presentation of the European board of the GAA at the SETS conference in Amsterdam

1. © GAA
Joe Whelan
European GAA Board
November 19-21, 2014
The GAA
(Gaelic Athletic Association)

2. © GAA
GAA – World Governing Body for Gaelic Games
Gaelic Football & Ladies Gaelic Football
Hurling & Camógie (Ladies hurling)
GAA Rounders
GAA Handball

3. © GAA
Hurling & Gaelic Football
National pastime for over 2000 years
First written records in the 5th Century (hurling)
First legal reference 1308 (Gaelic football)
Suffered decline under British Rule
Huge revival through nationalism in the 1800’s
Foundation of GAA 1884
To preserve and promote our games, language
and pastimes
Gaelic Games: Origin - Revival - Part of society

4. © GAA
 GAA Sports most popular in Ireland
 2500 clubs - 20% of population are members
 No. 1 sport for participation/spectators
 300 community based coaches & administrators
 1.5m paying spectators per annum in Ireland
 Volunteer & Community based
 Cultural and other aspects protected
 Amateur Ethos
Youth Development
 Leader in sports science, research and player
welfare
Gaelic Games: Origin - Revival - Part of society

5. © GAA
 Mission
“The GAA is a community based volunteer
organisation promoting Gaelic Games, culture
and lifelong participation”
Vision
“Our vision is that everybody has the
opportunity to be welcomed to take part in our
games and culture, to participate fully, to grow
and develop and to be inspired to keep a
lifelong engagement with our Association”
The GAA – Our Mission, Vision and Values

6. © GAA
 Values
Community Identity
Amateur Status
Inclusiveness
Respect
Player Welfare
Teamwork
The GAA – Our Mission, Vision and Values

7. GAA Activities
 Very organised structure – Official Guide
 Club & Regional representation at national level
 Tens of thousands of games & events annually
 Local & National Competitions at all ages
 Annual €55m – all profits reinvested
 National Coaching and Development Structures
 Structure a cornerstone of growth

8. © GAA
Gaelic Games in Continental Europe
 1999 just 4 Clubs – 75 Clubs in 2014
 20% annual increase for past five years
 5,000 players
 24 countries (excluding Ireland and UK)
 Not just Irish emigrants but over 50 different
nationalities playing our games

9. © GAA
Gaelic Games in Continental Europe

10. Thank you for your
attention