O'Loughlin Gaels GAA Club

O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Club - submission

O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Club was formed in 1969 and it has the largest sports facility in the Kilkenny City’s Eastern Environs with c.700 adult and juvenile members. O’LG GAA large number of players continues to grow annually. While primarily catering for its members on its 14 acres of Club grounds, it also caters for many additional sports within the Club’s sports complex. These activities including Hurling and Gaelic Football, Camogie, Handball, Racquetball, Basketball children and adults (South East League and National League total 500 players), Volleyball, Badminton, Indoor soccer, Irish Dancing, Cards, Darts and Local Choir practice.

In addition, the local Primary schools use the facilities for their field sports and gym activities.

In the last 15 years O’LG has spent more than €1m in upgrading its surfaces, Club house and gym complex. All this work has been managed in a prudent and financially sustainable way. 

Management of the O’LG facility

There is an experienced dual gender Executive Club Structure - administered by Adult Games Chairman, Juvenile Games Chairman, Camogie Chairperson, Handball Rep, Development Rep, Games and Policies Rep. There are also indoor facilities/gym, field, maintenance and finance committees.

Encouragement of diversity and disadvantaged groups

Operating in a socially deprived area, OLG works to increase participation and inclusivity by (1) close working relationship with St. Johns Junior and Primary Schools, Johnswell NS, Gaelscoil & Model Schools. St Johns Primary has a large number of different ethnic groups and travellers. All Juvenile teams fully cater for members from the travelling community with a halting site 250 metres from Club Grounds. (2) Through working relationships with KK Local Authority (3) annual welcome day to encourage new membership.

Request from O’LG

The Club has 2 Croke Park size pitches, a juvenile pitch and small children’s area. Its grounds are under huge pressure in trying to facilitate the training and playing needs of Club members, whilst also hosting inter-club games at a Kilkenny County level. Accordingly, O’LG is seeking additional space from Kilkenny Local Authority for 2 playing pitches in the St. John’s Parish area. The Club will work constructively with Kilkenny Local Authority to play its part in making this vital request a reality. In delivering these facilities, Kilkenny Local Authority can be guaranteed the delivery of improved health and well-being to the citizens of the area and greatly opening up further access for all groups within society.

O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Club Executive, St. Johns Park, Hebron Road, Kilkenny