New body to assist clubs

‘SOME smaller clubs are in big trouble; big clubs are suffering because they can’t retain players and financially there’s a lot of pressure on clubs,’ said Bryan Doyle when he revealed that the five-year strategic plan for Wicklow GAA would facillitate the setting up of four LADRs (Local Area Development Regions) to assist the clubs of the county.

‘It’s to give some support to clubs. That’s something that Leinster (GAA) are very keen on.

‘There are always independent entities out there but sometimes we do need a bit of straightening along the road, because there’s a lot of things happening, child protection for example, you’ve a lot of information in your clubs and you better guard it very carefully or you’ll be in trouble with the GDPR.

‘These might be light-touch things that you think about, but they’re serious.

‘Officers do get their training but it’s very often that there’s very often that there are other people doing things in clubs that need to be aware of issues.

‘The work of these committees will focus on planning, shared learning and problem solving for clubs. The hope is that new people will emerge to lead this element of the Review,’ he added.