Objectives:
To establish one sustainable Adult men’s association football team to service the District Electoral Divisions (D.E.D’s) under examination The establishment of one sustainable Adult men’s football team to enable social integration by providing a stronger grouping and facilities To establish one strong and sustainable Adult men’s football team to propose the merger of Claregalway Celtic and Cregmore F.C. (both Adult men’s teams only) with a new name and identity that reflects and represents all areas and parish identities in name and colours . The establishment of one adult men’s team to provide an environment of progression leading from the existing youth football structures in the area whom are represented by Cregmore F.C. To recognise that a certain percentage from a migrant background prefer to partake in a sport relative to their upbringing i.e. Polish, African and other Nationalities prefer to partake in Soccer/ Association Football as a social outlet To illustrate areas of the locality under examination that can provide facilities of sport and education i.e. Town Hall with Public Library, International Community suite , Soccer facilities ….
Rationale
To highlight the District Electoral Divisions under examination and present the relative variables and characteristics which explain the need for new facilities and the importance of a sustainable and successful Adult men’s football/soccer team in the community and for people’s who reside in the community stemming from a migrant background, to also support and enhance the growing future population of the area under examination. The use of illustrations , numerical data and maps intend to present the clear reasoning for this report and using reputable sources of data; ranging from Central Statistics office, local authorities and relative authorities whom have examined the area.
Area under examination
Map source C.S.O (2016) alterations by author
Map Source by ร darรกs na Gaeltachta and alterations by author
Map Source by ร darรกs na Gaeltachta and alterations by author
THE PREVIOUS PERFORMANCE OF BOTH ADULT MEN’S TEAMS IN THE AREA SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE FIRST REGISTERED FOOTBALL TEAM
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
3
3
4
4
Prem Div 1 1
Div1 Div 2
2
1
2
Div 3 3
Div 4 Res.Div
4
4
4
4
4
4
Performance of Claregalway Celtic & Cregmore Adult Junior Mens Squads
Claregalway Celtic performance Junior
Cregmore Performance Junior
Table by author , data concluded via Galwayfa.ie and author’s knowledge , personal experience and estimates
Both teams have not yet reached the highest division and competed for the Galway league or major cup competitions either locally or regionally i.e. Michael Byrne Cup, Connacht Cup and/or F.A.I Junior Cup. Promotion to the top level does not seem to be a possibility due to the lack of personnel at present, although, the area has a healthy population of both native and migrant peoples to support such an endeavour, however, having both teams divided and estranged has proven that the game in this area has suffered, thus has provided a negative example to younger generations to partake as the teams have been unsuccessful at the top level of Football in the Galway District League and Cup i.e. competing to the Top 5 of the Galway Premier league
Examination of Population Proportion of Irish Nationals and Migrants All D.E.D's Combined
9.33% 824
Migrants
Irish Nationals
Registered Football Club Members "Soccer"
90.66% 8004
Data sourced from C.S.O (2016) and http://cregmoreclaregalwayfc.net/, See appendix 1
The area under examination presents that there is more than enough population to support a sustainable Adult football club and supporting youth and ladies' teams , both from the Irish National and Migrant population. Almost 5% of the current population partake in the game accounting for 440 people , this number could grow when a stronger more balanced structure is presented in the form of Adult men’s team which is competing and representing at the highest level of local Soccer. This should create an inviting environment for people with a background preferable to soccer or otherwise .
Examination of important relative variables to support one Adult team in the area examined Total Population Combined of all D.E.D'S Examined= 8828
910 10.3%
which present the Future projections of population, Speakers of foreign languages , those from an ethnic and migrant background.
1115 (12.63%)
2270 (25.71%) 4410 (49.95%) 726 8.22%
Speakers of Foreign Languages
Irish Speakers
Population 0-15 years old
Ethnic Bkgrd Not irish
The variables highlight the human factors
Migrant Background
Also the variable of Bilingualism (Irish and English plus) has been highlighted through the amount of Irish speakers which reinforces the proposal to have a bilingual Soccer team in the area which is mostly situated in the Gaeltacht area of an tEachrÊidh. Thus, the name of a new club maybe best positioned to reflect this identity as it is a binding commonality between all D.E.D’s represented.
Data sourced from C.S.O (2016), see appendix 1 for compilation of data
With a 2,270 persons under the age 15 as of 2018, this presents the healthy fundamentals which supply a basis to support all sports in this area inclusive of Gaelic Games , Soccer and other sports , with an average of 10.4% of the population from migrant/ethnic and foreign language speaking background this also presents that a need is current to provide such facilities to support these people and enhance social integration into the community.
The Proportion of foreign languages spoken Proportion of Foreign Languages Spoken (All D.E.D'S Combined)
293 35.55%
395 47.93%
54 6.5%
Polish
French
82 9.95%
Lithuanian
Other
Data sourced from C.S.O(2016) See appendix 1 for compilation of data
The percentage of languages spoken indicates the nationalities and/or backgrounds from which these people stem , viewing the large amount of the percentage accounted for by “Other” , “Other” in this case and from personal experience in the area would mainly comprise of those with an African background for whom the main sport of choice is Soccer. The unstated and supporting nationalities represented in “Other” may stem from other Europeans i.e. Croats, Italians , Spanish etc.. And Asians i.e. Chinese, Indians or those from the Middle East, however, from experience in the area, the majority in “Other” would signal that Africans especially those from a Nigerian/West African background are the prominent number. The most popular sport in Nigeria is Soccer or Football. There are also people from a Brazilian background in
With the additional large nationality represented in the area speaking a foreign language, being “Polish”, it is common knowledge that Football or Soccer is the most popular sport in Poland . With this, the native Irish or those whom are Irish with a background or preference for Football/Soccer can with the nationalities in the area , provide a successful , sustainable and high level competing Soccer team to represent the area rather than having two adult teams dividing the competiveness and strength in the area.
Season Duration and Right of Preference for Dual Players The season duration in general overlaps at two points in the year, that being in Early Spring and Early Autumn, this depends on the performance of GAA teams involved in the county championship. With soccer there are almost 6 months apart from competitive or official G.A.A fixtures , with the Soccer season usually breaking for Winter from Late November until January.
For dual players , that is Players who play GAA (either Hurling or Football) and also like partaking in Soccer/Football, in the infrequent occasion when a player shows talent and interest for both , it is proposed that a right of preference co-operative agreement is put in place so that arguments and disputes are avoided. As Gaelic Football is the sport of majority in Baile Chlรกir and Hurling is preferred in Carnmore/Lackagh, it is proposed that in the infrequent event of an exceptional player opting for both IN MOMENTS OF OVERLAP , that a right of preference agreement is discussed and agreed between the Soccer club and G.A.A. clubs , with G.A.A being the majority sport it is only fair to allow the right of preference in the case of an exceptional and important player, to brought forward in a discussion with the Soccer Club. During times of no overlap , it is proposed that G.A.A Clubs agree to the player partaking in Soccer so that no bad feeling or ostracisation occurs , all interests from players and clubs are upfront and discussed in a spirit of community and co-operation. With this , It is proposed that a Community Sports Council is established with representatives from every Sports Club in the area partaking in regular and frequent discussions.It is proposed that If players are on the fringes of the GAA team in moments of overlap that they reserve the right to opt for a draft onto another sport outside of GAA for a short period of time, this system will avoid dispute and negative feelings being directed at the player.
Possible Locations for Facilities Instalment and surrounding Planning activities
Baile Chlรกir :Land Use Zoning (Galway County Development Plan 2015-2021
Source: http://www.galway.ie/en/services/planning/h
Baile Chlรกir :Land Use Zoning , Claregalway Local Area Plan 2005-2011
Source: http://www.galway.ie/en/services/planning/
Applicable Land Zones of Community Facility and Recreational/Amenity/Open Space relative to a New Community Leisure and Learning Organisation
Source: Google Maps additions and alteration by author
Clare River Drainage Scheme after protection provided to property in the case of a large scale infrequent flood event
= Proposed Facility installation
Source: Office of Public Works, May 2013
Clare River Drainage Scheme after protection provided to property in the case of a large scale infrequent flood event
= Proposed Facility Installment
Source: Office of Public Works, May 2013
Ideal Facility Instalment i.e. Town Hall inc. Public Library/classrooms & Pitches with Dressing rooms
The instalment of facilities which are recommended, should include social infrastructure as well as sporting, therefore in the appropriate zoned areas it is proposed that a Town Hall including a small Public Library/Study area also inclusive of an International Suite (for small scale meetings of different groups i.e. Sports Council, Polish Community, African Community etc..), it is also proposed that any meetings in the Town Hall are non-secular with no religious groups using the facility, a small language learning facility (i.e. Classroom for Irish lessons and other language learning (TEFL) is best included). The sporting infrastructure that can be installed with this should include pitches for playing and training, facilitated dressing rooms and possibly a public gym and/or swimming pool. The objectives and benefits of Public Health , Social Integration , Education and Sporting success can be facilitated in areas close to the local service centre that being Baile Chlรกir. Please view locations examined and proposed in accordance with land zoning on the over leaf.
The proposed model Town Hall (Halla Pobail) inc. Public Library with Classroom
https://www.architecture.com/awards-and-competitions-landing-page/competitions-landing-page/shinfield-community-centre
The proposed model Town Hall (Halla Pobail) inc. Public Library/Classrooms and Monument
https://www.architecture.com/awards-and-competitions-landing-page/competitions-landing-page/shinfield-community-centre
Location 1 : Behind the Baile Chláir Scoil Naisúnta and Adjacent to Cúirt na hAbhaiin housing estate
Source: Google Maps additions and alteration by author
Location 1 : In front of Mainstír Baile Chláir(Claregalway Abbey)
Source: Google Maps additions and alteration by author
The proposed model of An tEachréidh Celtic and Committee Structure To propose that the model of An tEachréidh Celtic is presented as a unifying compromise to persons interested in Soccer/Football. The matter of identity is taken into account with the proposed kit , colours and names and organisational structure. The organisational structure is recommended to represent Cregmore and Claregalway Celtic (An tEachréidh Celtic, thart le chéile), thus keeping two persons of each part of the soccer community represented on the board, as per the structure below , the board may look like this so all interests in the Adult team are evenly represented .
As “Claregalway” is now commonly known by law and on digital mapping/roadsigns as “Baile Chláir” , it is also recommended that the Irish Language is embedded in the club promoting Bilingualism and sport in Gaeltacht areas and the Socially integrating platform of Association Football, (as the world sport that it presently is) . The representation of all areas is best found in a name that is neither Cregmore or Claregalway but a name of common meaning to all areas and also using the Irish Language. It also recommended that colours reflect the identities of the surrounding areas which may choose to partake and where the National Schools are located. As there is a change of parishes over some areas i.e. Baile Chláir parish and Lackagh Parish , the colours which represent Baile Chláir , Carnmore and Lackagh should be presented on the team which represent all areas. This had been disputed point in previous discussions that involved a failed merger sometime ago.
The proposed model of An tEachrĂŠidh Celtic ; Colours and Strip example It is proposed that the initial kit present a neutrality and comprehensive representation thus the home strip being White with Green, Red and Black trim would be Ideal , however as most kits are sold in bulk and only present few option with two colours it maybe possible to represent all colours throughout the strip, therefore to cut costs more options will be presented.
(Other Option 2 )
(Other Option 3)
Source:EV2 Sportskit designer
Source: https://www.genesisteamwear.com Source: https://www.genesisteamwear.com
Joseph Francis Kelly , 38, is a native of Baile Chláir and has been undertaking independent research themes for over 5 years now. He has studied and graduated from University of Limerick (Business Studies), University College Cork (geography w/Planning) and NUI Galway (E-Business Analysis/German). He has played Association Football with and for a number of teams in various competitive levels inclusive of U.C.C., U.L., Claregalway Celtic, St.John Vianney (Artane), Wingate and Finchley (U.K.) , TV Angermund (Germany) and with Mervue United and has played Gaelic Games for Baile Chláir as well. This report has been created to improve the quality of lives for all people who share the area and to provide a way forward for Association Football (Soccer) in the locality accompanied by the installation of Civic and Sporting facilities to improve Social Integration, Public Health, Education (inc. the Irish Language) and Community Development into the growing future. He currently resides in Baile Chláir and continues to work in the community with local sports clubs and also still competes at his beloved Soccer whilst learning to coach and achieve badges through Sport Ireland and the F.A.I. He hopes that his contribution can improve the sporting , educational and social life of Ceantair le Gaeltacht, an tEachréidh and Baile Chláir .
References
Census.cso.ie. (2016). District Electoral Divisions. [online] Available at: http://census.cso.ie/sapmap/ [Accessed 17 Dec. 2018].
Udaras.ie. (2018). Latest News « Údarás na Gaeltachta/ An tEachréidh. [online] Available at: http://www.udaras.ie/en/an-ghaeilge-an-ghaeltacht/ nuacht-is-deireanai/ [Accessed 17 Dec. 2018].
Galwayfa.ie. (2018). Archives. [online] Available at: http://galwayfa.ie/ [Accessed 17 Dec. 2018].
Cregmore Clare Galway FC. (2018). About us- Welcome to Cregmore Claregalway F.C.. [online] Available at: http://cregmoreclaregalwayfc.net/ [Accessed 17 Dec. 2018].
Galway.ie. (2018). Galway County Council. [online] Available at: http://www.galway.ie/en/services/planning/ [Accessed 17 Dec. 2018]
Opw.ie. (2013). CLARE RIVER (CLAREGALWAY) DRAINAGE SCHEME. [online] Available at: https://www.opw.ie/en/flood-risk-management/operations/ flooddefenceschemes/clareriverclaregalwayfloodreliefscheme/ [Accessed 17 Dec. 2018].
Architecture.com. (2018). Shinfield Community Centre. [online] Available at: https://www.architecture.com/awards-and-competitions-landing-page/competitions-landing-page/ shinfield-community-centre [Accessed 17 Dec. 2018].
Genesisteamwear.com. (2018). Genesis Group International Ltd. [online] Available at: https://www.genesisteamwear.com [Accessed 17 Dec. 2018].
EV2 Sportswear. (2018). Bespoke Sports Sublimated Apparel. [online] Available at: https://www.ev2sportswear.com/ [Accessed 17 Dec. 2018].
Appendix 1
Carnmore Lisheennavalla L'Beg 2577 1061 Carnmore Lisheennavalla L'Beg 582 72
Liscannanaun 1527.02 1539.02 Liscannanaun Total 84 114
1115
Lisheennavalla
B.Chlair Carnmore
Total 8828
12.63%
Carnmore Lisheennavalla L'Beg 1436 504
Liscannanaun Total 729 680
4410
49.95%
Carnmore Lisheennavalla L'Beg 256 66
Liscannanaun Total 81 118
726
8.22%
Liscannanaun Total 303 388
2270
25.71%
Carnmore Lisheennavalla L'Beg 311 82
Liscannanaun Total 99 128
910
10.30%
Total
86
140
32
18
17
24
23
11
14
10
12
25
4
7
6
141
103
25
45
81
293 Polish
293 Polish 82 French Lithuani54 an 395 Other
293
82 French
82
54 Lithuanian
54
395 Other
Carnmore Lisheennavalla L'Beg 612 434
LiscanLeacach Beg nanaun
395
total pop. 824
8828