GAA Handball launch Strategic Plan for 2027-2030
In attendance are GAA Handball Uachtarán, Kevin Cooke and Head of GAA Handball Lizzie Lynch, centre, alongside players, from left, Ciara Mahon, Lauren O'Reilly, Frank Daly, Anne Marie O'Reilly, Ciara O'Reilly and Fíachra Ó Dúill for the GAA Handball strategy launch at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
GAA Handball has launched its new Strategic Plan for 2027-2030, setting out a road map to grow participation, strengthen clubs and increase the visibility of the sport over the next four years.
The plan can be downloaded at the bottom of this article and is centred on three strategic pillars – Visibility & Promotion, Participation & Pathways and Clubs & Structures – with a series of measurable targets to be delivered by 2030.
Among the key targets are a 20 per cent increase in membership from its current figure of 7,053 and annual growth of 10 per cent in social media followers and views.
GAA Handball also plans to double the number of participation programmes delivered with the GAA, develop and support 350 silver-level referees and increase by 10 per cent the number of GAA clubs which have handball as part of their club structure. There are currently 156 GAA Handball clubs nationally, with handball incorporated into 37 GAA clubs.
A full independent review of existing competitions will examine the calendar, formats, structures and grades, with the recommendations from that process to be implemented. New tiered and flexible competition formats will also be explored.
Increasing the visibility of the sport will be a major focus, with two national awareness campaigns planned annually alongside increased promotional content, media coverage and a stronger presence across GAA channels.
The strategy also contains a commitment to showcase GAA Handball at a major event in Croke Park, while ‘street handball’ in urban areas and public parks and increased opportunities for recreational social handball will be explored.
GAA Ard-Stiurthoir Tom Ryan welcomed the launch and highlighted the potential for handball to play an increasingly important role within the wider GAA club network. The plan notes that the strategic direction of GAA Handball has been aligned with the parent association.
“We always say that the GAA is at its best when it is about people and community. As we continue to work on making our clubs ever more community focused, inclusive and integrated, handball has so much to offer and play a role in our network of clubs being bigger and better than ever before.
“For more than 100 years, handball has been promoted through the GAA. The vision and leadership set out in this document can ensure that handball’s story is one of increased participation with more people in more clubs and more facilities enjoying this important piece of our cultural and sporting heritage.”
Ard Stiúrthóir of the GAA Tom Ryan and GAA Handball Uachtarán, Kevin Cooke, in attendance for the GAA Handball strategy launch at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
GAA Handball President Kevin Cooke said the new plan builds on a period of renewal within the organisation.
“In recent years, as an organisation, we have taken stock of where we were, where we needed to be, and what changes were required to move our sport forward,” stated the Offaly native.
“That process of reflection and renewal has already begun to deliver positive change. More importantly, it has reignited a spark among our volunteers and members nationwide, people who understand the unique value of GAA Handball and the important role it plays within communities across Ireland.”
Cooke said clubs and volunteers would be central to delivering the ambitions contained in the strategy.
“Clubs are the heartbeat of GAA Handball, and at the centre of every successful club are the volunteers who give so generously of their time, energy, and commitment.”
GAA Handball CEO Lizzy Lynch said the strategy was developed following extensive consultation with members and external stakeholders.
“This plan provides a clear vision that will strengthen and support the sustainable growth and development of our sport for the years to come. While it is ambitious, it is also grounded in realism.
“A consistent theme throughout the consultation phase was the deep sense of community and belonging that GAA Handball fosters. This is one of our greatest strengths.”
Lynch also highlighted the opportunity to further strengthen Handball’s position within the wider Association.
“GAA Handball holds a unique place within the Gaelic Games family as its only individual sport. This distinction presents a significant opportunity, and we must continue to promote and showcase the sport as the dynamic and accessible game that it is.”
She added: “While many organisations develop strong strategic plans, it is their implementation that ultimately drives progress.”
The plan will be supported by annual operational plans setting out actions, responsibilities and measurable targets, with progress reported quarterly to Ard Chomhairle and the strategy reviewed annually through to 2030.