On Friday, October 6th, Clann na Banna CLG officially unveiled their comprehensive five-year development plan at St. Patrick’s College in Banbridge. The event drew a diverse audience, including club members, representatives from Down GAA, Down LGFA, Ulster GAA, Ulster LGFA, elected officials, and members of the Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon Sports Forum.
The launch was opened by club chairperson Emma Loughlin, who expressed her deep pride in the effort invested in the launch. She noted that this momentous occasion coincided with the club’s upcoming 120th anniversary in 2024, and the plan’s completion will align perfectly with the club’s 125th anniversary. Tony Campbell, the club’s secretary, and development officer, then guided the attendees through the plan’s various components, which encompassed Club Structures and Administration, Coaching and Games, Facilities and Infrastructure, Finance and Fundraising, and Health, Wellbeing, and Community Engagement.
The key highlights of the plan revolve around the club’s ambitious plans to enhance their facilities. They intend to expand their existing club rooms upwards to create additional open space for members and the local community. Furthermore, they are determined to locate and secure land for an additional full-size grass pitch, complementing their current setup at Cottage Park. The plan also includes a strong focus on revamping their coaching framework and providing comprehensive support for coaches, all with the aim of ensuring that their young players receive the highest quality coaching experience. The club has witnessed remarkable growth in player numbers, rocketing from approximately 100 in 2015 to just over 500. The aspiration is to translate this growth into on-field success.
Both keynote speakers at the event, John Devanney, Chairperson of Down GAA, and Ciaran McLoughlin, Chairperson of Ulster GAA, extended their congratulations to the club for their ambitious vision. They emphasised the significance of having a well-structured plan as a guiding compass for the next five years, encouraging the club to continually refer back to it when making crucial decisions.
