Connacht GAA’s Club Development Officer (CDO) initiative is a successful program placing coaches in local clubs across the province to increase participation in football, hurling & camogie.
The scheme provides CDOs to assist clubs with their nursery & academy programs, Go Games, camps, & school coaching. Our One Club has been part of this programme since its inception, with our own Jack Grealish fulfilling the role for the past 2 years.
This week Rachel Forde became our new Club Development Officer for 2026, coaching in our national schools in the parish and we sat down for a quick chat to Rachel Forde to get to know Rachel the person a bit more.
“Hi to everyone in Oranmore/Maree GAA One Club, my name is Rachel Forde."
Hi Rachel & welcome aboard, do you to play for a team?
“Yes I play camogie for Liam Mellows & ladies football for Fr. Griffins Eire Og & I am really excited to start in my new role here as your CDO.”
Why did you decide to take on a role like a club CDO?
“I did so because I really enjoy coaching. I have a strong passion for sport, especially GAA. I love to see children grow & develop within their sport & to see a club achieve because of that.”
Tell us something, one of two things, about yourself?
“I support Liverpool FC” ….. OMG no, I support Everton…we are just going to have to park that Rachel for the next few months.“ … and I did Irish Dancing when I was younger.”
Nice one. What would you say was your best sporting achievement?
“In 2024, I was part of the management team for Galway U14 Ladies Football Team, who went on to win both the Connacht Championship & Platinum All-Ireland Series.”
Wow excellent, tell us about the your most memorial sporting memory, what jumps to mind?
“In 2017, Liam Mellows senior hurlers beat Gort to secure their first County Final victory in 47 years.”
Name your funniest teammate ever?
“Emma Doherty from ATU Sligo Ladies Soccer.”
Who is your sporting icon?
“Katie McCabe & David Collins.”
Tell us about a great decision you made in your life?
“Definitely completing a Gym Instructor / Strength & Conditioning Coaching Course, it was a great step for me. It built my confidence as a coach & opened many doors within the fitness & sporting world.”
What has being the biggest influence on you or your life?
“My Family.”
Perfect way to finish Rachel, we wish you all the best in your role & we look forward to assisting with you during the Donal Greene Easter Camp coming up April 7th to 10th a 4-day camp this year & the Cul Camps in July.
Finally, thanks again to the Principals & teachers in the National Schools in Oranmore & Maree for their support again this year and warm welcome they gave us a few weeks back when we introduced Rachel.
Together now Rachel....."North, South, East & West … Oran / Maree (One Club) are the BEST”
The scheme provides CDOs to assist clubs with their nursery & academy programs, Go Games, camps, & school coaching. Our One Club has been part of this programme since its inception, with our own Jack Grealish fulfilling the role for the past 2 years.
This week Rachel Forde became our new Club Development Officer for 2026, coaching in our national schools in the parish and we sat down for a quick chat to Rachel Forde to get to know Rachel the person a bit more.
“Hi to everyone in Oranmore/Maree GAA One Club, my name is Rachel Forde."
Hi Rachel & welcome aboard, do you to play for a team?
“Yes I play camogie for Liam Mellows & ladies football for Fr. Griffins Eire Og & I am really excited to start in my new role here as your CDO.”
Why did you decide to take on a role like a club CDO?
“I did so because I really enjoy coaching. I have a strong passion for sport, especially GAA. I love to see children grow & develop within their sport & to see a club achieve because of that.”
Tell us something, one of two things, about yourself?
“I support Liverpool FC” ….. OMG no, I support Everton…we are just going to have to park that Rachel for the next few months.“ … and I did Irish Dancing when I was younger.”
Nice one. What would you say was your best sporting achievement?
“In 2024, I was part of the management team for Galway U14 Ladies Football Team, who went on to win both the Connacht Championship & Platinum All-Ireland Series.”
Wow excellent, tell us about the your most memorial sporting memory, what jumps to mind?
“In 2017, Liam Mellows senior hurlers beat Gort to secure their first County Final victory in 47 years.”
Name your funniest teammate ever?
“Emma Doherty from ATU Sligo Ladies Soccer.”
Who is your sporting icon?
“Katie McCabe & David Collins.”
Tell us about a great decision you made in your life?
“Definitely completing a Gym Instructor / Strength & Conditioning Coaching Course, it was a great step for me. It built my confidence as a coach & opened many doors within the fitness & sporting world.”
What has being the biggest influence on you or your life?
“My Family.”
Perfect way to finish Rachel, we wish you all the best in your role & we look forward to assisting with you during the Donal Greene Easter Camp coming up April 7th to 10th a 4-day camp this year & the Cul Camps in July.
Finally, thanks again to the Principals & teachers in the National Schools in Oranmore & Maree for their support again this year and warm welcome they gave us a few weeks back when we introduced Rachel.
Together now Rachel....."North, South, East & West … Oran / Maree (One Club) are the BEST”
