Legion GAA has made history by becoming the first GAA club in the country to secure funding through the Erasmus+ Sports programme.

This groundbreaking achievement will see the club tackle key challenges like coach retention, recruitment, and development through an innovative training initiative.
The announcement was made tohis week by Sean Kelly MEP, alongside representatives from Killarney Legion GAA and Kerry Recreation & Sports Partnership (KRSP).
The successful application, supported by KRSP and Kerry County Council, will enable at least ten Legion coaches from both male and female teams to travel to the Club La Santa sports resort in Lanzarote, Spain.
During their stay, the coaches will participate in unique "job shadowing" experiences, working alongside the Club La Santa ‘Green Team’ of professional instructors and coaches. They will observe and learn from a wide range of classes and sports, gaining valuable insights into modern training techniques.
The project, titled "Multisport Coach Shadowing for Multi-age Fitness & Conditioning," aims to equip Legion's volunteer coaches with the skills and knowledge needed to enhance athletic development, fitness, and strength and conditioning for players of all ages and abilities.
This will include observing sessions like Football Fitness, Track Athletics, HIIT, CrossFit, and various recovery and coordination exercises.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for our coaches to learn from the best," said Legion Chairperson David Randles. "We are incredibly grateful to Léargas, the Irish national agency for Erasmus, for their support and guidance throughout the application process. This project wouldn't have been possible without them, KRSP, and Kerry County Council."
Brian Looney, the Legion minor team coach who spearheaded the application, said the project's potential to revolutionise grassroots coaching.
"Erasmus+ offers a novel approach to coach development," he explained. "The training we received from Léargas was invaluable, and we're excited to share the knowledge gained with our players."
Sean Kelly MEP praised Legion's initiative. He said: "It's wonderful to see a GAA club, especially one from my hometown, taking advantage of Erasmus+," he said. "I encourage other clubs in Kerry and beyond to explore these opportunities."
The €20,000 funding will allow Legion coaches to immerse themselves in a professional sports environment, observing preparation, participating in sessions, and receiving feedback from experienced instructors. Upon their return, the coaches will share their learnings through a project report and implement new techniques within the club.
Gearóid O’Doherty, Coordinator with Kerry Recreation & Sports Partnership, added, “It is fantastic to see Killarney Legion GAA Club being so proactive and taking the opportunity to provide new coaching experiences, learnings and development, which the club and wider community can benefit from into the future”
This landmark achievement demonstrates Killarney Legion GAA's commitment to continuous improvement and sets a precedent for other GAA clubs to explore the benefits of Erasmus+ Sports funding.