Clara GAA & Club

5 Year Development Plan

www.clara..gaa.ie 5 Year Plan 2012 - 2017 5 Year Plan 2012 - 2017 Pg 1 www.clara.kilkenny.gaa.ie n 2012 - 2017

Table of Contents

METHODOLOGY USED ...... 4

CLUB HISTORY ...... 5

ROLL OF HONOUR ...... 7

MISSION, VISION, VALUES ...... 8

CLUB STRUCTURES AND ADMINISTRATION...... 11

COACHING AND GAMES DEVELOPMENT ...... 13

FINANCE AND FUNDRAISING ...... 17

FACILITIES AND DEVELOPMENT ...... 20

COMMUNICATIONS, PR AND CULTURE ...... 23

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METHODOLOGY USED

At the Senior Club’s AGM in November 2011 the idea was first discussed of holding two forums – one for the Senior Club and one for the Bord na nÓg section – to discuss all the issues currently facing the club and to put some direction on where the club is going into the future.

At the monthly Executive meetings in January & February 2012 these ideas were teased out and it was decided that the club should prepare a Five Year Strategic Development Plan using the process used to develop The GAA Strategic Vision and Action Plan 2009-2015.

The Club wanted a plan that would be developed by its members and would allow it to grow and develop over the next five years, addressing specific issues and challenges facing the Club. The plan would be constructed around the values and traditions of the Club, to try to maximise participation across all sections of the Club and provide a roadmap for the Club for the future.

In March 2012, a club planning workshop was held in the clubhouse in which over 40 people participated drawn from the following areas; senior club coaches and officers, juvenile club coaches and officers, adult players, camogie club coaches and officers, parents, supporters and sponsors.

This workshop was facilitated by John Healy & Brendan O’Sullivan of Kilkenny County Board and working in small groups the gathering discussed 5 main areas namely:

 Club Structure & Administration  Coaching & Games Development  Finance & Fundraising  Facilities Development  Communications, PR & Culture

Each group sat down to discuss the issues within their area and a chairperson was appointed to each group to head the discussion and to collate the information. At the end of the workshop each chairperson briefly went through the various issues raised within the groups to give all present a flavour of what was being discussed under each of the 5 headings.

It was then agreed that each of the 5 chairpersons would develop the ideas discussed and would structure them into a workable and realistic draft plan to be delivered over the next five years and that a further meeting of all members would be arranged at which this draft document could be discussed in detail, amended or added to as required and ultimately ratified. This meeting was held on the 4th May, 2012 and the 5 year plan was formally ratified by the members of Clara GAA Club.

The methodology was simple. It was based on consulting the membership at all levels and enabling them to have an active input into the plans to develop the club into the future. The members of Clara GAA Club developed this Club Plan.

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CLARA GAA & CAMOGIE CLUB HISTORY

Clara GAA Club was founded in 1954.

The Clara hurlers were originally called the Moat hurlers. They later changed their name to St. Colman’s, Clara (St. Colman is the patron saint of the parish). Since 1960 they have been known as Clara. The first Clara colours were green with white collars. This was later changed to white with diagonal yellow stripes. Around 1960 the jerseys were changed again to, green with white collar and cuffs. Around 1963 the club beat Danesfort in a tournament game in Callan and was presented with a set of jerseys. These jerseys were maroon with white collar and cuffs and from that time onwards Clara settled on maroon and white.

Famous Members

Clara is unique in that it is the only parish in the county to have a player on both the Hurling and Camogie ‘Teams of the Century’.

Jimmy Langton was born in Lavistown, near the railway crossing, and he went on to become a hurling legend, winning senior All-Irelands with the Cats in 1939 and ’47. Jimmy played his early hurling in the quarry field and later joined the Brett’s and Ryan’s of Maddoxtown where his hurling skills were honed. He scored three points in each of the senior All-Ireland he won with Kilkenny. In the 1984 ‘Team of the Century’ Jimmy Langton was one of four Kilkenny hurlers chosen – the others being , and .

Liz Neary from Dunbell was named on the Camogie ‘Team of the Century’. Liz had a distinguished inter-county career with Kilkenny from 1968 to 1987. She won seven All-Ireland senior camogie titles with the cats and seven club All-Irelands with St. Paul’s, Kilkenny as well as All-Ireland college’s medals in 1967 and ’68. She is also holder of four National Hurling League medals

The most-decorated inter-county player produced by the Clara club is undoubtedly Paddy Prendergast. He is the holder of three All-Ireland senior hurling medals and three National Leagues, one Railway Cup medal and one Oireachtas title. A very fine, no-nonsense defender Paddy won his All-Irelands at left half back but also played at centre back, corner back and full back. Holder of All-Ireland senior colleges, minor and All-Ireland Under-21 medals, Paddy was named as an All-Star in 1982.

Another Clara man who should not be forgotten is the late Tom Ryan. Tom played as a defender with his native Kilkenny at junior county level. He went to work in Enniscorthy and joined the local St. Aidan’s club but it was when he transferred to attack that Tom Ryan made his name as a hurler. He played in three successive All-Ireland senior hurling finals with his adopted Wexford – 1954, when the Slaneysiders lost to Cork, 1955 when Galway were beaten in the final, and in 1956 when Cork were defeated. Besides his two All-Irelands, Tom also won two National Leagues and two Oireachtas medals with ‘The Yellowbellies.’ It was widely recognised that the man from Clara was the missing link in the Wexford forward line needed to unlock opposing defences and in that regard he played a vital part in the Model County becoming one of the great teams of the century.

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Fr. , a native of Clifden in Clara, who works as a missionary priest in Africa, played minor with Kilkenny in 1960-’61 and county junior in ’62, as well as being a substitute on the Kilkenny senior team which defeated Tipperary in the All-Ireland final of 1967. He kept goal for the cats in the minor success over Tipp in 1961 when Kilkenny won 3-13 to 0-15.

Harry Ryan holds an All-Ireland SHC medal from 1983 while won a Celtic Cross with the cats in 2003.

Club Achievements

Club’s greatest day arrived on September 28, 1986 when the wearers of the maroon and white captured the Tom Walsh Cup as Kilkenny senior hurling champions for the only time in the club’s history.

It was a magnificent achievement for a small club like Clara to rise to senior ranks and beat the defending champions, mighty Ballyhale Shamrocks, in the county final. The sides were level at 1-7 (Clara) to 3-1 (Shamrocks) at half time but in a nail-biting finish a Joe Casey goal won the day for Clara. Clara had beaten Shamrocks in the opening game of the ’86 SHC by a two point margin before beating Erin’s Own of Castlecomer, 1-15 to 1-7, while St. Lachtain’s of Freshford were beaten by 1-24 to 1-5.

1986 Kilkenny Senior County Hurling Final Champions

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ROLL OF HONOUR

1963 - Clara defeated Ballyhale to win the Kilkenny Under-14 hurling championship. 1968 - Clara won Under 21 title beating Mooncoin 1969 - Clara won Under 21 title beating Tullogher 1969 - Clara juniors won their first junior title. 1970 - Clara won Under 21 title beating Dunnamaggin. 1974 - Clara minor hurlers captured the county MHC title defeating Thomastown in the final. 1977 - Kilkenny’s junior title was landed with final victory over Tullogher. 1979 - Clara beat the Shamrock’s in the Under-21 County final. 1982 - Clara was crowned county Intermediate champions, beating Carrickshock in the decider. 1983 - The U-21 ‘B’ title was won by Clara, beating Slieverue in the final 1984 - Glenmore lost out to Clara in the U-21 ‘A’ final. 1985 - Clara won the county minor ‘B’ crown 1986 - Clara won the Kilkenny Senior County Title. 1988 - Clara won the Under-16 county ‘B’ championship 1989 - Clara was crowned county minor ‘B’ champions. 1998 - Clara won the Intermediate county title, beating Mooncoin in the final. 2000 - Clara National School won their first Roinn ‘C’ title 2001 - Clara won the county Intermediate League 2001 - Under-14 Roinn ‘B’ championship was won, 2001 - U-16 Roinn ‘B’ championship 2001 - Minor Roinn ‘B’ championship and league double 2003 - Clara won the Under-21 Roinn ‘B’ county championship 2007 - Clara won the Intermediate final defeating Freshford. 2007 - Clara Camogie won the Junior Championship 2007 - Won the Minor A title 2007 - Clara Camogie won the Minor Championship 2007 - Won the U16 Title 2007 - Clara Camogie won the U14 Championship 2010 - Won the Leinster League Group 3 2011 - Won the Leinster League Group 1 2011 - Won the Junior Football League 2011 - Won the Junior Hurling League 2011 - Won the U21 Camogie championship

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MISSION, VISION, VALUES The GAA’s values are the heart and soul of our Association. In every Club they are what bind us, what makes us unique and what attracts more and more players, members, volunteers and supporters.

Club Mission Statement

"The GAA is a Community based volunteer organisation promoting Gaelic Games, culture and lifelong participation."

Clara GAA Club is committed to the promotion and preservation of Gaelic games and culture through sustained community effort.

We aim to develop the skills and potential of all our members in their chosen roles. At all times, we strive towards ensuring that the games we play, the environment within which we play them and the values and identity we pass on will be an example to and an asset to the families, members, youth and community that we serve.

Our club values children, young people and adults of our community and welcome their participation in all our activities.

We reach out to and include all members of our society.

We welcome everybody to be part of our club regardless of age, ability, gender, race, ethnicity, religious belief sexuality or social/ economic status.

We undertake to enforce and maintain a strict Code of Conduct , where the dignity of the individual is upheld and protected at all times and where any form of behaviour, that could be construed as being of threatening, intimidating, or a bullying nature, will not be engaged in nor tolerated. We also adhere to the GAA’s Code of Behaviour and Code of Best Practice which complements the Irish Sports Council’s Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport and addresses the appropriate levels of behaviour, practice and conduct required from our young players, officials, coaches, trainers, mentors, supporters, parents/guardians and clubs. The full content of these policies can be found on the GAA’s website – www.gaa.ie.

We regard the club as a community that prizes an atmosphere of respect, disciplines, security and harmony, in which quality coaching and athletic skills can develop.

We treasure the uniqueness of each member of the club, and are dedicated to ensuring their safety and well- being, in all their activities.

This club recognizes that all involved in working with children and young people, have a special duty of care towards them, and have the appropriate procedures put in place. We encourage all our players, male and female, to strive for excellence.

We pledge to engage with our members and community, in an open, honest and transparent manner.

Our club extends a special welcome to immigrants and non nationals, and, will actively encourage and support their integration into the wider community, through the club’s activities.

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Policy of non-discrimination Every individual member of Clara GAA Club should, at all times, show respect and understanding for their rights, safety and welfare, conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the Club and the guidelines contained in the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport in Ireland. Clara GAA Club respects the rights, dignity and worth of every person and will treat everyone equally within the context of their sport, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, ethnicity, religious belief sexuality or social/ economic status. Clara GAA Club is committed to everyone having the right to enjoy their sport in an environment free from threat of intimidation, harassment and abuse. All members have a responsibility to oppose discriminatory behavior and promote equality of opportunity.

Vision Our vision is that everybody has the opportunity to be welcomed to take part in our games and culture, to participate fully, to grow and develop and to be inspired to keep a lifelong link with our Association. We continuously reach out to recruit and include all members of our community and ensure that all Club members have the opportunity to be welcomed, feel valued and appreciated, and are afforded the opportunity to grow and develop a clear identity and sense of belonging to our club, parish and community.

Values Our players and members are our greatest asset and priority. Effective teamwork, showing respect and appreciation, on and off the field of play, for our coaches, referees, opposing teams and officials are actively promoted and encouraged at all times. All members, players and officials will be treated with respect and dignity at all times in how we interact with one another to achieve our objectives, goals and targets. In adopting and working by these values, Clara will continue to grow and develop. Our Club provides an outlet and focal point of our community. Collectively, we stand together as we aim to meet our objectives and challenges.

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VALUE WHAT THIS MEANS

- Community is at the heart of our club. Everything we do helps to enrich the community we serve. Community Identity - We foster a clear sense of identity and place.

Amateur - We are a volunteer led organisation

Status - 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 of our players

Inclusiveness - We welcome everybody to be part of our club

- We reach out to and include all members of our society

- 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 - We provide the best playing experience for all our players

- We structure our games to allow players of all abilities to reach their Welfare potential

Teamwork - Effective teamwork on and off the field is the cornerstone of our club

- Ni neart go cur le cheile (There is no strength without working together)

Conclusion The GAA grew its base nationally from a dedicated volunteer structure and Clara is no different to any other club in this regard. We are extremely fortunate to have so many people willing to give of their time in the promotion of Gaelic Games through their involvement in Hurling, Gaelic Football, Camogie and Ladies Football. With roots in every Community and Parish in the 32 Counties the GAA is a huge presence. It is more than just sport. It is part of what we are. It provides an outlet for thousands of people around the country and they all share in the joys and disappointment of their clubs in the quest for honours and whether you are a player, former player, administrator, supporter, member or parishioner, you will always be welcome in your local GAA club – Clara.

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CLUB STRUCTURES AND ADMINISTRATION

Aim To achieve best practice in club administration and to extend to all of our members, both new and existing, an opportunity to give of their time, expertise and enthusiasm, by contributing to the club in their area of choice.

In five years time we will be able to say: “We have achieved excellence in how we have structured our Club. All key sections in the Club are represented on all appropriate committees and on the Club Executive and all members are given the opportunity to get involved in the club, in the area of their choice.

Background Clara has seen a huge increase in its level of activities both on and off the pitch. On the pitch we can see the formation and growth of both Ladies Football and Camogie as well as development of two pitches, a training area and modern dressing rooms. However the same management structure is still in existence as existed twenty years ago. Briefly this is the election of an Executive Committee to run the Club with some loose committee structures. We have now looked in detail at how we could review the structures and come up with a proposal to maximise the talent we have within the Club, attract new talent and integrate all sections within the Club, for the benefit of all within the community.

Project outcome

In 2016 when we look back on our proposals we would like to see that 1. The work load has spread over a greater number of people 2. Volunteers focussed their time, energy and expertise with their sub-committee of choice 3. All new members are allowed to develop their leadership potential 4. Members who sit on the representative committees are given a sense of belonging and achievement 5. An appreciation that none of us are good at everything, but we are all good at something 6. Clara is an open vibrant club that people are made welcome to join and remain part of 7. A formal reporting system that integrated the structures of the Club has been put in place. 8. Management Committee is allowed to focus on Clara – The Whole Club 9. An excellent working organisation has been built. The proposed changes to our club’s administrative structures create an opportunity for everyone associated with Clara GAA to experience a feeling of both affiliation and achievement.

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Action Outcome Sought Timescale Responsibility Draw up a Club Mission To have a vision that all members May 2012 Executive Statement strive to achieve Committee Review structure of Executive Implement best practice. Submit October 2012 Executive Committee changes to AGM Committee Review structure of Define make up and responsibilities August 2012 Executive Sub-committees of each sub-committee. Get all Committee sub-committees up and running Review structure and role of Define structure, role and August 2012 Executive Ctte/ Bord na nÓg responsibilities of Bord na nÓg Bord na nÓg Ctte Review system for appointment Transparent structure to appoint all October 2012 Executive of managers and selectors at managers and selectors Committee all levels Implement Club Constitution Ensure that the Club Constitution is Ongoing Executive followed and available to all members. Committee Training of Officers Provide manual & training for officers Ongoing Executive Committee Identify ASAP Officer Appoint ASAP Officer June 2012 Executive spectators Committee ASAP Officer addresses all Inform players of the dangers of October 2012 ASAP Officer teams alcohol and substance abuse Draft ASAP policy Club adopt ASAP policy May 2013 ASAP Officer Use GAA registration database Register all members as is Croke Park Ongoing Registrar requirement Update registration database Keep registration and other relevant Ongoing Registrar with as much information as possible information of members updated i.e. who is Garda vetted, foundation course holders, first aid courses etc.

Define role of Trustees Ensure Trustees are in place with May 2012 Chairman relevant documentation updated Club Insurance All insurances to be kept up to date Ongoing Secretary Review Camogie Club One club?? Submit proposals to AGM November 2012 Executive Ctte/ integration into GAA Club Camogie Club Review Ladies Football Club One club?? Submit proposals to AGM November 2012 Executive Ctte/ integration into GAA Club Ladies F/ball Club Implement best practice and ensure that Executive Draw up a Club H&S Statement we operate in a safe environment November 2012 Committee

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COACHING AND GAMES DEVELOPMENT

Aim To provide games in a sporting atmosphere for everyone and achieve competitive success at all levels of competition, for all age groups up to senior level.

Key Project Develop a Coaching and Games Development Committee to provide support and education to coaches and to promote best practice at all levels and ensure that all players get the opportunity for involvement in a quality fixture programme.

In five years time we will be able to say: “Our underage section is one of the best in the County. We have achieved excellence in coaching standards and continually encourage skill development by providing games for our young players in a safe and enjoyable environment. Our adult teams will perform to their full potential because the highest standards of coaching and player/team development are available at our Club.”

Improve Coaching Standards The Coaching & Games Development Committee will put in place a programme that will ensure that each player receives the highest standard of coaching. The committee will ensure that all Club coaches will receive GAA coach education qualifications and will have a minimum of a Foundation Level coaching certificate in order to ensure that the standard of coaching improves. Communication with coaches and players will be improved so that best practices are shared across all teams. We will also identify new referees, who will receive referee education and assistance from the County Board.

Coaching and Games Officer We will appoint a Coaching and Games Officer, who will be responsible for overseeing all coaching and games related policies.

Underage Games Programme We will put in place a programme of games for all players involving Go Games and Super Touch blitzes within the club and with other clubs. This will ensure that all players get meaningful activity in an environment that promotes skill development.

Club/School Link We will continue to develop close links with our primary and secondary level schools. We will provide support and advice to the schools in promoting our games.

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Code of Conduct for Coaches, Parents & Players The Coaching & Games Development Committee will support the Club Code of Conduct through all of its activities with the aim of ensuring that training and games are conducted in a safe environment for both players and coaches. We will promote respect and discipline towards match officials, team mates, opposition and spectators. We will also put in place the GAA Code of Best Practice and Code of Behaviour and ensure that all volunteers working with children are Garda vetted.

Player and Coach Recruitment and Retention We will address the fall-off in playing numbers, particularly at underage level as well as from Minor to Senior. This will require a combined effort across the whole Club in improving coaching standards, playing facilities, ensuring a regular games programme for all players and development of a deeper sense of belonging to the club. In respect of the Senior Club, a key factor in attracting and retaining players will be for the club to regain Senior status. The key focus of the Camogie Club during the term of the plan will be to expand the player base.

Former players have valuable experience and knowledge that can be applied to the coaching and preparation of players at all levels. In order to increase the number of former players it is proposed to focus on recruitment of players, coaches and indeed, other members of the community in non-games related roles within the Club. Volunteer recruitment will be a key responsibility of everyone within the club structure to ensure that all available talent is identified.

Intermediate Camogie

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Action Outcome Sought Timescale Responsibility To put a structure in place within the Club to Establish Coaching & Games coordinate coaching activities, to provide Development Committee support to coaches and promote best (C&GD) practice at all levels 2013 Executive Committee Club Coaching Officer To oversee all aspects of games 2013 Executive development in the Club and ensure the Committee best possible coaching structures are in place in the Club Club/School link in place - To cement the relationship between the 2013 Coaching & Games Club/School Liaison Officer local school and the Club and ensure Committee that the children are receiving GAA Coaching Nursery programme in place To encourage our young players to Ongoing Executive Ctte/ for 4 to 6 year olds become involved in Gaelic Games in a Coaching & Games fun and safe environment Committee Go Games model in place for To ensure that all U-8, U-10 & U-12 Ongoing Executive Ctte/ all U-8, U-10 & U-12 players players get appropriate games in a fun Coaching & Games environment that promotes skill Committee development Fun Do Education Resource To aid our club coaches in skill Ongoing Executive Ctte/ Pack (Go Games) available for development of players Coaching & Games all juvenile coaches Committee Games for everyone To put in place a meaningful programme Ongoing Executive Ctte/ of games for all youth players (6-18 Coaching & Games years). Small sided games from U-12 Committee Down To encourage more parents to To increase the number of coaches Annually Executive Ctte/ become coaches. Hold available to the Club Coaching & Games information meeting each year Committee with parents of juvenile players All Club Coaches to receive GAA To ensure that our coaches are trained 2012 Executive Ctte/ Coach education and have to the best possible standards Coaching & Games access to coaching resources Committee Cul Camp held & promoted each To give all children in the community the Executive Ctte/ year supported by our own Club opportunity to be coached in Gaelic Games Coaching & Games coaches Ongoing Committee

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Action Outcome Sought Timescale Responsibility

To put the GAA Code of To promote an environment of respect in Best Practice and Code of the Club and to ensure that all children Executive Ctte/ Coaching & Behaviour in place participate in a safe environment Ongoing Games Committee All coaches working with To ensure that all children participate in Ongoing Executive Ctte/ underage players to attend a safe environment Coaching & Games Child Protection Workshop Committee All coaches working with To ensure that all children participate in Ongoing Executive Ctte/ underage players to receive a safe environment Coaching & Games Garda Vetting Committee All coaches to receive To improve the agility, balance and 2012 Executive Ctte/ training in fundamental co-ordination of our players Coaching & Games movement Committee All coaches to receive First To ensure the safety of our players 2013/2014 Executive Ctte/ Aid training Coaching & Games Committee Club Forum to be held to To agree the best way forward for 2012 Executive Ctte/ discuss all aspects of coaching coaching within the Club Coaching & Games Committee Introduce a social aspect to To increase the interaction between all Winter 2012 Executive Ctte/ Clara GAA Club for players and members of the Club Coaching & Games members Committee New referees identified and To ensure the Club has sufficient referees Ongoing Executive Ctte/ trained at adult level and as at juvenile and adult level Coaching & Games "Young Whistlers" Committee Produce a winter programme To keep fitness levels up during the Winter 2012 Executive Ctte/ for adult players close season Coaching & Games Committee All coaches to have at least Coaches to have at least basic knowledge Ongoing Executive Ctte/ Foundation Level coaching of coaching and to have other courses Coaching & Games standard and to have made available i.e. physical training, Committee availability of ongoing courses core group training, weights training etc. in specialist training areas

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FINANCE AND FUNDRAISING

Aim The aim of this section is to make sure that we try to achieve the highest standards of professional financial excellence with full transparency within the cub. The monies now required to run the club each year are similar to any small business.

Key Project To ensure that there is funding in place to finance the day to day running costs of the club and to support the continued sustainable development and improvement of the club’s facilities for the enjoyment of all members.

Finance & Funding Sub-Committee A Finance & Fundraising sub-committee should be set up with responsibility to ensure that a proper financial system is in place and to identify and organise fundraising activities for the Club. It will provide funding for day to day expenditure in addition to the delivery of the various projects identified by the sub-committees of the club within the time frames set out.

This sub-committee must be given some teeth in relation to financial decision making within the club. For instance, in relation to any proposed development projects it should have the power to closely examine the costs involved, the benefits of the project to the club and the club’s capacity to fund such projects. It should then have the power to make recommendations to the Executive Committee as to whether the club has the ability to deliver financially on these projects or not.

We should also try to ensure that there are at least 2-3 people from the general membership of the club on the Finance & Fundraising Committee (not already on the Executive Committee, Bord na nOg Committee or Camogie Committee). This will give an opportunity to involve new people in an important area of the club and to possibly involve people with relevant knowledge, experience and expertise in this area.

Governance We must ensure the club complies with the highest accounting and financial regulatory standards. We will do this by ensuring that we:

• Have appropriate financial controls in place • Always get value for money • Protect our assets • Have appropriate resources to achieve our aims • Have clear lines of responsibility and accountability throughout the club

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Club Spending We will seek value for money in all costs we incur. We will have a clear and transparent process for spending approval.

Budgets An analysis of the club’s income and expenditure over recent years will be undertaken and realistic budgets for 2012 and onwards will be drawn up.

Sponsorship Policy In the difficult current economic climate we will look at the issue of sponsorship and formulate a clear sponsorship policy for the club going forward.

Fundraising We, as a Club, will need to maintain our regular income generators such as collection of membership, the Parish lotto and the sale of Piltown tickets.

The Senior section of the club together with the Bord na nOg section and the Camogie club should pool their collective resources and jointly look at running two main fundraising events each year for the benefit of all sections of the club with the proceeds being split between the Hurling & Camogie clubs as agreed.

We need to involve new people in the fundraising efforts in order to spread the workload more evenly. We also need to prepare an annual calendar of fundraising events across all sections of the Club to ensure that fundraising activities of the various sections do not clash.

Leinster League Champions 2010/2011

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Action Outcome Sought Timescale Responsibility Finance & Fundraising To organise and oversee Within 1/2 Executive months of Committee appointed the preparation of accounts the Committee various by Executive Committee and fundraising in the Club AGM's

Proper financial systems in place. Defined approval process for club spending with Proper and effective control of all Finance & Fundraising clear guidelines and controls club finances Ongoing Sub-Committee Prepare Annual Budgets To help the Club prepare for By end of Club Treasurer the year ahead and to help February & all Club plan for fundraising events each year Chairpersons In advance Club accounts audited/ To ensure best practice is of Club Treasurer checked each year followed AGM A clear policy on club 2 major fundraising events Present to Finance & fundraising for all each year - May/November Executive Fundraising sections of the club New innovative ways to at March Sub-Committee Fundraising calendar generate additional funding meeting Maintain/Increase income Maintain/increase income Ongoing Finance & from main existing from membership, lotto, Fundraising revenue streams Piltown draw, sports gear Sub-Committee Policy on Sponsorship A defined club sponsorship Present to Finance & policy (covering all aspects Executive Fundraising including main club, bord na at April Sub-Committee nÓg, signage, general) meeting By the end Collection of membership Ensure all members have of Registrar(s) fees paid membership as early February as possible each year Explore Grants/ Tax Be familiar with all aspects Ongoing Finance & Exemptions of obtaining grants and tax Fundraising exemptions Sub-Committee

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FACILITIES AND DEVELOPMENT

Aim To provide top class playing, training, spectator and social facilities for all our members and for the use of others who visit our club or use the facilities.

Key Project: To upgrade the clubhouse and to continue the planned development of the overall playing facilities and club grounds.

In five years time we will be able to say: “We have improved our facilities in Clara over the past few years by working hard and ensuring we achieved value for money and an acceptable return for our investment of both our time and money. Our players, members and visitors whether involved in Hurling, Football, Camogie, or social visitors now enjoy the very best facilities in the area on and off the pitch‟‟.

It has been long acknowledged that we needed to upgrade and expand our facilities to cater for a growing membership. We have carried out a number of projects over the past few years namely:

 New nets behind the goals on both pitches  Floodlighting for the training area  Provision of a viewing bank on the second pitch  New wall from the entrance to the car park  Verti-draining of both pitches and training area

Plans are also in place for the following:

 Fencing and railing of Pitch No. 1  Provision of a wall ball facility  Footpath from main entrance to car park  Lighting of footpath from main entrance to car park  Lay pipe and close drain behind goals  Remove rubble and hazardous material from car park  Upgrading and development of clubhouse and dressing rooms  Pedestrian walkway (with lights)

A development and facilities committee is to be put in place to plan and oversee these projects. It is accepted that some of these projects involve serious financial outlay, however with all sections of the club working together over the next 5 years it is hoped that all of these projects can be completed.

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Action Outcome Sought Timescale Responsibility Clear Drain Main Outlet Prevent Flooding 2011 Executive Committee Provision of nets behind Upgrade current facilities 2011 Executive goals on both pitches Committee Installation of floodlights Enhance training facilities 2011 Executive on training area Committee Provision of grass bank on Improved facility for spectators 2011 Executive Pitch No. 2 for viewing matches Committee Provision of wall from Traffic control and pedestrian 2011 Executive main entrance to car park safety Committee Provision of wall ball To enhance ball and hurling May Executive facility skills 2013 Committee Fencing and railing of Crowd control and safety May Development Pitch No. 1 2013 Committee

Provision of footpath from Safety for members and May Ground main entrance to car park spectators 2013 Development Committee Public lighting of footpath Safety for all users May Ground and car park 2013 Development Committee Lay pipe and close drain Safety and better use of grounds May Ground behind Pitch No. 2 2013 Development Committee Remove rubble and Increase capacity of car park and May Ground hazardous material from Health & Safety 2013 Development car park Committee Pedestrian walkway (fully Community integration with GAA lit) club February Ground 2013 Development Committee Upgrading and development of Enhancement of club facilities for May Ground clubhouse/dressing rooms players and members 2013 Development Committee

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Proposed Plan for community walkway

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COMMUNICATIONS, PR AND

CULTURE Aim We aim to continuously improve the profile of the Club in the community. We will use all available means to promote our facilities and activities in order to present ourselves in the most attractive and positive manner possible. We want all of our members to be aware of everything that is happening in the Club and this will be communicated through the most modern and efficient methods as well as the traditional methods.

Overview Ireland has changed radically in the past ten years and this change has been most evident in how we communicate with one another and who we communicate with on a daily basis. Although the landscape has changed and the tools are different the principles of good communication remain the same:

 Clarity of message and information  Ensuring that everyone gets the same consistent message  Communication is two way – there is a method of reply/feedback

From mobile phones to e-mail to websites to Twitter, Bebo & Facebook, the way in which information is made available to everyone young and old has changed drastically. These advances in technology and their universal acceptance at both a global, national and local level are at the heart of our thinking for this communications plan for Clara GAA & Camogie 2012-2017. In defining our core objectives we have kept a number of key areas.

Key Areas

Inclusion We want to maintain full coverage for all of our members. We are keen to not focus solely on website based communication – we need to ensure that anyone can access the information whether they have access to a computer or not. We mean to do this by:

 Newsletter – We will post and e-mail a quarterly newsletter to members’ quarterly keeping them informed of the Club’s activities, developments, upcoming events etc.  Newspaper Community Notes – Includes weekly information about upcoming events, reports and general information on Club business.  Notice Board – Notice board to be placed outside the club house.  Website – All information is available on the website – club history, news, activities, committees, events etc.  Mobile Phone – To inform members of upcoming events, matches, meetings, general information.  Facebook – Information sent by text will also be put up on face book.

The club will also make every effort to promote the use of the Irish language and promote Irish culture (music, song and dancing) through possible future participation in the local Scor competition.

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Community We want to involve the community as a whole to generate interest in the Club, to make the wider community aware of the Club and its benefits, challenges and successes. Community is at the heart of everything that the GAA is about and should be core to our key values. Clara is blessed to be placed within a county with such good GAA ties. This is also true about the community of Clara and we want to use and promote that sense of identity and place.

Youth Promotion of the games and the well being and continued good health of our kids is at the forefront of all our junior programmes. Given our catchment area and the excellent school in the area, the youth must also remain at the heart of everything we do. From that end we will look at how we interact with schools, how we communicate with our younger members and what we provide for new members of the community.

Communication works both ways Finally and of equal importance we must remember that communication is a two way street. There is no point in having a preach mentality where information goes one way. We need to provide processes and tools where the members of Clara GAA can communicate their ideas, their view, their likes and dislikes back to the Club and throughout the Club. In developing what we understand to be the key objectives of this communications plan, we focused on delivering a plan that is first and foremost achievable, that offers change throughout the 5 year period, that allows us to measure the success of the Plan and that sets Clara GAA on a better footing for future change. We are conscious that the Club, the community, the country and the GAA is ever changing and the demands and challenges that we face today may be different in priority in 5 years time.

The Plan should be interactive and should change accordingly. If priorities change or a sudden windfall should befall us for example then long term goals may become easier to achieve and tasks may move up the pecking order.

The Plan also is not something that belongs to any Committee – It is a plan for everyone in the Club. With this in mind it is critical that we share the views and thoughts of all the other committees to ensure that communication internally is effective and efficient and that this plan is successful.

What we want out of this Communications plan is to have a facility for all in the Club to share in the information & knowledge, to share in the changes and to share in the success of Clara GAA & Camogie Club.

Clara Intermediates 2012

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Action Outcome Sought Timescale Responsibility PRO to be appointed to the To act as a focal point for In place since Club Executive Committee communications as a whole 2011 AGM Club AGM

To have and maintain an up to date Update Club's website website Ongoing Club PRO

Issue quarterly Club To better inform all club members of Quarterly from Newsletter club activities and developments Spring 2012 Club PRO/ Club Secretary

Weekly updates in the Community notes in Kilkenny To inform Club members about all People club activities Ongoing weekly Club PRO

Collect e-mail addresses and To allow us to communicate directly phone numbers for members with all club members In place and Club Registrar updated annually New Notice Board on outside To post newsletter and general of club house information July 2012 Club PRO

For club members & parents to Online Club shop order/ purchase club sports gear In place Club Secretary/ Club PRO

To help improve communication with Update Facebook/Twitter our members Ongoing Club PRO

Develop an annual Club Club calendar with photographs 2013 Club PRO calendar Appoint a Cultural Officer 2014 Club AGM

To oversee the cultural aspect of the Club AGM/ Exec. Create a Cultural Committee club i.e. Scór competition 2014 Committee

To inform Club members about all Develop a Club mobile app. club activities 2017 Club Officers

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Notes

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Notes

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Development Enjoyment Inclusion Non-Discrimination Values Clara GAA Club is committed to the promotion and preservation of Gaelic games and culture through sustained community effort. We aim to develop the skills and potential of all our members in their chosen roles. At all times, we strive towards ensuring that the games we play, the environment within which we play them and the values and identity we pass on will be an example to and an asset to the families, members, youth and community that we serve. Our club values children, young people and adults of our community and welcome their participation in all our activities. We reach out to and include all members of our society. We welcome everybody to be part of our club regardless of age, ability, gender, race, ethnicity, religious belief sexuality or social/ economic status.

5 Year Development Plan

Clara GAA & Camogie Club

Clifden, Clara, Co. Kilkenny. (087) 2255291 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.clara.kilkenny.gaa.ie

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