Antrim Football Thread

[Take the Mark]

https://www.irishnews.com/gaa/gaelic-football/kevin-madden-antrim-gaa-has-heard-enough-empty-promises-QIZTRWN3LFAVTEIDIRKUNOATWA/

Enjoyed this earlier today from Kevin Madden.

He should be the next Antrim manager.

Based on what exactly? I mean, even Andy McEntee came to the post with some credentials.

[BigGreenField]

Seeding for a straight knockout Championship might help garner more interest. An 8 team SFC, no more farting about with pointless group games.

An unseeded championship would be even better. Zero chance for teams to ease themselves in at all.

[Spike]

Is it time to revisit a Back Door championship?

The group stage format feels empty

[Gaels1789]

Is it time to revisit a Back Door championship?

The group stage format feels empty


There's been a lot of dead rubber games in the past few years, somethings gotta change.

Think straight knockout is the way to go

[SaffronSports]

The amount of senior clubs is ridiculous. The issue now is how do you fix that? If you're a div 1 club you won't vote to reduce that and if you're div 2 or 3 you won't vote to have a pile of teams coming down to you either. Is there a way the county can do a refix without the clubs voting? I cant see an alternative. 

[thegladiator]

The amount of senior clubs is ridiculous. The issue now is how do you fix that? If you're a div 1 club you won't vote to reduce that and if you're div 2 or 3 you won't vote to have a pile of teams coming down to you either. Is there a way the county can do a refix without the clubs voting? I cant see an alternative. 

It would likely depend in who is due to get relegated or object, then they'll arrange meeting- then last minute take it online then mute everyone. We've already been there!

[imtommygunn]

Is one of the key reasons behind championship format (and possibly league format) not the split season? Very few counties don't play groups or some kind of back door which I thought the rationale for was because teams had played most of the league without county players?

Tyrone would be the exception but their league goes on far longer than ours does I *think*?

I am not 100% sure if league format is due to split season but like anyone else here I would think 16 teams far too many.

[Saffrongael]

I see we are recruiting for an "Operations Manager" in Antrim GAA

[Milltown Row2]

I see we are recruiting for an "Operations Manager" in Antrim GAA

No doubt all the posters on here will have their CV's in to sort out everything 

[Duine Inteacht Eile]

Is one of the key reasons behind championship format (and possibly league format) not the split season? Very few counties don't play groups or some kind of back door which I thought the rationale for was because teams had played most of the league without county players?

Tyrone would be the exception but their league goes on far longer than ours does I *think*?

I am not 100% sure if league format is due to split season but like anyone else here I would think 16 teams far too many.

It starts far later. Most teams in Division 1 haven't played a match yet. There have been 10 games in Antrim.

[bannside]

There you go everyone. Your big chance to right all our problems!

On a serious note this is a big position, hopefully we will get the right person to fill it.

Click the link below....


https://ulster.gaa.ie/council/jobs/

[bannside]

Some information about the roles and responsibilities....

GAA Operations Manager Antrim GAA Cumann Lúthchleas Gael (GAA) is Ireland's premier sporting and cultural organization, with over 500,000 active participants and a large base of non-playing members. Celebrating its amateur status, the GAA is driven by the voluntary efforts of its members, dedicating all resources to the growth of Gaelic Games and Culture both nationally and within local communities. Role Profile Cumann Lúthchleas Gael is now seeking applications from suitably qualified persons for the role of Operations Manager, Antrim GAA. The successful candidate will be responsible for working with the county Executive to develop the vision and strategies of the GAA within the county and for implementing short and long-term plans to achieve the Association's goals. The role holder will provide direction and leadership to the management and staff and oversee the effective development of Antrim GAA. Location: Antrim GAA County Offices Reporting to: The Office of the Ard Stiúrthóir. The role holder shall report directly to the Ard Stiúrthóir, or alternatively to a manager designated by him/her. The role holder will have a secondary reporting relationship to the Chairperson of the County Committee. Primary Responsibilities General • Ensure appropriate management and supervision of all full and part‐time personnel and ensure adherence to best practice employment guidelines. Oversee HR functions to support the management and the supervision of full and part-time personnel. • Assist the County Management with the implementation of Antrim GAA's 5 year Strategic Plan, including the production of an annual operations plan and a framework to enable officers to operate as an effective team. • Assist the designated County Officer(s) with fixtures planning of all codes to ensure a meaningful and balanced programme of games is provided for all players. Oversight of the operation of the Competition Management System. • Assist the Head of Games with the implementation of the County Games Development Plan. • Service intercounty teams in conjunction with appointed liaison officers. • Ensure the application of information technology and improved systems of communication to advance the work of the County Management. Financial Management • Management of all financial and funding services which must meet best practice guidelines in terms of governance and accountability, in collaboration with the County Treasurer. • Develop and manage annual budgets in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders. • Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and cash flow management. • Monitor financial performance against budget and provide recommendations for improvement as necessary. • Financial administration of county grounds and of the Inter County Player Injury Scheme. • Work in conjunction with Facilities Manager to allocate an annual maintenance budget and ensure bookings are communicated clearly. • Responsibility for financing of Capital Development works in conjunction with the Management Committee. • Ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations and standards. Commercial Development • Development and implementation of marketing strategies to develop Antrim GAA commercially. • Lead the identification and development of the commercial opportunities (to include fundraising) on behalf of Antrim GAA through marketing initiatives and by building and maintaining relationships and partnerships with external parties and businesses in support of the strategic goals of Antrim GAA. • Seek and secure additional revenue through funding opportunities in conjunction with the County Treasurer. Stakeholder Engagement • Provide the necessary leadership, management, decision‐making and organisational skills to enhance the operation of the Management Committee in the day to day running of Antrim GAA. • Ensure that GAA policy is implemented within Antrim GAA and that all approved policy matters are applied and communicated to relevant stakeholders. • Act as a conduit between Management and sub‐committees by maintaining key lines of communications and building relationships with key local stakeholders and other agencies including sponsors and partners so as to lead a successful county over a sustained period. • Establish strong communications with Ard Comhairle and associated County, Provincial and National bodies. • Establish, build and maintain key lines of communication with Clubs, Schools and relevant Community groups, to ensure the effective promotion of the Gaelic Games through Club, Schools and Community links. Other • Make appropriate arrangements for the County Board Meetings in conjunction with the County Secretary. • Make appropriate arrangements for County Convention and produce the annual report. • Undertake any other such projects or responsibilities as deemed appropriate and reasonably delegated by the County Chairperson/Management Committee or Ard Stiúrthóir from time to time. Essential Criteria • Minimum 5 years' experience working in a management role. • At least 3‐5 years' experience of working in the GAA or similar sporting organisation (voluntary or professional capacity). • A relevant third level qualification (minimum level 7). • Exceptional leadership and organisational skills with the ability to foster and implement effective change. • Proven experience in being able to establish and deliver a strategic plan that will generate outstanding results. • Proficiency to develop and implement progressive marketing and commercial strategies. • Strong people management skills with the ability to build and maintain strong business and team relationships and manage conflict. • Experience of effective financial planning, management and reporting with previous experience of ensuring close adherence to financial and legal governance requirements.  • Excellent administrative and IT skills. • Excellent communication/presentation and interpersonal skills. • Ability to work in high‐pressure situations, and a flexibility to work out of office hours and some weekends. • The role holder must have access to a form of transport which will enable them to fulfil their responsibilities in full. Desirable Criteria • An in‐depth knowledge of the GAA and its structures with a strong interest and understanding of Antrim GAA. • Knowledge and experience of developing, coaching strategies and tools. How to Apply If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please apply at jobapplications@gaa.ie Applications must be submitted before 3pm on Friday, 6th June 2025. The GAA is an equal opportunities employer.

[YoungSaff]

Interesting to see who goes for the above job

Could have a huge influence on the county whoever takes up the post

Wondering what the salary is !!??

[johnnycool]

There you go everyone. Your big chance to right all our problems!

On a serious note this is a big position, hopefully we will get the right person to fill it.

Click the link below....


https://ulster.gaa.ie/council/jobs/

Is it just me or does anyone else get the sniff of a jobs for the boys stench off these applications?

You put the up on your website, advertise it on SM etc on the 27th of May, with the cut off for applying is Monday the 2nd of June, is that normal?

[SaffronSports]

At least 3-5 years experience working in gaa or similar sporting association. They know who is getting that job already.