Donegal GAA clubs have today received a copy of the findings of an independent probe into the administration of the organisation in the county.
Croke Park has recommended the County Board appoint a ‘Head of Operations’ to oversee coaching, finance and governance.
The recommendation was among numerous findings of a probe into Donegal GAA affairs which were outlined to club delegates on Tuesday night.
It followed the shock resignation of former Head of Academy, Karl Lacey, in February and the departure of Senior Manager Paddy Carr in March.
Lacey’s club, Four Masters, had called for the resignation of at least two senior members of the County Board. However, that call, which was supported by Milford GAA Club, was subsequently put on hold pending the outcome of the Croke Park-led probe.
It is understood that an interim Head of Operations will be appointed from the Ulster Council and Central GAA to work alongside the County Board and sub committees. The appointee will work with Donegal GAA to implement the many recommendations of the probe and to appoint a new, full-time, Head of Operations.
A new audit and risk committee will also be set up to implement the recommendations in relation to finance and governance. Both the Ulster Council and Croke Park will assist Donegal in compiling a business plan to assist the county in applying for, and drawing down, much needed funding.
Following the fiasco surrounding the search for a replacement for senior manager, Declan Bonner, it has been recommended that independent persons be included in any future recruitment panels. It also stated that panel members should not get any roles in management teams. Future coaching appointments to the academy must also be ratified by the County Committee, on the recommendation of the Coaching and Games Committee.
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