MOVES to establish a dedicated GAA TV channel in Tyrone are gathering pace with the county’s new PRO the latest to throw his weight behind the idea.
Eugene McConnell says he’s fully behind plans to set up an online streaming outlet which would broadcast games live worldwide.
The Clogher clubman sees the initiative as a key aspect in moves to raise the profile of the GAA in the county.
“There is a huge market potential out there who are keen to see our games,” he said.
“I would hope that one key area which a county such as Tyrone can improve upon is the introduction of live streaming of our games.
“So why should we not tap into this huge area of potential coverage? It can only enhance and advance all the great work which the GAA is doing within our county.
“Communication is the lifeblood of any club or organisation. It is essential that we reach every gael and supporter and keep them up to speed as to what’s going on. We must continue to see ourselves to the forefront as regards keeping in touch.
“The best way to do this is to have a slick communications and PR operation functioning within the county.”
McConnell said he aims to build on the work that has already been done by those whose role it has been to spread the word in the past.
“Tyrone as a county always prides itself in leading by example and as far as good communications, Tyrone excel and it’s my aim to ensure we stay ahead of the pack,” he said.
“We have some fantastic people both at club level and at county who have a flair for communication and raising the PR profile of the county.”
He added: “The continued popularity of social media and all the various methods of delivering a message must be embraced. We are very lucky to have a product within the GAA which people want to hear about and keep in touch with their roots. The opportunities around this are endless.”
And he intends to encourage co-operation amongst fellow GAA partners and organisations.
“Everyone deserves to be kept informed. Good public relations methods serve as one of the best means to promote all aspects within the GAA community.
“I am keen to get clubs to ensure they have active PROs appointed within their clubs and I want to get all PROs together early in the new year to explore what we can do better and what help or assistance I can offer to allow them to do their job much better.
“I also hope that all our publications are of the highest standards possible and I want to look at what we can do to increase the sales of our quality match programmes.
“A lot of time work and effort goes into the publication of our PR material, not just match programmes. We need to ensure that every year this quality must attract recognition in some format, as highlighted through the GAA MacNamee Awards.
“Within the clubs of Tyrone there are numerous examples of good positive work being undertaken and a lot of the time it goes un-noticed.”
