Launch of "One Club" Model

In recent weeks the management committees of both governing bodies agreed to support an initiative that will see clubs charged with the responsibility of organising the various games of the GAA in a cohesive and co-ordinated manner.

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Criostóir Ó Cuana lauded both national governing bodies for their support of a process that he believes will further strengthen ties between all of the Association's playing codes.

He said: "This is an important process and the commitment we have received from both the Camogie Association and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association is a significant one.

I have visited scores of clubs over the course of the last 18 months and what has been agreed to in this initiative is in fact taking place in many of our clubs across the length and breadth of the country already. The next logical step is to try and formalise the co-operation between the codes at club level and the best way to attempt to do this is through the ready made invaluable network that our clubs provide. The vast majority of people, both within and outside the Association, view us as being members of the same family and this plan will further strengthen that perception ensuring that we remain the most inclusive, community-based sporting organisation in the country."

The GAA President confirmed that Munster Council Chairman Seán Walsh will chair a committee responsible for the development of a framework that will assist in the roll out of the 'One Club Model'. Joan O'Flynn, Uachtarán Chumann Camógíochta welcomed the plan.

She said: "This initiative makes sense. It is already the case that, where Camogie is integral to the local GAA club, the overall club grows and flourishes. The family and community base of the club is bigger. Club and community identity is stronger. Club unity is stronger and people work together on fixtures, coaching and games development, children's welfare, fund-raising and so on. This approach combines the strengths of Camogie and the GAA at club level and consolidates the connections between us".

Pat Quill, Uachtarán, Cumann Peile Gael na mBan said - "There are Ladies Gaelic Football Clubs throughout the Country who are fully integrated, some are looking for guidelines on how to develop a single structure, whilst others work closely with their GAA Club. With the continued growth in playing numbers and membership of all of the Associations - the examination of the feasibility of a 'One Club Model' to assist our volunteers in our Clubs and the promotion of inclusiveness in the Gaelic Games family is of utmost importance".

The remit of the committee is focussed at supporting a single club unit at club level only. The Associations will continue to have separate administrative structures at County, Provincial and Nationals levels whilst continuing to maintain high levels of co-operation. The new committee will commence work immediately and will be expected to complete the first phase of its work by February 2011.