A new structure for Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha 2026

Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha will have a new look for 2026. The FSMD team between Glór na nGael and the GAA have been working for the past few months to create a new structure for the scheme from 2026 onwards. More emphasis will be placed on the standard of actions completed, rather than solely the number of actions completed in order to achieve a FSMD medal. 

The main changes will include:

Reduction of the total number of actions from 70 down to 40, with space for clubs to submit up to 10 additional actions for any extra projects that don’t exactly fall under the headings given; 

The number of actions required to achieve a medal has also been reduced; and

Bronze Medal: 15+ actions (down from 18)
Silver Medal: 25+ actions (down from 35)
Gold Medal: 35+ actions (down from 56); and

Mandatory goals at each level that clubs must achieve to be eligible for a medal at that level.

There will now also be a difference in standard between actions at each level. For example, for a club hoping to achieve a Silver Medal, actions must be completed at a higher level than those at Bronze Level. An example of this new approach can be found below: 

There will now be two booklets for clubs to use to help with their participation in FSMD:

Information booklet, which contains a brief description of actions, the adjudication process, information on grants, and all other information relating to FSMD;

Actions Handbook, which ontains detailed information on the actions at each level. There are now notes or directions which outline exactly what is expected for each action. There is space at the back of the booklet for clubs to choose their actions and to make a plan for the year. 

The Fondúireacht team will be organising information sessions for clubs in the coming weeks to go through the new layout for the scheme this year. 

The booklets and an expression of interest form can be found here.