Appointment of Galway GAA Finance and Operations Manager
Galway GAA is delighted to announce the appointment of Sean O’Connor as the new Finance & Operations Manager. Sean joins us from Galway Property Management, where he held the position of General Manager. He succeeds Mark Gottsche, who is transitioning to the role of National Operations & Engagement Manager for Games Development at Croke Park.
Sean brings a wealth of experience in financial administration, commercial development, and facilities management to his new role. Sean’s active involvement with Loughrea Gaelic Football Club, where he served as Chairperson and contributes as a coach at the juvenile level, underscores his deep commitment to Gaelic games.
Galway GAA Chairperson Paul Bellew stated “We are delighted to have Sean on board and look forward to working closely with him. This is a pivotal role, and Sean’s extensive skill set will undoubtedly benefit Galway GAA in the years to come. Change brings opportunity and Sean has the energy and expertise to bring new ideas and insights that will have a significant impact. We wish him every success in his new role and supporting him in it.”
He also added “On behalf of everyone associated with Gaelic games in Galway, I want to take the opportunity to acknowledge and thank Mark Gottsche for the indelible impact he has made on Galway GAA. He has been the key driving force in transforming the financial and reputational position of Galway GAA over the past 5 years. His contribution can never be overstated. We owe him a sincere debt of gratitude and we look forward to building on the position he has put us in over the next few years.”
Sean O’Connor is set to commence his role as Finance & Operations Manager on June 24th, 2024. Galway GAA extend our best wishes to both Sean and Mark in their respective roles and look forward to working closely with them in the years ahead.
Scór Gaillimh update
It was a very successful night in Oranmore for Scór Gaillimh. The event began with our quiz where eight teams were vying for a place in the Connacht Final. Beagh emerged as overall winners in a hotly contested competition. This was followed by the Solo Singing with Richard Egan from St. Thomas’ taking first prize. Next up were the Ballad Groups and here, Mountbellew/Moylough proved to be the winners. Finally, we finished off the night with the Nuachleas and Abbeyknockmoy emerged as victors. We at Scór Gaillimh – Cormac O Conaire, Marie Greaney and Carmel Costello, would like to sincerely thank Turloughmore, Kinvara Camogie and Hurling, Cortoon and Barna for participating and wish our winners the very best of luck in the Connacht Final. Special thanks to Roisin Rodgers for adjudicating and to our quizmaster, Liam Rabbitte. Great to see so many participants and audience members and we’re looking forward to hosting Scór na bPaisti in the near future. The Connacht Final will be held in Toreen, Co. Mayo on April 14th.
Ádh mór ar gach duine i gComortas an Chraobh Chonnachta !
Ballad Group: Mountbellew/Moylough
L to R: Elaine Ryan, Claire O’Sullivan, Corina Colleran, Éilis Colleran and Sharon Meehan.
Quiz: Beagh
L to R: Donncha Lucey Michael Mahon, Diarmuid Diviney and Tony Diviney
Nuachleas: Abbeyknockmoy
L to R: Caroline Ward, Denis Byrne, Leonie Finn, Norrie Quinn Kevin McNama, Olivia McNama, William Ward and Maeve Williams
Solo Singing: St. Thomas’
L to R: Richard Egan from St Thomas’ GAA Club, medal presented by Marie Greaney
Allianz Double Header Team News
Huge #AllianzLeagues Double Header on Saturday in Pearse Stadium
🕐1:15PM Galway v Limerick
🕒3:15PM Galway v Dublin
Read Match Information here relating to Parking and Tickets
Both games broadcast live on RTE.
Live Score updates via #WhatstheScor App on our X channels
Best of Luck to our Senior Footballers and Hurlers this weekend!
#riseofthetribes
#gaillimhabú
Allianz League Double Header Fixture Info
Huge #AllianzLeagues Double Header on Saturday in Pearse Stadium
🕐1:15PM Galway v Limerick
🕒3:15PM Galway v Dublin
Buy Match Tickets online in advance, tickets will not be on sale at the grounds
https://www.ticketmaster.ie/allianz-leagues-galway-v-limerick-galway-co-galway-16-03-2024/event/1800606B8F1C2A80
📺 Both Games broadcast Live on RTE
Important Information for Supporters attending Pearse Stadium on Saturday
On behalf of Galway GAA and the Pearse Stadium Committee we welcome all GAA Supporters to Salthill on Saturday next, the 16th of March for the Division 1 Allianz Hurling and Football League games listed above.
These games on Saturday will result in increased traffic in the Galway, Salthill and Pearse Stadium areas and we urge all Supporters to arrive early, in order to avoid traffic congestion and potential delays entering the Stadium.
These are all-ticket games and no tickets will be available to purchase at the ground on the day. Tickets can be purchased on line and in Centra and SuperValu Supermarkets in advance of the game. Please have your tickets available for scanning as you approach the Stadium.
Turnstiles will be open at the Main Entrance on Rockbarton Road, at Arus Bóthar na Trá on Dr. Manix Road and at the back of the stand. Gates will open at 11.30am.
There are ample Car Parks in Galway City and Salthill and we encourage patrons to use these car parks and walk or take public transport to/from Salthill.
Car Parking is available at St. Enda’s Secondary School on Threadneedle Road, Salthill, H91 X798.
Again, we ask all Supporters to arrive early, and to park legally and responsibly, at all times.
Finally, we appeal to all Supporters to be conscious, mindful and respectful to the needs of our neighbour’s and local residents.
In Summary:
1. Please ensure that you buy your ticket in advance. (No tickets for sale at the ground)
2. Please travel with care and arrive early.
2. Please park legally and responsibly.
3. Please be respectful and mindful of the needs of Local Residents
4. Enjoy the game
Thank You for your co-operation and your support.
AIB GAA Club Players Awards 2023/24
The players selected for this year’s AIB GAA Club Players Awards have been announced with All-Ireland champions Glen and St Thomas’ leading the way on the football and hurling teams of the year.
In football, Watty Graham’s of Glen have been honoured with six places on the final 15. Michael Warnock takes his second successive award in defence and is joined by Ryan Dougan and Ciarán McFaul. Their twin towers of Conor Glass and Emmett Bradley are the midfield anchor with the versatile Eunan Mulholland named in the half forward line.
After winning Connacht and then coming so close in the All-Ireland final, St Brigid’s are also well represented with Brian Stack, Pearse Frost and Ruaidhrí Fallon bolstering the defence and livewire Ben O’Carroll in a star-studded attack.
Darragh Kirwan’s prolific run of form in attack for Naas is recognised and so too, is Cork star Brian Hurley for his role with Castlehaven in Munster. Kilmacud Crokes’ lethal pairing of Paul Mannion and Shane Walsh also headline in the team.
American Football goal kicking hopeful Rory Beggan has been named in goal after his hugely influential role for Scotstown in their march to the Ulster final.
In hurling, the Burkes and Cooneys of St Thomas’ backbone the team after their All-Ireland final triumph with the Connacht club also taking six slots.
The Galway champions have Gerald Kelly honoured in goal after his expert guardianship of the St Thomas’ net. Fintan Burke is full back after his towering displays while the influential Shane Cooney is named wing back. Ever-green star David Burke is in midfield while shining lights of the attack Conor Cooney and Éanna Burke are centre and full forward respectively.
Leinster champions and All-Ireland finalists O’Loughlin Gaels are well represented with Huw Lawlor a unanimous choice in the full back line and David Fogarty and Paddy Deegan in front of him after their impressive seasons and Mark Bergin rewarded for his stellar form in attack.
Munster champions Ballygunner are represented with Dessie Hutchinson winning his third Club Player Award since 2020 with Paddy Leavey honoured for the second year in a row in midfield and Peter Hogan deservedly joining them. The team is completed by the presence of inspirational Cushendall players Paddy Burke at corner back and Neil McManus at top of the left.
The players will be honoured at a special function at Croke Park this Friday, where they will be presented with their awards by Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns.
Also announced on the night will be the overall AIB GAA Club Footballer and Hurler of the Year. St Brigid’s star forward Ben O’Carroll, Kilmacud Crokes sharpshooter Shane Walsh and Watty Graham’s inspirational midfielder Conor Glass are the nominees for the football prize.
In hurling, O’Loughin Gaels’ pillars David Fogarty and Paddy Deegan are shortlisted after they spearheaded the Kilkenny champions drive for Croke Park and alongside them is St Thomas’ hero David Burke who was prolific when he was needed most.
Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns said: “I want to congratulate all the players who have been selected for an AIB GAA Club Players Award. The high calibre of the teams is a reflection of what was another outstanding campaign.
“The club championship is like a Holy Grail at county level, then for a special few there is a shot at provincial success and if you are fortunate enough, the chance for All-Ireland history. Year after year this pursuit of glory by clubs and their communities produces fantastic competition that leaves us enthralled. I want to acknowledge the support of our partners in AIB for their assistance in sustaining this great success story for the GAA.”
Congratulating the winners, Mark Doyle, Chief Marketing Officer for AIB, said: “The AIB GAA Club Player Awards celebrate the incredible feats achieved by club players across Ireland and on behalf of everyone at AIB, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the players being honoured with a place on the team of the year. The tremendous effort and resolve to achieve success with your clubs epitomises everything that is special about the AIB GAA Club Championships. A huge congratulations to all 30 players featuring on the AIB Club Teams of the Year who have so proudly represented their communities and clubs this season. AIB is proud to be able to honour these fantastic athletes and we look forward to another season supporting the Club Championships in 2024.”
The awards were selected by a panel of Gaelic Games correspondents from across print, broadcast and digital media. The AIB GAA Club Players Awards have been held annually since 2018.
Each season, the AIB GAA All-Ireland Club Championships feature some of #TheToughest players from communities nationwide. With the partnership now in its 33rd year, AIB is proud to once again celebrate the people and wider communities that play such a pivotal role in sustaining the culture, entertainment and passion of our national games.
St Thomas’ David Burke is named on the AIB Club Hurling Team of the Year. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
AIB GAA CLUB PLAYERS AWARDS 2023/24
FOOTBALL
- Rory Beggan (Scotstown)
- Ryan Dougan (Watty Grahams, Glen)
- Brian Stack (St Brigid’s)
- Pearse Frost (St Brigid’s)
- Ruaidhrí Fallon (St Brigid’s)
- Ciaran McFaul (Watty Graham’s, Glen)
- Michael Warnock (Watty Graham’s, Glen)
- Conor Glass (Watty Graham’s, Glen)
- Emmett Bradley (Watty Graham’s, Glen)
- Eunan Mulholland (Watty Graham’s, Glen)
- Paul Mannion (Kilmacud Crokes)
- Shane Walsh (Kilmacud Crokes)
- Ben O’Carroll (St Brigid’s)
- Darragh Kirwan (Naas)
- Brian Hurley (Castlehaven)
AIB GAA CLUB FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
Conor Glass
Ben O’Carroll
Shane Walsh
HURLING
- Gerald Kelly (St Thomas’)
- Paddy Burke (Ruairí Óg, Cushendall)
- Fintan Burke (St Thomas’)
- Huw Lawlor (O’Loughlin Gaels)
- David Fogarty (O’Loughlin Gaels)
- Paddy Deegan (O’Loughlin Gaels)
- Shane Cooney (St Thomas’)
- David Burke (St Thomas’)
- Paddy Leavey (Ballygunner)
- Mark Bergin (O’Loughlin Gaels)
- Conor Cooney (St Thomas’)
- Peter Hogan (Ballygunner)
- Dessie Hutchinson (Ballygunner)
- Éanna Burke (St Thomas’)
- Neil McManus (Ruairí Óg, Cushendall)
AIB GAA CLUB HURLER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
Paddy Deegan
David Burke
David Fogarty
Galway Senior Hurlers team up with Hand in Hand for Family Funday Fundraising Event!
Galway Senior Hurlers team up with Hand in Hand for Family Funday Fundraising Event!
On Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 the Galway Senior Hurlers will host a Family Fun Day event in Pearse Stadium, Salthill from 12.00-2.00pm and wish to invite all future stars to a “meet and greet” with squad and management members.
There will be plenty options for selfies, photographs, and autographs with all as well as the chance to win some fabulous prizes, while supporting a truly deserving cause.
Hand in Hand Children’s Cancer Charity is based in Loughrea, Co Galway. The charity provides practical and emotional supports to children and their families who are affected by childhood cancer.
To support this event please click on the link
https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/GalwaySeniorHurlersFundraiser
Caroline O Connor, Fundraising & Communication Manager Hand in Hand said ”We are deeply grateful for the support received from Galway GAA and the wider community. This is going to be a wonderful event organised by the Galway Senior Hurling Team and Management. The success of the GAA is rooted in the ethos of community engagement, involvement, support, and assistance which permeates throughout every club the country. Hand in Hand Children’s Cancer Charity is rooted in the very same belief, co-ordinating all the team players to provide household cleaning, laundry services, family meal deliveries and wrap around supports for families dealing with a childhood cancer diagnosis. Like every community we are stronger together. Funds raised by this event will go directly towards helping families with practical and emotional supports with a childhood cancer diagnosis. These services are provided FREE of charge to families with a childhood cancer diagnosis undergoing active treatment with emotional services continuing post treatment.”
Michelle Healy, Galway GAA PRO said, “All in Galway GAA are proud to be involved in supporting this worthy event on March 2nd, 2024. Supporting charities is ingrained in our GAA culture, with clubs, volunteers and players involved many initiatives. I want to pay a special tribute to our Senior Hurlers in coming together to initiate such a wonderful event. We are delighted to be in a position to work with Hand in Hand to help raise awareness about their initiatives and the impact of those. The benefits of this occasion will make a significant contribution to children and their families who are affected by childhood cancer.”
“We are looking forward to lending our time to support the excellent work carried out by Hand in Hand and are delighted to be able to contribute here. We also look forward to meeting all our supporters on the day in Pearse Stadium, we hope to see a large crowd there and would greatly appreciate your support online or on the day for this fantastic cause” said Cianan Fahy, spokesperson for the Senior Hurling organising committee.
Pat McDonagh said that Supermac’s was delighted to be involved with the fundraiser. “I commend the players for taking part in this worthy event,” he said. “It shows a sense of community and togetherness that is an important characteristic of any team. Supermac’s is delighted to be associated with the Meet and Greet event on Sunday and we are particularly happy that the benefit will go to a children’s charity, Hand in Hand. These players are their hero’s and it will mean a lot to them. We urge everyone to come along on the day to this event and to make a donation to this worthy cause.”
NOTES
For further information about the Event, please contact Michelle Healy, pro.galway@gaa.ie
For further information about the services that HIH provide or if you’re able to help in any way, please contact caroline.oconnor@handinhand.ie
ENDS
Sports Minister visit to Pearse Stadium
Sports Minister Thomas Byrne TD visited Pearse Stadium on Friday meeting representatives from Galway GAA, Galway Ladies Football and Galway Camogie, where he heard details of the Sports Capital funding application for floodlights in the Salthill venue and the proposal to develop sports facilities at the Galway Airport site jointly.
Pictured with Minister Byrne are Paul Bellew (GAA), Anne Kearney (Camogie), Elaine Goldrick (Ladies Football)
Pictured L to R
Cllr Peter Keane, Senator Ollie Crowe, Éamon O’Cuív TD, Minister of Sport Thomas Byrne TD, Elaine Goldrick (Galway Ladies Football), Anne Kearney (Galway Camogie), Paul Bellew (Galway GAA), Anne Rabbitte TD
Finance and Operations Manager, Galway GAA
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael is now seeking applications from the suitably qualified persons for the role of Finance & Operations Manager, Galway GAA. The successful candidate will be responsible for working with the county executive to develop the vision and strategies of the GAA within the county and for implementing short and long-term plans to achieve the Association’s goals. Reporting to the office of the Ard Stiúrthóir, with a secondary reporting relationship to the County Chairperson, the role holder will provide direction and leadership to the management and staff and oversee the effective development of Galway GAA.
Duties and responsibilities shall include:
1. General
- Manage the operational structure and support the County Executive of the county in the day to day running of the county to include the management and supervision of full and part-time personnel.
- In collaboration with the County Treasurer, manage all financial services/operations ensuring that proper governance is in place.
- Reconcile and prepare the accounts for all entities under the control of the County Committee.
- Assist and support the county games manager and other personnel with the implementation of county games development and coaching plans, initiatives and strategy.
2. Financial Management
- Develop and manage annual budgets in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders.
- Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and cash flow management.
- Monitor financial performance against budget and provide recommendations for improvement as necessary.
- Manage the ticketing systems in use for all fixtures.
- Responsibility for financing of Capital Development works in conjunction with the Management Committee.
- Financial administration of county grounds and of the Inter County Player Injury Scheme.
- Ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations and standards.
3. Commercial Development
- Identify and pursue opportunities for revenue generation through sponsorships, partnerships, and commercial activities.
- Develop and implement strategies to enhance the organization’s commercial presence and brand visibility.
- Negotiate and manage contracts with sponsors, vendors, and other partners.
- Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to leverage commercial opportunities and maximize exposure.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of commercial initiatives and make data-driven recommendations for future endeavors.
4. Stakeholder Engagement
- Cultivate strong relationships with existing sponsors, partners, and stakeholders to foster long-term collaborations and support.
- Act as a liaison between Galway GAA and external entities, representing the organization’s interests in negotiations and discussions.
- Provide excellent customer service to sponsors and partners, addressing inquiries and concerns in a timely and professional manner.
- Collaborate with internal departments to ensure alignment of financial and commercial activities with organizational goals and objectives.
- Establish, build and maintain strong communications with Ard Comhairle and associated county, provincial and national bodies.
Essential Criteria
- An appropriate degree in Finance, Business Administration or a related area with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a management role
OR
at least 6 years’ experience working in a senior management role.
- Proven experience in financial management, budgeting, and reporting.
- Demonstrated track record of success in commercial development, including sponsorship acquisition, partnership management, and revenue optimization.
- Strong analytical skills and proficiency in financial software and tools for data analysis and reporting.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines under pressure.
- Excellent people management skills with the ability to build and maintain strong business and team relationships and manage conflict.
- An in-depth knowledge of the GAA and its structures with a strong interest and understanding of Galway GAA.
- A commitment to promoting the values and mission of Galway GAA.
- Proven ability to work in high-pressure situations, and a willingness to work out of office hours and some weekends.
Desirable Criteria
- Relevant professional certifications (e.g., ACCA, CIMA) preferred.
- Experience in procurement and negotiation of commercial partnerships and sponsor relationships.
Other Requirements
- The role holder must have a full clean drivers licence and access to a form of transport which will enable them to fulfil their responsibilities in full.
How to Apply
Candidates interested in the above role should apply by sending an up-to-date cover letter and Curriculum Vitae on or before 3pm on Monday, 11th March 2024.
The GAA is an equal opportunities employer.
Skills:
Operations Management Financial Management Stakeholder Engagement Administration Negotiation Business Development
