VENI VIDI VICI imperiously Back in the saddle! raises the Delaney Cup in salute to the Captain supporters at Croke Park Lester Ryan raises the Bob O’Keeffe Cup as the Cats restored themselves to a first title since 2011

Back L-R: Kevin Nolan, , , Cian O’Sullivan, James McCarthy, Paddy Andrews, , Sean Currie, Eoghan O’Gara, , Michael Darragh Macauley, , Denis Bastick, Tomás Brady, Darragh Back L-R: , Tomás Keogh, Michael Walsh, Padraig Walsh, , , , , Jackie Nelson, , Kevin McManamon. Tyrrell, John Power, T.J. Reid, , Michael Walsh, Jonjo Farrell, Lester Ryan. Front L-R: Eric Lowndes, Davy Byrne, , Nicky Devereaux, Philly McMahon, Stephen Cluxton, , Rory Front L-R: , Eoin Murphy, , , Cillian Buckley, , . , J.J. O’Carroll, , Jack McCaffrey, , . Delaney, , Tommy Walsh. Comhairle Laighean C.L.G.

Tionólfar Comhdháil Cinn Bliana 2014

Arklow Bay Hotel, Cill Mhantáin ar dé hAoine, 30ú Eanair, 2015 ar 7.00 pm Gary Bryan, Liam Hennessy, Conor Doheny, Cathal McGrath, ,, Darragh Joyce (C), , Conor Browne, Darragh (C), Joyce Darren Scanlon, Brennan,Luke Cathal McGrath, Conor Doheny, Liam Hennessy, Gary Bryan, Liam Blanchfield. Sean Morrissey, Corcoran, Ronan Jason Barcoe, Donnacha O Connor, Jason Cleere, John Walsh, RossButler, Andrew Gaffney, Pat Lyng, , Eoin Kenny Kenny Eoin Conor Delaney, Pat Lyng, Gaffney, Andrew RossButler, Walsh, John Jason Cleere, Donnacha Jason O Barcoe, Connor, Bill McDowell Donnelly, Robbie , ,

Kilkenny - Kilkenny Electric Leinster Minor Champions 2014 Back L-R: Front L-R: Front

2 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 Contents

Clár 5 Ainmniúchán 7 Miontuairiscí Chruinniú den Chomhdháil Bhliantúil 2013 8 Address by the outgoing Chairman 11 Address by Cathaoirleach Nua 10 Tuairisc an Rúnaí 17 ‘Fear Ann Féin’ - a tribute to Michael Delaney 36 Games Development 40 Cumann na mBunscol 50 Post-Primary Schools 51 Third Level Colleges 53 Tutor Trainer Group 55 Referees Administration 57 Hearings Committee 61 Fixtures Planning Committee 62 Finance Advisory Committee 64 Infrastructure & Safety Committee 65 P.R. & Marketing Committee 66 An Coiste Cultúr 68 Comhairle Liathróid Láimhe Laighean 71 GAA Volunteers' Awards • Leinster Roll of Honour 74 Clár na gCluichí 2015 76 Cluichí Laighean 2014 80 Cluichí Iarbhunscoileanna 2013-2014 85

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 3 Conor Mullally; Shane Cunningham; Eric Lowndes; Rutherson Real; Emmett Ó Conghaile; Ross McGowan; Shane Boland; Stephen Cunningham; Lorcan Molloy; Shane Stephen Lorcan Molloy; Boland; Cunningham; McGowan; Emmett Ross Ó Conghaile; Rutherson Real; Shane Eric Lowndes; Cunningham; Conor Mullally; Cormac Costello. Jack McCaffrey; Scott Michael Fulham; Deegan; Graham Hannigan; Conor McHugh; Paul Mannion; Cian Daly; ; Paddy O’Higgins; Gavin Ivory; Niall Walsh; ; Robbie McDaid; Eoghan McGinley; John Small; ; John Brian Fenton; Small; McGinley; Eoghan McDaid; Robbie Niall Scully; Walsh; Niall Gavin Ivory; O’Higgins; Paddy Shane Cian Carthy; Paul Mannion; Daly; Maitias Mac Daithí Gavin Donncha; Burke; Ó Davy Byrne; Cathmhaoil;

Dublin - Cadbury Leinster Under 21 Champions Football 2014 Back L-R: L-R: Front

4 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 Clár

6.00 pm Evening Meal

7.00 pm Opening of Convention

(a) - Cathaoirleach Cill Mhantáin

(b) Minutes of Convention 2014

(c) Presentation Referees - Thomas Quigley

(d) Presentation - Hurling 2020

(e) Discussion of Report of Chief Executive & Sub-Committee Reports

8.15 pm Election of PRO (Ballot)

8.30 pm Adoption / Review of Annual Accounts

8.45 pm Address by An Cathaoirleach, Sean Ó hÓrain.

9.00 pm Formal Election of Other Officers

Each is entitled to the following Delegate representation at Convention, in addition to its two representatives on the Provincial Council:

Ceatharloch 4 Cill Mhaintain 4 Iarmhi 5 An Mhi 6 An Lú 4 Longphort 4 Cill Dara 5 Uibh Fhaili 4 Cill Chainnigh 4 Laois 5 Áth Cliath 6 Loch Garman 5

NOTE Leinster Council delegates cannot be proxied in an election

NOTE Full Leinster Convention documentation has already been forwarded directly to each member of the outgoing Leinster Council

Micheál Mac Raghnaill (Rúnaí) Áras Laighean, Portlaoise, Co. Laois.

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 5 Simon Donohoe, Peter Sutton, Luke White, , Andrew Kenny, Declan Byrne, Garry Moore, Eoin Conroy, . Conroy, Eoin Declan Garry Byrne, Moore, Kenny, Andrew Gavin Bailey, White, Luke Simon Peter Sutton, Donohoe, Pádraig Doyle, Jim White, Gavin Bailey, Conor O’Leary, Tony French, Jack O’Connor, Rhys Clarke, Shane O’Gorman, Ruairi Tubrid, Pádraig Foley, Oliver Pádraig Foley, Tubrid, Shane Ruairi O’Gorman, Rhys Clarke, Jack O’Connor, French, Tony Conor O’Leary, Gavin Bailey, White, Jim Pádraig Doyle, . Conor Devitt, Liam Conor McDonald, Ryan, O’Leary,

Wexford - Bord Gais Energy Leinster Under 21 Hurling Champions 2014 Back L-R: L-R: Front

6 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 Ainmniúcháin

CATHAOIRLEACH Seán Ó hÓrain (Áth Cliath)

LEAS-CATHAOIRLEACH Séamus Ó Bolguidhir (Ceatharloch)

CISTEOIR Syl Ó Mearáin (Cill Dara)

OIFIGEACH CAIDREAMH POIBLÍ Padraig Ó Cáthail (Cahill) (Longphort) Bendan Ó Coimin (Cummins) (An Mhí) Ciarán Mac Conléibhe (Leavy) (Laois) Padraig Ó Laighneach (Lynagh) (Iarmhí) Seán de Lasa (Lacey) (Cill Chainnigh) Padraig Ó Teachain (Teehan) (Uibh Fháilí)

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 7 Miontuairiscí Chruinniú de'n Chomhdháil Bhliantúil 25/01/2014

M. Uas. Ó Sceallaigh (Cathaoirleach) presided at An Chomhdhail Bhliantúil, held in Páirc an Chrocaigh, on Saturday 25ú Eanair 2014. Also present were:

S. O hOrain (Leas-Cathaoirleach) B. O Seacnasai, M. O hAgain (Cill Mhantain) S. O Bolguidhir (Cisteoir) D. O Ceannt, S. O Seacnasai (Loch Garman) S. O hUaine (PRO) S. O Mearain, M. O Gormain (Cill Dara) F. Ni Dhubhshlaine (Cumann na mBunscol) E. O Broin, L. de Barra (Ceatharloch) A. O Falluin (Iarbhunscoileanna) E. O Bogaigh, S. de Lasa (Cill Chainnigh) T. O Floinn (Ard Oideachais) C. Mac Consleibhe, M. O Cearbhaill (Laois) T. Breathnach (Liathroid Laimhe) F. Mac Eoin, P. O Teachain (Uibh Fhaili) P. Mac Mathuin, P. O Ciarain (Lu) L. O Murchu, P. O Laighneach (Iarmhi) B. O Cairbre, P. O Loinsigh (An Mhi) S. O Dufaigh, S. O Bannain (Longphort) N. O Murchu, G. O hArrachtain (Ath Cliath) M. O Dubhshlaine (Runai)

The following delegates represented the counties IARMHI A. Mac Labhrai, S. O Sioradain, M. Mac Aoidh, S. O Mairtin, LU P. O Donncha. P. O Conchuir, D. O hAilpin, A. O Berrill, P. O Oilibhear. LONGPHORT AN MHI P. O Raghallaigh, B. Mac Giolla Mhuire, E. O Cuaine. C. O Tormaigh, P. O hAllurain, D. O Raghallaigh, S. O Maolmhuire, B. O Diomsaigh, E. de Barra. The following also attended Convention:

ATH CLIATH UACHTARÁN CLG S. Mac Seanlaoch, S. O hAonghusa, S. de Roiste, Liam O Neill R. de Buitleir, C. O Suilleabhain, D. O hIceadha. IAR-OIFIGIGH CILL MHANTAIN S. de Grae, S. O hUilin, S. O Beara, S. Mac Carthaigh, M. O Colmain, M. O Murchu, C. O Conchuir, A. O Briain, SS Breathnach, S. O Broin, P. O Tomhnair, P. O Flannagain. E. O Caoimh. NEW COUNCIL DELEGATES LOCH GARMAN S. O Fionnallaigh, P. O Nuallain, S. O Briain. M. Ni Dhuill, B. Ni Iacaib, D. O hUilin, G. O Duill, P. Uaiceam, D. O Nuallain. EUROPE GAA B. O Sithigh, B. O Cleireachain. CILL DARA S. O Mathuin, G. O Donnghaile, M. de Faoite, A. O Dunaigh, SUB COMMITTEE REPS M. O Fionnain, C. O Fearghail. D. O Fiaich (Iarbhunscoileanna) T. de hAl (Coisde Cultuir) CEATHARLOCH A. O Suilleabhain (Coisde Eisteachta) G. O Lionnain, M. O Maonaigh, P. O Nuallain. A. O Siail (Coisde na Reiteoiri).

CILL CHAINNIGH GUESTS E. O Coinn, S. Breathnach, P. Mac Aindreis, S. O Cuirc, C. O Flannagain, Horan Family. B. O hIci (C. Denieffe). ARAS LAIGHEAN STAFF LAOIS M. Mac Raghnaill, S. O Flannagain, L. O Riain, C. O Cleir, G. O Caomhanaigh, P. O Neill, B. O hAilin, P. O Suilleabhain, S. Mac Coitir, S. Ni Chuinn, T. O Deorain, P. Ni Chleir, T. Mac Seoin. H. Ni hOrain, S. de Brun.

UIBH FHAILI P. O Beolain, E. O Floinn, L. O Caomhanaigh, C. O Murchu, O. O Dalaigh, S. O Briain.

8 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014-2015 Oscailt Annual Accounts 2013 Sean O hUaine, Oifigeach Caidreamh Poibli Adopted on proposition of M. O Colmain, Chomhairle Laighean formally opened Convention seconded by L. de Barra. and introduced Sean Mac Seanlaoch, Leas- S. O Bolguidhir (Cisteoir) then gave a detailed Cathaoirleach Coisde Co. Ath Cliath CLG. presentation of the accounts. Fáiltú Innovation Academy An tUas. Mac Seanlaoch welcomed all delegates Convention was addressed by Brendan Allen and visitors on behalf of his Coisde Conndae. It (Innovation Academy). He outlined the upcoming was, he said, a special Convention for Ath Cliath, collaboration of the GAA and the Innovation Na Fianna Club, the Horan family and particularly Academy UCD in a Community Entrepreneurship for the incoming Cathaoirleach of Comhairle Programme. Mr. Allen thanked Comhairle Laighean, Sean O hOrain. He thanked Comhairle Laighean for their gesture in making their Laighean for their support of Ath Cliath, in all premises available for the eighteen weeks course. matters, and – in particular – he thanked Mairtin Tellers O Sceallaigh for his gesture last July in inviting The following tellers were appointed for Jimmy Gray to join in the presentation of the O’ Convention: Keeffe Cup to the winning Dublin captain on 1. Supervisor and Returning Officer - M. Mac Leinster Hurling Final day. Raghnaill An tUas. O Seanlaoch concluded by wishing 2. F. Ni Dhubhshlaine (Cumann na mBunscol) Comhairle Laighean a successful and fruitful 3. T. Breathnach (Liathroid Laimhe) Convention. 4. A. O Falluin (Comhairle Iarbhunscoileanna Laighean) Convention 2014 5. T. O Floinn Mairtin O Sceallaigh (Cathaoirleach) then (Comhairle Ard Oideachais Laighean). declared Annual Convention 2014 officially opened. Election of Leas-Cathaoirleach Nua S. O Mearain (Cill Dara) withdrew his name from Miontuairisci Chruinniu Bhliaintuil the list of candidates, leaving two to contest the 2012 (15.2.2013) position. The result of the Ballot was: Adopted and signed by an Cathaoirleach on Seamus O Bolguidhir (Ceatharloch) 60 proposition of F. Mac Eoin, seconded by N. O Padraig O Tomhnair (Lu) 27 Murchu. An tUas. O Bolguidhir was declared elected. Both Report of Chief Executive candidates returned thanks to the Convention. Adopted on proposition of E. O Floinn, seconded Address by Outgoing Cathaoirleach by P. Mac Mathuin. Mairtin O Sceallaigh addressed Convention as Sub-Committee Reports 2013 per attached script. Adopted and presented by representatives of the Election of An Cisteoir Nua various Sub-Committees. (a) S. O Bolguidhir withdrew from the contest, Europe GAA leaving three candidates for the post. Convention was addressed by Brian Sheehy, (b) The ballot resulted as follows: Cathaoirleach Europe GAA. He thanked Comhairle Laighean, and the Aras Laighean staff, for their First Count: assistance during the year. In particular, he paid E. O Caoimh (Cill Mhantain) 33 tribute to all who facilitated the participation of G. O hArrachtain (Ath Cliath) 12 Europe in the AIB Leinster Club Junior Football S. O Mearain (Cill Dara) 42 Championship and he said Europe looks forward (N.B. G. O hArrachtain was eliminated). to the continuation of this project.

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014-2015 9 Second Count: and away system with open draw for second E. O Caoimh (+6) 39 round.’ (Loch Garman) S. O Mearain (+4) 46 The motion was proposed by Mairead Ni Dhuill. (Two votes non-transferrable). Decision: In accordance with Riail 3.31(a) an An tUas. O Mearain was declared elected. The Cathaoirleach ruled that the proposal, contained three candidates returned thanks to the in the Motion is a matter for Comhairle Laighean Convention. CLG. Consequently the motion was referred to the Provincial Council for consideration. Address by An Cathaoirleach Nua Sean O hOrain then addressed Convention as per Cathaoirleach Choisde Co. Longphort attached script. CLG Brendan Uas. Mac Giolla Mhuire, Cathaoirleach Election of Oifigeach Caidhreamh Coisde Co. Longphort CLG addressed Convention. Poibli He paid a glowing tribute to outgoing Sean O hUaine was returned as Oifigeach Cathaoirleach, Martin Skelly, who he said had Caidreamh Poibli of Comhairle Laighean for the brought great honour to his club and county coming year. during his term as Cathaoirleach. He wished him Seamus de Grae (Na Fianna) well for the future, expressing the hope that he will now resume his involvement in Jimmy Gray addressed Convention on behalf of GAA matters. Na Fianna Club. He expressed his club’s delight, and sense of honour, on having one of their Buíochas members elevated to the post of Cathaoirleach In conclusion, Sean O hUaine (PRO) thanked Chomhairle Laighean CLG. He recalled John Paddy Flanagan, Kevin Flanagan and John Cotter Horan’s lifelong attachment to the Club and to for their organisation of Convention. He thanked and wished him happiness and Coisde Co. Ath Cliath for their gifts to the success to his new role. delegates while he also paid tribute to the Uachtaran CLG Management and Catering Staff of Pairc an Chrocaigh for their excellence on the day. Finally Convention was then addressed by Uachtaran an tUas. O hUaine thanked the delegates for CLG, Liam O Neill. In a wide ranging speech he their co-operation and participation and wished complimented Martin Skelly on his term of office all a happy and prosperous 2014. and wished John Horan a successful term as an Cathaoirleach Nua. He complimented Comhairle Laighean CLG on their input to the progress of THE CONVENTION ENDED the Association but challenged them – along with the other provinces – to remain relevant in their own time. An tUas. O Neill referred to the recent report of the FRC and appealed to counties to get the debate underway on the proposals. He also dealt with the possible lowering of the Minor age group limit and the proposed amalgamation of the GAA’s four games with and Ladies Football. In conclusion the Uachtaran wished all counties, and the Leinster Council, the very best for 2014. Motion The following motion was before Convention ‘The first round of the Leinster Club Football Championship proper must be a two year home

10 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014-2015 Address by the outgoing Chairman

Iar Cathaoirligh agus Iar Oifigh Comhairle Laighean, Our congratulations to Kilkenny on their great victory Cathaoirleach Coisde Co. Ath Cliath agus a Chairde in the Allianz League Div. 1 before a capacity crowd in Laighean. Failte romhaimh go dti Pairc an Chrocaigh last May. inniu agus go speisealta, go dti Chomdhail Cinn Bliana Louth, Meath, Longford also had their moments Comhairle Laighean 2014. during the year and, all in all, our Inter County Hurling In welcoming you to Leinster Convention today it has scene was probably healthier than it has been in quite been an extremely exciting year on the Leinster GAA a number of years. front. Our Leinster Club Championships were once again There were many memorable occasions and pride of so special as the Red and Black of place must obviously go the Dublin Senior Footballers Rangers conquered our to provide one of the on winning their second Leinster Football title in three greatest victories that Hurling has ever seen in years. its proud history. In Hurling, Mount Leinster Rangers from Carlow historic One must also spare a thought for Oulart - the first Leinster Senior Club Hurling title and Dublin Ballagh who once again fell at the final hurdle and Senior Hurlers regaining the Leinster Senior Hurling surely their day will come if they continue to produce title after a 52-year lapse were hugely signifigant GAA the quality of hurling that they seem to produce right occasions and we also had the historic debut of Europe up to Leinster Final day. in the AIB Leinster Club Junior Football Championship Congrats also to Rower Inistioge, Kilkenny and represented by Guernsey against Fenagh from Carlow. Ballinamere, Offaly on their great hurling victories Hurling and our best wishes go to Mount Leinster Rangers and The Rower Inistioge on their quest for All glory. By and large 2013 was a wonderful year for our Association as we cemented our rightful place in On a more sobering note one cannot but be concerned Irish society. The fact that we had a good year does with the trend that Leinster GAA may no longer not happen by accident as we constantly try to raise be the main spokesperson as to how our Hurling our standards both on and off the field. The game of Championships are organised. Galway, Antrim and hurling is often spoken about in the past tense as we London were welcome visitors to our Championships recall by gone days and great hurling occasions in during 2013 and I would like to pay tribute to days of yore. Galway especially for the positive way they helped to promote our Leinster Hurling Final. But this is also The magic and artistry, the passion and commitment a double-edged sword and we must now go with a and above all the huge levels of skills that were Motion to Congress (via Carlow) to re-organise our displayed on our playing fields this year will be talked Hurling Championship in the way that we think serves by many generations to come. There were huge strides the best interests of Leinster Hurling. This motion made in our capital city with Dublin winning their first was unanimously passed by all counties at a recent senior title since 1961. Leinster Council meeting and it will be interesting to There were also great strides made in Laois (Leinster see if all of our counties will support this Motion when Minor Final), Wexford (Leinster Under 21 Champions), it appears on the Congress floor. I believe the time has Offaly, Kildare, Carlow and Westmeath as they come for a show of unity from all counties within the continue to work towards raising their game to the province re: the Leinster Hurling Championships. standards that have been set by Kilkenny in recent years.

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014-2015 11 Football Referees Once again the Dubs carried the banner for Leinster It will be impossible to mention all aspects of Leinster in the All Ireland Championships and it is a wonderful GAA today as much as I would like to but it would be achievement to capture a second All Ireland title in totally remiss of me if I were not to mention our two three years. To everybody concerned who promote All Ireland Hurling Referees, and James football in our capital city and county I say ‘well done’. McGrath. They also won the Allianz League Div 1 and another I believe Leinster set the standard nationally and I will Leinster title on the way and played some of the most also add that Leinster Referees officiated in 15 games attractive football in bringing home the silverware (between International Rules and All Ireland Finals in and dispelled the myth that ‘only negative tactics 2013). and turgid football produce results’ in our major championships. I say ‘well done’ to and My sincere thanks to Aidan Shiels, Pierce Freaney, Noel his backroom team for restoring our belief in gaelic O’Donoghue and Tom Fitzpatrick and all involved in football. refereeing tuition who set the standards so high for our young referees. They come into a system that Kildare also had a serious year winning Under 21, eventually delivers a quality referee to look after our Minor and Junior and augurs well for their dream to games. become the best football county in Leinster. My thanks also to Johnny Ryan (Tipperary) who did a Meath also showed huge promise by reaching our great job in our Leinster Senior Hurling Final. provincial final for the second year running. The royal county will not rest until they achieve another Discipline provincial success. Overall, my feelings are that discipline was of the Laois, Wexford, Longford, Wicklow and Westmeath highest standard throughout 2013. Of course, there also showed promise at various stages and hopefully were blips and negative undertones during the year but our other counties will continue to progress in 2014. I firmly believe that players, managers and spectators Kilkenny’s experiment of playing in the UK Junior now want higher standards of good behaviour both Championship will hopefully bear fruit for them on and off the field to publicise our games in a most whilst Louth Carlow and Offaly will continue to try positive manner. and attain the target and standards that are set for I commend John Byrne, Andrew O’Sullivan and our them within their counties. Hearings team who have been simply outstanding My sincere congrats to St. Vincents Dublin, Geraldines in their operation of our Hearings Committee. My Louth, and Two Mile House Kildare as they now go sincere thanks to all parties in the recent Dublin v DCU into the All Ireland Club Series and hopefully they game for their co-operation in bringing the matter to will bring home All Ireland glory to their respective a quick closure. counties and above all their beloved parishes. National Level PR and Marketing Hawkeye was introduced and bar one mistake was I am delighted that the numbers attended our games a very positive addition in Croke Park. Anything that were as good if not better than previous years, and I helps us reach the right decision can only be a valuable commend John Cotter and the PR and Marketing team asset to the successful running of our games. for the innovative packages that were offered to our The Black Card is on trial at present and with what I supporters, thus ensuring that the cost and admission have seen to date will definitely reduce the cynical into our games was never a prohibitive factor. fouls that have beleaguered our game of football in I want to take this opportunity to thank Peter recent times. The real acid test will be in the Allianz McKenna, Eimear and all the Croke Park staff for Leagues and our club games. This is where consistency their great help in the staging of our games in Croke and standards of our refereeing system will be tested Park. We in Leinster are extremely fortunate to be in full but I would ask that all parties involved will associated with the stadium that is the core and pride show some patience as the new rules bed into our of everything that is positive within our Association. game. I congratulate the Croke Park team on their recent Finance award on becoming the best business conference Finance is a topic that is now a major part of any GAA venue in Europe. meeting be it club or county. At my own club AGM

12 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014-2015 a good 60% of the meeting was spent talking about To make any strides in the county/club fixture crisis we this issue and it is replicated no doubt throughout the need to have the co-operation of clubs, county boards length and breadth of this country. and above all the players themselves who cannot sit back on this issue and expect solutions unless they are It is an area that will always need very special attention prepared to buy in to this concept. but I just wonder that sometimes in our quest to ensure that our business side is operating well – do Coaching we forget why we really joined the GAA? Then I ask the question ‘does the playing side of our games and My sincere thanks to everybody at coaching and the raising of standards to ensure enjoyment for our games level who provide so many games for clubs members play second fiddle to finance?’. outside of their own regular county competitions. The concept of playing teams from other counties is More and more we are told that AGM’s have been certainly one way to freshen up competition where it abandoned once and maybe twice as people cannot is extremely limited within a county. be persuaded to take the reins of officialdom at club level. More often than not you will be told that the I congratulate Joe O’Donoghue, Shirley Roche and all pressure of getting the club to balance its books is involved in the Association on the recent something that is a real turn off for those who may launch of their strategic plan. I also commend our consider taking a role in our Association. Uachtarán Liam O’Neill on his positive approach in ensuring that Rounders will become a recognized part I am also aware of how difficult it is for our smaller of the GAA sports family. I hope all clubs in Leinster counties to make ends meet. When you examine the will take up the challenge and play in at least one income of some counties from our National Leagues, rounders tournament in their county this year. Each it will give you some ideas of the vast differences that county is being asked to stage a minimum of one exist between the successful and the not so successful competition to give the game exposure. Our Coaching counties. I welcome Ard Stiurthoir’s Pauric Duffy’s, and Games Staff will be available to impart to the recognition of this situation and hope that it will lead clubs the knowledge and skills that are required to to something substantive in the very near future. play the game. Well done to our Financial team who manage to I wish to place on record my sincere admiration to all balance our books and indeed leave us with a small of the Games Promotion Officers and various coaching profit at the end of each year. teams who operate in our counties. On a positive note My thanks to Gerry O’Hagan and his Bord na Móna I am delighted to state that through one of the worst team for our continued sponsorship of our Accident recessions that this country has ever known that we Tournaments during a difficult time for their company were able to maintain the status quo and no job was also. It was heartening to see them get a good lost in this time. summer which replenished their stocks throughout My sincere thanks to the Educational Bodies on their the country. continued work and successful promotion of our Floodlighting, Mid-Week Games games. and Fixtures Chaos Our Twinning Partners I believe firmly that the approach to the whole inter Our relationship with our brethren in other parts county season must change if we are to be serious of the world continues to grow and is now a very about giving our club players a better deal. I feel that important part of our working programme. we need to cut down on mid-week training sessions Australia is now almost self-sufficient in terms and play more games if we are genuinely serious of referees, coaches and are now in the position about the problem. whereby a new generation are running their clubs and I am delighted that Longford and Carlow have successfully at that. Great credit is due to Gerard Roe launched their plans to floodlight their stadiums and and all the people who work so hard out there. hopefully it will not be too long before other counties Asia and Middle East have now gone their separate follow suit and develop at least one ground in their ways and operate as two counties such is the numbers area capable of staging our games in safety for our of our young people now living there. I congratulate players and comfort for our spectators. I also believe all of their officers who presided over the dividing of that our players would be delighted with more mid- this vast continent and wish both areas continued week or Friday evening competition as it would free growth in their expansion of our games. up their weekends also.

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014-2015 13 Europe is expanding probably faster than any other I would like to take this opportunity, to wish those region in the world and can now boast approx 70 well, who contest positions at today’s Convention. clubs under their wing. A historic first took place this It is always a brave decision to allow your name go year when a Leinster Junior Championship game took forward and contest an election. place in Maastricht between Guernsey and Fenagh John Horan. Today is a very, very special day for John from Carlow. After an extremely exciting game, Fenagh Horan, his wife Paula and sons Jack and Liam. It is just squeezed home and finally we got an indication also a very special day for Dublin County Board and of what Europe had now been telling us for a long John’s beloved club, Na Fianna. I sincerely wish John time about the standard of their game. It is played many positive days with the province. John will be an at an extremely high level and next year’s game outstanding chairperson and I ask you, the delegates, between the Dublin and European Champions is one to give him the support that you gave me. The last that all gaels should look forward to. I congratulate all Chariman to come from Dublin was Jimmy Gray our overseas units and I thank them most sincerely and as he was also a Na Fianna man this has to be a for their commitment they give to our games. They historic first for any club within the province. are truly volunteers and pioneers of our sport. I take this opportunity to welcome the Chairman of the Michael Delaney. I wish to place on record that one of European Board Brian Sheey and PRO Brian Clerkin, to the highlights of my GAA career has been the honour our Convention today. to work with one of the greatest visionaries that the GAA has ever produced. Michael Delaney brought Sympathy me through my term of office in an easy and un- During the last three years I have spent many happy fussed way. He steered me left or right when I needed days with clubs and many sad ones with GAA families steering but never pulled the reins too hard or in a who have been bereaved throughout the province. hurtful way. ‘Michael - it has been a privilege to have This year again was no different as many gaels passed served with you and I wish you well as you enter the to their eternal reward. One abiding memory stays autumn of your GAA Officialdom.’ with me is the way our clubs rally around the bereaved I wish to thank my county of Longford and my club family and provide stewarding, catering, and above all Cashel and also my neighbours who have supported friendship to the family at this most trying of times. I me throughout my career. extend my sincere sympathy to all families who were bereaved in 2013. I will not be contesting the presidency on this occasion but I want to take this opportunity to wish former Buíochas Cathaoirleach, Seamus Howlin every success in his quest to become president and I urge all our counties To cover every aspect of Leinster GAA would be an to support him. impossibility. There are so many people that contribute to the smooth running of Leinster Council that it just I wish to thank Tommy Flynn for all his work he did would not be possible to mention them by name. behind the scenes on my behalf. To all of those who have served so well on our To my wife, Gaye, who has been a constant source of committees over the last three years I say thank you support to me over the last six years. I also thank my for a job well done. children, Maura, Evan, Tara, James and Mark who have had to make many sacrafices to enable me to carry The Office Staff in Aras Laighean, I cannot speak highly out my duties as Leinster Chairman. enough of the Staff at Comhairle Laighean who serve the Officers and Counties in such a diligent manner. Finally, six years ago you the delegates entrusted me Over the past six years I have received nothing but with the position of leas-Cathaoirleach leading into courtesy and efficiency from a dedicated group of the position of Cathaoirleach. I hope in some small people who perform their daily duties as a labour of way that I have repaid that trust you showed in me love rather than a job. I thank them for all their help that day. I thank you for the opportunity of allowing during my years at Comhairle Laighean. me to serve you during this time and I wish the province a bright and fruitful future. My fellow Officers, (John Greene, PRO and Jim Bolger, Treasurer) have been inspirational in their back-up to Go raibh míle, míle maith agaibh agus ar aghaidh linn me and I wish them well in their future endeavours. le chéile. I also served with John McCarthy, Kildare, Pat Toner, Máirtín Ó Sceallaigh Louth, and Sheamus Howlin, Wexford during my term.

14 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014-2015 Address by Cathaoirleach Nua

Uachtaráin Cumann Luth Chleas Gael, Iar Chathaoirligh meet the lads coming off the 16th green and me with is a cáirde uilig, is onóra dom a bheith os bhur gcomhair a job in my back pocket. A productive game of golf all mar Cathaoirleach Chomhairle Laighean. hatched at the back wall of the Canal End. Lá brodúil do mo Chlann, mo chlub, Na Fianna, thus an My mother also influenced my future in many ways bother agus do mo chontae Áth Cliath. but in one particular case by getting me to join the Red Cross at 12 years of age. In 20 years working I would like, at the outset, to thank all the people who with that organisation I gained valuable experience in have helped me along the way to reach this position Administration and life in general from dealing with today and there have been many. accident situations to helping run refugee camps. To my wife Paula, sons Jack and Liam for all of their Looking across to Clonliffe College brings back a sad support and sacrifices without which I would not day in the history of . I was helping certainly be here today or be in a position to take on run the camp when on Black Friday over 30 people this job. walked through the Brown gates of Clonliffe having I am delighted to have my extended family here in left Belfast in a hurry getting the train to Dublin and particular my two sisters Mary and Therese and my walking up by Jones’ Road to where relatives and niece Danielle. friends were already being housed. I would like to extend a special welcome to our friends My time being a member of Na Fianna has been a from Europe here today Chairman Brian Sheehy and great experience. I arrived into a club full of great PRO Brian Clerkin. leaders who looked out for you in every way not just My initial introduction to Gaelic games came through sport. High standards were always demanded of you my father bringing me to Croke Park as a nipper, being and when you finished your schooling every effort was lifted over the stiles at the Canal End, before the days made to get you employment if you weren’t going to of Health and Safety, and running up the concrete college. A great sense of loyalty and commitment to steps to watch the matches from the back wall. Little the club was bred into you and the signs are there did I think that this habit every Sunday there was a today for everyone to see. match in Croke Park would have such an influence on Two great stalwarts of Na Fianna are here today – my life, for not alone did it give me my love of Gaelic firstly, Jimmy Gray and as Michael D referred to him in Games but also played a part in me being in the job I his report “a friend, mentor and club mate”. Jimmy’s have today. example to the rest of us in the club has always been I had just finished college and was in search of a job, I inspirational. Our recent new management at Minor applied to my old school but had heard nothing. The and Senior football both said to me, it didn’t really suit next Sunday I went to my usual spot on the Canal End to do it but what could you say when Jimmy asked. and bumped into a teacher from my old school with The second club man, Donal Hickey, my campaign whom my only contact had been through playing , has always had a huge personal influence, games. I told him the situation and he replied don’t always supporting and encouraging me in what I have be surprised your letter was probably misplaced but done. leave it with me. The following Tuesday I was playing Donal wouldn’t mind me telling this story but if you golf when on the sixth tee box my uncle appeared and were in Donal’s favour he always looked out for you. said you have half an hour to get to the school for an I was dropped off the 21 team in my second year of interview. I made it on time and after the interview 21 having had a place the year before. Before fixture was told the job was mine. Back to the golf course to

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014-2015 15 planning came in there was a three month gap I noted that whilst games are being played the between matches and for some unknown reason the difference in scores made you wonder was the exercise selectors changed. I sat with a few team mates in the of any benefit. Hours spent training and coaching club and broke out in a big smile. The lads questioned have to have meaningful outcomes. To this end I am me why and I said if Donal’s a selector I’m back in the asking Kevin O’Shaughnessy to pilot an extension of team and it duly happened. Thanks Jimmy and Donal the cross border leagues so as to create better games for everything. programmes. I would like to thank Dublin County Board for its Refereeing is another area we need to support and I support. My main work at that level has been with hope to expand on that into the future. Development squad and Minor teams. I served as a I would like to thank all the members of the club member to the Minor Board for a period and committees who have worked for the Council in the often referred to it as “Gaels of laughter” listening to last 3 years. Committee membership changes when a some of the excuses that were used by clubs to get Chairman changes and I hope no-one will be offended matches called off. by those changes if they are not included in a new Second level schools is what started me off 19 years committee structure. ago at Leinster Council level. It is a very important I would like to thank John Greene, Jim Bolger, JJ Walsh part of our family of games and we need to be and Pat Toner with whom I have worked with as vigilant in ensuring the continued success of our officers over the last three years. games in this sector. We as a province have been the leaders in initiatives in this area and counties have a I would like to especially thank Martin Skelly for the responsibility in supporting in every way possible to experience I have gained working with him. What I keep the show on the road. may have lacked in experience in some of the ways of the GAA, Martin has brought me on. Martin I have I worked on the Schools committee for 7 years. Three to congratulate you on your work and achievements of which I was Chairman. Nicky Brennan then gave me over the last three years. You never failed but to give a job in Football Development for a further 3 years. 100% to the cause of Leinster GAA. Thanks Martin and An Uachtarain asked me to take on Coaching and the best of luck to yourself and Gaye going forward. Games development and during that time suggested I should aim at the position of Provincial Chairman. I would like to congratulate our new Vice-Chairman Liam, thanks for that vote of confidence and I hope Jim Bolger and offer commiserations to Pat Toner. I you will meet my needs on Management for the next have the experience of both situations but would like year. Seamus Howlin reappointed me into Coaching to compliment you all on putting yourselves forward and Games, Seamus thanks for that and the best of for election. It takes courage and is not easily done. luck in your own campaign for the Presidency and To the staff in Comhairle Laighean, What can I say hopefully Leinster back you in your pursuit. - 19 years around the place has led to some great People have asked me what would I like to achieve in friendships. Michael, you run a great show in Áras my time in office. Infrastructurally we are something Laighean and it is never easy to be a paid employee of a poor relation in comparison to other provinces. in a voluntary organisation, as at different times Some counties have done excellent work in how they everybody feels that they are your boss. I have spoken have managed this but I feel as a province we need to some of the staff already about Civil Servants to pursue central authorities so as to push things making Ministers look good. I know I can rely on you forward. I will be asking the incoming Chairman of to do that for me. infrastructure which is merging with Health and In conclusion, I would like to thank Sean Shanley, John Safety to draw up a plan in consultation with the Costello, Dublin County Board, Croke Park, the staff counties to push this forward. in Leinster Council and in particular John Cotter and Coaching and Games is an area I enjoyed working in Paddy Flanagan for organising today. My time in office for six years. I am aware of recent meetings between depends greatly on the support of each county here county officers and Games Development personnel today and I hope not to let anyone of the 12 or our at which frank and honest views were expressed. As a international partners down in repaying your vote of consequence I will be asking the incoming Chairman of confidence in me. Coaching and Games to pursue these outcomes so as to Go raibh maith agaibh. get the maximum benefit for all parties going forward. Seán Ó hÓráin Games are what we are all about and these must be Cathaoirleach Comhairle Laighean meaningful. From my experience in Fixture Planning

16 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014-2015 Comhdháil Cinn Bliana Comhairle Laighean 2014 Tuairisc an Rúnaí

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 17 Eugene Aylward, Liam Grant, Eoin Knox, Donnacadh Fitzpatrick, Alan Cuddihy, Michael Fennelly, Conor Walsh, Ritchie Reid, James ‘Cha’ Fitzpatrick, David Hoyne, David Hoyne, Fitzpatrick, ‘Cha’ James Ritchie Reid, Walsh, Conor Michael Fennelly, Alan Cuddihy, Donnacadh Fitzpatrick, Knox, Eoin Liam Grant, Aylward, Eugene . Joseph Patrick Reid, Holden, Reid, Eoin Conor Reid, , Patrick Doyle, , Brian Butler, Kevin Mullen, Keith Nolan, Tom Coogan, Michael Dermody, Patrick Mullen, Gavin Butler, Gavin Butler, Patrick Mullen, Michael Dermody, Coogan, Tom Nolan, Keith Mullen, Kevin Brian Butler, Brian Cody, Aidan Patrick Doyle, Cummins, Conor Reid, Doyle. Eoin Jack Kenneally, Corcoran, Ronan Colin Fennelly, TJ Reid, Aylward, Henry Mark Shefflin,

Ballyhale Shamrocks AIB (KK) Leinster - Club Senior Hurling Champions 2014 Back L-R: L-R: Front

18 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 Michéal Mac Raghnaill Rúnaí Comhairle Laighean

Leinster Senior Football Leinster Senior Hurling Championship 2014 Championship 2014 Dress it up what way you will but it has to be One might say that the old order was restored in this conceded that Dublin had a cakewalk in the Leinster Championship where, despite the Competition going Senior Football Championship chalking up tallies of ‘on tour’ the Bob O’Keeffe Cup returned to Kilkenny 2-21, 2-25 and 3-20 as they steamrolled Laois, after a two year absence. Wexford and Meath respectively. One could only The Championship began with a Qualifier Section and after admire their attacking and exciting brand of football a plethora of games at venues as far apart as Ruislip, and congratulate them on their achievements. Ballycastle and others it was Antrim and Laois who emerged to take on the big guys in the Championship proper. What is, perhaps, more worrying is the rather poor level of competition among many of the other A number of competitive and exciting battles ensued, counties in games not involving Dublin. It is clear that none more so than the Galway/Kilkenny drawn game and there are now three - if not four! – levels of standard replay. Eventually Kilkenny emerged to face the defending in the Leinster Senior Football Championship. champions Dublin in the Leinster Final. The game failed to reach the expected heights and the Black and Ambers had In fairness, most counties have acknowledged that a comfortable winning margin of twelve points. things are at a low ebb at this level and a number of I am satisfied that we have unearthed a good formula consultations have taken place with the direct for this Championship and it certainly should be stakeholders. Proposals have been drawn up to given further opportunity to reach its full potential. address the predicament and we await the outcome Having retained their Leinster crown Kilkenny then of further deliberations. moved on and took the All Ireland title at the expense of Tipperary, after a replay.

Kildare - Leinster U-21 ‘A’ Hurling Champions 2014 Back L-R: Mark Nevin, Shane Ryan, Niall Connolly, Declan Keane, Eoin Lynch, Liam Power, Dave Collins, Sean Gainey, Shane Nolan, Tommy Cribben, , Liam McDonagh. Front L-R: Cathal Egan, Danny Boyle, Sean O’Rourke, Shane Quinlan, Conor Gordan, Declan Flaherty, Johnny Reeves, Paddy McKenna, Kieran Maher.

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 19 Aaron Byrne, Glen O’Reilly, Francis O’Reilly, Cian Murphy, Barra McGarry, Brian Howard, Con O’Callaghan (C), Aaron Elliot, Eoin Murchan, Aodhán Fee, Aodhán Fee, Murchan, Eoin Aaron Elliot, Con O’Callaghan (C), Brian Howard, Barra McGarry, Cian Murphy, O’Reilly, Francis Glen Aaron Byrne, O’Reilly, Egan. Warren Declan Monaghan, Glen Doyle, Eoghan McHugh, Jack Carey, Eiven Whelan, Shane Clayton, Donal McIlgorm, Andrew McGowan, Chris Sallier, Colm Chris Sallier, McGowan, Andrew Donal Shane McIlgorm, Clayton, Whelan, Eiven Jack Carey, McHugh, Eoghan Declan Glen Monaghan, Doyle, Jack Burke. Conor Kavanagh, Foley, Andrew Jack Basquel, Mullins,

Dublin - Electric Ireland Leinster Minor Champions Football 2014 Back L-R: L-R: Front

20 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 Leinster Under-21 FC Leinster Minor Hurling This Championship seems to have found a popular Championship niche in its midweek, floodlit format. This is despite a number of counties not really having facilities which Dates to remember: are totally suitable. Furthermore, the spat about the (a) Saturday - April 26th 2014 venue for the Final was not really necessary and, once Leinster MHC Result at Kilkenny again, fuelled speculation as to who really is in charge Dublin (2-08) Kilkenny (0-03) when it comes to county teams! (b) Sunday - July 6th 2014 After a reasonably competitive series of games it was Leinster MHC Final at Croke Park Meath and Dublin who qualified to play the Final in Kilkenny (2-19) Dublin (2-10) Portlaoise. Despite a gritty performance by the Royals it was the Dubs who had five points to spare at the (c) Sunday - September 7th 2014 end. All Ireland MHC Final at Croke Park Kilkenny (2-17) Limerick (0-19) The Leinster champions went on to take All Ireland honours when defeating Roscommon in the All These statistics tell the story of an amazing Minor Ireland Final. Hurling Championship season. The backdoor system was introduced into the Leinster MHC to facilitate the emerging counties but, as the foregoing clearly illustrates, it can also be of assistance to the bigger powers. Well done to the Cats. Leinster Under-21 HC This Championship has become one of our most competitive competitions in recent years and the 2014 version was no different. After a series of close Leinster Intermediate Hurling fought matches it was Dublin and Wexford who qualified for the Final. In a high scoring encounter it Championship was the defending champions, Wexford, who prevailed The Leinster Intermediate Hurling Championship was, at the finish. once again, a one game competition. Wexford - This exciting Wexford team had a thrilling victory having opted out the previous year - made a welcome over Galway in the All Ireland Semi Final. However, in return and duly reversed the trend of recent years by a marvellous Final, they had to give best to a very overcoming their old rivals Kilkenny. talented Clare side. Despite getting off to a good start in the All Ireland Final they had to give second best to a very strong Cork team.

Leinster Minor Football Championship Leinster Under 21 ‘A’ Hurling This Championship takes an eternity to run but really only comes alive towards the closing stages. The 2014 Championship offering followed similar lines and, in the end, the As always, this championship proved difficult to win. defending champions, Kildare, and Dublin came In an exciting final the defending champions, Kildare, through two very disappointing and lopsided semi- had just one point to spare over a well prepared finals to face each other on Leinster Final day. Wicklow team. Despite anticipation of a classic the final proved to be Spurred on by the disappointments of previous years a let down with the Dubs having a snug ten points to Kildare went on to take All Ireland honours with a spare at the finish. three point win over Roscommon.

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 21 Leinster Junior Football National Competitions 2014 Championship A. Cup SH Kildare brought this title to Leinster with a hugely In keeping with its all embracing nature, Leinster impressive Final win over Kerry on a scoreline of 4-18 again farmed out this championship to a neighbouring to 2-22. province. For the second time in three years Cavan proved better than all their Leinster opponents. B. SH Before a fine crowd in they had four This title also came to the province when a gallant points to spare over Longford in the Final Longford side had two points to spare (3-18) to 3-16) over Fermanagh in the Final at Croke Park. C. Cup SH just failed to make it a clean sweep for Leinster in these competitions when they went down by one point (1-16 to 1-17) in the Final against Tyrone.

Cavan - Leinster Junior Football Champions 2014 Back L-R: Paul O’Connor, Conor P Moynagh, Enda Reilly, Niall Clerkin, Fergal Reilly, Liam Buchanan, Ciaran Caffrey, Emmet Fitzsimons, Peter Morris, David Wright, James Morris, Thomas Moore, David Hyland, Johnathan Givney, Sean Gaffney.

Middle L-R: Nevin O’Donnell, Packie Leddy, Damien Barkey, Enda Hesson, James Farrelly, Barry Doyle, Ciaran Brady, Paul Smith, Aaron Farrelly, Fergal Smith.

Front L-R: Tom Hayes, Philip Tinnelly (C), Brian Sankey, Chris Conroy.

22 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 AIB Leinster Club When winning back to back Senior Football titles St. Vincents created their own history - last team to win Championships 2014 the old cup and the first to win the new. Kilkenny Clubs were victorious in the three hurling The Intermediate Football title remained in Louth – Championships - Ballyhale Shamrocks (Senior), Sean O’Mahonys succeeding Geraldines. Two of the Mullinavat (Intermediate) and Bennetsbridge (Junior). O’Mahonys four games were won by one point. In the Final they had three points to spare over neighbours In winning their first title since 2009 the Kilkenny Ballinlough. Champions are on top of the Roll of Honour with eight Leinster titles. The Leinster Final, including extra It took thirteen games to decide the Club Junior time, is in the game of the year category. From start Football Championship. Moate All Whites overcame to finish it was enthralling to say the least. Both Straffan in the Final. teams played their part. Our own Special Club Junior Hurling Championship The 2014 Senior Hurling Championship proved to be provided little or no value. The margin of victory a very entertaining Championship with all six games ranged from six to twenty four points (nineteen providing excellent value. points in the Final). The Intermediate Hurling Final was an exciting affair That said, Clara (Offaly) deserved their win and you as were a number of games in the Championship. can only play what is in front of you. Hopefully this Mullinavat just got the better of Kiltale by three year’s trend will not continue. Otherwise a rethink points. would be in order. Junior Hurling Championship was dominated by Bennetsbridge having comfortable wins over Dunderry (Meath); Crossabeg-Ballymurn (Wexford) and in the Final Shamrocks (Offaly).

Moate All Whites - AIB Leinster Club Junior Football Champions 2014 Back L-R: Gavin Murray, , David Adamson, Conor Costello, Andrew Gorman, Damien Byrne, Jack Linnane, Gary , Jamie Madden, Robert Gorman, John Corbally, Darren Mc Ardle, Michael Eagney, Keith O’Brien, Daniel Buckley, Alex Ryan, Cian Bradley, Darren Claffey, Kieran Corcoran, Eoghan Kelly, David Minnock

Front L-R: Tommy Ryan, Sean Bracken, Billy Berry, Conor Sheridan, Colin Bracken, Eoghan Dalton (C), Daniel Bracken, Brendan Arigho, Nigel Adamson, Jimmy Gillivan, David Claffey, Aaron O’Neill.

Missing from photo: Ruairi Cunningham, Alan Claffey, Gareth Murray and John Eagney.

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 23 (pictured the before semi-final v UCD) Paul Cribben, Mick O’Grady, Darroch Mullhall, David Hyland, Shane Connelly, Padraig Fogarty, Sean Hurley, Tommy Moolich. Tommy Sean Hurley, Fogarty, Padraig Shane David Darroch Hyland, Connelly, Mullhall, Mick Paul O’Grady, Cribben, Gary White, Mick Foley, Cathal McNally, Eoghan O’Flaherty (C), Hugh McGrillen, Paddy Brophy. Paddy O’Flaherty Eoghan Hugh McGrillen, (C), Cathal McNally, Mick Foley, White, Gary

Missing from photo: Missing Emmet from photo: Bolton. Kildare Kildare - Bord na 2014 Móna Winners O’Byrne Cup Back L-R: L-R: Front

24 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 Bord na Móna Accident Bord na Móna SH The holders of the title, Dublin, qualified to meet Tournament Series 2014 Kilkenny in the Final. This game formed part of an The Winners of the 2014 Competitions were as follows: attractive double bill, in Croke Park, with the Dublin v Kerry Allianz Football league game. In a high scoring Bord na Móna O’Byrne Cup S.F. Kildare and entertaining encounter Kilkenny emerged Bord na Móna Walsh Cup S.H. Kilkenny victorious by a seven point margin. Bord na Móna S.H. Meath Bord na Móna Walsh Shield S.H. Carlow Bord na Móna Kehoe Cup SH Once again three provinces were represented in this Bord na Móna Kehoe Shield S.H. Mayo Competition with counties and colleges from both These Competitions once again provided counties and competing against counties and and colleges with meaningful preparation for their colleges from Leinster. Eventually Kildare and Meath respective competition. In all instances the (just as in the O’Byrne Cup) qualified to play the Final Competitions were keenly contested with significant in Newbridge. This time out it was the Royals who innovations thrown into the mix. For example we had prevailed, albeit after extra time. live TV coverage, on TG4, of the O’Byrne Cup Final while the Walsh Cup Final was given a Croke Park Bord na Móna Walsh Shield SH setting for the first time in over fifty years. Just to add Four counties got a second bite of the cherry by spice to the set the Bord na Móna Kehoe Cup Final qualifying for the Walsh SH Shield Competition - needed extra time before a victor could be crowned. Antrim, Laois, Westmeath and Carlow. In the Final Carlow were comfortable winners over Westmeath Bord na Móna O’Byrne Cup SF with nine points to spare at the finish. Despite a particularly strong showing from a couple Bord na Móna Kehoe Shield SH of Colleges teams it was two of our stronger counties who qualified for the Final of this Competition. Before Eight counties qualified for this competition and a big crowd, in Newbridge, the holders Kildare had eventually it was Queens University Belfast who four points to spare over neighbours, Meath. qualified to play Mayo in the decider. Played at the well appointed Darver venue this Final resulted in a hard fought win for the Westerners.

Mayo - Bord na Móna Kehoe Shield Winners 2014 Back L-R: Davog Frayne, Ronan Hehir, Tony Sweeney, Kieran Kiely, Cathal Freeman, Tadhg Morley, Kevin Keena, Gary Nolan, Stephen Hoban, Adrian Guiry, Paddy Barrett, Padraig O’Flynn, Ciaran Charlton, Dylan Lynskey, Derek McDonall, Donal O’Brien.

Front L-R: Kieran McDermott, Declan Gallagher, Shane Boland, Aiden Connolly, Nathan O”Malley, Conor Canty, Brian Hunt, Cory Scahill, Brian Higgins, Kenny Feeney, Fergal Boland, Adrian Brennan, Cathal Walsh.

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 25 David Foley, Jordan Martin, Tom McGrath, Sean Heavey, Adam Gannon, Darren Reilly, James Toher, Shane McGann, Gary Kelly, Michael Geraghty, Michael Geraghty, Shane Gary McGann, Kelly, Toher, James Darren Reilly, Gannon, Adam Sean Heavey, McGrath, Tom Jordan Martin, David Foley, David Donoghue. Peter Farrell, Stephen Morris, Anthony Healy, Willie McGrath, Neil McLoughlin, Cormac Reilly, Peter Durnin, Eoin Potterton, Gavin McGabhan, Gavin McGabhan, Potterton, Eoin Peter Durnin, Neil Cormac Reilly, McLoughlin, Willie McGrath, Anthony Healy, Stephen Morris, Peter Farrell, Conor O’Shea. Conor Murray, Whitty, Shane Ciaran Fitzsimons, Derek Doran,

Meath - Bord 2014 Winners na Móna Cup Kehoe Back L-R: L-R: Front

26 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 Leinster Roll Of Honour 2014

PEIL BUATHOIRI NEASÓIRÍ Sinsir Áth Cliath An Mhí Sóisir An Cabhán Longphort Mionúir Áth Cliath Cill Dara Fé 21 Bliain Áth Cliath An Mhí Club Sinsir St. Vincents Rhode Club Idirmheanach Sean O’Mahony’s Ballinlough Club Sóisir Moate All Whites Straffan Corn Ui Bhroin Cill Dara An Mhí

IOMÁINT BUATHÓIRÍ NEASÓIRÍ Sinsir Cill Chainnigh Áth Cliath Idirmheánach Loch Garman Cill Chainnigh Mionúir Cill Chainnigh Áth Cliath Fé 21 Bliain Loch Garman Áth Cliath Fé 21 Bliain ‘A’ Cill Dara Cill Mhántáin Club Sinsir Ballyhale Shamrocks Kilcormac Killoughey Club Idirmheanach Mullinavat Kiltale Club Sóisir Bennetsbridge Shamrocks Club Sóisir Spéis Clara Wolfe Tones Corn Breathnach Cill Chainnigh Áth Cliath Sciath Breathnach Ceatharlach Íarmhí Corn Mac Eochaidh An Mhí Cill Dara Sciath Mac Eochaidh Maigh Eo Queens University Club SHL Div 1 Clonkill Buffers Alley Club SHL Div 2 Bray Emmets Éire Óg Chorrachoill Club SHL Div 3 St. Patrick’s Wicklow Na Fianna Club SHL Div 4 Kitegan Mountmellick

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 27 Sean and and (KK). Carey MichaelMikey O’Connor (Wexford) Declan Foy (Physio), DJ Carey (Selector), Richie Hogan (KK), Lester Ryan’s son, David English (Carlow), Johnny McCaffrey (Dublin), Gary (Dublin), Johnny Maguire McCaffrey David (Dublin), English son, (Carlow), Richie DJ Lester (Selector), (KK), Carey Hogan Ryan’s (Physio), Declan Foy Cody. ‘Rackard’ Denis Dan Currams (Offaly), Joe (KK), Dooley, Walsh Tommy Larkin Eoin (Dublin Paul Murphy (KK), (C)), Humphrey Kelleher(selector), Ciaran Kenny (Wexford), (selector), Richie Keogh (Wexford), Eoin Reilly (Laois), Michael (Laois), Carton Ryan Reilly Eoin (Dublin), Richie (Wexford), John (selector), Keogh Conran (Wexford), Ciaran Kenny Kelleher(selector), Humphrey Liam (KK), Rushe Lester (KK), Ryan Walsh Walter (Dublin), (Dublin), Peter Kelly Lee (KK), Chin Colin Fennelly (Wexford), O’Dwyer (Dublin), TJ (KK). Reid Joe (Offaly), Bergin (Wexford), Rossiter Keith Jack Guiney (Wexford), Matthew Hanlon (Dublin), (Wexford),

Kneeling: Leinster - M. Donnelly Interprovincial Leinster Hurling - Donnelly Champions Interprovincial M. 2014 Back L-R: L-R: Front

28 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 M. Donnelly Interprovincial Peil Despite contributing handsomely to an outstanding Competitions game of football, the Leinster footballers had to give Once again, our players showed commendable best to Ulster in the Semi Final. Here it took extra enthusiasm for these competitions but the paying time before the teams could be divided and so we public just do not want to know about them. must wait another year, at least, to return to the One wonders if there could be better attempts to winners rostrum. market these games but, honestly, the real problem is Despite suffering at the hands of the inclement that we cannot, as an Association, agree on when weather, the management team, under Luke Dempsey, they should be played. prepared as well as possible and we thank them for Every other competition on our calendar seems to their efforts. have a defined slot and this is guarded jealously. Until the Inter-Provincials achieve this status they will remain as the poor relations of the GAA. Iomáint The Leinster hurlers regained their title this year. In winning the competition for the 29th time they had facile wins over Ulster and Connacht. The Final was given the added status of being played in Croke Park and the players and management seemed to appreciate this gesture. We sincerely compliment (Manager) and his backroom team on a job well done.

Sean O’Mahony’s (LH) - AIB Leinster Club Intermediate Football Champions 2014 Back L-R: Niall McLoughlin, Paddy Byrne, Gavin Grey, Conor Martin, Eoin Farrell, Peter Nixon, Liam Dullaghan, Kevin Brennan, Conor Crawely, Keith McLoughlin, David Dowling, Gary Mulligan, Stephen Fisher, Alan Watters, Mark White, Robbie Clark.

Front L-R: Liam McKinney, Kevin Quinn, Ronan Byrne, Conor Finnegan, Shane Brennan, Mickey Clarke, Pat O’Brien (C), John O‘Brien, Kurt Murphy, Brendan Traynor, Stephen Kilcoyne, Eoin Hanratty, Barry Mackin.

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 29 HALL OF FAME AWARDS 2014 Presented at the Senior Hurling and Football Finals Iomáint Paddy Quirke (Carlow)

The praiseworthy achievements of the Mount Leinster Paddy helped Carlow win three national hurling league Rangers hurling club, and the relevant success of the titles but it was with his club, Naomh Eoin, that Paddy senior county team, brought attention to bear on really came into his own. He was a key member of the Carlow hurling, in a special way, in 2014. The club team that took their first senior crown in 1974 and, success certainly underlined the contribution that after winning three in-a-row titles he went on to win Carlow, as a county, has made, and continues to make, fifteen Carlow senior hurling titles from 1974 to 1995, in promoting the game on Barrowside. Long denied a winning both hurling and football titles in 1986. He also place in the sun of major national success the county won four under-21 club hurling medals (1972-75) and a has produced, and continues to produce exponents of minor medal in 1973. He won an intermediate football the game that would merit recognition in any of the top medal in 1996 with Naomh Eoin. counties. Comhairle Laighean proudly opened it’s Hall of A teacher in Tullow Community School, he was involved Fame to a favoured son of Carlow, Paddy Quirke from in coaching, sharing his immense range of expertise and the Naomh Eoin club. experience with his young charges. A talented hurler, he Born in 1955, Paddy made his senior hurling debut at could hold his own in any company, a true sportsman fifteen years of age as goalkeeper for his club and it is and a loyal servant to his club, county and province, appropriate that he played his last game between the Comhairle Laighean welcomes him into the Hall of posts, winning a Junior Hurling Championship medal Fame… fáilte isteach Pádraig. with Naomh Eoin, four years ago. Paddy enjoyed a remarkable career which saw him represent his club, county and province in both senior hurling and football. He first wore the Carlow senior Comhairle Laighean hurling jersey in 1973 and his ability caught the Programme Award 2014 attention of the provincial selectors. He was partner to Kilkenny’s on the Leinster team that won the Railway Cup in 1979 and, two years later, he was at centre-forward on the team that lost to Munster in the St. Patrick’s Day decider. In 1979 Paddy was selected on the Ireland hurling team that played Scotland in shinty and, a year later, he earned a dual all-star award.

The 2014 Comhairle Laighean Award for County Final Match Programme went to Meath County Board and their PRO Martin O’Halloran. The Meath Senior Football Final 2014 programme is of the highest quality in terms of design and production, and interesting and informative content. As a publication it added to the supporters’ match day experience and is a very good souvenir of the day. The winner’s overall quality is representative of the ongoing improvement in the standards of county final programmes in Leinster generally Cathaoirleach Comhairle Laighean John Horan presents Paddy Quirke of Carlow with his Leinster Hall of Fame Award before the Leinster Senior and it is a worthy recipient of the award. Hurling Final at Croke Park last July.

30 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 Peil Jack Kenna (Laois)

It has to be accepted that, over the years, the county Brereton (Offaly) and Olly Freaney (Dublin) in ‘59 of Laois has been, and continues to be, an integral and, two years later, with the Louth duo, Kevin Behan part of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The O’Moore and Frank Lynch. In the ‘61 final, Jack was in direct county has produced many fine footballers that, as opposition to Mick O’Dwyer. they say, “would be handed a jersey in any county”. In In 1960, Jack was selected at left half-forward on the 2014, Comhairle Laighean was proud and privileged Ireland team that beat the Combined Universities in to pay homage to one such player, Jack Kenna from the annual representative game and, this time he was the O’Dempsey’s club in Laois. in the company of Jim McKeever (Derry) and Tom Jack wore the blue and white of his native county for Long (Kerry). a total of twelve years without any tangible award. At club level Jack was a founder member of the He was on the Laois team that reached the Leinster O’Dempsey’s club and first secretary, a post he held senior final in 1959 when Dublin, the reigning for a total of twelve years. To his great disappointment champions, beat them 1-18 to 2-08 in the decider, he never won a senior championship medal with his played in Tullamore. club. His only appearance in a Laois senior decider Jack, with “two good feet” was a regular fixture on the was in 1961when The Heath proved too strong and, Laois team and his obvious talent was recognised at the following year, Jack decided to hang up his boots. inter-provincial level and he was a substitute on the The fates seemed to mock him because, the following 1955 team that beat Connacht in the Railway Cup year, O’Dempsey’s took the county senior crown with final. He was at left half-forward on the winning a 2-05 to 2-03 win over Portarlington. teams of 1959 and 1961, playing on a line with Sean His playing days over, Jack continued to earn recognition. Portarlington, great “on-the-field” rivals Comhairle Laighean of O’Dempsey’s, inducted Jack into their Hall of Fame and he followed with similar recognition from his Website Award 2014 beloved O’Dempsey’s. Last year, the appreciation of Jack’s contribution to football in Laois was fittingly rewarded when he was presented with the O’Moore county Hall of Fame award. We, in Comhairle Laighean, are delighted to open the doors of our Hall of Fame to a true son of Laois and a dedicated servant of football in the province. Fáilte romhat isteach, Jack.

The 2014 Comhairle Laighean Club Website Award went to Emmet Og GAA Club, Killoe, County Longford. The Club Officials and members can be very proud of the professional standard achieved in the creation and management of this website. Their award-winning site can be seen on www. killoegaa.ie The site is well designed, easily navigated, up to date and contains all the information and content required by a club and its members. It showcases the club, its activities and members Cathaoirleach Comhairle Laighean John Horan presents Laois Legend in an interesting fashion. Jack Kenna with his Leinster Hall of Fame Award before the Leinster Senior Football Final at Croke Park last July.

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 31 , Aidan Fogarty, Brian Kennedy, Jonjo Farrell, Tommy Walsh, David Langton, David Herity, Padraig Walsh, Liam Ryan, Tomás Breen. Tomás Liam Ryan, Walsh, Padraig David Herity, David Langton, Walsh, Tommy Jonjo Farrell, Brian Kennedy, Aidan Fogarty, Shane Prendergast, , Paul Murphy, Michael Walsh, Colin Fennelly, Joey Holden, , ,Tomás Keogh, , Conor Fogarty, Mark Kelly, Eoin Eoin Mark Kelly, Conor Fogarty, Richie Doyle, Keogh, Tyrrell,Tomás Jackie Joe Joey Holden, Brennan, Colin Fennelly, Walsh, Michael Paul Murphy, Kelly, Kevin Phelan. Padraig Murphy,

Kilkenny - Bord na Móna Walsh Cup Winners 2014 Winners Cup - Kilkenny Walsh Bord na Móna Back L-R: L-R: Front

32 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 John Greene Michael Delaney

John Greene’s term of office as PRO comes to an end August 31st 2014 brought the curtain down on a career at this year’s Convention. Over the past three years spanning five decades - 1976 – 2014. In summing up John has worked tirelessly on behalf of Comhairle Michael’s contribution to Comhairle Laighean I simply Laighean. On behalf of the province I extend thanks say read the tribute written by Paddy Flanagan which and appreciation to you, John, for your contribution as follows this report – a fitting tribute that says it all. PRO. On behalf of the Staff and all involved and associated with Comhairle Laighean may you Michael, Teresa and family have many years of happiness. Hurling 2020 & Minor Review

Both the Hurling 2020 Committee and Minor Review – the presentation by Tomas Quigley (Leinster Workgroup published their respective Reports in Referees Administrator) to Convention should be a January 2015. positive start. The coming weeks, hopefully, will see both reports Likewise a robust Club Development Programme – discussed in depth. building on previous projects – is an ongoing Recently within Leinster the debate of Refereeing requirement. Over the past few years many clubs moved up a gear – small perhaps but at least have undertaken Strategic Plans and in a business like movement. By simply stating the obvious but doing fashion brought such work to its finality i.e. a finished nothing is unlikely to solve the problems that exist. product. But is a finished product finality? Whether it is age profile, consistency, knowledge of Comhairle Laighean assists our units in practical the rules just to mention a few topics the Refereeing ways. There continues to be such a requirement and debate certainly keeps the temperature on the there is no doubt but that the Provincial Council will upward curve. continue to assist and improve on its Programmes for All of us have a role in endeavoring to improve matters. all Clubs who seek assistance. At Provincial level there is a serious shortage of Similarly for the Counties. Working as a team progress Referees – the province sources it Referees from the can be achieved. The past can be built on to ensure counties. The counties also have a shortage and so the the present and future will be better – challenging as cycle - County shortage ensures Provincial shortage. it may be. Hence the requirement for a united front in developing During the past year at the behest of an Cathaoirleach Club Referees from where come the Inter County an examination of our Senior Football Inter County Referees. Let us, throughout Leinster, begin the Structures began. Whether or not there is change at Crusade in 2015 in conjunction with National Level the very least we are having a debate.

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 33 Turlough Diamond, Cameron Diamond, Kevin Bonnie, Daíthí Murphy, Diarmuid Connolly, (C), Shane Carthy, Ciaran Dorney, Tomás Quinn, Dermot Quinn, Tomás Ciaran Dorney, Ger Shane Brennan (C), Carthy, Diarmuid Connolly, Daíthí Bonnie, Murphy, Kevin Cameron Diamond, Diamond, Turlough Michael Concarr. Treanor, Shane Ruairí Tiernan Diamond, Byrne, Jordan, Adam Baxter, Eamon Fennell, Albert Martin, Gavin Burke, Jarlath Curley, Mark Loftus, Craig Wilson, Cormac Diamond, Kevin Malone, Luke Sheehy, Michael Luke Sheehy, Malone, Kevin Cormac Diamond, Wilson, Mark Craig Loftus, Jarlath Albert Curley, Gavin Burke, Martin, Eamon Fennell, Baxter, Adam Neal Billings. Brendan Egan, Craig Brennan, Savage,

St. Vincent’s AIB (DB) Leinster - Vincent’s Club Senior Champions Football 2014 St. Back L-R: L-R: Front

34 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 Sympathy Buíochas I extend the sympathy of Comhairle Laighean CLG to The GAA organisation is about games. There are all families who were bereaved during 2014. many who play their part in ensuring the continuation of the ethos. To the • Players, Match Officials, Teams Officials, Club Coaches • The hundreds of Volunteers at all Units • Supporters • Everyone associated with Comhairle Laighean Committees and Sub-Committees. • Croke Park Staff Andy Kettle • Statutory Authorities December 16th was a very sad day for Dublin GAA • Media with the passing of their Cathaoirleach, Andy Kettle. I extend appreciation and thanks to our County Andy was a gentleman. A Fingal Ravens man through Secretaries and their Administration Staff for their and through, the night before he died, Andy was work during the year. Similarly to all the Coaching re-elected Cathaoirleach Coisde Co. Átha Cliath for the Staff throughout the province. fifth year. Sadly it was not to be. No doubt from the Finally appreciation to my colleagues in Áras Laighean heavens Andy will be watching 2015 developments. - a year older and always ready and willing for the To his wife Phyllis, sons Patrick, Peter and Eoin and next challenge. daughters Niamh, Orla and Ciara – I offer the condolences of Comhairle Laighean CLG. Míle Buíochas May he rest in peace. Michéal Mac Raghnaill Rúnaí Comhairle Laighean

Tom Walsh January 12th, 2015 saw the passing of Tom Walsh (Bray Emmetts and Leinster Handball Delegate to Comhairle Laighean). A native of City, Tom’s contribution to Handball nationwide was immense. He served as Uachtaran Cumann Liathroid Laimhe na hEireann and Cathaoirleach, Comhairle Laithroid Laimhe Laighean. He was the first Handball Development Officer in Leinster. He will be also be greatly missed by everyone associated with Bray Emmetts. To his daughters Ciara and Emer, and extended family I offer the condolences of Comhairle Laighean C.L.G. May he rest in peace.

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 35 Fear ann féin by Paddy Flanagan

Michael Delaney has retired as CEO of firstly in Ballacolla, and later in Castletown, Comhairle Laighean after 38 years of putting his aims and aspirations into dedicated and outstanding service. practice, all the time guided by his innate regard for what was required of Comhairle Michael, from Camross, Co Laois, took Laighean as a vital cog in the greater up the post in 1976 after the late Ciaran association - heart and head in perfect O’Neill resigned as Secretary of Comhairle harmony. Laighean to join the staff at Croke Park. Little was known then of Michael outside Michael had a lot going for him. He his native county, but he had been a Croke was interested, he was able and he was Cup winner in 1965 with the famous ambitious to promote Comhairle Laighean hurling nursery, St Kieran’s in Kilkenny, to the highest level. Responsibility seemed he was a primary school teacher, a hurler to rest lightly on him, but I know that he with Camross and Laois, and Secretary of had constant concern for the image of the Laois Hurling Board. Comhairle Laighean and all it entailed. He was open to positive suggestions and was I was involved with Westmeath County more than capable of making up his own Board at the time, as PRO, and I was one of mind without giving offence. my county’s representatives on Comhairle Laighean. I had known Michael briefly Michael had, and still has, a good sense of and got to know him a lot better over the humour that he has used to defuse many ensuing years. a delicate situation. He has a remarkable memory - a memory for faces and events At the time of his appointment, it could that he could recall with clarity when be said that Comhairle Laighean was an the occasion demanded. He loves the ‘itinerant’ unit of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, ‘craic’, convivial company, Christy Moore’s with no fixed abode and dependent on rendition of ‘Ride On’, and the camaraderie various hotels, etc. to accommodate the of genuine friends. He likes a pint of beer, demands of the numerous committees for a game of golf, has a keen interest in all meetings and other requirements. Michael sports. He loves hurling. ran the entire operation from his home,

36 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014-2015 Michael took to his new job like the Goldsmith said, “If he had faults, he has proverbial duck to water. His forward left us in doubt.” thinking saw Comhairle Laighean, with the full support of then chairman, Jack Today, Comhairle Laighean is recognized Boothman, move to acquire its own office and accepted as the leading provincial premises in Portlaoise town, in 1990. This body – innovative in its thinking, as well was a massive step forward and a first for as being clear and positive in carrying out a provincial council. the various duties imposed. Long may it continue. Progress eventually deemed that further expansion was needed and, in 2003, with Michael’s generosity, friendliness and Seamus Aldridge as chairman, the present bonhomie will be missed. I would like to Áras Laighean was purchased, and adapted put on record my sincere thanks to him for to meet the demands of the forward- his guidance, his generosity, his company looking provincial council. Áras Laighean and his genuine friendship at all times. I stands today as a monument to Michael’s would earnestly hope that he will continue ability to look beyond the obvious. When to fill some role in Áras Laighean. some people said, “Why?” Michael said, “Why not?” Michéal, tá fíor-bhuíochas tuillte agat as ucht an sár-obair a rinne tú thar chionn It would be wrong of me to attribute Comhairle agus Cúige Laighin le blianta all the credit for the Leinster Council anuas. Bain Taithneamh anois as an scor. development to Michael Delaney. He will be the first to acknowledge that, while he Go dtuga Dia sláinte agus sonas duit agus was the man with his hand on the tiller, he go mbaine tú aoibhneas as na blianta atá got unstinted advice and assistance from le teacht. the various Leinster Council chairmen, Is mó gaisce a dhéantar ar pháirc na officers and delegates. It is fair to say that himeartha; is iontach go deo an gaisce atá he always acknowledged the restrictions déanta agat. of office, never undertaking a programme - big or small - without first getting the Gura fada buan thú. approval of those charged with running the affairs of Comhairle Laighean.

During his time in office, Michael had the ability to bring everyone along with him without appearing bossy or demanding. He made people feel important, giving them responsibility when the occasion demanded, praising when praise was merited, but never in a demeaning or authoritative way. I will not say that Michael was without fault. Of course, he had failings, but too few to mention. As

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014-2015 37 38 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 39 Games Development Report

The past year is best described as one of ‘change’. It was Wexford, Louth and Meath all have begun developing a year where we made a determined effort to look at and plans for the future with Laois starting in the New do things differently. However, at the heart of this change, Year. Westmeath have developed a partnership with going forward, we need to ensure our games take centre AIT, Wicklow with DCU, Louth with DkIT, Offaly are stage – every facet/activity of the organisation should developing a strategy with AIT as are Carlow and Laois be about improving our games. This is best achieved by with IT Carlow. Kildare have produced a best practice having the right structures in place to account for the guidelines document for their academy squads. Kilkenny individuality of the unit and the challenges they face. launched ‘Club Kilkenny’ having met every club to As our games and challenges evolve, so must we at club, evaluate their status, while Dublin proved the point county, provincial and national level. Where we have about good organisation by setting up an Under 13, control and relationships we have started this change 7-a-side programme involving nearly 500 players as part process. We have begun looking at structures and roles of a talent identification programme. therein to enhance games development and make it Féile more ‘fit for purpose’. Whilst it is a difficult process, it is necessary. Doing the same thing over and over and Féile witnessed a big change in 2014. Despite misgivings, expecting different results is the definition of madness! in the end we had the largest participation ever and what I personally witnessed in Connacht was incredible Leadership is integral to change and it has been really because of such numbers. The reorganisation of the encouraging to see counties willing to change and look hurling was always going to be difficult but the regional internally for the answers. This is evidenced by changes approach was a success and, certainly to my mind, forms in personnel structures, with county support. The the basis for continued structure at Under 16 level. I’ve appointment of Operations Managers in Carlow and no doubt an attractive competition at Under 16 would Meath is also an example of new thinking. The latter is continue to entice coaches and players alike and could a tangible statement of intent by both counties to bring go some way towards curbing the fall-off in coach and games to the centre. I wish Ronan Dempsey and Seamus player participation at that age grade. Kenny every success along with Eoin Morrissey in Wexford. It was incredible, given the numbers playing in the Furthermore, it has been fantastic to see real change national and regional Feile competitions, that we still occurring in Wicklow with their squads. They have nearly had so many taking part in the provincial Feile. This fact trebled the number of coaches with squads. This is down underlines the value clubs see in playing across county to great people driving a new structure. In addition to boundaries. this, Carlow held a football forum which will guide future policy. Longford launched their 2020 development plan. Moreover, it reinforces the value in the provincial Offaly, guided by Diarmuid Healy, reviewed their hurling council working with counties to develop structured structures and replicated this with football, lead by Vinny Cross County Leagues. In order for Leinster teams to be Claffey. Louth and Meath have done similar. competitive at inter-county level, we need to provide clubs at youth level with a meaningful number of games.

40 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 An imbalance in standards at club level is resulting in the Highlights of the year number of teams in divisions contracting. We see and A few highlights over the year include the continued hear about clubs wanting to play at lower levels to be growth of Cul Camps in Kildare with 4,735 attending. competitive. This leaves only a small number of teams Personally, a visit to St. Mary’s Donabate GAA, where with high development potential to play only a few I witnessed 360 children at their camp, was very games. The answer is cross county. impressive. What was even more remarkable was the We need to think of a future in terms of a structured attendance of 60 plus parents many of whom took days leagues with teams of equal standards playing one off work to coach on the camp. another. The adult leagues are a great success already. Other high-points were the Go Games Activity Days This will be the main plank for the province in 2015. In in Croke where, once again, we had over 3000 children fairness, organisationally Dublin have set the benchmark taking part, and the O’Neill’s Leinster GAA Coaching of 15 games and it’s something we could all aspire to Conference which had over 300 attendees. through a new approach. The emergence of ‘Pella’ indoor football and hurling Minimum Coaching Standards which offers the association is proving to be a real A significant policy decision worth noting relates to the alternative to other indoor games during the winter. This Minimum Coaching Standards 2016-2018. This policy has really been embraced by Louth and Longford with sets out the association vision that by 2018 all inter- clubs and schools playing in leagues. county coaches must have as a minimum Award 2 and Our First Year Blitzes show continued success – over 800 at club level, Award 1. While some coaches may be players took part on each of the three days while our assimilated, based on experience etc., this programme Adult Hurling League is an amazing success and was a represents a mammoth task for the GAA and Leinster. real shot in the arm this year for Wicklow hurling. This drive offers us the best opportunity to drive the We finally got traction with regard to our Resistance principle of coach self-sufficiency at county and club Training Programe for Youth Players. We also concluded level going forward. At our end and Martin training for games personnel and began a new course with Fogarty will be our two ambassadors driving the project. volunteer academy coaches from Offaly and Westmeath. Hurling Investment Plan Thanks to Alan Mulhall and Damien Sheridan for Last Congress saw the announcement of a Hurling developing an excellent Goalkeeping Resource – a Investment Plan targeting Carlow, Laois, Offaly and first of its kind within GAA. Tom Fitzpatrick and Muiris Westmeath. At Leinster level, has O’Suillivan, are producing a video resource for the overseen the project. Engaging with the counties and Shoulder Charge to be available shortly. their senior management teams has been insightful and Buíochas a great learning curve for all involved. There is a huge amount happening in games development The involvement of the games development section here and great credit goes to all involved especially the has resulted in the gap between coaching and games and people on the ground the games personnel. They are what is happening at inter-county team preparations the one’s at the coalface, experiencing the issues and as closing. It has highlighted the need to widen the scope we look forward the imperative must be to provide the of games development beyond the traditional child, training, resources and programmes to assist them be of youth level to a coherent structure from top to bottom. assistance to all our units, players and coaches. The experience has also pointed to a need for the Finally I would like to thank, Jim Bolger and his Games organisation to appoint and train people to create more Development Committee, Colm Clear, Lester Ryan and self-sufficiency and expertise internally. of late, Noel Mooney at this level, the county games Fundamentally, we need to establish what is the end personnel and county officers whom I have worked with in mind and constitutes success for each county. We over the year for their support and courtesy shown. all want to see each county become more competitive Finally, finally, we are extremely lucky to have a number of and make the break-through. But more importantly inter county players working with us. They give so much the legacy of this programme has to be a coherent and to their professional and playing lives and on the ground sustainable system that lasts well into the future. they are fantastic examples and role models to our young Where hurling is less dominant, the challenges exist. The players. Unfortunately none of us can go on forever and issue is structural and unfortunately, despite the best so this year saw the retirement from inter-county football efforts of Hurling Mentors, progress has been piece- for Seamus Kenny, , Damien Sheridan and meal aside from Kildare where total ‘buy in’ from the Shane Lennon. On behalf of CLG Comhairle Laighean county board, lead by John McCarthy, has seen Paudie I’d like to thank each of them for their commitment to O’Neill have a significant impact. We need to replicate Leinster on and off the field and welcome them back to the Kildare structure and place hurling on a firm footing “Clubland” where the rest of us reside. in the designated counties. Shane Flanagan Runai, Coaching & Games Development

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 41 Bursary recipients 2014

Aaron Nugent Carla Rowe Chloe Kelly Conor Noonan WICKLOW DUBLIN WESTMEATH LOUTH

Cormac Ryan Darren Marks Eddie Fitzgerald Fionn Maguire DUBLIN LOUTH WESTMEATH DUBLIN

Ian Mitchell James Donoghue Joseph McManus Lucy Collins WEXFORD WEXFORD DUBLIN DUBLIN

Mark Kavanagh Michael Dwyer Niall Walsh Pat O’Carroll DUBLIN DUBLIN DUBLIN (Represented by Niall’s mother) KILKENNY

Patrick Spellacy Peter Sutton Robert Hardy Ruairi Tubrid DUBLIN WEXFORD DUBLIN WEXFORD

Sarah McCaffrey Shane Dempsey Siobhan Woods Terry Donegan DUBLIN WESTMEATH DUBLIN LOUTH

42 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 O’Neills.com Leinster GAA Coaching special recognition for those who are involved in both administration and coaching at club, county and college Conference 2014 level. The Bursaries include Hurling, , The theme of this year’s conference was “Pre Season – Camogie and Ladies Football. Leinster GAA is proud to Science to Field” The conference was targeted at coaches continue their support of Third Level Colleges in Leinster. working with minor to senior players and was one of the This year’s presentation took place on Wednesday the 1st largest Leinster GAA conferences with over 300 attending. of December 2014 in Aras Laighean, Portlaoise. The line up of speakers was varied and included Paul Earley, Seamus Plunkett, D.J. Carey, , Claire Lodge and Eddie O’Sullivan. U-14 Talent Academy Testing The feedback from the conference was very positive and this During 2014 Leinster GAA once again carried out both was only as a result to the many people involved in organising physical and skills test on over 400 footballers and hurlers such an event in particular Donal McNally, Sean Dempsey involved in the Talent Academy programme in the province. and Michael Dempsey. It was great to once again have the The aim of the project was to measure and describe various support of our sponsors O’Neills, the continued support from elements of the abilities of U-14 football and hurling IT Carlow in relation to the venue and to each of those who talent academy members in Leinster, and to make this data gave of both their time and knowledge on the day. available to academy squad players and their coaches. The tests were carried out in Institute of Technology Carlow on nine dates in June The supervisors of the tests IT Carlow – BA in Sport & Exercise and testers were Michael Dempsey (Leinster GAA, tutor The BA in Sport and Exercise (GAA) programme at IT Carlow BA programme), Donal McNally (Leinster GAA, tutor BA continues to grow from strength to strength. At present programme) and Damien Sheehan (IT Carlow). The tests there are 75 students studying across three years on this were monitored by 14 third-year students of Institute of unique course, the only one of its kind in the country. Technology Carlow Bachelor of Arts in Sport and Exercise The link with both Carlow GAA and the surrounding (GAA) programme, all of whom had previously studied counties is growing year on year, not to mention the yearly testing procedures as part of their course. Erasmus students who travel to different European clubs as As this was the second year of the initiative Leinster GAA part of their placement each year. are developing a significant database of norms for physical and skills tests for players who are entering the talent academy programme. Primary Teachers In-Service Course In 2014 Leinster Games Development in partnership with Ladies Football, Camogie, Handball and Rounder’s. Leinster Award 2 Youth/Adult Hurling & GAA organised and ran 4 teacher training in service weeks Football Courses during the summer. The courses were held in Kildare, Dublin, In 2014 Leinster GAA ran its first Award 2 Youth & Adult Meath & Kilkenny with Jenny Duffy, Conor Laverty, Christine Coaching Courses. These courses took place in IT Carlow O’Brien and Brían Ryan the respective coordinators. The and continued over a number of months. The courses were partnership arrangement meant there was huge variety in attended by coaches from all over Leinster. The feedback what was a very practical week, with the reviews from all from the courses were very positive and the coaches who participants speaking very highly of the course, its content took part got to utilize the knowledge gained from both and the resources made available to them. the course and each other during the 2014 playing season. One highlight to the course was the number of teachers There are two more courses planned for early 2015. who were returning to the course for the second time. These teachers had felt that it was so enjoyable and more importantly beneficial to them in their roles that they Colm Clear were only too delighted to complete the course again. This is a testament to both the quality of the content and the delivery by very experienced tutors.

Leinster GAA Bursary Presentation Night 2014 This is the 15th year of the Leinster GAA Bursary Scheme. Leinster GAA has given out over 640 Bursaries over the course of the 15 years. A total of 40 Students from 11 different colleges received bursaries from Leinster GAA this year. As part of the selection process there was

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 43 Leinster Club U-16 Football League The presence of the Munster Counties added variety and an extra competitive element to the games. Twenty four teams participated in the Leinster Club U-16 Football League. The competition was run in two The final was a meeting of neighbours Offaly and divisions, with all teams playing a minimum of three Longford, with Longford taking the honours on the games. The finals of each division were played in mid- day. Longford 2-8 v Offaly 1-7. March. Division One Final Donnamore Ashbourne (MH) 1-9 v Maynooth (KE) 1-6 Division Two Final Kilcock (KE) 2-15 v Ballyroan Abbey (LS) 0-11.

Martin Skelly presents the trophy to the Longford captain.

Leinster Adult Club Hurling League 2014 was probably the most successful year for the Jim Bolger (Leas-Cathaoirleach Comhairle Laighean) Leinster Adult Club Hurling League. Fifty three teams presents the trophy to the Kilcock captain. participated. Counties were represented as follows, CW-3, D-10, KE – 7, KK – 1, LS – 5, LH-2, MH – 1, OY – 6, WH – 3, WX- 4, WX – 4, WW – 11. Leinster Minor Hurling League The competition was run in four divisions with all The Leinster Counties who participated in the Leinster teams graded according to standings within their own Minor Hurling League were Offaly, Meath, Westmeath, Counties. Carlow, Kildare, Wicklow. These were joined by Down The playing of the finals in County grounds prior to and Antrim from Ulster. Leinster Championship games, gave a tremendous The Final was a contest between Carlow and Antrim. boost to the competition. With the added bonus of the After a thrilling game it was the Carlow boys who took Division One final ending in a draw to the Kilkenny v the honours by a margin of two points (CW – 1-15 v Galway Leinster Championship game which was also AM 1-13). ended in a draw. The majority of games in the Leinster Minor Hurling The final parings and results for each division were, League proved very competitive and overall were very DIV 1 Buffers Alley (2-13) v Clonkill ( 0-19) beneficial to the participating counties. However the Clonkill 2-18 v Buffers Alley (0-21) replay. absence of a number of Leinster Counties detracted from the glamour of the competition. DIV 2 Eire Og Corrachoill (2-11) v Bray Emmetts (0-19) DIV 3 Na Fianna (1-8) v St Patricks (2-9) Leinster Minor Football League DIV 4 Kiltegan (3-7) v Mt Mellick (2-5) The Leinster Minor Football League for 2014 was The work of the Referee Administrators and the a very successful competition. A total of 15 teams referees themselves must be commended with a participated, with Cork, Clare, Limerick and Tipperary total of 108 games being played in the competition joining the Leinster Counties (excluding Kilkenny). without their support, it would not be possible to run this competition.

44 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 Clonkill (WM)- Leinster Adult Club Hurling League Div.1 Winners 2014 Back L-R: , Paul Poynton, , Enda Loughlin, Alan Dowdall, JohnFagan, Jack McGrath, Niall Dowdall, Alan McGrath (C), , Cathal Scally, Niall Folan, Luke Folan, Peadar Scally, Mark Keegan, Larry Donoghue, Gary Healy, Paul Keelaghan, Daniel Sheridan.

Front L-R: Cian Quinn, Enda Morrisson, Steven Nulty, Adam Price, Luke McGrath, Christopher Audtin, Anthony Price, Thomas Egan, , Dillon O’Regan, Ciaran Morrisson, and Michael Heffernan.

Mascots: Oisin Loughlin, Oran Dunne and Jamie Keelehan.

Bray Emmets (WW)- Leinster Adult Club Hurling League Div.2 Winners 2014 Back L-R: Karl Leacy, Michael Lee, Peter Kiely, Willie Nolan, Tadgh O’Broin, David Ebbs, Daire Lohan, Luke O’Reilly, John Ward, Liam Kenny, Canice Dowling, , Pat Lee (Manager).

Front L-R: Harry Stephenson, Cathal O’Dualachain, Ronan O’Brien, Aaron Murphy, Cillian O’Maolmhuaidh, Peter O’Reilly, Enda O’Maolmhuaidh, Billy Brazil, Ed Keating, Eoin Mason, Jackie Moorehouse, Gearoid Murphy.

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 45 St. Patrick’s (WW)- Leinster Adult Club Hurling League Div.3 Winners 2014 Back L-R: John D. O’Brien, Denis O’Brien, Chris Higgins, Graham O’Brien, Niall O’Callaghan, Robin Mooney, Tom Berry, Gerry Connors, Andy O’Brien, Mick Mullane, Michael O’Brien, Shane Doyle, James O’Brien, Tom Ryan, Eoghan O’Mahony, Mick O’Brien.

Front L-R: Chris Kavanagh, Andy O’Brien, Christy Moorehouse, John Connors, Michael Connors, Jim Connors, Jack Montgomery, John O’Brien, Mark Sexton, Andrew Conway, Brian Coen, Sean O’Callaghan, George O’Brien.

Kiltegan (WW)- Leinster Adult Club Hurling League Div.4 Winners 2014 Back L-R: James Whelan, Michael Mangan, Ciaran Doyle, Padraig Keogh, Ciaran O’Toole, John O’Toole, Patrick Kearney, Keith Furlong, Jeffery Bermingham, Liam Kavanagh, Eoin O’Neill, John Keogh, Michael Barry, Anthony Furlong.

Front L-R: Nigel Nolan, Mark Pierce, Ronan Byrne, Denis Hayes, Adrian Keogh (C), Barry Cremin, Dan Kearney, James O’Brien, Gavin Keogh, John O’Keeffe, Luke Byrne, Eoin Coogan.

46 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 Poc Fada Competition the competition an unforgettable experience for all involved. The Poc Fada Leinster Final was run in Beann Eadair GAA Club – Howth, Co. Dublin on Saturday July 12th. The “ Trophy” (senior winners) was The course incorporated the picturesque setting presented by John Horan (Chairman Leinster Council). of the Hill of Howth (where on a fine day you can The winner and runner-up also represented Leinster in see the famed ). Members of the the All-Ireland final on the Cooley Mountains. Beann Eadair GAA Club worked tirelessly to ensure

Competitors Senior U-16 Louth James Connolly Naomh Moninne Louth John Stephenson Naomh Fechin Dublin Conor Dooley Ballyboden Wicklow Dean Grandy Carnew Emmets Wicklow Tom Finn Avondale Meath Aidan Mangan Kilmessan Wexford Kyle Byrne Rathnure St. Annes Kildare Jeff Keane Naas Meath Shane Troy Drumree Carlow Damian Jordan Naomh Eoin Kildare Jack Sheridan Naas Kilkenny Clara Carlow Mark Ryan St Mullins Westmeath Sean Dowd Southern Gael Kilkenny Kevin Walsh Piltown GAA Longford Maitiú O’Donohoe Wolfe Tones/Mostrim Westmeath Pat Burke Ringtown Offaly Eoin Woods St. Rynaghs Longford Cian Kavanagh Longford Slashers Laois Alan Kelly Abbeyleix Offaly Paul Cleary Birr Wexford Conal Flood Cloughbawn Laois Eoin Reilly Abbyleix Dublin Brian Dennis Naomh Barróg Winners Poc Fada Senior Poc Fada U-16 1st Eoin Reilly Abbeyleix, Laois 1st Alan Kelly Abbeyleix, Laois 2nd Kevin Walsh Pilltown, Kilkenny 2nd Eoin Woods St. Rynaghs, Offaly

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 47 M.Donnelly Interprovincial Hurling Joe Dooley’s charges eased their way to a 29th hurling title on the 10th March in the splendid setting of Croke Park. In many respects this result reflected the preparatory work carried out by the squad and the backroom team in the weeks prior to the semi final and final games. See the Rúnaí’s report for the squad photo.

Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps 2013 All 12 Leinster counties, including the 3 regions of Dublin, participated in the Cul camp programme. The “Kellogg’s Cúl Camps” is a national initiative organized locally and coordinated at county and national level. The commitment to the national guidelines made the operation of the camps much easier. All camp supervisors were made aware of their responsibilities and they carried out these responsibilities to the highest possible level and this was reflected in the satisfaction expressed in the feedback received. Marketing and Promotion Marketing at Leinster level was handled by John Cotter who also handled local PR and liaised with the county coordinators on this. Coaching /Games/Skill Acquisition and Development Every effort was made to maintain the highest standards of coaching on offer to the participants in the Cúl Camps. To ensure this a standard coaching programme was produced in hurling /camogie, football, handball and rounders. The programme was divided into suitable activities for under 8s, 10s, 12s based on the Go Games Model and Fun Do materials, with the emphasis on “Play the Game”.

Leinster U-17 Football Tournament Provincial Feile Tournaments An U-17 football Tournament was organised in Provincial Feile competitions were organised for football November for County squads. Eight Counties and hurling in June 2014. The Leinster Provincial Féiles participated in the competition. were an opportunity for clubs from different counties to play against each other in a structured and organised The final pairing was Laois v Louth. format, with the emphasis being on participation and enjoyment. All U-14 Teams in the Province were welcome to participate in the Feile. A total of 44 Clubs participated in the Football Feile and 36 clubs participated in the Hurling Feile.

48 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 Leinster Development Squad Blitzes Football Developmental Squad Dates; Competitions were organised on a blitz basis for • 19th April U-14, U-15, and U-16, County hurling and Football • 5th May Development Squads. A total of 377 games were played in these competitions. • 17th May Hurling Developmental Squad Dates; • 16th Aug • 12th April For 2014 all four Provinces agreed on specific dates for squad activities. This facilitated Cross-Provincial • 3rd May activity, which added variety and also increased the • 19th July possibility of organising more meaningful games.

Kildare - U-16 Tournament winners

ABC Fundamentals programme The ABC Fundamentals programme was rolled out in the Province from Feb to November. As part of the programme a large quantity of 18” – 20” hurleys were purchased, part-time and full time coaches were trained and a School & Club Based Nursery Programme and Workshop was developed. In addition to this, 140 schools were targeted for the introduction of the six week coaching programme.

Lester Ryan

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 49 Cumann na mBunscol

The National A.G.M. of Cumann na mBunscol Náisiúnta Twinnings took place in in February. Liam Ó Neill, Hosted Warwickshire G.A.A. on Leinster Football Final day Uachtarán C.L.G. was guest of honour. The Cathaoirleach in Croke Park. and Rúnai represented Coiste Laighean. Leinster delegate Mini Games Jim Fennelly was elected to the executive of Coiste 13 Days – Hurling/Camogie/ Boys’ Football/ Girls’ Football Náisiúnta. in 7 counties. Mini 7s Meeting April / June/ August in Croke Park with Coaching Initiative National Coordinator Mairéad O’Callaghan. P.E/ Hurling for junior/ senior classes. Programme run by Cumann na mBunscol Laighean AGM took place in Paudie Butler to be extended throughtout the schools in Keadeen Hotel. Newbridge on April 10th. Edward O’Riordan the province. (Dublin) elected as Cathaoirleach and Gerry O’Meara as Young Whistlers Rúnaí. Fiona Delaney was elected as Leinster C.L.G. Rep. Leinster Cumann na mBunscol provided the young referees Fiona took a career break in September and was replaced for the mini games during the All Ireland Hurling Semi Final by Tom Ryan (Dublin). and Final. Leinster Games Development Meeting Edward Coiste Náisiúnta General Meeting on September 22nd O’Riordan, rúnaí, Gerry O’Meara met with Shane Flanagan Croke Park. The rúnaí attended. in Croke Park (September) to establish agreement on Leinster Strategic Plan. The following items were discussed: Mini 7s Review Meeting in Croke Park on November 15th. The rúnaí attended. • Implementation of Strategic Plan in schools Cornmarket National Awards • Grant from C.L.G. Laighean Format changed this year. Closing date is December 31st. • County Games Programmes Awards (categories 1-4) to presented at A.G.M. in March. School of theYear awards to be presented in Croke Park in • Go Games 3rd/4th classes April. Al Leinster counties to participate. Handball Days Cumann na mBunscol Náisiúnta Meeting in Croke Park Leinster Primary School Handball Days took place in to review the constitution of Cumann na mBunscol. The Wexford. Thanks to Colm Ó Tiarnaigh for his organization. rúnaí attended on behalf of Coiste Laighean. Grants Thanks to John Horan, Michael Reynolds, Patricia Clear and Annual Grant from CLG Laighean received - e35,000 and John Cotter for continued support. distributed to county units. Míle buíochas. National A.G.M. of Cumann na mBunscol to be hosted Leinster Council Meeting July / October Tom Ryan gave by Leitrim in Carrick-on-Shannon on weekend of March report of Cumann na mBunscol Laighean activities. 3rd/4th. Coiste Laighean CNMB meetings on April 22nd and July Special word for Michael Delaney who retired this year. 3rd. Cumann na mBunscol Laighean was always appreciative of General Meeting in Keadeen Hotel on November 27th his great support for us over the years. We wish him well 2013. Each county unit gave a report of activities in the in the years ahead. schools of the province. There are 1268 primary schools in Leinster. Gerry O’Meara Rúnaí Cumann na mBunscol Laighean Blitz Days Kilkenny – Football on May 22nd - 3 counties (2 teams) participated. Carlow – Hurling on June 18th – 6 Counties participated.

50 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 Post-Primary Schools

Cathaoirleach Larry Curtin Iar Cathaoirleach Damien Fee Rúnaí Tadhg Doran Cisteoir Michael Reynolds & Michael Delaney P.R.O. Tom Crotty COUNTY REPS Carlow Joe Nolan Dublin Brendan Cahill Kildare Con Ronan Kilkenny Niall Connolly Laois Ollie Hally Longford James Breslin Louth David Holland Meath Ultan Fitzpatrick Offaly Paddy Scales Westmeath James McGrath Wexford Donal Howlin Wicklow Jim Murphy Leinster Council Rep. Damien Fee Leinster Provincial Games Dev. & Structures Manager Shane Flanagan Leinster Provincial Games Dev. Officer Colm Clear Leinster Provincial Project Officer Lester Ryan Dublin & North Leinster Schools Officer Tom O’Donnell South Leinster Schools Officer Provincial Leinster Schools Officer Tadhg Doran C.C.C. COMHAIRLE IARBHUNSCOILEANNA LAIGHEAN Cathaoirleach Larry Curtin Leas Chathaoirleach Damien Fee Runai Tadhg Doran LEINSTER SCHOOLS OFFICERS Dublin & North Leinster Tom O’Donnell South Leinster Pat Henderson COUNTY REPS Niall Connolly James McGrath Jim Murphy

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 51 2013-2014 was the first year that all our competitions fell Not for the first time the issue of Intercounty Squads V under the title of ‘Post Primary Schools’. I’m pleased to Development Squads V Post Primary Schools raised its say we had a number of representatives in the All Ireland head. For the benefit of our players we must thrive to Post Primary Schools finals. Indeed Leinster provided the ensure that constant communication lines remain open. winners of the new Junior All Ireland competitions in both Players should not be pulled and dragged in every direction hurling and football – with Kilkenny CBS taking the hurling at the one time. We must also remember that these players crown while Good Counsel College won the football title. are students and their education is of utmost importance. St. Kieran’s College and Kilkenny C.B.S. proved the kingpins Buíochas of our Senior Hurling - meeting in 3 different finals throughout 2013-2014. Kilkenny C.B.S. took the provincial • The members of the Comhairle honors but St. Kieran’s had the final say, winning their 19th Croke Cup title to add to the league win earlier in the year. • All our Schools for their involvement St Aidan’s C.B.S., Ardee CS and Wexford C.B.S. were also • The Games Development Staff across the province involved in All Ireland Finals but came up short on the day. • Schools, Clubs and Counties for the use of their facilities Once again the weather had a major impact on the running of our competitions. In particular a very wet start to • All our match officials 2014 meant securing venues for our games was a difficult process. We were indebted many times to the availability • Comhairle Laighean of 3G Astro pitches. That said, we must endeavor to obtain • The All Ireland Post Primary School Council good surfaces for all our games. • The various media outlets With the cooperation of all relevant parties we did manage to complete our fixture schedule – a big thanks • Pat Henderson, Tom O’Donnell and the Áras Laighean Team to all schools, clubs and counties who made their facilities available. Appreciation and thanks to you all.

This year there was a potential for a clash of dates had one This past School Year also saw Larry Curtin replace Damien of our dual schools continued to advance in both Senior “A” Fee as Cathaoirleach of Comhairle Iarbhunscoileanna Hurling and Football. Hence we must continue to review Laighean. Many thanks to Damien for his work and help our fixture schedule to find the best solutions. Suggestions throughout his term. are always welcome!! We were delighted to have Croke During the year former Cathaoirleach of Leinster Schools Park host our Senior Football “A” Final this year. The game John Horan took up the position Leinster Council GAA was played on a Saturday evening as a curtain raiser to a Chairperson. I wish John well and look forward to working Dublin v Kildare National Football League game. On the day with him throughout his term. Coláiste Eoin edged out Marist Athlone by 2 points. That weekend concluded on Sunday with our Senior Hurling 2014 also saw the retirement of long standing CEO of “A” Final been played in Nowlan Park as a curtain raiser to Leinster Council GAA, Michael Delaney. Michael has always Kilkenny v Tipperary in the National Hurling League. Having been available for a word of advice should the need ever Croke Park and Nowlan Park as the venues really added to arise and I would hope this will continue to be the case. The the occasion and profile of the competitions. offices of Aras Laighean will certainly be a different place without him. Wishing him a happy and healthy retirement. There was no shortage of excitement or drama in our Juvenile, Junior and Senior competitions throughout the Le Meas, year either. Congratulations to all provincial and regional winners. Labhrá Cuirtin The past year once again proved that cooperation, Cathaoirleach communication and a good working relationship between Tadhg Ó Deoráin Provincial and County Post Primary School sections and the respective coaching and games personnel is vital to ensure Runai we look after the needs and requirements of those that play our games at Post Primary School Level. Our Leinster First Year Blitzes once again proved a great success for those that took part. The blitzes took place over 3 dates - Sept 27th, Oct 23rd and April 10th. This could not be possible without the cooperation of all schools, Áras Laighean staff and Games Development staff in respective counties. We must ensure that these working relationships continue to prosper.

For a full round-up of the 2nd Level Schools competition results for last year, see the results and fixtures section at the end of this Convention Report.

52 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 Third Level Colleges

The year is almost out and it’s time once again to review In the Hurling Leagues, the honours were spread quite the happenings at Third Level in the province. My apologies evenly, with two titles going to Munster, two to Connacht if I have left anyone or anything out of the report; I will be and one each to Ulster & Leinster, so well done to IT Carlow, happy to subsequently rectify any omission. who were crowned Freshers kingpins as they secured the Division One title. To begin, I will take a look at the various competitions that we organised during the past academic year. DIT relinquished their crown to UCC, but Leinster were nonetheless well represented when it came down to Championship titles. St. Pat’s were victorious in Competitions the , while the Cadets laid claim to the Corn Intermediate Hurling League: IT Carlow Comhairle Ardoideachais. DIT completed a notable double at Fresher level, when capturing both the Fresher Division Junior Football Championship: St. Pat’s 1 and Fresher B Championships, with DCU winners of the Division Three Championship. Junior B Football Championship: DIT At Championship level in Hurling, Leinster were well Again, we were in the business of giving games to players represented, with victories for NUI Maynooth in the Ryan who mightn’t necessarily get a run out with the marquee Cup and IT Tallaght in the , making it two teams in the college. out of three for the province in the Senior grade.

This year to date we have completed our Fresher’s Football At Fresher grade, UCD claimed the Division 1 Championship. Blitz, the Intermediate Hurling League & Playoffs for the O’Byrne and Kehoe Cups, which is an improvement on the Full marks to QUB who hosted the Sigerson, Fitzgibbon, playing schedule last year. O’Connor & Ashbourne Cups. It was an unprecedented and mammoth achievement but congratulations to everyone involved who made this festival of gaelic games a reality. National Report On the subject of the Bord na Mona Accident Tournaments, Michael Hyland represented our Committee on Coiste DCU, UCD, DIT & AIT competed in the O’Byrne Cup. UCD Feidhmiuchain of Comhairle Ardoideachais. This section & DCU advanced out of their groups to the semifinal stage, of the report will deal with Leinster’s involvement at a but were defeated by Kildare & Meath respectively. National level. UCD & DIT competed in the Walsh Cup, signalling their In Senior Gaelic Football, UCD captured the Intermediate intention in advance not to enter the Shield once their League title, with Marino annexing Division Three. interest in the Cup had ended.

At Fresher League level in Gaelic Football, Dundalk IT St. Pat’s, DCU and TCD entered in the Kehoe Cup and Shield, ensured that Leinster were represented on the Roll of but it was a third level institution from Ulster, QUB, who Honour, when they brought home the Division Two title. made it to the Shield Final only to lose out to Mayo.

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 53 Off-Field Activities The committee itself including Chairman Michael Hyland, Vice-Chairman Alan Coyne, Secretary Ciaran Flynn, PRO We held a very successful presentation night in Aras Damien Whelan and Committee Members Mike McMahon, Laighean at the start of December to honour our Bursary Aaron Nugent, Aaron Clogher and Gerry Tully. recipients. 39 bursaries were awarded to students from 11 different institutions – congratulations to all the recipients, Our servicing officer in Croke Park, Gearoid Devitt and the who were rewarded for their coaching, administration, Comhairle Ardoideachais Committee. playing and refereeing achievements. Our biggest debt of gratitude is to the Leinster Council Many thanks to Comhairle Laighean and the Coaching and itself. Cathaoirleach John Horan and the Officers have Games Department who have promoted the scheme over given us every assistance and courtesy over the past year. the past fourteen years. Thanks also to Michael Hyland, The Coaching and Games Department of the Council, Martin Meagher, Colm Clear and Pat Lynagh who put in and especially Michael Reynolds, Colm Clear and Shane Trojan work during the selection process. Flanagan, who have, as ever, shown a keen interest in our sector and are always on hand to provide practical advice Congratulations to all of our Irish Daily Mail Future and assistance. The staff at Aras Laighean, who have been Champions. The Sigerson Cup team of the year included so accommodating throughout the year. St. Pat’s Diarmuid Murtagh & UCD’s John Heslin, while the Leinster players on the team of the year It would be remiss of me not to reserve thanks and praise of were Kilkenny’s David Glynn (UCC) and Eoin Murphy (WIT), the highest order for Michael Delaney. This entire booklet Wexford’s (WIT) and Dublin’s Paul Winters could easily be filled with platitudes to the man but I just (NUIM). want to place on record our thanks to him here at third level where he readily offered his advice on several matters At national level, our Cathaoirleach Gerry Tully has pertaining to our sector on many occasions, and each time established a Committee to examine the area of we were left the wiser for it. Personally speaking I owe him participation in gaelic games in our sector. Comhairle an awful lot and I think it is a mark of the man he is that he Laighean have nominated Tom O’Donnell to represent is regarded so highly by so many in both professional and their interests on the Committee, and Donal McNally also personal spheres. Go raibh míle maith agat arís, a Mhicheál. represents the Leinster colleges. We wish them and all the committee the best of luck with their endeavours and look The sympathies of Comhairle Ardoideachais Laighean lie forward to their findings. with any member or player who suffered a bereavement during the year, ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dilís. Thanks Go raibh mile maith aghaibh. As I reach the end of this report, I also come to the most dangerous part, as there is a distinct possibility that I will leave someone out but here goes. Michael Hyland The Players, Student Volunteers and Gaelic Games Officers Cathaoirleach, CAO Laighean in the colleges. Ciarán Flynn Our Referees and all those who made their pitches available, Rúnaí, CAO Laighean both groups of people often obliging at the shortest of short notice.

Our sponsors the Irish Daily Mail, who completed their term at the end of the academic year, and we welcome on board independent.ie as our new sponsors at third level.

54 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 Tutor Trainer Group Report

Coaches should come to learn and not get preoccupied about the qualifications, but rather about coaches learning and value of learning. The first step in our learning is awareness. If we are not aware of our words and actions, of what we see hear and feel then we do not have any sense of what we are doing is appropriate or inappropriate. We cannot learn or change because we do not see any need. Cathaoirleach Declan Smyth The research around learning - which is what playing sport Runai Gerard O’Connor and developing players is all about - is about developing Eamonn Barry Sean Kelly that person, it is not about winning. If we focus on the player and understand why they tick and where they want to go Eunan McCormack Raymond C. Smyth and how you can help them get there, that is the essence. Noel O’Sullivan Sean O’Toole Our programmes offer many opportunities for coaches to Paul Earley Sean Dempsey engage at whatever level they are involved in the learning Brian Ladden Jim Ryan process and improve their own coaching performance. Cyril Kevlihan Al O’Donoghue Progress in Tutoring Colm Clear Donal McNally from January – December 2014 Damian Quigley Master Tutor Meetings 8 Meetings The Leinster Tutor Trainer Group operates within the overall Coaching and Games Development Section and 1 Planning weekend to develop Leinster coach education is responsible for the coordination of all coach education action plan programmes the province. Attended National Tutor workshop The group’s primary role is to ensure that quality standards 6 meetings to develop National; Coach Competency are maintained and the continuous development of our framework tutor corps. Over the past 20 years the Group has led out on Coach and Tutor Education across the Province with the Regional Meetings result that we now have a comprehensive Coach Education Held 8 regional meetings Programme active in each County delivered by tutors that Planned a further 10 for the coming year have been trained within Leinster. Allocated tutors to Award 1 courses The Tutor Group also represents the Province at National level in the design and Implementation of Coach and Tutor Tutor Training Programmes and representatives of the Group are actively Provided access to online coach education material to all involved at present with the other Provinces and Croke Park tutors in designing Coaching and Tutor Competencies document Delivered tutor training programme to 11 participants which has taken considerable work over the last 18 months. This document and other matters are discussed at our Tutor In-service regular meetings during the course of the year. Delivered 5 in-service training workshops to all 120 Leinster Coach education and the whole term education can really tutors turn some coaches off because of the connotation that Provided advice on new On Line training portal goes back to school, exams and being assessed. Modified Award 1 Youth/Adult course material

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 55 Provincial workshops Award 2 Delivered 4 football, 3 Hurling and 2 Dual workshops which Delivered 4 Award 2 child programmes were rolled out in 2014 Delivered 2 Award 2 Youth/Adult Programmes Submitted workshop criteria for national accreditation Planned 2 Award 2 Youth/Adult programmes framework. Planned coach graduation ceremony Organised a review meeting to get feedback on the Marked 82 Award 2 assessments workshops. Developed content Award 2 Youth/Adult modules Provincial coaching Conference Quality Assurance Planned and delivered Leinster coaching conference for over 300 coaches Attended 4 meetings with Coaching Ireland

Award 1 National Coach Education Steering Group Overseen the delivery of 163 Foundation Courses In total 8 meetings were attended by members of the tutor group Planned and coordinated 67 Award 1 courses. 29 Child National Tutor Trainer Representative Group 20 Youth 10 meetings held 18 Adult

Declan Smyth Cathaoirleach Gerard O’Connor Rúnaí

56 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 Referees Administration Report

Referees Administration Committee 2014 very efficient Secretary of our Committee, and I would also wish to acknowledge the work of the outgoing Chairman Tom Quigley (Dublin) Runai, Pat Casserley of Westmeath, over the previous Secretary Donal Smyth (Meath) three years. My thanks too to Pierce Freaney for his work Recruitment Pierce Freaney (Kildare) on the Education and Training of our developing Referees & Training within the Province, and to Noel O’Donoghue for his co- Tutor Noel O’Donoghue (Dublin) Co-Ordinator ordination of Training Courses (more later about both of these). Special thanks to Julie Quinn in Aras Laighean, Committee John Rossiter (Wexford) who has literally been my right-hand woman at all Trevor Culbert (Wicklow) times, available for all correspondence and queries at Aidan Shiels (Dublin) the mere push of an email button. Thanks too to all the Martin Barry (Carlow) other staff in Aras Laighean who do so much to facilitate Fergus Devereux (Kildare) our meetings, in terms of photocopying, laying out Sean Breathnach (Kilkenny) copies of minutes/agenda for us, providing refreshments Seamus Kiernan (Longford) etc. These things don’t just happen – somebody has to (Laois) do them, and we are blessed that there is never any Patsy Connolly (Louth) shortage of willing candidates in Aras Laighean. Deirdre Kearney (Offaly) May I also on behalf of our Committee and the Referees Michael Gordon (Westmeath) of Leinster pay a special tribute to Michael Delaney, who retired as CEO during the year, after a virtual lifetime of service to the Province. There was nobody more I am honoured to present my first report to you as willing and able to support Referees and refereeing than Chairman of the Leinster Referees’ Committee. Michael during all those years, and Referees were always an integral part of his planning. This did not go unnoticed I was humbled to receive a telephone call from John and was always very much appreciated. Horan, the new Leinster Council Chairman, in early 2014, asking me to take over from Aidan Shiells as Chairman Our thanks too to CEO Michael Reynolds, who from his of this Committee for the term of John’s Chairmanship. first moment in the job made it clear that refereeing was very high on his list of priorities and who has already As somebody who has known Aidan Shiells for many advanced initiatives in this regard, about which I will years (having first come across him as a rather too- deal further later. observant Assessor when I was a Referee starting out at inter-county level!), I knew I had a hard act to follow. As Since taking office as Chairman, the Leinster Referee a fear beag, filling Aidan’s shoes might not be difficult on Administrators’ Committee has met on 6 occasions in a purely physical level, but metaphorically speaking, it Aras Laighean. I was particularly pleased to welcome on was going to be a much harder job, as I was only too well board Deirdre Kearney from Offaly as our first female aware of the immense contribution Aidan has made to Refs’ Administrator. I was delighted that a Code of refereeing within Dublin, within our Province and indeed Ethics for Referees, drawn up primarily by John Rossiter, Nationally. I could only undertake to John Horan to give Donal Smyth and Noel O’Donoghue, was adopted by it my best shot. the Leinster Council and forwarded to Croke Park for consideration. Our ambition is that this Code might I would firstly like to thank the respective County Referee form an Appendix to the Official Guide Part 2, or get Administrators within Leinster, who have worked so separately issued to all Referees as a stand-alone closely with me. My particular thanks of course to Donal document. Indeed as I write this, our Code of Ethics was Smyth, the Meath Administrator, who “doubles up” as a discussed at a National Coiste na Reiteoiri meeting in

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 57 58 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 Croke Park a few days ago, was broadly welcomed, and new Referees took up the whistle through Foundation will be considered in more detail at future meetings. Level Courses throughout the Province in 2014, but more are always needed. Hopefully, a number of these new One of the early decisions made by our Committee whistlers will be seen taking charge of games in Croke was to issue rules tests for both hurling and football Park in future years. A further 712 Referees attended In- for the use of Administrators in all 12 counties, so service Courses in the Province in 2014. Special thanks that a consistent Provincial-wide assessment of rules are due to all the Tutors who conducted these Courses, knowledge among Club Referees was available. We you are providing the building-blocks for the future of also made available to all Administrators the Bangsbo refereeing in the Province. fitness test used at inter-county level by Referees. The Committee also emphasized the importance, where As Leinster Referee Administrator, I also represent the at all possible, of having a Referee Advisor system in Province at National Meetings of Coiste na Reiteoiri in operation in each county, where Referees get neutral Croke Park. After somewhat of a hiatus in meetings at and constructive feedback on their performances at that level during the Summer, the meetings came thick club level (as feedback of a much more negative kind is and fast in the latter stages of the year, and I would like readily available to all Referees!). to extend my thanks to our Runai, Donal Smyth, for representing us on a couple of occasions where other Linked in with this is of course the continuing excellent prior commitments made it impossible for me to attend work being done by Pierce Freaney with our developing the National gatherings. Referees. Essentially we are preparing our Refs for the next step up the ladder to National Level. The work being Could I reiterate an appeal from earlier years to all done in this regard was rewarded in 2014 when Anthony County Chairmen and Secretaries to ensure that the Nolan of Wicklow gained a place on the elite Football correct basic refereeing structure is in place in your Referees’ Panel to handle Senior Championship games, County? Is there a strong Referees’ Administration and John Keenan (also of the Garden County) was Committee, holding regular meetings? Is there a strong appointed to take charge of the preliminary stages of the Referee Administrator and is he/she on your Referee Leinster Senior Hurling Championship. This just serves to Appointments Committee as required by rule? Do emphasise that the work being done in Leinster, allied you have an Advisor programme in place for Referees to hard work and delivery of top-class performances by within your County? Are you actively involved in the Referees themselves, does bear fruit. Our aim has to be recruitment of Referees on an ongoing basis? to ensure that further Leinster Referees progress to this level in all future years. Pierce has done sterling work on As a Committee, we are currently conducting a survey fitness tests, refresher nights etc. for our existing Refs of Refereeing Structures in the 12 Counties throughout during the year. We also ran an Academy for younger the Province. While all the results have not yet been Club Referees from the Counties in December, in the correlated, the information to hand so far would suggest hope that the extra tuition we could provide would that there is certainly room for improvement in relation to benefit their development within their own Counties, the basic structures. As an Officer of the Dublin Referees’ and that we might ultimately see some or all of them Administration Committee, and therefore working “at back refereeing for us in future years at Leinster level. the coalface” so to speak, I am extremely conscious of the importance of having these basic structures in place Pierce Freaney also of course co-ordinates an extensive for the proper running and development of refereeing in Referee Advisor programme for our Provincial inter- the Counties. county Referees, where we try (subject to availability and numbers) to have an Advisor Form completed by our I have in fact been asked to speak at Convention this year Provincial Advisors on each game, where constructive about issues affecting refereeing, and I wish to record my feedback is provided to the Referee. Many thanks to the thanks to Leinster Chairman John Horan and the other Advisors, who so readily give of their time weekend after Officers for affording me this opportunity. You will also weekend in this regard. The level of detail provided to have seen a letter last November from Michael Reynolds the Referee in the current Advisor Form is such that a (and co-signed by me) about Referee recruitment and serious time commitment is required from the Advisors other issues, and I would like to acknowledge with thanks in the completion of each form, and this is very much the role of Michael in driving that initiative forward with appreciated. We hope to run a refresher course for our priority on becoming Acting CEO. Advisors early in 2015. Within our own Referees’ Administration Committee, For Club-level Referees in the Counties, work continues could I also appeal to all my fellow Administrators to with In-service Courses and Foundation Level Courses make every effort to attend all of our meetings in Aras for existing and new Club Referees within the counties, Laighean? I know full well the demands that we have under the baton of Noel O’Donoghue and our various on our time in the modern world, but I believe that in hard-working Tutors. Noel reports that an excellent 146 the interests of consistency in refereeing across the

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 59 Province, it is important that all Administrators take home the same message from these meetings to their respective County Referees. It has been a source of some disappointment and concern to me that three of our Counties have been seldom represented (one County not at all) at our Administrators’ meetings since I assumed the Chair at the start of 2014. As a Committee, we have to lead by example in this regard.

It would be remiss of me not to extend my congratulations to /Brian Gavin (Senior Hurling), Eddie Kinsella Tony Jordan RIP (Senior Football) and Fergal Kelly (Minor Football) who were appointed to take charge of All Ireland Finals in On a sad note, we lost Tony Jordan of Dublin during September last. It was a great honour for us in Leinster the year. An All Ireland Minor Football Final Referee, to provide four of the five Referees on the biggest days Tutor and Advisor during countless years devoted to of the GAA calendar, and it bodes well for the standard the cause of the Men in Black, his contribution will be of refereeing in our Province. Clearly we are doing greatly missed. Probably the greatest tribute we can something right! The Leinster Referees’ Appointments pay to Tony is to note the number of times somebody Committee on which I sit have striven to promote young still repeats a comment that “Tony Jordan once said” on and upcoming Referees to the major games under our the interpretation of a rule or the proper application of control, to “take a chance” as some might say on these advantage! May he Rest in Peace, and our condolences to young Officials, and they have very much justified our his family on their loss. faith in them. Hopefully, we will see a further crop of our young Referees progressing to the top level in the near future, and being afforded an opportunity to continue to prove themselves on an even bigger stage. The successes of our top Leinster Referees this year should serve to drive the work of constantly improving our standards forward, to ensure that we do not allow this dominant position nationally to slip in future years.

As we have often heard in other forums, as a Committee we have some good work done, but a lot more to do. Ar aghaidh leis an obair!

Tomás Ó Coigligh Cathaoirleach

60 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 Hearings Committee Report

Hearings Committee 2014 A further negative development came to light in the latter quarter of the year. On two separate occasions, once in Chairman Dick Butler October and again in November, players who had been Secretary John Byrne red-carded by referees during AIB Club Championship Committee Derek Kent (Wexford) matches appealed their sending-off to the committee. Frank Kieran (Louth) In both instances the player received the backing of a Eddie Byrne (Carlow) linesman from the match in question and both times it John Bannon (Louth) transpired that the linesman was from the same county Michael Carroll (Laois) as the player. We suggest that for all provincial club Willie Murphy (Westmesth) championship games that the match officials be neutral. Michael Delaney (Appeals only up to August 2014) The committee received great assistance from the Michael Reynolds administration staff which is very much appreciated. We (Appeals only from August 2014 onwards) extend our best wishes to Micheal Delaney for a great retirement. 14 meetings were held during 2014 and the breakdown was 18 appeals and 8 hearings. We look forward to working with Michael Reynolds and wish him good luck in his new role. It became very apparent during the year that most players and officials were not aware of the difference between a hearing and an appeal. Richard de Buitléir I would urge all county chairpersons and secretaries to Cathaoirleach give a briefing to the clubs in their respective counties on this subject at the earliest possible county committee John Byrne meeting. Secretary We, as members of Leinster Hearings Committee, are available to any county to explain the workings of the system.

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 61 Provincial Fixtures Planning Committee Report

Fixtures Planning Committee 2014 At underage level the problem of a small number of club teams dominating County competitions and inappropriate Chairman Colm Cummins mis-matches continues to be a problem Population change Secretary Lester Ryan throughout Leinster is influencing changes in traditional Committee Michael Reynolds competition models. The Leinster Fixtures Planning James Savage Committee continues to strongly support Cross-border Des Halpenny leagues in order to expand and improve traditional games Paddy Oliver programmes. John McNicholas Damien Murphy Chris O’Connor Fixtures Planners Derek Kent COUNTY Fixtures Planners John Greene Louth Des Halpenny Paddy Oliver Davy Gavin Mary Dunne Dublin John McNicholas Damian Murphy Liam Delaney Wicklow Chris O’Connor Brian Ryan Wexford Derek Kent David Hartford Meath David Hartford Pat Dunney Kildare Pat Dunney Ger Lennon Carlow Ger Lennon Sean Campion County Fixtures Programmes Westmeath David Gavin Counties continue to strive to implement the best Games Kilkenny Briain Ryan Programmes possible through providing an adequate Offaly Mary Dunne number of meaningful games on a regular basis. The Longford John Greene production of well considered and accurate fixture planners reports can assist counties identify problem areas and Laois Liam Delaney rectify as required. The understanding of the role of the fixture planner continues Accurate analysis of a County Games Programme can to improve within each county. The continual analysis of provide decision makers with valuable knowledge to avoid all games programmes provides valuable information for the common pitfalls of a poor games programme. Over the groups charged with reviewing competitions at year end. last number of years reports have identified issues such as The template developed at National level was rolled dual players, exams, County Team preparations as potential out in 2014 in order to achieve consistency in County blockages in the system with a knock-on effect for games Reporting. All Leinster Fixtures Planners received a copy of programmes. the template and encouraged to present their data in the required format.

62 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 Mid-Year Review As previously mentioned the role of the Fixtures Planner is becoming more understood and their value as analysts Data was collected in June to establish the status of rather than planners should be highlighted. CCC’s and competitions at that time. The majority of Counties Fixtures Review committees should endeavour make programmes were on schedule at that point with leagues informed decisions regarding competition structures. The coming to a conclusion and Championships commencing. fixture planner and his/her report is a valuable source of Some counties did highlight that the number of walkovers information and their skills should be utilised. at the lower grades was increasing and it was advised that this issue should be monitored more closely to establish Emanating from discussions at Fixtures Planning Committee the root causes. meetings there is an appetite to expand cross-border activity at all levels within the Province. The Committee should continue to work with interested parties to ensure GAA Competitions Management System development in this area. (Servasport System) Special thanks to the National Fixtures Planning Committee, 2014 saw further use of the Servasport System. All counties the Provincial Fixtures Planners, County Fixtures Planners now organise their respective competitions through the and to all who have supported the Committee in our work system. As a result of on-going training all Fixtures Planners to date. now have access to their County’s data and can produce specific reports that provide data for the annual reporting process. Colm Cummins Cathaoirleach Committee Observations/Recommendations Lester Ryan Providing the perfect games programme that fits the Runai requirements of every stakeholder is probably unattainable, however working toward that ideal will bring incremental improvements that will uniformly improve games programmes across the board.

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 63 Finance Advisory Committee Report

Finance Advisory Committee 2014 Clubs spent e1.6 million in acquiring property in the last year and were given permission to arrange loan Chairman Syl Merrins facilities of over e4.1 million, e3.0 million from the Secretary John Browne various financial institutions and e1.1 million under Committee Martin Byrne the Club Loan Scheme from the National Financial Eamonn O’Keefe Management Committee. The recent closure of the Dave Kavanagh Club Loan Scheme may have an impact on clubs Ciaran Gray seeking to develop in future and it will be important Colm Marry that clubs are supported in their dealings with Seamus Reade financial institutions to ensure they are successful in securing the finance necessary for their development. The Leinster Finance Advisory Committee carries The number of clubs who sought help because they out a number of functions: to review applications were experiencing financial difficulties has fallen for finance from clubs and counties when borrowing which is a welcome development however we must from either financial institutions or from the National not get complacent as many clubs are still struggling Deposit & Loan Scheme in Croke Park; to assist clubs to make ends meet. or counties who find themselves in financial difficulty; to grant permission to clubs or counties to enter With e30 million earmarked for Sports Capital lease agreements and to grant permission to clubs or Funding in 2015 we can expect another busy year counties to either acquire or dispose of property. as our clubs continue to invest in improving and developing their facilities and we must ensure that The past year was the busiest in a number of years they receive whatever assistance they require. for the committee with the number of clubs seeking permission to borrow double what it was just 2 years Thanks ago. We provided assistance to over 40 clubs for one or more of the above services. This increased activity To each of the committee members who gave so freely of reflects the growing confidence in clubs and it is vitally their time throughout the year, and to Kathy and Tracey important that we support them in whatever way we in Croke Park for their continued support and assistance. can. It is also reflective of the willingness of clubs to undertake development projects and to improve Syl Merrins their facilities when conditions are favourable and Chairman the opportunity arises to acquire land at reasonable values. John Browne Secretary

64 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 Infrastructure & Safety Committee Report

Infrastructure Committee 2014 Portobello College) were held in a number of Counties with others in the New Year. Chairman Derek Kent Event Controllers Courses (6 Day Course over 3 weekends) Secretary Michael Reynolds was held in Áras Laighean towards the end of 2014. 2 Committee P.J. Murphy Joe Bedford more Courses are scheduled for 2015. Bill Kavanagh While we tend to focus on the “bigger games” it is Pat Henderson important that we are Safety conscious at all levels. Aidan O’Connor At County level there were major infrastructure P.J. Kelly developments in 2014. One of which was faced – the Mick O’Toole destruction of Ardan Breathnach at Nowlan Park by the Joe Shaughnessy February storm. The professionalism displayed by Coiste Chill Chainning We invited all counties to submit their perceived requirements in dealing with a dangerous and potentially very awkward last March and got an excellent response to create a working situation is to be commended. Glad to report that top profile and document for Comhairle Laighean. class stand now in place. We are presently compiling an information booklet that will Training Centres at Ferns and Fenagh continue to move comprise good practice in infrastructure development together along. Dunganny is also at its next phase while both with budgets that will a major help to Clubs. 68 Clubs shared e e Longford and Offaly have made excellent progress in 750,000.00 and 8 Educational Units shared 58,000.00. obtaining viable sites. The previous year’s trend of Clubs seeking to purchase Ballinakill (Rathdrum) was completed during the year. The land to provide additional facilities continued. A number complex is a tribute to Coiste Cill Mhantain. May Wicklow of Clubs completed transactions during 2014. Of the enjoy the fruits of their labour on the playing fields of the transactions completed most were at agricultural values Province and beyond. but a few were over the odds to some extent. However it As the year comes to an end work in preparing the ground must be emphasised that purchasing land beside a Club’s for the New Stand in Aughrim began. This time next year I present facilities is preferable to having to move for a hope to be reporting job done at Aughrim. variety of reasons including identity and economy of scale. To the many who assist both Committees, including all at Our Safety personnel during the year prepared the Club Áras Laighean, many thanks. Statement Presentation for role out to the Clubs of the Province. Health and Safety must be in the forefront of Derek Kent every County and Club agenda. Chairman It is in our own interest as an organisation to ensure that Michael Reynolds all unit’s operate to the highest standards. During the year Steward Training Courses (Certified by Secretary

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 65 PR & Marketing Committee Report

PR & Marketing Committee 2014 also doubled. This is excellent growth and progress in eight months and can only improve further in 2015. The addition of ace video person, Colm Clear, has Chairman John Greene added to our overall offering, as have the graphics and Secretary John Cotter banner designs of Mark Dignam. Committee Michael Hagan A number of new initiatives planned for 2015 should further accelerate this growth. Kieran Leavy Our social media promotion also showcases Games Clara Walsh Development activities, Post Primary Schools Conal Markey competitions, Leinster launches and events, and Andy O’Brien latterly also Leinster GAA Handball which is bedding in nicely. Ger Doyle Liam Holton Championship 2014 Pat Toner The full media and online promotion of the Leinster Senior Championships was rolled out in 2014, with major emphasis on our Super Six Value Ticket offerings, PR & Marketing was busy during 2014 and developed ticket competitions in the media and online, aided a number of exciting initiatives in addition to the by our matchday tweeting and photo team of Vinny ongoing promotion and marketing of Leinster GAA Grennan, Michael McNamee, Ken Hickey & Carol Ryan competitions and events. supplying real-time twitter updates and images of all games. Website & Social Media Championship Media Launches This is now a serious part of the marketing and promotion of our games throughout the year, under A new policy adopted this year of using national/ the stewardship of Niall Murphy, Leinster Social Media state venues for our launches has proved to be a great Coordinator. The website home page has been totally success and will be continued in 2015. All concerned reconfigured to prioritise competition information, – players, managers, journalists and photographers news, and social media, and is now a main port of call enjoyed the launches at Farmleigh House and The for supporters and media when it comes to Leinster National Stud & Gardens, and much greater media GAA competitions. The number of followers on Twitter coverage was achieved. has doubled to 14000. The numbers for Facebook have

66 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 Bord na Móna Sponsorship Buíochas The first three years of the Bord na Móna sponsorship Committee Members of the O’Byrne, Walsh and Keogh competitions were completed in 2014. Bord na Móna have agreed to The members of the committee are thanked for their continue their support into 2015, and to date, the generous input of time, effort and good suggestions level of media recognition for their association with which have led to some very productive and interesting the competitions has greatly surpassed that of 2014. events and developments. Overall the work of the committee has had very Comhairle Laighean Awards positive effects on Leinster’s PR & Marketing Traditionally, Leinster GAA confers four awards operations. throughout the year; The Hall of Fame Awards announced at the Leinster Senior Hurling and Football The Media Finals, and the Comhairle Laighean Awards for Club The support and cooperation of the media for the Website and County Final Match Programme, all of efforts of Leinster GAA have to be recognised. which are featured in the CEO’s report. While maintaining an objective stance, they showcase Coiste Bainisti Laighean has, following representation our games, support our media events and generally from this committee, agreed to institute a further six are positive in their representation of our efforts to Awards for 2015. Details and criteria for selection will market our competitions and further the status and be circulated to the counties. development of Gaelic Games in the Province.

Submissions to Coiste Bainisti John Greene A number of submissions were made to Coiste The members of the committee extend special thanks Bainisti during the year, relating to various aspects of and good wishes to outgoing Committee Chairman the Comhairle’s operations and most were accepted, John Greene, who kept a steady hand on the tiller and including the naming of meeting rooms in Áras who introduced some exciting and successful projects Laighean, the addition of new awards categories, the and innovations during the year. naming of unnamed Leinster cups and trophies, the John’s enthusiasm for the role and his ability to development of the social media platform and the think outside the box made working with him a very trialling of online match programme sales. enjoyable experience.

John Greene Chairman

John Cotter Secretary

Barretstown Leinster’s partnership with Barretstown continues and is greatly valued by them for the publicity it brings to their operation and the support it provides for their funding initiatives in difficult times. An initiative piloted by Leinster in 2014 involved offering season-ticket holders the opportunity to make a donation to Barretstown through their online ticket account. In its first year it produced modest results and will be reviewed for 2015.

Functions Two major functions were hosted in 2014; the retirement party for departing CEO Michael Delaney and the Leinster Awards Presentation Night.

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 67 An Coiste Cultúr

An Coiste Cultúr 2014 - Baill an Coiste: San athbhliain beimid ag treabhadh linn ag iarraidh an Ghaeilge agus an cultúr a chur chun cinn sa Chúige. Má tá Máire Ní Cheallaigh moltaí ag éinne beidh fáilte rompu. Is féidir ríomhphost a Dónall Ó hIcí sheoladh chugam aon uair. Tiarnán de Hál Máire Ní Cheallaigh Cormac Breathnach Brian Ó Cléirigh Our Scór competitions were organised province wide for the 2013/14 season with participation levels holding up Séamus Ó Beirne well both in Scór na nÓg and Scór Sinsear. There was representation from eleven of the twelve counties in provincial competition with Carlow being the This Coiste tends to meet in as it is more sole exception from both Scór na nÓg and Scór Sinsear. convenient for most members. We are still trying to get The standard at both grades was particularly good at the road signs finished. Cill Chainnigh are the latest county Provincial final level as was evidenced when our Provincial to come on board. Where counties have not succeeded in champions claimed 6 of the 14 All Ireland Titles available. getting this project finished planning is often the issue and Clubs from Laois (2), Offaly, Dublin, Kildare and Westmeath is outside our control. all earned All Ireland Crowns which certainly helps with the We have had meetings with the Oifigigh Gaeilge of future of Scór throughout the province. the counties in Portlaoise in conjunction with the Scór I must make particular mention of the two All Ireland titles meetings to save travel time. Unfortunately, some counties claimed by Laois. A short few years ago, Scór had died are rarely present. On the other hand some counties are out in the O’Moore County and with revised organisation always present. These Oifigigh tell us that some clubs are and an enthusiastic committee, the rewards were gained still persisting in appointing people with no interest in any in 2014 with that counties first All in almost 30 of the cultural aspects of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael to the years. It shows that when the work is put in by our club’s post of cultural officer in the club. It is difficult to make and counties that success can be achieved. Both provincial progress when that is the situation. finals which were held in Erins Isle Dublin and Ballymore Co We are looking at various avenues to increase the presence Westmeath were very well attended and while there are of Gaeilge on social media in the province. Hopefully, still many gaps in levels of participation, the omens have they will bear fruit in the coming year. We would remind improved for Scór, at least in the short term. everyone doing match programmes that the website cgl. However, there are some areas of concern that do need ie is a useful tool to help them use some Gaeilge in these. addressing. As mentioned in this report last year, we cannot Unfortunately, during the year some of our members have be complacent with regard to the promotion of Scór. had health problems. We wish them well in the coming Quite often, the organisation of Scór rests with one or two year. We also wish Michael Delaney well in his retirement individuals in counties and clubs. When the said people are and thank him and all the staff in Áras Laighean for their unable to continue working with Scór then invariably, the support. organisation of the competition suffers.

68 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 The current Scór season is underway with the Provincial Scór acceptance. The Leiríu which replaced the Novelty Act will na nÓg final held in St Brigids GAA Dublin on Saturday 10th in my opinion change back into a Novelty Act competition January 2015. The Winners from the final have progressed in time. In fact, the majority of the successful acts last to the All Ireland final which is in City West Hotel Dublin on season would have not looked out of place in Novelty Act Saturday 14th February 2015. in previous years. There was little difference in real terms. Competition in Scór Sinsear will commence at provincial The Trath na gCeisteanna Boird was interesting and enjoyable level on the Weekend of 7th/8th March. for the participants at the All Ireland finals. Though none of the Leinster Counties took honours, all of them performed Since the advent of new competitions and new rules, there admirably at the finals. Again, the competition needs time is a different feel to Scór since last year. No longer are the to bed in to gain more acceptance and perhaps a provincial Novelty Act and Question time part of the Clár as they have competition would help in that regard. been replaced by Leiríu and Trath na gCeisteanna Boird. The changes are bedding in but have still to gain general Aodhan Breathnach

Leinster Scór Winners 2013/14 Scór na nÓg Scór Sinsear

Rince Fóirne Na Fianna (Dublin) Rince Fóirne Mullingar Shamrocks (Westmeath) ALL IRELAND CHAMPIONS Maura Buckley, Sheila Marie Martin, Caitlin Cooney, Kate Lynch, Aisling Murphy, Geraldine Cornally, Aileen Martin, Mary Aedin Caverly, Cathal Brennan, Colm Jo Geraghty, Una Fagan, Katie Connolly, Brennan, Ciaran Brennan, Aidan McCullagh Katie Murphy Na Fianna (Co. Áth Cliath) Seamróga Muileann gCearr (Co Íarmhí) Caitlín Ní Chúana, Cáit Ní Loingsigh, Máire Ní Bhuachalla, Síle Máire Ní Máirtín, Aisling Ní Mhurchú, Eadaoin Caverly, Gearódín Ní Cornalaí, Eibhlín Ní Máirtín, Cathal Ó Braonáin, Colm Ó Braonáin, Máire Jo Nic Oireachtaigh, Úna Ní Fágan, Aodhán Mac Conuladh, Ciarán Ó Braonáin Cáit Ní Chongaile, Cáit Ní Mhurchú Amhránaiocht Aonair Molly Donnery (Camross, Laois) Amhranaiocht Aonair Emmet Walsh (Shamrocks, Offaly) ALL IRELAND CHAMPION E. Breathnach (Seamróga, Uibh Fháilí) Máirín Ní Donnery (Camros, Co. Laoise) Aithriseoireacht Sharon Walsh (St Lawerences, Kildare) Aithriseoireacht Michaela Hogg /Scealaiocht ALL IRELAND CHAMPION /Scealaiocht (Mullingar Shamrocks, Westmeath) S. Ní Bhreathnach (N.Lorcán, Cill Dara) Michaela Ní Aogáin (Seamróga Muileanna gCearr) Ceol Uirlise Mountmellick (Laois) ALL IRELAND CHAMPIONS Ceol Uirlise Killeigh (Offaly) Niamh Furlong, Evelyn Healy, Mary Ciarán Brennan, Finian Carton, Helen O’Reilly, Phil Clarke, Susan Miller Brady, Cathal Brady, Rachael Dunne Mointeach Milic (Co. Laoise) Cileigh (Co. Uibh Fháilí) Niamh Ní Furlong, Eibhlín Ní hEilí, Máire Ciarán Ó Braonáin, Finián Mac Artain, Ní Raghailligh, Pilib Ó Cléirigh, Siobhán Ní Léan Ní Bhrádaigh, Cathal Ó Brádaigh, Muilleoir Rachael Ní Dhoinn Leiriu St Josephs (Westmeath) Leiriú The Downs (Westmeath) ALL IRELAND CHAMPIONS Niamh Rowan, Megan Keenagan, Rebecca Ciaran Reynolds, Hugo Slevin, Anne Kelly, Shannon Murray, Paul Lynam, Taylor Meares, Trevor Marshall, Thomas Daly, Jack Kennedy Pettit, Caitriona McCormack, Rachel Na Dúnta (Co. Íarmhí) McCormack, Deirdre Robbins Niamh Ní Ruain, Rebecca Ní Cheallaigh, Naomh Seosamh (Co. Íarmhí) Megan Ní Choinneacháin, Pól Ó Ciarán Mac Ranaill, Aodh Ó Sléibhínm Laoigheanain, Shannon Ní Mhuirí, Seán Ó Áine Ní Mír, Trevor Ó Marascal, Tomás Cinnéide, Taylor Ó Dálaigh Pettit, Caitríona Nic Cormaic, Rachel Nic Cormaic, Deirdre Nic Róibín Bailéad Ghrupa Ferbane (Offaly) All Ireland Champions Bailead Ghrupa Shamrocks (Offaly) Valene Greer, Sarah Kenny, Zoe Rooney, Katie Looby, Caitriona Looby, Teresa Ravina Devery, Avril Spain Looby, Áine Looby, Garry Looby An Fear Bán (Co. Uibh Fháilí) Na Seamróga (Uibh Fháilí) Valene Ní Grioghair, Sarah Ní Cionaoith, Cáit Ní Lúbaigh, Treasa Ní Lúbaigh, Áine Zoe Ní Rúanadh, Ravina Ní Dairbhre, Avril Ní Lubaigh, Caitríona Ní Lúbaighm Ní Spainneach Gearóid Ní Lúbaigh

Rince Seit The Downs (Westmeath) Rince Seit The Downs (Westmeath) Conor Murray, Conor Coughlan, Jack Brenda Deihy, Gráinne O’Dowd, Fiona Kennedy, Dylan Carroll, Niamh Rowan, Flynn, Tara O’Connor, Kevin Flynn, Shane Lorraine Kelly, Aoife Carley, Ursula Carley Murray, Pat Leavy, Darren Nolan Na Dúnta (Co. Íarmhí) Na Dúnta (Co. Íarmhí) Conchúr Ó Muirí, Conchúr Ó Cochláin, Brenda Deihy, Gráinne Ní Duda, Fiona Seán Ó Cinnéide, Dylan Ó Cearúill, Niamh Ní Floinn, Tara Ní Conchúir, Pádraig Ní Ruain, Lorraine Ní Cheallaigh, Aoife Nic Mac Dhoinnéibhe, Darren Ó Nualláin, Fhearaile, Ursula Fhearaile Caoimháin Ó Floinn, Seán Ó Muirí

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 69 and Tom Sheridan of Meath, 2014 GAA Handball All-Ireland Senior Doubles 60-30 Winners, presented with their trophy by Willie Roche.

Eoin Kennedy (Dublin) Winner of 2014 GAA Handball Senior 60-30 Singles Title

70 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 Comhairle Liathróid Láimhe Laighean

2014 was in general very good year for Leinster GAA GAA Handball Juvenile 40-20 Championship Handball winning both GAA Handball Senior Men’s Singles Titles and the All-GAA handball 60-30 Title. One Leinster managed to win only 2 GAA All-Ireland 40-20 disappointment was the lack of success of Leinster Female Titles. In Juvenile Girls U17 Singles Meadhbh Ní Dhalaigh players in GAA Handball Senior Singles and Doubles in both (Dublin) was successful. In Juvenile Boys U15 Singles Ben codes. Devlin (Louth) was Successful.

Leinster Club teams had a clean Sweep of all GAA Handball 2014 Leinster Adult GAA Handball 40-20 Interclub 60-30 Club Titles. Championship Leinster GAA Juvenile Handball has fallen behind Munster in both 40-20 and 60-30 codes. Coaching programmes In 2014 there were 310 men’s and 43 Ladies entries in Adult are being put in place re-educating existing coaches and 40-20 championship with Kilkenny leading the way with providing foundation level coaching to new handball units 94. 11 of the 12 Leinster were represented with Longford within the province. not having any entries. There was a new GAA Handball Club formed in Co. Louth Leinster titles were spread across nine of the eleven known as Millmount Handball Club. Handball club counties. Leading the way was Kilkenny winning 10 titles in Laois have completely revamped their playing facilities followed by Wexford with 9 titles. adding a One Wall facility. The venue was officially opened Meath won Leinster GAA Handball Minor Singles and on 13-12-2014 by Liam O’Neill, GAA President, and Willie Doubles and Senior Doubles. Kilkenny won Intermediate Roche, GAA Handball President. Singles and Doubles and Junior Doubles. Wicklow won Junior Singles Titles. GAA Handball Adult All-Ireland 40-20 Michael ‘Ducksie’ Walsh (Kilkenny) and Mickey Dowling Championship (Kildare) continued on their winning ways also adding All- In the GAA Handball All-Ireland series Leinster won 20 of Ireland Titles. the 50 Adult All-Ireland titles available. Patricia Byrne (Wicklow) won the Ladies Senior Singles Title. Of course pride of place goes to Robbie McCarthy who Aoife McCarthy (Westmeath) won Ladies Intermediate won his first GAA Handball 40-20 Senior Singles. It may Singles Title. Mary Phelan/Ciara Mahon (Kilkenny) won have taken him three attempts, but Westmeath’s Robbie Intermediate Doubles Title. McCarthy oozed class as he claimed his first Men’s 40- Tanya O’Toole (Wexford) won Junior Singles Title; Tanya 20 Senior Singles title in the O’Neill’s GAA Handball 40- O’Toole/Una Hughes (Wexford) won the Junior Doubles 20 Championships. The 26 year old Mullingar man is no title. Minor Singles Title was won by Kate Dagg (Kildare). stranger to success, but his win saw him rewrite the record books by becoming the first player ever to win a Senior 2014 Leinster Juvenile GAA Handball 40-20 National title in all four codes of Handball; 40-20, 60-30, Hardball and One-Wall. Championship In the GAA Handball Intermediate 40-20 Peter Funchion, In 2014 11 of the 12 counties had juvenile entries with Kilkenny won the singles title and along with his brother all represented at the younger age groups. In the Boys Patrick won the doubles title. Ciaran Neary and Brendan competition there was 12 Titles available with Kilkenny and Burke (Kilkenny) won the GAA Handball Junior Doubles Wexford leading the way with 5 Titles each and Louth and Titles. Laois picking up 1 each. In the girls championship there was a greater spread with Kilkenny winning 5 followed Kildare, Aoife McCarthy, Westmeath won GAA Handball Ladies Dublin and Wexford winning 2 each and Laois picking the Intermediate singles title and Mary Phelan/ Ciara Mahon remaining 1. (Kilkenny) won Ladies Intermediate Doubles title.

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 71 2014 Leinster Inter-Club GAA Handball 40- GAA Handball Inter Cub All–Ireland 60-30 20 Championship Championship In 2014 there were more than 1 entry in Junior B and Junior. Leinster club teams had a clean sweep of 4 All-Ireland club Monavea (Laois) won the Junior B Club with Tinryland 60-30 titles. Monavea (Laois) won the Junior B Title. Kells (Carlow) winning the Junior Title. Disappointingly Coolboy (Kilkenny) won the junior title, Castlebridge (Wexford) won (Wicklow) were the only entrants in Intermediate grade the Intermediate Title and Kells (Meath) won the Open and Kells (Meath) were the only entrant in the Open Grade. Title.

GAA Handball Adult All-Ireland 60-30 2014 Leinster Adult GAA Handball 60-30 Championship Championship In 2014 GAA All-Ireland 60-30 Championship Leinster won In 2014 there were 257 men’s and 27 Ladies entries in the Senior Singles and Doubles, Intermediate Singles and 47 Leinster Adult 60-30 Championship grades from all 12 Doubles plus Junior Doubles. The ladies won Junior Singles counties. 11 of the 12 counties won Leinster Titles, leading and Doubles as well as Intermediate singles and Doubles. the way Wexford 14 Titles followed by Kildare with 7 Titles and Kilkenny with 6 Titles. Pride of place must go to Eoin Kennedy (Dublin) who defied the doubters, history and logic, by winning GAA Handball Bryan Mahon (Kilkenny) won Minor Singles and with All-Ireland 60x30 Senior Singles Champion for the 9th his partner Padraig Cooney won the doubles Title. Paul time. At 35 years of age, very few people gave Eoin a serious Lambert (Wexford) won Junior Singles with Darren O’Toole chance of dethroning current three time champion Robbie / Malachy Whelan (Wexford) Junior Doubles Title. McCarthy, despite wide spread acknowledgement that he Gary McConnell (Meath) won the Intermediate Singles Title. is in great form this year. Coupled to the fact that he has David Hope / Noel Murphy (Offaly) won the Intermediate fallen to McCarthy in the last three finals in two straight Doubles Title. Michael ‘Ducksie’ Walsh (Kilkenny) and games. When McCarthy demolished Kennedy 21-5 in the Mickey Dowling (Kildare) continued on their winning ways first game, no one could have expected Eoin Kennedy to adding All-Ireland as well. win the next 2 games Hannah Dagg (Kildare) won Ladies Minor Singles title. Kate Meath’s Tom Sheridan and Brian Carroll claimed a three & Hannah Dagg (Kildare) won Ladies Minor Doubles title. in a row when they defeated Mayo’s Dessie Keegan and Sabrina Hughes (Dublin) won Ladies Junior Singles title. Joe McCann in Senior Open Doubles All Ireland Final in Tanya O’Toole/Una Byrne (Wexford) won the Ladies Junior Abbeylara, Co. Longford on a score line of 21-14 and 21- Doubles title. Ciara Mahon (Kilkenny) won Ladies Inter 12. It was a fantastic match with some great rallies and kill Singles title. Ciara Mahon/Mary Phelan (Kilkenny) won the shots by all four players. Ladies Inter Doubles title. Gary McConnell (Meath) and David Hope & Noel Murphy (Offaly) claimed Intermediate single and Doubles titles 2014 Leinster Juvenile GAA Handball 60-30 respectively. Darren O’Toole & Malachy Whelan (Wexford) captured the Junior Doubles title. Championship Eleven Leinster counties entered players in Leinster Juvenile Sabrina Hughes (Dublin) won GAA Handball All-Ireland 60-30 Championship. In boys competition Kilkenny and Ladies Junior Singles Title. Tanya O’Toole/Una Byrne Wexford won 5 titles with Carlow and Meath picking the (Wexford) won GAA Handball All-Ireland Ladies Junior other 2. In the girl’s competition Kilkenny won 5 titles with Doubles Title. Kildare and Wexford winning 2 each, with Carlow, Meath Ciara Mahon (Kilkenny) won the GAA Handball All-Ireland and Dublin winning 1 each. Ladies Intermediate Singles title. Ciara Mahon/Mary Phelan (Kilkenny) won the Intermediate 2014 Leinster Juvenile 60-30 Team Winners Doubles Title. Kilkenny won the U12/13 Team of six as well as U16/17 GAA Handball Juvenile All-Ireland 60-30 Team of 4. Wexford won U14/15 Team of six competitions. Championship In the U14/15 Team of six competitions Wexford was just Leinster juvenile players were in 12 Finals from 16 in total. too strong for Waterford on this occasion and they won 90- Winning 5 and losing 7. A significant improvement on 40- 36 to claim the title. Kilkenny narrowly lost the U12/13 20 championship. Anthony Butler (Wexford) won boys U15 Team of six by one to Tipperary in a terrific final. Singles Title, Shane Dunne (Kilkenny) won Boys U16 singles title and Keith Armstrong (Wexford) won Boys U17 singles 2014 Leinster Juvenile 40-20 Team Winners title. In the U12/13 team of 6 Wexford played Kilkenny in the Aoife Holden (Kilkenny) won the Girls U16 Singles Title Leinster Final and what turned out to be a great battle with Roisin Walsh/Holly Hynes (Wexford winning the Girls winning by 10 aces. In the All-Ireland final Wexford went U16 doubles title. to defeat Tipperary in the final having overcome Monaghan

72 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 in the semi-final The U14/15 team of 6 Kilkenny played 2014 Leinster Wallball Doubles Tournament Wexford in the Leinster Final and again some great handball A very successful Tournament was held in Ballacolla Laois played and great excitement at the end when winning by 3 on the Saturday of the October Bank Holiday. Entries were aces. Kilkenny U14/15 Team of 6 travelled to Tulla, Co. Clare not huge but all participants enjoyed the competition. to play Tyrone in the All Ireland semi-final. Unfortunately on the day Tyrone defeated Kilkenny. Men’s A Results David Hope/Noel Murphy (Offaly) The U16/17 team of 4 Wexford defeated Kilkenny to win Men’s B Results Anthony O’Sullivan/ Danny Reilly (Dublin) the Leinster Final. In the All-Ireland semi-final Wexford Men’s C Results Glen O’Kelly/Matt Patterson (Wicklow) were defeated by Monaghan. Men’s D Results Eamonn Purcell / James Purcell (Kilkenny) 2013-2014 Leinster Colleges Handball Leinster GAA Website Winners 40x20 A special big thank you to John Cotter and Niall Murphy Boys in launching a Handball link on Leinster GAA website. To Junior Singles: Wexford VC – Daniel Kavanagh date weekly information updates in relation to Handball Junior Doubles: St. Ciaran’s CS Kells -Joseph Stewart/Patrick are proving very successful and receiving many hits. Browne Inter Singles: St. Ciaran’s CS Kells – Evan Sheridan Inter Doubles: St. Ciaran’s CS Kells – Peter Smith/Robert Fox Leinster Handball Administrator Senior Singles: St. Ciaran’s CS Kells – Dylan Sheridan Senior Doubles: St. Peter’s Wexford – Padraig Foley & Galen Riordan Girls Inter Singles: Pres. Wexford - Holly Hynes Inter Doubles: Castlecomer CS – Catriona Lawlor & Aileen Hennessy Senior Singles: Col Mhuire Johnstown – Niamh Dunne Senior Doubles: Castlecomer CS – Denise Love & Ailing Maher

2014 Leinster Colleges 60-30 All-Ireland Winners Girls’ Junior Singles Final: Aoife Holden (Grennan College, ). Boys Senior Singles Final: Keith Armstrong (FCJ, Bunclody, Wexford). Boys Intermediate Doubles SF2: Padraig Cooney/Shane Dunne (Castlecomer C.S.).

2014 Leinster Wallball Singles Tournament A very successful Tournament was held in Ballacolla and Cullohill, Laois on the Saturday of the June Bank Holiday. Entries were not huge but all participants enjoyed the competition. Grade Winner Runner Up L’s Open Niamh Dunne (LS) Audrey McCormack (DB) Men’s A Daniel Fenlon (CW) Peter Whelan (LS) Men’s C Paddy Donovan (LS) John Roche (WX) Men’s D Eoin Cleary (DB) Michael Donovan (LS) Men’s E Eamonn Purcell (KK) Eddie Dunne (LS)

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 73 President’s Award Leinster Recipients

2004 2008 (MH) John Ryan (LD) Paddy Flanagan (WM) Fr. Moling Lennon (CW/KE) Michael Noel Byrne (OY) Kevin O’Brien (WW) (WX) 2009 Con Ryan (D) Fr. Michael Cremin (WM) Miriam Malone (KE) L.V. Conway (CW) Peter Keogh (WW) Michael Walsh (KK) Ned Quinn (KK) 2005 2010 William Price (D) Tommy McLoughlin (LD) John Cullen (WX) Charlie McAllister (LH) Bro. Denis Minihane (OY) Mary Donohue, (LS) (WM) Cathal Friel (WW) Patsy Kiernan (D) Christopher Hughes (D) John Nevin (CW) 2011 Fintan Ginnity (MH) 2006 John Curtis (WX) (WX) Kevin Heffernan (D) 2012 Tadhg de Brun (D) Brian Finnegan (WW) Tommy Nally (KE) George Delaney (WW) Fitzhenry Family, Duffry Rovers (WX) Margaret Delaney (LS) Martin Meagher, Carlow IT (3rd Level) Donal Hickey (D) Rosemount GAA Club (WM) Social Initiative Marcus de Burca (D) 2013 Jimmy Bergin (KK) Michael Mulhaire (LS) 2007 Noel Murphy (D) Tommy O’Brien (KK) Michael Dowling (LS) Podge Butler (KK) Peter Rice (WX) Seán Gavin (CW) Gerry Buckley (WM) Pat Holland (LH) 2014 Bro. Bosco Mulhare (LS/CW) Máire Ní Cheallaigh (DB) Lulu Carroll (LS) Maureen Kincaid (OY)

74 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 GAA Volunteers’ Awards

LeinsterLeinster Hall Roll Of Fame of Honour 2003 Michael “Ducksie” Walsh (Kilkenny) Seán Óg Ó Ceallachán (Dublin) 2004 Leinster Camogie Team of the Century Paddy Flanagan (Westmeath) 2005 Brian Smith (Meath) Kevin Heffernan (Dublin) 2006 (Wexford) Sean Boylan (Meath) 2007 Pat Henderson (Kilkenny) Eugene McGee (Longford) 2008 (Offaly) Seamus Aldridge (Kildare) 2009 (Laois) Frank Lynch (Louth) 2010 Jimmy Gray (Dublin) Kevin O'Brien (Wicklow) 2011 (Kilkenny) Cyril Hughes (Carlow) 2012 David Kilcoyne (Westmeath) Matt Connor (Offaly) 2013 Pat Dunney (Kildare) Mick Carty (Wexford) 2014 Paddy Quirke (Carlow) Jack Kenna (Laois) Comhairle Laighean Comhairle Website Award Laighean Match 2007 Tara Rowan, Jeff Sheridan & Programme Award Brendan Cummins (Meath GAA) 2008 Chris Lynam 2004 Alan Aherne (Wexford) (St. Brigid’s GAA Club, Dublin) 2005 Brendan Cummins (Meath) 2009 Brian Ramsbottom and David Kelly 2006 John Duffy (Longford) (Park-Ratheniska GAA Club, Laois) 2007 Mary Foley (Wexford) 2010 Paddy Bates and Gerry O'Sullivan (Ballyboden St. Enda's GAA Club, Dublin) 2008 Mary Foley (Wexford) 2011 Fearghal Gogan and Aidan McHugh 2009 Brendan Cummins (Meath) (Dunshaughlin GAA Club, Meath) 2010 Mary Foley (Wexford) 2012 Fergus McNally and Noel Manning 2011 (Louth) (St. Jude’s GAA Club, Dublin) 2013 Marc Cunningham and Anthony Rowan 2012 Ronan Lynch (Louth) (The Downs Club, Westmeath) 2013 Tomás Moore (Laois) 2014 Colm Devaney, Jimmy Halpin, John Dowd 2014 Martin O’Halloran (Meath) (Emmet Og GAA Club, Longford)

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 75 Comhairle Laighean Clár na gCluichí 2015

LEINSTER SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP LEINSTER SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP 1. Offaly v Longford ROUND ROBIN - ROUND 1 2. Laois v Carlow Westmeath v Carlow 3. Louth v Westmeath Antrim v Laois 4. 1 v Dublin ROUND ROBIN - ROUND 2 5. 2 v Kildare Westmeath v Antrim 6. 3 v Wexford Carlow v Laois 7. Wicklow v Meath ROUND ROBIN - ROUND 3 8. 4 v 5 Carlow v Antrim 9. 6 v 7 Laois v Westmeath FINAL 8 v 9 QUARTER FINALS A Dublin v Galway B Round Robin Winners v Offaly LEINSTER MINOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP C Round Robin Rs-Up v Wexford 1. Kilkenny v Carlow SEMI FINALS 2. Laois v Meath 1 A v B 3. Westmeath v Wexford 2 Kilkenny v C 4. Dublin v Offaly FINAL 1 v 2 5. Kildare v Louth 6. Wicklow v Longford LOSERS SECTION - ROUND I LOSERS SECTION - ROUND II LEINSTER UNDER 21 F.C. QUARTER FINALS 1. Wexford v Laois SEMI FINALS 2. Louth v Carlow FINAL 3. Wicklow v Longford 4. Offaly 5. 2 v 3 LEINSTER MINOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP 6. Dublin v 1 1. Offaly v Carlow 7. Meath v Westmeath 2. Laois v Wexford 8. Offaly v Kildare 3. Wicklow v Westmeath 9. 5 v 6 4. Meath v Kildare 10. 7 v 8 FINAL 9 v 10 5. Winner 4 v Loser 2 6. Winner 3 v Loser 1 A. Winners 1&2 v Kilkenny & Dublin B. Winners 5&6 v Losers A LEINSTER JUNIOR FOOTBALL 1. Wexford v Wicklow SEMI FINALS drawn after Quarter-finals 2. Kildare v Longford FINAL 3. Cavan v Louth 4. Meath v Carlow 5. 1 v 2 BORD GAIS ENERGY LEINSTER UNDER 21 HC 6. 3 v 4 1. Dublin v Kilkenny FINAL 5 v 6 2. Laois v Carlow 3. Offaly v Westmeath 4. Kildare v Wexford LEINSTER INTERMEDIATE HURLING 5. 1 v 2 1. Kilkenny v Galway 6. 3 v 4 2. Wexford BYE FINAL 5 v 6 FINAL 1 v 2

76 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 Comhairle Laighean Clár na gCluichí 2015

Peil Sinsir DATE VENUE 1. Offaly v Longford 16.05.2015 O’Connor Park, Tullamore 2. Louth v Westmeath 17.05.2015 Gaelic Grounds, Drogheda 3. Laois v Carlow 17.05.2015 Dr. Cullen Park, Carlow 4. Dublin v 1 31.05.2015 Croke Park 5. Kildare v 3 06.06.2015 O’Moore Park, Portlaoise / Tullamore 6. Meath v Wicklow 14.06.2015 Páirc Tailteann 7. Wexford v 2 14.06.2015 Wexford Park / Cusack Park, Mullingar

8. 4 v 5 28.06.2015 Croke Park 9. 6 v 7 28.06.2015 Croke Park FINAL: 8 v 9 12.07.2015 Croke Park

IOMÁINT SINSIR DATE VENUE Round 1 1. Westmeath v Carlow 03.05.2015 Cusack Park 2. Antrim v Laois 03.05.2015 Antrim Round 2 1. Westmeath v Antrim 10.05.2015 Cusack Park 2. Carlow v Laois 10.05.2015 Dr. Cullen Park Round 3 1. Carlow v Antrim 24.05.2015 Dr. Cullen Park 2. Laois v Westmeath 24.05.2015 Portlaoise QUARTER-FINALS: 1. Dublin v Galway 31.05.2015 Croke Park 2. Offaly v R-Robin Winner 07.06.2015 TBA 3. Wexford v R-Robin R-Up 07.06.2015 TBA SEMI-FINALS: 4. Winner 1 v Winner 2 20.06.2015 TBA 5. Kilkenny v Winner 3 21.06.2015 TBA FINAL: Winner 4 v Winner 5 05.07.2015 Croke Park

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 77 FÉ 21 BLIAIN PEIL DATE VENUE 1. Wexford v Laois 25.02.2015 Taghmon Camross 2. Louth v Carlow 25.02.2015 Clan na Gael 3. Wicklow v Longford 25.02.2015 Newtowncashel 4. Offaly BYE 5. (a) Louth v Wicklow 04.03.2015 Clan na Gael v Longford Newtowncashel (b) Carlow v Wicklow 04.03.2015 Carlow IT v Longford Carlow IT 6. (a) Dublin v Wexford 04.03.2015 Parnell Park v Laois O’Moore Park 7. Meath v Westmeath 04.03.2015 Pairc Tailteann 8. Offaly v Kildare 04/05.03.2015 O’Moore Park 9. 5 v 6 18.03.2015 TBC 10. 7 v 8 18.03.2015 TBC FINAL 9 v 10 02.04.2015 TBC

FÉ 21 IOMÁINT BORD GAIS DATE VENUE 1. Dublin v Kilkenny 27.05.2015 Parnell Park 2. Laois v Carlow 27.05.2015 O’Moore Park 3. Offaly v Westmeath 27.05.2015 O’Connor Park 4. Kildare v Wexford 27.05.2015 St Conleth’s Park, Newbridge SEMI-FINALS 5. (a) Dublin v Laois 24.06.2015 O’Moore Park v Carlow 24.06.2015 Dr. Cullen Park (b) Kilkenny v Laois 24.06.2015 Nowlan Park v Carlow 24.06.2015 Nowlan Park 6. (a) Offaly v Wexford 24.06.2015 O’Connor Park v Kildare 24.06.2015 St Conleth’s Park, Newbridge (b) Westmeath v Wexford 24.06.2015 Cusack Park v Kildare 24.06.2015 St Conleth’s Park, Newbridge FINAL 5 v 6 08.07.2015 TBC

PEIL MÍONÚIR DATE VENUE ROUND 1 1. Kilkenny v Carlow 18.4.2015 Kilkenny 2. Laois v Meath 18.4.2015 Navan 3. Westmeath v Wexford 18.4.2015 Wexford Park 4. Dublin v Offaly 18.4.2015 Parnell Park 5. Kildare v Louth 18.4.2015 Drogheda 6. Wicklow v Longford 18.4.2015 Aughrim Losers Section Round I 29.04.2015 TBC Losers Section Round II 06.05.2015 TBC Quarter Finals 16.05.2015 TBC Semi Finals 27.06.2015 TBC FINAL 12.07.2015 Croke Park

78 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 IOMÁINT MÍONÚIR DATE VENUE 1. Offaly v Carlow 11.04.2015 Tullamore 2. Laois v Wexford 11.04.2015 Wexford Park 3. Wicklow v Westmeath 11.04.2015 4. Meath v Kildare 11.04.2015 Trim QUARTER-FINALS 5 - Winners 4 v Losers 2 (a) Laois v Meath 25.04.2015 Trim v Kildare O’Moore Park (b) Wexford v Meath 25.04.2015 Wexford Park v Kildare Wexford Park 6 - Winners 3 v Losers 1 (a) Wicklow v Offaly 25.04.2015 Arklow v Carlow Arklow (b) Westmeath v Offaly 25.04.2015 O’Connor Park v Carlow A - Winners 1 & 2 v Kilkenny & Dublin 25.04.2015 TBC

B - Winners 5 & 6 v Losers A 09.05.2015 TBC SEMI FINALS 20.06.2015 TBC To be drawn after Quarter Finals FINAL 05.07.2015 Croke Park

PEIL SOISIR DATE VENUE 1. Wexford v Wicklow 20.05.2015 Wexford Park 2. Kildare v Longford 20.05.2015 Glennon Bros Pearse Park 3. Cavan v Louth 20.05.2015 Drogheda 4. Meath v Carlow 20.05.2015 Pairc Tailteann 5. 1 v 2 10.06.2015 TBC 6. 3 v 4 10.06.2015 TBC FINAL 5 v 6 24.06.2015 TBC

IOMÁINT IDIRMHEÁNACH DATE VENUE 1. Kilkenny v Galway 01.07.2015 Tullamore 2. (a) Kilkenny v Wexford 15.07.2015 Wexford Park 15.7.2015 (b) Galway v Wexford 15.07.2015 Portlaoise

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 79 Cluichí Laighean 2014

BORD NA MÓNA O’BYRNE CUP SENIOR FOOTBALL 4/1 DCU ...... (1-15) Lu ...... (0-09) Haggardstown 5/1 Wexford ...... (2-13) Laois ...... (0-11) New Ross 5/1 Offaly ...... (0-13) UCD ...... (0-11) Tullamore 5/1 Kildare ...... (4-24) Athlone IT ...... (0-12) Newbridge 5/1 Longford ...... (1-19) Carlow ...... (2-07) Carlow 5/1 Meath ...... (4-11) DIT ...... (1-14) Navan 5/1 Wicklow ...... (1-09) Carlow IT ...... (0-11) Ashford 5/1 Dublin ...... (0-12) Westmeath ...... (0-11) Mullingar 8/1 Laois ...... (2-18) Offaly ...... (1-15) Portlaoise 8/1 UCD ...... (2-12) Wexford ...... (3-03) 8/1 Kildare ...... (3-20) Longford ...... (0-06) Newtowncashel 8/1 Athlone IT ...... (1-15) Carlow ...... (0-13) Carlow IT 8/1 Wicklow ...... (1-21) DIT ...... (3-12) Newtownmountkennedy 8/1 Meath ...... (0-18) Carlow IT ...... (0-12) Navan 8/1 Dublin ...... (2-06) Louth ...... (0-08) Parnell Park 8/1 DCU ...... (2-13) Westmeath ...... (2-10) Lakepoint, Mullingar 12/1 UCD ...... (1-14) Laois ...... (3-06) Portarlington 12/1 Wexford ...... (0-16) Offaly ...... (0-13) Tullamore 12/1 Longford ...... (1-08) Athlone IT ...... (0-10) Ballymahon 12/1 Kildare ...... (1-11) Carlow ...... (0-08) Newbridge 12/1 DIT ...... (3-12) Carlow IT ...... (0-16) St. Margarets 12/1 Meath ...... (4-11) Wicklow ...... (2-05) Baltinglass 12/1 DCU ...... (3-08) Dublin ...... (0-16) Parnell Park 12/1 Louth ...... (1-14) Westmeath ...... (0-10) Drogheda 19/1 Meath ...... (4-18) DCU ...... (3-06) Navan 19/1 Kildare ...... (5-17) UCD ...... (2-11) Newbridge 26/1 Kildare ...... (1-10) Meath ...... (0-09) Newbridge BORD NA MÓNA WALSH CUP SENIOR HURLING 11/1 Offaly ...... (1-17) Antrim ...... (0-14) Tullamore 12/1 NUI Galway ...... (1-17) Laois ...... (1-14) Rathdowney 12/1 DIT ...... (3-17) Westmeath ...... (4-12) Mullingar 12/1 UCD ...... (1-11) Carlow ...... (0-13) Carlow 18/1 Wexford ...... (4-22) NUIG ...... (0-07) Gorey 19/1 Kilkenny ...... (5-23) DIT ...... (1-09) Freshford 19/1 Galway ...... (1-14) Offaly ...... (1-13) Tullamore 21/1 Dublin ...... (2-20) UCD ...... (2-15) Parnell Park 26/1 Kilkenny ...... (1-24) Galway ...... (0-15) Freshford 26/1 Dublin ...... (1-15) Wexford ...... (1-14) Gorey 1/2 Kilkenny ...... (0-24) Dublin ...... (0-17) Croke Park BORD NA MÓNA WALSH SHIELD SENIOR HURLING 17/1 Carlow ...... (0-21) Laois ...... (1-15) Heywood Ballinakill 19/1 Westmeath ...... (3-17) Antrim ...... (0-17) Mullingar 26/1 Carlow ...... (1-16) Westmeath ...... (1-07) Carlow LEINSTER INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP 23/7 Wexford ...... (2-11) Kilkenny ...... (0-14) Kilkenny

80 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 BORD NA MÓNA KEHOE CUP SENIOR HURLING 18/1 Down ...... (4-15) Queens ...... (0-08) Queens 19/1 Fingal ...... (5-18) Longford ...... (0-13) Naomh Barrog 19/1 GMIT ...... (4-22) Louth ...... (1-09) Darver 19/1 Kildare ...... (3-26) Roscommon ...... (0-06) Hawkfield 19/1 Derry ...... (3-13) DCU ...... (2-13) St. Clares DCU 19/1 Trinity ...... (0-12) Armagh ...... (0-11) Clanna Gael 19/1 Meath ...... (5-30) St. Patricks ...... (1-07) Trim 19/1 Wicklow ...... (3-17) Mayo ...... (3-11) Bray 25/1 Kildare ...... (3-18) GMIT ...... (0-10) Hawkfield 26/1 Down ...... (0-18) Fingal ...... (2-07) Naomh Barrog 26/1 Derry ...... (3-11) Trinity ...... (2-11) Clanna Gael 26/1 Meath ...... (2-17) Wicklow ...... (0-05) Trim 1/2 Kildare ...... (1-09) Down ...... (1-08) Hawkfield 2/2 Meath ...... (0-21) Derry ...... (0-12) Trim 9/2 Meath ...... (1-21) Kildare ...... (0-19) Newbridge BORD NA MÓNA KEHOE SHIELD SENIOR HURLING 26/1 Queens ...... (3-06) Longford ...... (1-09) 26/1 Roscommon ...... (2-13) Louth ...... (2-05) Dowdallshill 26/1 DCU ...... (2-16) Armagh ...... (1-07) St. Clares 26/1 Mayo ...... (1-16) St. Patricks ...... (0-13) Na Fianna 2/2 Queens ...... (1-16) Roscommon ...... (2-10) Queens 2/2 Mayo ...... (2-15) DCU ...... (0-19) Alfie Byrne Road 8/2 Mayo ...... (1-17) Queens University . . . (0-15) Darver CADBURY LEINSTER GAA UNDER 21 FC 19/2 Longford ...... (1-12) Westmeath ...... (0-15) Newtowncashel – AET 19/2 Laois ...... (0-10) Wicklow ...... (0-09) Baltinglass 19/2 Offaly ...... (1-16) Wexford ...... (0-06) Taghmon 26/2 Longford ...... (0-09) Westmeath ...... (0-08) St. Lomans 5/3 Longford ...... (1-13) Laois ...... (1-12) Portlaoise 5/3 Louth ...... (3-11) Meath ...... (2-14) Clan na Gaeil 5/3 Offaly ...... (0-13) Kildare ...... (0-09) Athy 5/3 Dublin ...... (2-27) Carlow ...... (0-03) Carlow IT Grounds 12/3 Meath ...... (1-13) Louth ...... (0-10) Navan 19/3 Dublin ...... (3-07) Longford ...... (0-06) Portlaoise 19/3 Meath ...... (2-16) Offaly ...... (1-10) Parnell Park 2/4 Dublin ...... (0-15) Meath ...... (0-10) Portlaoise LEINSTER U-21 'A' HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP 9/7 Wicklow ...... (6-30) Louth ...... (0-03) Aughrim 9/7 Kildare ...... (2-21) Meath ...... (1-13) Newbridge 23/7 Kildare ...... (2-07) Wicklow ...... (0-12) Newbridge ELECTRIC IRELAND LEINSTER MINOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP 19/4 Offaly ...... (7-30) Kilkenny ...... (0-02) 19/4 Meath ...... (3-18) Wicklow ...... (1-06) Navan 19/4 Laois ...... (0-14) Carlow ...... (0-05) Portlaoise 19/4 Dublin ...... (2-11) Longford ...... (0-14) Longford 19/4 Kildare ...... (1-12) Westmeath ...... (1-08) Mullingar 19/4 Wexford ...... (3-15) Louth ...... (2-05) Drogheda 30/4 Longford ...... (0-10) Louth ...... (0-06) Drogheda 7/5 Longford ...... (3-13) Carlow ...... (2-06) Carlow 7/5 Westmeath ...... (2-17) Wicklow ...... (1-08) Aughrim 16/5 Offaly ...... (2-16) Westmeath ...... (1-08) Tullamore 17/5 Dublin ...... (0-15) Meath ...... (0-12) Parnell Park 17/5 Kildare ...... (2-17) Longford ...... (2-13) Longford 17/5 Laois ...... (2-07) Wexford ...... (1-08) Wexford 5/7 Kildare ...... (3-11) Laois ...... (0-05) Newbridge 10/7 Dublin ...... (6-13) Offaly ...... (0-06) Tullamore 20/7 Dublin ...... (3-16) Kildare ...... (1-12) Croke Park

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 81 ELECTRIC IRELAND LEINSTER MINOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP 12/4 Offaly ...... (1-16) Carlow ...... (1-08) Carlow 12/4 Kildare ...... (3-11) Westmeath ...... (1-13) Newbridge 12/4 Meath ...... (3-15) Wicklow ...... (3-09) Navan 13/4 Dublin ...... (0-16) Wexford ...... (0-11) Piercestown 26/4 Carlow ...... (1-22) Kildare ...... (3-12) Newbridge 26/4 Wexford ...... (1-18) Meath ...... (2-10) Navan 26/4 Laois ...... (0-26) Offaly ...... (3-14) Tullamore 26/4 Dublin ...... (2-08) Kilkenny ...... (0-03) Kilkenny 10/5 Kilkenny ...... (3-22) Carlow ...... (0-07) Carlow 10/5 Wexford ...... (0-18) Offaly ...... (1-09) Wexford 21/6 Kilkenny ...... (1-21) Laois ...... (0-16) Portlaoise 21/6 Dublin ...... (0-17) Wexford ...... (0-16) Parnell Park 6/7 Kilkenny ...... (2-19) Dublin ...... (2-10) Croke Park LEINSTER SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP 27/4 London ...... (2-17) Carlow ...... (2-17) Ruislip 27/4 Antrim ...... (0-23) Westmeath ...... (2-11) Ballycastle 4/5 Antrim ...... (2-18) Carlow ...... (1-17) Carlow 4/5 Laois ...... (1-15) Westmeath ...... (1-9) Mullingar 11/5 Laois ...... (1-22) Carlow ...... (0-14) Portlaoise 11/5 Antrim ...... (1-17) London ...... (2-7) Ballycastle 18/5 Laois ...... (2-13) London ...... (1-13) Ruislip 18/5 Carlow ...... (0-14) Westmeath ...... (1-09) Carlow 24/5 Westmeath ...... (2-12) London ...... (1-12) Mullingar 25/5 Antrim ...... (0-22) Laois ...... (0-20) Portlaoise 1/6 Galway ...... (1-22) Laois ...... (0-23) Portlaoise 1/6 Wexford ...... (5-19) Antrim ...... (0-21) Portlaoise 7/6 Kilkenny ...... (5-32) Offaly ...... (1-18) Kilkenny 14/6 Dublin ...... (0-22) Wexford ...... (1-14) Wexford 22/6 Galway ...... (5-16) Kilkenny ...... (3-22) Tullamore 28/6 Kilkenny ...... (3-19) Galway ...... (1-17) Tullamore 6/7 Kilkenny ...... (0-24) Dublin ...... (1-09) Croke Park LEINSTER SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP 17/5 Louth ...... (1-14) Westmeath ...... (1-09) Mullingar 18/5 Laois ...... (0-21) Wicklow ...... (1-11) Aughrim 18/5 Longford ...... (0-19) Offaly ...... (0-15) Longford 7/6 Wexford ...... (1-15) Longford ...... (1-13) Longford 8/6 Dublin ...... (2-21) Laois ...... (0-16) Croke Park 8/6 Kildare ...... (1-22) Louth ...... (1-07) Croke Park 15/6 Meath ...... (7-13) Carlow ...... (0-06) Carlow 29/6 Dublin ...... (2-25) Wexford ...... (1-12) Croke Park 29/6 Meath ...... (2-16) Kildare ...... (0-17) Croke Park 20/7 Dublin ...... (3-20) Meath ...... (1-10) Croke Park LEINSTER JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP 28/5 Louth ...... (1-12) Kildare ...... (2-08) Dowdallshill 28/5 Meath ...... (2-20) Wicklow ...... (0-08) Aughrim 29/5 Cavan ...... (1-18) Wexford ...... (1-06) Gorey 11/6 Longford ...... (2-18) Meath ...... (2-12) Longford 11/6 Cavan ...... (0-17) Louth ...... (0-08) Dowdallshill 25/6 Cavan ...... (1-11) Longford ...... (1-07) Longford BORD GAIS ENERGY LEINSTER UNDER-21 HC 28/5 Dublin ...... (1-17) Laois ...... (1-10) Parnell Park 4/6 Westmeath ...... (3-19) Carlow ...... (0-10) Mullingar 4/6 Wexford ...... (2-14) Kilkenny ...... (0-10) Kilkenny 25/6 Dublin ...... (2-08) Westmeath ...... (0-13) Mullingar 25/6 Wexford ...... (2-17) Offaly ...... (0-13) Wexford 9/7 Wexford ...... (1-20) Dublin ...... (0-18) Parnell Park

82 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 LEINSTER CLUB HURLING LEAGUE FINALS DIVISION 1 FINAL 21/6 Clonkill ...... (0-19) Buffers Alley ...... (2-13) Tullamore 28/6 Clonkill ...... (2-18) Buffers Alley ...... (0-21) Tullamore REPLAY DIVISION 2 FINAL 18/5 Bray Emmets ...... (1-16) Eire Og Chorrachoill . . (2-11) Carlow

DIVISION 3 FINAL 18/5 St. Patricks Wicklow . . . . . (2-09) Na Fianna ...... (1-08) Aughrim

DIVISION 4 FINAL 4/5 Kiltegan ...... (3-07) Mountmellick . . . . . (2-05) Carlow AIB LEINSTER CLUB SFC 26/10 Rathnew ...... (1-13) Rathvilly ...... (1-09) Aughrim 26/10 Rhode ...... (2-09) St. Patricks ...... (0-10) Tullamore 9/11 Rhode ...... (4-10) O’Mahonys ...... (0-13) Tullamore 9/11 St. Vincents ...... (3-11) Portlaoise ...... (0-10) Portlaoise 9/11 Garrycastle ...... (1-11) Emmet Og Killoe ...... (1-10) Mullingar 9/11 Moorefield ...... (0-17) Rathnew ...... (2-07) Aughrim 23/11 Rhode ...... (1-15) Moorefield ...... (2-04) Tullamore 23/11 St. Vincents ...... (3-09) Garrycastle ...... (1-10) Parnell Park 14/12 St. Vincents ...... (1-13) Rhode ...... (0-06) Navan

AIB LEINSTER CLUB SHC 2/11 Kilmacud Crokes . . . . (0-23) Rathdowney Errill . . . (0-22) Parnell Park 2/11 Raharney ...... (2-11) St. Mullins ...... (0-09) Mullingar 2/11 Kilcormac Killoughey . . (2-13) Shelmaliers ...... (0-18) Wexford 16/11 Kilcormac Killoughey . . (1-13) Raharney ...... (1-08) Mullingar 23/11 Ballyhale Shamrocks . . . . (2-15) Kilmacud Crokes . . . . (0-12) Parnell Park 7/12 Ballyhale Shamrocks . . . . (0-21) Kilcormac Killoughey . . (1-14) Portlaoise AIB LEINSTER CLUB IFC 19/10 Ballinabranna ...... (1-07) Carrickedmond . . . . (1-04) Longford 19/10 Railyard ...... (2-08) Aughrim ...... (1-07) Freshford 19/10 Sean O’Mahonys . . . . (1-11) Caulry ...... (0-10) Caulry 19/10 Ballinlough ...... (0-11) Ballyfin ...... (0-08) Portlaoise 2/11 Sean O’Mahonys . . . . (1-10) Castleknock ...... (0-12) Dundalk 2/11 St. James (WX) . . . . . (0-11) Ballinabranna . . . . . (1-06) Carlow 2/11 Eadestown ...... (2-15) Railyard ...... (0-02) Freshford 2/11 Ballinlough ...... (0-12) Raheen ...... (0-10) Navan 16/11 Sean O’Mahonys . . . . (0-10) Eadestown ...... (1-06) Dundalk 16/11 Ballinlough ...... (0-12) St. James ...... (1-03) Wexford 30/11 Sean O’Mahonys . . . . (0-10) Ballinlough ...... (1-04) Drogheda AIB LEINSTER CLUB IHC 26/10 Ballinakill ...... (0-18) Bray Emmetts . . . . . (0-15) Portlaoise 26/10 Kiltale ...... (3-15) Shamrocks ...... (1-10) Trim 26/10 Coill Dubh ...... (1-12) Setanta ...... (0-07) Newbridge 8/11 Kiltale ...... (1-13) Ballinakill ...... (1-10) Portlaoise 16/11 Mullinavat ...... (2-19) Coill Dubh ...... (1-08) Newbridge 23/11 Mullinavat ...... (1-13) Kiltale ...... (0-13) Navan

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 83 AIB LEINSTER CLUB JFC 4/10 Craobh Chiarain . . . . (2-15) Amsterdam ...... (1-09) Maastricht 25/10 Straffan ...... (2-17) Sean Connollys . . . . (0-07) Newbridge 26/10 Craobh Chiarain ...... (1-10) Oliver Plunketts ...... (1-10) Parnells 26/10 Courtwood ...... (4-02) St. Marys Maudlinstwn . (0-10) Portlaoise 1/11 Oliver Plunketts ...... (0-08) Craobh Chiarain . . . . (0-07) Drogheda 2/11 Ballon ...... (3-07) Kilmacanogue . . . . . (1-12) Carlow 8/11 Straffan ...... (5-16) Thomastown . . . . . (1-04) Newbridge 9/11 Moate All Whites ...... (1-13) Oliver Plunketts ...... (1-10) Drogheda 9/11 Courtwood ...... (1-12) Cortown ...... (2-08) Portlaoise 9/11 Ballon ...... (2-10) Daingean ...... (0-10) Carlow 23/11 Straffan ...... (2-14) Courtwood ...... (0-08) Portlaoise 23/11 Moate All Whites ...... (0-12) Ballon ...... (0-07) Moate 7/12 Moate All Whites ...... (1-11) Straffan ...... (0-10) Mullingar AIB LEINSTER CLUB JHC 26/10 Shamrocks ...... (3-06) Clontarf ...... (0-06) Tullamore 26/10 St. Brigids ...... (1-24) Barndarrig ...... (1-03) Rochfortbridge 26/10 Crossabeg Ballymurn . . (2-15) Park Ratheniska ...... (1-05) Enniscorthy 8/11 Crossabeg Ballymurn . . (4-18) Moorefield ...... (1-09) Enniscorthy 9/11 St. Brigids ...... (2-20) Knockbridge ...... (1-20) Rochfortbridge 15/11 Shamrocks ...... (2-19) Carlow Town . . . . . (1-10) Ballinamere 16/11 Bennetsbridge . . . . . (4-25) Dunderry ...... (0-04) Trim 23/11 Shamrocks ...... (1-17) St. Brigids ...... (0-11) Ballinamere 23/11 Bennetsbridge . . . . . (1-19) Crossabeg/Ballymurn . . . (0-11) Enniscorthy 6/12 Bennetsbridge . . . . . (1-20) Shamrocks ...... (0-03) Tullamore LEINSTER CLUB SPECIAL JH COMPETITION 19/10 Ros Glas ...... (W/O) Clonguish ...... (SCR) Clane 2/11 Wolfe Tones (LD) ...... (2-16) St. Patricks (CW) ...... (0-10) Tullow 2/11 St. Patricks (MH) . . . . (2-15) Pearse Og ...... (1-03) Stamullen 2/11 Clara (OY) ...... (1-19) Ros Glas ...... (0-02) Hawkfield 2/11 Kyle ...... (7-07) Southern Gaels . . . . (1-04) Athlone 16/11 Wolfe Tones ...... (4-10) St. Patricks (MH) ...... (0-11) Edgeworthstown 16/11 Clara ...... (1-13) Kyle ...... (1-07) Tubber 30/11 Clara ...... (2-18) Wolfe Tones ...... (0-05) Tubber

84 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 Cluichí Iarbhunscoileanna Laighean 2013-2014

COMORTAS BUATHOIRI NEASOIRI Juv. F “A” Sc. Aodhain Ardscoil Ris PEIL Juv. F “B” St. Declan’s CBS Lucan CBS Sen. F “A” Colaiste Eoin Marist Athlone Juv. F “C” Portmarnock CS St. McDara’s CC Sen. F “B” Sc. Aodhain Col Iosagain Portarlington Juv. F “D” St. Joseph’s Rush St. Vincent’s CBS Sen. F “C” Ardee CS St. Colmcille’s CS Juv. F “E” Donabate CC Colaiste Mhuire Sen. F “D” Franciscan Gormanston Marian College Jun. F “A” Sc. Aodhain Ardscoil Ris Jun. F “A” Good Counsel St. Pat’s Navan Jun. F “B” Colaiste Eanna Colaiste Choilm Jun. F “B” St. Joseph’s Drogheda Col Iosagain P’lington Jun. F “C” Hartstown CS St. David’s CBS Jun. F “C” St. Oliver’s Oldcastle Mountmellick CS Jun. F “D” Pobalscoil Neasain Moyle Park College Jun. F “D” Pobsc. Neasain Avondale CC Jun. F “E” Colaiste Dhulaigh Colaiste Mhuire

Juv. F “A” Sc. Aodhain Good Counsel Tom Quinlan Cup Colaiste Eoin Sc Aodhain Juv. F “B” Sc. Dara Kilcock Col Iosagain Portarlington Quinlan Shield Sec1 St. David’s St. Paul’s College Juv. F “C” Cnoc Mhuire Granard Wexford CBS Quinlan Shield Sec2 St Joseph’s Rush St Michael’s Col Juv. F “D” St. Joseph’s Rush St. Farnan’s Prosperous Tom Quinlan Plate CP Setanta Adamstown CC

IOMÁINT Juv. H “A” Ardscoil Ris Colaiste Eoin Sen. H “A” Kilkenny CBS St. Kieran’s College Juv. H “A” Shield Sc. Aodhain St. Fintan’s HS Sen. H “A” League St. Kieran’s College Kilkenny CBS Juv. H “B” St. Colmcille’s CS Terenure College Sen. H “B” St. Fergal’s Rathdowney Sc. Aodhain Juv. H “C” Lucan CBS St. Paul’s College Sen. H “B” St. Fergal’s R’downey St. Mary’s CBS E’corthy Juv. H “D” Drimnagh Castle CBS Confey College (‘Rest of Leinster’) Juv. H “E” Coolmine CS St. Joseph’s Rush Sch. S.H. “C” Wexford CBS St. Colmcille’s

Jun. H “A” Ardscoil Ris Sc Aodhain Jun. H “A” Kilkenny CBS St. Peter’s Wexford Jun. H “B” St. Declan’s CBS Salesian College Jun. H “A” Shield St. Brendan’s CS Birr Mountrath CS Jun. H “C” Colaiste Choilm Portmarnock CS Jun. H “B” St. Mary’s CBS E’corthy Banagher College Jun. H “D” Pobalscoil Neasain St. Joseph’s Drogheda Jun. H. “D1” Colaiste Chiarain Ardsc. Raheny Juv. H “A” League Dublin North Juv. H “A” Dr. Barry Cup St. Kieran’s Kilkenny CBS Juv. H “A” Power Cup Col Mhuire Johnstown St. Brendan’s Birr LAIGHEAN THUAIDH Juv. H “B” Col Mhuire Johnstown Ardscoil Ris Sen. F “B” Col Choilm Tullamore Cnoc Mhuire Granard Sen. F “C” Ardee CS Heywood CS ÁTH CLIATH Sen. F “D” Franciscan Gormanston St. Fergal’s R’downey Sen. F “A” Maynooth PP St. Benildus Sen. F League “A” St. Mary’s Edenderry St. Pat’s Navan Sen. F “B” Sc. Aodhain St. Declan’s CBS Sen. F League “B” Naas CBS Boyne CS Sen. F “C” St. Colmcille’s CS Lucan CBS

Sen. F “D” Marian College HFCS Rathcoole Sen. H “C” Sc. Mhuire Clane Cistercian Roscrea Sen. F “D1” St. Joseph’s Rush Donabate CC Sen. H “C1” Clonaslee VS St. Peter’s Dunboyne

Sen. H “A” Sc. Aodhain Colaiste Eanna Juv. F “A” Sc. Mhuire Clane Col Mhuire Mullingar Sen. H “A” Shield Clonkeen College Ardscoil Ris Juv. F “B” Sc. Dara Kilcock Dunshaughlin CC Sen. H “B” St. Colmcille’s CS Salesian Col Celbridge Juv. F “C” Cnoc Mhuire Granard Ardee CS Sen. H “C” St. Kevin’s CBS Oatlands College Juv. F “D” Mercy SS Ballymahon St Fintina’s/CP Rathcairn Sen. H “C1” St. Joseph’s Rush Lucan CBS Juv. F “D1” 11-a-side Ardsc Chiarain Clara Mullingar CC

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 85 Jun. F “A” St. Pat’s Navan Col Mhuire Mullingar HANDBALL - GIRLS – COLLEGES – 60 X 40 Jun. F “B” St. Joseph’s Drogheda Portlaoise CBS COMORTAS BUATHOIRI NEASOIRI Jun. F “C” St. Oliver’s Oldcastle Ardsc Rath Iomghain U-19 Singles Castlecomer CS Col Chiarain Leixlip Jun. F “D” Mullingar CC St. Oliver’s Drogheda U-19 Doubles Col Mhuire Johnstown Castlecomer CS U-16 Singles Grennan College Th’town Pres Wexford Juv. H “B” Naas CBS Banagher College U-16 Doubles Castlecomer CS Sc. Aireagail Ballyhale Juv. H “C” Col Choilm Tullamore Cistercian Roscrea First Yr. Singles Grennan Col Th’town St. Brendan’s CS Birr Juv H “C1” St. Peter’s Dunboyne Castlepollard CC First Yr Doubles Eureka Kells Col Bhride Carnew

Jun. H “B” Banagher College Col Mhuire Mullingar HANDBALL - BOYS – COLLEGES – 40 X 20 Jun. H “C” St. Joseph’s R’bridge Col Choilm Tullamore COMORTAS BUATHOIRI NEASOIRI Jun. H “C1” St. Peter’s Dunboyne Clonaslee VS U-19 Singles St. Ciaran’s CS Kells Col Eamann Ris Callan U-19 Doubles St. Peter’s Wexford St. Ciaran’s CS Kells LAIGHEAN THEAS U-17 Singles St. Ciaran’s CS Kells FCJ Bunclody Sen. F “B” Col Iosagain Portarlington Sc Dara Kilcock U-17 Doubles St. Ciaran’s CS Kells Col Bhride Carnew Sen. F “C” Pres College Bray Ardsc Rath Iomghain U-15 Singles Wexford VC Gonzaga College Sen. F “D” Col Eoin Hacketstown Avondale CC U-15 Doubles St. Ciaran’s CS Kells St. Mary’s CBS E’corthy First Yr. Singles Castlecomer CS O’Carolan Col Nobber Sen. F League “A” Colaiste Eoin Patrician Newbridge First Yr. Doubles Col Mhuire Johnstown St. Ciaran’s CS Kells

Sen. H “C” Wexford CBS Wicklow Schools HANDBALL - GIRLS – COLLEGES – 40 X 20 Sen. H “C1” Gaelcholaiste/Pres Carlow Col Chill Mhantain COMORTAS BUATHOIRI NEASOIRI U-19 Singles Col Mhuire Johnstown Col Chiarain Leixlip Juv. F “A” Good Counsel St. Peter’s Wexford U-19 Doubles Castlecomer CS Col Chiarain Leixlip Juv. F “B” Col Iosagain Portarlington St. Kieran’s U-16 Singles Pres Wexford Col Chiarain Leixlip Juv. F “C” Wexford CBS Mountrath CS U-16 Doubles Castlecomer CS Wexford VC Juv. F “D” St. Farnan’s Prosperous Avondale CC First Yr. Singles Col Chiarain Leixlip Grennan Col Th’town Juv F “D” 11 a side Portlaoise College Enniscorthy VC First Yr Doubles Grennan Col Th’town Col Bhride Carnew

Jun. F “A” Good Counsel Patrician Newbridge Jun. F “B” Col Iosagain Portarlington Sc Dara Kilcock Jun. F “C” Mountmellick CS St. Kevin’s CC Dunlavin Jun. F “D1” St. Farnan’s Prosperous Gaelchol Ceatharlach Jun. F “D2” Avondale CC New Ross CBS

Juv. H “B” Col Mhuire J’stown St. Mary’s CBS E’corthy Juv. H “C” Sc. Aireagail Ballyhale Wexford CBS

Jun. H “B” St. Mary’s CBS E’corthy Abbey CC F’bank Jun. H “C” Wicklow Schools Knockbeg College Jun. H “C1” Patrician Newbridge Col an Atha Kil’ridge

HANDBALL - BOYS – COLLEGES – 60 X 30 COMORTAS BUATHOIRI NEASOIRI U-19 Singles St. Peter’s Wexford Gonzaga College U-19 Doubles St. Peter’s Wexford St. Kieran’s U-17 Singles FCJ Bunclody Terenure College U-17 Doubles Castlecomer CS Col Mhuire Mullingar U-15 Singles Castlecomer CS Gonzaga College U-15 Doubles St. Mary’s CBS Enniscorthy Castlecomer CS First Yr. Singles Castlecomer CS St. Peter’s Wexford First Yr. Doubles Sc. Ciaran’s CS Kells Castlecomer CS

86 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 Bennettsbridge (KK) - AIB Leinster Club Junior Hurling Champions 2014 Back L-R: Edward Fitzgerald, Damian O’Donovan, Dylan Walsh, Bill O’Neill, William Murphy, Enda Cleere, Hugh O’Neill, Luke Dowling, Brian Lannon, Ben Tynan, Maurice Walsh (partly hidden), Conor Murphy, Aidan Cleere, Nicky Cleere, Liam Blanchfield, James Moran, Enda Morrissey, Michael Power, Brian O’Neill, Patrick O’Neill, Paul O’Neill.

Front L-R: Ronan O’Connor, Tom Kiely, Shane Nolan, Edward Murphy, Jason Cleere, Daragh Wafer, Kevin Blanchfield, Robert Lennon, Sean Wemyss, Sean Morrissey, Cormac Wafer, Shane Byrne, Kevin Brennan, Micheal Shiel, Aidan Byrne.

Clara (OY) - Leinster Club Special Junior Hurling Champions 2014 Back L-R: Seanie Monaghan (Selector), Alan Cronin (C), Darren Scanlon, Steven O’Brien, James Fleming, Willy Fleming, Martin Fleming, John Ledwith, Thomas Deehan, Ross Brady, Willie Byrne, David Ledwith.

Front L-R: Enda Stones (Selector), Stephen Deehan, Joey Deehan, Sean Nolan, Barry Cushen, Lorcan Hiney, Liam Monaghan, Steven Buckley, Darren Fleming, Ger Deehan (Manager) .

Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 87 Carlow - Bord na Móna Walsh Shield Winners 2014 Back L-R: Daryl Roberts, David Galway, Kevin Kehoe, Mark Brennan, John Doyle, James Kane, Martin Doyle, Padraig Nolan, David English (C), Alan Corcoran, Michael Ryan, Paudie Kehoe.

Front L-R: Dion Wall, Oisin Boland, James Doyle, Karol English, Cillian McCabe, Andrew Gaul, Petie Shaw, Craig Wall, Brian Treacy, Paul Doyle.

Mullinavat (KK) - AIB Leinster Club Intermediate Hurling Champions 2014 Back L-R: Joe Fennelly, Mark Mansfield, Darren Watters, Brian Phelan, Nicky Anthony, Ian Duggan, Paddy Jones, Tony Duggan, Ger Malone, Seamus Farrell, Conor Frisby, Dinny Butler, Mikie Jones, Robert Malone, Paddy Raftice, Liam Murphy, Pat Mulhearn, Nathan Malone, Liam Fennelly.

Front L-R: Cillian Dunphy, Simon Alyward, Darren Kenneally, Damien Alyward, Ciaran Boyle, Jamie Fennelly, Joe Gahan, James Culleton, Willie O’Dwyer, Pauric Gahan, Conor Duggan, Sean Fitzpatrick (Mascot), Thomas Alyward, Adam Mansfield, Ryan Bland, John Walsh.

88 Leinster GAA Convention Report 2014 VENI VIDI VICI Captain Stephen Cluxton imperiously Back in the saddle! raises the Delaney Cup in salute to the Kilkenny Captain Dublin supporters at Croke Park Lester Ryan raises the Bob O’Keeffe Cup as the Cats restored themselves to a first Leinster title since 2011

Back L-R: Kevin Nolan, Dean Rock, Darren Daly, Cian O’Sullivan, James McCarthy, Paddy Andrews, Cormac Costello, Sean Currie, Eoghan O’Gara, Michael Fitzsimons, Michael Darragh Macauley, Bernard Brogan, Denis Bastick, Tomás Brady, Darragh Back L-R: Aidan Fogarty, Tomás Keogh, Michael Walsh, Padraig Walsh, Brian Hogan, Paul Murphy, Joey Holden, Kieran Joyce, Jackie Nelson, Jonny Cooper, Kevin McManamon. Tyrrell, John Power, T.J. Reid, Colin Fennelly, Michael Walsh, Jonjo Farrell, Lester Ryan. Front L-R: Eric Lowndes, Davy Byrne, Paul Mannion, Nicky Devereaux, Philly McMahon, Stephen Cluxton, Diarmuid Connolly, Rory Front L-R: Mark Kelly, Eoin Murphy, Brian Kennedy, Conor Fogarty, Cillian Buckley, Richie Hogan, Eoin Larkin. David Herity, J.J. O’Carroll, Paul Flynn, Jack McCaffrey, Bryan Cullen, Alan Brogan. Delaney, Henry Shefflin, Tommy Walsh.