GAA County Games Development Coordinator 

GAA County Games Development Coordinator 

Based in Cork  

 

Cumann Lúthchleas Gael is Ireland’s leading sporting and cultural organisation with membership approaching one million people and in excess of 500,000 playing participants at all levels. Inspired by its amateur status and supported by the voluntary efforts of all its members, the GAA devotes its entire resources to the development of Gaelic Games and Culture nationally and in local communities.  

 

Applications are now welcome for the role of GAA Games Development Coordinator, based in County Cork. 

 

Role Summary 

The role holder will be responsible for the delivery of GAA games development policy and related programmes as contained in the county coaching and games development plan in local clubs and schools (Primary and Post Primary) within a geographic area of a county. The role will also focus on establishing self-sufficient and sustainable clubs by building capacity and capability within the volunteer structure to deliver a games development programme 

A key target associated with the role will be the growth and retention of coach and player participation. 

 

The role holder is required to work 39 hours per week, which will include weekends and evenings when required, and the hours may vary depending on seasonal changes.  

 

Principle Accountabilities include but are not limited to: 

 

Operations 

  • Oversee the timely implementation of Association policies, strategies and programmes relating to coaching and games development within a region of a county; 

  • Manage key relations with clubs and schools to support growth and engagement across all Gaelic Games working closely with Camogie, LGFA, Handball and Rounders within a region of the county. 

 

People Management   

  • Coordinate and supervise other county personnel e.g., Participation Officers as required to include responsibility for supporting the formulation of weekly/monthly work programmes with the County Head of Games; 

  • Liaise with and support a team of Coach Developers in the County to deliver coach and referee development; 

  • Coordinate the recruitment, training and deployment of Cúl Camp and Club-School Link coaches within a region of the county. 

 

Leadership 

  • Assist the County Head of Games, County Coaching and Games Committee and key County Officers with the development and implementation of the County Games Development Strategy in the county and associated multi-annual plan; 

  • Ensure the effective use of GAA coaching and games development IT Systems; 

  • Ensure programmes are delivered in line with national games development policy;  

  • Coordinate the delivery of programmes in areas of potential growth and develop strategies to increase engagement in Gaelic Games and specific codes. 

 

Club Support 

  • Coordinate the delivery of a club support programme in clubs to achieve the GAA’s goal of creating self-sufficiency and sustainability by building capacity and capability (Club Compass) 

  • Liaise, support and provide on-going training and development opportunities to Club Coaching Officers;  

  • With the Club Coaching and Children’s Officer ensure all coaches and volunteers meet the required coaching, vetting and safeguarding requirements;  

  • Assist clubs with the development of player pathways and lead the coordination of participation and retention programmes in the region to help transition as many players and as possible through child, youth and adult stages of the pathway to include coordination and delivery of: 

  • Club Nursery Programme 

  • Intra and inter-Club Go Games  

  • Camps  

  • Intra and Inter-Club Super Games  

  • Diversity and Inclusion Programmes  

  • Intra and Inter-Club Recreational Games for youths and adults  

  • Assist clubs with the development of coach and referee pathways and coordinate and lead the provision of volunteer, coach and referee education in the region; 

  • Coordinate and lead the provision of learning opportunities to club volunteers, club coaches, referees and teachers required to assist the delivery of games development programmes.   

 

Schools Support 

  • Coordinate the delivery of the GAA 5 STAR Programme in primary schools introducing and engaging children in all Gaelic Games;  

  • Coordinate and oversee the delivery of participation and retention programmes in primary and post-primary schools to include: 

  • Intra and inter-school Go Games  

  • Intra and Inter-school Super Games  

  • Diversity and Inclusion Programmes  

  • Assist with the delivery of Transition Year and GAA Future Leaders Programme; 

  • Coordinate and provide on going training and support to a network of Club School Link Coaches. 

 

Talent Academy/Player Development Support 

  • Support the County Head of Games in identification of players and coaches to participate in the county talent academy programme; 

  • Coordinate and organise as required regional/divisional games activities to support the programme; 

  • Guide and support clubs and schools on the delivery of player development supports ensuring coherence with talent academy programme;. 

 

 

Stakeholder Management 

  • Work closely with the relevant Coaching and Games Development Committees at County level 

  • Work effectively with all key stakeholders (National GAA, Province, County, Clubs, Schools, Third Level, etc) to grow participation and increase retention rates including LGFA, Camogie, GAA Handball and Rounders. 

 

 

Other 

  • It is a natural function of the role that the role holder is required to work and attend evening and weekend meetings/activities in line with business needs and undertake any other such projects or duties as deemed appropriate by their manager; 

  • The role holder may be responsible for fulfilling a lead programme function within the county games development operation. 

 

Essential Criteria 

 

  • At least 3-5 years’ experience of working in the GAA or similar sporting organisation (Voluntary or Professional Capacity);  

  • Minimum Award 1 GAA Coaching Qualification;  

  • Appropriate third level qualification (Level 7 NFQ);  

  • Clear and detailed knowledge and experience of the GAA’s coaching schemes and initiatives;  

  • Excellent administrative and IT skills with a strong working knowledge of IT related packages and systems;  

  • Exceptional interpersonal skills and a strong ability to work in high-pressure situations;  

  • Excellent communication and presentation skills (verbal and written);  

  • Demonstrably excellent leadership skills and influencing ability;  

  • Excellent ability to manage people/resources and build and sustain good team relationships and manage conflict;  

  • Strong leadership and decision-making skills;  

  • Excellent negotiation skills;  

  • Strong organisational skills and demonstrable ability to effectively manage multiple projects and priorities; hands-on approach to getting things done;  

  • Ability to clearly present goals and direction. 

 

Desirable Criteria 

 

  • Experience in managing/supervising staff; 

  • GAA Tutor/Coach Developer qualification; 

  • Third level sports science qualification; 

  • Strong coach education experience.  

 

 

 

 

Other Requirements 

 

  • Own car with a full clean driving license; 

  • Have completed the GAA Child Protection in Sport Awareness/Safeguarding 1 programme; 

  • Ability to work and attend evening and weekend meetings/activities in addition to normal day to day activities. 

  • Please note this role is subject to Garda Vetting.  

 

 

How to Apply 

 

Candidates interested in the above role should apply with an up to date cover letter and Curriculum Vitae to jobapplications@gaa.ie using reference #Cork100325 on or before 3pm, Monday 10th March 2025 

 

The GAA is an equal opportunities employer. 

 

MTU Cork beaten in Fitz Semi-Final

UL 1-28

MTU Cork 0-10

Two red cards inside 20 minutes ended MTU Cork’s Fitzgibbon Cup dreams as they ultimately fell to a 21-point defeat to UL in Mallow on Tuesday night.

Alan Connolly and Mikey Finn received the red cards in the 16th and 20th minutes from referee Thomas Walsh for high tackles.

Connolly’s rising tackle, which saw Michael Corcoran leave the field injured, was the more clearcut of the sendings off.

Finn had more of a case for clemency as he collided with Aaron Morgan, who was ducking away to clear the sliotar, but the referee deemed the contact too high.

The sides were tied at 0-3 apiece when Connolly was dismissed and UL had edged one ahead by the time Finn followed him off.

 Alan Walsh fires over an excellent point from play for MTU Cork against UL in the Fitzgibbon Cup semi-final: Cork MTU v University of Limerick, UL at , Mallow. Pic Larry CumminsAlan Walsh fires over an excellent point from play for MTU Cork against UL in the Fitzgibbon Cup semi-final: Cork MTU v University of Limerick, UL at , Mallow. Pic Larry Cummins 

MTU showed commendable spirit to level at 0-8 apiece within two minutes of the second-half restart but UL outgunned them from there by 1-20 to 0-2.

They had contributions from Cork natives in Jack Leahy (0-4) and Brian O’Sullivan (0-3), while Ciarmhac Smyth was introduced to their defence in the first half.

Appearing in their first semi-final for 10 years, MTU Cork had the first three shots at the posts but each missed the target. By half-time, UL had more than caught up with 10 wides to MTU’s four by that juncture.

Aidan O’Connor feinted into space for UL’s opening point in the fourth minute before Ronan Walsh emerged from a ruck with the sliotar to equalise.

Connolly located Alan Walsh for an over-the-shoulder score which sent MTU into their first lead.

UL almost broke through for a goal chance but Jack Leahy was knocked off the ball by a shot from Darragh O’Sullivan.

Adam English levelled from an acute angle but a Connollly 65 nudged MTU back ahead for the final time.

Gearóid O’Connor won a puck-out to launch the leveller and then Connolly, perhaps frustrated by a missed free moments earlier, was given the line for his hit on Corcoran.

A Gearóid O’Connor free had UL one up when Finn received his marching orders, while Brian O’Sullivan got a yellow for his retaliation.

That left UL with two spare men, employing Mark Fitzgerald as a free defender, while O’Sullivan and English rotated as the extra body around the middle.

They pressed on with the next three points from Leahy, Aidan O’Connor, and Gearóid O’Connor for five in a row and a 0-7 to 0-3 lead.

MTU were in cantankerous form as Alan Walsh slotted a point before complaining to the linesman about the lack of a free in the build-up. He was awarded the next one, which Jack Cahalane converted.

Gearóid O’Connor landed a 100-metre free but Seán Walsh smuggled away a shot in a phone booth’s worth of space to cut the difference to two, 0-8 to 0-6, at the break.

MTU were cheered back onto the field and levelled through a Cahalane free and a Diarmuid Healy point. They would only score twice more from there from two more Cahalane frees.

UL reeled off the next 1-7, with the first two points from Colin Coughlan and Aidan O’Connor teeing up Colm O’Meara for the tap-in goal.

Scorers for UL: C O’Meara 1-2; G O’Connor 0-5 (3 frees); C Coughlan, J Leahy 0-4 each; B O’Sullivan 0-3; A English, A O’Connor, S Rynne, S O’Hanlon 0-2 each; K Doyle, D Hannify 0-1 each.

Scorers for MTU Cork: J Cahalane 0-4 (4 frees); A Walsh 0-2; R Walsh, A Connolly (65), S Walsh, D Healy 0-1 each.

UL: D Fahy (Galway); A Morgan (Tipperary), M Corcoran (Tipperary), J Conneally (Clare); K Doyle (Kilkenny), M Fitzgerald (Waterford), C Coughlan (Limerick); B O’Sullivan (Kanturk, Cork), A English (Limerick); G O’Connor (Tipperary), C O’Meara (Clare), P Crotty (Clare); J Leahy (Dungourney, Cork), A O’Connor (Limerick), P O’Donovan (Limerick).

Subs: C Smyth (Midleton, Cork) for Corcoran (17, inj), E O’Leary (Limerick) for Morgan (19-23, temp), D Hannify (Galway) for A O’Connor (44), S Rynne (Clare) for Crotty (46), S O’Hanlon (Galway) for English (49), J Fitzgerald (Limerick) for G O’Connor (53).

MTU CORK (Cork unless stated): C Wilson (Newcestown); Darragh O’Sullivan (Ballinhassig), E Varian (Glen Rovers), F O’Connell (St Catherine’s); S Fitzgerald (Clashmore-Kinsalebeg, Waterford), C Joyce (Castlemartyr), M Mullins (Whitechurch); M Finn (Midleton), R Walsh (Kilmoyley, Kerry); D Healy (Lisgoold), B Lynch (Ballinhassig), S Walsh (Fourmilewater, Waterford); A Walsh (Kanturk), A Connolly (Blackrock), J Cahalane (St Finabrr’s).

Subs: R McCarthy (Carrigaline) for Lynch (44), David O’Sullivan (Ballincollig) for Fitzgerald (50), R O’Sullivan (Newcestown) for Healy (55), M Kelleher (Dicksboro, Kilkenny) for Mullins (55), K Wallace (St Catherine’s) for Cahalane (60).

Referee: T Walsh (Waterford).

UCC hurlers lose in Fitz Semi-Final

 

Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup semi-final

DCU 1-20 UCC 1-16

By Paul Keane at the SETU Carlow GAA Grounds

No third level outfit from beyond Munster has managed to win the Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup title since 2010. DCU have never won the title at all.

Those two stats may very well be amended this Saturday because DCU are through to just their second ever final and on the evidence of this all action, powerful semi-final win, they will take some stopping.

Donal Shirley certainly won’t forget his trip to the SETU Carlow GAA grounds any time soon as the Offaly man drilled a terrific goal which went a long way to settling this tie and dumping out 2020 winners UCC.

The scores were tied when DCU forged a move straight through the centre of UCC’s defence, ending with Shirley blasting off his left side to the net.

Having trailed 40-times champions UCC at half-time, the Shirley goal put DCU into a lead they would only embellish by full-time as they finished strongly.

Shirley hit 1-2 overall while Dublin’s Joe Flanagan helped himself to five important points, all from play.

Four of Flanagan’s points came in the second-half as DCU, whose footballers are also through to tomorrow evening’s Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup final, turned the screw impressively.

Free-taker Denis Walsh nailed six ponts from placed balls too while the counties of Kildare, Wexford and Kilkenny were also represented on a breakthrough evening for DCU.

UCC will rue the nine second-half wides they blasted, and 15 overall, as they surprisingly slipped up at the penultimate hurdle.

It was mostly Cork men that buttressed the UCC team but Waterford’s Michael Mullaney drilled a cracking point late in the first-half.

UCC looked to be in a good position at that stage with Fionn Coleman’s goal midway the half giving them real impetus after a slow start that saw them fall three behind, 0-3 to 0-6.

Ethan Twomey sniped a couple of eye-catching scores for UCC who hit the interval with a 1-10 to 0-12 lead.

UCC were fortunate in first-half stoppage time when Sean Gallagher, who featured for Dublin in 2024 like Flanagan, had a goal opportunity blocked out for a ’65.

And UCC did their best to capitalise after the restart with three points, including two beauties from William Buckley, to DCU’s two in the opening 10 minutes or so.

But that’s when the wides started to mount up for UCC and St Finbarr’s man Twomey cut a frustrated figure on several occasions.

DCU, meanwhile, sensed opportunity knocking and drilled points from Walsh and Flanagan before Shirley cut through the UCC defence and struck his sidewinder to the net.

Suddenly, DCU had a 1-16 to 1-13 lead and while UCC got it back to a two-point game on a couple of occasions in the final quarter, the side in blue always looked more likely to prevail.

They duly did so with four points in a row between the 51st and 57th minutes setting the seal on victory.

DCU scorers: Denis Walsh 0-6 (0-5f, 0-1 65), Donal Shirley 1-2, Joe Flanagan 0-5, Cian Boran 0-2, Paddy Langton 0-1, Sean Gallagher 0-1, Sam Bourke 0-1, Billy Reid 0-1, Darragh Carley 0-1.

UCC scorers: Fionn Coleman 1-1, Darragh Flynn 0-4 (0-2f), Ethan Twomey 0-3, William Buckley 0-3, Darragh Stakelum 0-1, Michael Mullaney 0-1, Brian Keating 0-1, Peter McGarry 0-1, Luke Elliott 0-1.

DCU: Cian Byrne (Wexford); Ivan Bolger (Kilkenny), Paddy Langton (Kilkenny), Padraig Lennon (Kilkenny); Sam Bourke (Offaly), Padraic Moylan (Kilkenny), Billy Reid (Kilkenny); Donal Shirley (Offaly), Colin Spain (Offaly); Sean Gallagher (Dublin), Denis Walsh (Kilkenny), Darragh Carley (Wexford); Cian Boran (Kildare), Joe Flanagan (Dublin), Peter Clarke (Westmeath).

Subs: Cillian Dunne (Laois) for Walsh (55), Conoe Kehoe (Carlow) for Gallagher (55), James Carroll (Kilkenny) for Clarke (62).

UCC (Cork unless stated): Paudie O’Sullivan; Tommy Wilk, Sean Daly, Ciaran Doolan; Michael Mullaney (Waterford), Eoin Downey, James Dwyer; Brian Keating, Darragh Stakelum (Tipperary); Ethan Twomey, Eddie Stokes (Limerick), Darragh Flynn; William Buckley, Fionn Coleman, Cathal McCarthy

Subs: Peter McGarry (Tipperary) for Wilk (h/t), Daniel Hogan for Keating (43), Luke Elliott for Dwyer (45), Eoin O’Leary for Stakelum (53).

Referee: James Owens (Wexford).

Update form Scor

Scór Sinsir is back for 2025 and it is time for GAA members to get set for the upcoming competitions. If are 17 or over since January 1st 2025, get involved with your club and take part in any of the eight disciplines, Rince Foirne, Amhránaíocht Aonair, Aithriseoireacht/Scéalaíocht, Bailéad Ghrúpa, Nuachleas, Ceol Uirlise, Rince Seit & Tráth na gCeist.
Dates have also been confirmed for the 2025 Scór na bPáistí competitions. National school children can take part in the usual eight Scór competitions plus Rince Aonair, Ceol Aonair & Rince Seanós.
The dates for Scór Sinsir 2025 and Scór na bPáistí 2025 are listed below. Divisonal rounds will be held prior to the county rounds and details on those can be got from your respective Divisional committee, contacts are listed below.
Divisional Contacts
Dates TBC by respective Divisional committees, contacts below for further info.
Abhann Dubh / Avondhu
Barry Ahern – 0860220906 / bazhelen40@gmail.com
 
Beara
County Cultural Officer John O’Mahony – irishculturalofficer.cork@gaa.ie
 
Cairbre / Carbery
Deirdre Hodnett – 0868257136 / dhodnett67@gmail.com
Carraigdhoun
Elaine Hurley – elainemaryhurley@gmail.com
Dú Ealla / Duhallow
Margaret Kiely – 0877673331 / kielymgt@gmail.com
Uí Mac Choille / Imokilly
Alan Whelan – 0874400654 / ajwhelan123@gmail.com
Muscraí / Muskerry
Tracey Cronin – 0876839688 / scor.muskerry@gmail.com
Seandún
County Cultural Officer John O’Mahony – irishculturalofficer.cork@gaa.ie
Dátaí Scór Sinsir 2025 
Divisional Rounds
To be completed by/on March 1st
 
County Final / Craobh Chorcaí
Tráth na gCeist Babhta 1 – Table Quiz Round on Wednesday 26th of November at 7:30pm in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. This is open to ALL CLUBS in the County. (NO qualification from Divisional Final required). The top three teams at the end of this table quiz will go forward to the on-stage quiz which will take place on Friday 7th of March as part of the County Final.
County Final on Friday 7th of March at 7:30pm in Éire Óg GAA Pavilion, Ovens.
Munster Semi-Final / Leathcheannais na Mumhan
Saturday 22nd of March at 2:30pm in Pallasgreen for An Clár, Corcaigh, Luimneach & Port Láirge
Munster Final / Craobh na Mumhan
Saturday 29th of March in Cappamore. Tráth na gCeist Babhta 1 at 3pm and Stage Competitions at 5pm
All Ireland Final / Craobh na hÉireann
Saturday 26th of January in Castlebar, Co. Mayo
Dátaí Scór na bPáistí 2025 
Divisional Rounds
To be completed by/on March 23rd
County Semi-Final / Leathcheannais Chorcaí
Friday 28th of March for Abhann Dubh, Beara, Cairbre, Carrigdhoun at 7:30pm in Éire Óg GAA Pavilion, Ovens.
Sunday 30th of March for Dú Ealla, Múscraí, Seandún, Uí Mac Choille at 2pm in Éire Óg GAA Pavilion, Ovens.
County Final / Craobh Chorcaí
Saturday 5th of April at 2pm in Éire Óg GAA Pavilion, Ovens.

Munster GAA launch Michael Cusack Awards / Gradaim an Chíosógaigh.

Munster GAA has launched the Michael Cusack Awards, a competition for clubs in Munster to demonstrate their commitment to the promotion of Irish and Culture at club level.

A total Prize fund of 10,000 Euro is being made available, with 4 successful clubs in the province to be awarded 2,500 Euro each.

The Awards were launched in front of a large attendance at Scór na n- Óg on Saturday, December 7th. In launcing the Awards, Munster Council Chairman Ger Ryan, spoke of the GAA’s commitment to Irish and that the establishment of the Michael Cusack Awards by Munster GAA was part of the continuation of this tradition.

Seán Ó Sé, well known Kerry footballer and GAA ambasadóir na Gaeilge for 2024 said “This is a fantastic opprtunity for clubs. It is important to highlight the use and promotion of Irish in our clubs. Irish is so much more than just a subject in our schools and the Michael Cusack Awards give our clubs the chance to showcase this.’’

Aedín Ní Bhriain, Munster GAA’s Irish Language Officer, said ’In linking with clubs in the province, as part of the Joe Mc Donagh Foundation, I have seen the excellent work that goes on to promote Gaeilge throughout the Province. We are looking forward to seeing the entries from clubs for this competition and the winning clubs will be presented with their prize of 2,500 Euro each as part of Munster GAA’s celebrations for Seachtain na Gaeilge’

An Ghaeilge Abú!

Further information and Application Forms available from
aedin.ni.bhriain.munster@gaa.ie