CC Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Lios Mór 5 Year Club Strategic Plan 2014-2018 1
Table of Contents 1. Chairman s Address (Page 3) 2. History of the Club (Page 4) 3. Methodology (Page 6) 4. Mission, Vision and Values (Page 7) 5. Coaching and (Page 8) 6. Club Structures and Administration (Page 12) 7. Finance and Fundraising (Page 14) 8. Facilities and (Page 16) 9. Communication, PR and Culture (Page 19) 10. Lismore Camógie Club (Page 22) 2
1. Chairman s Address It is with great pride that I write these words of introduction for our Strategic Plan for 2014 2018 of CLG Lios Mór. Thanks to the steering committee and especially the sub committees, this plan is both practical and achievable and will benifit the community while developing the club in the right direction for the future. Over the next 5 years, we hope that CLG Lios Mór will continue to progress and evolve as an organisation. Given the current economic climate, with its obstacles such as emigration and financial constraints, it is my belief that this plan will aid our club in overcoming these obstacles and ensure a bright and successful future of the club and members. This plan can only be successfully implemented with the dedicated hard work of the committee and the support of our members and the community. Finally when this 5 year plan is achieved in 2018, CLG Lios Mór will be on a secure path leading into the future for the next generations. Declan Doocey, Chairman 3
2. History of the Club Lismore GAA Club was founded in the Christian Brothers School in 1897 with Sean Goulding (later to become a TD) as Chairman, Jack Bennett as treasurer and a Mr Creedon as secretary. Thanks to a Mr Vin O Brien, the original pitch was located outside town on Mayfield Rd. The club s main interest at the time was football and the team played as the Blackwater Ramblers. The Ramblers had major success when they won four senior football county finals in a row in 1899, 1900, 1901 and 1902. This was followed by two more senior county titles in 1908 and 1911. In 1911 the club won the junior title with their second string team Ballyin Rovers. In 1905 the hand ball alley was built by James Campion and has withstood the times. Although after some attempts to form a hurling team in the 1900 s it wasn t until the 1920 s that Lismore commenced its hurling tradition. By this time the field was located in Ballyin where the golf course now is. In October 1924 Lismore won their first hurling trophy when they won the county junior hurling final and this was followed up with the first senior championship title the following year in 1925. The club had further successes at Junior and Minor levels throughout the 20 s and 30 s. After the junior county final wins in 1938 and 1940 this was followed up by the seniors winning the senior county title in 1942 only to loose on an objection. After this, throughout the 40 s and 50 s the club competed at all levels without any success. The most noticeable feature at this time was the official opening of the current field in 1947. Thanks to the work at school level, Lismore CBS won the Rice Cup in 1959 and reached the final again in 1960 and 1964. These groups of players formed the backbone of the Lismore CBS team that won the Dr Kinnane Cup in 1965. This success bore fruition when in 1967 when the club was crowned U21 and Junior county champions. This was followed by victory in the Intermediate county title in 1969. As a result of this win the club was promoted to senior status a title it has held onto to date. Apart from winning the Sargent Cup (1 st of 2 wins) and the Keaneland Cup in the mid 70 s the club didn t have any great success. However this period and in the 80 s sterling work was done at underage level which is carried on today under the juvenile club. As a result of this work the club was successful in winning the U14 county title in 1981. This was followed up in 1983 when the U16 county title was won. With respect to the Senior title the club had to wait until 1991 to win its second title and this was followed up by a third title in 1993. Since then through many heart ache the senior title has eluded the club. However at underage levels the club had many successes 4
throughout the 80 s 90 s and up to the present day winning many county titles at all age groups. The most outstanding achievement has to be the minors claiming the western title 10 years in a row from 87 to 96. It is only through the hard work and diligence at underage level will the CLG Lios Mór continue to prosper and evolve to meet the new challenges of the future to come. In addition to the above brief history of our GAA Club, we and the local community are extremely proud of the continued success and achievements of our Sister Camógie Club (Please refer to Page 22 of our plan for a brief history of the Camógie Club). Senior Hurling County Champions (1991) Senior Hurling County Champions (1993) recommendations 5
3. Methodology Lismore GAA Club prepared our 5 Year Plan on the basis of the GAA Recommended Process. This process entailed the following key components: County Officer Workshop with Club Members Steering Prepared the 5 Year Plan Submission for Club Executive Club Executive Review and Sign Off 5 Year Plan Document Established Steering Chairperson of each Subcommittee presented their recomendations to the Steering committee Presentation of 5 Year Plan on 10th December 2013 Established 5 Subs to prepare their recommendations The 5 Activity Subcommittees met to discuss their plans for the future Implementation and Review of Plan Ongoing The following chart summarises the members involved in the 5 Year Plan Process. Steering Donie Coughlan (Chair) Sean Prendergast Colin Kearney Joe Pollard Ger Ahearne Jimmy O'Gorman Coaching & Finance & Fundraising Communications & PR Facilities & Structures & Admin. Sean Prendergast Colin Kearney Joe Pollard GerAhearne Aaron Doocey Joe O'Keeffe Dan Geoghegan Joe O'Keeffe Patsy Buckley Christy Brien Sean Daly George Howard (Jnr) Dan Geoghegan Dom O'Connell Edward Fention Dave Barry Julie Lnaders David O'Gorman Eddie Nugent Mike O'Leary (Jnr) Brendan Prendergast Charlie Barry William Cunnigham Michael Fitzgerald Joe Pollard Brendan Landers Joe Tobin Jimmy O'Gorman Jimmy O'Gorman 6
4.Mission, Vision and Values Lismore GAA Club has fully adopted the Mission, Vision and Values of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The GAA s values are the heart and soul of our Association. In every Club around the world they are what bind us, what makes us unique and what attracts more and more players, members, volunteers and supporters. Mission The GAA is a community based volunteer organisation promoting Gaelic games, culture and lifelong participation. Vision Our vision is that everybody has the opportunity to be welcomed to take part in our games and culture, to participate fully, to grow and develop and to be inspired to keep a lifelong engagement with our Association. The GAA is a volunteer organisation. We develop and promote Gaelic games at the core of Irish identity and culture. We are dedicated to ensuring that our family of games, and the values we live, enrich the lives of our members, families and the communities we serve. We are committed to active lifelong participation for all and to providing the best facilities. We reach out to and include all members of our society. We promote individual development and well-being and strive to enable all our members achieve their full potential in their chosen roles. Values Community Identity Amateur Status Inclusiveness Respect Player Welfare Teamwork * Community is at the heart of our Association. Everything we do helps to enrich the communities we serve * We foster a clear sense of identity and place * We are a volunteer led organisation * We foster a clear sense of identity and place * We provide a games programme at all levels to meet the needs of all our players * We welcome everybody to be part of our Association * We are anti sectarian * We are anti racist * We respect each other on and off the playing fields * We operate with integrity at all levels * We listen and respect the views of all * We provide the best playing experience for all our players. * We structure our games to allow players of all abilities reach their potential * Effective teamwork on and off the field is the cornerstone of our Association * Ní neart go cur le chéile (There is no strength without working together) 7
5.COACHING AND GAMES DEVELOPMENT Aim To provide games in a sporting atmosphere for everyone and strive to achieve competitive success at all levels of competition and for all age groups up to senior level. In five years time we will be able to say: Our underage section is one of the best in the County. We have achieved excellence in coaching standards and continually encourage skill development by providing games for our young players in a safe and enjoyable environment. Our adult teams perform to their full potential because the highest standards of coaching and player/team development are available at our Club. Key Projects: Coaching and Establish a Coaching and to oversee all aspects of games development in the Club. This will include providing support and education to coaches and promoting best practice at all levels and ensuring that all players get the opportunity for involvement in a quality fixture programme. Identifying new coaches in the community and encouraging parents to become involved in the Club Club Coaching Officer Appoint a Club Coaching Officer, who will be chairperson of the Coaching and and will sit on the Club Executive. He/She will have responsibility for managing the affairs of the committee and for overseeing all coaching and games related activities and policies. Underage Programme We will put in place a programme of games for all players,within the Club and with other Clubs, including existing Club tournaments. This will ensure that all players get meaningful activity in an environment that promotes skill development. Improve Coaching Standards The Coaching & will put in place a programme that will ensure that each player receives the highest standard of coaching. The committee will ensure that all Club coaches will receive GAA coach education qualifications and will have a minimum of a Foundation Level coaching certificate. We will also identify new referees, who will receive referee education and assistance from the County Board. 8
Club/School Link We will appoint a Club-School Liaison Officer. We will continue to develop close links with our primary and second level schools. We will provide support and advice to the schools in promoting our games. Code of Conduct for Coaches, Parents & Players The Coaching & will support and implement the Club Code of Conduct through all of its activities with the aim of ensuring that training and games are conducted in a safe environment for both players and coaches. We will promote respect and discipline towards match officials, team mates, opposition players and spectators. The committee will implement a protocol for dressing room behaviour for all teams to promote respect and discipline. We will also put in place the GAA Code of Best Practice and Code of Behaviour and ensure that all volunteers working with children are Garda vetted. Player Retention We will put together an attractive and enjoyable programme of training and games to ensure that players, particularly underage players, continue playing with the club. Every effort will be made to reduce the drop-out rate especially among underage players and 18-22 year olds. This will require a combined effort across the whole Club in improving coaching standards, playing facilities, ensuring a regular games programme for all players and development of a deeper sense of belonging to the club. Coach Recruitment We will actively encourage the development of new coaches within the club by offering education, advice, resources and mentoring. Existing trained coaches will be valued and supported to facilitate their continued contribution. Former players have valuable experience and knowledge and will be actively encouraged to become involved in coaching and preparation of teams at all levels. Action List for Coaching & Action Outcome Sought Timescale Responsibility Establish a Coaching & To oversee the implementation of the Coaching & 5 year plan. To put a structure in place within the Club to coordinate coaching activities, to provide support to coaches and promote best practice at all levels. 2014 Executive Appoint a Club Coaching Officer Club-School link in place Appoint a Club-School liaison officer Will be chairperson of the Coaching & and sit on the Club Executive. To cement the relationship between the local school and the Club and ensure that the children are receiving GAA coaching. Aim to have one common selector for the Club U-12 team and Primary School team. 2014 Executive 2014 & Coaching & 9
Nursery programme in place for 4 to 7 year olds Ensure resources are available for all juvenile coaches including equipment and coaching materials for everyone. Ensure sufficient games are organised for all club teams Encourage more parents to be actively involved in the Club. Hold an information meeting each year with parents of juvenile players Club Cúl Camp held and promoted each year. To be run by our own Club coaches To put the GAA Code of Best Practice and Code of Behaviour in place Ensure all coaches working with underage players attend a Child Protection Workshop and receive Garda Vetting Coaches to receive First Aid training. Ensure one person with First Aid training involved with each team Organise a meeting of all coaches and selectors at the start of each year to discuss all aspects of coaching To encourage our young players to become involved in Gaelic in a fun and safe environment To aid our club coaches in skill development of players. To put in place a meaningful programme of games for all youth players (6-18 years old). Including running established Club tournaments. Specific focus on the June to August period for 10-12 year olds To increase the number of volunteers and coaches available to the Club To give all children in the community the opportunity to be coached in Gaelic in a fun environment that promotes skill development To promote an environment of respect in the Club and to ensure that all children participate in a safe environment To ensure that all children participate in a safe environment Annually Annually 2014 & Coaching & Coaching & Coaching & Coaching & Coaching & Executive and Coaching & Executive and Coaching & To ensure the safety of our players Coaching & To agree the best way forward for coaching within the club. Annually Coaching & 10
Club to hold a coaching for coaches workshop annually All coaches to have at least Foundation Level coaching standard. Make available on-going courses in specialist training areas Identify new referees and provide training both at adult level and Young Whistlers Produce a winter programme for adult players Up-skill all club coaches and allow knowledge sharing Coaches to have at least basic knowledge of coaching and skill development. Provide the opportunity to improve knowledge to a high level. To ensure the Club has sufficient referees at juvenile and adult level To keep fitness levels up during the closed season. Consider having organised circuit training sessions for players not involved in college and county teams. Ensure suitable equipment is available Annually Coaching & Coaching & Coaching & Coaching & U14 (A) County Hurling Champions (1984) 11
6. CLUB STRUCTURES &ADMINISTRATION Aim To achieve best practice in club administration and to extend to all of our members, both new and existing, an opportunity to give their time, expertise and enthusiasm, by contributing to the club in their area of choice. In five years time we will be able to say: Our Club excels in its administration. We have the structures in place appropriate to the Club s needs. Our Club Executive is vibrant and we have increased the number of people volunteering in the Club Key Projects: Club Constitution We will adopt the GAA constitution. Club Sub- Structure We will appoint a number of new sub-committees to deal with Finance and Fundraising in the Club, Coaching and, Communication, Safety and Social. We will recruit new volunteers to sit on these committees who have a particular talent for these topics. Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy We will put in place an Alcohol and Substance Abuse policy to make sure that our Club is following best practice regarding the use of alcohol in the Club. All juvenile medal ceremonies will take place in an alcohol free environment and we will comply with the GAA rules banning the drinking of alcohol from cups. Club Code of Conduct We will put in place a code of conduct to apply to all members of our Club to ensure that all members will act in the best interests of our Club. Children s Officer and Designated Persons We will select a Children s Officer and a number of Designated Persons to make sure our Club is following the GAA Code of Best Practice and to deal with any allegations of abuse in a correct manner. Those selected will act as a sub-committee. 12
Action List for Club Structures and Administration Action Outcome Sought Timescale Responsibility GAA Club Constitution To make sure that the Club is being run in 2013 AGM Club Executive adopted and in place accordance with GAA rules. Club Sub- structure put in place Plan Implementation Sub appointed To share the workload and attract new talent to the Club To monitor the implementation of the club plan 2013 AGM Club Executive 2013 AGM Club Executive History Archiving To keep a record for future generations of the Club Ongoing Club Secretary/ Club PRO Club Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy developed To make sure that the Club is following best practice regarding the use of alcohol in the Club 2013 AGM, ongoing Club Executive Implementation of club code of conduct to include discipline To ensure that members of the Club act in the best interests of the Club 2014, ongoing Club Executive Camoige and Juvenile Officers to be appointed To ensure the Club works in conjunction with other clubs moving forward 2013 AGM, appointed annually Clube Executive Children s Officer and DesignatedPersonsselecte d To oversee implementation of the GAA Code of Best Practice and to deal with any allegations of abuse in the correct manner. 2014 Club Executive 13
7. Finance and Fundraising Aim We will provide the financial base to ensure that our club s aims are met into the future and ensure the sustainable development of our Facilities. We will continue to be professional and transparent in the operation of our Club Finances given that a club of our size is similar to a small business. In five years time we will be able to say: We have achieved professional excellence in the management of our finances, achieved our development goals and embraced information technology fully. Key Projects: Finance and Fundraising Establish a Finance and Fundraising committee to ensure our financial systems are continued to be managed professionally and also identify fundraising opportunities to allow the sustainable growth of our club. This committee will ensure that our day to day spending continues to be met while providing funding (Fundraising, Grant Aid or Loan Finance) for Capital Projects as outlined by our Sub. Information Technology Ensure that our club is embracing online payment facilities for our members and that club accounting software is implemented for all The Club account s requirements. Action List for Finance and Fundraising Action Outcome Sought Timescale Responsibility Finance and Fundraising to be established. To oversee club expenditure and fundraising. Advice to Executive in relation to Capital Investments. Appointed annually. Executive. Greater Financial Oversight to be introduced as per Club Constitution. Bank Statements sent to 2 committee members (one of which is Club Treasurer). Person to be appointed to review club accounts monthly.. Executive. Club Treasurer to continue current reporting: 1. To Monthly meetings. 2. At AGM incl. budget. Continue good management of financial position.. Club Treasurer. 14
Administration of Finances: 1. Financial accounts package to be introduced which is cloud based eg. Yendo Software. 2. Integration of lotto sales portal into proposed club website. Embrace new technology at finance level. Q1 2013 / thereafter. Club Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer. Club Membership 1. Appointment of Dedicated Club Registrar. 2. Membership to be collected by 31 st March annually. 3. Membership Schemes to be reviewed. Explore all Capital Funding Avenues from the following: 1. Leader. 2. GAA. 3. Sports Capital Programme. 4. Large Fundraising Drives. 5. Financial Institutions. Efficient collection of membership annually. Ensuring that all Capital projects are reviewed and Finance is available if viable projects are identified. 2013 AGM (Dec 2013) / thereafter.. Club Executive / Club Registrar. Finance and Fundraising. Public Relations on Fundraising. Ensure the public are aware of development plans and giving back to the community.. Club PRO. Capital Funding Raised is Ring Fenced to Dedicated Capital Project Deposit Account. Greater involvement of Camogie Club in capital fundraising initiatives. Best practice financially and ensure day to day expenditure is not paid from these funds. Broaden our involvement with our Camogie Club Immediate Club Treasurer. Finance and Fundraising. Review club merchandising sales. Continued oversight of Juvenile Club s Financial Affairs. Increase promotion of club merchandise Immediate Shop Manager & Finance. Financial Oversight Ongoing Adult and Juvenile Treasurer. 15
8. Facilities and Aim We will provide state of the art playing, training and spectator facilities for all our members, visiting clubs and the local community. These facilities will support all our teams in playing at the highest level and support the growth of club teams into the future. In five years time we will be able to say: We have improved our facilities in Lismore by completing our development plans in a sustainable manner ensuring we achieved value for money and gained an acceptable Return on Investment (for our time and money). Key Projects: Facilities Improvements It is to the forefront of our club that we develop a sustainable plan for our Facilities. The action list below outlines the key projects which need to be undertaken to ensure we continue to provide the best facilities for our members. These projects will be managed by our Executive in conjunction with our Facilities and Finance & Fundraising s. Action List for Facilities and Action Outcome Sought Timescale Responsibility Identify Second Pitch and Procure same. Ensure that our playing facilities match the continued growth in both our club and the camogie club. 2014 Club Executive Installation of Floodlights on Pitch and Training Area. Building of Covered Stand Area to facilitate Supporters Viewing. Upgrade of showering facilities in Old Dressing Rooms. Enhance training and playing facilities. 2014/2015 Club Executive Improved Facilities for Supporters. 2015 Club Executive Enhance training and playing facilities. 2014 Facilities & Field 16
Continued Excellent Management of Existing Facilities. Provision of facilities for our members and visitors. Facilities & Field Dedicated Community Centre to be Set Up. Enhancement of facilities for our members and the local community. Club Executive Fencing of Castle Grounds Boundaries. Ensure we meet all our insurance and safety requirements. 2015 Club Executive Club Safety Statement to be Updated. Providing a safe environment for players and supporters. Ongoing Safety Subcommittee 17
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9. Communications, PR and Culture Aim We will achieve the following: We will be able to communicate effectively with our membership and the wider community and provide a social outlet for all. To achieve this aim: That the club will be sufficiently resourced and organised to allow this to happen. That the club fully embraces modern technology to enhance and streamline its communications and adheres to GAA guidelines in so doing. In five years time we will be able to say: That clear, identifiable and effictive channels of communication exist within the club and crucially with the local community in addition to those outside the area, including those abroad. The club is able to control who accesses its communication platforms and those involved report to the executive committee. Club activities are well signalled and widely known. Information about them is easy to access. Information must be accurate and authoritive. The various communications channels are well maintained and updated in a timely fashion. They are well presented and co-ordinated and promote a dynamic and well organised club. Key Projects: PR / Communications Establishment of a PR / Communications and Culture committee to implement the actions outlined in our plan on an ongoing basis. This committee will oversee the following key projects: 1. Website. 2. Members Database. 3. Weekly communications Strategy i.e. Club Notes and Webtexts. 19
Action List for Communications, PR and Culture Action Outcome Sought Timescale Responsibility Establish a PR/Communications sub - committee. To continue and improve communications with our members and community. 2014 Club Executive Setup Club Website, Twitter Account & Facebook. Professional electronic information systems accessible by all. 2014 PR & Communication Sub- Weekly Club notes in local newspapers. Setup LED sign outside Community Centre. Database of E-mail address and phone number of each member. Set up quarterly Club newsletter. Include player photo graphs in Club notes. More acknowledgment the success of players and teams. Inform members and community of club activities. Ongoing PR & Communication Sub- Inform community of club lotto and matches. 2014 PR & Communication Sub- Further communications with all members. 2014 PR & Communication Sub- Inform members of Club activities. 2015 PR & Communication Sub- Marketing of success. 2014 PR & Communication Sub- Encourage more success in all teams. 2014 PR & Communication Sub- Set up a Social subcommittee. Hold more social events. 2014 PR & Communication Sub- Hold more social events. Encourage new members. 2014 Social Sub- Update History of Club. Club to enter Scór competition and promote use of Irish language. Accessible history of the Club for future generations. To promote Irish music and dance and attract new people to the club and to increase the use of Irish within the club. 2015 PR & Communication Sub- 2014 Ongoing PR/Communicat ions Sub- 20
Dan Shanahan in action v De La Salle (2012) 21
10. Lismore Camógie Club The Current Lismore Camógie Club was founded in 1974,and initially fielded three teams -u16, -u18 and Junior. The club has gone from strength to strength and now fields teams in all grades from U12 to U18, Junior and Senior. Lismore has enjoyed plenty of success over the years, winning numerous county finals in all grades. They are currently Senior County Champions, County Senior League Champions and Munster Club Champions. The club also have representatives on County U14, U16, U18 and Intermediate panels. Lismore represented Waterford at Feile na ngael for a record eleven years in a row from the year 2000 to 2010, winning the '06 Division 3 title in Cork and Division 4 in 1989. Lismore Camógie Club fielded their first senior team in 1980 but did not win their first senior County title until 1985 followed by a series of County titles in the following years. In 2010 Lismore Camógie club won the County senior title for the first time in nine years and also created history in winning their first and Munster s first ever Intermediate Club title when they beat Newmarket on Fergus in Buttevant on October 30th. In 2011 the ladies won the County Championship and once again captured the Munster club championship. This year the Senior ladies had 100% success in their endeavours capturing all three titles available to them i.e. the County League, County Championship and Munster Club Championship. They now go forward to the All-Ireland Club Championship in February 2014 and hopefully they can go one step further and capture their fourth cup; the All Ireland Intermediate Club Final in March 2014. 22
Notes 23