Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
£1m boost for Belfast revealed
THE GAA yesterday unveiled their £1million plan to strengthen and promote Gaelic games in Belfast.
“Gaelfast” is a five-year project that represents the biggest ever non-capital initiative by the GAA in Northern Ireland.
It will place expert coaches to schools across Belfast in order to promote the ethos of the GAA.
This will be in addition to the ongoing facilities developments for Gaelic games within the city, brought about through Belfast City Council’s partnership with the GAA that began three years ago.
The aim of the plan is to increase membership levels of GAA clubs across Belfast.
Gaelfast will commence in September 2018 and will initially see around 20 schools taking part.
Coaches will be in the schools one day per week and the scheme will be overseen by a ‘Belfast Regeneration Manager’.
GAA President John Horan said the association is in “excellent health” across Ulster and Gaelfast will help increase GAA participation in the city.
“The GAA’S roots are in communities across Ireland and the key to strengthening that relationship and ensuring the future successes of the GAA is working with young people and ensuring the next generation are involved with Gaelic games,” he added.
Colin Donnelly, Chairman of Antrim GAA, said Belfast is a “sleeping giant” when it comes to Gaelic Games.
Horan has also reiterated the GAA’S support for the redevelopment of Casement Park and he has reassured local residents that their concerns will be addressed.