Limerick GAA club explores sustainability options to aid financial stability

GAA PRESIDENT Jarlath Burns was the guest of honour at a business breakfast as Na Piarsaigh launched a new three-year strategy.

The Caherdavin club’s newly-refurbished premises was full to capacity as it hosted its first-ever corporate breakfast.

Local business and political leaders were present at the home of Limerick’s senior hurling champions for the event, which also provided a look at a re-launched website.

As part of the strategy, the club will be expanding its youth programmes, sustainably maintaining pitches, and hosting regular events to ensure there is a continued link between the club and its community.

Among the ways the strategy aims to raise money for Na Piarsaigh GAA Club will be increased opportunities for club merchandising.

On top of this, the club’s finance and facilities group is charged will undertaking a feasibility assessment of sustainable energy solutions for the club.

It’s hoped both these measures will provide for the ongoing financial sustainability of the side.

Speaking at the event, Mr Burns, the 41st president of the GAA said: “It's extremely affirming for me to see a club of this stature still thinks there is capacity, and you have a plan and a strategy. You always have to have a big idea. You have to have a vision, you have to have a plan. This club has a great plan.”

He also warned: “Change can come on you, and you don't know it's happening until it's too late,” citing the example of Detroit in the American rust belt.

Addressing the 200-strong audience, club secretary Lavinia Duggan said: “Na Piarsaigh is open for business. As a business community, we want you to look around you today. Look at this facility. It's a sports club by day, it's a breakfast function in the morning, and it's an evening events venue as well. By you supporting us, you are supporting the children outside on that pitch.

The five-year-old, the six-year-old, the eight-year-old, the student sitting their Leaving Cert today coming down to that pitch to puck the ball around and relieve their stresses who end up playing for Limerick and winning county finals. That's who you are supporting,” he pointed out.