St Brigid’s extends deadline to apply for GDO position

St Brigid’s GAA is aiming to recruit a Games Development Officer at present and the club has extended the deadline for applications until the end of January.

The club advertised the position towards the end of last year and had initially set a deadline of January 3 for applications. But with that date falling just after the Christmas period, the club has decided to extend the deadline as it seeks to broaden the level of interest in the position.

Explaining the rationale for seeking a Games Development Officer (GDO), St Brigid’s GAA chairman Michael McDonnell said: “We feel it’s important to have a suitable person in place to develop young players, to coach the coaches at the different age groups and to compete with other sports. If you want to compete with other sports, you have to try to move things to the next level.”

“If candidates have a strength and conditioning background, that would be an advantage,” he continued.

With no funding available from Croke Park or the Connacht Council, Mr McDonnell said the club intends to solely fund the position themselves.

St Brigid’s have embarked on a major development project at their base in Newpark, Kiltoom which entails a substantial financial cost. In that regard, Mr McDonnell expressed frustration that there isn’t more assistance available to fund a GDO.

“It shows that John Connellan has a valid argument about funding equity in the GAA. Because there has been so much focus on Dublin, other urban areas in Leinster are starting to benefit but it’s a different story in Connacht,” he said.

Mr McDonnell said that there should be partial funding for GDO positions, contending that clubs could be given some funding with the caveat that they would have to raise a similar amount themselves.

He added that the population in the club’s catchment area has “stagnated” in recent years, pointing to the difficulty in obtaining planning permission as a significant factor in this situation.

Last year, Clann na nGael appointed Caulry footballer Alan Fitzpatrick as a full-time GDO and St Brigid’s hope to follow suit in the coming weeks.

The successful candidate for the GDO position in St Brigid’s will be responsible for leading underage games development and coaching work within the club and in the club’s feeder primary schools.

Candidate requirements include appropriate coaching qualifications and an in-depth interest in and understanding of the GAA; and some experience of working in the GAA or similar sporting organisation (voluntary or professional capacity).

Candidates interested in the role should apply by requesting the application form and job description by sending an email to Secretary.stbrigids.roscommon@gaa.ie and completed applications must be returned to the same email address no later than January 31.

Winners of 17 Roscommon senior titles, St Brigid’s have won four Connacht championships and are the only Roscommon club to win an All-Ireland senior crown, having done so in 2013.