GAA addresses demographic changes as 'No bigger issue'

The president of the GAA, Jarlath Burns, has described demographic changes as the association's most pressing challenge, following the release of strategic recommendations for the future of Gaelic games. A study by the GAA's National Demographic Committee examined significant shifts in population and their effects on both urban and rural communities.

"In the past century, no issue has posed a greater threat to our relevance among members than demographic trends," Burns stated. "While many factors are beyond the GAAs control, we must evaluate how we can continue to maintain a strong presence in cities, towns, villages, and rural areas. The GAAs history shows resilience in meeting challenges and remaining central to Irish life."

Benny Hurl, chair of the National Demographics Committee, emphasized the need to focus on solutions rather than problems. "For far too long, we have spoken about demographic challenges in a way that suggests the sky is falling. It's time to shift the conversation towards actionable solutions that secure the future of the association."

The report highlighted that in urban areas, demand for GAA activities exceeds supply, while rural regions face population declines. In Dublin and surrounding towns, one-third of the population lives within an hour of the GAAs headquarters at Croke Park, yet only 18% of clubs are located there. This disparity has led to calls for new clubs and revitalization of existing ones.

Urban clubs face overcrowding, limited facilities, and challenges in retaining players. At the youth level, just 5% of children aged 0-5 play across 50 clubs, while 52% are concentrated in Dublin, Belfast, Down, Kildare, Galway, and Cork. Conversely, 78% of clubs are in rural areas experiencing population decline due to lower birth rates.

Recommendations from the report include creating by-laws to allow urban players to join rural clubs, introducing dual eligibility for players with ties to both urban and rural areas, and easing transfers based on family connections. Pilot programs are planned in Kerry and Kildare to address declining participation, enhance integration, and strengthen club structures.

A new club support unit will assist teams seeking growth or in need of guidance. Additionally, a motion at the 2026 GAA Congress will propose allowing championships with fewer than 15 players per side, with 11-a-side or 9-a-side formats suggested to support clubs struggling to field full teams. Another proposed motion aims to make it easier for clubs to survive, expand, and thrive, although not all recommendations require formal rule changes.

Author: Ethan Caldwell