Cumann Lthchleas Gael is Irelands 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.
RoleSummary
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.
PrincipleAccountabilitiesincludebutarenotlimitedto
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 GaelicGamesworkingcloselywithCamogie,LGFA,Handball and Rounderswithin a regionof the county.
PeopleManagement
* 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;
* LiaisewithandsupportateamofCoachDevelopersintheCountytodelivercoachandreferee development;
* Coordinate the recruitment, training and deployment of Cl 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;
* EnsuretheeffectiveuseofGAAcoachingandgamesdevelopmentITSystems;
* Ensureprogrammesaredeliveredinlinewithnationalgamesdevelopmentpolicy;
* Coordinatethedeliveryofprogrammesinareasofpotentialgrowthanddevelopstrategiesto increase engagement in Gaelic Games and specific codes.
ClubSupport
* CoordinatethedeliveryofaclubsupportprogrammeinclubstoachievetheGAAsgoalof
creatingself-sufficiencyandsustainabilitybybuildingcapacityandcapability(ClubCompass)
* Liaise,supportandprovideon-goingtraininganddevelopmentopportunitiestoClub Coaching Officers;
* WiththeClubCoachingandChildrensOfficerensureallcoachesandvolunteersmeetthe
requiredcoaching,vettingandsafeguardingrequirements;
* Assist clubs with the development of player pathways and lead the coordination of participationandretentionprogrammes inthe regionto helptransitionasmanyplayers and aspossiblethroughchild,youthandadultstagesofthepathwaytoincludecoordinationand 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
* Assistclubswiththedevelopmentofcoachandrefereepathwaysandcoordinateandlead the provision of volunteer, coach and referee education in the region;
* Coordinateandleadtheprovisionoflearningopportunitiestoclubvolunteers,clubcoaches, referees and teachers required to assist the delivery of games development programmes.
SchoolsSupport
* CoordinatethedeliveryoftheGAA5STARProgrammeinprimaryschoolsintroducingand 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
* AssistwiththedeliveryofTransitionYearandGAAFutureLeadersProgramme;
* CoordinateandprovideongoingtrainingandsupporttoanetworkofClubSchoolLink Coaches.
TalentAcademy/PlayerDevelopmentSupport
* SupporttheCountyHeadofGamesinidentificationofplayersandcoachestoparticipatein the county talent academy programme;
* Coordinateandorganiseasrequiredregional/divisionalgamesactivitiestosupportthe programme;
* Guideandsupportclubsandschoolsonthedeliveryofplayerdevelopmentsupports ensuring coherence with talent academy programme;.
StakeholderManagement
* 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 anaturalfunctionof the rolethattherole holder is requiredto workand 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;
* Theroleholdermayberesponsibleforfulfillingaleadprogrammefunctionwithinthecounty games development operation.
EssentialCriteria
* At least 3-5 years experience of working in the GAA or similar sporting organisation (Voluntary or Professional Capacity);
* MinimumAward1GAACoachingQualification;
* Appropriatethirdlevelqualification(Level7NFQ);
* ClearanddetailedknowledgeandexperienceoftheGAAscoachingschemesandinitiatives;
* Excellent administrative and IT skills with a strong working knowledge of IT related packages and systems;
* Exceptionalinterpersonalskillsandastrongabilitytoworkinhigh-pressuresituations;
* Excellentcommunicationandpresentationskills(verbalandwritten);
* Demonstrablyexcellentleadershipskillsandinfluencingability;
* Excellent ability to manage people/resources and build and sustain good team relationships and manage conflict;
* Strongleadershipanddecision-makingskills;
* Excellentnegotiationskills;
* Strong organisational skills and demonstrable ability to effectively manage multiple projects and priorities; hands-on approach to getting things done;
* Abilitytoclearlypresentgoalsanddirection.
DesirableCriteria
* Experienceinmanaging/supervisingstaff;
* GAATutor/CoachDeveloperqualification;
* Thirdlevelsportssciencequalification;
* Strongcoacheducationexperience.
OtherRequirements
* Owncarwithafullcleandriving license;
* Have completed the GAA Child Protection in Sport Awareness/Safeguarding 1 programme;
* Abilitytoworkandattendeveningandweekendmeetings/activitiesinadditionto normal day to day activities.
PleasenotethisroleissubjecttoGardaVetting.
Candidates interested in the above role should apply with an up-to-date cover letter and Curriculum Vitae on or before 3pm, 10th October 2025.
TheGAAisanequalopportunitiesemployer.