Pictured left to right at the launch of the Gaelic Games Europe 2024-2027 Strategic Development Plan were: Leinster GAA Learning & Development Manager, Jamie Queeney, Head of Operations for Gaelic Games Europe, Chris Collins, Leinster GAA Chairperson, Derek Kent, Gaelic Games Europe Chairperson, John Murphy, and GAA International Manager, Charles Harrison.
By Alan Fitzgerald
As Europe’s many clubs are togging out and warming up for the year ahead, the County board gathered in Leuven, Belgium for one of GGE’s most significant meetings in 25 years - The official launch of the 2024-2027 Strategic Development Plan—a defining moment that will shape the future of Gaelic Games across the continent.
The launch was made even more special with the presence of Leinster GAA Chairman Derek Kent and Learning & Development Manager Jamie Queeney, who reinforced the deepening relationship between Gaelic Games Europe and its twinning partner, Leinster GAA.
Their ongoing support and expertise are invaluable as GGE continues to evolve, providing structured guidance and a vital link between European clubs and the wider GAA community in Ireland.
Additionally, GAA International Manager Charles Harrison played a pivotal role, offering insights and guidance that have helped shape this ambitious strategy.
His commitment to the European Gaelic Games community has been instrumental in steering this initiative forward, ensuring that GGE’s growth aligns with the wider international vision of the GAA.
Gaelic Games Europe officers pictured at the launch of the 2024-2027 Strategic Development Plan.
Another vital contribution of the weekend was the fresh perspective of Chris Collins, the newly appointed Head of Operations for Gaelic Games Europe. With nearly two decades of experience in Derry, Chris brought a wealth of knowledge and a zoomed-out perspective that allowed GGE officers to reassess their approach to growth, sustainability, and governance.
His insights helped piece together a bigger, more complete picture of Gaelic Games in Europe—one that balances regional realities with long-term ambitions.
Representatives from the German and French GAA boards were also invited to provide valuable international perspectives, bringing fresh insights from two of Europe's most established Gaelic Games communities.
Notably, these representatives were not members of the county committee or code officers, reflecting the evolving demographic of GGE’s membership base and ensuring a broader, more inclusive approach to shaping the future of Gaelic Games in Europe.
GGE chairperson John Murphy and the management committee identified the key strategic pillars of growth:
- Coaching and Games development - The current health of all Gaelic Games codes across Europe.
- Regionalisation - The strength and sustainability of leagues in every region.
- Comercialisation, PR, and branding - Promoting the GGE brand for commercial stakeholders, and building it up internally
These pillars provide a structured approach to ensure the sustainable development of Gaelic Games in Europe, balancing grassroots participation with developing elite competitive teams, governance with growth, and tradition with dynamic innovation.
The Leuven gathering was not just a strategy session—it was a statement of intent, setting the foundation for the next era of Gaelic Games in Europe, and it's path to Olympic recognition!