An Chomhdháil Bhliantúil 2017 2016 Tuarascáil an Ard Stiúrthóra 3 January 2016; Limerick supporter Cathal Moynihan, aged 5, from Athlacca, Co. Limerick. Munster Senior League, Round 1, Limerick v Kerry. , Limerick. Tuarascáil An Ard Stiúrthóra

An Chomhdháil Bhliantúil 2017 2016 Tuarascáil an Ard Stiúrthóra

i 18 September 2016; Kerry captain Seán O’Shea lifts the Tom Markham Cup after the Electric GAA Football All-Ireland Minor Championship Final match between Kerry and at Croke Park in .

ii 4 September 2016; A Tipperary supporter, in the Cusack Stand, celebrates the first score during the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Final match between and Tipperary at Croke Park in Dublin.

Contents

An Chomhdháil Bhliantúil: Congress 2017 1

Tuarascáil an Ard Stiúrthóra 3

Senior Hurling Championship Review 2016 45

Senior Football Championship Review 2016 57

Results 66

Time to Celebrate 68

GAA Final Results in 2016 70

County Champions 2016 72

Championship Attendances 2016 74

GAA All-Ireland Football Senior Championship Results 76

GAA All-Ireland Hurling Senior Championship Results 77

Allocation of Tickets for All-Ireland Finals 2016 78

iii 27 February 2016; Aine MacParland, from Youth GAA during the GAA Annual Congress. Mount Wolseley Hotel Spa & Golf Resort, Tullow, Carlow. An Clár

An Chomhdháil Standing Orders Bhliantúil 2017 In order that the proceedings of Annual Congress be carried out without delay, the following Standing Orders will be observed: An Aoine, 24 Feabhra 2017 2.00pm Registration for all 1. The Proposer of a Resolution 6. Where the Congress considers it Congress delegates or of an Amendment thereto appropriate, a vote may be by 4.00pm Workshops/Ard may speak for five minutes, but secret ballot. Chomhairle meeting not more than five minutes. 7. A speaker to the Ard Stiúrthóir’s 6.15pm Tea 2. A delegate speaking to a Report/Workshop reports or to Resolution or of an Amendment any other general discussion 7.30pm Opening of Congress must not exceed three minutes. shall not exceed three (Adoption of Minutes A maximum of two delegates minutes on any one topic. & Standing Orders) from any one shall 8. Any motion seeking to amend a rule 7.45pm Election of Uachtarán-tofa speak on any one motion. in the Official Guide must have a 8.15pm Ard-Stiúrthóir’s Report 3. The Proposer of a Resolution or an majority equal to two-thirds of those Amendment may speak a second present, entitled to vote and voting. 8.45pm Adoption of Accounts time for three minutes before a Adoption of Insurance and 9. Standing Orders shall not be vote is taken, but no other Delegate injury scheme accounts suspended for the purpose of may speak a second time to the considering any matter on the 9.30pm Announcement of result same Resolution or Amendment. Agenda except by the consent of a of ballot followed by 4. The Chairman may at any time majority equal to two-thirds of those Uachtarán-tofa address he considers a matter has been present, entitled to vote and voting. 10.00pm Congress adjourns sufficiently discussed, call on the 10. The Chairman may change the order Proposer for a reply, and when that of items on the agenda with the has been given a vote must be taken. An Satharn, 25 Feabhra 2017 support of a simple majority of those 9.30am Resumption of Congress - 5. A delegate may, with the consent present, entitled to vote and voting. Consideration of motions of the Chairman, move “that the question be now put”, after 12.30pm Óráid an Uachtaráin which, when the Proposer has 1.00pm Lón spoken, a vote must be taken.

2.00pm Resumption of Congress – Youth Forum Report to Congress Uachtarán-Tofa 2.20pm Consideration of President-Elect remaining Motions

5.00pm Conclusion of Congress Ainmniúcháin

5.05pm Ard Chomhairle meeting An tSeaca, Roibeard (An Clár)

6.30pm Mass Breathnach, Seán (Ciarraí)

8.00pm Congress Banquet de Búrca, Proinsias (Gaillimh)

Ó hÓráin, Seán (Áth Cliath)

Ó Scealaí, Mairtín (An Longfort)

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6 February 2016; Mayo captain Aidan O’Shea poses for a ‘selfie’ with supporters Kelly Hefferon and Dara Padden from Belmullet after the game. Allianz Football League, Division 1, Round 2, Mayo v Dublin. Elverys MacHale Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.

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Report of the Ard Stiúrthóir Páraic Ó Dufaigh

Introduction

In the context of the ongoing debate on the format of the All-Ireland football championship, it is worth noting that the 2016 championships in hurling and football provided us with “...exhilarating hurling a salutary reminder of the value of the qualifier system. We semi-finals and two would all probably agree that, along with Tipperary footballers’ riveting and tension- breakthrough that brought them to an All-Ireland semi-final, filled football finals.” the greatest excitement was generated by the late-season resurgence of hurlers and Mayo footballers. Both teams had been eliminated in their respective provincial championship (with Waterford hurlers suffering a particularly heavy defeat to Tipperary). Good teams can have bad days. Both Waterford and Mayo had their bad day, and then went on, by being given a deserved second chance, to prove their true worth. I say ‘deserved’ because the fate of a team in our primary competition should not be decided on the outcome of one game alone. Moreover, teams train, above all, for the championship; these committed amateur players, whose greatest reward is the thrill of championship success, deserve a second chance to give of their best. This is what the qualifier system allowed Mayo and Waterford to do in 2016, and in so doing we were given two exhilarating hurling semi- finals and two riveting and tension-filled football finals.

Tipperary hurlers and Dublin footballers became All-Ireland winners in ways that left no doubt that they were worthy champions. Tipperary had fallen slightly short of their own expectations in previous years, which turned out to be the platform for their victory in 2016 – surely the prospect of a talented team again not winning must have been a tremendous motivating factor. For all that, they had but a point to spare over a battling Galway in the semi-final, and then had to overcome

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“The GAA must remain open to change where there is clear evidence of the need for change”

2 January 2016; Conor Johnston, Antrim, in action against Colm Stapleton, Laois. Bord na Mona , Group 2, Laois v Antrim. Kelly Heywood Community School, Ballinakill, Portlaoise , Co. Laois.

what every modern hurling team has final. And Mayo supporters, too, have at Congress 2016, where important to overcome to feel they are worthy the great consolation of being able to measures to address player-welfare champions – Kilkenny. But Tipperary look back on 2016 as the year in which issues were adopted. Congress agreed did so with a powerful display of skill their team became U-21 All-Ireland to regrade the inter-county minor level and determination that even the great football champions. In the minor from U-18 to U-17 years, and to replace Kilkenny could not match on the day. grade, Kerry achieved an outstanding the U-21 football championship with an third All-Ireland football title in a row, U-20 championship in which U-17 and Dublin has been called the greatest while Tipperary minor hurlers made it U-18 players would be ineligible to play. football team of a generation, and had a great day for the county when they given ample evidence of their qualities won their All-Ireland title on the same In terms of our infrastructure, a in defeating Donegal and Kerry in the afternoon as the seniors won theirs. milestone for the Association was quarter- and semi-finals. They surely reached through the opening of did not underestimate Mayo as they In hurling in 2016 there were a number our National Games Development approached the final, but many did. Mayo of notable initiatives. First, following Centre at the National Sports Campus were inspirational in their self-belief, a recommendation from the Hurling in Abbotstown, which includes commitment and tactical astuteness, 20/20 Committee, chaired by Liam five playing pitches and other and the universal conclusion was that Sheedy, a National Hurling Development excellent and extensive facilities. Dublin were fortunate to manage a has been appointed – Martin draw in the first game. Equally, in a Fogarty from Kilkenny will have the Another important initiative was that was as intense, as draining important role of developing the the launch of the East and pulsating as the first game, game. Second, the National Hurling Project, the Association’s three-year few contested Dublin’s right to be Development Committee originated investment in coaching and games champions, even though achieved by and launched a new and successful development in the Dublin commuter a single point. We have a right to look national hurling competition, the Celtic counties of Meath, Kildare, Louth forward to a 2017 championship in which Challenge, to replace the All-Ireland and Wicklow, a commitment that Dublin will face formidable obstacles Minor B and C hurling championships. reflects the increasing concentration as they seek a three-in-a-row victory. And, third, Hawk-Eye extended its area of population in these counties. of surveillance to , The disappointment of Waterford , thus greatly contributing to On the players’ side, the Association hurling supporters was greatly eased score integrity in major GAA matches. concluded a new framework by their victory in the U-21 All- agreement with the GPA that will Ireland championship in September; The GAA must remain open to change run for the next three years. And we Waterford’s brilliant young team was where there is clear evidence of the must acknowledge the reasons that unstoppable against Galway in the need for change. Such was the case lie behind the establishment of the

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Club Players Association, namely Centre, and the agreement between (iii) the All-Ireland senior football the frustration of club players with the GAA and Dublin City Council and hurling finals should be the failure of our fixtures calendar to on the reconstruction of Sackville brought forward by playing the provide them with a coherent schedule Avenue that will lead to the building All-Ireland hurling final on the of games throughout the year. of a world-class National Handball second last Sunday in August and and Community Centre. Planning the All-Ireland football final on The GAA commemorated the 1916 Rising permission has been submitted for the the first Sunday in September; with the presentation of Laochra in Croke new centre, which will be managed in Park in April (at the conclusion of the a partnership arrangement between (iv) replays in most games in the Allianz Football League Division One and the GAA and the local community and provincial and All-Ireland senior Two finals). The celebration, which was members of the Handball Centre. championships should take place very well received, featured almost 2,000 only after extra time had been played; dancers, singers, musicians, entertainers and members, and took place before Congress 2016 (v) the All-Ireland junior football and an attendance of 80,000 people. intermediate hurling championships Congress 2016, held in Tullow, Co. should be discontinued. A celebratory event of a different kind Carlow, debated a total of sixty- was the holding in Dublin, for the first five motions and presented a wide The decisions that passed into rule the time, of the World Games. The increasing range of issues for decision. It was first two motions will ease the pressure presence of the GAA internationally a noteworthy event in that it took a on students in second- and third-level was evidenced in the participation of number of important steps to address education. However, it was disappointing fifty-six teams from all over the world. player-welfare issues as they related that the motions addressing the It was a source of great pleasure for all to talented players in the 17-21 age imbalance between inter-county concerned that these international GAA group: these players were being and club fixtures were defeated. The players were able to see Croke Park on a asked to train too much, to play too decision to stick with replays was largely big-match day, as the opening ceremony many matches for too many teams, influenced by financial arguments, and took place at half-time in the All-Ireland and were being afforded inadequate it is difficult to identify the promotional senior hurling semi-final between time for rest and recovery, leading to or developmental value that justifies the Kilkenny and Waterford on August 7. significant physical and psychological retention of the junior and intermediate strains. The proposals before Congress inter-county competitions. Most There was much satisfaction to be 2016 sought to significantly ease frustrating of all was the rejection of had, too, on account of the progress the burden on young elite players by the motion seeking to bring forward made in 2016 in the redevelopment of providing them with a more measured the dates of the All-Ireland senior the GAA complex in Ruislip, London. career progression of playing and football and hurling finals. It was a It is hoped that the new facility will be training and by taking greater account very modest proposal that would have ready by May 2017, which will represent of their age and development. allowed counties a little more time to a tremendous boost for the GAA in complete their club championships. Its London. Part of the satisfaction derived Other motions sought to develop a rejection sent a negative message to from the fact that the old London GAA revised calendar of fixtures in which club players about their status within an headquarters, in New Eltham, was finally a better balance could be established undesirable hierarchy of GAA players. sold in 2016. In the year ahead we need between inter-county and club fixtures. It is all the more frustrating in that all to support Lancashire County Board in Motions specifically proposed that: of these motions received a significant its efforts to provide proper facilities majority of the votes at Congress, even so that we can develop our games in (i) at inter-county level only, the though they did not reach the required an area with a large Irish population. minor (i.e. U-18) hurling and threshold of a two-thirds majority. football competitions should And, on the subject of grounds’ be regraded as minor U-17; Ironically, the biggest discussion point development, it is good to record over the weekend was generated by that substantial progress is being (ii) the U-21 football championship a motion that was withdrawn without made on the Páirc Uí Chaoimh and should be replaced by an going before Congress for decision. redevelopments. U-20 championship in which Motion 2 sought to reorganise the All- U-17 and U-18 players would Ireland senior football championship. 2016 will turn out to have been a be ineligible to play; The changes in format were quite landmark year for handball with the limited, apart from the creation of an settlement of the long-running dispute All-Ireland Senior B championship with the Irish Handball Council Sports comprising the teams that make up

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Division 4 of the Allianz football league. present qualifier system rather than (i) the needs of clubs must be Under the proposal, these teams would play in a stand-alone championship taken into account; no longer participate in the All-Ireland should be respected; equally, it has to qualifiers; however, the team that be acknowledged that this preference (ii) there is a lack of consensus on won the All-Ireland B championship limits the options for change. how the present championship would be eligible to participate in the model might be improved; following year’s qualifier series. It was a Central Council-sponsored motion Football Championship (iii) counties want the provincial based on the belief that the prospect championships to be retained; of Division Four counties making it to As Congress 2016 did not resolve at least the quarter-final stage of the the issue of the structure of the All- (iv) counties demand a second- All-Ireland championship was fairly Ireland senior football championship, chance game; remote. The Central Council view that I prepared a discussion paper for the chance of success in a secondary An Coiste Bainistíochta and, with (v) the so-called less successful competition would be more inviting than its approval, then circulated its counties have no interest in taking annual failure in the qualifiers wasn’t report with the aim of encouraging part in a second-tier competition. one shared by the affected players and Congress 2017 to address some of their counties. It became clear in the the deficiencies in the championship The proposal that is going before lead-up to Congress that there was structure, while recognising the need this Congress recognises these little likelihood of the motion being to meet the demand from our club constraints and presents a modest passed. When the counties in question players for a fairer schedule of games. adjustment to the championship made it clear that they would be voting format that would produce a more against Motion 2, Central Council took The background to the proposal that exciting football championship within the inevitable step and withdrew it. will go before Congress, outlined in the current provincial championship these documents, is well known at this structure, and in a way that can have Motion 2 was the final stage in a stage. The current structure of provincial a positive effect on the playing of consultation process, initiated by An championships and All-Ireland qualifiers, county club championships. The Coiste Bainistíochta, which ultimately in operation since 2001, has obvious details of the actual proposal on the failed to produce a consensus on drawbacks, most obviously an unhealthy championship format are well known a new structure for the All-Ireland predictability about the outcome in and don’t require extensive repetition senior football championship. A very two of the provincial championships: here. However, it is worth underlining democratic attempt to engage with Dublin has won eleven of the last twelve some of its important advantages: counties in developing a new format Leinster titles, while either Kerry or had produced eighteen fully developed has won every Munster senior • It would provide a valuable enhancement proposals; none of them, however, championship in the past 80 years of the championship by way of eight ever looked likely to be the basis for with the exception of Clare’s win in additional competitive matches contested agreement. It has been argued that the 1992. The qualifier system, too, seems by the country’s eight best teams. The failed attempt to reach such a consensus to have lost some of its appeal, with a twelve group games (which would replace proved damaging to the Association, decline in attendances that shows little the current quarter-finals) would increase on the grounds that it drew much signs of being reversed. Too often it is interest at the peak of the GAA season negative commentary in the media. But said that our football championship and provide a much wider opportunity the simple truth of the matter was that does not really begin until August. for the country’s best teams to display there happened to be a broad range of their skills and the qualities of Gaelic views on the issue, all sincerely held. The debate on the An Coiste football in summer playing conditions. Notably, there was clearly little appetite Bainistíochta initiative of 2015 on to propose or support any structure the structure of the championship, • It would provide a more exacting pathway that involved the end of the provincial while unsuccessful in terms of to the All-Ireland final: the finalists will championships. The potential to create initiating change, did, at least, allow a have had to compete with three of the a new championship structure while number of conclusions to be reached. best teams in the country at the group retaining the provincial championships These – along with the imperative to stage, followed by a semi-final with a top- was very limited, so we should hardly support our clubs – translate into the four team that came through the same be surprised that a structure that was following constraints within which test. This will have the effect of ensuring deemed better than the current one any reform of the championship that the finalists will have been equally did not emerge. The preference of less structure must be considered: tested and that the two best teams in the successful counties to stay within the country contest the All-Ireland final.

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• Playing the All-Ireland semi-finals • It will allow counties to give greater If we leave the football championship over one weekend will generate great certainty to club players as to when club unchanged, we are effectively burying excitement and give both finalists the championship games will be played and our heads in the sand: the problem same preparation time for the final. when holidays might be planned. of falling appeal will remain, with no obvious alternative that is likely • It would retain the provincial Because of earlier completion dates for to achieve a consensus, while the championships in their present form and the All-Ireland championships, counties unfairness to club players will again confirm their importance in the context will be able to promote the closing have been ignored. The task of of the All-Ireland championship. stages of their club championships Congress is to decide what is best for without competition from the live the GAA, but it must do so in the clear • It would also allow the provincial televising of major inter-county games. understanding that the Association champions to lose one game yet still needs an exciting football championship. retain the possibility of going on to win There are a couple of additional points the All-Ireland, thus eliminating an that should be borne in mind in relation obvious injustice in the current structure: to this proposal. The argument that the Hurling at present, provincial champions are the proposed new format makes it more only counties that, once defeated, are difficult for ‘weaker’ counties to reach Concern has been expressed that denied that second-chance opportunity. the last eight is simply wrong. The acceptance of the proposed reform pathway to that stage is unchanged, of the football championship could • It should increase commercial and except in the wholly positive sense have a negative impact on the game broadcast income from the All-Ireland that these counties would be favoured of hurling. Two specific concerns senior football championship. A significant by their being granted home-venue have been expressed: (i) that the proportion of this increase would be advantage in rounds one, two and three addition of eight competitive matches ring-fenced for development of our of the qualifiers. It is worth reflecting on a contested by the country’s best games in less successful counties. statistic that was provided at the meeting football teams will overshadow the of Ard Chomhairle that considered hurling championship; and (ii), that • It guarantees eight additional major games the proposal: since the All-Ireland bringing forward the major hurling at venues within the provinces, which is qualifiers were introduced, twenty- championship games will diminish particularly important in the context of the three different counties have qualified the relative importance of hurling. Association’s investment in stadiums other for the last eight of the All-Ireland than Croke Park. It would also bring top football championship. There is no It is very important to emphasise the teams to provincial venues that they would ceiling on what any county can achieve. point that the aim of the Alternative never otherwise visit in the championship. Fixtures Schedule (prepared as an It is also important to make clear that Appendix to the football championship • The traditionally less strong counties would the proposal does not seek to eliminate proposal) was simply to demonstrate, for be favoured by being granted home-venue replays. There will still be replays, but purposes of illustration, one way in which advantage in rounds one, two and three just not as many as at present. The the All-Ireland senior championships of the qualifiers. This would represent a proposal simply provides for extra time can be completed by the end of August significant benefit and encouragement before games go to a replay. Fewer so as to achieve a more condensed to these counties and would provide replays will allow club championships inter-county programme. The motion them with attractive home fixtures. to proceed as scheduled. The argument on the timing of the All-Ireland finals that replays have a promotional value that will go before Congress will ask • A condensed inter-county season will is true in some instances only, while that both All-Ireland senior finals be create a more balanced ratio of inter- the negative effect of the scheduling played on or before the last Sunday in county training sessions to matches of replays and subsequent cancellation August, on dates determined by Central (i.e. fewer training sessions per match), of club championship games is to leave Council. It does not specify a particular and will also reduce the overall annual club players with the conviction that Sunday, nor the order in which the finals training costs incurred by counties in the they are not valued by the Association. would be played. There is absolutely no preparation of inter-county teams. reason, therefore, why Central Council The proposals to both restructure and could not decide to play the hurling • It will allow club championships to be condense the football championship are final after the football final if it was played off, to a greater extent than at interlinked. We can add the proposed concerned that there would be too few present, in summer conditions and eight matches to the current quarter- major hurling games in July or August. over an extended period of time. final stage only if we condense the period within which the championship is played.

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“Since the All-Ireland qualifiers were introduced, twenty three different counties have qualified for the last eight of the All-Ireland football championship.”

1 October 2016; Kevin McManamon of Dublin in action against Stephen Coen, left, and Brendan Harrison of Mayo during the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Final Replay match between Dublin and Mayo at Croke Park in Dublin.

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6 November 2016; St Rynagh’s supporter Ciaran McGarver, age 10, ahead the AIB Leinster GAA Hurling Senior Club Championship quarter-final game between Oulart-The Ballagh and St Rynagh’s at Innovate Park in Wexford.

I would be very concerned if I believed concerns, but, in the aftermath of points per game by 7.5%. In the same that the football proposal might damage Congress, Management Committee and positive vein, the average number of the jewels in the crown that are the Central Council must address the needs frees awarded per game has fallen provincial and All-Ireland hurling both of and, if necessary, Galway. by almost 13%. It is frustrating that championships. But I honestly do not there has been an inconsistency in the believe that the concern is justified. It is implementation of the rule and also a hard to think of a reason why bringing The Black Card lack of understanding in some of the forward the hurling – and football – commentary of what the rule says (not championships should diminish interest Writing about the black card has become that clear written explanation of the rule in the hurling championship. Major tiresome at this stage, but, given the is not readily available to anyone who hurling games attract huge public amount of media commentary it wishes to comment on it). The wording interest irrespective of clashes with continues to generate, I feel bound to of the rule could hardly be clearer. The important football games (or other address the issue here. In my reports to black card makes it an infraction to: sporting events) taking place at the Congress in each of the past two years I same time. As opposed to concerns have emphasised the positive influence - deliberately pull down an opponent; expressed, we should consider the of the black card on how is tangible benefits on offer to hurling played, while recognising that there was - deliberately trip an opponent through the condensing of the some inconsistency in the application with hand(s), arm, leg or foot; championships – county and provincial of the rule by referees, and that work club hurling championships will be remains to be done in communicating - deliberately collide with an opponent played off on firmer pitches and in the precise nature of black card offences after he has played the ball away better weather conditions. Too often to spectators and commentators. Once or for the purpose of taking him in recent years provinces have had to again, I accept that there is still work out of the movement of play; complete their hurling championships to be done in each of these areas, but in conditions that were detrimental instances of players being dragged - remonstrate in an aggressive to the display of hurling skills. to the ground are now rare, while the manner with a Match Official. deliberate body-collide, an ugly, cynical This year’s Congress will also consider and destructive foul that marred the No one could argue that these a motion from Galway that seeks to game, has virtually been eradicated. infractions do not disfigure the game. include the county in the provincial Have we all forgotten just how nasty hurling championships in all grades. I There are statistics, too, that underline and objectionable these offences were? fully agree that the current situation the positive impact of the black The onus is on players not to commit is unfair to Galway and, even more so, card on the game and that provide a the offences, on referees to focus on to Ulster teams (usually Antrim) who comparison with the pre-black card the deliberate nature of the foul and on suffer from going directly into All- era. Since its introduction in 2014, the commentators to understand clearly Ireland championships at the quarter- or total aggregate scores per game – the nature of the fouls that earn the semi-final stage. It is an issue that must compared with the previous four years black card penalty. The reality is that it be addressed. It may be that Congress – has risen by 10%, the number of goals is unlikely that the rule will be reviewed will pass the motion and meet Galway’s per game by 25% and the number of before the next playing-rule-change year

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30 April 2016; Officials, from left, David Coldrick, Padraig Hughes, Rory Hickey and Séamus Mulhare share a joke before the game. EirGrid GAA Football Under 21 All-Ireland Championship Final, Cork v Mayo. , , Co. Clare.

in 2020. It is incumbent upon players, Video Review of Decisions were to be allowed to challenge even two referees and commentators to accept The power of television in setting the decisions per game, four additional and this, and to seek consistent application agenda for the debate on our games fairly lengthy stoppages would occur in of a rule that can make Gaelic football was evident once again after the a match. And that doesn’t take account better for both players and spectators. controversial award of a penalty in the of the occasions when a referee will Mayo v Fermanagh All-Ireland football decide to take the safe option and ask for The Cup Final qualifier game in July. Arising from this a video review. This would be a natural penalty award, it was argued that the reaction for a referee who knows that, One of the most unfortunate events referee should be able to avail of video if he makes a major decision without of 2016 was the error in scorekeeping evidence before confirming his decision using an available ‘second opinion’, he that led to Meath being presented in any of the following circumstances: will be criticised afterwards. Professional with the after their (i) where the referee is unsure about sports such as rugby, basketball, baseball final game with Antrim had actually whether or not to award a penalty; (ii) and American football have all adopted ended in a draw. A number of errors where TV pictures indicate that the the video-review model, yet it is hugely occurred that day, resulting in several referee may be in error in awarding a frustrating for the spectator or viewer changes being made on the Croke Park penalty; (iii) where the referee is unsure to wait through the time taken to reach scoreboard during the game. A replay whether to give a black, yellow or red a decision. It should also be noted that was ordered and took place, which card. The Mayo v Fermanagh penalty the use of video review in professional Meath won. Arising from the errors in award led to an outbreak of commentary sport has been expanded far beyond the first match, a number of changes in advocating the introduction of a system its original remit. And we can be sure practice have been introduced. While similar to the Television Match Official that this would happen in our games, referees have previously been told that (TMO) in rugby, the logic of which is, too, if we were to go down the road of one umpire at each end should also one imagines, to ensure that every reviewing difficult decisions in games. record the scores, it was agreed, in the decision made by a referee must be It was interesting to read the recent aftermath of the first Meath-Antrim correct beyond doubt. It is a principle comments of top rugby referee Nigel match, that the green-flag umpire will that has already been adopted in a Owens, who wants to see fewer decisions record the score at each end, and that, in number of professional sports. referred to the TMO. He expressed the the event that only one umpire is wired view that rugby should go back to where for the Referee Communication system, There are a number of difficulties with it was five or six years ago, where it was it should be the green-flag umpire who this manner of reviewing referees’ used only on the goal line. He believes is wired. In the case of games in Croke decisions. Primary among them is that that overuse of the TMO is eroding Park, the Games Administration staff it disrupts the flow of the game. In the authority of the referee and that member on duty now also records the sports such as hurling, Gaelic football, the focus should be on improving the score, and any change or decision in Australian Rules and soccer, the games decision-making of match officials. relation to the scoreboard can only are more attractive when played quickly. be made on the instructions of the That may be the reason why the latter We need to remind ourselves that referee via the staff member on duty. two sports have relied on technology when we play sport, it will be played to ensure the integrity of the score, but and officiated by human beings whose have stayed away from the more invasive inescapable condition it is to occasionally impact of video replays. If both teams make mistakes. That is what we sign

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up for, and it shouldn’t be beyond us to eleventh-ranked club, will represent the viable future. I understand the sentiment accept that, now and again, we will be county in the provincial intermediate and nostalgia attached to the inter- the victims of human error. Ours are championship. But where there are provincials but that is hardly sufficient not professional sports. The challenge thirty senior teams, the intermediate reason to persist with competitions for us is to improve the standard of winners representing the county in the in which there is little interest. officiating of referees and umpires so provincial intermediate competition will that mistakes will be minimised and to be the thirty-first ranked club. Clearly, encourage a spirit of sportsmanship that gap will similarly be reflected in International Rules that will allow us to accept that from the junior provincial championship. It time to time mistakes will be made. is, therefore, more likely that a county The International Rules will return to will be successful in the intermediate Australia this November for a two-test and junior grades if it has a small series; there will also be a series in Ireland Provincial and All-Ireland number of senior teams. Obviously, in 2019. And while the future of the series Club Championships each county devises a club-grading beyond that date is not guaranteed, I am system that best suits both its internal hopeful that it can continue on a biennial There is no doubt that the decision to needs and the wishes of its clubs; in basis into the foreseeable future. As for organise official provincial and All- some counties that grading system the longer-term, the criteria remain as Ireland club championships was one will be more complex than just senior, they have always been: the commitment of the best ever made by the GAA. The intermediate and junior. The problem of players from both countries to play, competitions have grown in stature is that the inconsistency in practice the ongoing engagement of the public each year and arouse an extraordinary leads to great inequalities at provincial and the continued capacity of the series level of passion and support within level; my concern is that, in the long to produce quality football, free from our clubs. This has been helped in no term, this will diminish the appeal of the unnecessary negative physicality. small way by the creative way that AIB intermediate and junior competitions. I promote these championships. Yet I know that the provincial secretaries are continue to believe that the potential also concerned about this issue and have Club Players Association of the club championships is still agreed to investigate ways of addressing relatively untapped, and that there is a the current imbalances. Finding a The Club Players Association (CPA) great opportunity to broaden spectator solution that will meet the needs of all has its origins in the frustration of club support for the club game at all levels. counties will not be easy, but that must players with the failure of our fixtures A decision at this Congress to play the not prevent us from trying to do so. calendar to provide them with a coherent senior inter-county championships schedule of games throughout the in a more condensed period would year. The very fact that club players feel open new opportunities to promote Interprovincial there is a need for such an organisation the club championships at county, Championships simply reinforces what we already know provincial and All-Ireland levels. – that we must find ways to support club The interprovincial championships, players by creating more space for the There is one issue, however, that poses a which had been cancelled in 2015 playing of club games and by rebalancing threat to that bright future, namely the because of adverse weather, were our priorities in a way that our attentions inconsistency in the grading of teams restored to the fixtures calendar in are devoted more to our clubs and less within counties. Everyone accepts that 2016. The six games drew a combined to inter-county activities. There are the best team in each county, by virtue attendance of less than 1,000 those who believe that players should of being the county senior championship paying spectators. Surely we have a work within existing structures and, in winners, represents the county in the responsibility to ask ourselves why we particular, within their own clubs if they senior provincial club championship. persist in playing these competitions: wish to bring pressure for change in At intermediate and junior levels, they are neither developmental nor this area. That argument is completely however, there is a wide disparity in the promotional. Many of our top players valid, but we should be concerned determination of what constitutes an declare themselves unavailable and few that a cohort of players considers it intermediate or junior club. The number spectators turn up. I cannot imagine necessary to establish an organisation of senior clubs in counties can vary what circumstances we think will change in order to bring about change. from ten (or lower) to thirty (or higher). that would make a difference to any of Where there are ten senior teams in a these realities. This leads to an inevitable county, the intermediate winners, or the conclusion: the competitions have no

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“...find ways to support club players by creating more space for the playing of club games...”

27 November 2016; Conor Murray of St Brigid’s in action against Kieran Molloy of Corofin during the AIB GAA Football Senior Club Championship Final game between St Brigid’s and Corofin at Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim.

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At national level we have an opportunity Player Welfare We have also developed a new e-learning to address some of the club players’ Anti-Doping Education course which will be rolled out in 2017; concerns at this Congress. But not all of in addition, the number of anti-doping the issues can be resolved through Croke As part of the judgement delivered on tutors trained by the Association has Park. There are significant disparities the adverse analytical finding against risen to fifteen. All counties should from county to county in the standard one of our players in 2015, the GAA was now have a designated anti-doping of fixture analysis and scheduling. There urged to increase its efforts to educate education contact in their senior needs to be a greater determination players about its anti-doping policy. inter-county management team, within counties to address players’ Significant progress has been made and every county is required to have issues on fixtures and to ensure that in this respect in 2016, although it is procedures in place for updating Team inter-county players play more often clear that we still have some distance Whereabouts and educating players with their clubs; and there must also to travel. In conjunction with Sport who join the panel during the season. be a much greater sharing of good- Ireland and the GPA, we have taken a practice information between counties. methodical approach to developing The GAA’s Medical, Scientific and Some clubs, too, need to look at their and implementing multi-faceted Welfare Committee oversees a lot of own record in this regard. Too often, communication and education plans this work, while it is managed on a fixture-making bodies are pressurised for players, medical personnel and day-to-day basis by Player Welfare to postpone club games on very administrators. Among the key points Administrator, Gearóid Devitt, who spurious grounds. In any event we, as that need to be communicated are: deserves great credit for overhauling administrators, have the opportunity our approach to education in this area. to address many of the concerns that (i) the principle of strict liability (i.e. led to the formation of a CPA. We must that a player is solely responsible Player Welfare Mentors not ignore the current frustrations of for any prohibited substance found One less heralded initiative that could club players; their legitimate demand in his system, whether there was have significant long-term benefits for for a fairly scheduled club fixtures an intention to cheat or not); the Association is the appointment of programme must also be ours. Player Welfare Mentors, whose function (ii) the awareness that medications is to provide support and mentoring used in everyday life may contain to young players involved with county prohibited substances; squads. The initiative is intended to be a practical and useful support to talented (iii) the dangers associated with young players who may find themselves taking food supplements; facing the effects of overtraining or burnout as a result of trying to manage (iv) a basic understanding of anti- the demands of fulfilling club, county, “...developing and doping rules violations; school or college training and playing implementing commitments on top of the normal multi-faceted (v) information on the substances demands of their daily lives. An initial communication and on the prohibited lists; pilot run in 2015 proved an important learning experience, and it was education plans for (vi) players’ rights and responsibilities. subsequently agreed that managing the players, medical initiative on a provincial basis would be personnel and It is also vital that players, county officers the best way forward. It was also agreed administrators.” and backroom-team personnel are to extend the project to include our aware of the availability of resources Higher Education Games Development with respect to anti-doping education. Officers and to use the higher education We have used a variety of media sector to further trial the training and to communicate these messages: materials that will be used in the national presentations to inter-county panels; programme. This was initiated in Autumn provincial workshops for player 2016; the plan is that mentors will be representatives, team management identified and trained in all counties by and backroom teams; and the use the end of 2017 with a view to beginning of SMS messages, emails and social their work on the ground in 2018. media. Information on anti-doping is also included as part of the annual application process for the ‘Government Eligible Expenses Scheme’.

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Concussion relationship for the next three years. jointly engaged with the Economic While not the issue it may be in some An important element in developing and Social Research Institute (ESRI) sports, the Association nonetheless a greater shared understanding of in commissioning a major research has always been to the forefront the issues facing both our players and study to examine: (i) the commitment in efforts to deal with the issue of administrators involved in the day- demanded of players on account of concussion. Our long-standing policy to-day running of their counties was their participation in inter-county has been articulated in the maxim, ‘if the involvement in the negotiations hurling and football panels; (ii) the in doubt, sit them out’. However, as of, for the GAA, members drawn from impact that playing at this level has on medical knowledge and thinking on the volunteer body, and, for the GPA, players’ personal and professional lives, concussion advances, it is incumbent a number of inter-county players. both positive and negative; and (iii) its on us to continually evaluate our impact on their involvement with their position to ensure that the welfare The agreement builds on the principles clubs. The onus will be on the Working of our players remains primary. enshrined in the GAA/GPA Recognition Party of GAA/GPA, established under Protocol of 2011. It again recognises the terms of the November protocol, To that end, we were pleased to join up the contribution of inter-county players to determine the actions needed to with the Bon Secours Health System to the commercial success of the GAA reduce the level of commitment required and the University of Pittsburgh and reinforces the commitment of and to ensure that inter-county and Medical Centre (UPMC) – a world both bodies to the maintenance and club games coexist harmoniously. leader in concussion research – in protection of our amateur ethos. hosting a major concussion symposium This is a first step towards eventually in Croke Park last October. From the players’ perspective, it was bringing proposals to Central Council clear from the meetings that there with the aim of helping our players Leading concussion experts and sporting were four areas of concern to them: maintain a better balance between figures from the GAA joined together playing at both club and inter- in sharing the developing knowledge of (i) the desire of inter-county players county levels and between their best practice, protocols and treatment to have greater input into policy personal and professional lives. of concussion. The issue of Head Injury decisions that affect them; Assessment (HIA) and the suitability of At November’s Central Council meeting, the introduction of sideline assessment (ii) the increasing demands and a new Charter and Guidelines for for our games was a significant talking sacrifices associated with being inter-county players was approved. point on the day. We are awaiting an inter-county player; This outlined more detailed processes the observations of the consensus relating to expenses claims, as well as conference on Concussion in Sport (held (iii) the level and process of recommendations on the minimum recently in Berlin) before completing an reimbursement of player expenses; levels of training, and the leisure gear evaluation of our current provisions. The and tickets, etc., that should be provided policy that we ultimately adopt must (iv) the desire to enhance the level of to players. An increased mileage rate apply at all levels of the Association services available to inter-county and the introduction of a nutrition- and must ensure that the welfare of our players through the GPA. expense allowance are also included, players remains the chief consideration. with Central Council providing assistance The first of these concerns was dealt for counties to meet the increased costs. We are also currently exploring potential with by adding player representation to A sum of €200,000 will also be set aside training and education strategies relevant central committees and by using annually within our own Benevolent Fund with UPMC on the concussion issue, the existing Joint Review Committee to deal with instances where surgical which could ultimately be of great (which includes the Uachtarán and Ard intervention is required by former long-term benefit to the Association. Stiúrthóir) as a forum for the discussion players arising from their involvement of policy issues of importance to our with senior inter-county teams. Gaelic Players Association players. In addition, a motion to Congress The updated protocol with the Gaelic seeks approval for a GPA delegate to Finally, in terms of the provision of Players Association that was approved Annual Congress and the right to submit services to players through the GPA, by Central Council in November of last one motion to that body each year. the updated protocol provides for a new year was the culmination of months funding model that will see €2.5m per of work. It involved establishing both In terms of the demands on inter- annum (or 15% of net Central Council a broad framework within which a county players and the way in which commercial income derived from media final agreement could be established, the development of our games affects and sponsorship, whichever is higher in and the development of the practical them, we understood and shared the a given year) allocated to the GPA for the provisions that will govern the GPA’s frustration. To that end, we have provision of welfare and development

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services to our players. This funding is capable and firm in their desire to ensure used to contribute in areas such as child subject to even greater oversight than that inter-county players are treated protection, health and wellbeing, and had previously been the case. Among fairly within the GAA family. I wish them officer development. It caters for units the provisions in this respect are that: both well in their future endeavours. from club to county both at home and in the international GAA family, and • the GPA will present an outline budget from second-level schools to third- to Central Council annually; GAA and the National level activities. It is also used by the Sports Campus Ladies Gaelic Football and • it will also present an end-of-year report to Associations. I am happy to report that Central Council outlining on a programme- Our National Games Development there has been an excellent take-up by-programme basis how funding was Centre (NGDC) at the National of slots by all of the aforementioned disbursed for the year in question; Sports Campus at Abbotstown was units during the first nine months of officially opened in April. €12m was the NGDC’s operation. And it is fair to • the GAA will have a representative invested in the twenty-five-acre say that all have been impressed by the on the GPA’s Finance Committee; facility, situated adjacent to the quality of the facility, and that there has National Aquatic Centre and close to been a positive response from players. • the administration and operational costs the main entrance of the campus. associated with the provision of welfare/ GAA members who have visited development services will not exceed 25% The GAA property includes a total of five Abbotstown are pleased that the of the total funding provided by the GAA. playing pitches – four of them full size facilities reflect the GAA’s status as and all of them floodlit – a 3G pitch, a a major national sporting body. That The provisions for the GPA to present at hurling wall and a pavilion housing ten said, there has been criticism from Central Council are important as they dressing-rooms, a reception area and some in relation to our participation will increase the understanding by our gymnasium, and associated facilities on the National Sports Campus on broader membership of what the GPA for physiotherapy, referees, meeting the basis that it provides a state-of- does for our playing body and the ways rooms and dining facilities. A covered, the-art facility for Dublin teams rather in which it seeks to address issues of seated spectator area adjoining the than for the entirety of our units. concerns for inter-county players. pavilion can cater for 400 people. There are a few points that need to be Two key personnel in the development The NGDC aims to increase participation made in this regard. We must remind of the GPA retired in 2016: Dónal Óg in our games and to improve the ourselves that it was a government Cusack stepped down from his long-held performance/functioning of GAA decision, not a GAA one, that determined role as Chairman, while later in the year participants and members (be they the location of the National Sports announced his decision players, coaches, administrators, Campus. It would, in my opinion, have to retire from the position of CEO. I personnel, etc.) for the benefit of both been unthinkable for the GAA to have enjoyed a good working relationship the Association and the individuals opted out and refused to accept the with both Dónal Óg and Dessie. We often themselves. Its primary focus is the twenty-five-acre site offered free of disagreed, but I always found both to be provision of Games Development charge. Irrespective of the location extremely courteous; they were also very activities, but the centre will also be selected by government, the GAA

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was surely obliged to join other major that lives within fifty miles of the campus, work and good coaching programmes National Governing Bodies (NGBs) on the and is ideally placed to perform its role as for juvenile players. Investment in these campus. The campus accommodates a National Games Development Centre. programmes will do far more to secure the administrative headquarters of the future of our games in the New York nineteen NGBs, and offers the excellent and the USGAA areas than paying a small facilities of the Irish Institute of Sport Sanctions group of elite players to play a handful and the recently completed National of games. There will be those who will Indoor Arena. What message would There is a view among members on argue that the presence of these players the GAA have sent to the rest of Irish both sides of the Atlantic that it is is a boost to supporters abroad, but, sport by opting out? And how could time to examine Rule 6.12, which if this is so, it is at the expense of their we have justified turning down the deals with playing in the USA, and clubs in Ireland, American-born players offer of a prime twenty-five-acre to consider whether the current rule and of our rules on amateur status. site and the opportunity to develop serves to advance the objectives of the facilities in one of the most heavily Association. Under our rules, a player populated urban areas in the country? can apply for a sanction to play in New York or in the USGAA (formerly North The reservations most often raised American County Board) area up until 20 “...Abbotstown is included the question of whether any July, or apply for a weekend authorisation at the centre of county outside of Dublin would be in a to play in New York at any stage. one of the most position financially or practically to use the facility for anything but an occasional There is an important distinction to heavily populated or once-off basis and that it would give be made here. Many of our players urban areas in Dublin a further competitive advantage who travel to the USA are students; the country...” by providing a modern training facility for such travel has long been part of the Dublin GAA for the foreseeable future. student experience. It has also long been Dublin has been very successful in recent accepted that these students should be years, as might be expected from a given the opportunity to assist American county with over 25% of the country’s clubs during their summer in the USA. It Media Rights population. There is an increasing level of appears that a small number of students participation in in the city are receiving inducements to play with Throughout the second half of 2016, in and county and a growth in the number certain clubs, but it would be unfair to anticipation of the negotiations for the of juvenile teams in virtually every club, students in general to impose a ban allocation of new broadcast rights to factors that have combined to place a on all short-term playing in America. begin later in the year, we formulated the huge pressure on facilities in Dublin. If I welcome the submission of motions Association’s objectives for this process. the facilities at Abbotstown served only from USGAA to this Congress that seek There were two key objectives. First, we to relieve that pressure and to provide to bring the closing date for obtaining needed to ensure that our games would excellent facilities for the playing of our a sanction for players intending to play continue to be widely available on TV games, it should be considered a very in the USGAA area back to July 1, and and radio to our domestic Irish audience positive development. But the experience to prohibit inter-county players from and to our units abroad. Our home base to date has been that the resource has obtaining a sanction as long as their of members and supporters, attached to been widely used by other counties in county is involved in the provincial or All- their clubs and counties, constitute our the of Leinster, which is exactly Ireland championships. We need to try to single most important audience, while as it should be, and that, as a training end the practice of money being offered our commitment to our members abroad facility for Dublin county teams, use to attract top inter-county players to the is unwavering. Second, we needed to of the campus has been limited. USA, including New York, who become protect the vital part of our revenue available following their county’s generated by income from broadcast Leinster Council has done excellent work elimination from the championship. It rights. The GAA can only achieve its in using the facility to stage new Games leaves their home clubs without their goals and fulfil its mission if it retains Development events, while Connacht services, displaces American-born the capacity to fund the work of its Council has demonstrated how it can players and utterly ignores our rules on clubs and units at home and abroad. We benefit all counties by organising training amateurism. The actions of a handful believe that we have achieved our goals opportunities for Dublin-based Connacht of clubs with wealthy benefactors in both respects through a five-year deal players. Abbotstown is at the centre who pay these players to play shows a that provides stability and that places a of one of the most heavily populated contempt for the GAA and its values. significant value on our broadcast rights. urban areas in the country, is extremely The growth of our games in the USA in The five-year duration of the deal accessible by road for the vast population recent years has been driven by hard

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7 August 2016; Fourteen year old Trevor O’Grady, from Waterford City, reacts to a score for his side during the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Semi-Final match between Kilkenny and Waterford at Croke Park in Dublin.

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(which is becoming the norm in sports- While on the subject of media, I want to The feedback from two gambling- rights distribution globally and is extend my thanks to the journalists who awareness workshops at the 2016 two years longer than our previous cover our games through the various National Health and Wellbeing deals) allows both the GAA and our print and broadcast media. Despite all Conference has also prompted the broadcast partners to make longer- the changes taking place in the manner organisation of a similar workshop term investments. From a financial of people’s access to information on the at Congress 2017, while a motion perspective, the new deal secures what GAA and its games, the journalists who before this Congress is designed we believe to be a fairer estimation of write in local and national newspapers to further protect our members the value of our rights and will boost or broadcast on radio remain primary and the integrity of our games. the Association’s investment in games sources of information and commentary and infrastructural development. for those with an interest in Gaelic games. A labour of love it may be, Impact of Rural Decline The main elements of the agreements but we appreciate their work. reached with our broadcast partners Ireland is becoming a largely urban are similar to the agreement that has society. Population figures from recent operated over the past three years. In Gambling and Sport censuses confirm this, and there is relation to the senior championships, plenty of evidence from across the the same number of championship Few off-field sports topics have received EU to indicate that this is part of a games will be made available for TV more media attention in 2016 than continent-wide trend. In Ireland we are broadcast for the 2017-2021 period, with gambling. In January 2014 the GAA and witnessing a pattern of declining rural RTÉ broadcasting the same number of GPA launched joint gambling guidelines population, which is being accompanied games each year as under the previous for all GAA members and units (available by a gradual diminution of services in contract – 31 in total. These include to download at www.gaa.ie/community). rural areas: we have seen the closure of the six major provincial finals, four All- The aim was twofold: to protect our rural Garda Stations, post offices and Ireland quarter-finals, all four All-Ireland members by creating awareness of banks , a reduction in transport links semi-finals and the finals in hurling the risks of problem gambling and to and a growing threat to GP services; and football. will exclusively protect the integrity of our games. broadband roll-out has been much broadcast fourteen games in total, eight slower than is needed to sustain a rural of which will be All-Ireland qualifier A submission by the Community and economy; and there has been a decline games. Sky, in a simulcast arrangement Health department on behalf of the GAA in employment in all rural towns, at with RTÉ, will also broadcast live the in relation to the Gambling Control Bill the same time as larger urban centres All-Ireland football and hurling semi- (currently before Government) received and cities have continued to grow. finals and the All-Ireland finals. considerable media attention in early 2016. This submission requested the Anyone who travels around Ireland In terms of other competitions, TG4 inclusion of a clause in the bill outlawing observes these signs of rural decline. In will continue their long-standing and betting on any sporting event designed every small town there are numerous extensive coverage of our games, for juveniles (those under 18 years). In boarded-up shops where once there broadcasting over eighty matches response to the submission, this practice were thriving businesses. The perception each year, while sport will broadcast has been largely discontinued by all of many rural organisations is that, while Saturday night league games. GAAGO, a main bookmakers in the Irish market. money is being spent on infrastructural joint venture of GAA and RTÉ Digital, will All the evidence suggests that young investment and job-creation in the cities, again provide access to televised games people are the most vulnerable when little is being done to create employment to Irish people in virtually every country it comes to gambling, especially in this or to invest in the social and economic via the internet, a hugely significant mobile communications age of easy life in rural Ireland. Young people move facility for Irish people abroad. One and immediate access to gambling to the larger population centres for a major change of note in radio rights is opportunities. (The submission was also third-level education and very often that RTÉ now has exclusive coverage made to the relevant body attached have to stay there to pursue employment to all radio broadcasts of our senior to the Assembly in the Six Counties.) opportunities; if that fails, they emigrate. championships. Finally, in a positive GAA Community and Health manager, The consequences for the GAA are departure from previous rights cycles, Colin Regan, was subsequently invited serious and are already having a very the GAA has retained access to its own by Independent Senator Gerard negative impact on rural clubs all over near-live match-clip rights as part of a Craughwell to address an Oireachtas the country, but particularly on clubs in wider 2017 digital strategy. These assets briefing session on the GAA’s position on counties along the west coast. For many will form the cornerstone of short-form gambling in Leinster House in October. clubs it has meant a reduction in the content programming across GAA.ie and number of teams competing in county official social media channels, and will competition; for others, it has been a address the growing demand for such struggle simply to remain in existence. offerings among younger members. 19 Tuarascáil An Ard Stiúrthóra

This is a crisis that is not within the African Gaels teams entertained the by four Irish-born and four indigenous power of the GAA to resolve. We know crowd at half-time in the minor hurling teams in each of the four codes. that our clubs will fight as hard as they game with traditional South African song can to continue to exist, either by and dance. That evening, the blend of The success of the Etihad Airways coming together at underage level or tradition and diversity that characterises GAA World Games 2016 is due to the through full amalgamations. We can, the ethos of the GAA featured strongly co-operation and support provided by of course, review our rules to make in the Cultural Heritage Concert that all the international units, key partners them flexible enough to allow clubs and took place at the Helix, DCU. The special and the staff in the Games Development teams to continue. But rural decline is concert featured celebrated national Department, who spared no effort to a problem that must be a priority for artists, including Damien Dempsey and ensure that it would be – and was – a government. The starting point is to the Artane Band, while performances truly memorable event and experience challenge the accepted truth that this by artists from South Africa, China for all involved. The success of the event decline is inevitable and irreversible. and Japan also featured alongside over emphasised the terrific work being The Commission for the Economic 100 GAA musicians and dancers. undertaken by our international units in Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA), increasing participation in our games. chaired by , made proposals In conjunction with the Department that demonstrate the potential of rural of Foreign Affairs and Trade, a Global Ireland to actively participate in its Games Development Forum was Stadium Development own economic development. It also hosted on August 8 in the Fitzgerald emphasised the need for co-ordinated Debating Chamber, UCD. The Forum In November the IRFU presented a list policy-implementation mechanisms focused on the growth and impact of of potential venues to be used in the across government and agencies. The the GAA internationally, as delegates event of a successful bid to stage the future of rural Ireland demands that we discussed the strengths, challenges and Rugby World Cup in 2023. Eight of the see results from the work of CEDRA. opportunities for future growth of the venues listed are GAA stadiums: Croke This is vital for the GAA, too – consider GAA abroad. The Forum also provided Park; Casement Park, ; Páirc Uí for a moment the future of the GAA in an opportunity to showcase some of the Chaoimh, Cork; , rural areas if current population trends projects and initiatives that international ; , Kilkenny; McHale continue. We are struggling to cope with units are currently undertaking, many of Park, Castlebar; , Galway both the growth of population in urban which are jointly supported by the GAA and , . It is unlikely that, areas and the decline in rural Ireland. We and the Department of Foreign Affairs in the final selection, all eight will be cannot be idle bystanders and neither and Trade through the Global Games included, but the use of a number of can we take on the primary role of Development Fund. Eleven speakers our stadiums presents an opportunity government to support the development from various international units gave to bring several of our grounds up to of rural areas. What we must do is to lend presentations that outlined the practical a recognised international standard. our voice to those of other organisations experiences of various international A successful bid for the World Cup will that are advocating the implementation units in the development, provision and demand government investment in of a clear national policy on rural Ireland. sustainability of Games Development upgrading some of these venues, but it CEDRA provided a template, and it is now initiatives and projects. It also enabled is likely that much of that expenditure time for urgent and effective action. participants to network with units/clubs will go towards the provision of from across the globe and to exchange temporary facilities for the duration of information, knowledge and ideas. One the tournament. The outcome of the World Games 2016 important insight to emerge was that bid will be known in November 2017. If each unit operates in a unique context Ireland is successful, the logical step for The Etihad Airways GAA World Games and that a one-size-fits-all approach the GAA would be to enter discussions 2016 was hosted in Ireland for the first will not have the desired impact. on how any temporary facilities could time in August 2016. Fifty-six teams from be made permanent and on the costing units all over the world travelled to Dublin The tournament itself featured Gaelic and funding of such an arrangement. to participate in a week of competition football, Ladies football, hurling and The staging of the World Cup would and games aimed at showcasing and camogie, and took place on six pitches provide a huge boost for the Irish celebrating the international dimension in UCD. The unique nature and value economy; with good long-term planning of the GAA. The opening ceremony of the games was reflected in the it can also leave a very significant took place at half-time in the All-Ireland fact that twenty-seven indigenous and positive legacy for the GAA. senior hurling semi-final between teams competed. A total of 254 Kilkenny and Waterford on August 7. 112 games were contested, including In the meantime, progress continues on players – two players per team – took eight finals played in Croke Park on the development of two of our major part in the ceremony, and, as a prelude to Friday August 8, which attracted 3,000 stadiums. As I write, work on the new the team parade, members of the South spectators. The finals were contested Páirc Uí Chaoimh is on schedule. It is

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“Fifty-six teams from ...all over the world travelled to Dublin to participate...”

10 August 2016; Ando Radafy of Europe in action against Tshoboko Johnviss Moagi of South Africa Gaels of Europe during the Etihad Airways GAA World Games 2016 - Day 2 at UCD in Dublin.

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29 October 2016; Youth attendees during the GAA Youth Forum 1 October 2016; Groundsman Enda Colfer lines the pitch ahead of the GAA Football 2016 at Croke Park in Dublin. All-Ireland Senior Championship Final Replay match at Croke Park in Dublin.

a spectacular development, and Cork Superintendents Association of Ireland. The plan was launched in March 2015. County Committee deserves credit The goals of the workgroup are clear: (i) It sets six goals to guide our activities, for the vision and determination that to raise the standard of pitch surfaces; (ii) identifies thirty-two strategies to is helping to realise this project. to provide education and information on achieve these goals and defines best practice in sports-turf management; measures of success. Devising such As for Casement Park, a new planning (iii) to deliver optimum playing-surface a plan is the easy part; implementing submission will be made shortly for its standards and usage levels; (iv) to it is the difficult bit, as it requires the redevelopment, the culmination of an protect and maximise investment in co-operation of many individuals and exhaustive and detailed consultation club and county pitches; (v) to ensure units. But thanks to the work of the process to address the reasons that led that pitches are maintained and Strategic Plan Implementation sub- to the original planning award being presented as professionally as possible. committee and to staff members and overturned after a judicial review. volunteers, the plan’s objectives are The Ulster Council’s Casement Park The workgroup organised a National being turned into reality in many areas. Project Board, under the leadership Education Day for GAA groundsmen In the past eighteen months we have: of Tom Daly, and with the support at the National Games Development of Antrim County Committee, has Centre at Abbotstown in May. Fifty- • delivered an ambitious Club striven to address the concerns of local six people from eighteen counties Leadership Development Programme residents on safety and traffic, and of attended, which was a disappointingly to over 1,000 club officers; the Casement Park Social Club; this is low number. The difficulty in convincing reflected in an impressive new design. counties to address the challenge of • implemented new models of Despite the delays, I remain confident pitch maintenance was also evident in participation to address decreases that a new Casement Park will be built. efforts to organise provincial seminars. in participation (e.g. Super Games The workgroup remains undeterred, Centres and the Celtic Challenge); however, and, as part of its efforts Pitch Maintenance to highlight this important issue, is • developed a Membership Card launching a GAA National Pitch Award Programme to reward members for In last year’s report to Congress I scheme for 2017. My sense is that many their membership of their clubs; wrote about the need to develop a counties have not yet realised how more scientific approach to pitch important pitch maintenance is for the • reformed inter-county grading structures maintenance, noting that the growth Association. Confronting that lack of to reduce the demands on talented in the number of county training awareness has to be a priority for 2017. players in the 17-21 age bracket; centres and the increasing number of clubs that are developing additional • launched a new national procurement pitches emphasised the importance Strategic Plan programme to help clubs achieve savings of properly protecting and sustaining on common products and services; these important assets. In March, Ard At the half-way point of our Strategic Chomhairle approved the establishment plan 2015-2017, it is right that we • agreed a new long-term funding of a National Pitch Maintenance reflect on both the progress we have framework for the GPA, which meets the Workgroup under the chairmanship of made in the attainment of the plan’s agreed objectives of our shared approach; Kieran McGann (Corcaigh), and with the objectives and on the areas in which active support of Damian McLaverty, we need to re-focus our efforts. • developed a new official General Manager of the Golf Course GAA website, GAA.ie.

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23 July 2016; Tipperary manager Liam Kearns at the final whistle of the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship, Round 4A, game at Kingspan in Co Cavan.

These are just some examples of the the principal club officers – Chairperson, The aim is to deliver the programme in progress we have made in implementing Secretary, Treasurer and PRO – to all thirty-two counties before the end the Strategic Plan. A detailed breakdown carry out their roles more efficiently. of March 2017. One hundred additional of the objectives achieved to date has Participants in the programme are modules have been requested from been provided in the recently published prepared for new responsibilities counties and a process is under way to Mid-Point Progress Report. I would and are equipped to make a more agree dates and venues for these events. encourage you to read this report. effective contribution to their clubs, communities and to the Association. Implementation efforts have Dermot Early Youth been guided by the Strategic Plan Since its launch in February 2016, Leadership Initiative (DEYLI) Implementation sub-committee and 1,060 club officers in eighteen counties the superb work of Ruairí Harvey. In have completed the programme. The This initiative expanded in 2016 from the sometimes-hectic day-to-day practical seven two-hour modules in its three-county pilot to reach 130 activities, it can be easy to lose sight of the programme are delivered by our young people aged 15-18 years in what the Association seeks to achieve team of Leadership Associates. It was seventy-three clubs in counties Kildare, through its Strategic Plan. The Strategic recognised from the outset that the Dublin, Roscommon, Galway, Cork, Plan Implementation sub-committee, quality of the programme would be Tipperary, Donegal and Monaghan. however, has maintained a keen sense dictated by the quality of this group, of priorities and has not allowed short- so forty Associates with experience In 2016, eighty of these participants term pressures to take precedence of being officers and of facilitating graduated from NUIG with a FETAC over longer-term strategic goals. adult learning were selected and given Level 6 Foundation Certificate in four full days of training. Through the Youth Leadership and Community It is important to note that much programme, participating officers have Action. The Earley family were still remains to be done. For the gained a greater understanding of represented at the graduation in remaining eighteen months of the shared challenges in clubs, examined October by Dermot’s wife, Mary, and life of the Strategic Plan, we will ways to approach common problems, his daughter, Anne-Marie. Dermot Jr continue to work hard towards the and accessed information to make remains the patron of the initiative. achievement of our remaining goals. better-informed decisions on club matters. Ongoing evaluation and The programme’s partnership with feedback have reassured us that this Foróige and NUI Galway is just one of Investing in Leaders investment in leadership development the reasons why the testimonies of has resulted in our officers being more the participants – and indeed of their Our club officers, by virtue of their confident in their understanding of their parents and guardians – is so positive. various functions and roles within their roles, more efficient in meetings, more Another is the dedication of the thirty- clubs, the work they do and the impact knowledgeable about the resources and seven volunteer tutors who facilitated this has on their clubs and communities, supports available to them, and better the creative and innovative content. should be seen as leaders. It is right, able to communicate with their members National Health and Wellbeing Co- then, that the Association invests in our and external units. Online resources ordinator, Stacey Cannon, has been club officers as leaders, which is exactly have been developed to complement the driving force of the programme what it seeks to do through the Club the face-to-face aspects of the for the GAA. The challenge now Leadership Development Programme. programme, and all participating officers is to find appropriate funding or At its simplest, the programme enables receive a Certificate of Achievement. philanthropic support to employ a

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dedicated co-ordinator to ensure that • In February and March 2016 the GAA from 30 June to 2 July, the theme of the DEYLI achieves its full potential and Museum hosted a series of lectures, which was The GAA and Revolution becomes available on an annual basis Revolutionary Ireland 1913-1923, which in Ireland 1913-1923. A panel of to interested young members of the complemented Professor Ó Tuathaigh’s distinguished historians delivered lectures Association and our future leaders. volume and in which distinguished that considered the GAA’s role in the historians Aogán Ó Fearghail, Uachtarán, revolutionary period and the effect of (whose lecture was on Gaelic Sunday the events of the period on the GAA. 1916 Commemoration 1918), Tim Pat Coogan, Paul O’Brien, Professor Diarmaid Ferriter, Dr.William I would like to acknowledge the role The GAA played a prominent part Murphy and Liz Gillis presented a series of our archivist, Mark Reynolds, in at both local and national levels of engaging lectures over six consecutive the organisation of these events in the commemoration of events weeks, looking at various facets of and to extend my gratitude to that marked the centenary of the revolutionary period in Ireland. the members of our History and the 1916 Rising. Five particular Commemorations Committee. events marked the Association’s • The centrepiece of the GAA contribution at national level: commemoration took place on April 24, 100 years by date from the beginning of the Rising, when Laochra was presented in Croke Park at the conclusion of the Allianz The Bloody Sunday Graves Project Football League Division One and Two continued in 2016, ensuring that “The centrepiece finals. The spectacular pageant featured those victims of the tragic events at of the GAA almost 2,000 dancers, singers, musicians, Croke Park on November 21, 1920 are entertainers and members, and presented appropriately remembered. On the commemoration the story of Ireland in eight scenes, 95th anniversary, in 2015, a headstone took place on beginning with the Myths and Dreams of was unveiled in Glasnevin Cemetery April 24, 100 years an Ancient Land that took us through the on the grave of one of the victims, Jane by date from the folklore of Cuchullain to the 1916 Rising Boyle. Since then, with the assistance and the new Ireland of 2016. The event of the Glasnevin Trust and journalist beginning of took place before an audience of 80,000 Michael Foley, author of The Bloodied the Rising” and was very well received. The concept Field – the outstanding book on the for the commemoration was developed by events of Bloody Sunday – we have Tyrone Productions who did an outstanding been working with the families of two job in articulating the aspirations of other victims, James Teehan and Daniel the GAA through the pageant. Carroll, to erect headstones on what • Just before Christmas 2015 the Association were previously unmarked graves. There published The GAA and Revolution in • On June 18 the final of the Provincial are still five Bloody Sunday victims in Ireland 1913-1923, a book of essays Council of Britain’s inter-county Shield unmarked graves in Dublin and Tipperary edited by Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh, Professor competition was played on a pitch on on which we hope to erect headstones Emeritus in History at NUI Galway. Leading the site of the internment camp at before the centenary year of 2020. writers in the research fields of modern Frongoch (Wales) to commemorate Irish history and the history of sport – the fact that Gaelic football games Eoghan Corry, Mike Cronin, Paul Darby, were played regularly by internees who Sponsorship and Marketing Diarmaid Ferriter, Dónal McAnallen, James were imprisoned in Frongoch after McConnel, Richard McElligott, Cormac the 1916 Rising. Gloucestershire and The GAA enjoyed a good year in terms Moore, Seán Moran, Ross O’Carroll, Gearóid Hertfordshire contested the game of sponsorship, renewing several Ó Tuathaigh, Mark Reynolds and Paul for the Wolfe Tone Cup in this unique contracts and attracting new sponsors Rouse – explored the impact on ordinary setting, with Gloucestershire emerging as for existing competitions, demonstrating life of the decade between the Lockout of winners. It was a memorable event, and that value continues to be delivered to 1913 and the end of the Civil War. They spectators felt the force of history as the partnerships. In total, ten sponsorship examined the effects of the First World players contested the final in the same agreements were concluded in 2016. War, the 1916 Rising and its aftermath, surroundings that had been a Croke Park the emergence of nationalist Sinn Féin and for the participants in daily games during For the All-Ireland senior hurling its triumph over the Irish Parliamentary their imprisonment 100 years ago. championship, the contract with Party, as well as the War of Independence Centra was renewed for a four-year (1919-1921) and the Civil War (1922- • The final event in the national programme period, while a three-year contract with 23). All of these events and issues were to commemorate the Rising was a Summer Littlewoods Ireland was announced in examined as they related to the GAA. School hosted by the GAA Museum December. There were two renewals

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24 April 2016; A view of the Laochra entertainment performance after the Allianz Football League Final. Allianz Football League Finals, Croke Park, Dublin.

for the All-Ireland senior football We are indebted to the support of na mBunscol finals in the Croke Park championship: SuperValu signed up for a all our sponsors. We believe that the Stadium, all taking place without any further four-year term through to 2019 number of renewals completed in 2016 safety incidents to note. The events and eir renewed for five years up to 2020. confirms that our partnerships work highlight was the Laochra celebration for both the GAA and the sponsor. in April, while played Allianz, one of the GAA’s longest-serving two sell-out shows in May and there partners, renewed their title sponsorship We continue our own efforts to promote was also a very successful concert by of the Allianz Leagues for a further our competitions. In 2016 we rolled out Beyoncé. There was a partial pitch five-year term up to 2020. Allianz also phase two of our Be There. All the Way. replacement after the concert events sponsors Cumann na mBunscol and campaign in several media, including with no adverse effects on playability the GAA’s international over the top TV, radio, press, digital, social media or aesthetics. Once again, we must (OTT) broadcast service, GAAGO. and outdoor advertising. We also congratulate our pitch management developed a specific campaign to target team, led by Stuart Wilson, for the Specsavers renewed its Hawk-Eye families and GAA supporters who continuing high standard of their work. sponsorship for three more years (2016- may not have experienced a live game 18), while Sure (Unilever) became the before. The #WellWorthIt campaign In April, Croke Park became the GAA’s first Match Statistics sponsor promoted the great-value ticket offers first stadium in the world to obtain in an agreement that runs from 2016 available for families, as well as the certification to the newest international to 2018. EirGrid, our U-21 football entertainment and atmosphere of a live Environmental Standard ISO 14001:2015. championship sponsor, also become game. Our sponsors also engaged in a The stadium was also successfully the GAA’s first ever Timing sponsor wide range of innovative promotional recertified to the international standards in a four-year agreement through to activities, which significantly increased for Sustainability Event Management and 2019. Bord Gáis Energy renewed their the visibility of our games. Health and Safety Management. Croke title sponsorship of the BGE U-21 Park was awarded the Excellence in hurling championship by signing up Waste Management Award at the annual until 2020 in a five-year agreement, Croke Park Stadium Overview Green Awards, and our Environmental and a new partner was welcomed as and Sustainability Management title sponsor of the Féile tournaments In 2016 over 1.3 million people attended Group was awarded the Unsung Hero in the form of John West, which agreed thirty event days, three concerts, eight Award at the 2016 Stadium Business a three-year term from 2016 to 2018. World Games finals, twelve days of Awards. Croke Park has diverted 1,563 Go Games and four days of Cumann tonnes of waste from landfill since

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“2,000 dancers, singers, musicians, entertainers and members, and presented the story of Ireland in eight scenes, beginning with the Myths and Dreams of an Ancient Land that took us through the folklore of Cúchullain to the 1916 Rising and the new Ireland of 2016”

24 April 2016; A view of the Laochra entertainment performance during the playing of Amhrann na bhFiann after the Allianz Football League Final. Allianz Football League Finals, Croke Park, Dublin.

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2014. We have reduced the amount of Communications of the key developments over the waste generated within the stadium A major redesign and upgrade of the past year are summarised below. by 30% and are maintaining 0% of GAA’s online presence, including waste to landfill for the third year in a a revamped GAA.ie website, was Infrastructure row, which means that not one piece introduced in 2016. The new website, Croke Park WiFi of waste has been sent to landfill. along with increased usage of social The upgrading of a major component media, has provided better access to of the core IT Infrastructure at Croke The stadium and its Meetings and Events important news, information, fixtures Park, the roll-out of High Density WiFi, business continue to deliver a strong and results in a user-friendly and was completed in spring 2016. This dividend to the Association with a €7.5 intuitive manner. It has also enabled investment allows up to 25,000 patrons million contribution in 2016. Capital the Association to provide more to access free, high-speed internet expenditure is high, reflecting the age comprehensive match-day coverage, connectivity over the Croke Park WiFi of the building and the need to have a including live updates, images and network when attending the stadium; continuous programme of repair and video content. One particular initiative, the upgrade has performed superbly maintenance. It is estimated that this Fanwall, has been a great success, over the ten months since deployment. could cost up to €5 million per annum allowing attendees at matches to have The areas covered include internal for the next ten years; however, this their pictures and messages displayed sections of levels 4, 5 and 6 in the Hogan, will ensure that Croke Park retains its on the big screens at venues. Usage of Davin and Cusack Stands, as well as all status as one of Europe’s top stadiums. Fanwall has been especially successful seats in the bowl on levels 5 and 6. The with younger spectators at our games. new High Density WiFi network has also become a significant asset for Croke GAA Museum The GAA launched its Snapchat Park meetings and events through its account during the 2016 championship. availability to attendees at conferences The GAA Museum continues to provide Working directly with Snapchat HQ or other events in the stadium. an outstanding cultural experience to in the US, we built a public ‘Snapchat visitors, highlighting our games and Story’ for the All-Ireland senior hurling Provincial and County Grounds their place in Ireland’s social history. In championship final that was viewed Appropriate IT infrastructure is required 2016 there were 153,000 visitors to the by 300,000 people in Ireland and to be in place at county grounds to museum and to the Skyline and stadium Britain, and had 15,000 submissions enable services such as ticket scanning, tours in Croke Park. In addition to the of content, figures that augur well for CCTV, public address, press/media public tours, private group tours are very future digital growth. Our involvement facilities and basic office functionality. popular and include active retirement in Snapchat will increase in 2017. In 2016 IT infrastructure upgrades groups, tour-operator groups, schools were implemented in Cusack Park, groups, language schools and GAA clubs. The GAA’s monthly Club Newsletter Ennis, O’Moore Park, Nowlan Park, The museum is part of the new Dublin underwent a full revamp in 2016. This Fitzgerald Stadium, the Gaelic Grounds Northside Attractions (DNA) route, which should be essential reading for all and St. Tiernach’s Park. Significant includes Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, clubs; the focus now is on ensuring additional IT network upgrades were Jameson Distillery, Botanic Gardens that as many members as possible get also implemented in Thurles to enable and GPO Witness History; the museum a copy of the newsletter. It is sent to the use of Hawk-Eye in 2016 and is also part of the City Sightseeing every club secretary in the Association, significant work has been completed bus tour route. A new exhibition, whose responsibility it is to share it with the Páirc Uí Chaoimh project team ‘Ireland’s Olympians’, was launched with their members and/or make it in Cork to ensure that appropriate IT in May. It displays and celebrates available through their club websites. infrastructure is in place to support the the sportsmen and sportswomen needs of the redeveloped stadium. who have represented Ireland and achieved success at Olympic level. Information Technology National Games Development Centre The GAA IT Department was actively In August 2016 four players were Under the direction of our Chief involved in providing the appropriate inducted into the GAA Museum Information Officer, Tomás Meehan, IT infrastructure – including LAN, Hall of Fame: the late Dermot Earley the GAA IT Department is responsible WiFi and broadband connectivity – for (Roscommon) and John O’Keeffe (Kerry) for delivering robust and reliable IT the National Games Development in football, and (Wexford) services to members of the Association Centre at Abbotstown. An online and (Galway) in hurling. at all levels from club and county to booking system was also deployed, An event was held in the museum national committees. The significant enabling the effective management for the players and their families to investment made by the Association of the various pitches, dressing rooms, celebrate their achievements and in its IT infrastructure and systems in meeting rooms and other facilities. their contribution to Gaelic games. recent years continued in 2016. Some

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“...more comprehensive match-day coverage, including live updates, images and video content.”

13 August 2016; A supporter takes a picture of the Kilkenny and Waterford teams during the parade ahead of the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Semi-Final Replay game between Kilkenny and Waterford at Semple Stadium in Thurles, Co Tipperary. 29 Tuarascáil An Ard Stiúrthóra

10 September 2016; Linesman Johnny Ryan sympathies with Fintan Burke of Galway after the Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling All-Ireland U21 Championship Final match between Galway and Waterford at Semple Stadium in Thurles, Co Tipperary.

Applications Broadcast Authority of Ireland and An IT Officer Forum has been established Significant effort has been made RTÉ – continued in 2016, and is due to build stronger links between the in 2016 to ensure that the key IT for completion in 2017. This digitised GAA IT Department and IT officers at applications used in the GAA continue footage will potentially be made county and club levels, and regular to be invested in and enhanced to available to view on the GAA website, sessions have been held with this group meet the Association’s needs. as will footage of recent matches. via teleconference and in Croke Park.

National GAA Membership Card and Many clubs already have excellent Rewards Programme - grma websites and provide great coverage Games Development A major new programme to add value of their clubs’ activities on those sites. to membership of the GAA began in However, a significant number of The Go Games and Kellogg’s GAA Cúl 2016. The programme, called grma clubs have neither the resources nor Camps have had a transformative (an abbreviation of ‘go raibh maith the expertise to develop a website; impact both on participation levels agat’, an expression of gratitude to our in order to support these clubs, a among children and the manner in which members), is open to members who generic website template has been they are being provided with a child- sign up online. Those who participate developed and is available for use by centred, games-based and fun-filled in the grma programme will receive a any club. This website template can be approach to learning and development. membership card enabling them to avail customised and modified to the needs Attendance at the 2016 Kellogg’s GAA of benefits including priority access to of an individual club by anyone with Cúl Camps broke all records, with tickets for games, discounts and other basic computer skills. Over 200 clubs 127,473 boys and girls participating promotions. They will also be able to have signed up to use the template, in camps in July and August, a 25% accumulate points for participating with great success, and it is intended increase on 2015 figures. This means in GAA activities and to redeem these to extend the offering to cover the that the camps are now one of the points for rewards for either themselves needs of county websites in 2017. biggest child-sport promotions in the or their clubs. Further grma details will world, a testament to the intrinsic appeal be communicated throughout 2017. IT Security and Governance of Gaelic games to this age cohort. Working with the IT and Communications Membership Management Committee, the GAA IT Department has Go Games, and awareness of the The need to provide clubs with better undertaken significant work to continue developmental ethos underpinning the systems to manage day-to-day to manage and improve the security and Go Games model, goes from strength engagements with their members governance of IT within the Association. to strength. National Go Games Week (e.g. registrations, subscription Guidance relating to information security took place from March 21 to April 3, payments, communications on and data protection requirements have 2016. Two full days of blitzes took place club-related activities) has been been provided to GAA units, while in Croke Park with 1,152 children from identified. A significant exercise was information relating to risks associated clubs throughout the country taking undertaken in 2016 to determine with cyber threats has been shared. An part. Blitzes also took place in each specific requirements. Initiatives to internal IT audit has been conducted by county with 30,000 boys and girls improve the IT systems available to Deloitte and the Association’s auditors, getting to play Go Games during that clubs will be undertaken in 2017. Mazars, who evaluated the controls in period. Go Games week was just the start place for key IT systems. An external of the playing season and thousands Digital Communications security review and security penetration more children got an opportunity to The Digital Archive project to digitise test were conducted in 2016 to ensure participate throughout the year. up to 500 historical matches – being that the GAA’s IT systems are secure. delivered in conjunction with the

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GAA Super Games Centres are of pre-scheduled games that affords The ‘Best and Fairest Award’ was also participation hubs for players aged each team an opportunity for success trialled. After every match, the referee 12-16 years that have been introduced relative to their standard of performance. chose one player from each team on to address the current deficit in youth the basis of their skill level as well as participation. A player can attend a In 2016 the National Hurling the respect they showed to the playing centre, which may be taking place Development Committee developed rules, match officials and their fellow in either a club or school, at a pre- and launched a new national hurling players. Two players per team also wore determined time for an hour a week. competition known as the Celtic a ‘respect’ armband, the purpose of During the hour, the player gets an Challenge to replace the All-Ireland which was to streamline communication opportunity to play small-sided Gaelic minor B and C hurling championships. and information between players and games. The centres run for a minimum The Celtic Challenge is a developmental the referee in order to address repeat of six weeks and often continue for competition for 16- and 17- year- penalties by a particular player or by the over twelve weeks. In 2016 activities olds who are not participating in state team in general. In addition to this, an took place in more than eighty Super examinations. Thirty-one counties were interchange system was used throughout Games Centres. In recognition of this, represented in the Celtic Challenge and the competition, which ensured every a National Super Games Centre Day a total of thirty-eight teams – including player on a squad could be involved in a was held in Croke Park in September. regional teams – participated. The game (i.e. using rolling substitutions). All provinces were represented through competition ran from May 4 to June 18, seventeen schools from thirteen during which more than 1,000 players The competition was a resounding counties that participated. 240 pupils participated in a total of 118 games. success, and the number of players, aged 13-15 years had the opportunity The Celtic Challenge culminated in games and teams in the Celtic to play small-sided games in Croke a grand finals day in Nowlan Park on Challenge contrasts with the thirteen Park with 125 pupils playing hurling June 18, when ten teams participated games for seventeen teams provided and 115 pupils playing Gaelic football. in five finals (Divisions 1–5). under the old minor B and C hurling championship structure in 2015. To date, our retention strategies have The Celtic Challenge also featured a The Celtic Challenge will continue in been largely based on the provision number of new initiatives that were 2017 with forty-eight teams involved of formal (competitive) games. All the trialled together for the first time representing all thirty-two counties. drop-out evidence suggests that a in Gaelic games. A feature of the participatory pathway is required at competition was that match officials Coach Education youth level. The key requirement is met with the teams prior to the game to There has been consistent progress that as many players as possible are explain the rules of the competition and in 2016 in the review of the Award 2 provided with a meaningful programme to address any queries from the players. Coach Education Programme; a revised

12 April 2016; Children from Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire at the launch of Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps 2016 Croke Park, Dublin. 31 Tuarascáil An Ard Stiúrthóra

Award 2 is now being piloted. In addition including the GAA Activity Planner, quality of games in the 2016 provincial to the overhaul and provision of the which allows coaches to plan and club championships is anything to Association’s formal Coach Education save their weekly sessions, whether go by, there is a strong justification courses, significant progress has been for child, youth or adult players. All of for reduced preparation times, more made in the development and provision the Association’s physical coaching regular games and a philosophy of of bespoke coaching workshops and resources are now published online (e.g. players going out to express themselves, programmes that maximise informal Fun Do Coaching Manuals, Cúl Camp as opposed to playing to a particular learning at grassroots level. A number of Coaching Resources); in addition, a ‘Skill game-plan. Sometimes, less is more. counties deliver Club Coaching Visitation of the Month’ is published on the site. Programmes that are supplemented There is also a GAA Learning YouTube In 2017 a review led by Gary Keegan, by a schedule of regionalised coaching Channel with over 1,000 videos that the former Director of the Irish Institute workshops. The contributions of Games have attracted almost 400,000 views. of Sport, will consider the effectiveness Development personnel at county of activities, processes and controls in and club levels are complemented by Finally, the National Games Development place for Games Development in order learning opportunities for teachers. In Conference, held annually in Croke Park, to establish to what degree activities July and August almost 500 primary has become the preeminent event in the are operating in a systematic way school teachers participated in twenty- coach education diary. The 2017 GAA and how well Games Development is Games Development Conference took reaching its objectives as detailed in the place on January 6 and 7, and focused 2015-2017 Strategic Plan. Specifically, on issues related to players along the the exercise will review and assess playing pathway (child, youth and adult (i) the National Games Development “Cúl Camps broke players). There was a special games- Policy and Strategy; (ii) the alignment all records, with based forum, including presentations of the National Games Development 127,473 boys and by expert hurling and Gaelic football Strategy with GAA policy and values; (iii) coaches such as Paul Kinnerk, (coach, leadership, management and operational girls participating Limerick senior hurling team, 2017), practices within Games Development in camps in July Mick Bohane, (coach, Clare senior structures at national, provincial and and August” football team, 2016) and former Cavan county levels; and (iv) funding processes footballer and coach to Greater Western and measurement processes in place Sydney AFL Club, Nicholas Walsh. to assess return on investment.

In addition to keynote speakers and parallel workshops, there was a specially GAA Handball two GAA Teacher Summer Courses. The constructed Researchers Exhibition, course is practical in nature, and aims where a range of researchers from The year 2017 was one of further to introduce teachers to Gaelic games Irish third-level institutions presented progress for GAA Handball. – hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, their research findings, highlighting Participation levels continue to rise, Ladies Gaelic football, GAA handball how this can influence the work of crowds at finals are growing, while and . There is a face-to-face GAA coaches. Over 700 coaches the announcement of a brand new element in the course, which runs over from all over the country attended National Centre marks the beginning three days. Subsequently, eight hours the conference, an indication of the of an exciting era for the game. of online modules are completed using appetite and enthusiasm amongst the GAA’s Learning and Development volunteer coaches to continue The move to a festival-style weekend Community Portal. The GAA is now the improving and informing themselves. of finals in the 40x20 code saw a leading provider of blended e-learning large crowd turn out in Kingscourt courses for primary school teachers. It is essential that every effort be made (Cavan) in March for what was a hugely to perpetuate a games-based approach successful event, which culminated The Association’s Learning to training and development and to in the All-Ireland Singles finals. The and Development Portal – ensure that it accounts for 80% of all 60x30 finals returned to Croke Park in learning.gaa.ie – is now a highly valued training inputs. This is not to diminish September and, with a sell-out crowd resource for volunteer coaches. Over the importance of the more scientific on both occasions, proved to be great 32,000 volunteers are registered users contributions – be they physical fitness, occasions for the traditional game. of the portal. The portal provides an psychological factors, or match analysis opportunity for coaches to participate – but these, ideally, should not account The biggest growth area at present is in online coach-education courses, for more than 20% of the total training in the One Wall code. The One Wall but it also hosts a number of important input. The centrality of the game should game is a simple, cost-effective way resource materials for coaches, never be underestimated. Indeed, if the to introduce handball and is also an

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excellent addition to any school or club. the continued support of Irish Life response plan, to follow recommended I would encourage all GAA clubs to by way of their generous three-year practices when an incident arises, to embrace the game of handball and to corporate social responsibility (CSR) ensure a consistency of care for all consider introducing the One Wall code, partnership with the Community and members at such times, and to identify which can be accommodated in almost Health department of the GAA. The and access the range of national every existing clubhouse or sports hall, pioneering nature of this partnership and local support services that are or on an outdoor wall, by the installation was recognised when it was awarded available in such circumstances. of floor and wall markings, details of CSR Programme of the Year at the Irish which are available on gaahandball.ie. It Sports Industry Awards last November A number of county Health and is very inexpensive, offers an enjoyable Wellbeing Committees facilitated the recreational outlet for members of all It’s impossible to highlight in this report adoption of their county-level CIRP in ages and helps attract new members. all the work being undertaken in every 2016 and supported numerous clubs in Many top players of hurling and football aspect of health, but we can recognise preparing their own plans, with Louth have spoken of the benefits of playing the positive effects the project is and Laois showing great leadership in handball, notably through improving having on local clubs and communities, this area. The aim is for all county-level hand-eye co-ordination and their as evidenced by the contribution of plans to be in place by the end of 2017; speed and reaction times. It is also a Healthy Clubs to workshops at the clubs, too, are encouraged to put their pleasant way to stay fit in winter. 2016 National Health and Wellbeing own plans in place. Such proactive steps Conference in Croke Park in October. will prove invaluable in the event of an Perhaps the best news for the handball unfortunate situation or incident. community came in September with The HCP is considered one of Healthy the announcement that the GAA has Ireland’s flagship programmes and agreed to work with Dublin City Council our partnership with the HSE, the Supporting Communities on the reconstruction of Sackville Department of Health, and the National Avenue. This will provide new housing, Office for Suicide Prevention underlines Ronan Flynn in the Community and will lead to the building of a world-class the GAA’s continued effort to support Health section continues to promote National Handball and Community the wellbeing of our members and the awareness of and participation in Centre, will involve the demolition communities. The HCP national co- the GAA’s Social Initiative, a project of the existing Croke Villas, and will ordinator, Aoife O’Brien, intends to bring instigated by the former President create a new entrance to Croke Park to Phase 2 to a successful conclusion in late Mary McAleese and her husband take pressure off other local streets. 2017. It is planned to open participation Martin, and one that remains close to to all interested clubs in early 2018. the heart of many clubs. The Social These new arrangements were the Initiative is indicative of our values of fruits of a lengthy mediation process inclusiveness and community identity, chaired by former Taoiseach, Bertie Critical Incident Response and supports our efforts to offer lifelong Ahern, which brought an end to the Plan (CIRP) participation for all our members. long-running dispute between Croke Park and the Irish Handball Council The Community and Health section was The GAA in 2016 played its part in the Sports Centre (IHCSC). The 2016 All- called upon a record number of times HSE’s national emotional wellbeing Ireland 60 x 30 semi-finals and finals in 2016 to support and guide units in campaign, #littlethings. Following took place in the IHCSC in September dealing with a variety of challenging collaboration at provincial and county and October, and will continue to be situations, which indicates a greater level (particularly in Connacht), the played there until the new centre is awareness of the supports available Community and Health team gave a built, with the GAA participating in the since the launch of the GAA’s Critical distinctive GAA twist to the campaign management of the existing premises. Incident Response resource in 2015. at the All-Ireland football semi-final Unfortunately, the majority of situations between Dublin and Kerry in August involve the tragic death of a member, with evidence-based messages of The Healthy Club Project although a critical incident is defined support. Match-programme articles, as any situation that overwhelms stadium posters, pitch-side interviews The Healthy Club Project (HCP) continues one’s natural capacity to respond. and huge banners on the pitch before to make the GAA a healthier place for the throw-in and at half-time brought our members; the sixty participating The critical incident response resource the messages to life to the capacity clubs in Phase 2 (at least one from each – available to all clubs to access at attendance in Croke Park. Videos county) deserve great credit for their www.gaa.ie/community – is designed involving GAA #littlethings ambassadors efforts. The growth and development of to help GAA units develop and Gary Sice (Galway), Alan O’Mara (Cavan) the HCP would not be possible without maintain their own critical incident and Ashling Thompson (Cork) have

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19 April 2016; Players representing 38 teams from 31 counties gear up to play 110 games between a total of 1140 other players in attendance at the launch of the Celtic Challenge 2016.

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been viewed and shared thousands of on our current work, discussed the between the Associations and our times, receiving excellent coverage on contents of the new Club Children’s legal advisors, the NCWPC developed national and regional print and broadcast Officer Programme and explored the a guidance document, Dealing with media with messages that promote new GAA online vetting system. A Breaches of the Code of Best Practice in self-help and advice on how to support second seminar for county Children’s Youth Sport, which is now available on others. (See www.yourmentalhealth.ie Officers in November broadened the gaa.ie/childwelfareandprotection. for more details.) discussion. Topics discussed included the impact of social media on young people, Vetting Colin Regan continued to represent the Player Injury Fund, requirements The vetting of GAA personnel who work the GAA on the inaugural Healthy for reporting allegations of abuse, an in roles of responsibility with children Ireland Council and, at a European update on current legislation, and the and vulnerable adults is carried out by level, he represented the Association procedures for dealing with breaches the National Vetting Bureau (NVB) in in the Sports Clubs for Health project, of the Code of Best Practice. the and by AccessNI funded through Erasmus+. This latter in the Six Counties. Since April 2016 group brings together representatives Child Protection in Sport it is an offence to engage a person to from a variety of European sports Awareness Workshops work with children unless that person federations and associations with A revised version of the Child Protection has been vetted in advance of taking the aim of highlighting best practice in Sport Awareness Training Workshop up such a role. This applies to GAA in health promotion through sport. was published in 2016 and the first Club coaches of underage teams and to The GAA’s community-based Children’s Officer Training programme others who, on our behalf, carry out approach is of particular interest. All was launched in November. Both roles of responsibility with children. outputs, including new guidelines programmes have been endorsed by and resources for European sports Sport Ireland and are important in While the AccessNI system has enjoyed governing bodies and clubs, will developing good practice at club level. the benefits of an online vetting be launched at an EU Parliament They will be delivered by the GAA, the application system, a similar process event in Brussels in April 2017. Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) only came into being for vetting in the and the , in line Republic of Ireland since the National with our common approach to child Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Child Safeguarding and welfare matters. Forty-one workshops Persons) Acts came into force in April Protection in the GAA took place in twenty counties in 2016, 2016. This development has resulted in and a target of at least one workshop the turnaround time for vetting being Under the direction of our Child Welfare in every county has been set for 2017. reduced from weeks to days. Prior to and Safeguarding Manager, Gearóid Ó In addition, arrangements are in place the Vetting Act, the GAA had vetted in Maolmhichíl, the National Child Welfare to have the programme delivered excess of 100,000 applicants on the and Protection Committee (NCWPC) in Britain by local tutors in 2017. island of Ireland under the NVB and oversees the implementation of our child AccessNI. Since it came into force, a safeguarding and protection strategy. Code of Best Practice/Code further 13,000 people have been vetted It has established two sub-committees of Behaviour through the GAA/NVB online system. from among its membership and others, The Code of Best Practice in Youth The success of the online system a Child Welfare Training sub-committee Sport, which incorporates our Code has enabled us to agree access to and a Legislation sub-committee of Behaviour (Underage), is an agreed applicants from the LGFA and Camogie to advise on the Association’s child policy document subscribed to by Association from January 1, 2017. welfare responsibilities and on existing the Gaelic Games Associations. It and pending relevant legislation. Both contains a broad range of guidance, Insurance sub-committees played an important considering issues such as the standards Property Insurance role in the amendment of our Code of of conduct required of our coaches, Claims generated by weather-related Best Practice in Youth Sport with the details on our Code of Behaviour, social incidents in recent years have placed recent publication of a sixth edition media guidance, recruitment, vetting pressure on property insurance rates. of Code of Behaviour (Underage), and information, player injury requirements, When undertaking development work, also developed a new Club Children’s medical guidance and much more. The clubs may need to consider geography Officer Training Programme, and trained Code is enshrined in Rule 1:13 of the and previous weather incidents at the seventy-five child welfare tutors and Official Guide and in the Rules of the site. Ball-stop nets and damage from drafted a Designated Person’s Training LGFA and the Camogie Association. As windstorms have generated significant Programme for completion in 2017. it was being implemented, it became claims and led to an increase in the clear that there was a need to agree a excess that applies to claims for losses A NCWPC seminar in April examined the structure to deal with breaches that incurred. As clubs continue to invest in implications of Child Welfare Legislation may occur. Following discussions property resources, they must ensure

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that works are undertaken only by for reporting incidents which may Education Policy. Others benefited fully insured professional contractors. give rise to a claim under the Injury from funding assistance to pursue Claims for property damage due to Fund, which was launched in 2014 as a third-level education courses. The HR defective design or workmanship are result of feedback and requests from section also facilitated an individually not covered under property policies. clubs. It has now been redesigned and tailored, one-to-one Microsoft Office enhanced following feedback from training course for County Secretaries. As units focus on improving facilities, it its limited number of users; the new is also important to provide for ongoing system will be relaunched in 2017. maintenance repair and replacement of Further enhancements to the Injury An Ghaeilge existing resources. Lack of maintenance Fund and claims processing can only and upkeep of property can contribute be undertaken if the online system Maidir le ceist na Gaeilge, tá an-áthas to personal injury claims, and our is used. We hope that counties and ar Chumann Lúthchleas Gael go bhfuil experience of liability claims indicates clubs will use the improved system. ainm an Iar-Uachtarán, Seosamh that units are not adequately providing Mac Donncha, luaite anois leis an for the cost of ongoing maintenance. scéim atá againn an Ghaeilge a chur Human Resources chun cinn inár gclubanna agus atá Liability Insurance á reachtáil againn i gcomhar le Glór The number of personal injury claims A key objective for the HR section in na nGael agus Foras na Gaeilge. being pursued against GAA units 2016 has been the further enhancement continues to rise: ninety-one new of the manager and employee self- Turas Teanga a tugadh air roimhe claims were reported in the past year, service functions on the CoreHR Portal seo, is Fundúireacht Sheosamh Mhic with current paid/reserve estimates system, and there has indeed been an Dhonnacha an t-ainm a bheidh feasta ar amounting to €2.87 million. The increase in the number of provincial- and an gcóras ina gcuirtear comhairle agus current five-year cost of claims to the county-based staff using the system. cúnamh praiticiúil ar fáil do chlubanna ar Association is €13.5 million. Personal- This enhancement has included the fud na tíre plean-teanga a leagan amach. injury claims to the Association are introduction of online performance averaging near €3 million annually. reviews and work on the implementation Is dóigh liom go bhfuil sé fíor a rá go This is simply unsustainable. of an online recruitment system, which raibh breis Gaeilge le feiceáil an bhliain will govern all aspects of the recruitment seo caite sna foilseacháin a tháinig ó Claims emanating from non-GAA use of lifecycle from staff requisition through CLG go náisiúnta agus go háitiúil. Tá properties are increasing: it is clear that, to the shortlisting and interview stages, iarrachtai á ndéanamh againn gur mar an despite warnings, many units provide use and, ultimately, staff appointments. gcéanna a bheidh an scéal ar an suíomh- of GAA property to third-party groups The recruitment project is currently at idirlín agus ar na meáin shoisialta eile. with minimal control of their activity. final testing stage and will provide a Failure to seek proof of insurance from more streamlined and efficient process Fuair an méid Gaeilge a húsáideadh persons or organisations using GAA for Association recruitment when it is sa gcomóradh “Laochra” anseo i property exposes the Association to introduced early in 2017. In 2016 HR mí Aibreáin seo caite moladh mor risk that is not ours and to the financial had responsibility for the management freisin agus sin tuillte aige. cost of claims arising from this risk. and co-ordination of over thirty-seven recruitment competitions at national, Player Injury Fund provincial and county levels. Over 1,480 Comhbhrón We have highlighted before that a claims job applications were processed, and disparity across units and counties over 300 candidates interviewed. In May 2016 the Association lost exists with respect to the level of team two distinguished former Presidents subscriptions paid to the fund versus the A Training Needs Analysis was completed through the deaths of level of claims reimbursements drawn in early 2016 to determine the training and Joe McDonagh. They had served from the fund. With effect from 2017 and development needs of staff, and successive terms of office between a claims discount and claims loading HR has worked with Sport Ireland to 1994 and 2000; both were significant will be incorporated into the Player provide an extensive training and influences during that period as the Injury Fund subscription rates. This new development programme, not only Association faced up to the challenges model will be reviewed by the Risk and to staff within Croke Park but also at posed by a changing Ireland. Insurance Committee in conjunction provincial and county levels. A total of with claims data provided by Fund twenty-seven training courses were administrators Willis Towers Watson. made available on an individual basis to staff members across all units, while There has been a low take-up rate to a number of staff members have also an online claims-notification system availed of the Association’s Further

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“worked with Sport Ireland to provide an extensive training and development programme, not only to staff within Croke Park but also at provincial and county levels.”

23 April 2016; Jim McEneaney, wearing 27 after a blood injury, celebrates scoring Louth’s second goal in the 59th minute. Allianz Football League, Division 4, Final, Louth v Antrim. Croke Park, Dublin. 37 Tuarascáil An Ard Stiúrthóra

17 March 2016; Ballyboden St Endas supporters, from left, Lauren McKeon, Rosie Cooney and Emma Nelson followng their victory. AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Final, Ballyboden St Endas, Dublin, v Castlebar Mitchels, Mayo. Croke Park, Dublin.

Jack Boothman, the 31st President of variety of roles. Until his untimely death, Crowley, Mick Finucane; Luimneach: the Association, was a proud son of he was Chairman of the Community Christy Campbell, Larry Cross, John Blessington and Wicklow. A man of Development Committee, addressing Reidy, Jim Hogan, Peter Bennis, Ger warm personality, sharp wit and great challenges in which he had a huge Cosgrave, P.J. Bourke, Timmy Horgan, sense of humour, Jack was beloved by personal interest, including those posed Paddy Doody, Gerry Bennis; Port Láirge: members everywhere in the Association. by emigration and rural depopulation. Séamus Power, Pat Flynn; Tiobraid He made history in that he was the Árann: ; Ceatharlach: Peadar first member of the Church of Ireland The death of Ulster Council Secretary Jordan, Fr. P.J. Byrne, Tony Fortune, to become President of the GAA, and Danny Murphy in December also left Charlie Byrne; Cill Dara: Mick Leavy, he had the rare ability to engage with a significant void within the GAA. Danny Flood; Laois: Pat Fingleton, people of all views and backgrounds. We lost one of the most influential Danny Brennan; Longfort: Terry Burns, Both during and after his term as administrators in the long history of the Thomas Rocke; An Lú: Joey Maher, President, Jack never hesitated to Association. Danny transformed the Peter Hoey; Áth Cliath: Joe Rock; Cill express clear views on Association status of the GAA in Ulster; his efforts, Chainnigh: Michael ‘Ducksy’ Walsh; An policy; his opinions, forcefully expressed, notably in building cross-community Mhí: Bryan Smyth, Ray ; Uíbh were always motivated by his loyalty trust and in ensuring that the GAA Fhailí: John Egan, Seamus Mulrooney, to and concern for the Association. finally got its fair rewards in terms of Ambrose Hickey; Iar Mhí: Michael Carroll, Jack suffered ill-health in his final state investment in facilities, were Seán Fogarty; Loch Garman: Paddy years, yet remained a regular visitor responsible for enhancing the status Kehoe, Michael Sheil, Eddie Cleary; Cill to Croke Park, and his passion for the of the Association within every sector Mhantáin: Andy Phillips, Peter Keogh, Blessington club, Wicklow and the GAA of northern society. Always faithful to Gerry O’Reilly; Aontroim: Gerry Barry; was as strong as ever until his death. the mission and values of the GAA, yet Ard Mhacha: Michael McConville, Joe utterly pragmatic, Danny gave strong Jordan; An Cabhán: Tommy Duke, Johnny Joe McDonagh succeeded Jack as and fearless leadership in a variety of Joe Brady, Aidan Farrell, , Paddy Uachtarán in 1997. He had already roles at club, county, provincial and Donohue; Doire: Owen Gribbin, Mick earned a national reputation as an national levels. Few have had a greater Gribben, Lughaidh Mac Giolla Bhrighde, outstanding Galway hurler, and added impact on the growth and development Sean O’Hara, Thomas Cassidy; An Dún: to his aura (as well as contributing a now- of our Association. He was a great Joe Lennon, Brendan Sloan, Paddy iconic moment in GAA and All-Ireland colleague and friend, and an invaluable O’Hagan, Peter Turley; Dún na nGall: history) with his rendition of ‘The West’s source of advice. He is greatly missed. Donal Monaghan, Séamus Mac Géidigh; Awake’ after Galway’s victory in the 1980 Tír Eoghain: Shea Daly, Dan McCaffrey, final. Joe was a charismatic man who Déanaim comhbhrón leis na clanna Anna McCaughey, Frank Kennedy; inspired our members with his powerful a chaill duine i rith na bliana. I measc Fear Manach: John James Treacy, John oratory in both English and Irish. He na daoine a chailleamar do bhí: Maguire; Muineachán: Canon John had the great talent of being able to McCabe, Niall McAdam; Yorkshire: convey the ideals and vision of the GAA, Gaillimh: Padraic Keane; Maigh Eo: Fr. Denis Carmody; Warwickshire: Joe while his marvellous personality and Peter Quinn, Fintan Tuohy, Greg Maher, Roarke; Nua Eabhrach: Mike Keane. singing enlivened many a function. Joe Phil Kerrigan, Willie Casey; Ros Comáin: was also an excellent administrator. He Tommy Connolly, Frank Dennehey; reached the highest office within the Liatroim: Dermot Gallagher; An Clár: Association at a young age, and after his Tom Downes; Corcaigh: John Corcoran, term of office served at national level in a Jim Forbes, Mick Dolan; Ciarraí: Din Joe

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22 October 2016; Kilkenny hurler Michael Fennelly, centre, speaks as part of a panel discussion which also included, from left, Sharon Courtney, Niall McNamee, Prof. Eamon O’Shea, and Lauralee Walsh, during the 2016 GAA Health & Wellbeing Conference at Croke Park in Dublin.

Buíochas jurisdictions and, especially, county emphasised enough – the Association secretaries, with whom my office has exists and thrives because of our clubs. As always, I am indebted to the many most day-to-day contact. Whether as It continues, therefore, to be a matter of people with whom I interact on a regular full-time employees or volunteers, they crucial importance that the prosperity basis in our shared aim of developing are exemplary in the courteous and of our clubs be foremost in our minds and strengthening the Association. I determined way they go about their in our decision-making. Counties have must thank, in particular, the members work. My greatest debt of gratitude is to different structures in place and have of An Coiste Bainistíochta and Ard the staff in Croke Park. I am blessed to different practices that have evolved Chomhairle, to whom all of our major work with such a committed, talented over the years with regard to club- decisions are entrusted. They take their and loyal group of people, with whom fixtures scheduling, but, whatever the roles extremely seriously; every issue I enjoy working every single day. That individual nature of the challenge facing is considered in a calm and considered is particularly true of Áine, Lorena counties, the common goal of protecting way, with the single objective of doing and Teresa, who manage the work of and fostering the vibrancy of our clubs what is best for the GAA. This objective my office so efficiently. Finally, I want must act as our guiding principle. is facilitated by the leadership style to acknowledge the outstanding and skills of the Uachtarán, Aogán contribution of Séamus Ó Midheach Ó Fearghail; he ensures that all who retired on December 31 after voices are heard, and his thoughtful thirty-seven years of loyal and dedicated contributions and good humour have service to Croke Park and the GAA. “...whatever the had a positive impact on the decision- making process. On a personal note, individual nature of I am indebted to him for his constant Conclusion the challenge facing support, and I greatly value the excellent counties, the common working relationship that we enjoy. Whatever the outcome of Congress’s goal of protecting deliberations on the central questions I also want to acknowledge the of the proposed new format for the All- and fostering the important role of our provincial Ireland football championship, on the vibrancy of our clubs secretaries and to thank them for their limiting of replays and on the tightening must act as our constant support. We have a good of the fixtures calendar, individual guiding principle.” working relationship and our regular counties will still be faced with the task meetings are important in ensuring that of addressing the issues faced by clubs, we are at one in the implementation namely that players of all ages and of policy. We will greatly miss the late abilities must be catered for, that club Danny Murphy. I wish his successor, players must be offered an adequate We have all lived through the recent and Brian McEvoy, well as he takes over from number of fairly scheduled, meaningful astonishing pace of change in the area his most distinguished predecessor. matches, and that inter-county players of private and public communications have a strong desire to play for their clubs afforded by new technology, and I would also like to thank our county (a factor that must be borne in mind by particularly where social media are officers, who carry the burden of inter-county team managers). There is a concerned. Virtually anyone who wants progressing matters within their core truth about the GAA that cannot be to can have their opinions placed in the

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“...knits us into our 25 July 2016; Waterford’s and Tipperary’s are pictured in Carrick-on-Suir, located close to the border of Tipperary and Waterford ahead of the Bord communities and Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 Munster Final. gives us back much more than we give to it.”

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public domain. This democratisation At the administration level, two abroad. At home, we need to remain comes with risks and responsibilities. developments should be noted. First, I vigilant about our presence at all levels Opinions are not truth, but, with would like to emphasise the great value of the education sector and to be sufficient repetition, opinions can of the Club Leadership Development supportive of the vital links between assume, or be accorded, the status of Programme, which helps principal educational institutions and the GAA. irrefutable fact; little wonder, then, that club officers carry out their roles And all of us involved in the governance the latest effect of internet/social media more efficiently and make a more of the Association must remain open democratisation to cause concern is effective contribution to their clubs. to improving our ways of doing things the phenomenon of ‘fake news’. It need Second, I would urge all concerned to and to insist on the proper financial hardly be said that the GAA inhabits remain committed to carrying out the management of our respective units. this new social media landscape. It programme of actions contained in is regrettable that there is an excess our current Strategic Plan. We should These latter obligations can sound of negative comment and personal look upon the plan as simply a series of mundane and, at times, even a little criticism on social media of GAA players, agreed practical measures to improve onerous. But we all know why we comply managers and administrators. We our Association. You will have read in with them – we love our games. There is have no control over this; all we can do this report about the valuable progress nothing to get a GAA member excited is ask that our members refrain from that the plan has allowed us to make so in mid-winter like the memory of the speaking aggressively and indulging in far: what might have remained vague season gone by or the prospect of the personal abuse on social media. Such aspirations have been transformed into one to come. Forget All-Ireland finals behaviour belittles the person who concrete actions that have benefited – what about the first-round junior does so, belittles the Association and members, clubs and players. If we push B match against the neighbouring is not appreciated by our members. through with the plan to the end, the parish on a cold and soggy March GAA will be much the better for it. afternoon, or the chance of U-14 glory While on the topic of new technology, later in the year. For just about all of we must recognise that the GAA will In the area of player welfare, I look us, life outside of or without the GAA need to continue to commit substantial forward to the eventual findings of the and its games is unimaginable. The financial investments in this area if we research commissioned jointly by the GAA knits us into our communities are to maintain the standards necessary GAA and the GPA on the demands placed and gives us back much more than for the proper administration and on inter-county players and on the we give to it. How fortunate we are. functioning of a large and widespread impact on players of the development organisation, and if we are to meet of our games. The research findings the expectations of our members and will, I believe, contribute greatly to the patrons and of the wide range of outside achievement of our goal of helping bodies with which we collaborate. inter-county players establish a Páraic Ó Dufaigh proper balance between their sporting Ard Stiúrthóir In 2018 the regrading of the inter- and personal lives, and between county minor level in hurling and football being club and county players. competitions from U-18 to U-17 comes into force. As this regrading concerns Apart from these specific issues, our inter-county level only, individual efforts continue to be directed towards counties will need to address the recurring matters and pressures with choice of whether to align their own which we are all familiar. Our volunteers county minor competitions with the work hard and must meet increasing new national grading or to remain with demands on their time; as ever, then, we the U-18 age limit; counties will need need to try to get more volunteers into to decide which age groupings best the Association at club level. We must suit their needs. A related issue, arising also continue to seek ways – through from the decision of Congress 2016 to providing the proper structures and replace the U-21 football championship programmes of games – of combatting with an U-20 championship, is one now the dropout rate in the 13-19 age facing hurling: given the significant age group. Elsewhere, the presence of gap between the new U-17 minor level fifty-six teams at the World Games in and the existing U-21 hurling grade, Dublin in August demonstrated that hurling needs to consider whether the international dimension of the GAA to replace its U-21 competition by is becoming increasingly important, an U-20 one. My own belief is that so we will need to support these units this change should be made. and facilitate the growth of our games

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42 Tuarascáil An Ard Stiúrthóra

17 July 2016; A Galway U16 team has a team talk ahead of their curtain raiser match prior to the Connacht GAA Football Senior Championship Final Replay match between Galway and Roscommon at Elverys MacHale Park in Castlebar, Co Mayo.

43 SeniorFolio title Hurling review 2016

44 Senior Hurling reviewFolio 2016 title

Iomáint Senior Hurling Review 2016

17 March 2016; , Na Piarsaigh, moments after the final whistle. AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Final, Na Piarsaigh, Limerick, v Ruairí Óg Cushendall, Antrim. Croke Park, Dublin.

45 SeniorFolio title Hurling review 2016

Another season 7 August 2016; Tadhg de Búrca of Waterford in action against of Kilkenny during the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Semi-Final match between Kilkenny and Waterford at Croke Park in Dublin. and another occasion where the restorative, rejuvenating power of hurling on the soul was there for us all to savour.

46 TuarascáilSenior Hurling An Ard review Stiúrthóra 2016

In his match 2010 coaching veteran Eamonn But within a handful of weeks Waterford O’Shea, was given the reins. were given the chance to inflict their programme revenge with Derek McGrath’s side address before the In truth, there were some doubts superb in their Munster championship as to whether or not Tipperary clash on June 5 with a fourth minute 2016 All-Ireland could be awoken from the strange Maurice Shanahan goal putting final, Uachtarán slumber which had followed the them on the way to a deserved 1-21 dizzy heights of September 2010. to 0-17 victory over the Banner. Aogán Ó Fearghail There was little to dissipate those The victory put Waterford into the put it perfectly clouds of doubt as Tipperary mixed Munster final where they would meet when he said: the good and the bad in the Allianz a Tipperary team who had demolished league and were picked off by Clare a disappointing Cork 0-22 to 0-13 and “Very little connects us to our ancient in the knock out quarter final stage. then cleared a traditionally troublesome heritage like a game of hurling. Today’s Limerick hurdle 3-12 to 1-16. teams are the finest of a truly wonderful The Allianz league had really belonged vintage. As ash meet ash, echoes of Celtic to two teams – Clare and Waterford. The Munster final on July 10 saw a young warriors will be brought to life before Waterford team ruthlessly taken apart our eyes on the hallowed turf of Croke Two counties and two panels of some by a Tipperary side looking like a very Park. Hurling builds our uniqueness of the most outrageous naturally gifted different proposition with a power and as a race, today’s games reveal it.” hurlers we have seen in a long time, and directness that was to be their new under the baton of and hallmark en route to a 5-19 to 0-13 Back in 2010 Tipperary won two All- Derek McGrath – two young coaches victory with Seamus Callanan, John Ireland hurling titles in the space of six and clever tacticians; men who are McGrath and rampant. unforgettable days in September. clearly deeply in love with the great game and in trying to master it. The early shots in the Leinster First there was the apparent epoch championship were fired by Westmeath defining victory over Kilkenny to deny Clare won all five of their matches in who won all three of their matches in the Cats the elusive five in a row. Then, Division 1B and amassed a total of a preliminary round robin group that the following Saturday, and with many 6-107 along the way. A surprise home also featured the Kerry hurlers. of those senior stars like Paudie Maher defeat to Dublin and a high scoring draw and Noel McGrath in their ranks, the with Galway didn’t derail Waterford Dublin looked impressive when in Premier romped to a 5-22 to 0-12 victory from making progress in Division 1A atrocious conditions they dismantled in an Under 21 final against Galway amid with Kilkenny also looking ominous. Wexford at Croke Park, but the Dubs a carnival-like atmosphere in Thurles. were then blitzed by a TJ Reid and The Deise struggled over Wexford JonJo Farrell inspired Kilkenny in the Tipperary had halted ’s Cats and had a bit to spare over Limerick Leinster semi-final in Portlaoise. and one of the greatest eras of success to make the Allianz league final. ever seen in the GAA. In cruising to an Clare saw off Tipperary and scored Westmeath’s great run was abruptly Under 21 title in the same week it was a phenomenal 4-22 to dominate halted by Galway in a quarter final as if they were serving notice that the Kilkenny’s 2-19 in the semi-final. with the Tribesmen then taking start of a new reign was upon us. care of an Offaly side who came In the decider Clare and Waterford out of the preliminary round to Only it didn’t quite work out like that. were like prize fighters circling each see off neighbours Laois. other and cancelling each other out. It would take six years for the blue and The closing minutes were dramatic The Kilkenny-Galway Leinster final gold storm that we were waiting for to as control swung from one end to the followed a familiar path with Galway finally arrive. But it happened in 2016 other - but the 0-22 apiece clash had contributing handsomely to the and if anything for Tipperary supporters, also left room for improvement. game – but Kilkenny ultimately that extra wait made it all the more having too much for them. joyous when the success came. The replay was enthralling, with two last-gasp points settling a The qualifiers proved redemptive for The year started for Tipperary with cliff-hanger 2-19 to 1-23 in Thurles as Wexford – who scored a landmark first a subtle change of stewardship. Clare were Allianz league champions Championship win over Cork since 1956 Michael Ryan, a selector with Liam for the first time since 1978. - and also Clare who saw off Limerick Sheedy in 2010 and a part of the more to complete the quarter final pairings. recent backroom with another

47 Senior Hurling review 2016

48 Senior Hurling review 2016

“Hurling is one of our greatest gifts as a nation, preserving and nurturing it for future generations one of our key responsibilities.”

13 August 2016; of Kilkenny scores his side’s first goal under pressure from Barry Coughlan of Waterford in the eight minute during the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Semi-Final Replay game between Kilkenny and Waterford at Semple Stadium in Thurles, Co Tipperary. 49 SeniorFolio title Hurling review 2016

Waterford and Galway comfortably Behind the headlines however, Premier fans will believe they can ousted Wexford and Clare Michael Ryan’s tweaks were define a new era – but the summer respectively to leave us with the clearly working in the Premier. showed that Waterford, Galway and top four teams in the country. Kilkenny are capable of still having The emergence of minor star John a say and the great game has no It was then, with the stakes for the McGrath onto the team as a prolific intention of being predictable. destination of the Liam MacCarthy scoring threat, the arrival of the powerful at their greatest, that the fireworks Michael Breen in the middle and calming Waterford regrouped after their in the hurling summer really flared. effect of at full back were bitter semi-final disappointment crucial. When this was allied to the to blitz their way to a memorable Waterford, mauled so badly in the resurgence of inspirational leaders such U-21 All-Ireland title. Munster final, were underdogs against as Paudie Maher, and reigning All-Ireland champions Kilkenny. the magnificent Seamus Callanan – No review of the hurling year would be Tipperary were travelling in confidence. complete without paying homage to But in a breath-taking encounter it took Na Piarsaigh who, given the year and a late goal and Conor Kilkenny had struggled to contain the its significance, produced something Fogarty point to force a draw against pace and movement of Clare in the special in the AIB All-Ireland club senior an Austin Gleeson and league semi-final and Tipperary mirrored hurling final on St Patrick’s Day. Seamus inspired Waterford, 1-21 to 0-24. that in the All-Ireland final as they were Dowling and Kevin Downes inspired full value for their 2-29 to 2-20 victory. them to see off Cushendall 2-25 to 2-14 The replay a week later picked and become the first Limerick club to up where it left off, with Kilkenny Seamus Callanan scored an incredible be crowned senior club champions. certainly better, but Waterford in no 0-13 in one of the all-time great All- way overawed or overwhelmed. Ireland final displays. John O’Dwyer Earlier in the year Bennettsbridge from contributed 1-5 and John McGrath 1-3. Kilkenny defeated Abbeyknockmoy Colin Fennelly grabbed two goals for from Galway 1-17 to 1-14 in the club the Cats but Austin Gleeson and Jake Like all great champions Kilkenny intermediate final at Croke Park. Dillon also found the net and with refused to surrender lightly but Glenmore made it a Kilkenny double the game four minutes into injury there were simply more questions in the junior final where they defeated time there was a chance for Pauric than they had answers to. Derry’s Eoghan Rua 2-8 to 0-12. Mahony to level the sides with a free from considerable distance – only for It was the most emphatic Tipperary It was a significant year for Meath Kilkenny goalie Eoin Murphy to leap display at Croke Park since their win hurling. All-Ireland U21 B winners, The bravely and pluck it from over the over Kilkenny in 2010 and they looked Royals also won the Christy Ring Cup crossbar and nailing an liberated as they cruised through the on two occasions when their initial equaliser for a 2-19 to 2-17 victory. closing stages of the match. They clash with Antrim was refixed owing needed to be at their best to deny to an unfortunate scorekeeping error, Not to be outdone, the second semi- Kilkenny and they did not disappoint. but the Meath men again prevailed. final between Tipperary and Galway was another high quality tussle with It was as if the burden of expectations Mayo defeated Armagh 2-16 to 1-15 Conor Cooney and goals that followed that September in the Final, while Louth proving crucial but with Tipperary able week of glory in 2010 had finally defeated Sligo 4-15 to 4-11 in a high to have a spread of influential players been lifted from them. scoring decider. and scorers and a super sub goal from John O’Dwyer to get them to safety. The county also captured the All-Ireland All of this in a year that also saw the minor title last September as they saw launch of the new Celtic Challenge Since 2010 Kilkenny had won all of off Limerick in the decider and this will Cup at Under 17 level and prove a the matches of consequence against no doubt lead to more expectation. massive success with titles going Tipperary. The spine of the great five in a back to teams representing Offaly, row chasing Brian Cody team was gone But there was a maturity and a South Wexford, North Wexford, but the Cats were on the verge of a third control about the Tipperary seniors Waterford City and Wicklow. straight Liam MacCarthy with question of September 2016 that was at odds marks still hanging over Tipperary. with the young stars who achieved Hurling is one of our greatest gifts as so much so soon in 2010. a nation, preserving and nurturing it for future generations one of our key responsibilities. The 2016 season proved the great game has a bright future.

50 Senior Hurling reviewFolio 2016 title

“Not to be outdone, the second semi-final between Tipperary and Galway was another high quality tussle...”

14 August 2016; The Galway team during the parade ahead of the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Semi-Final game between Galway and Tipperary at Croke Park, Dublin.

51 Senior Hurling review 2016

“It would take six years for the blue and gold storm that we were waiting for to finally arrive. But it happened in 2016 and if anything for Tipperary supporters, that extra wait made it all the more joyous when the success came..”

4 August 2016; Niall O’Meara of Tipperary in action against of Galway during the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Semi-Final game between Galway and Tipperary at Croke Park, Dublin.

52 Senior Hurling review 2016

53 4 September 2016; Tipperary captain Brendan Maher lifts the Liam MacCarthy cup as Kilkenny players look on after the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Final match between Kilkenny and Tipperary at Croke Park in Dublin.

54 55 SeniorFolio title Football review 2016

27 November 2016; Niall McNamee of Rhode celebrates after the final whistle of the AIB Leinster GAA Football Senior Club Championship Semi-Final game between Sean O Mahonys and Rhode at the Gaelic Grounds in Drogheda, Co Louth.

56 Senior Football reviewFolio 2016 title

Peil Senior Football Review 2016

57 SeniorFolio title Football review 2016

Small margins, fine lines and the bounces 1 October 2016; Aidan O’Shea of Mayo in action against Cian O’Sullivan of Dublin during the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Final Replay match between Dublin and Mayo at Croke Park in Dublin. of balls.

58 Senior Football review 2016

On the smallest placed before them, opening up Post-league the same question with a home win over Kerry and shrouded the onset of the championship. things the destination gathering points both home and Could Dublin be toppled and how of highly coveted away in an unblemished campaign. might this be brought about? championship While Down found the going tough The early part of the season medals are decided in the top flight, Roscommon fully was not without its shocks. embraced their elevation to Division One and rarely has there claiming an away win over Kerry before Tipperary pulled off a major surprise securing a semi-final berth against by scoring a rare win over Cork while been a more obvious the same opposition as Dublin and out west Galway finally dented case in point as the Donegal joined them in the last four. Mayo’s domination of Connacht.

Dublin footballers Kerry more than atoned for their early Tipp’s push was halted by Kerry in the rounded off another season home hiccup against Roscommon Munster final but this did not herald with a commanding semi-final win the end of what turned out to be a championship season at Croke Park in the repeat fixture memorable Tipperary odyssey. while Dublin overpowered Donegal in top of the pile. another fixture that would be played Galway made full advantage of their In so doing, the now three-time All- out again before the year was out. Mayo scalp beating early season pace Ireland winning manager setters Roscommon - after a replay - helped the county to their first back On April 24 the GAA celebrated while in the east Dublin’s stranglehold to back victories since 1976-77 at a the Centenary of the 1916 Rising on the Leinster championship time when the county’s legendary with a spectacular pageant on continued with a second consecutive rivalry with old foes Kerry dominated the actual calendar anniversary final win over Westmeath. the footballing landscape. of the seminal event.

While such an outcome was Before that there were league always possible; it was far from honours to be presented. “New challenges, new a foregone conclusion and the way in which the season played The previous night Louth beat Antrim faces and crucially new out reminded us that reigning to claim division four honours while accolades. And there champions are there to be shot at. Clare raised eye-brows by beating were no shortage of Kildare in a win that signaled their intent those for the men in Losing one All-Star - Rory O’Carroll - is ahead of a productive summer run. one thing but when another, 2015 player blue in what was truly of the year Jack McCaffrey joined him on On the Sunday Tyrone held off the a season to remember.” the sidelines opting to take a year out, challenge of Cavan to annex Division Two the idea of having to replace a third of the honours before Dublin and Kerry collided starting back six seemed like a major ask. once again in the top flight decider. Ulster claimed the accolade of the most While it was that, it wasn’t an Dublin maintained their hoodoo dramatic finale of the four finals as Peter insurmountable obstacle for over the Kingdom running away Harte helped fuel a late push to finally Gavin or his charges. in the closing stages with a shake off a resolute Donegal challenge. comprehensive win that added New challenges, new faces and crucially further to their growing reputation. In the background the qualifiers new accolades. And there were no were not short on drama. shortage of those for the men in blue in During the months of February and claimed wins over both Down and what was truly a season to remember. March the clubs stole the limelight Monaghan while Clare saw off claiming the first All-Ireland medals of Laois, Sligo and Roscommon. Not for the first time in recent seasons the season. In the senior final Ballyboden the league provided a portent of St Enda’s held off Castlebar Mitchells. things to come as the year unfolded. The junior and intermediate titles went Dublin attacked the competition to Templenoe and St. Mary’s Cahirciveen panzer-like claiming all of the points in a Kerry double over Mayo opposition.

59 Senior Football review 2016

“Kerry more than atoned for their early season home hiccup against Roscommon with a commanding semi-final win at Croke Park in the repeat fixture.”

7 February 2016; Aidan O’Mahony, Kerry, in action against Ciaran Murtagh, Roscommon. Allianz Football League, Division 1, Round 2, Kerry v Roscommon. Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney, Co. Kerry. 60 Senior Football review 2016

61 Senior Football review 2016

As expected Mayo breathed life back The game suitably lived up to its billing On a damp day for football it was nip into their campaign overcoming tricky with Kerry paying scant regard to the and tuck during the second period assignments against Fermanagh, Dubs’ recent dominance of the fixture. before a squandered Dublin sideline Kildare and Westmeath. ball allowed Mayo one last upfield Indeed when they struck for two goals foray, which was expertly converted Tipperary’s bounce back came before the interval to allow them to go in by Cillian O’Connor from distance against Derry in Cavan before the six up, the capacity crowd was entitled to to force a draw and a replay. quarter-finals came into view. wonder was a first possible defeat since August 2014 on the cards for the Dubs. On a drier day the replay was While Kerry had too much in reserve no less competitive. for Clare and Dublin persevered Not for the first time in recent seasons to break down the challenge of they answered unequivocally. Dublin surged into an early lead Donegal, the other two quarter- thanks in no small part to finals offered up more headlines. Without scoring a goal - itself a rarity before a goal of the season contender - the Dubs chipped away with late from Lee Keegan shook the game. Mayo held their nerve to pip Tyrone points from and by a point in a nail biter in what was Eoghan O’Gara crowning another A rough and tumble encounter saw their toughest test to that juncture, result to savour for those on . both and Lee Keegan but Tipperary claimed the plaudits by leave the field after black cards. beating Galway to advance to a semi- On the opposite side Tipperary gave final in what was fast becoming a year to Mayo plenty to ponder but despite a Once again a controversial goal savour on every front from the county. bright start and an impressive revival provided a pivot as Diarmuid Connolly Mayo were quite simply too street converted a penalty following a Rob It’s worth recalling that at this juncture, smart and a goal from Conor O’Shea Hennelly foul on Paddy Andrews. that between 1977 and 2011 Dublin had powered them to another final date not beaten Kerry in championship action with Dublin, a re-match of the 2013 Mayo refused to let go and a late, late but 2016 offered up another knock out final and a chance to end the oft- free under the Hogan Stand provided instalment of a rivalry to match any. mentioned All-Ireland drought. O’Connor once again with a difficult chance to level matters late on but the We weren’t to know it at the time but fairytale credits had been used up in for the first time ever the football the first outing and Dublin held on. championship would extend into the month of October and that This was Dublin’s third one point final win was because a replay was required under Jim Gavin underlining a remarkable for the first time since 2000. achievement and admirable resolve.

“It’s worth recalling In a bizarre first installment Mayo set They have left their mark on this that at this juncture, about their task with vigour. Indeed had decade like no other team to date. that between 1977 it not been for two incredulous first half own goals an unusually toothless Dublin and 2011 Dublin had could have found themselves adrift. not beaten Kerry in championship action...”

62 Senior Football reviewFolio 2016 title

“Ulster claimed the accolade of the most dramatic finale of the four finals as Peter Harte helped fuel a late push to finally shake off a resolute Donegal challenge.”

17 July 2016; Ronan O’Neill of Tyrone in action against of Donegal during the Ulster GAA Football Senior Championship Final match between Donegal and Tyrone at St Tiernach’s Park in Clones, Co Monaghan.

63 Senior Football review 2016

“...a re-match of the 2013 final and a chance to end the oft-mentioned All- Ireland drought..”

64 Senior Football review 2016

21 August 2016; Mayo supporter during the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Semi-Final game between Mayo and Tipperary at Croke Park in Dublin.

65 Results 2016

2016 Results

66 Results 2016

2016 Results

9 October 2016; Baltinglass captain Jason Kennedy lifts the cup after the Wicklow County Senior Club Football Championship Final match between Baltinglass and St Patrick’s at County Grounds in Aughrim, Co. Wicklow.

67 Results 2016

Time to celebrate

1. Allianz Football League Roinn 1; 2. Allianz Football League Roinn 2; 3. Allianz Football League Roinn 3; 4. Allianz Football League Roinn 4; 5. Allianz Hurling League Roinn 1; 6. Allianz Hurling League Roinn 2A; 7. Allianz Hurling League Roinn 2B; 8. Allianz Hurling League Roinn 3A; 9. Allianz Hurling League Roinn 3B; 10. Bord Gais Energy GAA Hurling All-Ireland U21 Championship; 11. Bord Gais Energy GAA Hurling All-Ireland U21B Championship – Richie McElligott Cup; 12. Christy Ring; 13. Connacht GAA Football Senior Championship; 14. Eirgrid GAA Football All-Ireland U21 Championship; 15. Electric Ireland GAA Football All-Ireland Minor Championship; 16. Electric Ireland GAA Hurling All-Ireland Minor B Championship – Peadar O Liathain Cup; 17. Electric Ireland GAA Hurling All-Ireland Minor Championship;

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17

68 Results 2016

18. GAA Football All-Ireland Junior Championship; 19. GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship; 20. GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship; 21. GAA Hurling All-Ireland Intermediate Championship; 22. GAA Hurling All-Ireland U21C Championship – Andrew O Neill Cup; 23. Leinster GAA Football Senior Championship; 24. Leinster GAA Hurling Senior Championship; 25. Lory Meagher; 26. Munster GAA Football Senior Championship; 27. Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship; 28. Nicky Rackard; 29. Ulster GAA Football Senior Championship; 30. Ulster GAA Hurling Senior Championship; 31. Ulster GAA Hurling Senior Shield

18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26

27 2818 29 30 31

69 Results 2016

Results

Peil

AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Ballyboden/St Enda's 2-14 v 0-7 Castlebar Mitchels

AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Intermediate Club Championship Hollymount-Carramore 0-10 v 2-10 St Mary's

AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Junior Club Championship Ardnaree Sarsfields 1-10 v 4-13 Templenoe

Allianz Football League Roinn 1 Dublin 2-18 v 0-13 Kerry

Allianz Football League Roinn 2 Tyrone 1-17 v 0-15 Cavan

Allianz Football League Roinn 3 Kildare 1-19 v 2-17 Clare

Allianz Football League Roinn 4 Antrim 1-14 v 3-12 Louth

Eirgrid GAA Football All-Ireland U21 Championship Cork 1-14 v 5-7 Mayo

Electric Ireland GAA Football All-Ireland Minor Championship Kerry 3-7 v 0-9 Galway

GAA Football All-Ireland Junior Championship Kerry 2-18 v 2-11 Mayo

GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Dublin 1-15 v 1-14 Mayo

GAA Football Interprovincial Championship Connacht 3-10 v 2-16 Ulster

70 Results 2016

Iomáint

AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Na Piarsaigh 2-25 v 2-14 Ruairí Óg

AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Intermediate Club Championship Abbeyknockmoy 1-14 v 1-17 Bennettsbridge

AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Junior Club Championship Eoghan Rua 0-12 v 2-8 Glenmore

Allianz Hurling League Roinn 1 Clare 1-23 v 2-19 Waterford

Allianz Hurling League Roinn 2B Down 1-15 v 0-20 Armagh

Allianz Hurling League Roinn 3A Roscommon 4-15 v 0-7 Monaghan

Allianz Hurling League Roinn 3B Fermanagh 2-13 v 3-8 Longford

Bord Gais Energy GAA Hurling All-Ireland U21 Championship Galway 0-14 v 5-15 Waterford

Bord Gais Energy GAA Hurling All-Ireland U21B Championship - Richie McElligott Cup Meath 1-20 v 0-15 Mayo

Christy Ring Antrim 5-17 v 4-21 Meath

Electric Ireland GAA Hurling All-Ireland Minor B Championship - Peadar O Liathain Cup Meath 3-11 v 4-17 Kerry

Electric Ireland GAA Hurling All-Ireland Minor Championship Limerick 0-17 v 1-21 Tipperary

GAA Hurling All-Ireland Intermediate Championship Clare 1-16 v 5-16 Kilkenny

GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Kilkenny 2-20 v 2-29 Tipperary

GAA Hurling All-Ireland U21C Championship - Andrew O Neill Cup Donegal 3-7 v 1-2 Fermanagh

Lory Meagher Louth 4-15 v 4-11 Sligo

Nicky Rackard Armagh 1-15 v 2-16 Mayo

GAA Hurling Interprovincial Championship Munster 2-20 v 2-16 Leinster

71 Results 2016

Hurling County Champions 2016

Antrim Kerry roscommon Loughgiel Shamrocks Kilmoyley Oran

Armagh Kildare Sligo Middletown Na Fianna Celbridge Calry/St Joseph’s

Carlow Kilkenny Tipperary St Mullin’s O’Loughlin Gaels Thurles Sarsfields

Cavan laois Tyrone Mullahoran Borris-in-Ossory/Kilcotton Eire Og Carrickmore

Clare Leitrim Waterford Ballyea Cluainín Uí Ruairc Ballygunner

Cork Limerick Westmeath Glen Rovers Patrickswell Raharney

Derry Longford Wexford Slaughtneil Wolfe Tones Mostrim Oulart-The Ballagh

Donegal Louth Wicklow Seán Mac Cumhaills St Fechin’s Bray Emmets

Down Mayo Ballygalget Ballyhaunis

Dublin Meath Cuala Kiltale

n Fermanagh an lu- Monaghan m th u c

c h l le e Lisbellaw St Patrick’s as ga Inniskeen Grattans

Galway Offaly St Thomas’ St Rynagh’s

72 Results 2016

Football County Champions 2016

Antrim Kerry roscommon Erin’s Own Cargin Dr. Crokes St Brigid’s

Armagh Kildare Sligo Maghery Sarsfields Tourlestrane

Carlow Kilkenny Tipperary palatine Railyard -Castleiney

Cavan laois Tyrone Ramor United Stradbally Killyclogher

Clare Leitrim Waterford Kilmurry-Ibrickane Aughawillan The Nire

Cork Limerick Westmeath Carbery Rangers Monaleen St Lomans

Derry Longford Wexford Slaughtneil Mullinalaghta St Columba’s Gusserane O’Rahilly’s

Donegal Louth Wicklow Glenswilly Seán O’Mahony’s Baltinglass

BAR MITC LE H T E S L Down S Mayo A

C Kilcoo Castlebar Mitchels

Dublin Meath St Vincent’s Simonstown Gaels

. . Fermanagh Monaghan

. . . Derrygonnelly Harps Scotstown

Galway Offaly Corofin Rhode

73 Results 2016

2016 Championship attendances

Date Competition Teams Venue Attendance

01/05/2016 Connacht Senior Football Preliminary Rd Nua Eabhrac v Ros Comáin , New York 3,260 01/05/2016 Leinster Senior Hurling Qualifier Group An Iarmhí v Uíbh Fhailí TEG Cusack Park, Mullingar 2,200 01/05/2016 Leinster Senior Hurling Qualifier Group Ciarraí v Ceatharlach 836 07/05/2016 Leinster Senior Hurling Qualifier Group Ciarraí v An Iarmhí Austin Stack Park 782 07/05/2016 Leinster Senior Hurling Qualifier Group Uíbh Fhailí v Ceatharlach O’Connor Park, Tullamore 948 14/05/2016 Leinster Senior Football Laois v Cill Mhantáin Portlaoise} - 14/05/2016 Leinster Senior Football An Lú v Ceatharlach Portlaoise} 4,575 15/05/2016 Leinster Senior Football Uíbh Fhailí v An Longfort O’Connor Park, Tullamore 5,023 15/05/2016 Ulster Senior Football Preliminary Rd Fear Manach v Aontroim Brewster Park 9,124 21/05/2016 Leinster Senior Football Loch Garman v Cill Dara Páirc an Chrócaigh} - 21/05/2016 Leinster Senior Hurling Áth Cliath v Loch Garman Páirc an Chrócaigh} 10,391 22/05/2016 Connacht Senior Football Liatroim v Ros Comáin Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada 8,157 22/05/2016 Leinster Senior Hurling Qualifier Group Ceatharlach v An Iarmhí Netwatch Cullen Park 210 22/05/2016 Leinster Senior Hurling Qualifier Group Uíbh Fhailí v Ciarraí O’Connor Park, Tullamore 3,450 22/05/2016 Munster Senior Hurling Tiobraid Árann v Corcaigh Semple Stadium, Thurles 29,114 22/05/2016 Ulster Senior Football Doire v Tír Eoghain Celtic Park 12,011 29/05/2016 Connacht Senior Football Londain v Muigheo Irish TV Grounds, Ruislip 5,000 29/05/2016 Munster Senior Football Port Láirge v Tiobraid Árann 1,753 29/05/2016 Munster Senior Football Luimneach v An Clár Gaelic Park, Limerick 3,343 29/05/2016 Ulster Senior Football An Cabhán v Ard Mhacha Kingspan Breffni Park 15,263 04/06/2016 Leinster Senior Football Laois v Áth Cliath Nowlan Park 15,594 05/06/2016 Leinster Senior Hurling Uíbh Fhailí v Laois O’Connor Park, Tullamore 4,779 05/06/2016 Leinster Senior Hurling An Iarmhí v Gaillimh TEG Cusack Park, Mullingar 5,453 05/06/2016 Munster Senior Hurling Port Láirge v An Clár Semple Stadium, Thurles 19,715 05/06/2016 Ulster Senior Football Muineachán v An Dún Clones 12,782 11/06/2016 Leinster Senior Hurling Áth Cliath v Cill Chainnigh Portlaoise 10,419 12/06/2016 Connacht Senior Football Ros Comáin v Sligeach Dr. Hyde Park 8,338 12/06/2016 Leinster Senior Football An Lú v An Mhí 8,380 12/06/2016 Leinster Senior Football An Iarmhí v Uíbh Fhailí TEG Cusack Park, Mullingar 8,123 12/06/2016 Munster Senior Football Tiobraid Árann v Corcaigh Semple Stadium, Thurles 2,753 12/06/2016 Munster Senior Football Ciarraí v An Clár Fitzgerald Stadium 11,358 12/06/2016 Ulster Senior Football Dún na nGall v Fear Manach Ballybofey 15,918 18/06/2016 Connacht Senior Football Muigheo v Gaillimh Elverys MacHale Park, Castlebar 21,784 18/06/2016 All Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 1A Ceatharlach v Cill Mhantáin Netwatch Cullen Park 1,458 18/06/2016 All Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 1A Doire v An Lú Owenbeg 1,528 18/06/2016 All Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 1A Laois v Ard Mhacha Portlaoise 1,387 19/06/2016 All Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 1A Liatroim v Port Láirge Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada 785 19/06/2016 Leinster Senior Hurling Gaillimh v Uíbh Fhailí Portlaoise 5,930 19/06/2016 Munster Senior Hurling Tiobraid Árann v Luimneach Semple Stadium, Thurles 25,531 19/06/2016 Ulster Senior Football Tír Eoghain v An Cabhán Clones 19,141 19/06/2016 Ulster Senior Hurling An Dún v Ard Mhacha } - 19/06/2016 Ulster Senior Hurling Doire v Aontroim Athletic Grounds} 354 25/06/2016 All Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 1B Loch Garman v Fear Manach Innovate 1,366 25/06/2016 All Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 1B An Dún v An Longfort Páirc Esler, Newry 2,560 25/06/2016 All Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 1B Uíbh Fhailí v Londain O’Connor Park, Tullamore 981 25/06/2016 All Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 1B Aontroim v Luimneach , Belfast 456 25/06/2016 Ulster Senior Football Dún na nGall v Muineachán Kingspan Breffni Park 16,287 26/06/2016 Leinster Senior Football Áth Cliath v An Mhí Páirc an Chrócaigh} -

74 Results 2016

Ulaidh 172,693 / Mumha 141,606 / Laighin 197,614 Connachta 86,841 / Provincial Total 598,754 Total 1,384,996

Date Competition Teams Venue Attendance

26/06/2016 Leinster Senior Football An Iarmhí v Cill Dara Páirc an Chrócaigh} 42,259 02/07/2016 All Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 2A Sligeach v Liatroim 4,227 02/07/2016 All Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 1A Refixture Laois v Ard Mhacha Portlaoise 2,390 02/07/2016 All Ireland Hurling Qualifier Rd 1 An Clár v Laois Cusack Park, Ennis 5,518 02/07/2016 All Ireland Hurling Qualifier Rd 1 Corcaigh v Áth Cliath Páirc Uí Rinn 9,372 02/07/2016 All Ireland Hurling Qualifier Rd 1 An Iarmhí v Luimneach TEG Cusack Park, Mullingar 2,400 02/07/2016 All Ireland Hurling Qualifier Rd 1 Loch Garman v Uíbh Fhailí Innovate Wexford Park 3,128 02/07/2016 Ulster Senior Football Replay Dún na nGall v Muineachán Kingspan Breffni Park 17,174 03/07/2016 Leinster Senior Hurling Final Gaillimh v Cill Chainnigh Páirc an Chrócaigh 29,377 03/07/2016 Munster Senior Football Final Ciarraí v Tiobraid Árann Fitzgerald Stadium 21,521 03/07/2016 Ulster Senior Football Replay An Cabhán v Tír Eoghain Clones 20,223 09/07/2016 All Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 2B Cill Dara v Uíbh Fhailí Newbridge 4,016 09/07/2016 All Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 2B Muineachán v An Longfort Clones 5,262 09/07/2016 All Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 2A An Cabhán v Ceatharlach Kingspan Breffni Park 2,542 09/07/2016 All Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 2B Muigheo v Fear Manach Elverys MacHale Park, Castlebar 12,011 09/07/2016 All Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 2A Doire v An Mhí Owenbeg 2,352 09/07/2016 All Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 2B Luimneach v Corcaigh Semple Stadium, Thurles} - 09/07/2016 All Ireland Hurling Qualifier Rd 2 An Clár v Luimneach Semple Stadium, Thurles} - 09/07/2016 All Ireland Hurling Qualifier Rd 2 Corcaigh v Loch Garman Semple Stadium, Thurles} 15,985 10/07/2016 Connacht Senior Football Final Gaillimh v Ros Comáin 24,342 10/07/2016 All Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 2A An Clár v Laois Cusack Park, Ennis 2,105 10/07/2016 Munster Senior Hurling Final Tiobraid Árann v Port Láirge Gaelic Park, Limerick 26,518 10/07/2016 Ulster Senior Hurling Final Aontroim v Ard Mhacha Owenbeg 983 16/07/2016 All Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 3B Muigheo v Cill Dara Elverys MacHale Park, Castlebar 14,875 16/07/2016 All Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 3A An Cabhán v Doire Kingspan Breffni Park 5,591 16/07/2016 All Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 3B An Longfort v Corcaigh Glennon Brothers Pearse Park 4,248 16/07/2016 All Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 3A Sligeach v An Clár Markievicz Park 3,269 17/07/2016 Connacht Senior Football Replay Gaillimh v Ros Comáin Elverys MacHale Park, Castlebar 15,960 17/07/2016 Leinster Senior Football Final Áth Cliath v An Iarmhí Páirc an Chrócaigh 38,885 17/07/2016 Ulster Senior Football Final Dún na nGall v Tír Eoghain Clones 33,433 23/07/2016 All Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 4A Tiobraid Árann v Doire Kingspan Breffni Park 2,320 23/07/2016 All Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 4A An Clár v Ros Comáin Pearse Stadium 5,301 24/07/2016 All Ireland Hurling Quarter Final Gaillimh v An Clár Semple Stadium, Thurles} - 24/07/2016 All Ireland Hurling Quarter Final Port Láirge v Loch Garman Semple Stadium, Thurles} 31,600 30/07/2016 All Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 4B Muigheo v An Iarmhí Páirc an Chrócaigh} - 30/07/2016 All Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 4B Dún na nGall v Corcaigh Páirc an Chrócaigh} 27,819 31/07/2016 All Ireland Football Quarter Final Gaillimh v Tiobraid Árann Páirc an Chrócaigh} - 31/07/2016 All Ireland Football Quarter Final Ciarraí v An Clár Páirc an Chrócaigh} 29,251 06/08/2016 All Ireland Football Quarter Final Áth Cliath v Dún na nGall Páirc an Chrócaigh} - 06/08/2016 All Ireland Football Quarter Final Tír Eoghain v Muigheo Páirc an Chrócaigh} 80,250 07/08/2016 All Ireland Hurling Semi Final Cill Chainnigh v Port Láirge Páirc an Chrócaigh 34,729 13/08/2016 All Ireland Hurling Semi Final Replay Cill Chainnigh v Port Láirge Semple Stadium, Thurles 30,500 14/08/2016 All Ireland Hurling Semi Final Tiobraid Árann v Gaillimh Páirc an Chrócaigh 54,227 21/08/2016 All Ireland Football Semi Final Muigheo v Tiobraid Árann Páirc an Chrócaigh 53,661 28/08/2016 All Ireland Football Semi Final Áth Cliath v Ciarraí Páirc an Chrócaigh 80,250 04/09/2016 All Ireland Hurling Final Cill Chainnigh v Tiobraid Árann Páirc an Chrócaigh 82,016 18/09/2016 All Ireland Football Final Áth Cliath v Muigheo Páirc an Chrócaigh 82,249 01/10/2016 All Ireland Football Final Replay Áth Cliath v Muigheo Páirc an Chrócaigh 82,257

Total Attendance 1,384,996

75 Results 2016

All-Ireland Senior Championship results

Peil

Round 1A Laois 1-10 v 0-10 Armagh Round 3A Derry 1-17 v 0-18 Cavan

Round 1A Derry 1-18 v 2-10 Louth Round 3B Cork 2-9 v 1-6 Longford

Round 1A Carlow 1-17 v 1-12 Wicklow Round 3B Mayo 2-17 v 0-14 Mayo

Round 1A Leitrim 0-12 v 0-8 Waterford Round 4A Tipperary 1-21 v 2-17 Derry

Round 1A Replay Laois 1-11 v 1-10 Armagh Round 4A Clare 2-12 v 1-9 Roscommon

Round 1B Longford 2-24 v 3-17 Down Round 4B Donegal 0-21 v 1-15 Cork

Round 1B Offaly 0-17 v 1-7 London Round 4B Mayo 3-15 v 1-14 Westmeath

Round 1B Fermanagh 0-19 v 1-11 Wexford Quarter Final Tipperary 3-13 v 1-10 Galway

Round 1B Limerick 2-6 v 0-9 Antrim Quarter Final Kerry 2-16 v 0-11 Clare

Round 2A Sligo 2-15 v 0-10 Leitrim Quarter Final Dublin 1-15 v 1-10 Donegal

Round 2A Cavan 2-13 v 0-12 Carlow Quarter Final Mayo 0-13 v 0-12 Tyrone

Round 2A Derry 1-14 v 1-11 Meath Semi Final Mayo 2-13 v 0-14 Tipperary

Round 2A Clare 0-14 v 1-10 Laois Semi Final Dublin 0-22 v 2-14 Kerry

Round 2B Longford 2-13 v 1-13 Monaghan Final Dublin 2-9 v 0-15 Mayo

Round 2B Mayo 2-14 v 1-12 Fermanagh Final Replay Dublin 1-15 v 1-14 Mayo

Round 2B Cork 2-12 v 0-10 Limerick

Round 2B Kildare 1-22 v 2-14 Offaly

Round 3A Clare 2-17 v 1-13 Sligo

76 Results 2016

Iomáint

Round 1 Clare 5-32 v 0-12 Laois

Round 1 Limerick 1-24 v 0-18 Westmeath

Round 1 Wexford 1-21 v 1-13 Offaly

Round 1 Cork 1-26 v 1-23 Dublin

Round 2 Wexford 0-23 v 1-17 Cork

Round 2 Clare 0-19 v 0-15 Limerick

Quarter Final Galway 2-17 v 0-17 Clare

Quarter Final Waterford 0-21 v 0-11 Wexford

Semi Final Kilkenny 1-21 v 0-24 Waterford

Semi Final Tipperary 2-19 v 2-18 Galway

Semi Final Replay Kilkenny 2-19 v 2-17 Waterford

Final Tipperary 2-29 v 2-20 Kilkenny

77 Results 2016

Tickets

2015 2016

Overall Capacity 82,006 82,006

County Allocations 59,516 58,230

Provinces 355 355

Overseas 472 472

Ard Chomhairle & Iar Uachtaran 792 792

Camogie 140 140

Ladies Football 100 100

Rounders & Handball 212 212

Sponsors 994 1,102

Press 254 254

TV & Radio 74 74

Schools and Educational Bodies 2,229 2,229

3rd Level 240 240

Croke Park Residents 200 200

Match Officials and National Referees panel 148 156

Health Bodies & Irish Sports Council 60 60

Match Day/Vertigo/Minor Teams 148 148

Staff & Sub committees 708 712

Jubilee Teams 70 70

Mini Games 230 230

Term Tickets 2,703 2,389

Season Tickets 1,833 3,313

Number available for distribution 71,478 71,478

Premium & Corporate 10,528 10,528

Total 82,006 82,006

78 Results 2016

9 November 2016; Saoirse Nic Seoin of Scoil Oilibhéir, An Chúil Mhín, in action against Katie Ní Dhoinn of Gaelscoil Bhrian Bóroimhe, Sord, during their Corn na Laoch final at the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Finals in Croke Park, Dublin.

79 17 December 2016; Ulster captain Eoin Donnelly lifts the Cup after the GAA Interprovincial Football Championship Final match between Connacht and Ulster at Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim.

80 Thanks to our Sponsors

The Central Council of the GAA wishes to place on record its appreciation for the help in the promotion of our games received from the following sponsors in 2016

eir, AIB and SuperValu as the official sponsors of the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship.

Etihad Airways, Centra and Liberty Insurance as the official sponsors of the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship.

Allianz as the official sponsor of the GAA AIB as the official sponsor of the GAA Football Electric Ireland as the official sponsor of Football and GAA Hurling Leagues. and Hurling All-Ireland Junior, Intermediate the GAA All-Ireland Minor Championships. and Senior Club Championships.

Kellogg’s as the official sponsor of the Bord Gáis Energy as the official sponsor EirGrid as the official sponsor of the GAA GAA Cúl Camps. of the GAA Hurling U21 All-Ireland Football U21 All-Ireland Championship. Championship.

ESB as the official energy Specsavers as official sponsor EirGrid as official GAA Sure as the official sponsor partner to the GAA. of GAA Hawk-Eye. Timing sponsor. of GAA Statistics.

Independent.ie as the official John West as the official John West as official Masita as official sponsor of the sponsor of GAA Third Level sponsor of the GAA sponsor of the GAA GAA All-Ireland Post Primary Competitions. Féile Peile na nÓg. Féile na nGael. Schools Championships.

GAA/GPA sponsors

Opel as official sponsor Avonmore Protein Milk PWC as official sponsors Best Mens Wear as official of the GAA/GPA All-Stars as official sponsors of the of the GAA/GPA. sponsors of the GAA/GPA. and official car partner. GAA/GPA. GAA, Croke Park GAA, Páirc An Chrócaigh Dublin 3 Baile Átha Cliath 3 Fax +353 1 836 6420 Faics +353 1 836 6420 Tel +353 1 836 3222 Guthán +353 1 836 3222

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