SETU research shines light on volunteer pressures felt across Laois Gaelic Games clubs

A new landmark report into the experiences of Gaelic Games volunteers is likely to resonate strongly across Laois, where local clubs rely heavily on the same kind of commitment highlighted in the research.

Academics from South East Technological University (SETU), a popular choice for many Laois students, particularly at its Carlow campus, have played a central role in producing the study, titled More Than a Role.

The report was developed in partnership with the Gaelic Athletic Association, the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, and the Camogie Association, and offers one of the most comprehensive insights to date into the realities faced by club officers.

The research team included Dr Patrick Delaney and Dr Noel Connors of SETU, whose work drew on the experiences of more than 1,300 club officers from across the world. For counties like Laois, where volunteers are the backbone of every GAA, LGFA, and camogie club, the findings will strike a familiar chord. The study shows that volunteers are deeply motivated by a sense of community, belonging, and a desire to give back, values that underpin club life in towns and villages throughout the county.

However, the report also highlights the growing pressures on those same volunteers. Many club officers are contributing the equivalent of a full working day each week, while also navigating increasingly complex administrative and governance responsibilities. This reflects a reality seen in Laois clubs, where dedicated individuals often juggle multiple roles to keep organisations running smoothly.

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Importantly, More Than a Role points to clear opportunities for improvement, particularly in recruitment, succession planning, and the need for better support. It suggests that clearer role descriptions, stronger communication, and improved digital tools could make volunteering more accessible and sustainable, an issue that will be of interest to clubs across Laois looking to attract the next generation of volunteers.

SETU’s involvement will be of particular interest locally, given the strong links between Laois students and the university, especially in Carlow, as well as its campuses in Waterford and Wexford. 

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Commenting on the publication, Prof Michael Harrison, Head of the Department of Sport and Exercise Science at SETU, said, "This report represents a significant milestone not only for Gaelic Games but for the national governing body of sport sector. The work undertaken by Dr Delaney, Dr Connors, and their colleagues provides a vital evidence base that recognises the immense contribution of club officers while also identifying practical ways to better support them. At SETU, we are proud to collaborate on research that has real-world impact, strengthening the structures that underpin sport at grassroots level."

This publication marks an important step forward in recognising and supporting the volunteers who are the heartbeat of Gaelic Games. By placing their experiences at the centre of future planning, the GAA, LGFA, and Camogie Association are demonstrating a shared commitment to sustaining and strengthening club communities for generations to come.