GAA chiefs go public in search for hurling development manager

INCREASINGLY desperate GAA bosses have advertised the post of national hurling development coordinator in today’s media.

The successful candidate will be charged with maximising the numbers playing hurling and optimising playing standards.

A number of leading figures in the game were canvassed for the position before Christmas, but they all turned down the €100,000-a-year post, raising the possibility that GAA president Sean Kelly may take up the post when he leaves office in April.

In order to implement the GAA’s Grassroots to National Programme for hurling, the coordinator will work with the Provincial Games Development Committees to put a basic administration structure (BASe) in place.

However, the specific challenges of the job will vary greatly.

The administrative side of the job includes planning for the provinces, providing players with a balanced programme of regular games and expanding the game in non-traditional playing areas.

The coaching aspect of the position involves coordinating the implementation of a national skills development programme, while also establishing the criteria for ACE accreditation, where a club, school, division or county is recognised as an approved centre of excellence.

The coordinator will also be tasked with promoting and developing the Christy Ring and Nicky Rackard Cup competitions, along with ancillary activities, such as the Champion 15 Awards, and promoting and developing the annual hurling/shinty international series at U21 and senior county level.

The coordinator will report to the GAA Head of Games Development.

Their office base will depend on their place of residence.

The position is funded by the Irish Sports Council (ISC) and is offered on a three-year contract basis.

The GAA is also seeking a match official coordinator to support the development of referees, umpires, linesmen and sideline officials.