The 2025 Leinster GAA Club Development Conference, held on March 1st at SETU Carlow, proved to be an overwhelming success. Club members, coaches, and volunteers from across the province gathered for a day filled with practical insights, expert advice, and dynamic discussions aimed at improving the future of Gaelic games at the grassroots level.

With a focus on enhancing club culture, player development, and volunteer support, the conference attracted a wide array of attendees eager to learn and engage with the experts. The day featured three powerful keynote speakers: Michael Fennelly, who shared his expertise on creating a positive club culture; Luke Barrett, who emphasised the importance of games-based coaching for skill development; and Colm Cummins, who provided insightful guidance on understanding club demographics and tailoring approaches to different age groups.

The energy was palpable, and the sessions were packed with valuable information. Attendees also had the chance to participate in parallel workshops covering a range of topics, including coaching strategies, volunteer management, club inclusion programs, and even the challenges of refereeing. Each session was designed to equip club members with practical tools that they could take back to their communities and implement immediately.

Jamie Queeney, Leinster GAA’s Learning & Development Manager, reflected on the event’s importance and impact, saying, “This conference was an incredible opportunity to bring together people who are passionate about the future of their clubs. The insights shared here today are not just theoretical – they are practical, actionable ideas that can be used to strengthen clubs, develop players, and build better volunteer structures. It’s about creating a sustainable future for Gaelic games, and it all starts with empowering our clubs.”

Derek Kent, Cathoirleach Comhairle Laighean, also emphasised the significance of such gatherings, highlighting the wider vision for the region. “The success of this conference reaffirms the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing within our clubs,” Kent said. “We’re focused on creating an environment where our clubs can thrive, not just on the pitch but off it too. The bottom-up approach we champion allows our clubs to be the driving force for positive change, ensuring the future of Gaelic games is in strong hands.”

The conference was not just about listening to experts; it was about engaging, networking, and collaborating with fellow club members who share the same passion for development and growth. The emphasis on volunteer recruitment and retention was particularly relevant, as clubs across the province continue to face challenges in this area. With the increasing demands on volunteers, the day also focused on how to manage burnout and stress while maintaining enthusiasm and commitment.

For Jamie Queeney, managing volunteer burnout was one of the key messages of the day: “Volunteers are the heart and soul of our clubs. Without them, Gaelic games wouldn’t be where they are today. But we have to recognise the pressures they face, and it’s crucial we support them in every way possible. Today’s conference helped highlight the importance of managing stress and burnout, and how we can create an environment where volunteers feel valued and supported.”

The event concluded with a strong sense of optimism for the future of Leinster’s Gaelic clubs. Attendees left the conference with renewed motivation and a wealth of knowledge to apply in their roles within their clubs.

All presentations including Full Videos of the 3 Key Note talks will be uploaded to our Website in due course.