Community Development

The GAA would not exist without the communities we represent and serve.

Every club in the Association already supports the development of its communities in a broad variety of ways, whether that’s offering young people the chance to better themselves through sport or by supporting local charities through fundraising events and functions. The programmes outlined here aim to highlight how clubs can maximise their positive influence, be that by becoming more age-friendly and engaging older members of our communities or by supporting national campaigns such as those supporting road or farm safety.

The GAA can also play an important role in supporting its members and communities in the aftermath of what are called critical incidents. Each year the Community & Health team in Croke Park receives between 30-40 requests from clubs and counties for support in the aftermath of such a situation (a critical incident is defined as a situation that overwhelms one’s natural capacity to respond). These are as broad and varied in their nature as any situation that can befall any individual, club, or community.

Critical Incident Response Plan

What is a critical incident?

A critical incident is defined as a situation that overwhelms one’s natural capacity to respond. These are as broad and varied in their nature as any situation that can befall any individual, club, or community

See http://www.gaa.ie/mm/Document/CommunityandHealth/General/13/58/54/GAACriticalIncidentResponsePlanFINAL_English.pdf.