Waterford parishes could ‘lose GAA clubs entirely’ amid demographic changes

Waterford parishes could lose their GAA clubs entirely as a result of demographic changes, a TD has claimed.

Waterford Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane was reacting to the findings of the GAA’s National Demographics Committee Report.

The report found that 78 per cent of GAA clubs are in rural areas with declining populations.

The GAA says that declining birth rates in Ireland since 2010 have accelerated rural decline and are impacting participation numbers in rural clubs.

Meanwhile, urban clubs are suffering from overcrowding, leading to stretched resources, limited access to facilities and a reduction in player retention.

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The GAA says it risks losing potential players in growing urban areas if it does not provide accessible clubs and facilities.

Deputy Cullinane reacted to the findings of the report in a post on social media. 

He stated: “Waterford knows the GAA is the heartbeat of our communities but the new all-Ireland demographic report is a real wake-up call.

“Population change is one of the biggest threats to our games, right now. Birth rates are falling fast, rural areas are losing young people and towns and cities are growing without enough clubs or pitches to cope.

“Waterford is feeling both ends of this. Growing areas around the city need space and new capacity, while parts of rural Waterford fight to keep teams going.”

Deputy Cullinane continued by calling for urgent action to protect Gaelic games in rural parts of the county.

“If we do nothing, children will be locked out of our games and some parishes could lose clubs entirely.

“We need action, a funded facilities plan for growth areas, real supports for rural clubs and planning laws that guarantee community and sporting infrastructure with new housing.”

“I’ll be pushing this with Government and local authorities and I will seek a meeting with the CEO of Waterford City and County Council to address the issues raised,” he concluded.

The report of the GAA’s National Demographic Committee was launched by GAA President Jarlath Burns at Croke Park on December 5.

It proposes a multi-tiered approach of internal and external actions to futureproof GAA clubs and participation rates.