Comhairle Laighean CLG

Tionolfar

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in Hotel Kilkenny ar an Satharn 23ú Feabhra 2002 12.45 pm Martin Whelan, Paul Griffin, John Noonan, Graham Dent, Barry Lyons, Brian Cullen, David O’Callaghan David Cullen, Brian Barry Dent, Lyons, Graham Griffin, Noonan, John Paul Martin Whelan, David Galvin, Mark Fitzpatrick, Donal Farrell, Paul Copeland, Padraig Brennan, Declan O’Mahony, Niall McAuliffe, Graham Cullen Graham Niall McAuliffe, O’Mahony, Declan Brennan, Padraig Copeland, Paul Mark Fitzpatrick, Farrell, Donal Galvin, David Leinster Minor Football Champions 2001 Dublin Champions 2001 Football Minor Leinster L-R: Back L-R: Front

2 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 Clár

12.45 pm Registration 1.00 pm Lunch 2.15 pm (i) Convention Opens (ii) Address by Cathaoirleach Coisde Co. Chill Chainnigh C.L.G. 2.30 pm (i) Minutes of 2001 Convention (ii) Discussion of Report of Chief Executive (iii) Discussion of Sub-Committee Reports 3.00 pm First Ballot (Leas-Cathaoirleach) 3.10 pm Address by outgoing Cathaoirleach 3.30 pm Second Ballot 3.40 pm Review of Accounts of Comhairle Laighean 4.00 pm Third Ballot 4.10 pm Guest Speakers 4.30 pm First Ballot (P.R.O.) 4.40 pm Na Rúin 5.15 pm Address by Incoming Cathaoirleach 5.30 pm Election of Officers 5.45 pm Tea / Coffee - Convention Closes

Each county is entitled to the following Delegate representation at Convention, in addition to its two representatives on the Provincial Council: Ceatharloch 5 Cill Mhantáin 6 Iarmhí 5 An Mhí 6 Lú 5 Longphort 5 Cill Dara 6 Uibh Fháilí 6 Cill Chainnigh 5 Laois 6 Áth Cliath 6 Loch Garman 6 A brief meeting of the incoming Leinster Council will be held immediately after Convention, at which only urgent business to hand will be considered. NOTE 1 Slip on Admission Card to be handed to Hotel Management for Lunch (1.00p.m.). 2 Full Leinster Convention documentation has already been forwarded directly to members of the outgoing Leinster Council. Michéal Ó Dubhshláine (Runai) Áras Laighean, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 3 Ainmniúcháin

CATHAOIRLEACH Nioclás Ó Braonáin Cill Chainnigh

LEAS-CATHAOIRLEACH Séamus De Róiste Áth Cliath Séamus Ó Duinn Cill Mhantáin Séamus Ó Faoláin Iarmhí Aindrias Ó Gallchóir Uibh Fháilí Seán Ó Loinsigh Lú Liam Ó Neill Laois

CISTEOIR Pádraig Ó Flannagáin Iarmhí

OIFIGEACH CAIDREAMH Séamus Ó hUilin Loch Garman POIBLÍ Pádraig Ó Tómhnair Lú

Na Rúin

(a) That present grant given to clubs participating in the Leinster Club Championships be increased. (Uibh Fhaili)

(b) That the presentations of all provincial cups revert to the Stand and that spectators be allowed on the pitch during the presentations. (Loch Garman)

4 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 Miontuairisci Chruinniú Den Chomhdhail Bhliantúil 26-2-2001

S. Uas. Aldridge (Cathaoirleach) presided at the Annual Convention of Leinster Council G.A.A., held in Arklow Bay Hotel, Arklow, on Monday 26u Feabhra 2001. The following members of Comhairle Laighean C.L.G. were also in attendance; N. Ó Braonáin (Leas-Cathaoirleach); P. Ó Flannagáin (Cisteoir); S. O hUilin (P.R.O.); T. O Briain (Liathroid Laimhe); T. Ó Domhnaill (Ard Oideachais); P. Ó Cinnseallaigh (Cumann an mBunscol); B. Ó Leaindí, S. Ó Loinsigh (Lu); M. Ó Briain, B. Ó hAilin (An Mhi); S. Mac Coisdealbha, S. de Roiste (Ath Cliath); S. Ó Duinn, S. Ó Tiomáin (Cill Mhantain); P. Ó Dúill, L. Mac Fhairligh (Loch Garman); S. Mac Carthaigh (Cill Dara); L.V. Ó Conbhuí, P. Ó Nualláin (Ceatharloch); S. Ó Caomhanaigh (Laois); A. Ó Gallchóir, S. Ó hÓgain (Uibh Fhaili); A. Mac Roibin, T. Ó Feargháil (Iarmhi); S. Mac an tSionnaigh, S. Ó Floinn (Longphort) and M. Ó Dubhshláine (Runai).

Apologies for inability to attend had been received from C. Ó Rónain (Colaisti); T. de Spainne (Gairmscoileanna); O. Ó Faolain (Laois) and S.S. Breathnach (Cill Dara).

The following delegates represented their counties

LÚ IARMHÍ T. O Meachair, P. Mac Mathuna, P. O Branagain, A. O Muiri, S. O Sioradain, S. O Faolain, A. de Pic, S. O Broin, P. O Tomhnair S. O Briain

AN MHÍ LONGPHORT C. Mac Fhionnain, F. Mac Ginneartai, B. O Coimin, M. O Sceallaigh, B. Mac Giolla Mhuire, T. O Flanagain, C. O Cromail, P. O Neill, B. Mac Gabhann P. Pepper.

ÁTH CLIATH Also in attendance at Convention were S. O Baille, D. O hIceadha, S. O Mathuna, N. O Murchu IAR CATHAOIRLIGH COMHAIRLE LAIGHEAN C.L.G. CILL MHANTÁIN S. O Beara, S. Boothman, T. O Lochtuis, P. O Bogaigh, P. O Foirtcheirn, M. O hAgain, S. Napier, P. de Paor, A. O Falluin P. Mac Eochaidh, P. O Misteal. OIFIGEACH IOMANA LAIGHEAN LOCH GARMAN B. O Suilleabhain M. O Cinnseallaigh, D. O hUilin, S. Mac Fhearghais, S. O Cuirc, S. O Seacnasai OIFIGEACH PEILE LAIGHEAN CILL DARA P. O Cleirigh A. O Suilleabhain, M. O Fionnain, R. O Faolain, G. O Tiarnain, T. O hIobhaird, P. O Muilleoir CUMANN NA mBUNSCOL T. Mac Giolla Phadraig CEATHARLOCH E. O Broin, S. O Broin, G. O Lionnain, S. Inglis, T. O Neill PROVINCIAL REFEREES ADMINISTRATOR P. de Freine CILL CHAINNIGH E. O Coinn, P. O Donnchu, Barra O hIci, P. Mac Andreis, INCOMING MEMBERS OF COMHAIRLE LAIGHEAN E. O Bogaigh T. O hAiseadha, P. O Ceallaigh, P. Uaiceam, S. O Daltuin. LAOIS R. O Muilleoir, L. O Neill, A. Breathnach, A. O Dubhshlaine, ARAS LAIGHEAN STAFF S. O Rannachain P. Ni Chleir, H. Ni hOrain, S. Ni Chuinn, M. Mac Raghnaill

UIBH FHÁILÍ CATHAOIRLEACH COISDE CO. CHILL MHANTÁIN B. Mac A Bhaird, M. O Muinneog, B. O Broin, M.N. O Broin, D. Mac Giolla Chuda S. O Roileain

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 5 FÁILTIÚ ELECTION OF OFFICERS P. O Foirtcheirn (Runai, Coisde Co. Chill Mhantain C.L.G.) introduced his Coisde’s Chairman, Donal Mac Giolla CATHAOIRLEACH Chuda. The Chairman in welcoming the delegates Seamus Aldridge (Cill Dara) declared elected and he recalled the long happy association of his county with addressed Convention as per attached schedule. Comhairle Laighean C.L.G. through former chairmen, Aodh O Broin R.I.P. and Jack Boothman. He thanked LEAS-CATHAOIRLEACH Comhairle Laighean C.L.G. for their financial assistance to Nioclas O Braonain (Cill Chainnigh) declared elected. his county, in particular that granted towards the county’s coaching programme and the development of facilities at CISTEOIR their main county grounds in Aughrim. Padraig O Flannagain (Iarmhi) declared elected.

OSCAILT P. R . O . S. Uas. Aldridge returned thanks to Cathaoirleach Choisde Seamus O hUilin (Loch Garman) declared elected. Cho. Chill Mhantain C.L.G. and then formally opened Convention 2001. All three returned thanks in their addresses to Convention.

MIONTUAIRISCI CHOMHDHAIL 2000 END OF CENTENARY YEAR Adopted and signed by an Cathaoirleach on proposition of A. O Muiri, seconded by An Cathaoirleach delcared an end to Comhairle Laighean’s S. Mac Coisdealbha. Centenary year and formally replaced the Centenary Flag with the regular Comhairle Laighean Flag.

TUAIRISC AN RUNAÍ 2000 RÚN Adopted, and opened for discussion, on proposition of B. Mac A Bhaird, seconded by S. O Baille. The following motion was before Convention ‘Due to the extra responsibility and work involved for both counties and clubs, as a result of all inter-county SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS 2000 championship games becoming all-ticket, Leinster Council Adopted and opened for discussion. should allow a three per cent commission on all tickets sold to all counties and clubs, for the handling of same.’ (Uibh Fhaili) ANNUAL ACCOUNTS COMHAIRLE LAIGHEAN 2000 Decision It was agreed that the subject of this motion was properly Adopted on proposition of S. O Rannachain, seconded by a matter for consideration by Comhairle Laighean C.L.G. S. O hEile. The accounts were then discussed and a number of questions answered on them. CONCLUSION SCÓR ACCOUNTS 2000 An Cathaoirleach brought the Annual Convention to a close by thanking the P.R. Committee, and Coisde Co. Adopted on proposition of S. O Baille, seconded by A. Chill Mhantain C.L.G. for the excellent arrangements. Mac Roibin.

GUEST SPEAKER Convention was then addressed by Cllr. Vincent The Convention ended McElheron, Chairman, Arklow Harbour Authority. He welcomed Convention to his town and paid tribute to the Association for their volunteers work in the area of youth development.

6 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 Oráid an Chathaoirligh - Comhairle Laighean

A Cháirde go léir, past three years Leinster has won two finals and supplied Is cuis mor athais dom fior- five of the six teams that participated. Hurling is well in chaoin failte a fhearadh Leinster. The Draw for 2001 looks even more exciting. romhaibh anseo trathnona go dti Ostan Arklow Bay chun suil GUINNESS SPONSORSHIP siar a chaiteamh ar imeachtai With the news during the week that Ireland is top of the Bliana na Milaoise. Mar is eol league for underage drinking in the E.U. surely it is time for dibh, ni he amhain go raibh C.L.G. to reconsider its position that our national game of Milaois a ceiliuradh againn ach, hurling should be sponsored by an alcholic drinks nios tabhactai fos, bhi Bliain an company The sad part is that the news from E.U. came as cheid Chomhairle Laighean a no great surprise. All forms of Drug Abuse are bad but ceiliuradh againn comh maith agus caithfidh me a ra gur drink effects more than the drinker - it has torn apart family chuir se gliondar ar mo chroi an sli inar ghlach ar mbaill life in our country. Teenage drinking is out of control. Now pairt in na h-imeachtai go leir a h-eagraiodh chun with the Celtic tiger we have families out overy Sunday for aitheantas ceart a thabhairt do’n ocaid stairiul sin. Lunch - nothing wrong with that but why do they mainly indulge in pub grub - carveries - they now have brought It was a great honour and privilege for me to be your children from one to sixteen years into the pub culture. It chairman during the past year - our centenary year and the just does not sit with me even if the company is excellent. millennium year it had to be special. Bliain an gcéad bliain na milaoise. FOOTBALL Kildare won their second Senior Football title in three years The start of our Centenary year was celebrated with our and were narrowly defeated by Galway in the Semi Final. 100th Cenvention held in Pairc an Chrocaigh and was It was good to see the famed Lilywhites back at the top. further celebrated with our Centenary Dinner in the Bridge House, Tullamore. It was indeed a night to remember. At Westmeath continued their wonderful underage record by this point I wish to thank and congratulate Paddy Flanagan winning both the Minor and Under 21 Football titles. Surely and his committee for their excellent organisation of these their’s is the example for weaker counties to advance events - also to John Cotter for his role and indeed the rather than a multitude of competitions. wonderful job he does with our match programmes. THE CLUB v INTER-COUNTY COMPETITION HURLING GAMES I feel its time we consider do we want to kill football and hurling in our clubs as the inter county competitions are Kilkenny Senior Hurlers went on to dominate and win the increased - new football championship, now a new hurling McCarthy Cup. It was a special victory for the ‘Cats’ as format - there are only fifty two Sundays in the year. they did not want to record their third successive defeat in the All Ireland. I feel our present set up will kill our National Leagues which are our second most important competitions. The Minor and Under 21 Finals went to Offaly. Who will ever forget that terrific Under 21 Hurling Final in Portlaoise? But is it solved now? We have seen last Saturday a nearly It was a privilege to be there. empty Pairc Ui Caoimh - when a Sunday fixture would have up to 15,000 - 20,000 at it. Kildare v Carlow in The media and indeed our C.E.O. have warned that the Football Saturday week at Dr. Cullen Park - attendance 400. standard was not good in the 2000 Senior Hurling but I do 5,000 if played on the Sunday. I’m sure you know of many not fully agree with that - which is the more important a other examples. Don’t tell me the counties do not need the number of high or good quality games or that a Leinster finance particularly with the full implementation of the team went on to comprehensively win that All Ireland and Amatuer Status. indeed defeat another Leinster Team in the Final? In the

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 7 BOOKLET Information for players m ‘All players treated equitably’ COMHAIRLE LAIGHEAN’S FUTURE m What will be the financial effect of it Is the next step open draw? What then? m Weak counties subsidised £10,000 (£5,000.00) DECENTRALISATION THE MANAGER (Club / County) Can we carry on without Provincial Council - I say no we We have heard allegations of can’t. (a) County Team manager paid £20,000.00 - £30,000.00 per annum CROKE PARK (b) A Club Manager paid £19,000.00 per annum There are twenty five committees in Croke Park. Can we trust Croke Park with our future? New committee to look into it with no fixed plan despite the media already saying what has to be done. ARAS LAIGHEAN STAFF I would like to thank the following: The manager was the cause of the unrest among players - now that players are sorted out the manager is no Our Chief Executive Michéal Ó Dubhshláine. problem and should be paid! One County Chairman has The rest of the staff in Aras Laighean; called for this already. Michael Reynolds, Julie, Hannah and Patricia. MAZARS REVIEW SYMPATHY This review of the operations of Comhairle Laighean and I wish to extend sympathy to our G.A.A. friends who Aras Laighean will be implemented in the coming year. passed away during the year. Tom Ryall of Kilkenny, Bill Delaney of Laois and Eddie Boyle SUB COMMITTEES of Louth. I would like to thank all of our Sub-Committees for their work throughout the year. Go raibh maith agaibh a cháirde go léir.

Leinster Under-21 Football Champions 2001 Meath Back L-R: Niall Kelly, John Donoghue, David Crimmins, Charles McCarthy, David Gallagher, Hugh Gribben, Barry Lynch, Noel Kennedy, Glen Loughran Front L-R: Stephen Bray, Damien Clarke, Seamus Kenny, Christopher Reynolds, Ronan Kelly, Thomas Loughran.

8 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 Comhairle Laighean CLG Clár na gCluichí 2002

Peil Sinsir Iomáint Sinsir

1. CILL MHANTAIN v LAOIS 1. CEATHARLOCH v AN MHI 2. LONGPHORT v LU 2. CILL MHANTAIN v LAOIS 3. CEATHARLOCH v IARMHI 3. CILL DARA v IARMHI 4. LOCH GARMAN 4. 1 v 2 5. 1 v UIBH FHAILI 5. 3 v ATH CLIATH 6. 2 v CILL DARA 7. 3 v AN MHI 6. 4 v 5 8. 4 v ATH CLIATH 7. CILL CHAINNIGH v UIBH FHAILI

9. 5 v 6 8. 6 v LOCH GARMAN 10. 7 v 8 CRAOBH 7 v 8 CRAOBH 9 v 10 Iomáint Fé 21 Bliain Fé 21 Bliain Peil 1. Special Winners v LOCH GARMAN 1. ATH CLIATH v CEATHARLOCH 2. 1 v CILL CHAINNIGH 2. 1 v LONGPHORT 3. UIBH FHAILI v LAOIS 3. CILL CHAINNIGH v AN MHI 4. 3 v ATH CLIATH 4. 3 v CILL DARA 5. LAOIS v LOCH GARMAN CRAOBH 2 v 4 6. 5 v UIBH FHAILI 7. LU v IARMHI 8. 7 v CILL MHANTAIN Iomáint Mionúir

9. 2 v 4 ROUND I 10. 6 v 8 1. CILL DARA V UIBH FHAILI CRAOBH 9 v 10 2. AN MHI V IARMHI 3. CILL MHANTAIN V ATH CLIATH 4. CEATHARLOCH v LAOIS

Peil Mionúir ROUND II 1. UIBH FHAILI V AN MHI 1 AN MHI v CILL DARA 2. IARMHI V CILL DARA 2. LOCH GARMAN v LAOIS 3. ATH CLIATH V CEATHARLOCH 3. ATH CLIATH v IARMHI 4. LAOIS V CILL MHANTAIN 4. *PRELIM. WINNERS v UIBH FHAILI ROUND III 5. 1 v 2 1. IARMHI V UIBH FHAILI 6. 3 v 4 2. CILL DARA V AN MHI 3. LAOIS V ATH CLIATH CRAOBH 5 v 6 4. CEATHARLOCH V CILL MHANTAIN PRELIMINARY GROUP CILL CHAINNIGH, LONGPHORT, LU, CILL MHANTAIN, CEATHARLOCH

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 9 Peil Soisir Iomáint Idirmheanach

1. LOCH GARMAN v CEATHARLOCH 1. LAOIS v LOCH GARMAN 2. LAOIS v CILL MHANTAIN 3. UIBH FHAILI v LU 2. 1 v UIBH FHAILI 3. ATH CLIATH v CILL CHAINNIGH 4. 1 v LONGPHORT 5. 2 v ATH CLIATH CRAOBH 2 v 3 6. 3 v AN MHI 7. CILL CHAINNIGH v CILL DARA

8. 4 v 5 Fé 21 Bliain Iomáint Speis 9. 6 v 7 PRELIMINARY ROUND CRAOBH 8 v 9 LU v LONGPHORT

1. PRELIM. WINNERS v CILL MHANTAIN Iomáint Soisir 2. 1 v CEATHARLOCH 3. AN MHI v CILL DARA 1. CILL DARA v LONGPHORT 4. 3 v IARMHI 2. AN MHI v LU CRAOBH 2 v 4 CRAOBH 1 v 2

Leinster Junior Football Champions 2001 Offaly Back L-R: Scott Brady, Peter Brady, Brian Halligan, John Ryan, John Greene, Phil O’Reilly, Darren Quinn, Declan Kelly Front L-R: James Stewart, Jody Kennedy, Niall Slattery, Kieran Grennan, Tom Coffey, Conor Evans, Kevin Flynn

10 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 Comhairle Laighean CLG Clár na gCluichí 2002

Peil Sinsir DATE VENUE

1 Wicklow V Laois 5.5.2002. Carlow 2 Longford V Louth 5.5.2002. Navan 3 Carlow V Westmeath 12.5.2002. Portlaoise 4Wexford

5 1 V Offaly 26.5.2002. Newbridge/Tullamore 6 2 V Kildare 26.5.2002. Tullamore/Navan 7 3 V Meath 2.6.2002. Newbridge/Portlaoise 8 4 V Dublin 1.6.2002. Carlow

9 5 V 6 15.6.2002. Croke Park 10 7 V 8 16.6.2002. Croke Park

Craobh 9 V 10 14.7.2002. Croke Park

Iomáint Sinsir DATE VENUE

1 Carlow V Meath 28.4.2002. Carlow 2 Wicklow V Laois 28.4.2002. Aughrim 3 Kildare V Westmeath 28.4.2002. Mullingar

4 1 V 2 12.5.2002. Carlow/Trim 5 3 V Dublin 12.5.2002. Newbridge/Mullingar

6 4 V 5 26.5.2002. Le Socrú

7 Kilkenny V Offaly 9.6.2002. Thurles 8 6 V Wexford 9.6.2002. Thurles

Craobh 7 V 8 7.7.2002. Croke Park

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 11 Fé 21 Bliana Peil DATE VENUE 1 Dublin V Carlow 2.3.2002 Parnell Park 2 1 V Longford 16.3.2002. Parnell Park/Carlow 3 Kilkenny V Meath 2.3.2002. Kilkenny 4 3 V Kildare 16.3.2002. Kilkenny/Navan 5 Laois V Wexford 2.3.2002. Portlaoise 6 5 V Offaly 16.3.2002. Portlaoise/Wexford 7 Louth V Westmeath 2.3.2002. Drogheda 8 7 V Wicklow 16.3.2002. Drogheda/Mullingar

9 (a) If Dublin V Kilkenny 7.4.2002. Newbridge V Meath 7.4.2002. Newbridge V Kildare 7.4.2002. Navan 9 (b) If Carlow V Kilkenny 7.4.2002. Portlaoise V Meath 7.4.2002. Newbridge V Kildare 7.4.2002. Portlaoise 9(c) If Longford V Kilkenny 7.4.2002. Tullamore V Meath 7.4.2002. Mullingar V Kildare 7.4.2002. Tullamore 10 (a) If Laois V Louth 7.4.2002. Newbridge V Westmeath 7.4.2002. Tullamore V Wicklow 7.4.2002. Carlow 10 (b) If Wexford V Louth 7.4.2002. Parnell Park V Westmeath 7.4.2002. Carlow V Wicklow 7.4.2002. Carlow 10 (c) If Offaly V Louth 7.4.2002. Navan V Westmeath 7.4.2002. Tullamore V Wicklow 7.4.2002. Newbridge

Craobh 9 V 10 21.4.2002. Peil Míonúir DATE VENUE 1 Carlow V Kilkenny 30.3.2002. Carlow 2 Wicklow V Longford 30.3.2002. Aughrim 3 Kilkenny V Wicklow 6.4.2002. Kilkenny 4 Longford V Louth 6.4.2002. Longford 5 Wicklow V Carlow 20.4.2002. Aughrim 6 Louth V Kilkenny 20.4.2002. Drogheda 7 Carlow V Louth 27.4.2002. Carlow 8 Kilkenny V Longford 27.4.2002. Kilkenny 9 Longford V Carlow 4.5.2002. Longford 10 Louth V Wicklow 4.5.2002. Drogheda

(a) Meath V Kildare 18.5.2002. Navan (b) Wexford V Laois 18.5.2002. Wexford (c) Dublin V Westmeath 18.5.2002. Parnell Park (d) Prelim Winners V Offaly 18.5.2002. Le Socrú (e) (a) V (b) 29.6.2002. Le Socrú (f) (c) V (d) 29.6.2002. Le Socrú

Craobh (e) V (f) 14.7.2002. Croke Park

12 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 Fé 21 Bliana Iomáint Speis DATE VENUE Prelim. Rd. Louth V Longford Drogheda 1 Prelim winners V Wicklow Drogheda/Longford 2 1 V Carlow Drogheda/Longford/Aughrim 3 Meath V Kildare Trim 4 3 V Westmeath Trim/Newbridge

Craobh 2 V 4 Home Venue of 2 Fé 21 Bliana Iomáint DATE VENUE 1 Spec. Winners V Wexford 12.6.2002. Home venue of Spec. Winners 2 1 V Kilkenny 26.6.2002. Le Socru/Kilkenny 3 Offaly V Laois 12.6.2002. Birr 4 3 V Dublin 26.6.2002. Portlaoise/Kilkenny

C r a o b h 2 V 4 17. 7. 2 0 0 2 . Iomáint Idirmheanach DATE VENUE 1 Laois V Wexford 5.6.2002. Portlaoise 2 1 V Offaly 19.6.2002. Portlaoise/Wexford 3 Dublin V Kilkenny 19.6.2002. Parnell Park

Craobh 2 V 3 10.7.2002.

O’Byrne Cup Champions 2001 Meath Back L to R: Nigel Nestor, Graham Geraghty, Darren Fay, Cormac Sullivan, John Cullinane, Anthony Moyles, Hank Traynor. Front L to R: Mark O’Reilly, Ray Magee, Donal Curtis, Paddy Reynolds, Evan Kelly, Niall McKeigue, Paul Shankey, Enda McManus.

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 13 Peil Soisir DATE VENUE 1. Wexford v Carlow 15.5.2002 Wexford 2. Laois v Wicklow 15.5.2002 Portlaoise 3. Offaly v Louth 15.5.2002 Tullamore

4. 1 v Longford 29.5.2002 Wexford / Carlow 5. 2 v Dublin 29.5.2002 Portlaoise / Aughrim 6. 3 v Meath 29.5.2002 Tullamore/Drogheda 7. Kilkenny v Kildare 29.5.2002 Kilkenny

8. 4 v 5 15.6.2002 With S.F.C. Semi Final 9. 6 v 7 16.6.2002 ith S.F.C. Semi Final

CRAOBH 8 v 9 3.7.2002 Home Venue of 8.

Iomáint Soisir DATE VENUE REPLAY 1. Kildare v Longford 10.7.2002 Newbridge 17.7.2002 2. Meath v Louth 10.7.2002 Trim 17.7.2002

CRAOBH 1 v 2 24.7.2002 Newbridge 27.7.2002 / Longford

Iomáint Mionúir DATE VENUE

GROUP A Offaly Westmeath Kildare Meath GROUP B Dublin Laois Wicklow Carlow

Kildare v Offaly 13.4.2002 First named teams Meath v Westmeath 13.4.2002 have home venue Wicklow v Dublin 13.4.2002 Carlow v Laois 13.4.2002

Offaly v Meath 27.4.2002 First named teams Westmeath v Kildare 27.4.2002 have home venue Dublin v Carlow 27.4.2002 Laois v Wicklow 27.4.2002

Westmeath v Offaly 11.5.2002 First named teams Kildare v Meath 11.5.2002 have home venue Laois v Dublin 11. 5.2 0 02 Carlow v Wicklow 11. 5.2 0 02

SEMI FINALS 26.6.2002

FINAL 7.7.2002

14 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 Cluichí Laighean 2001

O’Byrne Cup Senior Football 14/1 Cill Mhantain ...... 2-15 Ceatharloch ...... 0-05 Carlow 14/1 Laois ...... 1-19 Longphort...... 1-14 Longford 21/1 Loch Garman ...... 0-07 Uibh Fhaili...... 1-04 Gorey 21/1 Cill Mhantain ...... 1-14 Ath Cliath ...... 1-12 Aughrim 21/1 An Mhi ...... 3-13 Laois ...... 3-08 Stradbally 21/1 Iarmhi...... 4-07 Lu ...... 1-19 Mullingar 28/1 Loch Garman ...... 1-16 Uibh Fhaili...... 4-06 Bunclody 28/1 Cill Mhantain ...... 2-13 Cill Dara ...... 1-14 Aughrim 4/2 An Mhi ...... 2-17 Loch Garman ...... 1-07 Castletown 18/2 Iarmhi...... 3-12 Cill Mhantain ...... 0-05 Mullingar 1/4 An Mhi ...... 1-11 Iarmhi...... 0-11 Mullingar

Walsh Sup S.H. 14/1 Laois ...... 5-08 An Mhi ...... 0-10 Navan 21/1 Laois ...... 3-13 Uibh Fhaili...... 1-10 Rathdowney 21/1 Loch Garman ...... 1-11 Ath Cliath ...... 1-07 Ferns 28/1 Loch Garman ...... 2-10 Laois ...... 0-09 Enniscorthy

Kehoe Cup S.H. 14/1 Cill Dara ...... 2-09 Ceatharloch ...... 1-08 Newbridge 21/1 Cill Mhantain ...... 1-19 Iarmhi...... 0-04 Arklow 21/1 Cill Dara ...... 1-15 Lu ...... 0-09 Newbridge 28/1 Cill Mhantain ...... 2-13 Cill Dara ...... 1-14 Newbridge

Leinster Under 21 F.C. 3/2 An Mhi ...... 1-07 Laois ...... 0-08 Portlaoise 4/2 Ath Cliath ...... 0-14 Loch Garman ...... 0-09 Parnell Park 4/2 Cill Dara ...... 2-09 Iarmhi...... 1-09 Mullingar 11/2 Cill Mhantain ...... 2-15 Ceatharloch ...... 1-04 Ashford 17/2 Cill Mhantain ...... 1-15 Cill Chainnigh ...... 2-03 Baltinglass 17/2 Cill Dara ...... 0-13 Uibh Fhaili...... 1-04 Newbridge 18/2 An Mhi ...... 0-13 Lu ...... 0-04 Navan 18/2 Ath Cliath ...... 0-16 Longphort...... 0-05 Swords 31/3 Ath Cliath ...... 0-11 Cill Dara ...... 0-07 Mullingar 31/3 An Mhi ...... 1-11 Cill Mhantain ...... 2-05 Carlow 7/4 An Mhi ...... 0-10 Ath Cliath ...... 1-05 Newbridge

Leinster Minor Football League 17/2 Iarmhi...... 3-07 Lu ...... 2-08 Drogheda 17/2 Loch Garman ...... 2-07 Laois ...... 2-07 Horeswood 17/2 Ath Cliath ...... 1-14 Cill Dara ...... 0-05 O’ Toole Park 17/2 Uibh Fhaili...... 1-11 Baile Atha Cliath...... 1-05 O’ Toole Park 17/2 An Mhi ...... 1-11 Longphort...... 3-03 Athboy 17/2 Cill Mhantain ...... 1-10 Ceatharloch ...... 0-07 Shillelagh

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 15 Leinster Minor Hurling League 24/2 Cill Chainnigh ...... 3-04 Laois ...... 1-12 Thomastown 24/2 Cill Dara ...... 2-09 An Mhi ...... 0-04 Kiltale 24/2 Ath Cliath ...... 0-13 Antroim ...... 1-08 St. Clares D.C.U. 24/2 Loch Garman ...... 1-13 Uibh Fhaili...... 0-05 Monageer 24/2 Cill Chainnigh (N)...... 5-17 Iarmhi...... 1-08 Kilkenny Venue 24/2 Ceatharloch ...... 0-19 Cill Mhantain ...... 1-03 Arklow

Leinster Junior Hurling Tournament 24/2 James Stephens ...... 0-15 Clane ...... 2-05 Clane 25/2 Kinnitty ...... 6-16 Ballymahon Gaels ...... 0-01 Ballymahon 25/2 Ballyroebuck ...... 2-15 Naomh Eoin ...... 1-03 Nh. Eoin 16/4 Camross ...... 2-15 Clane ...... 1-09 Portlaoise 19/4 Camross ...... 3-06 James Stephens ...... 0-13 Portlaoise 20/4 Askamore...... 1-13 Carnew Emmetts...... 0-06 Ballyroebuck 29/4 Askamore...... 3-04 Camross ...... 0-10 Askea Mor 9/5 Boardsmill...... 2-05 Kinnitty ...... 1-06 Mullingar 20/5 Askamore...... 2-11 Boardsmill...... 0-11 Ballyroebuck

Leinster Special Under 21 H.C. 7/4 Ceatharloch ...... 5-14 Longphort...... 2-05 Longford 11/4 Iarmhi...... 1-12 An Mhi ...... 0-07 Mullingar 21/4 Iarmhi...... 1-08 Cill Mhantain ...... 0-08 Mullingar 21/4 Ceatharloch ...... 2-06 Cill Dara ...... 1-04 Carlow 3/5 Ceatharloch ...... 1-13 Iarmhi...... 0-12 Carlow

Leinster S.H.C. 15/4 Cill Dara ...... 5-11 Cill Mhantain ...... 2-16 Arklow 15/4 Ceatharloch ...... 2-13 Iarmhi...... 0-14 Carlow 29/4 Laois ...... 2-17 Ceatharloch ...... 1-04 Carlow 29/4 An Mhi ...... 2-25 Cill Dara ...... 2-24 Clane 7/5 Laois ...... 3-16 An Mhi ...... 1-07 Tullamore 20/5 Laois ...... 1-15 Ath Cliath ...... 2-11 Kilkenny 10/6 Loch Garman ...... 0-17 Laois ...... 0-10 Croke Park 10/6 Cill Chainnigh ...... 3-21 Uibh Fhaili...... 0-18 Croke Park 8/7 Cill Chainnigh ...... 2-19 Loch Garman ...... 0-12 Croke Park

Leinster M.H.C. 21/4 Uibh Fhaili...... 4-10 Iarmhi...... 0-08 Mullingar 21/4 Ath Cliath ...... 2-14 Laois ...... 0-06 Parnell Park 28/4 Ath Cliath ...... 3-11 Iarmhi...... 0-10 Mullingar 28/4 Uibh Fhaili...... 5-10 Laois ...... 1-06 Birr 5/5 Laois ...... 8-18 Iarmhi...... 2-06 Portlaoise 12/5 Uibh Fhaili...... 1-15 Ath Cliath ...... 1-09 Birr 27/6 Loch Garman ...... 2-14 Uibh Fhaili...... 2-09 Carlow 27/6 Cill Chainnigh ...... 1-14 Ath Cliath ...... 1-06 Carlow 8/7 Cill Chainnigh ...... 3-16 Loch Garman ...... 1-09 Croke Park

16 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 Leinster J.F.C. 9/5 Uibh Fhaili...... 0-12 Laois ...... 0-10 Tullamore 9/5 Loch Garman ...... 4-12 Ceatharloch ...... 2-05 Carlow 23/5 Uibh Fhaili...... 0-12 Ath Cliath ...... 0-09 Tullamore 23/5 Iarmhi...... 0-10 Chainnigh ...... 0-07 Kilkenny 23/5 Loch Garman ...... 1-13 Cill Dara ...... 0-12 Enniscorthy 23/5 An Mhi ...... 1-17 Lu ...... 0-10 Navan 17/6 Uibh Fhaili...... 0-14 Iarmhi...... 0-14 Croke Park 21/6 Uibh Fhaili...... 2-12 Iarmhi...... 1-09 Tullamore 24/6 An Mhi ...... 0-16 Loch Garman ...... 2-08 Croke Park 5/7 Uibh Fhaili...... 2-09 An Mhi ...... 1-11 Tullamore

Leinster S.F.C. (2001) 6/5 Laois ...... 0-18 Loch Garman ...... 0-14 Carlow 6/5 Longphort...... 1-11 Lu ...... 1-09 Navan 13/5 Ceatharloch ...... 1-09 Cill Mhantain ...... 2-06 Newbridge 20/5 Ceatharloch ...... 0-09 Cill Mhantain ...... 0-08 Newbridge 27/5 Ath Cliath ...... 2-19 Longphort...... 1-13 Croke Park 27/5 Uibh Fhaili...... 1-13 Laois ...... 0-12 Croke Park 3/6 Cill Dara ...... 0-19 Ceatharloch ...... 1-11 Croke Park 3/6 An Mhi ...... 2-12 Iarmhi...... 1-14 Croke Park 17/6 Ath Cliath ...... 1-12 Uibh Fhaili...... 0-13 Croke Park 24/6 An Mhi ...... 1-16 Cill Dara ...... 1-11 Croke Park 15/7 An Mhi ...... 2-11 Ath Cliath ...... 0-14 Croke Park

Leinster M.F.C. 5/5 Ath Cliath ...... 9-21 Cill Chainnigh ...... 0-02 Kilkenny 5/5 Loch Garman ...... 1-12 Longphort...... 1-10 Longford 6/5 Laois ...... 2-13 Ceatharloch ...... 0-09 Carlow 12/5 An Mhi ...... 2-06 Cill Dara ...... 2-06 Navan 16/5 Cill Dara ...... 0-19 An Mhi ...... 1-09 Newbridge 19/5 Uibh Fhaili...... 2-13 Laois ...... 2-09 Tullamore 19/5 Iarmhi...... 1-10 Loch Garman ...... 1-10 New Ross 19/5 Cill Dara ...... 2-12 Cill Mhantain ...... 1-08 Newbridge 26/5 Ath Cliath ...... 4-13 Lu ...... 0-06 Parnell Park 26/5 Iarmhi...... 1-14 Loch Garman ...... 0-07 Mullingar 30/6 Uibh Fhail ...... 3-06 Iarmhi...... 1-07 Tullamore 1/7 Ath Cliath ...... 1-09 Cill Dara ...... 0-06 Navan 15/7 Ath Cliath ...... 1-17 Uibh Fhaili...... 0-06 Croke Park

Leinster Under 21 H.C. 6/6 Laois ...... 0-12 Ceatharloch ...... 0-04 Carlow 13/6 Loch Garman ...... 1-12 Ath Cliath ...... 1-10 Kilkenny 20/6 Cill Chainnigh ...... 2-16 Laois ...... 1-11 Carlow 20/6 Loch Garman ...... 2-11 Uibh Fhaili...... 1-13 Kilkenny 1/7 Loch Garman ...... 0-10 Cill Chainnigh ...... 1-05 Wexford

Leinster I.H.C. 13/6 Laois ...... w / o Ath Cliath ...... w / o Parnell Park 4/7 Laois ...... 2-09 Cill Chainnigh ...... 0-14 Portlaoise 4/7 Loch Garman ...... 0-18 Uibh Fhaili...... 2-07 Birr 18/7 Loch Garman ...... 5-13 Laois ...... 1-09 Kilkenny

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 17 Leinster Club H.C. 20/10 Naas ...... 4-15 Ballinkillen ...... 1-11 Naas 21/10 Cill Teagain ...... 0-16 Cluain Cille ...... 2-07 Aughrim 21/10 Craobh Chiarain ...... 2-21 Gael na Bhflipeadoiri ...... 0-09 Longford 3/11 O’ Loughlin Gaels ...... 2-21 Craobh Chiarain ...... 0-05 Parnell Park 3/11 Baile an Chaisleain ...... 2-12 Cill Teagain ...... 0-04 Aughrim 3/11 Knockbridge ...... 2-08 Ath Truim ...... 0-07 Trim 4/11 Birr...... 2-18 Naas ...... 0-05 Naas 17/11 Faythe Harriers ...... 4-12 Knockbridge ...... 0-05 Knockbridge 18 /11 Birr...... 2-12 O’ Loughlin Gaels ...... 0-11 Carlow 25/11 Castletown ...... 1-10 Faythe Harriers ...... 1-05 Kilkenny 2/12 Birr...... 0-10 Castletown ...... 1-07 Kilkenny 16/12 Birr...... 2-10 Castletown ...... 0-05 Kilkenny

Leinster Club F.C. 27/10 Nh. Aine ...... 2-11 Caisleain an Gharrai...... 1-09 Athlone 28/10 Ui hAnrachains ...... 4-15 Mag Thulai ...... 1-06 Carlow 28/10 Cul an tSudaire ...... 1-09 Gael Athair O Mannain...... 1-08 Portarlington 28/10 Rath Naoi ...... 0-13 Gormaithe Baile Nua ...... 1-07 Aughrim 11/11 Na Sairsealaigh ...... 0-07 Ui hAnrachains ...... 0-06 Carlow 11/11 Eadon Doire ...... 3-10 Nh. Aine ...... 2-08 Wexford 11/11 Rath Naoi ...... 0-10 Dun Seachnaill...... 0-10 Aughrim 11/11 Na Fianna ...... 2-09 Cul an tSudaire ...... 0-12 Portarlington 18 /11 Dunshaughlin ...... 2-10 Rathnew ...... 0-16 Navan 25/11 Rathnew ...... 2-09 Dunshaughlin ...... 1-06 Aughrim 25/11 Na Fianna ...... 2-10 Sarsfields ...... 1-13 Navan 2/12 Na Fianna ...... 3-11 Sarsfields ...... 1-08 Navan 2/12 Rathnew ...... 1-10 Edenderry...... 0-10 Newbridge 9/12 Na Fianna ...... 2-17 Sarsfields ...... 1-18 Newbridge 16/12 Na Fianna ...... 1-06 Rathnew ...... 0-09 Newbridge 23/12 Rathnew ...... 2-16 Na Fianna ...... 1-10 Newbridge

O’ Byrne Cup S.F. 2001/2002 2/11 An Mhi ...... 1-15 Longphort...... 0-07 Simonstown G. 4/11 Cill Mhantain ...... 1-10 Laois ...... 1-09 Portarlington 4/11 Cill Dara ...... 0-11 Loch Garman ...... 1-08 Newbridge 4/11 Uibh Fhaili...... 0-11 Ceatharloch ...... 1-07 Tullamore 17/11 Ceatharloch ...... 2-11 An Mhi ...... 0-13 Carlow 18 /11 Cill Dara ...... 1-10 Cill Mhantain ...... 0-07 Aughrim 18 /11 Laois ...... 0-11 Loch Garman ...... 1-07 Enniscorthy 18 /11 Longphort...... 2-08 Uibh Fhaili...... 1-07 Longford 18 /11 Lu ...... 0-15 Iarmhi...... 1-07 Drogheda 24/11 Laois ...... 1-09 Cill Dara ...... 0-10 Portarlington 25/11 Uibh Fhaili...... 2-12 An Mhi ...... 1-09 Navan 25/11 Iarmhi...... 2-08 Ath Cliath ...... 1-10 Mullingar 25/11 Cill Mhantain ...... 0-10 Loch Garman ...... 1-06 Aughrim 25/11 Longphort...... 4-10 Ceatharloch ...... 1-20 Carlow 2/12 Lu ...... 0-12 Ath Cliath ...... 1-08 Parnell Park 2/12 Cill Mhantain ...... 2-12 Uibh Fhaili...... 2-09 Newbridge 13/1 Cill Mhantain ...... 0-16 Lu ...... 2-08 Drogheda 13/1 Ceatharloch ...... 2-11 Laois ...... 1-13 Portarlington 20/1 Ceatharloch ...... 2-10 Cill Mhantain ...... 0-10 Carlow

18 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 Leinster Junior Club Hurling 4/11 Trinity Gaels ...... 4-19 Wolfe Tones ...... 1-07 St. Nicholas, Drogheda 4/11 Carnew Emmetts...... 0-00 Blackwater ...... 0-00 Carnew (unplayable) 10/11 Ballymahon Slash...... 0-00 Oliver Plunketts ...... 0-00 Ballymahon (unplayed) 11/11 Naomh Eoin ...... 1-15 Carnew Emmetts...... 2-02 Kildavins 17/11 Oliver Plunketts ...... 1-14 Crinkle ...... 1-08 Oliver Plunketts 18 /11 Trinity Gaels ...... 1-14 Athboy ...... 1-08 Trinity Gaels 18 /11 Emeralds ...... 1-13 Mountrath...... 1-10 Mountrath 18 /11 Blackwater ...... 4-04 Naomh Eoin ...... 0-03 Blackwater 25/11 Oliver Plunketts ...... 0-13 Trinity Gaels ...... 1-09 Balgriffen 25/11 Emeralds ...... 1-08 Blackwater ...... 0-08 Urlingford 2/12 Oliver Plunketts ...... 3-08 Emeralds ...... 1-11 Mullingar

Leinster Junior Club Football 4/11 Sallins...... 0-12 An Tochar...... 2-06 Sallins 4/11 O’ Hanrahans ...... 1-08 Piltown ...... 0-07 Piltown 4/11 Longford Slashers ...... 1-10 Bunbrosna ...... 1-08 Bunbrosna 11/11 Clonard ...... 3-11 Piltown ...... 2-05 Taghmon 11/11 Curragha ...... 1-15 O’Raghallaighs...... 1-08 Curragha 11/11 Sallins...... 2-11 Abbeyleix ...... 1-09 Abbeyleix 11/11 Birr...... 2-05 Bunbrosna ...... 1-08 Birr 11/11 Athboy ...... 0-21 Wolfe Tones ...... 1-08 Athboy 18 /11 O’ Hanrahans ...... 1-11 Clonard ...... 1-10 O’Hanrahans 18 /11 An Tochar...... 3-14 Abbeyleix ...... 3-06 An Tochar 18 /11 Inisfails ...... 0-09 Curragha ...... 1-03 Inisfails 2/12 Inisfails ...... 1-15 Longford Slashers ...... 0-05 Balgriffin 2/12 An Tochar...... 2-08 O’Hanrahans...... 0-11 Carlow 9/12 An Tochar...... 0-15 Inisfails ...... 1-09 An Tochar

Kehoe Cup Champions 2001 Wicklow Back L-R: John Berkerey, Michael Byrne, Joe Murphy, Jackie Napier (Sec), Ronan O’Brien, Nigel Byrne, John O’Toole, Martin Murphy, Colin Byrne, Danny Curran, Casey O’Brien, Michael Moran, Emmet Sullivan, Graham Keogh, Trevor Mellon, Michael Sheehan (RIP), Michael Neary (Manager) Front L-R: Kieran O’Shea, Jonathan O’Neill, Alan Lawlor, Philip Rosmey, Adain Delaney, Gerry Murray & son Garry, Wayne O’Gorman, Don Hyland (C), Michael Anthony O’Neill, Cathal O’Meara, John O’Brien, Michael John O’Neill, Kevin Byrne.

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 19 Tommy Walsh, Robbie Dowling, Martin Phelan, Emmet Kavanagh (C), David Herity, Niall Doherty, Willie Dwyer, Padraig Holden Padraig Willie Dwyer, Niall Doherty, Herity, (C), David Kavanagh Emmet Martin Phelan, Dowling, Robbie Walsh, Tommy Michael Rice, P.J. Delaney, Brian Dowling, Conor Phelan, Michael Walsh, John Phelan, Shane Hennessy Shane Phelan, John Michael Walsh, Phelan, Conor Dowling, Brian Delaney, P.J. Michael Rice, Leinster Minor Hurling Champions 2001 Kilkenny Champions 2001 Hurling Minor Leinster L-R: Back L-R: Front

20 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 Tuairisc an Runaí

A Chairde, Corn Mac Eochaidh Cill Mhantain Cill Dara As we gather in Kilkenny for Fe 21 Bliain Speis Ceatharloch Iarmhi another Annual Leinster G.A.A. Club Soisir (2000) Askamore Boardsmill Convention I’m sure you will Club Soisir (2001) Oliver Plunketts Emeralds appreciate that it is difficult at the moment for an ordinary BANK OF IRELAND SENIOR FOOTBALL Provincial Secretary to grab the For a change, this championship went along very attention of anybody in the predictable lines. The only mild surprises were the defeat Association. There are all sorts of Louth by Longford and the defeat, after a replay, of of distractions around which vie Wicklow by Carlow. The anticipated four big guns reached for attention. our Semi Finals.

At the time of compiling this report it is another document Once again we had old rivals, Dublin and Meath, squaring - the Strategic Review Committee Report - which is all the up to each other in the Final. Before the usual full house rage. It is the main topic of debate in the sports media and they again provided a typical rousing contest. In the end also wherever G.A.A. folk are gathered. I’m sure this Meath had three points to spare. debate will run and run for weeks and I will be extremely surprised if it does not get a shot or two at our GUINNESS SENIOR HURLING Convention. When people change the G.A.A. menu the The preliminary section of this competition proved to be other discussion points appear to be the elections - our the most entertaining part of it. Changed to a knock-out own contests here in Leinster and the Presidency in a system from the original Round Robin format (because of couple of months. What chance, then, has cold turkey like restrictions imposed by foot and mouth), these games a review of last year’s games and happenings in Leinster of produced some high scoring encounters. In the Final of grabbing the attentions of the G.A.A. community. the so-called weaker section Meath and Kildare had to go to extra time before the former emerged winners on a Nevertheless, we are bound by custom and practice and scoreline of 2-25 to 2-24. so, like all other years, I will attempt to look back, look forward, and then throw in a observation or two about Apart from the Laois / Dublin game (where Laois grabbed both ‘looks.’ an injury time winner) the remaining games of the Championship proved to be very one-sided. In the Final INTER COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS Kilkenny had thirteen points to spare over Wexford.

PEIL BUATHOIRI NEASOIRI UNDER 21 HURLING Sinsir An Mhi Ath Cliath As in the previous year, this grade easily supplied the best Soisir Uibh Fhaili An Mhi hurling in Leinster in 2001. Late dramatic winners against Mionuir Ath Cliath Uibh Fhaili Dublin and Offaly saw Wexford into the Final. There they Fe 21 Bliain An Mhi Ath Cliath met old rivals Kilkenny who had survived a very searching Club Peil Rathnew Na Fianna test from Laois in the Semi Final. Corn Ui Bhroin An Mhi Iarmhi Club Soisir An Tochar Inisfails This Final was played at the newly refurbished Wexford Park where an attendance of over ten thousand people IOMAINT BUATHOIRI NEASOIRI created a remarkable atmosphere. The game was low- Sinsir Cill Chainnigh Loch Garman scoring but provided a titanic battle. At the call of time the Idir Mheanach Loch Garman Laois home side clung on for a two points victory leading to the Mionuir Cill Chainnigh Loch Garman type of celebrations rarely seen after a game in this Fe 21 Bliain Loch Garman Cill Chainnigh Championship. Club Iomaint Birr Castletown Corn Breathnach Loch Garman Laois

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 21 UNDER 21 FOOTBALL Lo and behold, almost all of our counties suddenly found As usual this was a very keenly contested Championship. that they could complete their Championships on time. Surprisingly, for the first time in a number of years, there There were exceptional circumstances in the one county were no draws but we did have a number of very close which failed to meet the deadlines and Comhairle encounters. Dublin and Meath qualified to meet in the Final Laighean recognised this fact by giving a little leeway in and here the latter had two points to spare at the finish. their case. Hopefully this will not be necessary in any more cases in future. MINOR FOOTBALL Having been caught on the hop in the previous year’s The end result of this Congress decision was that we had Championshp the word was out that Dublin were dead our most competitive Club Championships for years. keen to put the record straight in 2001. This proved to be Great games, draws, replays, extra time - all were facets correct as they steam-rolled all opposition on their way to of the competitions. In fact both our Finals went to replays. the Final where they had fourteen points to spare against Offaly. IOMAINT MINOR HURLING The only major surprise in this competition was the defeat The old order was restored in this Championship when of Trim by the Louth champions, Knockbridge,in the first Kilkenny and Wexford - both of whom had failed to reach round. The remainder of the championships went to form the previous year’s decider - again qualified for the Final. with seasoned campaigners Birr qualifying to play Laois In a disappointing game Kilkenny strolled to a thirteen point champions Castletown. victory. The drawn game was a hectic battle with the Offaly men JUNIOR FOOTBALL clawing back a substantial deficit to send the game to a Because of the timing of our Senior Football replay. As often happens, the more experienced Birr side Championship some of our Junior teams had the added seemed to learn far more from that encounter and they bonus of playing their semi finals in Croke Park as curtain- had a relatively comfortable win in the second game. raisers to the Senior games. Eventually Offaly qualified for a final clash against Meath and - in a game played at their home venue - they had a point to spare after a exciting PEIL tussle. Every game in every round of this championship proved to be a hard fought encounter. As in the previous year, INTERMEDIATE HURLING Rathnew and Dunsaughlin had to meet three times before This competition provided a unique final with Laois and getting a result. On this occasion it was the Wicklow Wexford facing each other. Despite shocking Kilkenny in champions turn to advance. Sarsfields and Na Fianna also the Semi Final Laois proved no match for the purple and met on three occasions but in somewhat different gold side which had sixteen points to spare at the final circumstances. The happenings here are already well whistle. documented so I’ll merely state that I am happy that common sense prevailed in the matter. Eventually Na SPECIAL UNDER 21 HURLING Fianna came through to meet Rathnew in the Final. The defending champions, Westmeath, again reached this decider. Here they fell to a well tutored Carlow side which Their first encounter was hectic with a draw being a fair had some fine players on show. result at the finish. In the replay it seemed that Na Fianna might just prevail but eventually Rathnew restored parity to send the game into extra time. Here Rathnew, quite unbelievably, pulled away to win comfortably in the end A.I.B. LEINSTER and so captured their first ever title. Their celebrations, CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS with their supporters, after the game clearly indicated that this victory was clearly a dream come true for the little In last year’s report I expressed concern for the future of village. these Championships. This was based solely on the fact that counties were not finishing their own Championships on time and so were nominating representatives (we had eight nominated clubs in the 2000 Championship). Somebody, somewhere must have been listening because Congress 2001 carried a motion which precluded nominated clubs from competing in the Club Championships.

22 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 ACCIDENT TOURNAMENT blessed with exceptionally good weather. It also provided us with our first competitive inter-county game in Leinster COMPETITIONS to be played under lights when Meath and Longford The winners of these competitions in 2001 were as played the first game of the competition at the well- follows appointed Simonstown Gaels facility in Navan.

Walsh Cup S.H. Wexford Against all predictions, but strictly on merit, we had a unique final pairing of Carlow and Wicklow on Sunday Kehoe Cup S.H. Wicklow 20th January 2002. This game - played in Dr. Cullen Park - attracted a huge crowd and also the type of media O’ Byrne Cup S.F. Meath attention reserved for the Championship season. In the end the home side earned a famous victory and, in doing With the switching of the National Football League to the so, brought this particular trophy to their county for the first calendar year, counties opted to play the O’ Byrne Cup time. 2001 / 2002 on a Round Robin basis in November and December with the knockout stages in January. This The Walsh Cup and Kehoe Cup Competitions are under proved to be a huge success and of course we were way at the time of writing.

The Carlow team which won the O’Byrne Cup for the first time, beating Wicklow in the final in Carlow on January 20, 2002

Back L-R: Philip Nolan, John McGrath, Andrew Corden, James Clarke, Stephen O’Brien, Sean Kavanagh, Thomas Walsh, Morgan Drea. Front L-R: Johnny Kavanagh, Brian Walker, Brian Carbery, John Hickey, Johnny Nevin, Brian Farrell and Willie Quinlan.

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 23 Railway Cup

Leinster had mixed fortunes in the inter-provincial competitions. Our hurlers put up a respectable performance before losing to Munster in the Semi Final played at Nenagh. The unavailability of a huge number of first choice players did not help our cause.

On the other hand our footballers had a much more productive campaign. The competition was played over a weekend in Kerry. In the semi final we had to go to extra time to beat Munster in Tralee.

The Final was played in Killarney and, in front of a mere handful of spectators, we eventually overcame the challenge of Connacht. I congratulate and thank all the players for their efforts and also the back-room squad led by Manager Luke Dempsey (Westmeath).

Despite this victory I cannot be hypocritical and change my mind about these competitions. They have done their duty and should be allowed to die. This, too, was the opinion of the Games Administration Committee last year but their advice was ignored by Central Council who voted to retain the competitions. Perhaps the provinces themselves might be a little more proactive in this matter.

Seán McCague, Úachtarán CLG, presented the Cup to Leinster captain, Mark Reilly of Meath

Leinster’s Railway Cup Winning Team 2001 Back L-R: David Mitchell, Damian Healy, Graham Geraghty, Rory O’Connell, Cormac O’Sullivan, Noel Garvan, Nigel Nestor, Ciaran McManus, Colm Quinn. Front L-R: Ger Heavin, Ken Doyle, Evan Kelly, Mark Reilly, Cathal Daly, Paul Barden.

24 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 PROVINCIAL COUNCIL STRUCTURES

The new administration structures introduced for extensive workload. This work is not just confined to provincial councils have now been in place (in Leinster at meetings, it also entails visiting projects around the least) for three years. At the time of introduction we were province and providing regular advice systems to clubs. given to understand that their effectiveness would be reviewed after an appropriate trial period. It is my opinion The upshot of this is that we have taken very little action in that the time for this review is at hand. fulfilling the huge range of responsibilities of a Provincial Safety Committee. This, in turn, has led to controversy in The experience in each province, because of the disparity relation to a number of County Grounds in the province. in size, will be different. My concerns are with Leinster only and I am convinced that because of the aforementioned With relation to club and county administration there had disparity it is not possible to legislate in like terms for all four been little or no activity in this area at provincial level for a provinces. Consequently I feel there should be a clause number of years now. which allows a province to deviate from general rule. From the foregoing it should be obvious that the scope of this committee needs serious clarification.

A GAMES ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE At the time of its introduction our Games Administration C FINANCE COMMITTEE Committee seemed to have real purpose and a solid It was never been specified what the role of this platform for contribution to the workings of the committee should be - consequently it has never really Association in the province. However the subsequent taken off in Leinster. centralisation of Referees Appointments and Disciplinary Procedures in relation to Senior Championships, has GENERAL changed our G.A.C. into very much a ‘lame duck’ When the new structures were introduced it was decided operation. In fact our experience in Leinster is that this that there should be annual meetings of all Provincial system - introduced into our Bye Laws and put in place by Council Committees with corresponding Committee at Comhairle Laighean - practically disenfranchises half our (a) National level and (b) County levels with the higher counties for a three year period. It also has implications for committee to act as convenor. the appointment of our representative on the National Games Administration Committee. To date, there have been no meetings, either upwards or downwards as anticipated in Riail 70 (b) (viii). B DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE The other anomaly in the new structures is that a Provincial Our experience here is that the range of duties and P.R.O. does not have voting rights. Since this is a fully responsibilities of this committee is far too wide-ranging. fledged officership at Club and County Board level it does In fact it is three committees rolled into one: not appear to make sense that it isn’t so at provincial level. (a) Physical Facilities / Grounds Development Committee dealing with clubs and county committees From all of the foregoing it should be obvious that a review is essential. (b) The Provincial Safety Committee

(c) A club and County Administration Development Committee. In reality our Development Committee, due to constraints of time and manpower, concentrated on (a) above. With the scale of development in the province, both at Club and County Board level, and the huge levels of borrowing being entered into by clubs this committee has had a very

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 25 ALL IRELAND QUALIFIER STRATEGIC REVIEW COMPETITIONS COMMITTEE REPORT

The year under review saw the introduction for the first When Uachtaran CLG Sean Mac Thaidhg invited me to join time of a qualifier series in the All Ireland Senior Football a Strategic Review Committee, almost two years ago, I Championship while the coming season will have a never suspected the range and depth of the investigation somewhat similar format in the Senior Hurling into all facets of the GAA that was to follow. The Championship. It certainly proved to be a novel addition Committee consisted of members from every part of to the Championship programme and certainly earned Ireland who represented a range of perspectives. It much comment when the eventual All Ireland Champions included administrators with club, county, provincial and emerged from that system. national experience together with members of the business community, representatives of the players I think it would be unfair and unwise to make a definitive viewpoints and others. Its terms of reference were assessment of the value of the competition based on just specific, yet wide ranging, its purpose was to determine one season’s experience. A number of flaws were the appropriate roles, structures and operations of the identified in the arrangements and steps have now been GAA in its efforts to maintain and enhance its pre-eminent taken to rectify these for this Summer. In its initial voyage it position within Irish, sporting, social and cultural life. did not appear to impact greatly on the competitiveness of the Provincial Championships but it has to be a matter of After a long, hard slog which included numerous concern that one prominent team manager, in a recent meetings, sub-committee meetings, interviews, surveys interview, suggested it would be far more beneficial to a and a market research exercise the Committee has county team’s preparations to be eliminated in the early published its report. To put it mildy, reaction has been stages of the Provincial Championship. mixed.

Nevertheless it has to be said that the qualifier did have an I respect the right of everybody to have their own opinion impact on club competitions in some counties. Further, while of the proposals and also their right to express these in the the ‘live’ game on Saturday evenings probably gave us a appropriate places. However, to me, the feeding of the whole new television audience this definitely had a negative media frenzy we have witnessed in the last few weeks in effect on attendances at club games in counties. This has to unacceptable. be balanced against the golden handshake counties received For obvious reasons the Dublin proposals have dominated as a result of participation in the qualifier series. the discussions on the report. My fear is that the hundreds With a year’s experience counties must devise new of other proposals contained in the document will not just methods of implementing their club games programme. be overshadowed by this but totally obliterated. Although they are our shop window it must be From a Provincial Council point of view there are some remembered that inter-county games only cater for a very serious recommendations about their future roles and small fraction of our players. Time and again in the course composition. These need to be examined as a matter of of the Strategic Review Committee’s investigations it was priority as do the implications, for Provincial Councils, of hammered home to us that club players are not recommendations in such areas as grounds and physical adequately catered for in terms of games. This must be facilities, status of clubs, management and administration addressed, of course, at county level in the first instance of gaelic games in schools, finance and governance, but there is now a strong onus on Provincial Councils to communications, marketing and public relations and, monitor and supervise the performance of County indeed, national structures. Committees in relation to the provision of club games.

The introduction of a further layer of inter-county activity This is one report which must not be allowed gather dust. with the arrival of the Hurling Championship Qualifier with It may appear to step on toes and it will, most likely, annoy further exacerbate the club fixtures problem. and antagonise some people. However the overall report Nevertheless one has to welcome this new competition. It is designed for the good of the majority in the Association is arguably far more necessary in hurling than in football and deserves recognition as such. given the current paucity of top-class hurling games. We look forward to the experiment.

26 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 LEINSTER COUNCIL’S SUB-COMMITTEES

As the Chairman’s term of office comes to an end so too C REFEREES COMMITTEE does the current term of the Sub-Committees which he He may have been the most visible man at big games in would have put in place. While Seamus will undoubtedly Croke Park last season but most of Pierce Freaney’s work refer to them at Convention I feel I should also pay tribute to as Chairman of this Committee was conducted behind the them for the work they have carried out on behalf of the scenes and well away from the public glare. Ably assisted Leinster Council G.A.A. The individual reports of the Sub- by his secretary, Aidan Shiels, Pierce and his committee Committees appear in the second half of this Annual Report. has managed to build up not just a solid core of referees but also a great sense of comraderie amongst the knights A COACHING AND GAMES of the whistle. This is helped by their communal training DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE sessions, not to mention the odd social gathering. This Committee forms the very hub of underage gaelic games activity in Leinster. It deals with, and co-ordinates, the various activities and initiatives being undertaken by the D COISDE SCÓR LAIGHEAN Coaching Directors, the Games Promotion Officers, This committee rarely gets public mention outside of the Master Tutors, Schools at all three levels, the Provincial narrow confines of its own activities but this does not Hurling and Football Officers, the Leinster Handball mean that its work goes unnoticed. Led by Séamus Ó Committee, the Leinster Hurling Sub-Committee and of Faolain but inspired by its secretary, Donal Hickey, Coisde course the individual County Games Development Scór Laighean gets through Scór na nÓg and Senior Scór Committees. It provides the absolutely essential link competitions in a unfussy but very efficient manner. between the National Coaching and Games Development Committee and those working on the ground. E PUBLIC RELATIONS / MARKETING COMMITTEE The Committee this year launched a new publication, Lar Officially he may be our Cisteoir but in reality Paddy Pairce, which issues three times a year. This very Flanagan’s real forte is as Chairman of this Committee. In professional publication keeps everybody updated on the course of this term of office the Committee has games development matters in the province. overseen our Centenary Celebrations, the Comhairle Laighean Banquet, Referees / Players Presentations and of This committee has been led by the dynamic Nickey course our Annual Convention each year. With assistance Brennan, ably assisted by his secretary, Jimmy Dunne and from his secretary, Pat Chapman, Paddy and his I sincerely thank both of them and the members of their committee members also undertake numerous other committee. tasks which are taken for granted because they are done so well.

B DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE This committee, chaired by Andy Gallagher and serviced F PROGRAMME PRODUCTION COMMITTEE by Michael Reynolds, is sometimes jokingly referred to as Probably the ideal type of committee - this is a one man the ‘Santa Claus’ Committee. However there is far more show. Naturally John Cotter has various contacts to call on to this body than merely dispensing grants to clubs and at various times but, when the chips are down, J.C. stands counties. Selected because of their various expertise in alone and does his work in a most efficient, courteous finance, engineering, safety regulations, planning and professional manner. Ever the optimist, he lifts the regulations and down to earth club activity they formed a spirits of all in Aras Laighean and is ever willing to compose formidable outfit. The re-introduction of hands on the difficult letter, deal with the awkward customer or visitations to clubs has been very well received and I make the call that nobody wants to do. congratulate them on a job well done.

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 27 NEW HEADQUARTERS FOR COMHAIRLE LAIGHEAN C.L.G. During the year, Comhairle Laighean C.L.G. entered into the property market for the second time in its history. A premises came on the market less than one hundred yards from our current offices and, having examined all aspects of it, Coisde Bainisti Laighean decided to enter the bidding process. In the end they were successful. This building has the potential, when developed, to be a centre not alone for the G.A.A. in Leinster but throughout the country. I congratulate the officers, and others, for their foresight in this development.

28 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 CATHAOIRLEACH AN CATHAOIRLEACH NUA

Seamus Aldridge The departure of completes his three one leader heralds year term as the arrival of a new Cathaoirleach of one and so it is that Comhairle Laighean Nickey Brennan C.L.G., at this takes the reins of Convention. He has power proved to be a fine at this year’s captain for the Leinster good ship Leinster Convention. Council, guiding it as he did through As a player at the still and stormy very highest level, a seas. team mentor at club, county and Apart from overseeing the everyday workings of the international level and as an administrator at club, county, Association in the province, Seamus also managed to provincial and national level Nickey has garnered a wealth accomplish and implement a number of other initiatives. of knowledge and experience which should stand him in At the outset some of these appeared impossible and good stead in this challenging post. We wish him well and others appeared unlikely. look forward to working with him.

The long running saga of income to Leinster Council from On a personal note, I must admit to mixed feelings about premium seats in Croke Park, on the occasion of Leinster Nickey’s imminent installation as Chairman. Nothing games, was finally brought to a satisfactory conclusion. personal mind you, but after twenty six years this will be The income from this had a significant impact on our gate my first chairman who is younger than me. Am I getting receipts. old or are chairmen getting younger?

Having established the principle of Leinster Council’s rights in this matter, Seamus then proceeded to re-invest the returns in the Stadium itself by negotiating the long term purchase of a suite and a number of premium seats for the use of Comhairle Laighean C.L.G. The overall outcome of all of this is of benefit to the Association both at provincial and national level.

Towards the end of his chairmanship Seamus has now completed the purchase of new meeting rooms and offices for the Council. When fully refurbished, this building will provide a huge boon for the G.A.A. at all levels.

During his term of office, Seamus Aldridge also had the task of overseeing the implementation of an operational and structural review of the Leinster Council which was commissioned to ensure that the Council is appropriately structured to meet the challenges of its future developments in a broad range of capacities. This is now in place and I feel its benefits will become obvious in the near future.

On behalf of the staff of Aras Laighean, the Council’s extended staff in the field, and on my own behalf, I want to thank Seamus most sincerely for his support, encouragement and assistance at all times.

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 29 Johnny Pilkington, Gary Cahill, John Paul O’Meara, Brian Mullins, Declan Pilkington, Simon Whelahan (C), Donal Franks Whelahan (C), Donal Simon Pilkington, Declan Mullins, Brian O’Meara, Paul Gary John Cahill, Pilkington, Johnny Liam Power, Stephen Brown, Gary Hanniffy, Rory Hanniffy, Niall Claffey, Barry Whelahan, Joe Errity, Brian Whelahan Brian Errity, Joe Barry Whelahan, Niall Claffey, Rory Hanniffy, Gary Hanniffy, Brown, Stephen Liam Power, Front L-R: L-R: Front AIB Leinster Club Hurling Champions 2001 Birr Champions 2001 Club Hurling AIB Leinster L-R: Back

30 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 HANDBALL - TOMMY O’BRIEN (c) He was Chairman of The annual report on National Feile na nGael Handball activities in Committee. Leinster appears in the Coaching and Games (d) He had a three year term Development as Chairman of Lar Committee Section in Choisde Iomana in the the second half of this early eighties. report. In it, Tommy O’Brien gives his usual Despite all these calls on his time he still found time to spot, concise report on encourage and cultivate young handball talent and I activities in Leinster suppose this side of his career is best personified by the and, of course, the greatest handballer of our time, Michael ‘Duxie’ Walsh. remarkable achievements of We congratulate Tommy on reaching his pearl anniversary Leinster players at and wish him many more years of success. national and international level. However there was one major milestone in Leinster Handball during the year which seems to have slipped Tommy’s attention - at least he did not see fit to mention it anyway. This is the fact that he, himself, completed thirty years as Leinster Handball Secretary.

This is a unique and marvellous achievement for any official in any sport. It is especially remarkable in Tommy’s case because during that period he has also served his sport, and others, in a wide variety of posts of responsibility. The list is too long to detail in full, here is just a sample.

(a) Tommy O’ Brien has been handball’s representative on Comhairle Laighean CLG for thirty years (in fact our Cisteoir, Paddy Flanagan, is the only longer serving member of the current council).

(b) He was President of the All Ireland Handball Council (his term spanned centenary year).

An Úachtarán Mary McAleese meets Leinster’s living legend Duxie Walsh

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 31 SYMPATHY

John Dowling pictured at the Leinster Centenary Banquet in Tullamore in November 2000 with Paddy Buggy and Tom Loftus.

We had almost signed off on this year’s Annual Report years of age in the province of Leinster. The report of this when the word came through of the sad and untimely committee - ‘Óganaigh’ - was presented in 1986 and it is death of one of our former Chairmen, John Dowling of amazing to see how so many of its recommendations are Offaly. It is coincidental that Convention is in Kilkenny this in common with those of the recent Strategic Review year because it was in this city that John was elected vice- Committee Report. chairman of the Leinster Council on February 25th 1978. In a marathon contest he narrowly defeated Peadar Kearney Others will recall John Dowling’s feats as a referee, Offaly R.I.P. of Louth. County Board Secretary and Uachtaran C.L.G. I merely, on my own behalf, and on behalf of Comhairle Laighean John Dowling took over as Chairman of Comhairle C.L.G. want to extend our sincerest sympathy to the Laighean C.L.G. on February 28th 1981, at a Leinster Dowling family on their sad loss. Convention which, fittingly, was held in the Tullamore G.A.A. Social Centre. The central theme of his term of During the past year also a number of other former office was promotion of the games and it was a matter of members of our Council, former County Board Officers, pride to him that five of the six Senior All Irelands during his former players and referees passed to their eternal reward. term came to Leinster. Of even more satisfaction to him So, also, did a number of close family members of our was that two of these titles, one in each code, went to his present Council. We extend sympathy to those who have beloved Offaly. been bereaved and a novena of masses has been offered for their intentions. On his retirement as Chairman, John was appointed Chairman of an Under Age Committee which was ‘Go ndeana Dia trocaire ar a nanamacha.’ requested to investigate all aspects of underage games, activities, competitions etc., for all juveniles up to sixteen

32 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 BUÍOCHAS There are a number of people and groupings without SCHOOLS DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS whose assistance Comhairle Laighean C.L.G. would To the two Toms - O’ Donnell and Fitzpatrick - may I extend struggle to operate so on the Council’s behalf I offer them hearfelt thanks for another great year’s work. The our sincere thanks. publication of Lar Pairce is a further string to their bow and it exemplifies the professional approach of both men to MEDIA their job. We again pay tribute for the contribution to our games of the national and local media. It is a two-way interaction PÁIRC AN CHRÓCAIGH / ARD CHOMHAIRLE and I hope we can continue to play our part in ensuring Whether representing one body or the other we again continued positive publicity for our activities. were shown great courtesy and co-operation by the staff at Headquarters and I thank all of them sincerely for that. If I have a gripe, it has to be with our National Radio Broadcaster and its decision to drop their Sunday sports STAFF Programme during the vital weeks of our Club My thanks to our own staff here in Aras Laighean - Michael Championships (and indeed those of other provinces). Reynolds, Patricia Clear, Hannah Horan and Julie Quinn. Never have I heard so many complaints from the G.A.A. They continue to cheerfully carry out their duties with public as I did on this issue. In fairness, though, R.T.E. Radio efficiency and a smile. gave our games excellent coverage for the rest of the year. Rath Dé oraibh go léir.

REFEREES AND MATCH OFFICIALS This vital band of men continued to serve us well in Leinster during 2001 and I look forward to more of the same in 2002. Mícheal Ó Dúbhshlaine.

DIRECTORS OF COACHING I would like to pay tribute to Lester Ryan, Noel Delaney and Gerard O’ Connor for another great year’s work.

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 33 ry, Maurice Deegan, James Owens and Joe Kelly. Owens and Joe James Deegan, Maurice ry, Sheridan, Pat Fox, Barry Kelly. Fox, Pat Sheridan, Michael Curley, Eddie Whelan, John Bannon, John Whelan, Eddie Michael Curley, Peter Reilly, Michael Monahan, Bernard Duff, Fergus Smyth, Brian Gavin, David O'Donovan, Tom Quigley, Peter Daly, Eamon Morris, Daly, Peter Quigley, Tom O'Donovan, David Gavin, Brian Smyth, Fergus Duff, Bernard Michael Monahan, Reilly, Peter Pat Ahern, Dickie Murphy, Aodhan MacSuibhne, John Guinan, Noel Cooney, Syl Doyle, Sean Carroll, James McGrath, Peter Fox, Sean Sean Fox, Peter McGrath, James Carroll, Sean Doyle, Syl Noel Cooney, Guinan, John Aodhan MacSuibhne, Murphy, Dickie Ahern, Pat Jim Smith, Jack O'Connell, Seamus McCormack, Pat O'Connor, Pat Delaney, Pat Dunphy, Declan Peppard, Carthage Buckley, Paddy Nea Paddy Carthage Buckley, Peppard, Declan Dunphy, Pat Delaney, Pat O'Connor, Pat McCormack, Seamus O'Connell, Jack Smith, Jim The Referees Group at the Leinster GAA Presentations to Referees and Railway Cup Winners Cup and Railway Referees to GAA at the Leinster Presentations Group Referees The Pierce Freaney (Leinster Referees Co-Ordinator). Referees (Leinster Freaney Pierce L-R: Front Middle L-R: Middle Back L-R: L-R: Back

36 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 Sub-Committee Reports 2001

COACHING AND GAMES DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE General Coaching Directors Report Hurling Development Report Football Development Report Cumann na mBunscol Report Second Level Schools Report Third Level Colleges Report Master Tutors Report Handball Report Cursaí Eile

REFEREES ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT

COISDE SCÓR LAIGHEAN

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 37 Joe Fortune,Nicky Brennan, Vice Chairman, Leinster CLG. Peter Elliott. (Also Paddy Christie who was not present). not present). Christie who was Paddy (Also Elliott. Peter CLG. Leinster Chairman, Vice Brennan, Fortune,Nicky Joe Daire O'Neilll, Vivial Ruddy, Declan Sheehan, Damien Byrne, Eoghan Keuilhan. Eoghan Byrne, Damien Sheehan, Declan Vivial Ruddy, O'Neilll, Daire Front L-R: Front Pictured at the Leinster G.A.A. Foundation Tutor Certificate Presentations Tutor Foundation G.A.A. at the Leinster Pictured L-R: Back

38 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 Coaching & Games Development Committee Report

Coaching & Games Development Committee Nickey Brennan (Cathaoirleach), Jimmy Dunne (Runaí), Paul Kinsella (Cumann na mBunscoil), Michael Reynolds (Secondary Schools), Michael Farrell (Vocational Schools), Jim Ryan (Third Level Colleges), Paddy Clarke (Oifigeach Peil), Brendan O’Sullivan (Oifigeach Iomána), Tom Walsh (Liathróid Láimhe), Paddy Oliver (An Lú), Brian Carbery (An Mhí), Donal Hickey (Baile Átha Cliath), Martin Coleman (Cill Mhantáin), Willie Carley (Loch Garman), John McCarthy (Cill Dara), Tommy Corcoran (Ceatharlach), Tom O’Hanlon (Cill Chainnigh), Johnny Dalton (Laois), Christy Hand (Uibh Fháilí), Seamus O’Faoláin (Iar Mhí), Eugene Quane (Longfort).

Coaching & Games Development Executive Committee Nickey Brennan (Cathaoirleach), Jimmy Dunne (Runaí), Paul Kinsella (Cumann na mBunscoil), Michael Reynolds (Secondary Schools), Michael Farrell (Vocational Schools), Jim Ryan (Third Level Colleges), Paddy Clarke (Oifigeach Peil), Brendan O’Sullivan (Oifigeach Iomána), Tom Walsh (Liathróid Láimhe), Paddy Oliver (An Lú), Tommy Corcoran (Ceatharlach), Johnny Dalton (Laois), Eugene Quane (Longfort).

Coaching & Games Development Management Team Nickey Brennan (Cathaoirleach), Jimmy Dunne (Runaí), Michael Delaney (Runaí Comhairle Laighean), Michael Reynolds (Second Level Schools – Non Dublin), Tom O’Donnell (Second Level Schools – Dublin), Tom Fitzpatrick (Primary Schools), Lester Ryan (Senior Coaching Director), Noel Delaney (Coaching Director) & Gerard O’Connor (Coaching Director).

Coaching Directors The Coaching Directors are the key management personnel dealing with coaching and games development activities in the Province. Their primary role is to ensure that annual plans prepared by each county are monitored and delivered as outlined. During the course of the past year the Coaching Directors paid regular visits to their respective counties to review the work of the Games Promotion Officers plus on-going meetings with County Coaching Officers. The Coaching Directors are responsible for the following counties:

South Leinster – Lester Ryan (Senior Coaching Director) Wicklow; Wexford; Kildare; Carlow; Kilkenny; Laois. North Leinster – Noel Delaney (Coaching Director) Louth; Meath; Offaly; Westmeath; Longford. Dublin – Gerard O’Connor (Coaching Director) Dublin.

A report on the specific activities of the Coaching Directors during the past year is shown later.

Second Level Schools Officers The recently announced Underage Strategic Plan identifies Despite some difficulties in the Second Level School the need to provide additional support to the Second sector, coupled with the foot and mouth crisis, a huge Level Schools sector. Over the coming months all games programme was undertaken. The credit for this teachers involved in promoting Gaelic Games will be achievement goes to our own Second Level Schools provided with a number of items of sports gear as an Development Officers Michael Reynolds, Tom O’Donnell appreciation for the work undertaken. This initiative comes and the staff at Áras Laighean. A special tribute is due to the from the National Coaching & Games Development many teachers in Second Level Schools who continue to Committee and is supported by Comhairle Laighean. give unselfishly of their time to ensure the games Funding for this initiative is from the Irish Sports Council. programme is completed on schedule. A full report on the past year’s activities in the Second Level School’s sector is Given the extensive Second Level Schools games given later by Michael Reynolds. programme in Leinster plus the new initiatives as a result of

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 39 the Underage Strategic Plan, the Comhairle Laighean competitors. We must meet this challenge head on with Coaching & Games Development Executive has increased promotion and support for those who have unanimously endorsed the appointment of three part-time loyally stood by and supported Gaelic Games over many Development Officers located in North Leinster, South years. Leinster and Dublin. These proposed appointments, effective from September 2002, have yet to be Disadvantaged Areas sanctioned by the Comhairle Laighean Executive. The During the past year two new appointments were made personnel employed in these roles will work on a similar to the North and South Dublin Disadvantaged areas - Eoin basis to that currently operating in Munster and will act as Mac Maoilir in South Dublin and Kieran O’Reilly in North local support to the existing Second Level Schools Dublin. The Irish Sports Council provides funding for these Officers. The key tasks will be to: areas and it is gratifying to see the tremendous progress being made. m Ensure that fixtures are played as per the schedule. m Arrange venues and referees when necessary. Coaching & Games m Make personal contact with each school. m Compile data on the various team mentors in each Promotion Officers school including their mobile telephone numbers. The Coaching & Games Promotion Officers spend just m Assist in the development of the Gaelic Games over one third of their time annually working in Primary programme in each Second Level School. Schools. Other key areas are Summer Camps (20%) and m Assist in the development of meaningful inter-school Second Level Schools (10%). The remaining time is spent competitions. on a variety of other coaching and games promotion m Educate club officials on the importance of having activities. One area clearly requiring special attention is the properly presented pitches available to schools via underage club scene. The Underage Strategic Plan Club / School Liaison Officers. envisages greater involvement in Primary School m Establish a database on Club / School Liaison coaching from each club unit, while Games Promotion Officers. Officers will be expected to ensure a stronger programme m Update the existing database on referees who are of inter-club blitz type games focusing on enjoyment available to officiate at Second Level School’s games. rather than competition. Club personnel will be expected m Establish contacts with the local media to enhance to provide appropriate support to the Games Promotion the promotion of Second Level School’s games. Officers to ensure the success of this initiative.

Funding for these part time Development Officers will be Comhairle Laighean continues to place a major emphasis provided by Comhairle Laighean and the Irish Sports on the training of its Games Promotion Officers. In the Council. past month all Games Promotion Officers spent six days undertaking training in various disciplines. This is to ensure Most children invariably get their first taste of Gaelic they are appropriately qualified to deliver a professional Games at Primary School level. We are indebted to all programme throughout the Province. An invitation was Primary School Teachers who support Gaelic Games and extended to all the Games Promotion Officers employed it is crucial that every club recognises their responsibility to by Dublin clubs to join with us for the latest in-service assist local schools in every way possible. Specific training programme. We are very pleased that they initiatives aimed at the Primary School sector are included accepted our invitation and we are encouraged by their in the Underage Strategic Plan. These are outlined later. In positive feedback. Club / area based Games Promotion every county Cumann na mBunscoil continues to provide Officers is the way forward for Dublin and Comhairle an exciting programme of Gaelic Games for Primary Laighean is most anxious to have these personnel School children. Many other initiatives aimed at promoting undertake the same training programmes as the Games Gaelic Games to young children are being undertaken by Promotion Officers employed throughout the rest of the Cumann na mBunscoil throughout the Province and Province by Comhairle Laighean. particularly in Dublin. Comhairle Laighean sanctioned the appointment of a Competition from Other Sports number of additional Games Promotion Officers in the past year. Some personnel who had been with us for a in the Education Sector number of years left to take up other employment. We While Cumann Luthchleas Gael continues to benefit from want to express our appreciation and that of Comhairle funding via the Irish Sports Council, our main competitors Laighean to all our Games Promotion Officers for their are also receiving significant grant aid. There is already diligence and dedication. clear evidence that both the Second and Primary level sectors are being specifically targeted by our main

40 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 Personnel The following personnel are employed in a Games Promotion role throughout Leinster COUNTIES LOUTH John Byrne MEATH Christine O’Brien Dudley Farrell DUBLIN Declan Power Peter Elliott Sarah McNeill Therese Carey Terri O’Boyle Eimear Dignam Martin Nolan Annette Billings DISADVANTAGED AREAS Eoin Mac Maoilir Kieran O’Reilly WICKLOW Hugh Kenny Two clubs coaching schemes in North Wicklow (Bray Emmets & Fergal Óg in Bray) receive an IR£10,000 grant from Comhairle Laighean (IR£5,000 each). WEXFORD Paul Carty Jimmy Furlong KILDARE David Murphy Another Coaching & Games Promotion Officer will be appointed in Kildare by the end of March 2002. CARLOW Brendan Hayden Johnny Nevin KILKENNY Briain Ryan Georgie Leahy LAOIS Siobhán Reynolds Ciarán Muldowney OFFALY Anne Marie Curran WESTMEATH Michael McHugh Comhairle Laighean gives a IR£5,00 grant towards a FAS Scheme in Iar Mhí. LONGFORD T.J. Ward Mary Burke Noel Boyce (Hurling) THIRD LEVEL COLLEGES Dundalk I.T. Michael Heeney Athlone I.T. Louise O’Brien Carlow I.T. Valerie Crean U.C.D. Dave Billings D.C.U. Tom O’Donnell (also acts as the Dublin Second Level Schools Development Officer) D.I.T. Des O’Donnell Trinity College Sineád Hynes St. Pat’s College Position Vacant Blanchardstown I.T. Ronan Keaskin (combined with the promotion of other sports) Tallaght I.T. Gerry Anderson Maynooth Tom Maher OTHER Second Level Schools – Non-Dublin Michael Reynolds (also Assistant Chief Executive of Comhairle Laighean) Primary Schools – Dublin Tom Fitzpatrick Coaching Director - North Leinster Noel Delaney Senior Coaching Director - South Leinster Lester Ryan Coaching Director - Dublin Gerard O’Connor

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 41 County Coaching Officers role in promoting and implementing the new Underage County Coaching Officers have just completed their first Strategic Plan in their respective counties. The successful year in this new role. Their help and support to the implementation of the Strategic Plan will result in some Coaching Directors and the Games Promotion Officers is changes to every county’s games promotion programme. crucial to ensuring the successful implementation of our The overriding emphasis will be on increased participation comprehensive games promotion programme and improving standards through a series of non- throughout the Province. Over the coming year the competitive activities for young players with more formal County Coaching Officers will be expected to play a key organised training through Schools of Excellence and Development Squads for the more mature youngsters.

Coaching Directors Report implementation of the Scéim Iomána / Scéim Peil plans in all counties. Lester Ryan, Noel Delaney & Gerard O’Connor Coaching and Games Promotion Officers m Continuous contact with the Coaching and Games Promotion Officers by phone, post, individual meetings and group meetings, ensuring work plans were prepared and delivered to the required standards. m Organised and ran In-Service Training Days.

Summer Camps The main areas in which the Coaching Directors were m Implemented Comhairle Laighean’s Summer Camp involved in over the last year included: programme, ensuring that standards were maintained to the highest level. The camps of 2001 County Coaching Officers were again hugely successful in each county. The following chart gives a breakdown of attendances. m Meeting with the County Coaching Officers (every six weeks) to ensure the work plans of the Games Promotion Officers were prepared and delivered to the required standards. Assisted with the

Club Club County Number of Participants Totals Playstation Leinster G.A.A. Summer Camps HURLING FOOTBALL COMBINED TOTALS 0 0 Carlow 387 479 32 898 5,500 13 Dublin 1,730 2,998 0 4,728 0 0 Kildare 296 1,121 587 2,004 0 0 Kilkenny 962 35 0 997 0 0 Laois 238 386 256 880 0 0 Longford 0 379 451 830 57 1 Louth 255 956 0 1,211 0 0 Meath 481 1,567 102 2,150 0 0 Offaly 398 140 598 1,136 201 3 Westmeath 241 752 0 993 0 0 Wexford 927 508 0 1,435 440 1 Wicklow 412 1,231 56 1,699 6,198 18 TOTALS 6,327 10,552 2,082 18,961 Inter-County players DJ Carey, Jason Sherlock, Glenn Ryan, and Brian McEvoy visited the Summer Camps throughout the Province in 2001. These players were very well received. The Coaching Directors coordinated all visits.

42 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 Coach Education Programme m Met periodically with the Third Level College G.A.A. Teacher Training Colleges Development Officers to review plans and activities. m The Coaching Directors organised, coordinated and m Involved in the recruitment of new personnel in Third tutored on G.A.A. courses for trainee teachers in Level Colleges. Dublin based Teacher Training Colleges. Clubs Courses were completed in the following colleges: m Encouraged coaching initiatives (to assist in the m St. Pat’s Teacher Training College recruitment of new personnel and developing (Courses 18, attendance 450) Coach Education) targeting clubs within each county. m Froebel College (Courses 5, attendance 228) m Marino College (Planned) GAA Pageant (Courses 6, attendance 168) m Involved in organising and running of a skills demonstration for the 2001 Leinster Senior Hurling Coach Education and Senior Football Finals (480 Children approx. Counties (Foundation / Level One Courses) participated). m Tutored on and promoted Foundation and Level One Courses. Gormanston Skills/Blitz Day m Attended Master Tutor’s meetings m Involved in organising and running an Under 14 and Training Seminars. hurling skills / blitz day in Gormanston College. The twelve Leinster counties participated in the one-day Coach Education coaching blitz. Second Level Schools Primary / Second Level Schools The Coach Education Programme for Second Level Students continues to be very successful. Courses were m Monitored the Coaching Programmes of the run in all Leinster Counties. (See table below). The Coaching and Games Promotion Officers within the Programme was coordinated by the Coaching Directors. Primary / Second Level Schools sectors.

County No. of No. of No. of % Cert. Development Squads / Schools of Excellence Schools Students Certs. Uptake m Assisted in the preparation of Developmental Squad Laois 6 109 30 27.5% and Schools of Excellence plans. m Assisted with the recruiting of personnel to work with Wicklow 7 131 125 95.4% Development Squads and Schools of Excellence. Longford 4 91 58 63.7% Meath 12 216 118 54.6% Meetings / Seminars / Presentations m Meetings of the Comhairle Laighean Coaching & Louth 9 174 88 50.6% Games Development Management Team. Offaly 7 117 4 0 3 4. 2% m Meetings with County Coaching Officers. Meetings with County Coaching & Games Dublin 28 520 80 15.4% m Development Committees. Kildare 9 155 78 45.8% m In-Service Training at Century Management. Kilkenny 10 131 60 45.8% Indoor Hurling Wexford 4 66 45 68.2% m Involved in the continued development of indoor Carlow 8 161 40 24.8% hurling activity in Primary and Second Level Schools. Westmeath 5 105 40 38.1% Organised the Leinster Indoor Hurling Blitz in Dublin. (11 Counties participated). TOTAL S 109 1,976 802 40.6% Acknowledgements The Coaching Directors represented the Leinster Council The Coaching Directors would like to thank the Coaching at Second Level Coach Education presentations. and Games Promotion Officers and all who were directly and indirectly involved in our many coaching initiatives Third Level Colleges throughout the past year. Special thanks to Patricia Clear m Provided backup and support to the G.A.A. the staff of Comhairle Laighean and to the Officers of the Development Officers working in the Third Level Coaching and Games Development Committee. Institutions in Leinster.

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 43 meson, Charlie Melia meson, Joe McDonald Joe David O’Connor, Stephen Byrne, Kevin Gill, Darren Coffey, Eamon Franey, Leighton Glynn, Eamon White, Tommy Gill, Ian Merrigan, Ian Merrigan, Gill, Tommy Eamon White, Glynn, Leighton Eamon Franey, Coffey, Darren Gill, Kevin Byrne, Stephen O’Connor, David Trevor Culbert, Nicky Mernagh, Anthony Mernagh, Trevor Doyle (C), Mark Coffey, Mark Doyle, Stephen Kavanagh, Alan Clarke Kavanagh, Stephen Mark Doyle, (C), Mark Coffey, Doyle Trevor Anthony Mernagh, Culbert, Nicky Mernagh, Trevor Harry Murphy, James Stafford, John McDonald, Declan Byrne, Ronan Coffey, Tommy Murphy, Richard Dignam, Peter Dignam, Cillian Ja Cillian Dignam, Peter Dignam, Richard Murphy, Tommy Coffey, Ronan Byrne, Declan McDonald, John Stafford, James Harry Murphy, AIB Leinster Club Football Champions 2001 Rathnew Champions 2001 Club Football AIB Leinster L-R: Back Middle L-R: L-R: Middle L-R: Front

44 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 Hurling 2003 will see the arrival of Feile na nGael to Westmeath, Meath and Kildare. The counties of Leinster must give their Development Report full support to these counties as it will be a joint effort by all to make it a success. With this in mind we intend to have a Brendan O’Sullivan festival on similar lines to Feile in those counties in June 2002. The programme of the Hurling Development Committee was Over the past few years the game of hurling has benefited curtailed due to the foot and greatly from a large financial input. We would ask counties mouth disease. The Leinster to make sure this money is spent wisely for the long term Minor Hurling League was the benefit of the game. We need to ‘make hay while the sun first competition to be shines’ as this financial input may not always be available. cancelled. This was a huge We appeal to counties to plan properly and realistically. loss to the counties as it was of great benefit to them in their The committee would like to thank the Leinster preparations for the Development Committee and its chairman Nickey championship. This year’s Bernnan for all their help over the past few years. We fixtures and groups are already would particularly thank the staff of Aras Laighean for the made and will begin in mid February. The Under 15 Easter patience and understanding over that period. games also had to be cancelled but we replaced these with a Blitz competition held in Kilkenny in August / September. Counties used their development squads and Football we had twelve teams involved. This was a great success as it allowed the counties to enter as many teams as they Development Report wished and use all the players involved in their Paddy Clarke development squads. We hope to run more of these type of competitions in the future. In 2001, my duties fell into 2 distinct categories, coaching Our Under 16 Blitz was held in Offaly and we had two and the organisation of Blitzes other Under 15 Blitzes - one in Carlow and one in Dublin. and Tournaments. Thanks to They were very successful, despite the inclement weather the great efforts of the Leinster in Carlow. The great co-operation of the teams and Master Tutors group, mentors make these days most enjoyable for all Foundation Level and Level 1 concerned as the teams don’t mind if the venues have to coaching courses were held be changed around and opposing teams have to travel in throughout the province and I the same bus. Our thanks to the local committees in was involved in tutoring at Offaly, Carlow, Dublin and Kilkenny for the wonderful Level 1 courses held in facilities and well prepared venues they put at our disposal. Wicklow, Carlow, Dublin, The Festivals of Hurling did not go ahead as the backlog of Louth, Wexford and Westmeath. fixtures in counties made it impossible to find a free weekend. We hope that this year each county will The encouraging aspect of these courses is the increase in organise a small tournament - (preferably one day events) numbers attending. At the outset numbers often went into for Under 14 and Under 16 clubs - four local and four the 60’s and 70’s, but after the initial burst of enthusiasm, visiting teams are recommended. courses over the past few years have sometimes struggled to attract 15-20 candidates. The recent increase The Leinster Junior Hurling Tournament was a big success in Foundation Level courses has seen a marked increase in and it shows that with the goodwill of clubs anything is the numbers now attending Level 1 courses. possible. In years to come 2001 will always be remembered as the Gormanston was again the venue for the Under 14 year of "Foot and Mouth" and it soon put an end to Coaching Day. This was well attended but one wonders at Leinster Minor League, which this year will start on 30th the attitude of some counties to it. The tremendous work March with 8 teams (7 teams not involved in the "round of Paddy Kelly and his Meath committee - along with robin" plus a second Dublin team – could this be the start Lester Ryan is greatly appreciated. This will be reviewed by of "Dublin North" and "Dublin South"? the incoming Hurling Committee to see how it could be improved. The Under 15 blitz was held at 3 venues on the same day in July with each county also fielding a second team, meaning

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 45 Stars of tomorrow from Carlow, Kilkenny, Westmeath and Wexford demonstrate their abilities during the Coaching & Games Development Skills Demonstration Pageant at the Leinster Senior Final

46 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 that up to 50 players from each county were catered for. m Primary Squads of Excellence. Under 14 and Under 16 tournaments were curtailed and for m County Newsletter. the coming year the Under 16 tournament will revert to it’s m Urban Development Hurling / Camogie Leagues. Halloween date which had proved ideal whenever the m Indoor Football League. weather was kind. The Under 14 will replicate last years tournament, with group matches being played on the first Mini Games Páirc an Chrócaigh Saturday on a Blitz basis, with the 4 group winners, 4 27th May: Longphort & Laois (Peil Buachaillí) runners-up and the 4 3rd placed teams running off semi- 3rd June: An Mhí & An tIarmhí (Peil Cailiní) finals and finals the following Saturday in early June. A top 10th June: Cill Chainnigh & Loch Garman (Iomáint) priority with these competitions is that they are being held 17th June: Uibh Fháili & An Lú (Peil Buachaillí) when players are off school, where they cause minimum 24th June: Cill Dara & Cill Mhantáin (Peil Cailíní) disruption to club and colleges matches. Referees from young whistlers project officiated Maynooth Ground Hurling Tens 22nd May: Uibh Fháili, Laois, An Mhí, Cill Dara, Cumann na mBunscol Report Áth Cliath x 2, Longphort, Cill Dara. Tom Fitzpatrick 80 players (U-IO) received a memento of a sliothar each. Referees from young whistlers project officiated County Games Carlow Lift & Strike Tournament Programme 7th June: Cill Chainnigh, Ceatharlach, Loch Garman, Cumann Luthchleas Gael An tIarmhi, Cill Mhantáin, Laois, Comhairle Laighean through Áth Cliath x 2 Cumann na mBunscoil 80 players (U-I3) received a memento of a sliothar. Laighean allocated finance for Referees from young whistlers project officiated schemes of work undertaken within Primary Schools in each Leinster Skills Pageant Croke Park Leinster County in the 8th July: Hurling/football skills display during following areas of games Guinness Leinster Senior Hurling Final promotion: involving 120 children from 12 Counties. m Foundation Level Courses for Teachers. 15th July: Hurling/football skills display during Bank of m Hurling Skills Awards. Ireland Leinster Senior Football Final m Inter-Area Games. involving 120 children from 12 Counties. m Referee Rules Course. National Basketball Arena m Indoor Hurling. Indoor Hurling Blitz m Games Equipment. 4th Dec: Cill Chainnigh, Ceatharlach, Loch Garman, m Inter-School Leagues. An tIarmhí, Cill Mhantáin, Áth Cliath, An Mhí, m Publicity. Cill Dara, Longphort, Cill Dara m Website Development. 100 players (Rang iv) received a hurley / sliothar each. m Class Leagues. m Coaching Aids. Roadstone National Awards 2000 m G.A.A. Quiz. 3rd Nov: Won premier prize (£1,500) and trophy for m Sports Day. Best Provincial Games Programme. m Junior Whistlers Project. m Invitation to Write / Draw. Meetings m Special Hurling Leagues for New / Weak Schools. Coiste Cumann na mBunscoil Laighean met on 12 m Administration. occasions to plan, organise and administer above games m Clár is Fearr. programme. m Reception for Teachers. m Handball Tournament. Acknowledgements m Football Skill Awards. Maynooth NUI, Carlow Hurling Club, Coistí Chontaetha an m Ground Hurling Tournament. Chumainn, Múinteóirí Uilig, Young Whistlers, Tim Maher & m Hurling Competition for Town Schools. Goalpost Team. m City Class Camogie Leagues. m City Class Girls Football Blitz. Ba mhian le Cumann na mBunscol buíochas ó chroí a m Year Book Club Colours Poster. ghábháil le Coiste Oiliúna ‘s Cluichí Laighean toisc an m Football Competition for Developing Schools. cabhar, an co-oibriú, an dea-thoil, deontas £25,000 agus m Helmet Purchase Scheme. an cuidiú i ngach slí le Bunscoileanna Laighean.

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 47 Philip Brennan (Dublin), Niall O'Ceallachain (Dublin), Ciaran Regan (Dublin), Ciaran (Dublin), Niall O'Ceallachain Philip Brennan 2nd Row L-R: 2nd Row Gary Kevin Mc Closkey (Meath), Seamus Dwyer (Laois), Brian Lennon (Wicklow), David Herity Dwyer Seamus (Wicklow), David (Meath), (Laois),Lennon Brian Gary Mc Closkey Kevin Mark Phelan (Kilkenny) Kate Leahy (Kildare), Seamus Aldridge, Chairman Leinster GAA, Chairman Leinster Nicky Brennan, Aldridge, Seamus (Kildare), Leahy Kate Mark Phelan (Kilkenny) 3rd row L-R: row 3rd Front L-R: Front Brian Kelly (Meath), Padraig Bambrick (Carlow), Brendan McMenamin (Donegal), David Cahill (Kildare). (Kildare). Cahill David McMenamin (Donegal), Brendan (Carlow), Bambrick Padraig (Meath), Kelly Brian Leinster G.A.A. Bursary awards 2001 Bursary awards G.A.A. Leinster L-R: Back (Kilkenny), Canice Hickey (Kilkenny), David Cronin (Wicklow), (Offaly). Niall Morris Cronin David (Kilkenny), Hickey Canice (Kilkenny), (Dublin), Stephen Sheehan (Wexford), Michael McEvoy (Laois), Eoin Gorman (Laois). Gorman (Laois), Eoin Michael McEvoy (Wexford), Sheehan (Dublin), Stephen Vice-Chairman Leinster GAA, Tracey Lawlor (Laois) and Barry Tehan (Offaly). Lawlor (Laois) and Barry Tehan GAA, Leinster Vice-Chairman Tracey

48 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 Juv. H. "A" St. Peter’s, Wexford St. Brendan’s C.S., Birr Second Level Schools Report Juv. H. "A" Shield St. Kieran’s, Kilkenny Castlecomer C.S. Michael Reynolds Juv. H. "B" Enniscorthy C.B.S. St. Rynagh’s CC, Banagher

ATH CLIATH

Juv. H. "A" St. David’s C.B.S. St. Benildus College Juv. H. "B" Portmarnock C.S. St. Mac Dara’s C.C. Juv. H. "C" Coolmine C.S. Marian College Juv. H. "D" Ballymun Comp. St. Vincent’s C.B.S.

Jun. H. "A" St. Declan’s C.B.S. St. David’s C.B.S. Jun. H. "B" Portmarnock C.S. St. Benildus College Jun. H. "C" Scoil Aodhain Colaiste Choilm Jun. H. "D" Coolmine C.S. Colaiste Dhulaigh

Sen. H. "A" Colaiste Eanna St. Declan’s C.B.S. Sen. H. "A" Shield Salesian, Celbridge St. Mark’s C.S. Sen. H. "B" St. Benildus College Col. Chiarain COMORTAS BUATHOIRI NEASOIRI Sen. H. "C" Oatlands College Portmarnock C.S.

PEIL Juv. F. "A" St. David’s C.B.S. Ardscoil Ris Juv. F. "B" Drimnagh Castle CBS Colaiste Eanna Colleges S.F. "A" St. Pat’s, Navan St. Mel’s, Longford Juv. F. "C" Old Bawn C.S. Colaiste Eoin Voc. Sch. S.F. "A" Ard. Chiarain, Clara Athlone C.C. Juv. F. "D" Blakestown C.S. James Street C.B.S. Colleges S.F. "B" Moyne C.S. St. Mark’s C.S. Juv. F. "E" Colaiste Chillian Jobstown C.C. Voc. Sch. S.F. "B" Lucan C.C. Bridgetown V.C. Schools S.F. "C" Cnoc Mhuire, Granard Oatlands College Jun. F. "A" St. David’s C.B.S. St. Declan’s C.B.S. Jun. F. "B" Lucan C.B.S. St. Mark’s C.S. Jun. F. "A" St. Mel’s, Longford Good Counsel Col. Jun. F. "C" Skerries C.C. Colaiste Eoin Jun. F. "B" Kells C.S. Naas C.B.S. Jun. F. "D" St. Vincent’s C.B.S. Lucan C.C. Jun. F. "C" Castlecomer C.S. St. Oliver’s P.P., Oldcastle Jun. F. "E" Colaiste Dhulaigh St. Aidan’s C.S. Jun. F. "D" Ballymahon V.S. St. Vincent’s C.B.S.

Voc. Sch. Jun. F. "A" St. Oliver’s C.C. St. Kevin’s, Dunlavin Sen. F. "A" St. David’s C.B.S. Gormanston Col. Voc. Sch. Jun. F. "B" Ballymahon V.S. Sc. Chonglais, Baltinglass Sen. F. "B" St. Mark’s C.S. Moyle Park College Sen. F. "C" Oatlands College Ardscoil, Raheny Juv. F. "A" Marist, Athlone Portlaoise C.B.S. Sen. F. "D" Colaiste Dhulaigh Blakestown C.S. Juv. F. "B" Knockbeg College St. Joseph’s, R’bridge Juv. F. "C" Castlecomer C.S. Dunshaughlin C.C. Juv. F. "D" Blakestown C.S. St. Saran’s, Ferbane LAIGHEAN THEAS Inter County "A" Offaly Louth Inter County "B" Louth Laois PEIL

Col. S.F. "B" F.C.J., Bunclody Portlaoise C.B.S. IOMAINT Sch. S.F. "C" Wexford C.B.S. Pres., Carlow Sch. S.F. League Good Counsel Col. Naas C.B.S. Colleges S.H. "A" Dublin Colleges Good Counsel Col. Colleges S.H. "B" Col. Eamann Ris, Callan Castlecomer C.S. Jun. F. "A" Good Counsel Coll. St. Peter’s, Wexford Jun. F. "B" Naas C.B.S. Tullow C.S. Voc. Sch. S.H. "A" St. Fergal’s, Rathdowney St. Rynagh’s CC, Banagher Jun. F. "C" Castlecomer C.S. Wicklow D.L.S. Voc. Sch. S.H. "B" Borris V.S. Clonaslee V.S. Jun. F. "D1" Ramsgrange C.S. Abbey C.C. Jun. F. "D2" Gaelcholaiste, Sc. Aireagail, Ballyhale Coll. S.H. "A" Lge St. Kieran’s, Kilkenny Good Counsel Coll. Coll.S.H. "B" Shield Colaiste Eoin St. Michael’s, Trim Juv. F. "A" Portlaoise C.B.S. St. Peter’s, Wexford Schools S.H. "C" Pres. D.L.S., B;town St. Pat’s, Navan Juv. F. "B" Knockbeg College F.C.J., Bunclody Juv. F. "C" Castlecomer C.S. Bridgetown V.C. Jun. H. "A" St. Mary’s, Enniscorthy Kilkenny C.B.S. Juv. F. "D1" Brendan’s, Bray Abbey C.C. Jun. H. "A" (Shield) Colaiste Eanna St. Peter’s, Wexford Juv. F. "D2" Borris V.S. Abbey C.C., Ferrybank Jun. H. "B" Sc. Dheaglain Gorey C.S.

Voc. Sch. Jun. H. "A" Kilcormac V.S. Col. Mhuire, Johnstown Voc. Sch. Jun. H. "B" Tullamore College Borris V.S.

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 49 At the Coaching &At the Coaching last Summer Final Senior at the Leinster Pageant Skills Demonstration Development Games the test put to and Dublin are Kildare hopefuls from young

50 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 IOMAINT Voc. Sch. J. F. "A" St.Oliver’s CC, Drogheda FINALISTS Voc. Sch. J. H. "A" Kilcormac V.S. SEMI-FINALISTS Sch. Sen. H. "C1" Pres. DLS, Bagenalstown New Ross C.B.S. Sch. Sen. H. "C2" Carlow C.B.S. Knockbeg College Inter County F. "A" Offaly FINALISTS Inter County F. "B" Louth CHAMPIONS Jun. H. "B" Gorey C.S. Cistercian, Roscrea Jun. H. "C1" Col. Mhuire, Johnstown Sc. Aireagail, Ballyhale Jun. H. "C2" Tullow C.S. Knockbeg College HANDBALL Jun. H. "D" Kilmuckridge V.C. Ramsgrange C.S. COLLEGES - 60 x 30 "A" Juv. H. "B" Enniscorthy C.B.S. St. Fergal’s, Rathdowney Sen. Singles Castlecomer C.S. Gorey C.S. Juv. H. "C" Col. Mhuire, Johnstown New Ross V.C. Sen. Doubles St. Peter’s, Wexford Castlecomer C.S. Juv. H. "D" Col. Cois Siuire, M’coin Tullow C.S. Jun. Singles Castlecomer C.S. Wexford C.B.S. Jun. Doubles Wexford Castlecomer C.S. Juv. Singles Kells C.S. St. Kieran’s, Kilkenny Juv. Doubles Kilkenny C.B.S. St. Peter’s, Wexford LAIGHEAN THUAIDH COLLEGES - 60 x 30 "B" PEIL Sen. Singles Sen. Doubles New Ross C.B.S. St. Peter’s, Wexford Jun. Singles St. Peter’s, Wexford Kilkenny C.B.S. Colleges S.F. "B" Moyne C.S. Col. Choilm, Tullamore Jun. Doubles Schools S.F. "C" Cnoc Mhuire, Granard Ballymahon V.S. Juv. Singles Castlecomer C.S. St. Peter’s, Wexford Sch. S.F. League "A" St. Pat’s, Navan St. Mel’s, Longford Juv. Doubles Kilkenny C.B.S. Gorey C.S. Sch. S.F. League "B" Moyne C.S. St. Joseph’s, Drogheda COLLEGES - 40 x 20 "A" Jun. F. "A" St. Mel’s, Longford St. Pat’s, Navan Sen. Singles Coolmine C.S. F.C.J., Bunclody Jun. F. "B" Kells C.S. St. Mary’s, Edenderry Sen. Doubles Castlecomer C.S. St. Peter’s, Wexford Jun. F. "C" St. Oliver’s, Oldcastle St. Saran’s, Ferbane Jun. Singles Bunclody Pres. DLS, Bagenalstown Jun. F. "D" Ballymahon V.S. Cnoc Mhuire, Granard Jun. Doubles Castlecomer C.S. St. Peter’s, Wexford Juv. Singles Mullingar C.C. Kilkenny C.B.S. Juv. F. "A" Marist College, Athlone St. Pat’s, Navan Juv. Doubles St. Kieran’s, Kilkenny St. Peter’s, Wexford Juv. F. "B" St. Joseph’s, R’bridge Clane C.S. Juv. F. "C" Dunshaughlin C.C. Ardee C.S. COLLEGES - 40 x 20 "B" Juv. F. "D1" Ballymahon Sec. Sch. Cnoc Mhuire, Granard Sen. Singles Naas C.B.S. Col. San Froinsias Juv. F. "D2" St. Saran’s, Ferbane Ardsc. Chiarain, Clara Sen. Doubles St. Peter’s, Wexford W.O. Jun. Singles St. Peter’s, Wexford Castlecomer C.S. Jun. Doubles Good Counsel Coll. W.O. IOMAINT Juv. Singles St. Kieran’s, Kilkenny Good Counsel Coll.

Sch. Sen. H. "C1" Killina Pres. Sec. Sch. St. Mel’s, Longford VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS - 40 x 20 "A" Sch. Sen. H. "C2" St. Pat’s, Navan Trim V.S. Sen. Singles Col. Bhride, Carnew Sc. Aireagail, Ballyhale Sen. Doubles Col. Bhride, Carnew Sc. Aireagail, Ballyhale Jun. H. "B" Kilcormac V.S. St. Mary’s, Mullingar Jun. Singles Carlow V.S. Wexford V.C. Jun. F. "C" Tullamore College St. Joseph’s, R’bridge Jun. Doubles Carlow V.S. Sc. Aireagail, Ballyhale Jun. H. "D" St. Mel’s, Longford Trim V.S. VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS - 40 x 20 "B" Juv. H. "B" St. Rynagh’s, Banagher Kilcormac V.S. Sen. Singles Wexford V.C. Juv. H. "C" L.S.U., Banagher Killina Pres. Sec. Sch. Sen. Doubles Wexford V.C. Juv. H. "D1" St. Finian’s, Mullingar St. Farnan’s, Prosperous Jun. Singles Wexford V.C. Ardsc. Ch., Clara Juv. H. "D2" Dunshaughlin C.C. St. Joseph’s, Drogheda Jun. Doubles Carlow V.S. Ardsc. Ch., Clara

ALL IRELAND SERIES

Colleges S.F. "A" St. Pat’s, Navan CHAMPIONS Colleges S.F. "B" Moyne C.S. SEMI-FINALISTS St. Mark’s C.S. QUARTER-FINALISTS Schools S.F. "C" Cnoc Mhuire, Granard SEMI-FINALISTS

Colleges S.H. "A" Dublin Colleges SEMI-FINALISTS Colleges S.H. "B" Eamann Ris, Callan FINALISTS

Voc. Sch. S.F. "A" Ardsc. Chiarain, Clara CHAMPIONS Voc. Sch. S.H. "A" St. Fergal’s, Rathdowney SEMI-FINALISTS

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 51 Tuairisc an Rúnaí Provincial Final in a row - third time lucky when defeating Congratulations to all winners! Good Counsel College. Their success should give To have winners others must comfort to Dundalk Schools, Laois Schools and indeed also participate. When others who are thinking in similar lines. Winning any title is congratulating our winners we an achievement. I am sure everyone will concur with me must not ignore the in expressing the view that a Dublin Hurling win is a little contribution of all teams in the special! I hope that the success will be a major boost to various competitions. Hurling in the Capital over the next few years. St. Pat’s v St. Mel’s was a repeat of the previous year at Normally when I settle to write Colleges S.F. "A" level with St. Pat’s retaining the title. The for Annual Convention Vocational Schools Senior "A" Finals (double header) virtually the All Ireland Series provided an excellent day’s entertainment in O’Connor are complete. Not so this year. Park in late March. Ninety minutes of top class Hurling was At the time of writing Ardscoil unable to separate St. Fergal’s and St. Rynagh’s with the Chiarain, Clara are celebrating their All Ireland title holder former winning the replay. Ardscoil Chiarain, Clara status. Hopefully by Convention night more of our overcame a gallant Athlone C.C. in the Football Final . Provincial winners will have achieved All Ireland success. Athlone C.C. were runners-up for the second year in a row Louth won the Inter County Football "B" title last and must be given great credit for their second half come December. back against the Clara side. Subsequent events showed that the Provincial Final was the closest call that Ardscoil The School year presently coming to an end was without Chiarain had in the entire campaign. Colaiste Eamann Ris, doubt one of the most difficult in terms of attempting a Callan edged out fellow Kilkenny School, Castlecomer schedule of games/competitions. Terrible weather C.S., to ensure the Colleges S.H. "B" title. The format of conditions since last September, industrial action before the competition is as agreed by the participants, but if the and after Christmas and the Foot and Mouth crisis all results of this year were to be repeated next year a re-think combined to throw any sensible well run programme out would be in order. the window. Schools are accustomed to some disruption by weather conditions. But no one could have bargained Borris V.S. won the Vocational "B" title early in the year for this year’s conditions. Even the sunny South East defeating Laois side Clonaslee V.S. in the Final. The noticed! Many pitches in Wexford/South Kilkenny disruption already referred to resulted in the Hurling "C" remained unplayable to the Easter Holidays. What hope for Competition not moving beyond the regions – perhaps the rest? The prolonged industrial action by A.S.T.I. the Senior will make it! Lucan C.C. won the Vocational required considerable adjustment to the relevant Schools Senior Football "B" title in style. Bridgetown V.C. competitions. Thanks to the co-operation and were their Final opponents. Moyne C.S. and St. Mark’s C.S. understanding of all concerned we will complete the have yet to contest the Colleges S.F. "B" title. Both programme by the year’s end. Schools lost out to Dingle C.B.S. in their quest for All Ireland honours. The Provincial S.F. "C" title remained in Extra curricular activities are a vital part of School life. Many Longford - Cnoc Mhuire, Granard succeeding from take the positive contribution of extra curricular activities Ballymahon V.S. - Oatlands were runners-up. for granted – sad to say some do not even notice. It would JUNIOR FOOTBALL be very difficult to evaluate fully the extra work of so few that benefits so many both inside and outside the At the time of writing the 4 Provincial titles have yet to be classroom. Such commitment over and above the call of decided. St. Oliver’s C.C., Drogheda won the Vocational duty in every School in the Country should and must be Schools Junior "A" while Ballymahon V.S. won the "B" recognized in a tangible way by society in general. title.

The Foot and Mouth crisis came within one week of JUVENILE FOOTBALL halting the All Ireland series to our various competitions. An excellent Marist, Athlone side overcame Portlaoise Thankfully we were able to get matters moving again but C.B.S. (last year’s winners) in the "A" Final . Castlecomer more importantly our Country was spared. Let us keep it C.S. won the "C" title overcoming Dunshaughlin C.C. that way. The other 2 titles are still to be won. Pride of place in this year’s role of honour at Provincial JUVENILE HURLING Level is the Dublin Colleges Senior Hurling Squad. 8 years Because of the difficulties during the second term it was ago a combined team from the city was entered in the S.H. decided to play the Juvenile Hurling Competitions on a "A" Championship for the first time. For the first few years straight knock-out system. They are presently in progress. progress appeared to be slow. This year was their third

52 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 JUNIOR HURLING coverage of Schools G.A.A. is very welcome. To Tom St. Mary’s, Enniscorthy and Kilcormac V.S. won the Schools Crotty thanks again for another year’s work well done. Junior Hurling "A" and Vocational Schools Junior Hurling "A" respectively. Incidentally both played in Pairc Ui FINANCIAL AREA Mhordha – the former while the stand was intact, the latter Coca-Cola remain as ever our very loyal sponsors. Very without. Both defeated Kilkenny opposition in their much in the person of Jim Whelan (Public Relations respective Finals - Kilkenny C.B.S. and Colaiste Mhuire, Manager). Johnstown. Scoil Dheaglain brought the "B" title to the Capital getting the better of Gorey C.S. The combined financial support from Coca-Cola and Comhairle Laighean allows the Schools Council to PITCHES/FACILITIES continue its programme of Equipment Grants/Subsidies The weather caused many more problems than normal. and Teams Expenses. Hopefully in the coming year the Pitches were very difficult to obtain months on end. They Council will be able to increase its support to each are the facts. However, I must stress that at all times individual School. pitches were made available where possible. CONCLUSION On behalf of all Schools I extend appreciation and thanks 1 To the three Coaching Directors – Lester Ryan, Noel to all concerned. Hopefully over the next few years the Delaney and Gerard O’Connor – and their quality of pitches will be improved and less Club fixtures colleagues my appreciation to them on your behalf November – February will help our cause. for their continued good work in the area of Coaching & Games Development which includes However, there are occasions when one wonders why providing Coaching Courses in the Teacher Training County Boards/Clubs allow us use their facilities. Two such Colleges. occasions come to mind – on one occasion the Club’s tractor was tampered with and left to "free-wheel" down 2 My thanks to the many within the organization a slope while on another occasion lights in a dressing Club, County, Provincial and National – room and tunnel were damaged by player(s). Even a fire for their continued support. alarm in a Club complex was not spared. Do I need to say more? 3 To the school personnel for their help and support and understanding during a very difficult year my TRANSITION YEAR MODULE appreciation and thanks. Many Schools used the Transition Year Module during the present School year. Compliments to the personnal 4 Thanks also to Tom O’Donnell who keeps the Dublin involved. Students benefit from the Module to the extent section operating, also for his advise and assistance that they wish too and also from the seriousness with when sought (on many occasions) which each School views the course. 5 Thanks to the Comhairle & Coiste – the members REFEREES were always available when required. I extend our appreciation to the numerous "men in black". But I wonder how much longer can we go on as 6 Thanks also to the officers and members of at present. The situation particularly with regard to Hurling Comhairle Laighean for their support in the past year. is very very serious. I mention the problem but unfortunately I can offer no solutions. 7 To An Cathaoirleach, John Horan, my thanks on everyone’s behalf for his continued work – never far INTERNATIONAL RULES (U-17) from the coalface. 12 players for Leinster formed part of a 25 strong squad 8 To my colleagues in Áras Laighean, Hannah, Patricia, that spent their Easter Holidays in Australia. The Julie and Michael thank you for your assistance in opportunity to represent one’s County is a great honour. I helping Leinster Schools Council get through the hope that the present group of young internationals will programme. benefit in their future careers both on and off the field from their present experience. Finally to each and everyone of you thanks for the year’s work and hope you have an enjoyable Summer. MEDIA Our thanks to the various sections of the Media who covered our games. At National Level the Irish Examiner’s

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 53 Third Level Colleges Report The Intermediate football competition was won by DCU who overcame NUIM in the final. The semi-finalists in the Tom O’Donnell intermediate blitz are UCD, DIT, NUIM and Carlow I.T. Freshers’ football and hurling blitzes are scheduled for Comhairle Árd Oideachais March. Last October, CAO Laighean organised a freshers’ Laighean has responsibility for camogie sevens blitz with NUIM emerging victorious over the development of Gaelic UCD in the final. Games in over twenty Third Level institutions in Leinster. BURSARIES The financial support of This is the second year of the Comhairle Laighean Third Comhairle Laighean through Level Bursary scheme. Cathaoirleach Comhairle Laighean funding from Scéim Iomána Seamus Aldridge recently presented the awards to twenty- and Scéim Peil is invaluable one recipients from around the Province. These students and has enabled a number of are in their first year of Third Level education in colleges initiatives to be devised and throughout Leinster and have been recognised for their implemented. These include commitment to the G.A.A. and achievements to date. m Supplying a set of jerseys to each of the nine Third There is no doubt that many from the array of recipients on Level hurling clubs. view will be the stars of the future. The bursary scheme m Assisting the purchase of gear in newly emerging helps to raise the profile of Gaelic Games in Third Level clubs. Colleges throughout the Province and is further evidence m Provision of sliothars, footballs and training bibs to of Comhairle Laighean’s commitment to this sector. colleges based on the number of teams competing NEW THIRD LEVEL APPOINTMENTS in Third Level competitions. Louise O’Brien was recently appointed G.A.A. Participation levels have increased through the Development Officer in Athlone I.T. Meanwhile, Sinead organisation of Intermediate football and hurling blitzes. . Hynes and Gerry Anderson will act as Development Officers in Trinity College and Tallaght I.T. respectively on a COMPETITIONS part-time basis for the duration of the academic year. The two premier competitions in the Third Level sector Ronan Keaskin will have a major part to play in the were badly disrupted by the foot and mouth crisis. The development of Gaelic Games in Blanchardstown I.T. in traditional championship weekends were cancelled but his role as Sports Officer in the college. We wish them well the competitions were eventually completed. for the future. In the Fitzgibbon Cup UCD put in a fine performance to The work of all Third Level Development Officers is much earn a draw against old rivals UCC in the final played in appreciated, as is Comhairle Laighean's financial support Parnell Park. The replay in Nenagh proved to be an equally of these appointments. competitive game with the Dublin side emerging victorious. Athlone I.T. was narrowly defeated by Limerick PARTNERSHIP I.T. in the Division 2 Ryan Cup hurling championship final. Third Level Colleges possess some of the finest playing facilities and gyms in the Province. In addition, there is a UCD were also finalists in the Sigerson Cup football wide range of expertise present in the Colleges in such championship final. However, UUJ Belfast proved too areas as sports health and science, information strong on the day and denied the Dublin side a technology, fitness testing and assessment, management memorable double. In the Division 2 Trench Cup final, and communications. A tremendous opportunity exists Tallaght I.T. recorded a memorable win over St Pat’s, for units of the G.A.A. within the Province to create Drumcondra in an all Dublin final. linkages with these Colleges to develop programmes in In Ladies Gaelic football, UCD defeated I.T. Tralee in the the areas outlined above to facilitate their development in O’Connor Cup. NUIM, captained by Laois player, Mary the future. Kirwan, achieved a notable double in winning the Division In Dublin, pitches in UCD, DCU, TCD and St Pat's are 2 league (Curran Cup) and championship (Lynch Cup) made available on a regular basis for schools' matches. In competitions. Carlow I.T., beaten by NUIM in the Lynch addition, development squads and inter county panels Cup went on to win the Division 3 league final. Athlone I.T. train on these pitches. The Department of Sports Science hosted the Ashbourne Cup camogie championship which and Health in DCU presented an in-service course to all was won by UL. Carlow I.T. were beaten by Limerick I.T. in Comhairle Laighean Games Promotion Officers in the Purcell Cup final. At Provincial level, CAO Laighean January. Plans are been developed in DCU to introduce a organised a number of blitzes to cater for players from all two-year full time Diploma in G.A.A. Coaching that would grades and thereby broaden participation. have both theoretical and practical elements.

54 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 This sharing of resources is much appreciated by Third Level Braonáin, handed over 130 Level One Certificates to students and College authorities and can be attributed to last year’s participants who qualified by full Leinster Council's proactive thinking and approach to the attendance at 10 sessions and by returning development of Gaelic Games at Third Level. completed logbooks to the County Coaching Officer at courses organised in Longfort, Áth Cliath, BUÍOCHAS Cill Dara, Cill Mhantáin, An Mhí, An tIarmhí, The help and co-operation of the following greatly Ceatharlach agus Laois/Uibh Fháilí le chéile. facilitated the organisation of Gaelic Games activities during the past year: The Master Tutor Group and the County Coaching G.A.A. Development Officers in the various Third Level Officers are currently busy co-ordinating and presenting Colleges; Comhairle Laighean Coaching Directors; 40 course sessions with a mixture of theory and practice Comhairle Laighean Coaching and Games Development including technical proficiency, advanced techniques, Committee; Michael Delaney, Michael Reynolds and the decision-making, team play and tactical ploys, physical staff in Áras Laighean; CAO Laighean Committee - Tom fitness components and principles, psychological well- Maher, Valerie Crean and Des O’Donnell. being, managing conflict and playing rules at Level One courses in the following locations: In particular, thanks to CAO Laighean Secretary, Dave Billings, for his help and wisdom during the past year. m Cill Mhantáin (Iomáint). m Áth Cliath (Peil). In conclusion, I would like to acknowledge the work of m Loch Garman (Peil). Nickey Brennan as Cathaoirleach of the Comhairle m An tIarmhí (Peil). Laighean Coaching and Games Development. His support for the Third Level sector over the past three years The Tutors are delighted that Coach Education forms a has been tremendous and I wish him well in his future role core part of The Underage Strategic Plan and wish to as Cathaoirleach of Comhairle Laighean. compliment and congratulate the National Coaching & Games Development Committee on the launch of the CD-ROM – The OTú Coaching Model – giving the Leinster Master Tutors Report integrated guide to total playing performance in hurling Tom Fitzpatrick and football. The Tutors would like to acknowledge the on- going support from the Comhairle Laighean Coaching & Assisting the Coaching & Games Development Committee and it is significant in this Games Development context that while a Level One Tutor Training Course is only Committee to deliver key at the planning stage, already 18 candidates from 4 components of the Coach counties have requested a place on that Course. Education Programme is at the heart of the Leinster Master At the moment a Tutor Accreditation link-up with NUI Tutor Group role. It was an Maynooth is being pursued. In addition, a Coach eventful and, hopefully, fruitful Education Partnership with Dublin City University is being 2001 with the Tutors involved explored and with the various elements of the Level Two in course preparation and programme being piloted, it is an exciting time to be delivery, tutor training and involved in Coach Education within the Province of mentoring, devising and Leinster. developing Level Two Courses and organising Level One presentation evenings in close association with the The current Officers and members of the Comhairle County Coaching Officers. Laighean Master Tutor Group are;

The Comhairle Laighean Master Tutor Group were actively Cathaoirleach Jimmy O’Dwyer involved in the following: Runaí Paudie O’Neill County Coaching Officers m Delivered a Level One Football Course to 45 participants in Contae na Mí before Christmas. Ger Lennon (Ceatharlach), Paddy Oliver (An Lú), Brian Carberry (An Mhí), Domhnall O hIceadha (Áth Cliath), m Trained a core of 10 new Tutors to deliver Foundation Martin Coleman (Cill Mhantáin), Willie Carley (Loch Level Courses. Garman), Seán Mac Cárthaigh (Cill Dara), Tom O’Hanlon m Organised – with County Coaching Officers – a (Cill Chainnigh), Seán Ó Daltúin (Laois), Christy Hand (Uibh presentation evening in Páirc an Chrócaigh on 5th Fháili), Séamus O Faoláin (An tIarmhí), Eugene Quaine February at which the Comhairle Laighean Coaching (Longfort). & Games Development Cathaoirleach, Nioclás Ó

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 55 Handball Report Masters A; John Ward (Dublin) in Silver Masters B; Eugene Kennedy (Dublin) in Golden Masters A; Harry Lacey Tommy O’Brien (Wexford) in Golden Masters B. Convention 60x30 Championships The year began on a positive There were quite a number of problems organising the note with our Convention Leinster 60x30 Championships last year. However, we did being held in "The Toss and have almost all championships very well contested and, as Butt" in Kells. It was refreshing in 40x20, our senior singles final drew a capacity crowd. to hold the year’s most This time the venue was Garryhill and, while Eoin Kennedy important meeting in a gained revenge on Kenneth Kane to reach both finals, handball premises which has a Michael Duxie Walsh went one better than in 40x20 when 40x20 court, a 60-30 court, a he defeated Walter O’Connor to reach the final. bar and catering facilities with enough room to host the Both semi-finals were played in Mullingar and provided the actual convention itself. large crowd with top class entertainment.

Officers returned at Convention included Chairman (John However, this was nothing compared to the thrills and Molloy, Áth Cliath) Vice-Chairman (Tony Breen, Loch excitement provided in the Leinster final when Walsh Garman), Secretary (Tommy O’Brien, Cill Chainnigh) and needed to draw on all his experience to pip Dubliner, Eoin Treasurer (Joe Masterson, Uí bhFáile). Kennedy, a feat he was to repeat in the All Ireland final.

Walter O’Connor (An Mhí) was elected to the Coaching Nine players managed to win both singles and doubles in Council while the delegates elected to Coiste na mBan this code--Brian Minogue (Kilkenny) in Under 21; Eddie were Seán Ryan (Ceatharlach) and Mary Doyle (Cill Burke (Kilkenny) in Junior; Paul Carty (Wexford) in Mhantáin). Intermediate; Pat Cleary (Wexford) in Masters A; Martin Clancy (Carlow) in Masters B; Billy Mullins (Offaly) in Silver Richard Willoughby (Cill Mhantáin) agreed to stay on as Masters A; Pat Savage (Kilkenny) in Golden Masters B; Juvenile Chairman with Patsy Dowling (Laois) elected as Christy Lynagh (Meath) in Diamond Masters A and Johnny Juvenile Secretary. The Leinster Development Committee O’Mara (Kilkenny) in Diamond Masters B. elected was Jimmy King (Loch Garman) Martin Clancy (Ceatharlach) Des Lyons (Cill Dara) Billy Love (Cill National and International Success Chainnigh) Patsy Dowling (Laois) and Chairman Tom Leinster players figures prominently at national and Walsh (Cill Mhantáin). international level during the year winning no less than 18 Juvenile and 24 Adult All-Ireland titles. On the International 40x20 Championships front Eoin Kennedy from Dublin won the Canadian Open We had a very healthy number of entries in some of these title and also the Men’s Singles at the USHA Inter Collegiate championships—the most notable being Junior B Singles Championships. (32), Junior B Doubles (23), Masters B Singles (16) and Silver Masters B Singles (15). Young Robert McCarthy (Westmeath) also had success overseas, winning the USHA 15 and Under title. Michael Despite this, and the problems caused by the "Foot and Gregan (Wicklow) and Joy Smith (Meath) were re4cipients Mouth" disease, our championships were run off within of Irish Sports Council grants to aid their handball the schedule provided and we had some very well development. There was also national success for Leinster contested finals. The most notable was, of course, at players at 2nd level and 3rd level Colleges, Hardball, One senior singles where Kenneth Kane (Carlow) and Eoin Wall and Féile na nGael Competitions. Kennedy (Dublin), relatively new kids on the block, provided a tremendous final before a capacity crowd at It is safe to say that much of the provincial success to date Ballymore Eustace. This programme was attended by can be attributed to the Leinster Handball Development Cathaoirleach Comhairle Laighean CLG, Seamas Aldridge Committee and the generous financial support of who presented the Leinster Senior Cup to the victorious Comhairle Laighean CLG. Kenneth Kane. A National Strategic Planning team, headed by Con Moore Seven players dominated their grades in 40x20, winning (Kilkenny) has been working on the future of the game for both singles and doubles titles. They were Myles Cash some time now and, when the report is issued, the (Wexford) in minor; Shane Dormer (Laois) in Junior; Pat Leinster Development Committee will examine the Cleary (Wexford) in Masters A; Billy Mullins (Offaly) in Silver findings to further plan development within the game.

56 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 Leinster Junior Hurling Volunteers & Football Tournaments Cumann Luthchleas Gael is indebted to the thousands of volunteers who give freely of their time to ensure the The Leinster Junior Hurling & Football Tournaments were G.A.A. remains the dominant sporting organisation in once again very competitive and exciting and their Ireland. 2001 was the Year of the Volunteer and Comhairle popularity has increased enormously. In view of the Laighean marked the occasion by making a presentation growing importance of these tournaments it is now time to a representative from every county in the Province on that responsibility for all matters relating to the fixtures is the day of the Leinster Senior Football Final. The given to the Comhairle Laighean Games Administration presentations were made by Seamus Ó Duinn, Runaí of Committee. This is not a reflection on the Coaching & the Coaching & Games Development Committee. Games Development Committee or Michael Reynolds in particular; it is simply a case of the increased competitiveness of the tournaments and Comhairle Laighean GAC is the appropriate body to handle the Lár Páirce administration associated with all games. The response we received for the publication of Lár Páirce has been most encouraging. The magazine aims to The 2001 Junior Football Tournament culminated in a very communicate key areas of coaching and games exciting final at Roundwood between the home side An development activities to as wide an audience as possible Tóchar representing Wicklow and the Dublin throughout Leinster. We have diversified somewhat in the representatives Innisfails. The Dublin side looked to be the last publication to include material not particularly relating sharper early on but gradually the Wicklow champions to coaching and games development but important reduced the deficit. In a highly exciting finish both sides nevertheless to the wider G.A.A. community throughout had opportunities to win the game but a draw ensured the our Province. While Lár Páirce will continue to be strongly match went into extra time. Urged on by a vociferous coaching and games development based, it will also be following, An Tochar dominated most of the extra thirty an important forum for any other relevant information minutes and while they emerged worthy winners the final emanating from Comhairle Laighean. margin of victory was a little harsh on a gallant Innisfails side. Coaching & Games The Junior Hurling Tournament Final was no less exciting; in fact it threw up a real surprise when Oliver Plunketts Promotion Manager from Westmeath overcame the challenge of hot favourites The Emeralds from Kilkenny. The Westmeath champions As part of the Underage Strategic Plan, Leinster, along with had home advantage and after a shaky start looked to Connacht and Munster, will be appointing Coaching & have an uphill battle on their hands. However, a couple of Games Promotion Managers to oversee and develop opportunist goals in the first half were to prove crucial. The coaching and games development activities in each Kilkenny champions exerted considerable pressure on the Province so as to ensure value for the considerable home side in the second half but urged on by a sizeable investment by the Provincial Council and the Irish Sports attendance, Oliver Plunketts emerged worthy winners of Council. The appointments are expected to be made by the tournament. the end of March 2002. Ulster has already appointed a High Performance Coach who is based at the University of Both tournaments are now a permanent fixture on the Jordanstown. The Leinster appointee will report to the Comhairle Laighean calendar as they are affording Junior Chief Executive of Comhairle Laighean and to the and Intermediate clubs a rare opportunity to play Chairman of the Comhairle Laighean Coaching & Games competitively outside their own county. Development Committee for operational matters. The role will cover all of Leinster with a particular focus on developments in Dublin as an immediate priority. The Irish Sports Council is providing funding of _63,500 to Pageant 2001 Comhairle Laighean to cover costs associated with this Comhairle Laighean repeated the successful Pageant new role. The Irish Sports Council see these appointments which was staged to commemorate Year 2000. The array as vital to delivering value on their overall _1.27M grant aid of colour represented by young players wearing their club to Cumann Luthchleas Gael for games development jerseys brought a wonderful atmosphere to the 2001 purposes. Leinster Senior Hurling and Senior Football Finals. It was a joyous occasion for the young boys and girls and Comhairle Laighean ensured the children and their parents had a day to remember.

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 57 Third Level Bursaries Teacher Training Colleges 2001 was the second year of the Comhairle Laighean Details were outlined earlier of the number of courses Third Level College Bursary scheme. Seventy-one undertaken in the three Dublin based Teacher Training applications were received for the twenty-one bursaries. Colleges. The running of these courses is putting a The bursaries were awarded on the basis of the considerable strain on the resources of Comhairle application submitted and input from the various Colleges. Laighean and we would like to record our appreciation to the Coaching & Games Promotion Officers who assisted The bursaries are for a three-year period with a value of the Coaching Directors to deliver the courses. It is _635 per annum subject to the student passing their encouraging to note that some Dublin based club coaches college examinations and continuing to support the also assisted with the course programme. The co- College G.A.A. Club in either a playing and/or operation of the County Coaching Officers was crucial administrative capacity. and much appreciated as they allowed some of their key personnel time off from local activities to travel to Dublin to The recipients of the 2001/2002 bursaries were students assist with the delivery of the courses. This new of outstanding ability who have already achieved a lot with arrangement is proving very successful and is affording the their club and counties. A number have also represented Coaching & Games Promotion Officers involved an Ireland in the Under 17 Compromise Rules series. opportunity to develop new skills outside their own county environs. Those receiving bursary awards for 2001/2002 were: Training Courses Name County College It is the policy of the Comhairle Laighean Coaching & Padraig Bambrick Carlow Trinity College Games Development Committee to encourage all Niall Ó Ceallacháin Dublin DCU personnel to undertake additional training to further increase their range of skills. A number of Coaching & Ciarán Regan Dublin DCU Games Promotion Officers undertook a variety of Philip Brennan Dublin UCD courses in the past year covering both I.T. and fitness related subjects. In addition, the Coaching Directors Kate Leahy Kildare NUI Maynooth undertook a management development programme with David Cahill Kildare Tallaght I.T. Century Management in Dublin. Mark Phelan Kilkenny Carlow I.T. David Herity Kilkenny St. Patrick's General Canice Hickey Kilkenny St. Patrick's We would like to record our appreciation to the members Eoin Gorman Laois Carlow I.T. of Comhairle Laighean and in particular to its Officers Seamus Aldridge (Cathaoirleach), Michael Delaney Brian Ferns Laois DIT (Runaí), Paddy Flanagan (Cisteóir) and Seamus Howlin Michael McEvoy Laois DIT (PRO) for their continued support. Seamus Aldridge is coming to the end of his three-year term as Cathaoirleach Seamus Dwyer Laois NUI Maynooth and we are most grateful for his support for the many Tracey Lawlor Laois UCD activities and initiatives which were undertaken during his Brian Kelly Meath DIT term. Gary Kevin McCloskey Meath Dundalk I.T. Numerous meetings were held during the past year to plan and monitor the various coaching and games Barry Teehan Offaly Athlone I.T. development activities in the Province. We would like to Niall Morris Offaly Athlone I.T. record our thanks and appreciation to the following Stephen Sheehan Wexford UCD groups who operate under the auspices of the Comhairle Laighean Coaching & Games Development Committee: David Cronin Wicklow Blanchardstown I.T. Coaching & Games Development Executive Brian Lennon Wicklow DCU m m Coaching & Games Development Committee m Coaching & Games Development Management Team m Master Tutors Committee m Hurling Development Committee

58 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 The activities of the Comhairle Laighean Coaching & personnel employed in the coaching area continues to Games Development Committee are monitored by the grow and the range of activities ensures that plenty of National Coaching and Games Development Committee variety is available to both very young children right up to under the chairmanship of Noel Walsh (An Clár). We older teenagers and on to our adult players and officials. would like to thank Noel and his committee for their We have been most impressed by the commitment and support and help over the past year. We very much dedication from all County Officers throughout the appreciate the advice and support of Pat Daly and his staff Province and it would be impossible to complete the from Páirc an Chrócaigh during the year and his comprehensive work load of the committee without the attendance and presentations at a number of events was wholehearted support we currently receive in every one extremely valuable. The recent launch of the new of the twelve counties in the Province. interactive coaching CDROM for Hurling and Gaelic Football is a significant breakthrough for Cumann Lots of challenges lie ahead for the incoming Coaching & Luthchleas Gael in the area of coaching. This technology Games Development Committee throughout Leinster but puts the G.A.A. to the forefront in new coaching methods particularly in Dublin. The recently published Strategic and systems. It will prove an invaluable asset to all our Review Report refers specifically to Dublin and proposes a Coaching & Games Development personnel and it is number of initiatives relating to the employment of important that the technology is made available to as wide additional Coaching & Games Promotion Officers. an audience as possible. Whatever decisions are reached in the year ahead there is no doubting Comhairle Laighean’s commitment to It would be impossible to administer the work of the coaching and games development. The excitement of coaching and games development programme without each year’s championship campaigns may well be the the assistance of the full time staff at Áras Laighean. We highlight for many but ensuring our games and the appreciate the courteous and professional help from Julie Association in general is geared for all challenges in the Quinn, Hannah Horan, Patricia Clear and Michael future will continue to be a fundamental aim of Comhairle Reynolds. We also acknowledge the professional Laighean. assistance and advice of John Cotter, particularly in relation to marketing, sponsorship and public relations projects. We wish the incoming Coaching & Games Development Officers and Committees the very best of luck in their This report brings to a conclusion the work of the existing endeavours for the next three years. Comhairle Laighean Coaching & Games Development Committee. The past three years while challenging to all Nioclás Ó Braonáin, Cathaoirleach involved, has been supremely rewarding. The number of Seamus Ó Duinn, Runaí

Double vision! Brian McEvoy visits the Kilkenny PlayStation Leinster GAA Summercamps and wonders how Michéal Ó Muircheartaigh will cope when these lads make the senior panel!

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 59 Back: John Hegarty. Larry O'Gorman. James Owens, Syl Doyle, Leigh O'Brien and Joe Kelly. Front: Tom Neville, Railway Cup Hurling Team Manahger 1998. Seamus Howlin, P.R.O. Leinster GAA. Dickie Murphy. Thomas Quigley.

A Referee problem in Wexford? You’d never have guessed it from these pictures taken at the presentation function earlier this month!

60 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 Leinster Referees Administrator’s Report

Referees Committee referee administrators be invited together to a meeting. Pierce Freaney (Chairman), This took place in Leinster on 14.1.2002 in Portlaoise. The Aidan Shiels (Sec. & Dublin), attendance was very good with all counties represented. Paddy Lennon (Louth), Presentations on various aspects were made by Sean O Tommy Collins (Meath), Laoire, Bainisteoir na gCluichi, Dan McCartan, Chairman of Liam O Loughlin (Wicklow), the National Referees Committee and Jimmy Darcy, Tommy Rowe (Wexford), Coaching and Refereeing Co-Ordinator. The Council was Tommy O Rourke (Carlow), represented by Seamus Aldridge, Nickey Brennan and Turlough O’ Brien (Carlow), Michael Delaney. I am very hopeful that all those present Pat Casserly (Westmeath), brought back to their counties a greater awareness of the Brian Allen (Laois), overall refereeing situation. Similar meetings have taken Eamon Higgins (Longford), place in the other provinces. I would ask that refereeing is Martin Heffernan (Offaly), given priority Tommy Duggan (Kilkenny). in the county and that the proper structures are put in National Tutors place. The appointment of County Referees Administration Tom Fitzpatrick (Dublin), Aidan Shiels (Dublin) Committees is vital if the work started at national level is to and Tony Jordan (Dublin). flourish down the line. This committee is responsible for all matters regarding recruitment, training, assessment and Members of National Referees Committee counselling of referees. It does not appoint referees but would have a voice on the appointments committee. It is Pierce Freaney (Kildare), Mick Spain (Offaly), recommended that monthly reports of progress or John Fay (Longford). otherwise be given to the County Committee.

I would also suggest that some attempt be made to rid the The Referees Committee in the province continued in its Association from this constant criticism and abuse of efforts to recruit new referees and to look after the existing referees at all levels. The slogan adopted by the National ones by organising refresher courses and constantly Referees Committee is ‘The proper conduct of our monitoring their performances by regular assessment. A games’. This puts an onus on us all and if we have lot of work is now being done particularly with the criticisms let them be made objectively and through National and Supplementary panels to improve standards. proper channels. There is a big task ahead to educate However there is a long way to go before we can say that Managers, Mentors, Officials, Players and the general the overall position is anywhere near satisfactory. public in the rules of our games. This is a challenge we must meet and the National or Provincial Committees are During the year the committee met on six occasions and available to help by organising people to explain rules and the attendance at all meetings was excellent. County interpretation to teams, panels or any groups who are Administrators were very busy in their counties attempting interested. It doesn’t make sense to have teams with up to to keep refereeing numbers at a satisfactory level to ensure one hundred training sessions not spending even part on all games were played in their county. Recruitment seems one of them being briefed on rules and interpretations. to be extremely difficult. A recent survey carried out at the During the year I was delighted to be invited to Offaly, end of 2001 showed that two counties out of thirty two Kilkenny, Longford, Carlow and Laois to promote the were happy that they had enough referees. Thirty one refereeing initiative. counties indicated abuse as a major problem. The survey also found that two of the main obstacles to recruitment The number and grades of referees per county is tabulated are abuse and club apathy - poor image, the commitment at the end of this report. I am happy to say that we in required and public criticism were other factors noted. Leinster have introduced up to twenty new referees to inter county refereeing. These have been identified by their As a start to attempt to rectify or at least improve matters it county administrator as promising up and coming referees was decided that all county chairmen, secretaries and

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 61 and they are currently undergoing an intensive course in similar type of discussions. This was a lesser success and Croke Park. I would ask the counties to help in their many of the high profile Managers chose not to attend. progress by giving them senior championship games. Overall these meetings can only help both sides and in the The existing panel met on four occasions in Newbridge for long run the playing of our games. specialised training. I would like to thank Kildare County Board and Sarsfields G.F.C. for the use of their facilities. This still did not prevent some unfair and unjust criticism Thanks also to John Courtney and Tom Gorman for their taking place. Sometimes people who should know better work on the training ground. These sessions - which were put all the reasons for a bad result on the performance of voluntary – were very well attended. This exercise the referee. One of our leading referees had to endure increases their level of fitness and also gives them new way over the top criticism that went on long after the ideas to incorporate into their own schedules. I would like game and was even resurrected in the county secretary’s to thank the Council for supporting this venture. Fitness report for his county’s failure. This is totally unacceptable tests were held in Ballymahon and Carlow twice to cater from an official. for the full panel. The standard of fitness was excellent and it is obvious that the referees are raising their standards to Having spent three years in this position I am very grateful meet the demands of the modern game. A national test for the total support from Comhairle Laighean. I thank was held at Tullamore Harriers track in June. Seamus Aldridge for trusting me with the position and for the benefit of his vast experience whenever I needed it. All national panels of referees met on at least six occasions The referees are very conscious of this support and I think in Athlone during the championship season. They also they have responded accordingly. I would like to thank met to review the season in October. Those meetings Michael Delaney for his terrific help and guidance, Michael were very helpful particularly this year to iron out little Reynolds for all his advice and help, Patricia and Hannah problems that arose with the implementation of the new for their good humour and total support and Julie who did regulations about Blood Rule and Substitution. This will all the donkey work, solved many problems and continue this year and it is hoped to improve the format. corrected my mistakes - an outstanding team and a pleasure to work with. I’m glad to say that imcoming Appointments are always a source of discussion and it is chairman Nickey Brennan is well aware of the work still to difficult to satisfy everyone. There were nine Leinster be done and I football referees and seven hurling referees used in senior championship games during 2001. I feel that some of our know that he will maintain the high standards already set. younger referees in all provinces should be used in The referees also appreciate their presentation night and important games. This is particularly true in hurling. In the work done by Paddy Flanagan and John Cotter. I Leinster every effort is made to give young referees would like to acknowledge the work and support from important games and this has worked very well. I have Seamus Howlin who was involved with me in supervising been in constant touch with the Central Appointments the new regulations in Leinster during the championship. Committee and some of our up and coming referees will be used during the League. I would at this stage like to I found the three years most enjoyable and I appreciate the thank our assessors who do outstanding work. They are hospitality and support I received in all the twelve essential to monitor the progress and are available to talk counties. The province is lucky to have such a panel of to the young referee. There is a need for more and I would referees and they made my job much easier by their ask county officers to nominate suitable candidates. Three support and continuous co-operation. They each want to referees left the panel after long years of service Frank be the best, they can be and I think that is all one can ask Ward (Laois), Pat Delaney (Laois) and Peter Fox (Meath) for. and I would like to thank them on my own behalf and on the Council’s behalf for their commitment and support.

A couple of new initiatives were attempted by the National Referees Committee. We met the members of the National Media and Television and Players Committee. Both meetings were intended to explain what was hapenning on the referees side including the new regulations and to discuss any matters they might raise. There was a good exchange of views and other meetings are scheduled to take place. The County Chairmen and Senior Team Managers were invited to Croke Park for

62 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 COUNTY NATIONAL SUPPLEMENTARY PROVINCIAL HFHFHF

Louth---1-2 Meath - 1 1 2 - - Dublin 2 - 1 - 1 3 Wicklow ----1- Wexford112211 Kildare - 11111 Carlow 1 ----- Kilkenny 3 - - 1 1 - Laois-11--1 Offaly11 - 121 Westmeath 1 - 1 3 - 1 Longford - 3 - 1 - 1

TOTAL98712711

Safe Seat! Pierce Freaney assisted all fourth officials at this years Leinster fixtures in Croke Park

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 63 Almost there! The new stand at O’Moore Park, Portlaoise is taking shape nicely . . .

. . . while the redevelopment of Wexford Park has already been deemed a great success

64 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 Development Committee Report

The Leinster Development Officers where there was a general exchange of Committee of the past year information and opinions. With the likely change of was made up of:- Officers in some counties and a probable change in the composition of the Leinster Development Committee it is Andy Gallagher (Offaly) likely that there will be a repetition of these meetings early Chairman in the year. Tommy Murphy (Kilkenny) Jimmy Fox (Longford) The Committee has taken the initial steps to set up a John Byrne (Carlow) database of all clubs so that all records of grants, Kieran Keeneghan (Offaly) borrowings should be at the touch of a button in Aras P.J. Murphy (Westmeath) Laighean. Michael Delaney (Comhairle Laighean) The past year saw great strides made in two of the major Michael Reynolds county grounds developments in the province. The new (Comhairle Laighean) - Wexford Park opened its gates for the first time to host an Servicing Officer All Ireland S.F. Qualifier game between Wexford and Westmeath. This is a marvellous stadium and its opening This Committee’s work, for the most part, dealt with was further embellished by a truly remarkable game of applications by clubs and county committees in relation to football on that Summer’s evening where the sides grants for the purchase and development of pitches and finished level, even after extra time. other facilities. It met with a number of clubs who were entering into borrowing situations with Financial Shortly afterwards it hosted its first Leinster Final when a Institutions and where necessary, made appropriate huge throng turned out for the Leinster Under 21 Hurling recommendations to the National Finance Committee. Final between Kilkenny and Wexford. Incidentally the new borrowing guidelines decided upon by Central Council post Euro introduction are as follows:- O’Moore Park, Portlaoise has its new Stand almost complete and may even be in use by next month. With all (a) Under _15,000.00 going well this stadium should host a number of high Club can borrow on their own authority profile games this Summer starting with the Leinster S.F.C. game on May 12th between the new O’Byrne Cup (b) _15,000 - _75,000 Champions, Carlow and the new crowd pullers of gaelic County Board approval required football, Westmeath.

(c) _75,000 - _150,000 Members of the Committee were also involved in dealing Provincial Council approval required with safety matters at some provincial venues while others dispensed advice to clubs and county committees on a (d) Over _150,000 wide variety of developmental topics. Above all, as the Coisde Bainistí approval required accounts will clearly show, the committee allocated huge sums of money in grants to county committees and clubs The Committee, this year, introduced a strict regulation in the province. whereby clubs and county committees would not be grant-aided unless they had applied for, and received, prior approval from the Committee for their projects. This message does not yet appear to have filtered down to all clubs so this is a timely reminder to County Development Officers to again spread the message. During the year the Committee held two meetings with County Development

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 65 Wexford Walsh Cup S.H. Champions 2001

Back L-R: Larry O’Gorman, Rory Stafford (C), Adrian Fenlon, Rod Guiney, Larry Murphy, Paul Finn, Dave Guiney, Michael Jordan.

Front L-R: Barry Goff, Martin Byrne, Damien Fitzhenry, Chris McGrath, Liam Dunne, Rory McCarthy, Colm Kehoe.

Wexford Leinster Under 21 Hurling Champions 2001

Back L-R: Darren Stamp, Trevor Kelly, Diarmuid Lyng, Nicky Lambert (C), David O’Connor, Barry McGee, Niall Maguire.

Front L-R: Paul Carley, Barry Lambert, Michael Jacob, Matty White, Redmond Barry, Ger Coleman, Rory Mallon, Robbie Kirwan.

Wexford Leinster Intermediate Hurling Champions 2001

Back L-R: Richard Murphy, Alan O’Connor, John Simpson, Jim Byrne, Dessie Stafford, Jack Berry, Pierce Redmond.

Front L-R: Francis Simpson, Danny Conway, Eddie Cullen (C), Paul Carley, Justin Kenny, Thomas Walsh, Colin Kehoe, Willie Carley.

66 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 Coisde Scór Laighean

Tá sé de phribhléid agam an Ta s´ de phrobléid agam nó bhuíochas a ghabháil le gach tuarascáil gearr seo a chur faoi éinne a chabhraigh liom. bhráid na ndaoine atá bailithe anseo ó Cúige Laighean. Dómhnaill ó hIcéadha Rúnaí 2001 was the year set aside for clubs and counties to have LEINSTER SCÓR NA NÓG a hard look at all aspects of Scór and see how best the WINNERS 2001 Scór format should operate for the next three years. At the Scór Congress held in June RINCE FOIRNE (Ceili Dancing) last saw no major changes Iarmhí - Naomh Pól take place in the competitions despite the fact that a high percentage of delegates considered that senior Scór was on the decline. AMHRÁNAÍOCHT AONAIR (Solo Song) Longfort - Aisling Ni Cormac (Colmcille) Perhaps counties would make a special effort to promote Scor at club level particularly in those clubs which have social centres. We must for the next three years take a CEOL UIRLISE (Instrumental Music) positive view and do our best to promote and develop an Mhí - Domhnach Mór - Cill Deagláin the cultural side of the Association through Scór. Scór na nÓg continues to hold its own as each year we have new faces coming on the scene and this makes for good AITHRISEOIREACHT/SCÉALAÍOCHT competition and a pleasant nights entertainment. (Recitation/Storytelling) Iarmhí - Éanna Ó Muirí (Baile Bric Óg) Have we all got Scór committees within our counties? Has it the support and good will of the County Officers and County Board? What part does Oifigeach na Gaeilge and BAILÉAD GHRÚPA (Ballad Groups) the Oifigeach Ógra play? Uibh Fháilí - Clarach

I would like to thank and congratulate all those competitors and club officials both young and old who took part in TRÁTH NA GCEIST (Question Time) Scór during the past year. To the county Scór Committees Cill Mhantáin - Baile Mainis in Leinster a word of thanks for their effort in organising and promoting Scór. Our thanks to all those people who made themselves available to adjudicate our competitions and NUACHLEAS (Novelty Act) to all those who helped in providing venues and stewards. Cill Dara - Rath Cofaigh

Finally, I would like to thank Séamus Ó Faoláin (Cathaoirleach) for his work and help to me during the RINCE SEIT (Set Dancing) past year. Longfort - Baile Mór

To the Officers of Leinster Council Seamus Aldridge, Nioclas Ó Braonáin and Mícheal Ó Dubhshláine many thanks for your help and support.

Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002 67 LEINSTER SENIOR SCÓR

WINNERS 2001 BAILÉAD GHRÚPA (Ballad Group) Longfort - Mostrim

RINCE FÓIRNE (Ceili Dancing) Cill Dara - Rath Iomghain TRÁTH NA GCEIST (Question Time) Longfort - Liagain

AMHRÁNAÍOCHT AONAIR (Solo Song) Cill Mhantáin - Séamus Ó Riain (Eachdruim Uí Bhroin) NUACHLEAS (Novelty Act) Cill Mhantáin - Emmet Carn an Bhua

CEOL UIRLISE (Instrumental Music) An Mhí - Domhnach Mór - Cill Dheagláin RINCE SEIT (Set Dancing) Loch Garman - Baile Uí Cheog

AITHRISEOIREACHT/SCÉALAÍOCHT (Recitation/Storytelling) Longfort - Liagain

Nuachleas

Barefaced Cheek! “Lads, if you promise to shave, I’ll consider you for a job when I become President!”

68 Comhdhail Cinn Bliana 2001-2002