Club at the Heart of our Community Patsy Morrissey Newtownshandrum

Background Newtownshandrum: Club Chairman Cork:U21 Management 93/94 Senior management 2004/05/06 University of Limerick: GAA Development Officer

Newtownshandrum GAA Club Formed 1896 Won a county championship in every decade since the 1940’s All Ireland Club Champions in 2004 All Ireland Club finalists in 2006 Still competing in this years Club championship

Community Involvement How we get everyone involved

Youth Involvement From a playing point of view hurling begins in the National School Ex/senior players have a huge involvement in underage coaching

Role of Senior Players

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Community involvement Everyone rallies around the GAA Club in Newtown Brings people together & instils a sense of community Hurling is at the centre of the community – nothing to compete with hurling on the sports field

Involving everyone Newtown gear available in local shops: everyone proud to show their colours Identity & pride in the local community

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What the Club gives back to the Community Club house: centre point of the Community  ICA meetings  Bingo  Local Community Group meetings  DVD of matches with local commentary

What the Club gives back to the Community Other facilities  2 Floodlit pitches & school field  Lighted public walkway  Hurling alley  Spcific Community/Club Liaison Officer

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Club Expenses Huge success over the past 10 years Increased success = increased expenses Full financial backing of the community Membership: €40

Difficulties Like any other club we have our difficulties  Arguments at club meetings  Members criticising the committee “who do they think they are” “there gone too big for there boots” “ye’ll bankrupt the club”

Difficulties Some club members are negative about everything Try to stop the Club from advancing But these people will be the first you’ll see stuck in everything on the big days

Difficulties Complacency Complacency People take winning for granted People take winning for granted Lower attendance at first round matches because they are expected to win. Lower attendance at first round matches because they are expected to win.

Overcoming difficulties “Dirty linen” not washed in public We try to solve our problems behind closed doors Issues discussed and resolved internally

Extended Community Newtown Community abroad Jersey worn by ex-pats all over the world New York, New Zealand

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Creating a Community without a Parish University of Limerick GAA Club Living proof that a community spirit can be created Open door policy All members working towards a common goal Predominantly voluntary coaches & trainers

Creating a Community without a Parish 1500 members covering 4 codes – hurling, football, camogie, ladies football Very little funding: all monies raised by members Creating an identity through selling gear – common identity

Creating a Community without a Parish Team bonds are as tight as with any club Biggest Club in the “Campus Community” Best supported Club in the “Campus Community”

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