CSO chief on GAA's population shifts: the structures can survive - but at what cost?

The fastest-growing counties are Fingal, Kildare, Meath - all on the eastern side of the country. The slowest growing counties were Donegal, Mayo, Roscommon."

RURAL DECLINE Mayo and Kerry have the oldest populations in the country

At the recent GAA Special Congress, a motion was passed establishing new demographics committees across the country. Tyrone delegate Benny Hurl spelt out why that was necessary: “Demographics is the single greatest threat to our Association. The subject needs a dedicated committee with people who have a passion for it,” he declared.

“The challenges that are faced by our clubs are real and are mounting. We need to intervene. The GAA needs to address the issues, we keep talking about it, but we need to do something about it.”