Leinster GAA has launched the 2018 Beko Club Bua awards – the health check and code of best practice for GAA clubs in the province.

Sponsored by Beko, the awards aim to promote best practice on and off the field in all the clubs across the 12 counties. The scheme will identify and reward excellence and also offer a pathway for other clubs to set themselves realistic targets in order to be recognised for achieving high standards.

Using an online application form and checklist on leinstergaa.ie/club-bua/, Leinster GAA Clubs are invited to assess themselves against a set of criteria ranging from their number of Awards 1 and Award 2 coaches, health awareness, club governance and inclusiveness, to name a few.

Star players Ciaran Kilkenny, Lee Chin and Matthew O’Hanlon were present at Croke Park to support the launch just weeks ahead of the championship season.

 Ian Collins, Managing Director, Beko Ireland, with Dublin footballer Ciaran Kilkenny and Wexford hurler Lee Chin in attendance in Croke Park, Dublin, at the launch of the 2018 Beko Club Bua award scheme, Leinster GAA’s accreditation and health check system for clubs in the province. For more information visit leinstergaa.ie/club-bua/

Bua is the Gaeilge for Win and the Bua awards will result in chosen clubs in each county across Leinster again sharing in a significant prize fund. By the end of this year, more than €85,000 in equipment, footballs and sliotars will have been awards to clubs in the province.

Winning clubs will also receive a commemorative plaque for their clubhouse acknowledging them as a Beko Club Bua Award winner and additional prizes including tickets for Leinster Championship finals, and a draw to win a place for an Under 8 team at the Leinster GAA Go Games event in Croke Park. All clubs who take part will also be entered into a draw to win Beko appliances.

Speaking at the launch, Leinster GAA Chairman, Jim Bolger said, “The Beko Club Bua Awards were created and designed to be a road map for Leinster Clubs to display best practice and also acknowledge and recognise those clubs that are leading the way. This is the second year of the initiative and based on the feedback we have received from the clubs, we’ve made a few small tweaks which we believe will make the process more accessible and hopefully encourage more clubs to take part.

“Regardless of whether you are county champions or not, have a large urban or a small rural club, this initiative still applies – it is about encouraging clubs to do things the right way so that the Bua effect will apply on and off the field.”

Shane Kelly, Head of Sales and Marketing, Beko Ireland, added, “Beko was thrilled to get involved with Leinster GAA last year. We are equally happy to be back here today to launch the 2018 Beko Club Bua awards. The idea of clubs, regardless of size, getting rewarded for best practice is something we wholeheartedly support.”

Beko is one of Ireland’s leading and best-selling home appliance manufacturers. Operating in Ireland for over 25 years, Beko has been providing helpful, innovative and energy-efficient electrical appliances while also delivering exceptional value and quality.