GAELIC SPORTS WORLD Issue 15 - December 5, 2014 | Page 19

• MOVING FROM 7 TO 11-A-SIDE IN FOOTBALL AND HURLING • REGIONALISING FOOTBALL INTO FIVE (AND NOW SIX) REGIONS • DEVELOPING OUR OWN REFEREE TRAINING PROGRAMME • SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF COACHING TUTORS • ESTABLISHING A GAA FUNDED GOALPOST PURCHASING SCHEME • ENTRY FOR CHAMPIONS INTO LEINSTER (GAA) AND ALL IRELAND (LADIES) CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS • USE OF CARLOW IT ERASMUS PLACEMENTS • SECURING EUROPE OWN HOME GROUND AND FACILITIES IN MAASTRICHT • SECURING A SEAT ON GAA CENTRAL COUNCIL • DRIVING THE DEMAND FOR MORE TV COVERAGE • CREATING AN INTERNATIONAL GAELIC GAMES FEDERATION • RAISING AWARENESS THAT GAELIC GAMES ARE NOT JUST FOR IRISH EX-PATRIATES Europe GAA Chairman, Brian Sheehy (right), presents Tony Bass with a Celtic Cross replica in honor of his work as European GAA Secretary at last weekend’s 2014 AGM, in Leuven, Belgium. 17. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MAJOR ISSUES FACING EUROPE GAA AT PRESENT? There are many but most are “good” problems such as catering for exponential growth, satisfying the demand for more representative type teams, ensuring higher standards of refereeing, coaching and administration. Indeed, the creation of paid administration and coaching positions is likely to be a major demand in the years ahead. 18. WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE EUROPE GAA IN ANOTHER 10 YEARS? With at least 2-3 clubs in almost every European country, over 250 active clubs in total, all five codes thriving, an annual European Nations Cup on TV in all codes and with professional administrators and coaching supports working from a full-time HQ in operation. European clubs winning Irish/International competitions and at least 5,000 young people playing our games. Not much really! 19