GAA club worth millions to community

A NEW study of Na Fianna GAA Club has found that it generates a staggering €50 million of social value to the Northside area it serves.

The groundbreaking study carried out by a leading consultancy firm is the first social value report on a GAA club and it highlights the massive contribution Na Fianna makes to the local community.

The report was commissioned by the Dublin County Board and CLG Na Fianna after the club came under threat from a proposed Metrolink route that would have resulted in the loss of its pitches for years.

The threat was removed when the proposed route was changed following an extensive campaign by the club that generated huge local support.

However, during this campaign the club realised it lacked robust, independent data about its social value that could have further strengthened its case.

The study by Whitebarn Consulting now shows exactly how much Na Fianna means to its members and the wider community.

It found that for every euro invested into CLG Na Fianna, in the region of €15 of social value was created for the local community.

Commenting on the report’s findings, Chairman CLG Na Fianna Cormac Ó Donnchú said: “For years there has been talk about the value each GAA club brings to its local community.

“But now, for the first time ever, CLG Na Fianna are in a position to put a monetary value on it and frankly these results are astounding.”

Not surprisingly, those playing for Na Fianna’s clubs reap the most social benefits in terms of better health, improved skills and friendships.

However, there are also significant benefits for non-playing members and parents who are also rewarded with strong friendships and improved self-worth.

Volunteers, supporters, local schools and club sponsors also get a social value return from their involvement with the club.

“What these findings show is that Na Fianna is not just a sports club,” said Ó Donnchú.

“It is far more than that. It is an engaged community with strong cultural values.

“It’s remarkable when you think of it, here’s a group of unpaid volunteers working together week in week out to provide a viable outlet for the community we live in, promoting healthy lifestyle alternatives to our members and their families and in turn generating €50m in social value.

“That equates to €15 of social value for every €1 invested and this is a figure that we are led to believe far exceeds any international comparison.”

Conservatively extrapolating the reports results to all 91 clubs under the remit of the Dublin County Board, around €1 billion of social value is generated in the capital each year.

The report was launched last week in Na Fianna’s clubhouse on Mobhi Road, Glasnevin, in front of an audience of distinguished guests including Úachtarán Cumann Luthchleas Gael John Horan, club members, community members and local public representatives

A full copy of the Na Fianna Social Value report can be found on the Na Fianna website at www.clgnafianna.ie.