Paddy Flood, Chairperson of the GAA Officer Development Committee, recently hosted the third instalment of the podcast series showcasing the brilliant work being done by Club and County Officers.

This episode featured the legendary Lauri McCusker from the Belnaleck Art McMurroughs GAC Club in West Fermanagh. Lauri is Club Treasurer and Director at The Fermanagh Trust. He shares his insights and philosophy on community development and volunteerism, which have been key to the remarkable success of the Belnaleck Club. The Club's innovative approach to involving the community and engaging volunteers has valuable lessons for all Clubs.

In the aftermath of Covid-19, many Clubs faced struggles in recruiting volunteers and engaging communities. However, Belnaleck Art McMurroughs GAC proves that with creativity and enthusiasm, Clubs can overcome these challenges. The key, in Lauri’s lived experience, is enthusiasm, involving the community, and offering bite-sized opportunities for volunteers to get involved. He words resonate powerfully.

"You can have all the ideas in the world, but you have to have the enthusiasm to deliver upon them," says Lauri McCusker. "So it's getting a couple of people to stand up with the enthusiasm and with that ability to engage and ask people."

According to Lauri, Belnaleck Art McMurroughs GAC - the second smallest Club in the County by geographical area - has experienced a resurgence over the last decade, fielding more teams than any other Club in Fermanagh. The Club's success was fuelled by a strong community spirit and active volunteer participation. Their transformation resulted from engaging people in various activities, breaking down tasks into manageable pieces, and providing opportunities for non-members to contribute.

The Club embarked on an audacious fundraising event in 2015, cycling to 1,630 Clubs across Ireland to sell tickets for a grand prize. The success of this venture was not just due to the cyclists but also the volunteers who coordinated, supported, and drove the initiative. The Club tapped into its members' networks and connections to rally support, emphasising the importance of asking people and involving the wider community.

The Club's success did not end there. The following year, they organised another event called "Banished", involving 30 volunteers going to an island and raising funds to get off it. The key was creating a sense of ownership among volunteers and making them feel like integral parts of the Club's journey.

"The key for me is to be outward-looking rather than inward-looking," says McCusker. "In the GAA community and the wider community connected to it, there's a sense of pride and a sense of community, but many people aren’t asked to get involved. You often hear 'They're not a member.' Well, have you asked them? Have you asked them to get involved? Just because they don't turn up with the at the senior match on a Sunday, you know, does that mean that they're not keeping an eye out on the papers on the Wednesday local paper to see how the team is doing? Or, do you think they're not reading the club notes? So it's about asking people. That's the key."

To ensure a continuous stream of volunteers, Clubs should consider appointing a "Volunteer Specialist" who actively seeks and engages people. This person should be approachable, enthusiastic, and capable of identifying potential contributors within and beyond the Club's membership. Volunteerism is not an accident; it requires planning, creativity, and an outward-looking approach to engage the wider community.

Belnaleck Art McMurroughs GAC’s story serves as a beacon for other Clubs striving to build sustainable community organisations. By leveraging volunteerism and community involvement, Clubs can foster a sense of pride, tradition, and well-being within their communities. As the challenges of volunteerism persist, it is crucial for Clubs to innovate and embrace new approaches to keep their communities engaged and thriving. Let the Belnaleck Art McMurrough’s Club be an inspiration for all Clubs to embrace the power of volunteers and build a stronger future.

Listen to the Full Podcast Episode Now! https://youtu.be/BRY9jTPvLLs