Cork GAA clubs to get more power

GAA clubs in Cork are to have a major input into running the organisation in the county over the next five years, it has been announced today.

That was the message today from Cork Co Board PRO Ger Lane in the aftermath of last night’s announcement that the board had completed phase one of the process to develop a Strategic Plan for GAA in the county over the next five years.

In an official statement the board revealed that the four sub committees of the county strategic planning committee have completed their detailed proposals.

Those committees were charged with tackling a number of areas, most notably: urbanisation, communications, fixture planning and divisional structures and the board are now to embark upon an extensive consultation process with the clubs.

Two major workshops are to be held next month in Rochestown Park Hotel and everything relating to the GAA in the county will be discussed.

“This will be the clubs’ vision for Cork for the next five years and if it is feasible everything will be done to implement it.

“It is a national plan and it’s a case of the ball now being firmly put into the court of the clubs.

“It is a groundbreaking development as far as we are concerned and I believe it will lead to a better organisation for everybody”

Mr Lane appealed to all clubs to come on board to ensure that no stone is left unturned in further advancing the organisation within the county.

“Everything will be taken on board and everybody in the county will be involved and it will embrace all units of the organisation, including camogie, ladies football and club forums.

“Supporters will be given their say too through a web survey and our belief is that this Strategic Plan will enhance the GAA in Cork considerably.

“The clubs now have a major role to play and our belief is that this is going to be a very important time for Cork GAA going forward.”

Meanwhile, the Carrigtwohill club set down a notice of motion for the next meeting of the board on November 17, which states they want relegation suspended for two years and that the number of participants in all competitions be increased from 16 to 18.

At the end of the two years they would reintroduce the relegation system which is currently in place.

That motion is expected to feature significantly at the next meeting.

Midleton delegate Pat Horgan outlined last night that there must be a remedy found to get a greater balance between club and intercounty activity.

He maintained that the championships in Cork were starting too early and far too many clubs had their year ended far too soon.

He accepted it wasn’t going to be easy to find the right balance but felt it was imperative that a root and branch assessment of how the championships should be run was required.

His proposal was supported by Tracy Kennedy from Killeagh and John Arnold from Bride Rovers.

Article courtesy of The Evening Echo newspaper.