Page 335 of Well Played

“Thanks, but can you give me a bit more details? I’m not sure just what you would like me to do.”

Aisling giggled in amusement.

“All in good time. I’m just thrilled we are going to be working together. Why don’t we make our way into the boardroom and get settled? Can I interest you in a cuppa or a bottled water?”

“A water would be grand. Thanks.”

Pulling open the boardroom door, Aisling escorted Maeve in. The room was enormous, yet comfortable with its soft black leather chairs around a highly polished oval dark walnut table, reflecting ghostly images of people and items in the room. A long rectangular media screen flanked one end the table above a credenza constructed with the identical dark walnut wood as the table. Yet to Maeve, the true centerpiece of the room was the same floor to ceiling windows as in the reception lobby looking out over the expanse of the stadium.

As Aisling placed a glass and a bottle of water in front of her, Maeve sat down facing the windows, turning in her chair to remove her notebook and iPad from her shoulder bag, before looking up to thank Aisling once again for her hospitality.

“Just make yourself comfortable. I’m just going to grab the rest of the group and tell them you’re here and we’re ready to start. And so, I don’t forget, let’s make plans when I come downto your office for updates. It will be fun to catch on the craic over a pint.”

“For sure.”

As she watched the door close, she found herself alone in the conference room. Standing up, Maeve walked towards the bank of windows to look out. She couldn’t get over the view from this high up. The view was breathtaking, giving her a sensation of floating.

This was not a perspective many had the luck to see during a game or other events as fans. It boggled her mind that this stadium could hold 82,000 with people cheering or singing at the top of their lungs.

“Spectacular view, isn’t it?”

Maeve turned around to see Jarlath Burns, the President of the GAA, walking across the conference room towards her. The famous Midfielder from the Armagh County team, a past winner of two McKenna Cup titles and famous for managing the Ireland women’s international rules football team to a victory against Australia in 2006, was in Maeve’s opinion the premier football spokesperson and leader for managing and running the association. He had contributed to the huge push forward for getting more young people interested and involving themselves in traditional Gaelic games and keeping Irish culture flourishing.

“Yes, it is.” Maeve extended her hand towards President Burns to offer a handshake, as he smiled and grasped her hand with both of his.

“Maeve Quinn, it is a pleasure to see you again. Your new ideas impressed me at our last meeting for raising funds to help local teams finance the hundreds of youth teams across Ireland. Chairperson Devaney has given you rave reviews. I’m thrilled you could take the time to meet with us. Before we start, let me introduce you to my team here at GAA. As you are already aware,many have been here for years and have been a tremendous asset helping me”

President Burns gestured at the conference table. “Please let’s sit.”

As he introduced everyone standing around, Maeve murmured greetings while shaking each person’s hand before everyone began pulling their chairs out to sit. While people continued chatting with each other and asking her general questions, she saw Aisling distributing meeting packets to everyone around the table. A fleeting look passed between the two of them, as Aisling winked and smiled in conspirator support.

Once the meeting packs were distributed and everyone settled into their seats comfortably facing each other, President Burns initiated the meeting.

“Thank you again, Maeve, for taking the time to join us. As you are already aware, the GAA has been working closely with all the county teams across Ireland in providing aid and ideas to continue promoting our national sports and Irish culture to grow across Ireland and worldwide. We have a rare opportunity that we would like Down GAA to take part in as we prepare for the upcoming Summer Olympic games in four years.”

“Of course. I’m very aware of the GAA’s Strategic Plan, and if I remember correctly, the goal is to earn more recognition for our sports and becoming an ongoing part of the International Olympic Games. With more recognition, we can grow our sports’ movement and compete with international teams who have established their own Gaelic football clubs.

“Exactly. I believe you know that the International Olympic Committee has approved the first step for this recognition. Over 450 international Irish game teams will showcase their skills in a series of exhibition matches at the 2028 Summer Olympic Games - all eligible for medals. If all goes well, Irish gameswill become a permanent addition to the list of Olympic sports member countries can send teams to compete in.”

“I agree, this is very exciting. I can assure you Down GAA is willing to assist in any way possible to support this opportunity. Our current team has several members, both from the women’s and men’s teams, asked to train and try out for these flagship Olympic teams.

“And so, I am requested your help, with a unique opportunity to take part in.”

“How can I … I mean … we help?”

Aisling raised her hand. “If I may, President Burns?”

“Please, be my guest.”

“Maeve, we understand that the annual Wake the Giant Festival is scheduled in three weeks for the beginning of August in Warrenpoint.”

“Yes, it’s a huge yearly event focusing on our mythology and the region around Warrenpoint and the Mourne Mountains. Families and people come from all around Ireland to take part and renew their love of our past through stories and activities.”

“I suggested to President Burns and the rest of the staff that this would be the perfect public event for creating buzz for our teams, and a brilliant opportunity to launch our social media and marketing campaigns promoting Celtic sports. This will give fans the opportunity to see not only the stars of their home teams who might be representing Ireland in four years, but to meet them in person as they play against their county teams.”

Pausing for a brief second before commenting, Maeve understood what a great opportunity this could be for her fundraising to promote Down GAA and their 46 clubs. Having the Olympic team available and made up of current GAA players was a marketing goldmine of promotion to help those struggling smaller clubs grow and encourage more youth and adult participation.

“What a grand idea. Of course, I’m on board and want to do as much as I can. I’ve worked many times with the Council who hosts this event, and the turnout numbers are staggering. Especially because the festival promotes itself as a family activity. However, I’m not sure if I have enough staff and volunteers who can get this event in place and moving forward in such a short time. With only three weeks away, it’s tricky.”

---