Offaly GAA commences 2026/27 Club–School Link Programme
Underage structures reviewed in Offaly
Offaly GAA this week commenced its 2026/27 Club–School Link Programme, following an extensive review and planning process undertaken across the county since January 2026.
The review was led by members of the Offaly GAA Executive committee: Padraig O’Meara, Offaly County Secretary; Carina Haverty, Offaly Coaching Officer; John Hackett, Offaly Operations; Elaine Kelly, Offaly Planning & Training; and Keith Screeney, Offaly Coiste na nÓg.
As part of the process, underage structures across the county were reviewed, with clubs met individually and representatives from their committees and adult sections involved where required. Clubs were asked to identify the areas in which they required support. These included schools coaching, the underage games programme, coach education, athletic development, and a number of other areas relating to the continued development of underage GAA in Offaly.
Engagement with Primary Schools
Following the club consultation process, a survey was issued through Cumann na mBunscol, with the assistance of David Mullery, to primary schools throughout the county. Schools were invited to provide feedback on GAA coaching, including what was working well, areas that could be improved, and their requirements for the year ahead. Each school was also asked to identify a representative whom Offaly GAA could include in communications and engage with throughout the summer.
This was followed by direct contact with schools not currently covered through the GPO structure (which is co ordinated by our Games manager Adrian Clancy) to establish the days and hours of coaching they would like to receive from September.
The response was extremely positive, with schools delighted to welcome a structured 18-week programme of GAA coaching back into their curriculum, while also giving pupils the opportunity to continue developing across the other strands of Gaelic Games.
Damien White, who was involved in the original Club–School Link Plan, is also involved in the new programme and is providing invaluable assistance and mentoring on how best to deliver the initiative. Following engagement with teachers, the committee will meet with school representatives in Glenisk O’Connor Park, with a date to be confirmed.
20 Coaches are now supporting the Programme. Clubs were subsequently contacted to identify coaches who would be available locally to assist with the programme.
The response has been excellent, with 20 coaches coming forward to provide their time and expertise. These coaches are now under the guidance of Nigel Dunne and Dean Bracken, training began in Glenisk O’Connor Park on Saturday morning last.
Nigel and Dean will divide responsibility for the schools involved and will work to ensure that a structured, high-quality coaching session is delivered each week. They will also mentor and support all coaches involved in the programme.
Offaly GAA would like to sincerely thank the clubs that have chosen to participate. This now means that every national school in Offaly will have coaching available between the GPO system and this new club-school link.
Following such an extensive review, it is hoped that the timetable developed by Carina Haverty, Padraig O’Meara, Nigel Dunne, John Hackett and Elaine Kelly will prove successful. The programme will continue to be reviewed as it progresses to ensure it meets the needs of clubs, schools, coaches and young players.
Athletic Development
Another area highlighted by clubs during the review was the need for a more structured approach to athletic development. The committee, together with Offaly management, is now looking to launch a new plan in conjunction with a new hub at Presentation Secondary School, Killina.
Further details on this initiative will be provided as the programme develops.
Coach Education Programme
Coach education was another major requirement identified by clubs. To address this, Offaly GAA has launched its Coach Education Calendar this week, providing clubs and coaches with advance notice of the opportunities that will be available.
Registration will open shortly on TOBAR, with Offaly GAA staff and a team of tutors hoping to upskill hundreds of coaches from across the county. Please see attached.
Underage Games Programme
The county's underage games programme was also reviewed as part of this process with the clubs individually. Secondly on August 17th with representatives from across Offaly given the opportunity to suggest changes or additions.
It is particularly encouraging that there was broad satisfaction with the existing programme, meaning it will remain largely unchanged, with only a small number of adjustments.
The structure provides competitions suitable for larger clubs while also allowing smaller clubs to enter competitions appropriate to the playing numbers available to them. This flexibility will remain an important part of ensuring meaningful and enjoyable games opportunities for young players throughout Offaly.
Secondary Schools
Offaly GAA has already engaged with a number of secondary schools, and the committee now intends to continue the same review and planning process with teachers and staff in secondary schools. This will allow Offaly GAA to better understand their requirements and identify how the county can provide additional support in the years ahead. There are exciting times ahead for underage Gaelic Games in Offaly, and this work would not have been possible without the considerable input received since January.
Offaly GAA would like to thank all club volunteers, teachers, coaches, school representatives and everyone who contributed to the review and planning process.
For further information, please contact:
Padraig O’Meara
County Secretary
Carina Haverty
Coaching Officer
Elaine Kelly Dunne
Planning & Training Officer