to get involved Establish links with the County Meet College Robust Gaelic presence in the County • Provide the support needed for South-West College. Committees management in 2013. College’s Tyrone campuses. Committees referees who wish to progress Ulster GAA Academy in place • Encourage sharing of referees GAA Referees from 2014. Continued delivery of good Support and encourage ‘One Wall’ across the codes Committee Handball 12 schools involved Access to Handball available to refereeing making games more Handball into Tyrone’s Second • Involve referees in coaching the Croke Park Level schools. Committee by 2014. teenagers across Tyrone. Rules, via a ‘Rules Programme’ enjoyable and fulfilling to play in; to be implemented with Clubs to watch; and to referee. Urban Tyrone throughout Tyrone • Implement a meaningful assessment scheme Bring the major urban Clubs together to A strong and sustainable Gaelic • Develop a ‘Give/Earn/ County Discussion held in 2013 ‘learn/share’ from each other re issues presence in Tyrone’s major Get Respect’ theme. Committees and yearly thereafter. faced and models of good practice. urban centres. Replace Assessor system with a GAA Referees Develop specific Gaelic/ Referee Coaching system within the From 2014 forward. County Joint-working to address social Committee Neighbourhood Renewal Area Meet NRA groups National Guidelines for referees. Committees and economic issues of initiatives/projects in Coalisland; in 2013. Dungannon; Omagh; and Strabane. Clubs mutual concern.

Target the development of Gaelic games within Strabane’s schools Task Force in place in County A stronger and more sustainable network via an Action Plan which will 2013 Committees Gaelic presence in one of ensure that all players engaged in the Resourced programme Clubs Tyrone’s major towns. schools’ programme are also being ready to roll out by 2015. catered for in/by a Club.

Rural Tyrone

Provide ‘practice-based’ support and advice to Clubs on amalgamations; County Committees joint-working; shared facilities; Ongoing from 2013. and support/funding from Clubs better-equipped to deal Ulster GAA non-traditional sources. with the consequences of depopulation in particular. At least two-thirds of rural Look in detail at the potential for GAA County Clubs involved in U21 amalgamations at U21 level. Committee competition from 2013. 32 Raising the Red Hand Higher Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge 33

Theme 3: Playing the Games What We Intend to Do Led By Targets Set Outcomes Sought

Club Fixtures and Competitions As in many Counties, Tyrone Gaelic games Club fixtures can often become the poor relation – though this is only infrequently due to the commitments of County teams. Issues that need to be addressed (some are more important within some of the Gaelic codes than others) include: Restructure Tyrone Adult and Junior Handball Handball Championships as Ongoing from 2013. • A meaningful Club playing year (at all levels) which starts on time in the Spring;; provides regular fixtures, particularly during the weekend tournaments. Committee Summer; and finishes in the Autumn Increased quantity and improved quality of Handball • Avoiding the parallel running of U18/U16; U16/U14; and U14/U12 fixtures played across Tyrone. Ongoing from 2013 • Proper treatment of the U21 grade Introduce ‘One Wall’ Handball Handball 16 new Clubs involved in • Recognition of the role of ‘gate money’ in funding Gaelic games at Club and County levels in Tyrone tournaments for Tyrone Clubs Committee and schools. Handball by 2016. • Lobbying at Ulster and national levels to tighten up the inter-County Championship seasons

What We Intend to Do Led By Targets Set Outcomes Sought

Club Fixtures and Competitions

Continue to provide Gaelic games Quality participation in quality opportunities across Tyrone for people County Gaelic games in quality settings Committees offered to everyone within of all abilities and at U6; U8; U10; U12; Ongoing U13; U14; U15/Og Sport; U16; U18; Tyrone, regardless of location; U21; and adult levels. Clubs ability; age; gender; background; or circumstances.

Continue with Master Fixtures Planning within Tyrone and aim to deliver: • Regular, ‘secure’ fixtures in all codes at all levels, centered on the Summer months • Minimal conflict between codes and grades/levels County • A culture where underage players Committees sought by different teams play at GAA CCC their ‘own grade/level’ Clubs • Proper treatment of U21 competitions • Structured social/recreational games • Involvement of all stakeholders (Clubs; schools; coaches; County managers; etc)

Schedule, locate and promote key County Additional resources are made fixtures to ensure gate receipts Ongoing are maximized. Committees available for Gaelic Tyrone.

Increase Camogie participation across Tyrone by: • Supporting existing Clubs to put development plans in place • Targeting schools Ongoing from 2013 • Developing U10 and U8 Go Games 5% increase in Camogie County Increased and stronger Camogie • Establishing Easter/Summer/ participation per Committee presence across Tyrone. Hallow’een Camps year sought. • Establishing at least two new Camogie clubs • Collaborating with other Gaelic codes to minimize dual players’ enforced choices. 34 Raising the Red Hand Higher Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge 35

Theme 4: Tyrone’s GAA Infrastructure What We Intend to Do Led By Targets Set Outcomes Sought

Playing Facilities In 1968 Tyrone GAA took the strategic decision to focus on the development of Club playing facilities. At that time fewer than 10% of Clubs had fully fit-for-purpose Club grounds: the total is now 100%, with a majority of Clubs now having at least two pitches and almost 40% having floodlit provision. All Tyrone GAA grounds now have proper changing facilities whilst nearly half also have Ongoing A fully fit-for-purpose Gaelic County covered accommodation for spectators. Cookstown Council’s Gaelic games provision at the Mid-Ulster Sports Arena (MUSA) is Ensure all new Gaelic provision is All new Tyrone Gaelic infrastructure in Tyrone which Committees exemplary and Garvaghey will contribute hugely to the ‘Tyrone Gaelic plant’. Sport NI planning norms show however that Tyrone ‘women-friendly’. facilities to be delivers true and meaningful Clubs is still 50 Gaelic pitches short of what’s needed to meet current demands. Agendas that still need to be taken forward ‘gender-proofed’. gender equality. therefore include:

Carry out audit of all Handball facilities Handball Understanding of what’s in place • Improved Council Gaelic games provision so as to begin matching what’s provided for other field/pitch-based sports Complete in 2013. in Tyrone. Committee and what’s needed. • More sharing with/by schools, especially of 3G resources and sports halls • Better access to GAA facilities for Ladies football; Camogie; and Rounders • Increased provision in Tyrone’s larger and growing urban areas (Omagh; Strabane; Dungannon; Cookstown; and Coalisland) Ongoing Provide additional ‘ball walls’ for hurling County Ball walls provided at 20% Improved participation in ‘small • Additional 3G and indoor provision to help combat what appears to be ‘climate change-induced’ more extreme weather and handball (will also progress Theme Committees of Tyrone Gaelic facilities ball’ Gaelic games across Tyrone. 7, Inclusion and Well-Being, below). Clubs by 2015

What We Intend to Do Led By Targets Set Outcomes Sought Supporting Facilities

County Grounds Develop Tyrone Gaelic facilities which are fully fit-for-purpose in terms of A fully fit-for-purpose Gaelic medical/recovery provision; women; Clubs Ongoing Tyrone infrastructure. Support and maintain Healy Park as a County referees; volunteers; administration; and regional Gaelic Stadium. Committees Ongoing social, cultural and heritage activities. Ulster Councils Continued capacity to host major Gaelic games fixtures in Tyrone, including all of Tyrone’s Improve the spectator experience at GAA County major home inter-County games Club grounds by: Continue to develop O’Neill Park Committee and major domestic fixtures. An improved ‘spectator offer’ Dungannon as Tyrone’s ‘Secondary’ Ulster GAA • Increasing the amount of covered leading to improved comfort; County Ground. Dungannon Clarkes spectator accommodation Clubs Ongoing higher attendances; greater • Providing toilets as required participation; and • Offering basic catering/refreshments improved revenues. Playing Facilities • Ensuring everything/everywhere is fully ‘disability friendly’.

Improved Gaelic infrastructure Lobby as appropriate to restore County Provide better signage, including Irish Capital funding restored in Tyrone with government government sports capital funding to Committees language signage, to and at ‘Way-finding’ to and at Gaelic from 2013 forward. delivering on its funding Clubs Ongoing (at least) pre-‘London 2012’ levels. Ulster Councils GAA facilities. facilities grounds made easy. responsibilities.

Lobby Councils for provision and Improved Gaelic infrastructure support (including cash development County in Tyrone and continuation grants for Clubs), especially in urban Committees Ongoing of current excellent areas where land assembly is Ulster Councils working relationships with more difficult. local government.

Improve collaboration and sharing of facilities with schools/the education sector by: Maximum use made of the • Offering schools and Colleges County available ‘Gaelic games plant’ access to all Tyrone Gaelic facilities Committees Ongoing in Tyrone and avoidance of • Lobbying for schools to open up Ulster Councils facilities out-of-hours and duplication and waste. in holidays • Lobbying for better Gaelic provision at Primary Schools 36 Raising the Red Hand Higher Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge 37

Theme 5: Managing Garvaghey

Tyrone’s Garvaghey project has been planned and built to act as an engine to help drive Gaelic games and culture in Tyrone on through the 21st Century. Garvaghey will be open and inclusive, offering the full ‘Tyrone Gaelic package’ to, in its own words, “the ordinary; the less ordinary; and the extra-ordinary”. The project needs to be vigorously managed and not become a drain on Club or other resources. Whilst Garvaghey will make a major additional contribution to the ‘Gaelic offer’ in Tyrone, other strategic resources such as MUSA; Council Leisure Centres/theatres/arts centres; Youth Sport, Omagh; and other major community and GAA facilities will still be required and will be supported by Tyrone GAA.

What We Intend to Do Led By Targets Set Outcomes Sought

Establish a Garvaghey Management Group (GMG), reporting to the Tyrone GAA County Committee GAA County GMG operational and County Convention and , to Committee from 2013. oversee the strategic management and development of Garvaghey.

Put in place and work to a Garvaghey: Garvaghey managed and used in business-like and focused ways • Business Plan (What will happen for the overall betterment of there and How it will Gaelic Tyrone. be Resourced) • Activities and Marketing Plan (programmes of Events and How GMG Ongoing from 2013. they will be Promoted/Marketed) • Operations Manual (What needs to be done When, by Whom and How to keep Garvaghey running to best effect).

A celebration and Officially open the Garvaghey complex GAA County Opening event on 28 acknowledgement of a major in an appropriate way(s). Committee September 2013. contribution to the Tyrone Gaelic legacy.

Create a Garvaghey Development Strategy setting out plans for further Strategy scoped, costed Continued responsiveness to the GAA County development such as ball walls; indoor and phased by end ongoing and developing needs Committee training provision; outdoor/green gyms; of 2013. of Gaelic Tyrone. enhancement of the environment; etc.

All County Sub-Committees and groups to consider how they will use Full buy-in to and use of Garvaghey and include that in their GAA Committees Ongoing from 2013. Garvaghey for the betterment annual work-plans. of Gaelic Tyrone. 38 Raising the Red Hand Higher Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge 39

Theme 6: What We Intend to Do Led By Targets Set Outcomes Sought Tyrone’s Gaelic Culture and Heritage Scór

The Tyrone Gaelic family is wedded to the belief that Gaelic games, culture and heritage are inextricably linked and a weakening of any one diminishes the others. There is a recognized need to ‘drive’ the Irish language but equally not do duplicate what the Identify a dedicated ‘Scór person’ in Clubs ‘language community’ is already doing. Whilst Scór is strong in Tyrone there is room for additional involvement and there is also every Club. scope for complementary culture-related activities at Club level. Tyrone’s heritage also needs a consistent focus. Finally, Garvaghey Improved participation in Scór will provide a vehicle to take much of this work forward at the strategic level. Ongoing from 2013. across Gaelic Tyrone. Support non-participating Clubs, possibly via mentoring from participating Clubs, to take part in Scór. What We Intend to Do Led By Targets Set Outcomes Sought County Committees GAA Culture The Irish Language Maintain and develop the practice of Committee Scór performers being showcased when and where possible in all Tyrone Ongoing The quality, importance and Unified approach to promoting Gaelic events. Create a dedicated Irish Language GAA County enjoyment’/feel-good of Scór Ongoing from 2014. and developing Irish across Officer position on Coiste Banisti. Committee showcased and promoted to Gaelic Tyrone. Host an annual ‘Best of the Best’ wider audiences. GAA Culture Tyrone Scór concert (possibly based Ongoing from 2013. Committee Revitalise the Tyrone GAA ‘Clubs County in Garvaghey). Re-running of Language Cluster’ model (see also Committees Ongoing from 2013. previously successful and ‘Club Clustering’ under Theme GAA Culture award-winning model. 2 above). Committee Culture and Heritage

Include language dimension in all County Make full use of Garvaghey resources County training (officers; coaches; Summer Committees Ongoing from 2013. to tell and explain ‘the story of Committees Improved understanding Camps; Club Maith accreditation; etc). Ulster GAA Tyrone’ through events; lectures/ GMG Ongoing from 2013. of Tyrone, its people and talks; exhibitions; displays; workshops; GAA Culture their development. seminars; etc. Committee Use basic Irish greetings in Clubs; Irish accepted as central to games; etc and ensure at least some Gaelic Tyrone and its activities Ongoing from 2013. bi-lingualism at all Tyrone County rather than as an optional Clubs to record; ‘translate’; and use (in Gaelic events. Valued part of Tyrone’s heritage Committees add-on. addresses and signage etc) town-land Clubs Ongoing GAA Culture and other local place names. retained in live, day-to-day usage. Committee Procure and promote the use of a Clubs ‘standard’ Tyrone GAA Irish Available from 2014. signage template. Where possible, Clubs to work with One such project Gaelic Tyrone’s culture and local schools on culture and heritage- Clubs delivered in every Club heritage sustained. related projects. area by 2017. Liaise and work jointly with the ‘language community’: host an annual meeting of language groups Investigate models for integrating County Identification of shared agendas; within Tyrone. culture/heritage dimensions into the Clear sense of how Gaelic Committees sharing of resources/joint- GAA County Potential model(s) Ongoing from 2013. annual Club Tyrone Summer camps and games, culture and heritage are GAA Culture working; and avoidance of Committee identified for 2013 Camps. include basic Irish language elements in inter-woven. Maintain/develop links/joint-working Committee waste/duplication. with Comhaltas; Conradh na Gaeilge; all summer camps. Pobal; Dun Uladh; Glor na nGael, Foras na Gaeilge; and Councils. Sustain the Ulster Provincial dimension Unique Provincial identities County via support for Provincial competitions Ongoing cherished, sustained Committees County and events and the ‘Railway Cup’. and promoted. Promote TG4; Radio na Gaeltachta; Committees Greater uptake within and programmes such as BBC’s ‘Blas’ GAA PR and Ongoing from 2013. Tyrone of existing Irish via Tyrone Gaelic events Marketing language broadcasting. and publications. Committee Clubs 40 Raising the Red Hand Higher Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge 41

Theme 7: Inclusion and Well-Being in Tyrone

“Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge” is in its own right probably the most inclusive Gaelic strategic plan produced to date, bringing together as it does the entire Tyrone Gaelic family and all the codes. This is innovative and pioneering but other aspects of inclusion that Tyrone has been focusing on for the past few years need to also remain a priority. These include being relevant to all age groups; retaining a core concern with the causes and consequences of deprivation and disadvantage; welcoming the ‘new Tyrone communities’; and engaging meaningfully with those established strong and vibrant Tyrone communities that are not of the Gaelic tradition.

What We Intend to Do Led By Targets Set Outcomes Sought

Inclusion of all the Gaelic Games

Assess/take forward shared/joint GAA/LGFA/Camogie/Rounders initiatives such as: An as seamless-as-possible • Joint fixture-planning and joint fixtures County Gaelic games package offered • Programmed access of all the Gaelic Committees codes to all GAA facilities Ongoing to the people of Tyrone and the ongoing building of a strong • Shared committee memberships Clubs • Shared sponsorships ‘Gaelic Tyrone’ brand. • A ‘One Tyrone’ Gaelic games branding via a shared Tyrone shirt; crest; etc

Wider Inclusion

Continue to roll out/develop initiatives such as ‘Have a Go’; ‘Gaelic 4 Mums’; County Ongoing ‘Game of Three Halves’; ‘SHe’s ACe’; Committees and special needs-related events. Achievement and delivery of a ‘something-for-everyone’ Tyrone Use Garvaghey (particularly its 3G, Gaelic games package. indoor and events/performance resources) to deliver new opportunities GMG Ongoing from 2013. for a wide range of people.

Improved mutual understanding Examine potential for joint GAA/ County Ongoing and appreciation of our shared Ulster-Scots events and initiatives. Committees Tyrone heritages.

Translate basic GAA material/ County Improved engagement with the notices into most-used migrant Ongoing from 2013. workers’ languages. Committees ‘New Tyrone’ communities.

Health and Well-Being

Continue to roll out and develop the ASAP programme across the entire Tyrone Gaelic games family. County Continue to roll out and develop the Committees Improved quality of life ‘Live to Play’ initiative. GAA ASAP Officer Ongoing and personal well-being Ulster GAA within Tyrone. Clubs Build links with bodies such as Neighbourhood Renewal; HPSS Trusts; Councils; etc.

Continue to roll out and develop the County Improved community cohesion GAA’s ‘Social Initiative’ Committees Ongoing and improved inclusion of an ‘at Clubs risk’ group. 42 Raising the Red Hand Higher Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge 43

Making it All Happen

Each of the governing bodies involved in Tyrone GAA expects that each County • Monitor Tyrone GAA progress in “Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge GAA Sub-Committee and Working implementing the Plan … Raising the Red Hand Higher” will Group will directly reflect appropriate put its own arrangements in place to actions from Ag Ardú Níos Airde na • Liaise with Tyrone GAA Sub- monitor progress. The ‘cross-code’ Laimhe Deirge … Raising the Red Hand Committees and Working Groups re Integration Committee will oversee the Higher” in their annual work-plans. This their implementation of the Plan strategic roll-out of the Plan. will be central to the Plan’s successful implementation. • Report back to the Tyrone County Each organization will also work to its GAA Committee on progress with own more detailed plans. Tyrone GAA has also put a Strategic the Plan Implementation Committee in place to oversee its implementation of the Plan. • Report formally to the Tyrone GAA The Committee will: County Convention on progress with the Plan and associated issues Ag Ardú Níos Airde na Laimhe Deirge Raising the Red Hand Higher

COISTE Thír EOGHAIN

Tyrone COUNTY COMMITTEE GAA

230 Radergan Road Garvaghey Dungannon Co Tyrone BT70 2EH

Tel: 028 855 67723 EMAIL: [email protected]