The National Hurling Development Committee (HDC) met with members of the media this morning to outline the work undertaken by the Committee since it was established by Uachtarán Jarlath Burns. The Committee, which is Chaired by Terry Reilly of Antrim, has met formally on eight occasions since April with additional work being undertaken by members in various subgroups.

The first major milestone for the HDC has been to work alongside the Coaching & Games Department to announce the appointment of the National Head of Hurling role which has been advertised this morning. The Head of Hurling will have responsibility for the overall strategic development of the game of Hurling, with particular emphasis on designated counties.

Relevant initiatives will also act as a resource working with the Camogie Association to support growth and participation objectives in the Táin Region. 

The Committee members bring a broad range of expertise from establishing clubs in new areas to strategic oversight on how to develop the game in all tiers, alongside members with significant senior inter-county experience.  

Additional activities that the Committee has undertaken includes: 

- Reviewing previous Hurling Development Plans.  

- Learning about the Hurling landscape through presentations with relevant personnel across the Country.  

 - Understanding the challenges facing clubs, schools and counties.  

 - Exploring opportunities to work on common programmes and initiatives with the Camogie Association.  

- Preparing an investment proposal for financial support from the Irish Government to optimise the Intangible Cultural Heritage Status of Hurling and Camogie.   

GAA President Jarlath Burns, said: "Upon taking office last February, I was acutely aware of the need for a Hurling Development Committee with a plan and vision that makes a real commitment to the development of our great game.

"The HDC and the appointment of a new National Head of Hurling represents our determination to grow the game, increase participation and crucially, establish new clubs.

"It will take time, but our reward will be the sight of young people enjoying this national treasure and hurling and camogie thriving - especially in the Táin Óg region where so much progress has been made in a relatively short time.

"When hurling and camogie secured UNESCO status in 2018, we knew that with that prestigious recognition came a responsibility to protect and promote the game and preserve it for future generations - just as Cusack and his friends did in the Phoenix Park 140 years ago. I hope that we will get all the support necessary to reach our targets."

HDC Chairperson, Terry Reilly said: “Since our first meeting at the end of April, the Hurling Development Committee and its members have spent significant time understanding the current Hurling landscape across the Country. It is fair to say that the current participation and performance levels vary significantly depending on where you come from. It is the ambition of the Hurling Development Committee that, regardless of where you come from, an appropriate opportunity will be provided for participation and engagement in hurling. To do this we need to grow the number of clubs playing our games and provide support structures in coaching, administration and refereeing. 

“The development of Hurling and Camogie is a long-term project that not only focuses on the bottom tiers and the Committee is fully aware of the need to grow and enhance the game across all tiers with support from Counties and Provinces. Today's announcement of the advertisement of the National Head of Hurling is a significant step forward to achieving our goals.”

Infoirmation on the National Head of Hurling role is here:  https://www.gaa.ie/downloads/viewer/national-head-of-hurling-advert 

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