The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) plans to recruit a Head of Hurling to spearhead their mission to expand the traditional Irish sport. The forthcoming creation of this role was shared at a press conference held at Croke Park by the National Hurling Development Committee (HDC) on Wednesday.
Similar positions have been in existence in the past, with Paudie Butler serving as the GAA’s National Hurling Coordinator from 2006 to 2011, and Martin Fogarty holding the post of National Hurling Development Manager from 2016 to 2021. But the Head of Hurling’s remit will be more focused on the game’s overall strategic advancement, with special attention on specific counties. These counties can anticipate robust support to incur a significant and enduring effect.
Terry Reilly, the HDC Chairman, clarified that this role will involve more strategic work. The appointee will be partnering with provinces and counties to coach coaches, leading to more effective program implementation. Reilly suggested that the favourable conditions today mean this role could have more power than ever before.
The hope is to have the new Head of Hurling on board at the start of next year. Jarlath Burns, the current president, listed the development of hurling as one of his three central goals during his tenure. However, he cautioned that results would not be instantaneous, stating that this is a long-term project with the ultimate aim of increasing participation in the Liam MacCarthy Cup. Burns suggested that substantial progress might only be evident by the GAA’s 150th anniversary in 2034.
This committee serves as an impetus for counties that truly wish to foster growth in hurling and camogie within their jurisdictions. It offers them a place to turn to, a point of contact, expert tips and direction, and even financial support if required, to either establish a hurling or camogie section within their club or start a whole new club, if local populations permit it. That is essentially the aim of this committee. Reilly, who is associated with Gort na Móna club in Belfast, is optimistic that a shift in attitude towards hurling can be achieved in some counties. He expressed concern over issues where counties are sabotaging the advancement of hurling by not providing sufficient fixtures. So, how to address this concern? It is important to reassure these counties that our committee is on their side, we’re here to help them, giving them confidence to arrange as many hurling fixtures as they feasibly can.