Kerry GAA Chairman outlines his vision and objectives for 2018

THIS time last year I stood before you and stated that my challenge was to convince as many people as I can including the County Executive, you as Club officers and delegates and the wider GAA Community in Kerry that the aims and visions I have in mind for our county are indeed the best direction in which to move towards. In the year to date I believe we have implemented the following which was necessary

• Set up a new Finance committee with external voluntary expertise and processes to improve efficiency • Employed a Financial Controller to further resource the accounts office • Set up an ad hoc committee to deal with the AFL targeting our players • Took ownership of our Jersey and addressed the issue of number visibility • Put in place the three-year programme of supports with particular emphasis on player development and progression together with strength and conditioning

• Assisted the Austin Stack Park and Fitzgerald Stadium Committees in developing both stadiums in as far as possible but within our financial capacity

AS I outlined last year I see my role as giving the best leadership I can. For the coming year my vision is to achieve:

• Further develop and encourage communication links with our clubs

• Give each and every one of our county teams the best possible chance of success by providing all the resources necessary for success in a prudent manner.

• Foster and develop our medical, physio and S&C programmes into the very best in the country from Senior football and hurling right down to U-14 development squad level. No different to finance this will ensure streamlined and joined up thinking and protect the future development of our players and coaches by having a fully functional highly motivated team irrespective of who happens to hold a managerial position.

• Complete and publish our three-year Strategic Plan by June 2018

• Develop our Finance Committee further and aim to be the best we can be • Set up a voluntary commercial body by year end comprising of successful Kerry people from the corporate and business world who will give freely of their time and expertise in assisting us as an executive with Financial Strategy, Commercial Fundraising and the like. • Maximise funding opportunities • Identify and encourage external people and expertise to get involved at all levels

• Further develop a team ethic within the executive and the County Committee in general and try to get “buy in” from all

Tom O’Sullivan, Clounmacon, and Ger O’Connor, Listowel, at the County GAA Convention

Incoming PRO Leona Twiss with her father John at the County GAA Convention

Dan Reidy and James O’Donoghue, Scartaglen, at the County GAA Convention in the Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney on Monday