South East Technological University (SETU) is proud to highlight the significant contribution of its academics to the landmark research report More Than a Role, jointly produced by the GAA, LGFA, and Camogie Association.
This comprehensive study provides an in-depth examination of the experiences, realities, and challenges faced by Club Officers across Gaelic Games.
Developed in partnership with a research team at SETU, including Dr Patrick Delaney and Dr Noel Connors, lecturers in the Department of Sport and Exercise Science, the report draws on insights from over 1,300 Club Officers worldwide.
More Than a Role represents the first Club Officer-focused research project co-authored across all three Gaelic Games Associations. It establishes a robust evidence base that will inform future policy, training, support structures, and long-term development strategies for clubs across the island of Ireland and beyond.
The research combines extensive survey data with qualitative analysis to better understand who volunteers are, what motivates them, how they experience their roles, and what supports they need to thrive.
Key findings from the report highlight:
- A committed, community-driven volunteer base motivated by passion, belonging, and a desire to give back.
- Significant time demands placed on Club Officers, with many contributing the equivalent of a full working day each week.
- Increasing complexity in Club Officer roles, particularly in administrative and governance responsibilities.
- Opportunities to strengthen recruitment and succession planning.
- The importance of improved data use, communication, and information sharing to build a more connected volunteer network.
- The need for more consistent structures, streamlined roles, and efficient tools.
- The potential to attract more volunteers through clearer role descriptions, positive messaging, and enhanced peer support.
- The value of expanded training and development to ensure Club Officers feel confident and supported from the outset.
- The opportunity to improve digital tools to streamline administration and reduce duplication.
The work undertaken by Dr Delaney, Dr Connors, and their colleagues provides a vital evidence base that recognises the immense contribution of club officers while also identifying practical ways to better support them."
Professor Michael Harrison, Head of the Department of Sport and Exercise Science at SETU
Commenting on the publication, Prof Michael Harrison, Head of the Department of Sport and Exercise Science at SETU, said, "This report represents a significant milestone not only for Gaelic Games but for the National Governing Body of Sport sector. The work undertaken by Dr Delaney, Dr Connors, and their colleagues provides a vital evidence base that recognises the immense contribution of club officers while also identifying practical ways to better support them. At SETU, we are proud to collaborate on research that has real-world impact, strengthening the structures that underpin sport at grassroots level."
This publication marks an important step forward in recognising and supporting the volunteers who are the heartbeat of Gaelic Games. By placing their experiences at the centre of future planning, the GAA, LGFA, and Camogie Association are demonstrating a shared commitment to sustaining and strengthening club communities for generations to come.
The full report is available to download here:
