A £7 MILLION investment is set to transform sport across the county, as part of an ambitious vision described as the ’most significant infrastructure project ever undertaken’ by Fermanagh GAA.
Club delegates from across the county gathered at the Ardhowen Theatre in Enniskillen last night (Tuesday) for the much-anticipated launch of Fermanagh GAA’s Strategic Plan 2026-2030.
In the plan, the county confirmed it will move ahead with the £7 million development at Ashwoods Road in Enniskillen.
Significant boost
The landmark investment is aimed at revitalising Gaelic games across all 23 clubs, as well as strengthening preparations for inter-county teams.
The new state-of-the-art training complex will feature three floodlit pitches, alongside a strength and conditioning hub, recovery suite and modern meeting rooms.
County offices and catering facilities will also form part of the development, together with enhanced car parking, in what is expected to transform Gaelic games locally.
“The development represents the most significant infrastructure project ever undertaken by Fermanagh GAA,” the plan stated.
“It reflects the Association’s long-term commitment to investing in facilities capable of supporting participation, coaching, high-performance, health and community activity across the county.”
While the Ashwoods Road project is the flagship development within the Strategic Plan, Fermanagh GAA has also pledged continued support for clubs throughout the county.
Game-changer for GAA
It details ambitions to ‘encourage clubs to improve the spectator experience at club grounds’, including increasing covered accommodation for fans and ensuring facilities are disability friendly.
The County Board has also pledged to advocate for ‘additional rural development funding’, greater ‘investment in rural planning policy’ and meaningful ‘changes to rural planning policy’.
Within the 64-page Strategic Plan, Fermanagh GAA has also outlined a wide-ranging vision for on-field development.
This includes the establishment of a Football Review and Performance Workgroup, continued support for Cumann na mBunscol and the creation of a 10-year County Facilities Master Plan.
County chairman John McGovern said the organisation recognises the need to continue evolving in the years ahead.
“Fermanagh GAA is built on the commitment of volunteers, the passion of players and the support of our communities,” Mr McGovern explained.
“However, we recognise that we must continue to evolve. This plan sets out clear actions to strengthen our games, support our clubs, develop our facilities and empower our people.”
The launch comes as Fermanagh GAA reports that the organisation is ‘large, complex and growing’.
Challenges ahead
The Strategic Plan revealed there are now more than 7,000 non-playing members in the county, alongside 3,726 youth players – male and female – and 1,388 adult players.
Reporting an annual turnover of £1.1 million in 2025, Fermanagh GAA also acknowledged some of the significant challenges facing the organisation, particularly around population trends.
Fermanagh currently has just 4,695 children aged under five, the fourth-lowest total of any county on the island.
It has also been predicted that the population of young people aged between six and 11 could fall to 83 per cent of 2022 levels by 2040.
“Demographic change represents one of the most significant long-term challenges facing Gaelic Games in Fermanagh,” the plan added.
“This presents a major challenge for future numbers, particularly in rural areas where many clubs are already operating within smaller populations and facing declining school enrolments.”
GAA President Jarlath Burns commended Fermanagh GAA for its vision and foresight.
“Fermanagh faces particular challenges, including demographic change and rural sustainability.
“It also possesses a strong community spirit, committed volunteers and a proud tradition in our games.
“This plan reflects a clear understanding of those challenges and a strong ambition to address them.”
