GAA’s National Demographics Committee Report Launched

The GAA has today published a set of recommendations aimed at targeting the dramatic demographic changes which have taken place in Ireland, and which are having a significant impact on rural and urban clubs.

The report of the Association’s National Demographic Committee was launched by Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns at Croke Park. It sets out the scale of the challenges facing both rural and urban clubs in an Ireland that now has a population of more than 7 million people, which is its largest since 1851, and one that is concentrated in cities and towns.

The GAA’s response to Ireland’s demographic shift is based on several years of analysis  which shows how population trends, mapping rural decline and issues such as the mass migration of people to east Leinster means that many rural GAA clubs are struggling to field as many teams as before, while in urban areas, clubs are trying to cope with huge numbers which places burdens on their volunteers and specifically access to playing and training facilities.

Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns said: “In the last 100 years no bigger issue has emerged as a threat to our ability to stay relevant to our members than the subject of demographics. Many of these challenges are outside of the GAA’s remit to control. But what we must do is have a conversation about how capable we are to be able to still have a foothold and pulse in our cities, towns, villages and rural communities.

“A constant in the remarkable history of the GAA has been its robustness; its ability to meet challenges and find a way to stay at the heart of Irish life. I say that not out of complacency but out of a conviction that we can plot a path forward.”

Chair of the National Demographics Committee, Benny Hurl, said: “For decades the issue and the threat posed by demographics has been signalled as a warning for us in the GAA. We believe that this report paints a very clear picture of the dangers posed to us and the urgent need for action. Demographic change is not a future threat – it is a present reality.

“This report provides a roadmap for renewal, ensuring Gaelic games remain inclusive, resilient and central to Irish life.”

Among the reports key findings are:

• There are one in three people living in Dublin or within one hour of Dublin in satellite towns. There are only 18 per cent of the GAA’s clubs located in this area prompting the need for new clubs and the rejuvenation of existing units
• 5 percent of all 0-5 year-olds in Ireland are concentrated across just 50 clubs
• 52% of 0-5 year-olds are to be found in Dublin, Belfast, Down, Kildare, Galway and Cork
• 78 per cent of GAA clubs are in rural areas with declining populations
• Declining birth rates in Ireland since 2010 has accelerated rural decline and impacts participation numbers in rural clubs
• Urban clubs suffer overcrowding leading to stretched resources, limited access to facilities and a reduction in player retention
• The GAA risks losing potential players in growing urban areas if it does not provide accessible clubs and facilities

The report proposes a multi-tiered approach of internal and external actions to futureproof GAA clubs and participation rates. Among its recommendations are:

• Assist clubs who have challenges fielding adult teams and retaining their official club status
• Targeted growth of new and existing clubs
• Pilot initiatives in Kerry and Kildare focusing on urban centres and rural areas with declining populations in both counties and launch targeted interventions focused on increasing participation, improving integration, influencing planning policies, and creating sustainable club structures
• Support modified games programmes where clubs struggle to field 15 players by having more blitzes or 11 a side or 9 a side competition, and regional competitions with clubs pooling resources
• Develop and implement a National GAA Facilities Strategy with strategic priorities set for safeguarding, targeting and investing in facilities
• Develop bye-laws to assist participation such as permit urban players to join rural clubs, enable transfers based on familial links, restrict transfers into high-population urban clubs, explore dual eligibility for players with ties to urban and rural clubs
• Establish a new Club Support Unit at national and provincial level to ensure growth, management and viability of clubs
• Engagement with state bodies and local authorities in the North and South to advocate for the GAA based on its proven positive impact on physical and mental health and its social and economic impact, and develop an All-Island Sporting Facilities Framework

Not all of the recommendations made by the report require rule changes.  Following the publication of the report, Ard Chomhairle has approved a submission that will have two motions on demographics on the clár for Congress 2026.

Congress next year will consider a motion that proposes a rule change which the committee believe makes it easier for clubs to be maintained, retained, and grown. A second motion deals with playing championship at fewer than 15-a-side, to provide opportunities for counties to provide championships for demographically challenged clubs who are unable to field at 15-a-side.

Both of these motions enable other actions around competition structure and format, as well as for growing new and maintaining existing clubs and the committee will continue to monitor trends and advise on future initiatives.

Picture courtesy of Sportsfile