Leitrim G.A.A. Inclusion and Integration Initiative
With the announcement recently that Coiste Chontae Liatroma have appointed former County Board Chairman Gerry McGovern as Inclusion and Integration Officer for the county, the initiative was rolled out at a very successful launch to the members of the G.A.A. family, and other interested parties in the Bush Hotel last week.Â
Present at the launch was Mr Tony Watene, National Inclusion and Integration Officer Croke Park, Mr Brian Armitage newly appointed Chairperson of the National Inclusion and Integration Committee, Mr John Landers Munster Co-ordinator, Mr Tony Dunne North Leinster Co-ordinator, and Mr Denis O Boyle Connacht Co-ordinator. Also present was Mr Christy Tyrell, and Mr Barry Lowe, Galway and Roscommon representatives respectively on the Connacht Committee.Â
Mr Tony Watene the National Inclusion and Integration Officer outlined the importance of Inclusion and Integration and its place within the G.A.A. strategic plans and that both inclusion and integration are now accepted as an integral part of the National Policy of Camogie, Ladies GA.A., Handball and Rounder’s, and that an acceptable set of accountable actions have been agreed at national, provincial, county and club level within the organisation.Â
Quoting from the mission statement from the inclusion office he stated that the G.A.A. and inclusion were inextricably linked given the position the G.A.A. holds at the heart of Irish society and that we all have an obligation to promote opportunities and to provide avenues and meaningful outcomes for all to be involved in gaelic games. He explained that by all we mean people who are new in our communities, people with disabilities, minority groups, etc.Â
Both Mr John Landers and Mr Tony Dunne gave an outline of the progress that has been made in their respective areas and National Chairperson Mr Brian Armitage gave details on the ‘One club’model which operates within the province of Ulster. Mr Denis O Boyle outlined the progress to date, stating that the process is just starting in Connacht and that the meeting, such as the one held in Leitrim, would be the starting point for all counties in the province. Mr Thomas KeenanÓgave a presentation of what has been achieved in Leitrim and outlined the areas within Leitrim’s strategic plan that have been addressed.Â
Zac Moradi a non Irish born member of the Leitrim Hurling panel who was also present was highly complimented on his performances with the Leitrim hurlers and reference was made to the fact that Leitrim G.A.A. are already involved in the process of Inclusion and Integration.Â
Leitrim officer Gerry McGovern outlined the areas that this new committee will be addressing in the immediate future and he urged all G.A.A. clubs to be as open and welcoming as possible in involving everybody from our communities in the various aspects of the running of our G.A.A. Clubs. He stressed the importance of asking, inviting, and welcoming new people into our clubs particularly at this time when clubs are losing people to emigration.Â
A committee representative of the various stakeholders is now being set up to progress this initiative in the county. Â
Some photographs from the event are available here.
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05-Jun-12 by Leitrim GAA
