Westmeath GAA’s Strategic Plan for 2022-26 launched

At a well-attended meeting held in the Mullingar Park Hotel on Wednesday evening of last week, the Westmeath GAA Strategic Plan 2022-2026 was launched with RTE’s Marty Morrissey acting as master of ceremonies.

The plan is called 'rowing together and in the same direction' (ag ramhaíocht le chéile agus sa treo céanna).

Niall O’Brien, chairperson of the Strategic Review Sub-committee in his opening address, explained in detail the rigorous processes that were undertaken to produce the blueprint for the future of Westmeath GAA.

Describing the committee “as one of the most enjoyable I have worked on” O’Brien explained the mechanics involved in the development of the report and the extensive research undertaken. Apart from the desktop research, an online survey was conducted with members of the Westmeath GAA public which attracted an impressive 541 respondents; an online survey with Westmeath GAA clubs received 33 responses; online consultations were also conducted with members of the county senior football hurling, ladies’ football and camogie squads.

The Camogie Association, the LGFA and GAA Handball in the county, sponsors, members of the Westmeath Management Committee and other interested parties were also consulted as were Tom Ryan (GAA Ard Stiúrthóir), Michael Reynolds (Leinster GAA CEO), John Haughney (Leinster GAA), Frank Mescall and Pat Reilly.

Niall O’Brien headed a committee that also included Jackie Jackson, Paula Finan, Terry McCague, Aiden McGuire, Michael O’Sullivan, Declan Leonard. Darren Magee and Patrick Doherty as planning co-ordinator. Mr O’Brien specifically acknowledged the significant input of Mr Doherty to the project.

The Westmeath GAA’s purpose, vision and values provide the foundation for the key focus areas of the plan. The promotion of Gaelic games, culture and lifelong participation as a community-based volunteer-led organisation which enriches lives and communities is identified the association’s purpose. The creation of ‘a sustainable community-based and volunteer-led association where as many as possible participate in Gaelic games and culture for as long as possible,’ is the key vision of the association.

Six ‘enduring’ core principles provide an operational guide. These are identified as community identity, amateur status, inclusiveness, respect, player welfare and teamwork and volunteerism.

The Strategic Plan identifies six focus areas that are central to the future development of the Westmeath GAA with an aspirational goal identified for each area of focus. Coaching and Games Development with a goal to improve participation and performance across all codes, grades, and levels is the first focus area listed followed by Finance and Fundraising with its goal to ‘build a model of financial sustainability for the GAA in Westmeath.’

Governance is key focus area number three with a goal ‘to ensure and demonstrate good governance across all areas of the Association in Westmeath.’

The Public Relations, Marketing, and Communications key focus area has a its goal ‘to develop a successful level of communication with all stakeholders, with effective promotion and marketing of our activities.’

The Facilities Development focus area aims to ‘provide top-level facilities for our players and spectators.’ Community and Club Enhancement with its goal of ‘supporting the clubs of the county to assist them improve their performance and structure’ is the final focus area identified. An objective is identified for each goal and the specific actions required to achieve the goal are listed; progress indicators are also identified to measure the effectiveness of the actions.

County Chairman Frank Mescall also addressed those assembled. Introduced by Marty Morrissey as “a person of huge gravitas and a decent man” Mr Mescall began by paying tribute to Paddy Flanagan “one of the greatest Westmeath GAA men” and after detailing Paddy’s extraordinary career as a player and administrator some time was spent in silent prayer for the late Mr Flanagan.

Frank Mescall described the Strategic Plan as “our map, the destinations are laid out and it is our duty to identify the signposts along the route to reach our final destination.” He “agreed with everything in it” and he accepted responsibility for seeing that the plan was implemented.

It was the responsibility of the Westmeath management to drive the plan and in his address, he prioritised two issues in particular. Proper governance was crucial and “is coming at us loud and clear from Croke Park,” Mr Mescall declared.

Westmeath GAA “has a duty of openness and transparency to our management, to our clubs and to our public.” Mr Mescall also acknowledged that governance was also “an area where discretion is needed” at times.

Mr Mescall also addressed the issue of facilities or rather the lack of facilities at county level. “We are not in a good place facility wise and it needs to be addressed and this will involve huge commitment from all the stakeholders”.

Westmeath clubs have wonderful grounds and facilities with county facilities a poor second to what clubs have to offer their members and as a result “our county senior hurlers have to beg for a pitch”.

Work has been undertaken to redress this situation. “We have to prepare for the future and clubs will have to contribute, voluntarily hopefully but as a last resort, a levy may be required”.

The spirit of Páidí Ó Sé was also recalled as Mr Mescall explained that the tag line attached to the review’s title ‘Ag ramhaíocht le chéile agus sa treo céanna’ which means ‘rowing together and in the same direction’ was a favourite saying of the legendary Kerryman and put the focus clearly on the importance of teamwork.

“Now is the time for the various stakeholders of the Westmeath GAA community to begin rowing together and in the same direction,” Mr Mescall concluded.

A brief discussion took place before Marty Morrissey brought the launch to a close. Ever the showman, Marty asked the audience to cast their minds five years forward and imagine a situation where Westmeath trailed Meath by two points as the Leinster senior football final entered its final seconds. A last second goal landed Westmeath’s second Leinster title. The three cheers that Marty called for ended the night on a high.

Westmeath GAA County Committee will oversee the progress and monitoring of the Strategic Plan. Six-sub committees will be established to plan the overall implementation of the objectives in each of the six focus areas.