The GAA and Camogie Association this week welcomed the inclusion of hurling and camogie's UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status in Ireland's National Sports Action Plan, following its successful attainment in 2018 with the Department of Culture, Heritage, and the Gaeltacht.
The GAA is now entering the final stages of a new strategic plan for hurling under the Hurling Development Committee. The organisation is also looking to appoint a Head of Hurling who will work with the Camogie Association.
This role is being developed in the context of the GAA's 'Aontas 2026—Towards One GAA for All' strategy, which has identified a series of headline targets for the growth and development of hurling.
The role requirements are as follows:
● Provide needs-based investment to promote and develop hurling in Division Two and Three hurling counties.
● Ensure a minimum number of club games and competitions are provided for players and teams at a level appropriate to their standard.
● Design and deliver county-specific coach education interventions, including the introduction of a mentor support initiative.
● Raise the profile of hurling and camogie by building on the Intangible Cultural Heritage status designated by UNESCO.
● Provide clubs and schools with start-up grants in line with clear eligibility criteria to assist with playing equipment.
The GAA and the @OfficialCamogie welcome the specific inclusion of Hurling and Camogie’s unique UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status in the new National Sports Action Plan ⬇️
— The GAA (@officialgaa) November 13, 2024
Uachtarán CLG, Jarlath Burns, said: “We warmly welcome the addition of hurling and camogie to the new National Sports Action Plan. The UNESCO status was important international recognition of the treasures these games are to us. All the while, we are mindful of the responsibility we have to ensure that hurling remains an integral part of our unique identity.
“Protecting hurling from extinction and promoting it again amongst the people of Ireland was a north star for Michael Cusack when he was forming the GAA 140 years ago. It is a charge that is entrusted to all who follow in his footsteps.”
Brian Molloy, Uachtarán of the Camogie Association, added: “I am delighted to see the inclusion in the National Sports Action Plan of a specific commitment to safeguard and develop camogie and hurling both domestically and internationally in schools, clubs, and areas where the games are not currently strong.
“This aligns perfectly with our focus on ensuring that every child in every school, parish, and town in Ireland gets the opportunity to play our great native games.”
