East Belfast GAA unveils ambitious three-year Club Development Plan

East Belfast GAA revealed its ambitious three-year development plan recently at the Titanic Hotel, Belfast, highlighting the club’s dedication to embracing the culture, history and community diversity of East Belfast.

A significant aspect of the plan is the establishment of ‘Friends of East Belfast GAA,’ aimed at promoting Gaelic Games for all in the area, particularly children. A Cultural Subcommittee will also be formed to promote languages and cultures within the club.

Kimberly Robertson, East Belfast GAA Chairperson, expressed excitement for the club’s future, emphasising inclusivity and community integration:

“We are delighted to launch the three-year Club Development Plan for East Belfast GAA. Over the past four years, the club has experienced unprecedented growth with over 400 adult members across four different codes and an ever-growing youth academy. As we enter our fifth season of competition, it’s crucial we establish a long-term plan to ensure continued growth and inclusivity.”

Looking ahead, the club aims to develop its own pitches and facilities. David McGreevy, one of the club’s founders, added:

“Now that we have a vision and a plan mapped out, it is time to action our goals for the betterment of both the club and the community we serve. We wholeheartedly understand the significance of being a GAA club in this area. We are ambitious in our goals and, particularly to source our own dedicated facilities. With our own facilities the potential is huge.”

In addition to infrastructure development, the club remains committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity through educational programs and cultural events. The full development plan is available at eastbelfastgaa.com/development-plan.

Recognised in Ulster GAA’s recent Strategic Plan (2024-2028), East Belfast GAA was commended as a model club for community engagement.

Ulster GAA President Ciaran McLaughlin, who attended to help launch the plan, added:

“This strategic plan provides East Belfast with a strategic set of aims, and associated actions to achieve these within realistic timelines. I’ve no doubt that the overall plan to achieve these goals will serve the club well as they set out to deliver for East Belfast GAA over the next three years.”

McLaughlin concluded: “I commend East Belfast’s plan. It is a great document and sets clearly defined actions for all areas of the club’s activities. I encourage all clubs to take the lead that East Belfast has demonstrated and move to develop a plan of their own.”

Further detail on strategic planning is available from County Planning and Training officers and through Ulster GAA via Fionntán O’Dowd fionntan.odowd.ulster@gaa.ie