Liverpool John Moores University defeated University of Liverpool in the BUCS National Championships.
By Cian O’Connell
The growth and development of the third level sector in Britain GAA is providing a source of encouragement for the future.
Several different factors have combined to ensure that more than 40 universities were represented in matches this year. Recent tournaments in Birmingham and Manchester featured 600 players.
Ultimately, it has aided the games programme for so many students, male and female, and Britain GAA secretary Michael Walker is delighted with the response. “We're very pleased with the university competitions, and we believe that this is only the beginning,” Walker says.
Why is this sector starting to thrive? “You've four factors really,” Walker responds. “The first factor is we've a really well organised committee.
“So, there is great communication with the universities, we've a pool of referees and venues, meaning everything is organised in a really professional manner.
“Secondly, the community spirit of the university clubs’ counts. When you look at students coming to university for the first time, it can be a very stressful experience. You're going to a new place, you mightn't know anyone, a different environment, it is difficult for UK students, but coming from Ireland it is even more difficult. So, people are settling in, and this is a great way of meeting people.”
The importance of players developed across Britain in underage set-ups shouldn’t be underestimated according to Walker, who highlights the CDA scheme that has been operation throughout the past decade. “Number three is the homegrown factor,” he adds.
“We've a massive games development project going on over the last 10 or 15 years in Britain. It has been supported in a number of ways, by the GAA and DFA, they've supported a schools project and clubs have been developing.
A list of clubs and university teams in Britain.
“This is coming to fruition now, and you've a lot of 17 year-olds, their first sport is Gaelic Football and they're going to university all over Britain. They go into the University Hall when signing up for clubs and they will sign up for the Gaelic Football club.
“The fourth one then is the barriers to entry. We've changed the strategy where it is easier to set up a club in a university now. You can set it up with seven players, they can get in touch with us, we will hook them up with the local club, they can use the pitch. We will help them get started with equipment and it grows from there.”
Niall Mulvenna is chairperson of British Universities GAA and shares similar sentiments. “Previously, one person would probably have looked after it from the chair role, but we've expanded our committee,” Mulvenna explains.
“We've Iggy Donnelly, who is based over in Armagh, he looks after the finances as treasurer. Connor Harpur in Liverpool is the secretary, and we can tap into the support of Stephen Lavery, who is operations director, Michael Walker, the secretary, and Sean Hopkins as the chair in Britain. We're leaning on their support from provincial level.
“We've also support from LGFA Britain, Annie Marie Flanagan, the secretary, who is based in Birmingham, and Sinead Lyons, down in London. It is good to have that support at provincial level, both from the GAA and the LGFA side.”
Mulvenna also acknowledges the relevance of the players being developed in Britain. “Typically, we'd have always relied on Irish students coming over setting up Gaelic teams,” he says.
“Now, you've a sort of two-pronged approach, you have the Irish students coming over, but we're also seeing homegrown players starting to come through. The great work at the ABCs over the last 10 or 12 years, you're starting to see those players developing, coming through at third level.
“It is all part of that strategic plan, the pathway in Britain from U7 to national level. In university, there is a good cross over between the youth coming through as they move into adult football. You've that pathway through university football.”
Britain GAA president Seán Hopkins pictured at GAA Annual Congress in Donegal last month. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Despite the progress being made, Mulvenna is hopeful that further steps will be taken. “Looking through the histories of the Universities, you've 38 that have played previously, and some aren't playing at the minute,” he says.
“The men’s play in the BUCS competitions, but the ladies aren't involved at the minute, that is certainly something for us to look at, to get ladies entered into BUCS competitions.
“We also need to look at the underdeveloped codes, hurling, camogie, and GAA handball, there is interest within the colleges, and we need to develop that.”
Britain GAA Head of Games Development & Operations Stephen Lavery is optimistic. “We are hugely proud of the rich history of British Universities and look forward to its exciting future,” he says.
“The importance of our university teams in Britain and the impact that these community groups have on the lives of young people starting university in a new country or city cannot be underestimated.
“Gaelic Games is a well-received and important sporting outlet for our students. The friendships and bonds created through these teams last a lifetime.
“I commend the work of our British Universities committee and our county boards and clubs for the support network they provide for young people.”
The hard work continues.