The people behind Tipperary’s GAA development

By Shane Brophy

When Tipperary struggle in any year in hurling and football at senior inter-county level, the debate immediately begins as to the how’s and why’s, and much of it focuses on underage level.

Critics will immediately suggest the structures aren’t fit for purpose and Tipperary aren’t keeping up with their rivals.

In an era of mis-information or dis-information, Tipperary GAA is no different when it comes to the workings of the coaching & games development section of Tipperary County Board.

Under the guidance of County Games Manager Kevin Halley, the number of Games Development Coordinators (GDC) in the county grew from four to seven this year, with John Connors, Maggie O’Grady and Pio Kennedy joining the exiting staff of Paudie Malone, Tommy Fitzgerald, Denis O’Mahoney, and David Byrne.

The additional staff means the number of clubs for each GDC in their remit has fallen from seventeen to ten, still too high, but it ensures most focussed support for clubs, as well as the primary and secondary schools in their area.

“We are now in a position to be more specific along with being more focused on development in key strategic areas at both divisional and at county level,” says county games manager Kevin Halley.

The Rockwell Rovers clubman is in his third year in the role after succeeding long time games manager Dinny Maher, after being a GDA in the west division for almost two decades. Each Games Manager brings their own focus and for Halley, the development of players can’t happen without the development of coaches first.

“Underage development is very much about a process, ensuring the process is supported in as many ways as possible is key to its outcome,” he said.

“I am a huge advocate of developing people, whether it’s in a club setting or in our county development journey.”

As well as the seven GDC’s, Tipperary’s academy have 48 coaches involved in hurling and football teams from under 14 to 17, and much like developing players, having a pathway for coaches is also important.

“They also should have the opportunity to develop,” Halley says.

“As part of our new Academy Framework, we hope to address and highlight areas where we can give back to these individuals as best we can.

“We have formulated as new Premier Academy pathway, guiding the next few years of development, serving the conveyor that is required in Tipperary senior teams.”

Following a successful pilot in 2023, a new program entitled ‘Premier CARE’ (Coaching, Administration, Retention, Educating) began earlier this year, in conjunction with the Thurles based Setanta College, to help and support clubs outside of formal education, to address key areas of development within clubs.

“We believe it is very important that clubs have an identified place to get direct help and education within the club on an ongoing basis throughout the year,” Halley says.

“Our Premier CARE program endeavours to meet that requirement. We have no doubt this process of education at grassroots level will serve your club and indeed county well in years to come.

“Our goal is to make clubs more self-sufficient and sustainable, and better able to deal with challenges that lie ahead.”