Two Offaly GAA Clubs Set For Merger

By Justin Kelly

Two small GAA clubs in Co. Offaly look set to merge in the coming days. Killeigh GAA and neighbouring Killurin are owing the decision to dwindling player numbers in the parish.

Former Offaly county board chairman Pat Teehan chaired a meeting with both clubs on Tuesday night, where the option was discussed. The matter is expected to top the agenda at the Killeigh GAA AGM, which has been set for Friday night.

Killurin's numbers in healthier shape in 2007

This will be the second merger in Killeigh’s history after previously joining forces with Raheen in the 1980s and 90s. It will be the second merger in Co. Offaly in just two years after Ballyskenagh and Killavilla formed one club in March 2013. Dwindling numbers has been a problem in the GAA in the last number of years as the downturn in the economy in 2008 led to mass emigration. The midlands was particularly affected as job losses were more severely felt in rural communities. Young people left for the bigger urban centres, as well as moving further afield to countries like Australia.

Statistics from the Central Statistics Office reveal that 480,000 people have emigrated from Ireland since 2009. Almost 85 per cent of these people were aged 15-44 at the time they left Ireland. This age range encompasses all GAA players from minor level upwards, and player numbers have been affected accordingly. While this level of emigration was absorbed for the most part by larger clubs in Dublin and the bigger towns and cities of the country, communities like Killeigh and Killurin have been decimated. The decision to amalgamate both teams can only be finalised if 75 per cent of both club’s membership vote in favour of the motion.

The Killeigh AGM will be held tomorrow night.