Comhdháil Bhliantúil

C.L.G. Laoise

The Heritage Hotel Port Laoise

Thursday, 9th December, 2010 7 p.m.

C.L.G. Laoise

Standing Orders

In order that the proceedings of the convention be carried out without delay the following Standing Orders will be observed: - 1. The Proposer of a Resolution, or Amendment thereto, may speak for 5 minutes but no longer. 2. A Delegate speaking to a Resolution or Amendment shall not exceed 3 minutes. 3. The Proposer of a Resolution, or Amendment, may speak a second time for 5 minutes, before a vote is taken, but no other Delegate may speak a second time to any Resolution or Amendment. 4. The Chairman shall, at any time he considers a matter has been sufficiently discussed, call on the Proposer to reply, after which a vote will be taken. 5. A Delegate may, with the consent of the Chairman, move “that the question be now put” after which, when the Proposer has spoken, a vote must be taken.

An Clár 1. Adoption of Standing Orders. 2. Minutes of 2009 Convention. 3. Secretary’s Report. 4. Treasurer’s Report and Financial Statement. 5. Appointment of Tellers. 6. Election of Officers. 7. Motions. 8. Aon Ghnó Eile. 9. Votes of Sympathy.

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil 1 The Annual Convention of Laois GAA was held in The Heritage Hotel on Thursday 10th December 2009. Cathaoirleach Briain O hAlúinn presided na Slí Naomh Manmáin; L.O’Duinn, D. at County Convention in The Heritage O’hAnluain & C. O’hAoláin, Cloch Baile Hotel on 10/12/09. The following Executive Cholla; L. O’Caomhanaigh, A. O’Riagáin Members were also in attendance Eibhlín & L. De Stacphúil, Coillte; A. O’hAlluráin, Ní Dhuinn, Mairtín O’Broin, Micheál B. O’Nualláín & S. O’Duinn, Coill na O’Cearbhúill, Seán O’Daltúin, Mairsile Ní Cúirte; P. O’Puircéil, G. O’Puircéil & Dhalaigh, Tomas Mac Seoin, Pascal Mac S. De Búrca, Crochta Ard; E. Strong, Aodh Bhuí, Ailéin O’Langtúin, Gearóid P. O’Gormáín & M. O’Riain, Ioma; L. O’Caomhanaigh, Dónall O’Duiginn, O’Mórdha, M. Puircéil & P. O’Deá, Eiréil; Labhras O’Dubháin, Uinseann O Dullaing E. O’Maolchallann & M. O’Riagáin, Gráig agus Niall Mac Laitimh (Runaí). Chuilinn; C. O’Somacháin, S. O’Briain & O. Conraoi, Cill Chabháin; P. Mac Giolla The following Clubs were represented as Mhartáín, L. Mac Giolla Phadráig & S. follows: O’Dalaigh, Coill Choitín; M. O’Riagáin, E. O’Caoimh, D. O’Rinn & M. De P. Mag Aoidh & M. O’Gealagáín, Cill Búrca, Mainistir Laoise; L. Soirtéil, M. Eisín; S.P. Mac Cnaimhín, A. Mac O’Riain & R. O’Muilleoir, Anach; L. Giolla Phadráig & P. O’hEilí, Coill; De Bhál, S. O’Conbhuí & T. O’Boltúin, S. O’Challoner, S. O’Conghaile & T. Ard Lios Cilchrúis; M. O’Suilleabháin, P. O’Sé, Móinteach Mílic; R. O’Sléibhín, O’Suilleabháin & D. O’Braonáin, Ard Lios L. O’Fionnalaigh & H. O’Laoire, Na Cilín; L. O’Seachnasaigh, A. Mac Giolla Diomasaigh; A. O’Rannacháin, T. Phadraig & L. O Faoláin, Baile na Coille; O’Conaill & P. O’Muirín, Páírc Raithín S. O’Cróc, G. O’Braonáin & E. Mac Giolla Uisce; C. Cónléibhe, A. O’Bruadau & Phadraig, Baile Fionn; U. O’Hovendáin, M. O’Leathlobhair, Cúil an tSudaire; V. L. O Caollaí & E. O’Ceallaigh, Baile O’Dullaing, P. O’Néil & T. O’Scolaí, Laigheanáin; E. O’Deá, M. Ní Fhaoláin & Portlaoise; A. Mac Stibhín, R. O’Ceallaigh L. O’Gormáin, Baile Piocas; S. O’Faoláin, & S. O’Reachtair, Rath Domhnaigh; T. De N. O’Dubhsláinne & E. Peacóg, Mainistir Barra, M. Mac Mathúna & M. Mac Giolla Baile Atha Róine; S. Dáibhis, M. O’Braonáin Phadraig, Rath Domhnaigh Eiréil; P. & A. O’Braonáín, Teach an Bhearra; C. O’Meachair, T. Réamonn & P. Breatnach, O’Dónaill, E. O’Sioráin & C. O’Sioráin, Ross Fhionnghlaise; S. P. O’Caimpion, Buiríos Mór Osraí; C. O’Dubhsláinne, S. O’Labhraí & S. O’Maoileanaigh, Na T O’Deoráin & P. O’Duagáin, Camros; Seamróig; M. O hOgáin, P. O’Buaigh & P.S. O’Maoileanaigh, S. O’Fionnaligh A. O’Dubhsláínne, Seanchua; S. O’Braoin, & M. O’Faoláín, Baile an Chaisleáin; M. O’Labhraí & G. Caimpion, Sliabh M. O’hUaithnín, A. O’Duinn & S. Bladhma; P. O’Braonaín, P. Mac Giolla O’Conraoi, Cluain Fhada; P. O’Cearbhuill, Phadraig & M. O’Gormáín, Spinc; A. P . Mac Reámainn & M. O’Fallúin, Cluain O’Faoláin, S. O’Broin & S. O’Coinn,

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil 2 Maighean Rátha; M. O’Conaráín, M. • Ciarán Cónléibhe acknowledged O’Diomasaigh & M. O’Móra, Naomh Heritage Group for their outstanding Seosamh; S. O’Duiginn, S. O’Nuallíán sponsorship to Laois GAA over the & B. O’Dubhsláinne, Sráidbhaile; S. past five years. O’Céil, D. O’Duiginn & T. Breatnach, Na Clairsigh; D. O’Céin, D. De Brún • Peadar O’Néil complimented PRO on & P. O’Céin, An Fraoch; S. O’hAlúinn, production of Weekend Championship L. O’Stóirín & P. O’Dubhslainne, An programmes. Charraig; B. O’Drisceoil, L. O’Rannacháín • Dónal O Duiginn complimented L. & S. O’Rannacháin, Tigh Mochua; S. De Stacaphúil on his hurling report to O’Maolchathail, F. O’Ceallacháin agus S. Convention and acknowledged role of Mac Peaircín, Tromaire. present Coiste Iomán down the years.

Padraig O’Donnabháin • Mairsile Ní Dhalaigh congratu- - Handball Representative lated Portarlington and Clonaslee St Manmans clubs on reaching the Daibhéid O’Fionnagáin Leinster Scór na nOg finals in instru- - Cumann na mBunscoil mental music and solo singing. Padraig O’Suilleabháín - Referee Administrator Treasurer’s Report showing a deficit of €92,768 (including a depreciation figure of Peadar O’Maoileoin - Secondary Schools €142,302) on the years running was adopt- Standing Orders were adopted on the ed on the proposition of Dónal O’Rinn, proposition of Liam De Stacphúil, second- seconded by Proinsias O’Céin. ed by Caomhín O’Somacháin. An Cisteoir thanked all the Clubs for their Minutes of 2008 Convention was adopt- commitment and support to the County ed on the proposition of Glen O’Braonáin, Board Draw, Golf Classic Committee, seconded by Padraig O’Cearbhúill. Ulster Bank and their staff, Gate staff, Secretary’s Report was adopted on the Central and Leinster Council staff and proposition of Glen O’Braonáin, seconded Mairtín O‘Broin for his support during the by Liam De Stacphúil. The following com- year. mented or made observations on the re- Tellers the following were appointed port: and approved by Convention – Micheal • S.S. O’Conbhuí congratulated Mac Raghnaill (Supervisor), Tadhg Portlaoise on their success in Deoráin, Coilm O Cléirigh, Padraig O Laois and Leinster Senior Football Leathlobhair, Padraig O Labhraí, Seamus Championships and wished them the O Caomhanaigh, Liam O Néil, Eamann O best of luck in the All Ireland series. Faoláin & Niamh Ní Caimpion.

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil 3 Election of Officers The following officers were elected:

Cathaoirleach (Chairman): Briain O’hAlúinn was elected unopposed.

Leas Chathaoirleach (Vice Chairman): Gearóid O Caomhanaigh was elected on the first count, defeating Labhras O Dubháín, Aindriú O’Bruadau & Seán O Daltúin.

Cisteoir (Treasurer): Mairtín O’Broin was elected after defeating Eibhlín Ní Dhuinn in a vote.

Leas Cisteoir (Asst. Treasurer): Pilib O Duagáin was elected unopposed.

Ard Comhairle (Central Council) Delegate: Antóin O Dubhsláinne was elected after defeating Risteard O Muilleoir in a vote.

Comhairle Laighean (Leinster Council) Delegates (2): Micheál O Cearbhúill (Second Count) agus Ciarán Cónléibhe (Fifth Count) were elected in a vote, defeating Labhras O Dubháin, Ailéin O’Langtúin, Dónal O Duiginn, Ciaran O Dubhsláinne, Dónal O Gormáin, Proinsias O Céín.

Oifigeach Forbartha (Development): Tomas Mac Seoin was elected after defeating Ciarán O’Dubhsláinne in a vote.

Oifigeach Oiliuna (Coaching): Peadar O Néil was elected unopposed.

Oifigeach Cultir agus Gaeilge (Cultural and Irish): Mairsile Ní Dhalaigh was elected after defeating Roghan O hEideáin in a vote.

Oifigeach na nOg (Youth): Uinseann O Dullaing was elected after defeating Aindriú O’Bruadau in a vote.

Oifigeach Caidrimh Poibli (P.R.O.): Pascal Mac Aodh Bhuí was elected unopposed.

Congress Delegates (4): Briain O’hAlúinn, Niall Mac Laitimh (both automatically elected); Antóin O’Dubhsláinne agus Padraig O Cearbhúill.

Under 21 Congress Delegate(1): Seosamh O Maoilchéire.

Leinster Convention Delegates (5): Gearóid O Caomhanaigh, Briain O’hAlúinn, Tomás Mac Seoin, Mairtín O Broin agus Pascal Mac Aodh Bhuí.

All elected and defeated candidates returned thanks.

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil 4 NA RÚIN

An Cathaoirleach informed delegates that all Motions submitted were a matter for County Committee in accordance with Riail 3.20 & 3.21, T.O. 2009. He stated he would allow a general discussion on each of the Motions, but that all would be referred back to the relevant sub-committees, who would ultimately make recommendations on them to County Committee. The following Motions were discussed:

1. That admission prices to all Laois Club fixtures be reduced in 2010. (Ard Lios Cil Chrúis)

2. That no Laois Club matches be played on All Ireland Football or Hurling Sundays. (Ard Lios Cill Chrúis)

3. That the naming of Club player lists remain at a maximum of seventeen (Ard Lios Cill Chrúis)

4. That County players be more available to Clubs including Minors and that management of County teams inform Clubs about these players situation as County games are being played (Cluain na Slí Naomh Manmáin)

5. That the Intermediate Championship be played the same as the Senior Football Championship and also to discontinue the four week break (Anach)

6. That in Championship no Club shall play another Club at a given level until that Clubs higher grades have played at least one Championship game. (E.g. Club “A” has teams at Senior and Junior. Club “B” has team at Junior. The Clubs cannot meet in Junior Championship until Club “A” have fielded at Senior) (Sliabh Bladhma).

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil MOTIONS 5 Any Other Business

• GAA / GPA agreement – all delegates regulations for this competition and were circulated with this proposed that closing date for entry was the 1st. agreement. There was no comment on January. the document. • O’Moore Park Stewarding – L. de Bhál • Laois GAA Strategic Plan – Mairtín O asked for consideration to be given to Broin outlined the basic aims and vari- stewarding areas behind goal areas in ous themes of the plan, which would be O’Moore Park on match days, as there implemented over the next few years. was a number footballs and sliotars going missing during games. • Membership Registration – An Runaí informed delegates of the new rules gov- erning membership in 2010 and that the new on-line registration system will be An Cathaoirleach Briain O hAlúinn ad- the only acceptable method of register- dressed Convention commenting on the ing players and members in the coming performance of our respective County year. Training sessions will take place on teams; congratulating Portlaoise on new system on Tuesday 19th. and 26th. their recent Leinster Senior Football January in Portlaoise College. Championship success; the progression of Coaching and Games Development in the • GAA Injury Scheme – P. O Cearbhúill County; new structures that are in place to expressed his dissatisfaction with present provide greater governance and transpar- injury scheme and queried what amend- ency in the manner in which we do our ments were likely to present cover being business. He concluded by thanking all provided. An Runaí replied. for their co-operation during the year and • Leinster Club Hurling League – An wished everyone a peaceful Christmas and Runaí informed Convention of new as successful 2010.

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil 6 MOTIONS Votes of Sympathy

Votes of Sympathy were extended to the following families: Abbeyleix ��Kavanagh, Bonham, Burke, Holohan. Arles Kilcruise ��McDonald, Lawlor, Tully, Bolton, Egan, Miller, Whelan. Arles Killeen ��Proctor, Keightley, Lalor, O’Sullivan, Leigh, Ryan. Ballinakill ��Walsh, Carroll. Ballyfin ��Heffernan, Scully, Phelan, Brennan. Ballylinan ��Julian, Donohoe. Barrowhouse ��Mulhall, Murphy, Hyland, Ellard, Timpson, Daly. Ballypickas ��McEvoy (Dooarey), McEvoy (Tullore). Whelan, O Dea, O’Brien. Ballyroan Abbey ��Peacock, McEvoy (Dooarey), McEvoy (Tullore), Fogarty, Whelan. Camross ��Burke. Castletown ��Lyons, Ferns. Clonad ��Doran, Kerr, Lalor, McCabe, Whelan. Clonaslee St. Manmans ��McRedmond, Walsh, Tynan, McEvoy, Dunne, Daly, Blake, Delaney. Clough Ballacolla ��Bergin, Hetherington, Kinahan, Maher. Colt ��Phelan, Grant, Lalor, Scully. Courtwood ��Green, McLoughlin, O’Connell, Ryan, Fenlon, Wilson, Gillen, Blanche, Coleman. Crettyard ��Brennan, Kelly, Brennan, Wheatley. Errill ��McGrath, Barton, Keane, Dunne, Fox, Grant. Emo ��Allen, Murphy. Graiguecullen ��Hurley, Byrne. Killeshin ��Hearns, Maguire, Curran, Bolger. Kilcotton ��Gray, Byrne, Coss. Kyle ��Sheeran. Mountmellick ��Dempsey O’Dempseys ��Kelly Park Ratheniska ��Carter, Maher, Ramsbottom, Doheny. Portarlington ��Broderick, McCague, Murphy. Rathdowney ��Grey, O’Brien, Whelan, Hickey, Holohan, Kavanagh, Ryan, Finane. Rosenallis ��Callaly, McEvoy, Keane, Dooley. Shanahoe ��Foot, Lalor, O’Toole, Delaney. Slieve Bloom ��Burke. Spink ��Dunne, Gorman. St. Fintans Mountrath ��Loughnane, Fitzpatrick, Reilly. St. Josephs ��Hyland, Leigh, Lacey, Moore. Stradbally ��Dobbin. The Harps ��Cashin, Walsh, Dunphy. The Heath ��Delaney, Daly. The Rock ��Conroy, Corcoran, McEvoy, Geghegan, Harding, Shelly, Cushen, Hanson, Meahan, Savage. Trumera ��Savage, Burke, Fitzpatrick, O’Connor.

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil MOTIONS 7 Tuairisc an Runaí 2010 As An Runaí of Coisde Chontae Laoise, I am pleased to welcome you all here tonight to express and reflect your thoughts on yet another year past in Laois GAA. Unfortunately success at Inter-county level eluded us in all grades, in what proved a very disappointing year. Within the County however, the Association continues to thrive with huge activity in nearly all sectors.

Briefly my reflections on GAA activities in Laois for the past year –

narrow one point defeats to Armagh, Meath County Teams and Down, we certainly could have been Senior Football challenging for Division 2 honours and promotion to Division 1. Our Senior Football year commenced with a victory over D.I.T. in the O’Byrne In the Championship we had the formi- Cup, which faced us against rivals and neigh- dable task of playing the previous years All bours Kildare in O’Moore Park. In a “conten- Ireland semi finalists Meath in Croke Park in tious” affair, Kildare emerged winners, with our opening game. I would have to say that both County Boards a good bit “lighter in the with a diligent preparation and encouraging pocket” as a result of some of our players on performances in some challenge games, con- field activities fidence and expectations were high entering this game. In the game itself we were playing Our League campaign with a little luck “catch up” for long periods, but produced a could have been so much more rewarding. heroic finish to force the game to extra time Success over Tipperary, Westmeath and and again with a never say die attitude en- Kildare ensured our Division 2 status, but for sured the game went to a replay. Hopes were again high the following week as we head- ed to Tullamore for the replay, but Meath seemed to learn a little more from the previous day and while two of their goals may have been fortuitous and questionable, they were more clinical on the day and deserving winners. The Qualifier route paired us with Tipperary in Thurles a week later, where a disappointing and lack lustre display ended our Championship aspirations for 2010. Once an advocate fan of the Qualifier series, which has served the Association well, I would like to see it revamped or reviewed in some way. In its present format it is too condensed in to a short period of time (this I know and agree is to facilitate Club Fixtures) and at the moment does not allow players recover from the Leinster SFC 2010 replay Laois v Meath fatigue and disappointment of defeat in their Provincial Championships.

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil 8 Tuairisc an Runaí 2010 Whilst critical of the behaviour of a Under 21 number of our Inter-county panellists in At the outset of the year, there was a be- 2009, I would have to honestly say that these lief that we would make a strong impact at concerns were addressed in no certain manner this level, particularly having won a Leinster and that the commitment by this panel to the Championship at the Minor grade three years Laois cause was exemplary. Some will argue previously. How things change in three years!! that it took a players charter to rectify this, The emigration of players of the calibre of however I am sceptical of such charters and Zach Tuohy and Conor Meredith downunder strongly believe that a certain code of conduct to the AFL, certainly weakens ones hand and is a prerequisite for any player honoured to be realisation only dawns on how important they on a Laois panel and hope this will be in all were to Laois when they are gone and that cases in the future. I would like to take this is certainly no disrespect to our Laois panel opportunity to thank all our Senior panellists this year. Our Under 21 preparations were for their efforts during the year. I firmly be- further interrupted with the unavailability of lieve that there is the ability and talent within the Portlaoise players for training and chal- this panel and that with their renewed effort lenge games due to their extended run in the of commitment and honesty that we could at All Ireland Club Football Championship and least be in a position to challenge for at least also John O Loughlin who incurred a serious Provincial honours. hand injury while playing with UCD in the Fitzgibbon Cup. I wish to thank Sean Dempsey Manager, Nevertheless management carried on and Dermot Murphy and Eamon Delaney opened their championship campaign with a Selectors for their efforts during the past two workmanlike performance and victory over years. The three are proud Laois men and car- Wicklow in Aughrim, never an easy task as we ried out this task with a passion and I must know. In the semi final they faced Westmeath say without reimbursement. Unfortunately, in Mullingar, a game we had ample oppor- though results didn’t work in their favour tunities in but wastefulness in front of goal during their two year tenure and I acknowl- proved our undoing. edge their disappointment when their servic- I would like to thank our Management es were not retained for 2011. Our backroom team of Pat Roe Manager and Fergal Byron team comprising Coiste Peil members Ollie and Niall Slevin Selectors for all their efforts Byrne, Andrew Broderick and Eddie Whelan; with this panel. They will continue managing Staticians Tony Bambrick and company; Dr. the panel for the coming year, as they pre- Aidan Hanson; Physical Trainer Mick Kelly pare once again for Westmeath, this time in and Conditioning Coach Brian Lonergan; O’Moore Park, in an attempt to avenge this Physio Brian Oxley and Co are also deserving year’s disappointing defeat. Special thanks to of our thanks for the professional manner in Tom Scully and Noel Tynan for the backroom which they assisted in their various roles. service they provided to this panel. In the coming year our quest for Senior Minor honours will be managed by Justin McNulty, Our Minor footballers opened their cam- who will be assisted by Paul Clancy and paign with a hard earned win over Louth in Donal Norton and we certainly wish them Drogheda, which qualified them for a home well in their endeavours. game against Wicklow, whom they overcame by the narrowest of margins. In spite of being My congratulations are extended to unimpressive in their opening games, expec- Colm Begley on his selection for Ireland in tations were high as they faced neighbours the Compromise Rules Series and his acco- Offaly in Tullamore in a semi final, perhaps lade of being named “Player of the Series”. mistakenly buoyed by a facile success over

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil Tuairisc an Runaí 2010 9 them in a challenge game earlier in the year. and Billy Delaney are deserving of our grati- In the game itself, the team never realised tude for their endeavours with this panel dur- their true potential and were disappointingly ing the year and indeed after “reconsideration” defeated by a point to a deserving Offaly team have been reappointed for the coming year. I on the evening. would also like to thank Brendan Broderick for his professional services to this panel free Our Management team of Denis Lalor of charge and also Brendan Delaney who and Selectors Seamus Lalor, Tony McMahon serviced this panel.

SENIOR FOOTBALL Leinster Senior Football Championship O’ BYRNE CUP S.F. Quarter Final 16.01.10 - Graiguecullen 13.06.10 - Croke Park Laois 1-13 ...... ��DCU 1-14 Laois 1-16 �� Meath 2-13 a.e.t.

24.01.10 - O’Moore Park Quarter Final Replay Kildare 0-12 ��Laois 0-8 19.06.10 - Tullamore Meath 2-14 ��Laois 0-10 Allianz GAA Football National League Round 1 All Ireland Senior Football Qualifier 27.06.10 - Thurles 06.02.2010 - O’Moore Park Tipperary 0-13 ��Laois 0-12 Laois 1-13 �� Tipperary 1-11

Round 2 UNDER 21 FOOTBALL 14.02.2010 - Ballybofey Donegal 3-11 �� Laois 0-5 Leinster Under 21 Football Championship 06.03.10 - Aughrim Round 3 Laois 0-13 ��Wicklow 0-10 06.03.2010 - O’Moore Park Laois 0-12 �� Armagh 0-13 Semi Final 17.03.09 - Mullingar Round 4 Westmeath 0-14 ��Laois 0-11 14.03.2010 - Mullingar Westmeath 3-8 ��Laois 0-24 MINOR FOOTBALL Round 5 Leinster Minor Football Championship 20.03.2010 - Navan 17.04.10 - Drogheda Meath 0-13 �� Laois 1-9 Laois 5-09 ��Louth 0-14

Round 6 Quarter Final 27.03.2010 - O’Moore Park 22.05.10 - O’Moore Park Laois 0-13 �� Kildare 0-9 Laois 0-17 �� Wicklow 1-13

Round 7 Semi Final 11.04.2010 - Newry 30.06.10 - Tullamore Down 2-11 �� Laois 1-13 Offaly 0-10 �� Laois 0-09

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil 10 Tuairisc an Runaí 2010 Senior Hurling tionable and certainly highlights the incon- Our Walsh Cup campaign began with sistency of refereeing standards in games a victory over G.M.I.T. in Rathdowney, like this and that of the “real” hurling pow- which qualified us for a home game against ers. In the Qualifier series we drew Carlow Galway. This was a thrilling game that we again for what was to be our third meet- forced to extra time and whilst suffering de- ing within a ten week period and is some- feat it certainly portrayed the improvement thing that should be reviewed where teams this panel has made. As a result we entered who have already played each other in the the Shield Competition where success over Championship should avoid each other in D.I.T. qualified us for a final meeting with Phase 1 of the Qualifier series. Again our Kilkenny in Castlecomer. After another shooting in front of goal proved costly and highly entertaining game we emerged vic- a Carlow team showing far more appetite torious over the All Ireland Champions by for success on the evening were deserving a one point margin. While acknowledging winners ending our Championship dreams Kilkenny were nowhere near full strength for 2010. for this encounter, it was progress and a great morale booster for the upcoming The performances this year were again National League. encouraging and while defeat in some crucial games was very disappointing, I hon- As a result of our Walsh Cup Shield estly believe that huge progress has been success and in the hope that we could build made by Niall Rigney and his management on last year’s championship performances, team over the past two years and I believe qualification for the knockout stage of the the incoming management can further National League was the target. Whilst build on this with a competitive league run victories over Kildare, Antrim, Westmeath, with a view to promotion being a realistic Down and Carlow made this target realis- proposition in the coming year again. tic, our failure to perform on the day against the big two Clare and Wexford found us I would like to take this opportunity coming up short and finishing just outside to thank our outgoing management team the qualification in third place. of Niall Rigney and Selectors PJ Peacock Our Championship campaign com- and Bro. Phil Ryan, who all stepped down menced with a workmanlike performance at the end of the Championship, for their over Carlow that qualified us for a meet- tremendous work and dedication to this ing with Dublin in Nowlan Park. While panel during the year. Our backroom team results will show that Dublin were facile comprising Pat Delaney, Damian Lynch, winners, it was hardly a true reflection with Sean Regan, Physical and Conditioning our performance probably deserving more, Coach, Bernie Conroy Physio, Dr. our wastefulness in front of goal proving John Paul Campion and Coiste Ioman a major downfall and the dismissal of our Chairperson Kieran Delaney and Secretary Captain Brian Campion at a crucial stage Willie Stackpool are also worthy of men- in the game would have to be deemed question and whose work is greatly appreciated.

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil Tuairisc an Runaí 2010 11 Our panel of players are also deserving of and Kevin Culleton for their efforts with our thanks. this panel during the year. At the time of penning this report, our management team For the coming year, Brendan Fennelly for 2010 has not yet been finalised. has been appointed Manager. He will be assisted by Seamus Dooley and another Selector to be appointed and we wish them Minor every success in the year ahead. Our Minor panel opened their campaign against Westmeath in Mullingar I would also like to congratulate Eoin and though short a number of players who Reilly on his victory in the Leinster Senior failed to commit to the panel, confidence Poc Fada Competition on the Curragh was high as a result of some good perform- Racecourse last May and also Willie ances in challenge games. Unfortunately Hyland, John Rowney, Eoin Reilly, Andrew we performed nowhere near our potential Collier and Chris Murray on their selection on the day and were defeated by a far more on their respective Senior and Under 21 Shinty teams during the year. clinical and organised Westmeath team. Whilst our defeats to Carlow and Under 21 Westmeath at Under 21 and Minor respec- There were high expectations for this tively have met with disbelief and aston- panel at the beginning of the year having ishment in some quarters, credit must be come within minutes of beating Kilkenny given to these Counties for the effort and at minor level three years previously, but it work they are putting into underage hurl- should not be forgotten that prior to that ing and a realisation must begin that we game, they had to pull out all the stops to have to equal that commitment particu- beat Carlow. I would have to say prepara- larly at Club level. Hopefully the immense tions for our opening game against Carlow work carried out through the Setanta pro- went anything but well. The restriction on gramme will show some hope in the next commencing Under 21 training until 1st. couple of years. May prohibited management from getting the panel together when they intended. I would like to extend our gratitude to Challenge games had to be cancelled at Tony Ryan Manager; Sean Hyland, Tom short notice and an ongoing injury list didn’t Flynn and John Taylor Selectors; Eamon help and caused poor turnout for training. Sweeney Coach and Pat Ryan Physical Whatever reasons, our performance that Trainer for their work and endeavours with evening against Carlow in O’Moore Park this panel during the year. In the coming was poor, lacking in commitment and pas- year Seamus Plunkett has been appointed sion and was most disappointing. Minor Manager where he will be assisted I wish to thank Mattie Collier Manager by Peadar Burke, Liam Clancy and Mick and his Selectors Pat O’Brien, Ricky Cashin Scully.

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil 12 Tuairisc an Runaí 2010 SENIOR HURLING Allianz National Hurling League 04.04.10 - O’Moore Park: Walsh Cup Wexford 1-18 �� Laois 1-14 24.01.10 - Rathdowney Laois 1-25 ��GMIT 1-13 Allianz National Hurling League 31.01.10 - Rathdowney 18.04.10 - Dr Cullen Park Galway 4-24 ��Laois 2-17 a.e.t. Laois 1-16 �� Carlow 1-10 Walsh Cup Shield Leinster Senior Hurling Championship 07.02.10 - Rathdowney 22.05.10 - O’Moore Park: Laois 1-24 ��D.I.T. 2-13 Laois 1-13 �� Carlow 0-10 13.02.10 Final - Castlecomer 06.06.10 - Nowlan Park Laois 1-17 �� Kilkenny 1-16 Dublin 0-25 �� Laois 0-16 Allianz National Hurling League All Ireland Senior Hurling 28.02.10 - O’Moore Park Championship Qualifier Clare 2-12 �� Laois 1-11 26.06.10 - Dr Cullen Park Allianz National Hurling League Carlow 1-19 ��Laois 3-12 09.03.10 - O’Moore Park Laois 1-15 ��Carlow 0-08 UNDER 21 HURLING Allianz National Hurling League Leinster Under 21 Hurling 14.03.10 - Casement Park Championship Laois 2-19 ��Antrim 1-12 09.06.10 - O’Moore Park Allianz National Hurling League Carlow 1-14 ��Laois 0-09 21.03.10 Laois 4-14 �� Westmeath 0-13 MINOR HURLING Allianz National Hurling League Leinster Minor Hurling Championship 28.03.10 - Portaferry 01.05.10 - Mullingar Laois 0-20 �� Down 1-11 Westmeath 2-16 �� Laois 1-11

Laois Senior Hurling team v Carlow

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil Tuairisc an Runaí 2010 13 Laois SFC Final 2010 Portlaoise

Laois SHC Final 2010 won by Rathdowney Errill

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil 14 Tuairisc an Runaí 2010 Local Championship tainly be reluctant for radical change in our and Leagues. schedule. Our Senior Hurlers commence their Leinster Championship campaign in I wish to extend my congratulations to the early May and from there on, either our winners of all our Championships and Leagues Footballers or Hurlers, pending their progress whom are outlined in the Roll of Honour at in Championship or Qualifier are involved the end of this report. I would like to firstly on a weekly or fortnightly basis, which does congratulate Portlaoise on winning their sev- not favour a planned Fixture Schedule during enth Leinster Club Football Championship title in 2009. At the time of writing, our only May, June and July. I have received the calls to representatives remaining in Leinster Club start Championship earlier, most notably from Competition are Timahoe in the Intermediate the exclusive football and hurling Clubs, but Football and I wish them the very best in their we are a dual County and the dual Clubs and quest for Provincial honours. Players must be accommodated too.

Our Senior Football Championship went Our exclusive Junior Clubs, who by the along predictable lines with Portlaoise securing way have never experienced such success since their fourth title in a row with a narrow victo- the introduction of the current schedule, have ry over Arles Kilcruise in a repeat of the 2009 problems with the order of Championships decider, while Rathdowney Errill were worthy commencing and is something that can be winners of our Senior Hurling Championship adjusted at Junior level, but will necessitate Final defeating Camross in the final. more midweek games for them in August and September. There also needs to be more A t t h e t i m e o f p r e p a r i n g t h i s r e p o r t a l l c o m - harmonisation with Fixtures between CCC petitions have been completed other than our and Coiste na nOg, particularly in relation to Under 21 Football Championship and I would Under 16 and Minor. like to thank all Clubs for their great co-operation in completing the programme. I believe In relation to our Championship struc- our success in complying with our schedule is tures, our Senior Football Championship con- due to the fact that the present system is Player tinues to be a success with our Senior Clubs friendly and allows Clubs and Players plan to a and is an exciting competition that has been defined Fixture Schedule, which we as a CCC embraced by the general GAA public. I still can adhere to. I know the vacuum created in believe it involves too many teams and the July due to our Intercounty demise instigated Intermediate Championship is suffering a debate as to why Championships could not be slow death as a result. Our Senior Hurling played during this period and earlier in the Championship was certainly competitive from season. Basically to change our schedule at quarter final on, however as stated before I am that stage would have caused havoc, as speak- not a fan of the present Championship struc- ing to a number of Clubs, their players were ture. Some Clubs are idle for a month or more on holidays having planned them around the between games and I again believe we have too schedule issued in February. In future I hope many teams involved. I would favour an entire some of our Intercounty teams will be in ac- restructuring of our hurling championships tion in July, this year being the first year in from Senior down with a uniform number of over a decade that we were not involved at teams in each grade, but are we brave enough some level during that month.. to make that decision yet!

When writing this report, I am not aware Our Leagues, I think have become more of our Fixture Review Committees delibera- competitive and were nearly all completed tions or recommendations, but I would cer- before their respective championships com-

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil Tuairisc an Runaí 2010 15 menced. Perhaps increasing the number of have been made. The recommendation that teams for qualification for playoffs and relega- Divisions 3 and 4 of the League not be sub tion might add that extra competitiveness. I divided was a success and the extra games were would favour conformity more in our Leagues welcomed by most Clubs. I will again speak with a uniform number of teams in each Division, which is essential for Fixture making with respective Senior Managers in releasing purposes and the introduction of heavy fines County players for as many League games as or debarment from Championship for Clubs possible, but it is just not possible for them to who withdraw from Leagues after the Draws be available for them all.

Laois IFC Final 2010 won by Timahoe

Laois IHC Final 2010 won by Camross

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil 16 Tuairisc an Runaí 2010 Laois MFC Final 2010 won by Graiguecullen

Laois 2010 MHC ‘A’ Final won by Kilcotton/ Borris-in-Ossory

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil Tuairisc an Runaí 2010 17 Laois JFC A Final 2010 won by Ballyfin

Laois JHC A Final 2010 Trumera win

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil 18 Tuairisc an Runaí 2010 Sparrow Insurances A.C.H.L. Division 3 Final Championships and Leagues The Harps 1-16 ��Castletown 0-14

HURLING A.C.H.L. Division 4 Final Senior Championship Rosenallis 3-05 ��Ballyfin 1-05 Rathdowney Errill 2-11 ��Camross 1-09 A.C.H.L. Division 5 Final Intermediate Championship Clonaslee St Manmans 3-10 �� Rathdowney Errill 3-10 Borris In Ossory 2-12 �� Ballyfin 1-12 A.C.H.L. Division 5 Final Replay Junior Championship Clonaslee St Manmans 2-12 ��Rathdowney Errill 0-12 Trumera 4-11 �� Timahoe 1-13 Minor Hurling League Final Junior “B” Competition Clough Ballacolla 4-11 ��Rathdowney Errill 2-12 Ballinakill 3-05 ��Colt 1-09 Minor “B” Hurling League Final Junior “C” Competition Mountmellick Ballyfin 3-05 ��Clonad 2-06 Rathdowney Errill 2-20 ��Ballylinan 4-07 A.I.B. Leinster Club Hurling Under 21 Championship Leinster Club Senior Hurling Camross Kyle 6-19 �� Kilcotton Borris in Ossory 0-10 Championship Quarter Final 31.10.10 - O’Moore Park Minor Competition Rathdowney Errill 0-14 ��O’Loughlin Gaels 3-16 Kilcotton Borris in Ossory 1-11 ��Camross Kyle 0-11 Leinster Junior Hurling Championship Minor “B” Competition 17.10.10 - Ballyfin St. Fintans Mountrath 2-9 �� St Fintans Raheen 1-12 Ballyfin 1-12 ��Moorefield 0-12

Minor “B” Competition Replay Quarter Final St Fintans Raheen 4-09 �� St. Fintans Mountrath 2-06 31.10.10 - O’Moore Park John Lockes 0-12 ��Ballyfin 0-6 Palmer Cup Competition Camross 2-11 ��Kilcotton 0-14 Leinster Special Junior Hurling Championship Quarter Final O’Bradaigh Cup A.C.H.L. 15.11.09 - Athlone Division 1 Final Trumera 3-12 �� Southern Gaels 0-08 Clough Ballacolla 1-16 ��Ballinakill 0-12 Semi Final A.C.H.L. Division 2 Final 14.11.10 - Kilberry Colt 2-15 �� Clonaslee St Manmans 1-09 Trumera 2-10 ��Wolfe Tones 4-10 a.e.t.

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil Tuairisc an Runaí 2010 19 Laois U-21 HC Final 2010 won by Camross

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil 20 Tuairisc an Runaí 2010 FOOTBALL A.C.F.L. Division 3 Final Senior Championship St Josephs 2-10 �� Rosenallis 1-05 Portlaoise 1-08 �� Arles Kilcruise 0-08 A.C.F.L. Division 4 Final Intermediate Championship Portlaoise 1-11 �� The Harps 0-06 Timahoe 0-15 �� Portlaoise 0-09 A.C.F.L. Division 5 Final Junior Championship O’Dempsey’s 2-11 �� Killeshin 0-08 Ballyfin 1-08 ��Spink 0-09 Minor Football League Final Junior “B” Competition Graiguecullen 5-10 ��St Joseph’s Barrowhouse 1-05 Portlaoise 5-14 �� Clonaslee St Manmans 1-03 Minor “B” Football League Final Junior “C” Competition Ballyroan Abbey Gaels 1-17 ��Shamrocks 2-12 a.e.t. The Heath 1-13 ��Shamrocks 2-05 A.I.B. Leinster Club Football Under 21 Championship Leinster Club Senior Football Graiguecullen or Stradbally Parish Gaels Championship v 24.10.10 - O’Moore Park Ballylinan Glenmore or Portlaoise Portlaoise 2-11 �� Moorefield 0-14

Under 21 “B” Competition Quarter Final O’Dempsey’s 3-09 ��Crettyard Killeshin 1-07 07.11.10 - O’Moore Park Kilmacud Crokes 2-07 �� Portlaoise 2-04 Minor Championship Graiguecullen 5-09 ��Portlaoise 1-09 Leinster Club Intermediate Football Championship Minor ‘B’ Competition 31.10.10 - Carrickedmond Ballyroan Abbey 2-19 ��The Rock 0-02 Timahoe 0-11 �� Carrickedmond 1-05

Kelly Cup Competition Quarter Final 07.11.10 - Timahoe O’Dempsey’s 3-12 �� Graiguecullen 2-08 Timahoe 0-12 ��Annacurra 0-07

A.C.F.L. Division 1 Final Semi Final 21.11.10 ��O’Moore Park St Josephs 1-09 ��Stradbally 0-08 Timahoe ��Ballymore

A.C.F.L. Division 2 Final Leinster Club Junior Football O’Dempsey’s 1-13 ��Arles Kilcruise 1-11 Championship 24.10.10 - Mullingar Milltownpass 0-11 ��Ballyfin 0-5

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil Tuairisc an Runaí 2010 21 ACFL D1 Final 2010 won by St. Josephs

ACHL D1 Final 2010 won by Clough Ballacolla

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil 22 Tuairisc an Runaí 2010 Referees serious controversies that damaged the repu- tation of the Association. Our Players and Our Referees and Match Officials in the Counties are putting so much effort and fi- form of linesmen, umpires, fourth officials nance into preparation for our Provincial and and assessors are essential to the success of All Ireland Championships, that they deserve our programme of fixtures. May I take this so much better than such poor Refereeing and opportunity to pay special tribute to Anthony Umpire calls and I believe where human error Stapleton and his umpires on their appointment for the All Ireland Minor Hurling Final and contentious decisions can be eliminated and compliment them on the manner in with the introduction of video technology which they carried out their duties. This is the in score detection, that it be examined and third year in a row now that Laois Referees introduced immediately for our Intercounty have been involved on All Ireland day. Championship games. Our Referee Administrator Pat O I had the “experience” of servicing the Sullivan and his committee are also deserv- Referee Administration Committee this year ing of our thanks, particularly in their ef- and I can tell you it was just that, the attitude forts to try and improve refereeing standards of some Club Officials towards appointments and bring consistency at all levels. All of and performances is frightening and will our Adult Referees, bar two, completed an not be tolerated going forward. While disci- Inservice training course prior to officiating pline in general was good, the Clonaslee St any games this year and this course is pres- Manmans “saga” aside, I believe in order to ently being rolled out for the 2011 season, bring a real consistency and improve referee- whilst a number of our Umpires also attended ing standards, we need to increase the pool and a special course dedicated to their duties. attract and recruit more suitable and compe- The Young Referee recruitment and tent persons to this sphere. This won’t happen training programme was carried out again with the present attitude of some Players and this year, with 19 Young Referees recruit- Officials, so may I re-iterate and state this be- ed. They were provided with Theory and haviour will not be entertained in the coming Practical Sessions and were also deployed year. There is a shortage of Referees of certain round the County, officiating at various Go standards in the County at present, particu- Games blitzes, Setanta and Croke Park Play larly in hurling where we are reaching crisis and Stay games. Hopefully they will continue point and only a limited amount of games their pursuit of refereeing into the future and can be scheduled at any given time or date. a special thanks to Maurice Deegan, John The hypocrisy of it is that some of the more Flynn and Vincent Dowling on this contin- persistent Clubs who “whinge” about Referee ued initiative. appointments, don’t even supply a Referee. So rather than continuously complain at meet- Whilst our local Referees came in for the ings about appointments and the standard of usual criticism, in getting some of the tight calls wrong and not letting the game flow, I refereeing in our Club games, I am request- can only imagine what would have happened ing each Club in the coming year to provide if some of the Refereeing and Umpire errors at least one Referee, who they believe to be that happened at National level occurred both competent and suitable. I know we have within the County. Anarchy I’d expect! The threatened sanctions before on Clubs who do Officials decisions made in the Leinster Final not presently supply a Referee and I see no (Louth and Meath) and the All Ireland Senior option but to recommend next January for semi final (Kildare and Down) had a major the loss of home venue for all League games impact on the results of these games and were for these Clubs.

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil Tuairisc an Runaí 2010 23 ACFL D2 Final 2010 won by O’Dempseys

ACHL D2 Final 2010 won by Colt

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil 24 Tuairisc an Runaí 2010 Finance package, it is intended that they will carry out a detailed review of current financial controls In the present economic climate I sup- and put in place best practice corporate gov- pose our finances can be described as satis- ernance structures and financial transaction factory, particularly as we achieved budget in management procedures to maintain the in- most sectors. There are areas where we over- tegrity and credibility of the finances of Laois ran and these must be examined and scruti- GAA among the wider GAA public. nised in detail and significant savings made. It is intended post Convention to hold meet- I would like to take this opportunity to ings again with all Team Managements and thank our Treasurer Martin Byrne for his Player Representatives to outline constraints commitment and dedication to Laois GAA, on preparation of our teams and also com- likewise our Assistant Treasurer Phil Duggan plete a full review of all aspects of expendi- and of course our Finance Committee com- ture with a view to further cost cutting in all prising Alan Langton, Kieran Leavy, Bosco sectors. Ramsbottom, Gerry Kavanagh, Paschal McEvoy, Jim Kells, Pat Booth and George Whilst our Gate Receipts held together Plunkett. reasonably well, our Fundraising was down. This income is now nearly entirely dependent on the Club County Board Draw, which was Páirc Ui Mhórdha significantly down for the County Board due to the reduction in the Club levy. This Draw During the year we hosted a number of is essential to both our County and our Clubs Inter-county and club Championship games future financial wellbeing and will be contin- in the stadium, which I am pleased to say were ued. Other fundraising initiatives included run very satisfactorily. It is important that we our Golf Classic, which was again a success continue to improve our excellent organisa- under the stewardship of Gerry Kavanagh, tion of big match days, in order to ensure fu- Liam Delaney and John Cotter, to whom we ture games of such stature in the grounds and are extremely grateful; our Quantum Draw, which we must also remember are significant which is being held at County Convention financial earners too. I wish to thank the lo- and of course our “Club Laois” Membership cal Gardai for their help on match days and venture which was launched during the year likewise our Event Controller Tom Jones and and will be ongoing and is certainly an area Chief Steward Gerry Kavanagh for their in- that can be further exploited into a worth- terest, foresight and efficiency and of course while fundraising initiative. our numerous voluntary stewards without whom it wouldn’t be possible to host such During the year we installed the new games. GAA Financial Software package, which was of very little benefit to us this year, due to its ar- The National Infrastructure and Safety rival midway during the year, but from herein Committee are currently conducting an in- it will be a tremendous asset enabling month- dependent audit of all County grounds and ly accounts to be reviewed against budgets in Secondary grounds in view of new pending all our financial sectors. The introduction of legislation towards Health and Safety regula- the “Bosca” ticketing machines in O’Moore tions and standards. The audit in O’Moore Park also further enhances the accountability Park was conducted in September and I nerv- of gate receipts in the stadium. A Finance and ously await the results. There are certain sec- Audit Sub Committee, comprising Christy tors of the stadium that we are aware require Fingleton, Mick Lennon and Noel Delaney immediate upgrading and wheelchair fa- was also set up during the year and with the cilities too must be improved. We have plans introduction of the new Financial Software drawn up for an overhaul on these sectors, but

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil Tuairisc an Runaí 2010 25 ACFL D3 Final 2010 won by St. Josephs

ACHL D3 Final 2010 won by The Harps

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil 26 Tuairisc an Runaí 2010 we must first await the outcome of this audit, Coaching and Games Development which will determine funding and prioritise Coaching and Games Development and these areas for development. the amount of activity involved is immense. In conclusion to my report on Páirc It is at the core of our association and the im- Ui Mhórdha, I must compliment our portance and seriousness in which Laois GAA Groundsman Colm McEvoy for the manner view our Coaching and Games Development in which he continues to keep the pitch in can be seen by our financial investment in the stadium in such pristine condition. Our this area. Our Coaching and Games is under the guidance of our Games Manager Caretaker Peter Carroll is also deserving of Pat Critchley, whom is ably supported by our thanks particularly for the jovial manner our Games Development Administrators in which he carries out his duties. Likewise, Ciaran Muldowney and Donal Brennan. our FAS team for their continued upkeep of Since his appointment, Pat has revolutionised the stadium during the year. Coaching and Games Development within the County and his enthusiasm, ideas and vision are without question maximising partici- Centre of Excellence pation in all the communities the Association As outlined last year we as a County are serves and I have no doubt Laois GAA will now in the fortunate position of having two be a far stronger unit in the future due to his sites available to us in Dooary, Ballyroan and influences in this sector. In not wishing to du- in Galmoy. plicate or replicate, the activity in this area is outlined in more detail by Pat Critchley and In September, we received planning our Coaching Officer Peter O Neill in their permission in Galmoy for a change of use report later in this booklet. from manufacturing to that of a Centre of From discussion with our Football Excellence for sport, incorporating playing Officer and Development Mentors it has pitches, training and changing facilities. At been noted the significant drop in calibre the moment a contract of sale agreement is and talent of those attending Development being drawn up to transfer the property into squad trials in recent years, that is of course our name. Again sincere thanks to Andy in comparison to the Squads which eventu- Dunne and John Stapleton for their work and ally went on to Provincial and All Ireland suc- help to date in relation to the Galmoy project. cess. The restriction, imposed at Central and The site in Dooary Ballyroan is currently be- Provincial level, in the amount of sessions de- ing leased to a local farmer. velopment squads can get together is further hindering the work required to correct and Our County Board Officers have been develop these players. The introduction of the in regular contact with Comhairle Laighean O’Mórdha Og at Under 13 level was set up CLG, Coiste Bainistí CLG and National as a result and was a success and will be even Infrastructural and Safety Committee in re- more long term, but far more work is required lation to the development of our Centre of at juvenile level in our Clubs if we are to relive Excellence and availability of grant funding the Minor “glory days” in the short term. for same. Hopefully early in the coming year, The motion passed at Congress that all we will be in a better position to know exactly Under 12 Competitions now be organised what funding will be available, our borrow- used the “Go Games” module with teams being requirements and be able to come forward ing a maximum of 11 – a – side and struc- with a definite proposition on our Centre of tured to ensure that all participants get to Excellence. play in a full game came in for criticism in

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil Tuairisc an Runaí 2010 27 ACFL D4 Final 2010 won by Portlaoise

ACHL D5 Final 2010 won by Clonaslee / St. Manmans

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil 28 Tuairisc an Runaí 2010 certain quarters. I welcome the decision be- While some people and Clubs remain lieving it gives far greater participation pros- sceptical of this Strategic Plan, I would have pects for our Association and with proper to honestly say that it is only through the management will benefit all Clubs, weak and implementation of this Plan and the amend- strong, in the long term. I know Coaching ments we make to it along the way that will and Games have recommendations to bring ensure the GAA in our County will continue forward on this competition, which include to adapt and flourish even in the changing rebranding and culminating in a “féile” type and challenging times in which we will be festival at the backend of the year. operating. As a result of our successful hosting of As part of our County Plan, it is intend- Feile na nGael with Offaly in 2008 and 2009, ed that 9 Clubs will develop their own Club we have now applied to host Feile na Peil in Plan using the club planning process which 2012. Our application is receiving favourable will provide them with a structured method to planning their own future. The plan doesn’t consideration at present, although co-hosting necessarily have to be a huge publication, but again will be a necessity and hopefully in the should be basic, realistic, user friendly and coming weeks we will be in a position to an- accountable to your Clubs requirement. We nounce that we have been selected for 2012. have facilitators trained from within and outside the County and our Development Strategic Vision and Action Plan Officer Tom Jones can provide any further information Clubs might require. Our Club Forum was held this year on 20th. October and was very well attended. The new Club Manual was also launched The meeting reviewed in detail what had this year and this on-line manual provides been achieved in the various themes of the valuable information for all Club Officers in plan to date and what was targeted for the terms of their role in the Club and numer- coming year. The feedback from this Forum ous other aspects of Club administration. For has been circulated to the Clubs and also to any new incoming Officers this resource is a the Strategic Implementation Committee must. who will make the necessary modifications to Club Officer training will also be provid- the Plan based on these inputs. ed for Chairmen, Secretaries, Treasurers and One of the most important issues aris- PRO’s in the New Year. These programmes ing from the Strategic Plan was the number will help up skill all our Officers in their vari- of our male youths Under 14 years of age ous roles and provide a great opportunity for them to meet other Club Officers to network domiciled in the Portlaoise urban area. This and share ideas. resulted in the appointment of an Urban Review Committee under the Chairmanship of Monsignor John Byrne and the Motion I.T./ Communications on the Clár this evening is as a result of the The Association as part of their policy Committees proposal whereby if passed will to deliver quality information and to com- allow “rural” Clubs, throughout the year, municate more effectively rolled out at the more access to players whom are not getting back end of last year a new more effective games with Portlaoise. This is only a slight gmail system, as part of their new technol- resolution to a mammoth task and it is in- ogy alliance with Google. I am delighted to tended the work of this Committee will be relay that all our Clubs are 100% active and ongoing in an effort to increase Gaelic games using the new system. All communication at activity to this wider urban community. present goes to the Club Secretary, but in the

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil Tuairisc an Runaí 2010 29 ACFL 2010 D5 Final won by O’Dempseys coming months it is intended that both Club and I would like to praise them for their pa- Chairperson and P.R.O. will also be included tience in implementing both projects and also with their own individual addresses. It is in- thank our I.T. expertise in Niall Creery and tended to provide further training in this area Grainne McCann for their assistance. in January. The new online Club Membership GAA Social Initiative Registration system was also introduced at the outset of the year and all our Clubs have This initiative is a community project, registered their players and members on this originated in a forum hosted by President new GAA national database. This will prove McAleese and her husband Martin, directed invaluable in terms of our ability to gener- at older men who may, for one reason or an- ate statistics on the number of players and other participate little in local community members active in Gaelic games around the life. The aim of the project is to encourage County. This year we had in excess of 9,000 a greater participation in community activ- Members registered in the County and a ity by inviting older men to special events copy of the final registration of players and at the local GAA club, at which, it is hoped, members per Club appears in this booklet. It contact will be fostered, friendships estab- is hoped that in the coming year, membership payment per Club can be made direct lished and ongoing support provided. Three to GAA headquarters, similar to the Team Laois Clubs, Castletown, Graiguecullen and Insurance method. It is also intended to hold Portarlington have enrolled in the project and another separate training session on this sys- hopefully more Clubs will respond and be- tem too, as there are a number of membership come involved in the project, which I have no issues to be ironed out in regard to the hurler doubt will further strengthen our leadership and footballer with different Clubs. role in local communities. I believe the benefits of both systems will make life far easier on our Club Secretaries

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil 30 Tuairisc an Runaí 2010 Player Injury Scheme I would also like to acknowledge the support received from Brian Ramsbottom and David As stated in previous years, this scheme is Larkin from Laoistalk news for allowing a under pressure to survive, which necessitated link from their website, which continually some major changes in the scheme for this updates the Laois GAA website with all the year. I would point out that this Scheme is latest news items. funded entirely from Club and GAA funds I would like to take this opportunity with no outside involvement, other than the to congratulate Brian and David who were administration of the scheme by Willis. This awarded the Comhairle Laighean Club scheme is not designed to fully compensate Website Award this year for their Park players when injured, this onus and respon- Ratheniska website www.parkratheniskagaa. sibility continues to lie with each individual com. player to ensure he is covered in accordance with his specific needs. The most important Paschal McEvoy, our P.R.O. must be element of the scheme, Club Secretaries or complimented for his tremendous work dur- Insurance Officers should note is that Claim ing the year, particularly in the area of pro- Forms should be notified and submitted to gramme production and in particular the our Office within 60 days of the accident weekend championship programmes were and injury and we will forward onto Willis. excellent publications. Claims received outside this timeframe will not be entertained. It is vital that each claim Sponsors is properly assessed and shown due diligence by the Club Secretary or Insurance Officer to I wish to extend our thanks to Mattie eliminate fraudulent applications and confirm Walsh and his company MW Hire Group our ownership and protection of the scheme for their generous sponsorship package of all for the future. our County teams. Unfortunately not a good year with results and hopefully 2011 will see improved performances from our County Media and PR teams, whereby MW Hire will get the expo- Our games in Laois got more than their sure they deserve and desire from our associa- fair share of coverage during the year and for tion with them. this I thank our local press and radio cor- Our Championships and Leagues are respondents Steven Miller, Rory Delaney, sponsored by Sparrow Insurances and once Denis Croke, Alan Hartnett, Jack Nolan and again we are entirely appreciative of Michael Pat Delaney. Alf Harvey and Conor Twomey Sparrow and his company for this generous do a magnificent job on photographs and en- sponsorship. hance the work of the scribes. GALA sponsor our Development Squads Our Website – www.laoisgaa.ie was and our Juvenile Championships and Leagues again used for fixtures, results and league ta- and our thanks are extended to 4 Aces and all bles during the past year and is an area that is the GALA stores in Laois for this sponsor- managed well, however it can be used for so ship. much more with the inclusion of video and photo galleries, social networking sites You In the present climate it is more impor- tube or Facebook, archival material, etc. if we tant than ever, that we support those who had the time and expertise to develop, so vol- support us, so I would urge all our Clubs and unteers in this sphere are more than welcome. supporters to support our various sponsors My thanks to the staff in “Esports Manager” in whatever means they can and hopefully for their continued guidance in this area and their faith in Laois GAA will be justifiably

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil Tuairisc an Runaí 2010 31 rewarded with the success their investment Likewise my fellow Executive Members deserves. and sub Committees (reports included in booklet) for giving their time, energy and Our appreciation and thanks are also ex- talents so selfishly in the interests of the tended to – Azzurri, our official gear sponsors; Association and work ethic greatly contrib- Lucozade Sport, our official drinks sponsor ute to the smooth running of the Association and finally to all persons who contributed to within the County. Laois GAA in some form of sponsorship over the past year. To Fiona Kenna in the office I say special thanks for her commitment and loyalty. Na Mairbh Whilst Fiona was on maternity leave, Cahir Healy ably deputised and their routine work The past year, sadly, saw the death of in notification of Referees for games, deal- many valued members and close friends of ing with ticket queries and sales, processing our Association. The accidents and circum- Injury claims and general office duties greatly stances that resulted in the tragic deaths of reduces the workload of yours truly. Kevin Molloy Stradbally, Enda Fitzgerald Clonaslee St Manmans and Peter McNulty Our Coaching staff, Pat Critchley Portlaoise, three young men who would have Games Manager and Ciaran Muldowney and graced our Senior Football Championship Donal Brennan are deserving of our recog- this year, cast a shadow of gloom and sadness nition for the magnitude of the work they over this year’s competition. In their com- are putting in at Coaching and Games level. munities I think there is now a realisation of The huge increase in Easter and Cúl Camps how great the GAA family really is and it is this year is testament to the work being put important for us to remember, that in these in on the ground. Andrew Kavanagh and difficult times that we are experiencing, that Mark Gorman were with us on work experi- all our players and members look out for, help ence during the year and are also deserving of and support each other. On behalf of Laois mention for their contribution to this depart- GAA, I would like to extend the sympathy ment. of Laois GAA to all our families who have been bereaved during the year by the loss of Our sister organisations Camogie and those dear to them. Go ndeana Dia trocaire Ladies Football should be complimented ar a nanamacha. for their continued promotion of our games and their current well being is highlighted Buíochas by the successes of The Harps, Timahoe and St Conleths in their respective Leinster Club Many people are deserving of our thanks Championships. for the manner in which they continue to keep our organisation in the County on Our thanks go too to the Order of Malta sound footing through their hard work, co- for their dedication to the task of providing operation, fair play and goodwill. My sincere First Aid at our grounds and most impor- apologies, if I omit someone. tantly Doctor Aidan Hanson, who continues to provide his service free gratis and Doctor I wish to thank my Cathaoirleach Brian John Paul Campion for their continued com- Allen for his exceptional and unwavering sup- mitment and support to Laois GAA teams. port and acknowledge the commitment and dedication he has given the Association in the Our Primary and Secondary Schools County during the year. deserve our thanks for the work they do to promote our games within their jurisdictions. I believe we now have a presence in almost

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil 32 Tuairisc an Runaí 2010 every Primary school in Laois through a Club taken for granted, but that does not seem to School coach or GDA and the advent of the deter them and long may they continue to Secondary schools competitions prior to work with us and for us. National Leagues games also proved hugely successful. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish my predecessor in this role, Liam Football Officer Tommy Conroy and O’Neill, the very best of luck in his ambition Hurling Officer Michael Carroll oversee the to become Uachtaráin of Cumann Lúthcleas needs and requirements of all our squads in Gael at National Congress next April in their respective codes and to them and all Mullingar. If successful it will be a huge hon- mentors involved with Development, Setanta our for both himself and the County. and O’Mórdha squads, I say thanks. I know at times these people feel somewhat isolated, but their outstanding work is greatly appreciated and I hope in time their endeavours will In conclusion, I say that the challenges be rewarded with the success it deserves. and demands of our Association have never been so great. The present economic land- Our sincerest thanks go to the staff of scape and rising unemployment, which as Comhairle Laighean for their constant cour- most Clubs have experienced to date will lead tesy, support and accessibility. Likewise the to the emigration of many of our young play- staff at headquarters in Croke Park are de- ers. However we must look forward with op- serving of our thanks. timism, face up to and overcome these many challenges in order to ensure that our games I wish to thank all our Club Officers and and pastimes continue to remain a strong, in- Players for their exceptional co-operation and spirational and vibrant force in Irish life. assistance with the promotion and playing of our games and activities. Go raibh maith agaibh go léir, Last but not least, we stand indebted to Le meas, the many voluntary workers who, week in, week out, work unselfishly for the benefit of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael. Never has there been such a voluntary input from men and Niall Mac Laitimh women into our clubs, schools and nurser- Runaí C.L.G. Laoise, Nollaig 2010. ies as there is at present. Sometimes they feel

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil Tuairisc an Runaí 2010 33 Laois Membership Registration Report 2010

Club Registered 2010 For Unregistered 2009From Full Members Youth Members Honorary Members Social Members Adult Player Player U21 Minor Player Juvenile Abbeyleix St Lazarians 138 38 66 72 0 0 30 19 4 47 Annanough 139 0 129 10 0 0 15 3 0 0 Arles/Kilcruise 119 0 72 47 0 0 36 9 0 40 Arles/Killeen 183 0 99 84 0 0 43 6 1 83 Ballinakill 123 0 74 49 0 0 41 8 5 37 Ballyfin 364 0 143 179 0 42 73 16 4 161 Ballylinan 264 45 132 132 0 0 53 7 2 58 Ballypickas 166 0 95 63 8 0 30 22 15 48 Ballyroan Abbey 289 0 112 177 0 0 47 11 4 158 Barrowhouse 111 25 51 50 9 1 24 5 0 3 Borris In Ossory 188 0 128 52 8 0 40 10 4 47 Camross 243 1 141 101 0 1 78 17 20 81 Castletown 192 1 186 6 0 0 47 8 3 2 Clonad 157 0 45 83 0 29 0 0 0 83 Clonaslee St Manmans 241 0 96 142 2 1 11 9 11 116 Clough-Ballacolla 170 0 66 104 0 0 4 0 0 0 Colt/St Fintan’s 177 0 86 43 3 45 32 11 1 41 Courtwood 153 0 87 65 1 0 44 6 5 56 Crettyard 105 2 80 25 0 0 51 11 5 19 Emo 197 0 98 99 0 0 30 11 1 97 Errill 49 0 49 0 0 0 21 5 0 0 Graiguecullen 555 0 241 240 32 42 58 10 17 214 Kilcavan 158 20 89 68 0 1 50 3 0 68 Kilcotton 114 16 72 31 3 8 39 6 7 23 Killeshin 290 0 123 167 0 0 20 13 0 0 Kyle 81 0 59 20 0 2 15 2 3 14 Mountmellick 320 0 163 157 0 0 73 24 10 136 O’Dempseys 311 0 227 84 0 0 68 20 17 66 Park Ratheniska 230 1 91 139 0 0 56 8 13 126 Portarlington 443 0 250 192 1 0 67 28 5 183 Portlaoise 657 2 434 222 0 1 115 35 27 186 Rathdowney 71 4 71 0 0 0 36 11 0 0 Rathdowney Errill 192 2 12 180 0 0 0 6 10 147 Rosenallis 321 1 126 194 1 0 44 17 10 133 Shamrocks 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Shanahoe 133 1 75 58 0 0 39 8 1 57 Slieve Bloom 100 2 54 46 0 0 20 9 5 39 Spink 111 0 74 30 7 0 36 15 3 24 St Fintan’s Mountrath 263 0 160 103 0 0 43 18 3 59 St Joseph’s 227 36 99 126 2 0 40 9 5 76 Stradbally 320 38 131 183 6 0 44 9 8 171 The Harps 298 0 151 82 7 58 85 23 3 4 The Heath 244 0 179 64 0 1 61 21 20 44 The Rock 250 0 130 116 0 4 67 27 17 99 Timahoe 208 0 140 67 0 1 55 18 5 55 Trumera 36 1 36 0 0 0 21 1 0 0 TOTAL 9701 238 5222 4152 90 237 1902 535 274 3101

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil 34 Sub - Committees Reports Laois Juvenile Secretaries Report 2010 A Chara, Hurling and Football championships that have served us so well for so long this was It gives me great pleasure to report another forced on us by delegates at congress who at very successful year of competitions in the not representing the views of the clubs on Juvenile section of Laois GAA as all the tar- ground level and also without the agreement gets we set out at the start of the year were of the coaches who are working at underage met and completed in a very efficient man- level in clubs throughout the county to pro- ner and all our finals were concluded as per vide future stars for our county teams. fixture plan ratified of county board level. We already have a very well organised Throughout 2010 we played in the region games and coaching structure which proof 800 Juvenile games in all competitions, vides excellent competitions for players this we feel has complied with Croke Parks under the age of 12, but I feel these mini idea of more games for our Juvenile compe- games are more suited to players from the titions and a longer more inclusive season age of 8 to 11 however I feel strong 12 years for our under age players. olds in their 13th year need competitive games and the county board must have a While our competitions were ran well the concrete plan that will ensure all players at standard of our competitions needs to be this age get used to winning. improved especially at Under 14 and U 16 level both in hurling and football with There is a big fear from clubs that other sports more teams competiting in A competitions will profit from the new Go-Games competi- at this level, this will have to be done if we tions if we do not provide competitive compe- are serious about providing a higher stand- titions for strong 12 year olds. ard of player for our minor county teams, It’s important that counties with small I would recommend to the incoming com- numbers like our own county, and for mittee to plan and implement more attrac- counties who try to promote both football tive competitions and formats for players and hurling are not left behind. at this age group, maybe the introduction of a four area mini blitz competitions with Great credit must go to all the Juvenile each area winner playing a blitz final in clubs in the county for their continued af- O’Moore park over two days during the fords to promote and develop our games summer months, this could be ran in a however if we are serious about the future of league format. GAA within the county of Laois, the county board most take more notice and interest in There is great disappointment within the our under age games from 12 year olds to county of the abolishing of the under 12 minor and be more aware of what’s happen-

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil Sub – Committees Reports 35 ing at under age level so in the future when be possible without the excellent work of there is a decision to be made regarding the all the members of the juvenile commit- changing of structures at under age that all tee, we would also like to acknowledge the concerned will be more tuned in. help and support from Niall, Fiona, Pat Critchley, and all the staff in the county It is also important that there is more con- board offices. tact between senior and juvenile sections of clubs this message must clearly go out to I would like to pay tribute to Coiste chair- all clubs from the top table of the county man Vincent Dowling for his excellent board. role as chairman and the excellent work and dedication of Vice-Chairman Danny A few years ago we set up shield competi- Gorman, thank you both for all your help tions in the county for weaker clubs. These throughout the year. competitions need to be revised as their purpose needs to be discussed, the needs of A Special word of thanks to Peter O Neill the clubs entering these competitions needs and all the coaching and Games commit- to be addressed. tee members for your contribution to our under age players development. In some development competitions throughout the last year the setting up of I would like to thank all the referees of the clubs and teams entering competitions who county who refereed games at juvenile level then found that they were unable to partici- this year, you always do the job to the best pate must stop. of your ability, it can be a thankless job at times but well done to all involved. Player Discipline at Juvenile level within the county has improved however, we Finally, I would like to that our senior would like to see the parents and men- chairman Brian Allen and all members of tors of teams show more respect to players the county committees for their continued and mentors of opposing teams, to county dedication to Laois GAA and wish you all board officials and especially the referees of well in the future. the county who do a thankless job. The introduction of the respect programme must Is Mise be strictly and promptly introduced to cut out any disrespect towards players, supporters or personnel of the GAA. Brandan Mac Goilla Phadraig The running of our games at juvenile level Runai takes a lot of planning and implementing Coiste na nOg through the year and this task would not

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil 36 Sub – Committees Reports Development Committee Report 2010

It is my pleasure to present my first re- place sooner rather than later. Remember port to County Convention as the County from 2013 onwards, it will be mandatory to Development Officer. It has been a busy have a club plan in situ in order to qualify year with nearly half our clubs either devel- for grant aid. oping new or upgrading existing facilities. Special mention must be given to Crettyard, Pairc Ui Mhordha Killeshin, Emo, Mountmellick, Rosenallis, Portlaoise, Errill and Kyle on their devel- Once again we hosted a huge number of opments. A total of twenty clubs made ap- inter-county games in the stadium that plications for grant aid. All were processed ran without any major incident. This is a and submitted to Leinster Council. Going reflection on the organisation of the events to press, no decision has, as yet, been made and the availability of voluntary stewards in relation to these. I want to thank the from the clubs. The hosting of such games staff at Comhairle Laighean and in partic- is an onerous task and it is important that ular Michael Reynolds for their continued we maintain our high standards. There help and support. is, however, one area that is causing con- cern – the number of unsupervised chil- In the present economic climate I am dren and young people, who, with their acutely conscious of the limited grant aid parent’s blessings, insist that they have a that is available presently to clubs. The sus- right to use the pitch as a play and/or puck pension of the Sports Capital Programme around facility before, between and at half has had implications for a number of clubs time during important matches. This is a and while there is a suggestion that Capital health and safety issue – we had two chil- Sports grants will be made available in the dren hurt within the past twelve months, foreseeable future, my information is that one that could have had serious implica- applications from hereon in will be exam- tions for Laois County Board. Suffice to say ined minutely with no retrospection for that from 2011 onwards, the playing area clubs who were forced to start develop- of Pairc Ui Mhordha will be out of bounds ments because they had loan approval and on match days. were concerned that this approval might be withdrawn if they didn’t immediately avail I would like to thank all the voluntary stew- of it. ards, who helped throughout the year and without their support and dedication on a Club Plans weekly basis, it would have been impossi- ble to stage our games. Thanks also to Joe Four facilitators have been trained to roll Dooley, Peter Carroll and Mary McEvoy out club plans within the county. Some for their efforts with a special mention for clubs are already in the process of doing so Colm McEvoy, who continues to keep and and I would urge every club to put one in maintain our grounds to a very high spec.

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil Sub – Committees Reports 37 It would be remiss of me not to mention the ing Cathaoirleach, Comhairle Laighean is co-operation and good will that I have re- the Leinster Council A.S.A.P. Officer and ceived from Gerry Kavanagh, Niall Handy, he is taking an active role in ensuring that Pascal McEvoy and Martin Byrne togeth- every club within his remit has a policy. In er with the representatives of An Garda the past fortnight he sent a memorandum Siochana, when organising and planning to each county secretary advising them of the various major fixtures at our grounds. this.

Alcohol & Substance Abuse Prevention Conclusion Programme I want to thank the clubs, club officers and There are still a number of clubs who have fellow executive members for their cour- yet to implement A.S.A.P. policies, despite tesy, help and support during the year. To reminders to do so. As I have already ad- County Secretary Niall Handy and Fiona vised, clubs without policies will have diffi- Kenna, thanks for everything. culties with grant aid and other applications from 2011 onwards. Martin Skelly, incom- Tomas Mac Seoin

Leinster SFC 2010 replay Laois v Meath

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil 38 Sub – Committees Reports County Hearings Committee (C.H.C) Report This year 2010 was the fourth year that saw this committee have enhanced the process the operation of the G.A.A’s disciplinary over the last four years. procedures. The situation has changed some In 2010 a total of 26 cases came before our what since it was first introduced in 2007 in committee which included hurling and foot- that once a club or a player sought a hearing ball and other related matters. This was up by the proposed penalty proposed by the County 13 cases from the previous year 2009. A break Controls Committee is not made known to down of the cases is as follows, with seventeen the County Hearings Committee (C.H.C), cases confirmed, one case penalty increased, and any individual or club attending a hear- one case proposed penalty lifted. Two cases ing are advised accordingly of this. withdrawn. So penalties handed down if any to an indi- One case not confirmed. One case forfeiture vidual player or club is now at the discretion of the game and also a fine imposed. Two of the County Hearings committee (C.H.C). cases went to Leinster council, one of those As was pointed out since this procedure be- referred back to Laois C.C.C for reprocess- gan individuals or clubs are still unaware of ing, one case received late and out side the the disciplinary procedures and more often three days allowed for to seek a hearing. than not are still of the opinion that the proc- It is worth bearing in mind with regard to ess still is an appeal process. an individual or club seeking a hearing and On the hearings themselves it is the policy the request is received outside the three days that any member of the county hearings allowed the committee has zero tolerance in committee (C.H.C) if they have any conflict this regard and will not accommodate any of interest what so ever disqualifies them- such hearings outside the time frame al- selves from such a hearing. All units who lowed. seek a hearing are given an opportunity to The committee was chaired by Andy Dunne lodge an objection to any person sitting on (Clonad), Secretary Willie Stackpool (Colt), the committee. Many individuals players or committee members are Michael Bolton clubs may be disappointed with the result of (Graiguecullen), Pat O’Connell (Courtwood), the hearing, but all decisions are taken after Tom Dunne (Clough/Ballacolla), Danny long deliberation and consideration with due Brennan (Arles/Kileen), and Jim Kavanagh regard to the procedures and ultimately an (Stradbally). Teoraí Oifigiúil. Finally, on behalf of the committee we thank In thanking the members of the committee all the individual players and clubs and the (names listed below) for their commitment members of the C.C.C that we had dealings and dedication, often attending meetings at with over the last twelve months. Despite very short notice in order to accommodate the outcome every one treated us with cour- individual players or clubs and at all times tesy and respect. We wish the new County acting impartially and been fair to all parties Hearings Committee and the county controls when they present themself’s for such a hear- committee the very best of luck in 2011. ing. The task of the C.H.C is not an easy one and Andrias O Dúinn (Cathlaoireach) their role in the disciplinary process is very important. We believe that the workings of Liam De Stacphúil (Runaí).

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil Sub – Committees Reports 39 Coiste Iomán Report

In reflecting in the year gone by and my when we were to play Kildare. On 28/2/10 fourth year as runaí of coiste iomain one we played Clare and for long periods of the can only express satisfaction and a certain game a surprise was on the cards but ex- decree of confidence at the achievements of perience brought Clare through on a score our hurling teams on the field of play and of 2-12 to 1-11. On the 9/3/10 the post- in particular our senior team. Every effort poned game against Kildare was played and was made by the management of the teams Laois easily over came them winning on a to have them fully prepared. The only silver score of 1-15 to 0-8. Five days later on the ware that was won in 2010 was the Walsh 14/3/10 we made the long trip to Casement cup shield final beating Carlow in Dr. Park to play Antrim, and came away with Cullen Park on the 18/04/2010 on a score two valuable points on a score of 2-19 to of 1-16 to 1-10. I want to compliment all in- 1-12. On the 21/3/10 we had Westmeath at volved for their achievements. With a new home and won on a score of 4-14 to 0-13. management team in place for 2011 under On Sunday 28/3/10 Laois had the daunt- the guidance of Brendan Fennelly, and if ing task of travelling to Portaferry in Down the panel of players give the same commit- and enjoyed the long trip home with a six ment in 2011 as they did in the year gone point victory on a score of 0-20 to 1-11. by well a surprise could be in store. On the 4/4/10 we played Wexford at home and lost by 4 points on a score of 1-18 to On the 24/1/10 the senior hurlers started 1-14. As previously stated our next outing the year played G.M.I.T in the Walsh Cup was in Dr. Cullen Park and a meeting with in Kelly Park Rathdowney and won on a Carlow and beat them on a score of 1-16 score of 1-25 to 1-13. A week later we faced to 1-10. This victory meant that Laois had Galway in the same competition and at secured two points in the national league the same venue, and it took extra time for game and also had won the Walsh Cup Galway to overcome a determined Laois shield final and when the captain Brian side and Galway won on a score of 4-24 to Campion received the trophy there were 2-17. jubilant scenes.

Our next outing was on the 13/2/10 in We secured ten points in Div. 11 of the na- Castlecomer and faced up to Kilkenny in tional league and were unlucky not to have shield competition of the Walsh cup. After made the semi finals stages. a good performance in heavy conditions Laois won on a score of 1-17 to 1-16 and However we secured our status and are qualified for the final of the competition. again in this division for the coming year.

On the 21/2/10 and the second year in suc- With championship time approaching the cession the first game in the national league management pulled out all the stops and was postponed due to inclement weather the focus was on 22/5/10 and a meeting

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil 40 Sub – Committees Reports with Carlow in O’Moore Park. A solid per- accommodating both the seniors and the formance and Laois won on a score of 1-13 u-21’s at various times during the year. to 0-10. This brought us to the quarter final They played a number of challenge games and a meeting with Dublin in Nolan Park which included Limerick, Dublin, Offaly, on 6/6/10. This was a big game for a young Westmeath to mention a few and I have to Laois side and while we competed well for say that they competed well in all of those periods of that game we were convincingly games. However come championship time beaten in the end on a score of 0-25 to 0-16. and a meeting with Carlow on the 9/6/10 This brought us to the qualifiers and had to while playing well in the opening quarter win in order for us to compete in the Liam they seemed to lose their way and were McCarthy. When the draws were made eventually beaten on a score of 1-14 to 0-9. and Laois having drawn Carlow expectations were high and a win was expected but I want to thank Mattie Collier and selec- on 26/6/10 Carlow beat us on a score of tors Pat O’ Brien, Kevin Culleton, Ricky 1-19 to 3-12. Personally I felt sorry for the Cashin, trainer/physio Jim Bastic for their entire panel especially when they had pre- commitment and work over the last twelve pared and trained so hard during the year. months. I want to take this opportunity to thank Niall Rigney and selectors Bro. Philip Our minors as in the previous year this Ryan, P.J Peacock and back room team of group had prepared well and also played Sean Reagan trainer, team doctor Dr. John a number of challenge games against Paul Campion, physio Bernie Conroy and Limerick, Dublin, Carlow, Westmeath and his staff, kit men Pat Delaney and Damien Galway. Despite the best efforts of Tony Lynch for their time effort and commit- Ryan and selectors Tom Flynn, John Taylor, ment not alone this year, but since he took Sean Hyland, and trainers Sean Sweeney, over as manager some two and a half years Pat Ryan physio Olive Murphy who had ago. Niall has given so much to this Laois worked so hard to have the team prepared side and to Laois hurling in general. It came for a meeting with Westmeath in the minor as a shock to all involved with Laois and in championship on the 1/5/10. Laois lost the particular to the players when Niall stepped game on a score line of 2-16 to 1-11. With down as senior hurling manager. On a per- so many of the panel eligible for next year sonal note I want to wish Niall the very best I hope that the experience gained can be of of luck in whatever role Niall wishes to pur- benefit and hopefully they can build on it sue in the future. in the year ahead.

Our u-21’s this is a difficult age group es- A new initiative was to the fore this year as pecially with so many on the senior panel regards fundraising. The senior hurlers in to cater for but having said that they pre- conjunction with the hurling executive and pared very well for the championship and I the leader ship of Niall Rigney, Pat Ryan have to compliment and thank both Niall from Portlaoise boxing club and Kieran Rigney and Mattie Collier for the way Delaney Hurling chairman under took this they both co-operated with each other in venture and staged a fight night. I thank all

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil Sub – Committees Reports 41 who took part and to all who supported it. congratulate all championship and league A most enjoyable night was had. winners particularly Rathdowney/Errill on winning the senior championship. I wish to congratulate Eoin Reilly of Abbeyleix G.A.A club and the Laois sen- I want to thank all our juvenile manage- ior goal keeper on winning the Leinster ments at both club and county. To the poc fada. Eoin achievements was noted coaching and development officers who are when he was honored at the senior hurl- working tireless to promote and develop ing final when he was presented with a tro- our games so that some day success will be phy by the county chairman Brian Allen. achieved at the highest level. Congratulations Eoin. I wish all incoming managers and their re- For the second year running Laois were spective back room teams the very best of well represented on the shinty international luck in 2011. With us all working together rules teams both at senior and under 21. we can achieve success.

Eoin Reilly was the captain and also repre- I want to thank all the clubs that allowed us senting their county and clubs were Andrew the use of their facilities for training chal- Collier from Camross and Christopher lenge games etc. Murray from Colt. They all Played their part on winning the u-21 series. Finally I want to thank Matt Walsh and his company for his sponsorship to Laois On the senior Willie Hyland from Clough G.A.A and also thanks to Sparrow insur- Ballacolla and John Rowney from Clonaslee ance for sponsoring the local competitions. St. Manaman’s lined out for the senior side Your contributions are very much appreci- in Croke Park and we all wish them well ated. when they travel to Inverness in Scotland on the 11/11/10. To the members of the county executive, and members of the hurling committee I want to compliment and thank all outgo- chairman Kieran Delaney, Michael Carroll, ing team managements for their work and Seamus Dooley, John Kealy, and Donal commitment to Laois hurling over the last Deegan, who worked so hard during the twelve months. You all have contributed to year for the betterment of Laois hurling. I what I would describe as making progress. also want to thank Fiona in the office and the clubs for all your help and co-operation I would appeal to clubs not to stand in the throughout the year. way of any player of any grade that is called in to county panels we need them all.

Our domestic competitions which were Liam De Stacapuil very competitive throughout the year could only be described as a big success. I Runaí Coiste Iomán.

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil 42 Sub – Committees Reports Public Relations Committee

The core work of the PR committee continues On a more positive note all results are up on to focus on: our website almost immediately after the game finishes – www.laoisgaa.ie Also Monday’s Production of Programmes daily paper gives comprehensive results of all matches plus updates on league tables. The committee is responsible for the production of programmes for:- Media Coverage • All Laois GAA inter-county games hosted by the county The quantity and quality of local media coverage of our games deserves mention. Laois GAA • All home league matches is fortunate in its access to local newspapers • All senior hurling and football club and radio through professional and support- championship matches ive journalist, photographers and commenta- • All adult finals tors. We are well served by our media in this county who rarely let the inclination to gen- erate a story get in the way of objective and We have endeavoured to continue the im- professional journalism. Their work and their provement in the quality of programmes and approach to it have certainly enhanced PR for welcome any suggestions you may have. Laois GAA during 2010. Midland 103’s enhanced service is warmly welcomed – thank The vast majority of clubs provides accurate you to all involved. team information on time which, crucially, most panels adhere to on match day. The quality and accuracy of the information we Buíochas provide to the paying customer – and via the I would like to take this opportunity to say a media to the wider GAA public – is depend- big thank you to Fiona and Niall in our office ent on the information we receive from clubs. for the support they have given to me through- Thank you to club PRO’s and Secretaries and out the year. To Pat Delaney who’s assistance to team management for your assistance in to me has been invaluable and without his this. help it’s hard to imagine how programmes for our games could be produced. Special thanks Player of the Year Awards to Pat O’Sullivan for all his help to me during the year. To all the PR committee members The player of the Year Awards was held in the ego raibh mile maith agaibh go léir. Finally Heritage Hotel on Friday November 26th. To on a personal level I would like to thank eve- each recipient we offer our congratulations ryone for all your good wishes and help dur- and thank them for their contributions to ing my illness earlier this year. These were very Laois GAA during the year. much appreciated by my family and me. To conclude I would like to wish you all a very Fixtures/Results Services happy Christmas and good health and happi- This year results on Aertel page did not oper- ness for 2011. ate as efficiently as we would like – apologies! Paschal Mac Fhiobhuí

PRO

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil Sub – Committees Reports 43 Laois Coaching and Games

Introduction and the O’Moore Park Experience Nights. Next year all Go Game coaches will wear The Laois Coaching and Games has three the Respect bibs at games. full time staff. Pat Critchley, who is on se- condment from Scoil Chriost Ri Secondary School, is Games Manager. Ciaran U12 Competition Muldowney and Donie Brennan are Games Development Officers. Peter O’Neill chairs Following the passing of a motion at the Coaching and Games committee which Congress, all U12 games will be played on has representatives of all the stakeholders the Go Game model next year. We envisage in the county. Coaching and Games is in- playing a mixture of Mini-League, Blitzes volved in development in clubs and schools and a County Feale with the possibility of throughout the county and works closely an U13 Championship late in the year. with the other county committees in de- livering coaching and games programmes. Feile Peil Na nOg We are endeavoring to build solid founda- tions for our games from grassroots level, We have been provisionally awarded the providing balanced games structures and National Feile Peil Na nOg for 2012. We improving the standard of coaching. This will be hosting with Offaly and some clubs is a long term strategy but with hard work from Carlow and Kildare. This creates a and patience we can build systems that will tremendous opportunity for Laois football ensure that we are consistently competitive following on from the recent success of at the highest level and not depending on a having hosted the Feile na Gael. All clubs good crop every number of years. are asked to create a buzz around this event and use it to develop our players at this age Go Games group. Every club in the county is now involved in Go Games at u8 and u10 level. We have Young Referees a start of year workshop for the Go Game coaches. They take part in blitzes from In conjunction with the Refereeing April to September. This year 900 young Committee we organize the Young Referee players took part in 1100 games in this Programme. This year it was co-ordinated programme. This year we also had u8 in- by Maurice Deegan and John Flynn and door hurling blitzes throughout the county involved 19 referees. They had two theory at Easter. The u10’s all got to play in our sessions followed by practical training at county grounds in June at the O’Moore the football and hurling u10 Gala Blitz Park Experience Nights which includes pa- Days. The Young Referees were then as- rades, playing of the National Anthem and signed to referee the Go Games. They also lifting the Senior Cups in the stand. The refereed at the u8 Play and Stay Day in u10’s also took part in the Laoiskill Day in Croke Park and received their Certificates July, which included skill tests and cross at County Football Final Day. This year 4 country Kick and Puc Fada. The Respect referees from last year’s scheme went on to Initiative was launched at the workshops referee Juvenile games.

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil 44 Sub – Committees Reports Primary Schools is the highest number ever, surpassing our previous record in 2003 when we won the We have a coach in virtually every Primary Leinster title. school in the county as part of the Club/ School link Scheme. We also organize Go Game blitzes for the Primary schools, some Coach Education on site and some in clusters to compliment the great work being done by the Cuman We now have 10 Coach Education Tutors, Na mBunscoileanna. The full time staff co- Sean Dempsey, Mattie Collier, Tommy ordinate the Programme and mentor the Conroy, Pat Critchley, Ciaran Muldowney, coaches. We have developed a very strong Donie Brennan, Niall Tully, Colm Clear, relationship with the schools and the feed- Noel Delaney and Deirdre Hurley. This is back to the programme is very positive. the biggest number for any county outside Dublin. We are now virtually self sufficient and can roll out Foundation and Level 1 Secondary Schools Child and Adult Courses as demand re- quires. Over 200 coaches have taken the Following a review of 2009 activities, this Foundation Course over the past 2 years year we launched the Laois Post Primary 1st and we now need to further up skill our and 2nd Year competitions in football and coaches. We have held Award 1 Youth/ hurling with the Div 1 Finals played before Adult Football and Hurling courses in Laois National League matches in O’Moore November. In the New Year we will hold Park. There was a great reaction from the Foundation courses in January, Award 1 schools and these will now become annual Child courses in February and Workshops competitions. We also organized Laois 1st in March in both Football and Hurling. Year 11-a side football and hurling blitzes in Through the courses and workshops we September and October. These were also a need to slowly get our coaches onto the great success with 10 hurling teams and 14 Laois wavelength. The courses and work- football teams enjoying 2 great days. This shops are stepping stones. We need to give will also be an annual initiative. We have support to the coaches on the ground. begun to roll out a County/School Link With this in mind, we will pilot a County for Post Primary Schools where a coach is Mentoring Programme next year whereby available to go in and help the great work mentors will be assigned to clubs to help carried out by the teachers. the coaches throughout the season. Deirdre Hurley is also our tutor for the Code of Best Practice Course and is rolling out this VHI Cul Camps programme in the clubs. This year we had the most comprehensive VHI Cul Camp schedule ever with Setanta Hurling Programme 26 club camps and 3 county Setanta and O’Mhordha Og camps and 2 Easter Camps. This is the 5th year of the Setanta Hurling Co-ordinated by Ciaran Muldowney, we Programme which caters for players at u10, drove the camps through the clubs and a u11, u12 and u13 from all Laois clubs. The very high standard of coaching. The Easter players come to central venues for coach- camps were organized in conjunction with ing and games. This year our county play- the GAA course in Carlow IT and will ers coach at the sessions and this has made become annual events. The total number a huge difference to the programme. The attending camps this year was 1738. This Setanta programme is not just for player de-

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil Sub – Committees Reports 45 velopment but also for coach development. for these players, including an age appropri- The club coaches are encouraged to come to ate conditioning programme and training the sessions and bring the knowledge back culture that they will bring with them into to their clubs raising the overall standard. the adult grades. Over the next few years Setanta makes it a strength that we are a we wish to streamline the full programme small county because we can bring all our so that there is a Laois way of doing things coaches and players together relatively eas- that will ensure that we are competitive at ily and build closeness and spirit and respect that will stand to us in the future. We the highest level. Full details of stats are are the only county with such a programme available. and now other counties are looking at what is happening in Laois. The initial Hurling Conclusion for Laois and Setanta programmes were en- visaged as a means of widening the base and I want to thank all those involved in pro- getting more youngsters hurling. We have moting and development of Gaelic games achieved this goal and have also had good in the County. Our football Officer success at Tony Forrestal level. However we Tommy Conroy, our Hurling Officer must now reassess and drive it forward to Michael Carroll, Games Development the next level. Administrators Ciaran Muldowney and Donie Brennan who all put in Trojan work. O’Mordha Og Football Programme To our Games Administration Manager Pat Critchley who is pioneering the way This was the first year of the O’Mordha Og in Gaelic Coaching and Development not football programme, which is the football version of Setanta. We set out to organize alone in Laois but in the Country, we are one age group, u13, this year and do it re- lucky to have him on board. Thanks to the ally well with the intention of moving it coaches and players involved with all squads down to the younger age groups next year. and to those working in the schools in the The Young O’Moores programme, co- school/club link. To my fellow members of ordinated by Donie Brennan was an out- the Coaching and games committee and standing success. It was probably our best Board Na NOg thanks for all your help initiative this year with close to 90 players and support throughout the year. To all the being put through their paces by coaches Teachers and schools that are promoting including Ross Munnelly, Donie Kingston, our games thank you for your dedication. Craig Rogers, Colm Begley, Kieran Lillis, Thank you to all the Referees that officiated Paul Cahillane and Conor Boyle. There was at our games and helping with implement- excellent feedback from players and club ing the Respect initiative. Finally thanks to coaches. Nial Handy, Fiona Kenna and Cahir Healy and my fellow officers for their continued Development Squads help and courtesy throughout the year. We have Development Squads at u14, u15, u16 and this year u17 in football and hurling all of which take part in Leinster and Peadar O’ Neil National blitzes. We will be carrying out a full review of this programme with a view Coaching and Games to putting a cutting edge system in place Development Officer

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil 46 Sub – Committees Reports Referees Administration Committee Annual Report 2010

As another year of GAA games draws to an We appointed referees to over 1020 games end and we already begin to plan and organ- from minor level upwards of which 2 didn’t ise for next year, we can reflect well on this happen because of referees error we again year’s activities. apologise to the teams involved but a huge thanks to all the referees would did all those The Referees administration commit- games. tee whom are responsible for recruitment, training and appointments in conjunction However while the vast majority of games with the CCC consisted this year of Pat went off well there was a few very unsavory O’Sullivan chairman, Niall Handy secre- incidents which thankfully weren’t tolerated tary, Tony Maher , Mick Fitzpatrick, Phil and dealt with by the CCC, we would like Duggan and Martin Gorman with ref- to thank the stewards and county officials eree reps of Michael Ward and Johnny A1 who intervened and had the referees welfare Carroll. foremost in their mind however this should This year we recruited 8 new referees of not be happening and attempts to enter the which 4 actively participated in juvenile referees room after the match will not be games and some of those refereed adult condoned. league and championship games. We intend to recruit new referees again ear- In February and March 58 existing referees ly next year with a course planned for early attended in-service training and because it is march, we would still like to hear from in- compulsory to do, this then forms our list of terested people who would be able to assist referees who can be appointed the following in the assessment of our referees please let year, we were also the first county in Ireland us know we value your opinion. The young to offer club umpire training to our hard referees programme continues to grow with working and dedicated vital members of the 20 young people trained and officiated in referees team this course was not concluded the Go Games initiative, Tony Forristal and but we are planning to complete this early Setanta hurling and the O Moore park night next year. well done to all and thanks to the coordina- tors of John Flynn and Maurice Deegan for National tutors from Croke Park gave all their time and effort. our training and the availability of the offices in Parkside was a huge help. Well done to Anthony Stapleton for both his appointment and handling of the All Ireland As you all can remember we were hit with minor hurling final. some major rule changes and adjustments which had to be implemented quickly after I would personally like to thank my fellow congress this we did to all referees as well as committee for their dedication and impar- attending a county committee meeting with tiality and for the time they gave up to do a visual demonstration, the offer of a club appointments with meetings every fortnight night was extended but unfortunately only for the whole season. To the referees and one club showed an interest, I would like their umpires a big thank you for your dedi- to thank Anthony Stapleton and Maurice cation, this year we were delighted to be able Deegan for their help with this matter. to appoint two referees to both senior finals

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil Sub – Committees Reports 47 who had never done one before and both did a big thanks to the clubs of the county for very well. their support and last but by no means least the staff of the office firstly thanks to Cahir On behalf of the committee I would like to Healy for his help and a big thanks to Fiona thank Peter Carroll O’Moore Park for his Kenna who returned mid season and as usu- help particularly his banter and wit which all al her work is immeasurable. referees enjoy when everything else around them is quiet serious, to the people who pro- Looking forward to a sporting 2011. vided the tea to club and visiting referees in Is Mise. particular Mary Mc Evoy, Tom Scully and Anthony Delaney and others. To the county board officials especially Pat O Sullivan chairman Brian Allen whose support to Chairman referees and to me has been huge. Finally

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil 48 Sub – Committees Reports Coiste Peil 2010

It is the time of the year to take a look at our like to thank Denis Lalor, Billy Delaney, county teams in 2010. The Senior Football Seamus Lalor and Tony McMahon for their year started with a win over DIT in the O great work with this panel and wish them Byrne Cup, only to lose to Kildare in the the best of luck for 2011. I wish to thank second round. Brendan Delaney for servicing this group In the National Football League we had and also Brendan Broderick for looking af- wins against Tipperary, Westmeath and ter the medical requirements free gratis. Kildare and lost to Donegal, Armagh, Meath and Down, however retained our Division 2 status. Senior Football I would like to welcome our new Senior After very good training sessions and challenge games, one looked forward to the Football Team Management - Manager opening Championship game versus Meath Justin McNulty, Selectors Paul Clancy and and after a great game of football, the match Donal Norton and the rest of his back room ended in a draw, unfortunately in the re- team and we wish them well for the New play we lost out to Meath. In the Qualifier Year. I would appeal to all clubs, players Round 1 we lost to Tipperary. I would like and supporters to get in behind our man- to thank Sean Dempsey, Eamon Delaney agement team by giving them all the help and Dermot Murphy for their time and and support they can for the coming year. commitment to Laois Senior Football, they certainly left no stone unturned in their efforts to improve this team. Thanks My thanks are extended to my Coiste Peil Under 21 Chairman Andrew Broderick, Committee After a good win over Wicklow in Round Members Brendan Delaney, Pat Timmons 1, we lost out to Westmeath at the semi fi- and Walter Hovenden for their support. In nal stage. My thanks to Pat Roe, Fergal particular I want to thank Eddie Whelan Byron and Niall Slevin for all their work for all his help at training and matches. I with this panel of players and we wish them look forward to working with them all the best of luck for the coming year. My again. To the ‘Doc’ Dr Aidan Hanson appreciation also extends to Noel Tynan thanks for all your help and the same to and Tom Scully for their help in servicing Brian Oxley and his First Aid Team. I want this panel. to thanks all our Clubs who made their grounds available for the training of our Minor Football County teams. There were great hopes for our minor team Finally I want to thank all our County after some good results in challenge games Board Officers and also Fiona in the office and after opening championship success for her co-operation. over Louth and Wicklow, we lost out to Offaly, also at the Semi Final stage. I would Ollie Byrne

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil Sub – Committees Reports 49 Ainmniúcháin (Nominations)

Cathaoirleach (Chairman): Brian Allen (Outgoing), Gerry Kavanagh Leas Cathaoirleach (Vice Chairman): Gerry Kavanagh (Outgoing) Cisteoir (Treasurer): Martin Byrne (Outgoing) Leas Cisteoir (Asst. Treasurer): Phil Duggan (Outgoing) Ard Comhairle (Central Council) Delegate: Anthony Delaney (Outgoing), Dick Miller Comhairle Laighean (Leinster Council) Delegates (2): Michael Carroll, Kieran Leavy (Outgoing), Dick Miller, Donal Deegan Oifigeach Forbartha (Development): Tom Jones (Outgoing) Oifigeach Oiliuna(Coaching): Peter O’Neill (Outgoing), Alan Langton, Donal Deegan, Kieran Delaney Oifigeach Cultir agus Gaeilge (Cultural and Irish): Marcella Daly (Outgoing), Aindrias O Maolmuaid, Pat O’Sullivan, David O’Brien, Donal Deegan, John Paul Nevin Oifigeach na nOg (Youth): Vincent Dowling (Outgoing), Andrew Broderick, Brendan Fitzpatrick Oifigeach Caidrimh Poibli (P.R.O.): Paschal McEvoy (Outgoing) Congress Delegates (Chairman & Secretary plus 2 Delegates): Gerry Kavanagh, Martin Byrne, Tom Jones, Kieran Leavy, Paschal McEvoy, Sean Ramsbottom. Under 21 Congress Delegate: Brian Clancy, Donncha Culleton Leinster Convention Delegates (5): Brian Allen, Gerry Kavanagh, Martin Byrne, Tom Jones, Paschal McEvoy, Anthony Delaney, Sean Ramsbottom, Donal Deegan.

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil 50 AINMNIÚCHÁIN Na Rúin (Motions)

1. That Laois GAA Byelaw No. 4 (d) be the event of a player moving to a amended (in italic) to read as follows: new place of Permanent Residence (d) Transfers Committee - It shall which is within the Catchment consist of: Chairperson who shall be Area of the club to which he wish- a county Committee Officer, and five es to transfer. In such cases the other suitable personnel all of whom onus of proof of new permanent shall be nominated by the County residence shall be on the applicant Chairman and appointed by the for transfer. County Committee. vi. In the case of underage players i. It shall process all applications for their permanent address shall be Transfer and Declarations within taken to be the permanent ad- the county and make recommen- dress of their parents/guardians. dations to the County Committee whose decisions shall be final. vii. Requests for transfer shall not be considered unless submitted to the ii. A Club or Independent Teams County Secretary before January Catchment Area shall be de- 31st in any year. Exception in the fined as within the Parish and case of an Urban to Rural Transfer / within the County boundary. Declaration, an application shall be The County Committee may granted provided the player has not prepare guidelines or criteria an- participated in Club Competition nually with exceptions to this (including Go Games) in the year which would assist the Transfers’ in which the Transfer / Declaration Committee in its deliberations. is sought.

iii. There shall be two distinct Club viii. Declarations for a player’s Home “designations” – Urban and Club shall be governed by the rel- Rural. This will allow the Transfers evant rules in the current Official Committee to distinguish between Guide. Transfers / Declarations to and from (i) Urban to Rural Clubs, ix. An aggrieved player shall have (ii) Rural to Rural Clubs and (iii) the right to be heard before a fi- Rural to Urban Clubs. nal decision is made by the Co. Committee. (CLG Laoise) iv. Portlaoise GAA will be designated an “Urban” Club and all other 2. Re. Section 6 sub-section 44 of the Clubs in Laois will be designated Official Guide. “That the closed- sea “Rural”. son for Senior Inter-county collective training be amended to end at the end v. Normally, Transfers within the of November instead of December.” county shall be granted only in Reason: To provide adequate pre-season

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil NA RÚIN 51 preparation time for Senior Inter-county children. Note: Go Games can still be squads who commence games early on run off at this grade to facilitate par- January. (Cúil an tSudaire) ticipation for all. (Cúil an tSudaire)

3. Re: Section 6 sub-section 27 of the 4. That all Championship Finals be Official Guide. “That this policy played in O’Moore Park unless there be amended to re-instate the U12 is prior agreement by participat- Championships in Football and ing teams and weather permitting. Hurling reverting back to the normal (Portlaoise) fifteen a side rules as per the older age groups”. Reason: To reduce the loss 5. That all Championship games be of children to other codes particu- played at neutral venues from Minor larly soccer and rugby who all provide upwards. (Sráidbhaile) competitive games from U8 upwards. 6. That all Hurling Clubs are allowed to This loss will be particularly severe in source players from within Portlaoise urban areas where alternative com- town. (Sliabh Bladhma) petitive games are widely available to

C.L.G. Laoise Comhdháil Bhliantúil 52 NA RÚIN

Quality Printers Ltd., Portlaoise. Tel.: 057/8621573