Wexford GAA Bulletin

Bulletin following County Committee Meeting on 27 March 2023

Strategic Plan Update on Infrastructure Projects

Halo Tiles Wexford GAA Centre of Excellence

Works have recommenced on the new pitches that were delayed due to weather. Depending on weather and growing conditions, it is most likely that these pitches will be playable in Spring 2024. In addition:

• Tenders for floodlight works to be carried out are underway together with exploration of temporary dressing rooms solutions for the opening of the new pitches next year.
• Design drawings are in progress for the new entrance/road off the old N11.
• A proposed design is being finalised and costed for the building for the purposes of applying for planning permission for the extension required to meet the additional usage demands.

As part of the 100 Million Trees Project, Wexford GAA planted 1,000 trees on a plot of land in Halo Tiles COE and are delighted to be part of such a project. All Clubs are encouraged to explore the possibility of doing similar on their grounds if space is available.

St. Patrick’s Park

An investment of €150,000 was approved for improvement works in St. Patrick’s Park. It is planned to:

• Replace the existing shower and water heating system.
• Refurbish the existing dressing rooms, public toilets and team meeting room.
• Upgrade the floodlights to LED subject to receipt of grant funding towards the works.

The pitch in St. Patrick’s Park hosts a significant number of games each year and all levels and has been a training base for intercounty teams over the Winter period. The pitch will be closed from 10April 2023 for 8 weeks for overseeding, maintenance and recovery in advance of the Club Championship Season.

Chadwicks Wexford Park

It is planned to connect certain key services such as the PA system and the scoreboard to the generator for the floodlights as a backup measure in case of a power failure. The pitch will be closed in June for four weeks for overseeding of the pitch and general maintenance works in preparation for the upcoming Club Championship Season. Other works in respect of upgrades to dressing rooms, wheelchair area and press box are on hold for the moment until there is clarity on potential grant funding.

Refereeing Update

A meeting was recently held with all referees within the County, which was also attended by Donal Smith, National Referee Coordinator. There was an issue highlighted by the Referees Administration Committee that a number of referees are not very active with some telling statistics from Coiste na nÓg games in 2022 given to illustrate this point:

• 2 referees officiated 83 games between them.
• 17 referees officiated 64 games between them. 
• 9 referees officiated 13 games between them. 

The Referees Administration Committee have set out criteria in respect of the number of games a referee must officiate in to be deemed to be an Active Referee:

• New referee, single code – minimum of 10 games
• New referee, dual code – minimum of 15 games
• Existing referee, single code – minimum of 15 games
• Existing referee, dual code – minimum of 20 games

An Cathaoirleach, Micheál Martin, also reiterated that a zero-tolerance policy of abuse towards match officials from the side-lines will be in place for our games and that all stakeholders are committed to improving the standard of officiating for the betterment of our games.

Presentation from Niall Williams, Director of Hurling

Niall William gave a presentation of his role within the county as Director of Hurling with three main objectives set out:

1. To create a High-Performance model and push the boundaries of what is possible for our senior players​.
2. To foster a holistic Player Pathway for our young players based on development, opportunities and synergy between stakeholders​.
3. To create a Coaching Pathway that mirrors the Player Pathway and caters for both the novice and elite coach​.

Niall provided the meeting with his observations so far within the County’s hurling structures and also gave details on the Next Generation Program. Micheál Martin stressed that it is incumbent on us all to drive hurling at every level within the County with Niall leading the way.

Child Protection & Safeguarding

All Clubs must carry out a Child Safeguarding Risk Assessment and update their Child Safeguarding Statement before 3 May 2023. if not completed by this date, Clubs will not be allowed to field any teams at underage level. Full details have been provided to Clubs in respect of this.

Central Council

An Cathaoirleach, Micheál Martin, outlined that he had sought clarification regarding a decision on banning charities from jerseys was for once off campaigns and that it did not apply to the “Tackle Your Feelings” campaign.

An Cathaoirleach also outlined that he is to seek clarification in writing as to why Central Council amended the Wexford motion regarding Under 20/senior eligibility.

Upcoming Dates