for club and

An Chomhdháil Bhliantúil 2011 GAA Annual Congress 2010 Tuarascáil, Cuntais Airgid agus Rúin don Chomhdháil

www.gaa.ie 2010 county champions football antrim carlow st gall’s rangers old leighlin kingscourt stars

clare donegal doonbeg nemo rangers coleraine naomh conaill

down fermanagh burren kilmacud crokes roslea killererin

kerry kildare kilkenny laois dr crokes moorefield muckalee

leitrim limerick louth

O'C glencar manorhamilton monaleen longford slashers mattock rangers

mayo meath monaghan offaly ballintubber skryne clontibret rhode

tipperary tyrone st brigids eastern harps aherlow coalisland

westmeath wicklow stradbally garrycastle castletown rathnew 2010 county champions antrim armagh carlow cavan NAOMH MOUNG loughgeil shamrocks keady st mullin’s mullahoranMullach Odhrain Cumann Lúthchleas Gael

clare cork derry donegal GAA CLUB crusheen sarsfields lavey seán mac cumhaill’s

down dublin fermanagh galway ballygalget ballyboden st enda’s lisbellaw clarinbridge

kerry kildare kilkenny laois ballyduff celbridge o’loughlin gael’s rathdowney errill

leitrim limerick longford louth st mary’s kilmallock wolfe tones naomh moninne SPORT DON SAOL

mayo meath monaghan offaly W S kildalkey inniskeenO grattansLFETONE coolderry

n an m lu - u t c h

c h le a s el ga roscommon sligo tipperary tyrone four roads western thurles sarsfields éire óg carrickmore

waterford westmeath wexford wicklow de la salle raharney oulart-the ballagh glenealy ESTERN GO W ALS

C .L.S GAA Annual Congress

2 An Chomhdháil Bhliantúil : Congress 2011 clár

an aoine, aibreán 15 an satharn, aibreán 16

3.00pm Registration for all Congress delegates 10.00am Congress resumes - Ard-Stiúrthóir’s Report 4.00pm Workshops 11.00am Consideration of motions (i) Finance 1.00pm Lón (ii) Official Guide 2.15pm Resumption of Congress (iii) Fixtures Planning – Óráid an Uachtaráin (iv) Working with Sponsors 2.45pm Consideration of remaining Motions 6.00pm Tae 4.30pm Conclusion of Congress 7.00pm Meeting of Páirc an Chrócaigh Teoranta 4.45pm Meeting of Ard Chomhairle 7.30pm Meeting of Ard Chomhairle 5.30pm Mass 8.30pm Opening of Congress 7.30pm Civic Reception 8.45pm Adoption of Accounts 8.15pm Congress Banquet Adoption of Insurance and Injury Scheme Accounts Report from Workshops 9.45pm Installation of Uachtarán-tofa Address by Uachtarán-tofa An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

Standing Orders 3

In order that the proceedings of Annual Congress be 5. A delegate may, with the consent of the Chairman, carried out without delay, the following Standing Orders move “that the question be now put”, after which when will be observed: the Proposer has spoken, a vote must be taken.

1. The Proposer of a Resolution or of an Amendment 6. Where Congress considers it appropriate, a vote may thereto may speak for five minutes, but not more than be by secret ballot. five minutes. 7. A speaker to the Ard Stiúrthóir’s Report/Workshop 2. A delegate speaking to a Resolution or an Amendment reports or to any other general discussion shall not must not exceed three minutes. A maximum of two exceed three minutes on any one topic. delegates from any one County shall speak on any 8. Any motion seeking to amend a rule in the Official one motion. Guide must have a majority equal to two-thirds of 3. The Proposer of a Resolution or Amendment may speak those present, entitled to vote and voting. a second time for three minutes before a vote is taken, 9. Standing Orders shall not be suspended for the purpose but no other Delegate may speak a second time to the of considering any matter on the Agenda except by same Resolution or Amendment. the consent of a majority equal to two-thirds of those 4. The Chairman may at any time he considers a matter present, entitled to vote and voting. has been sufficiently discussed call on the Proposer 10. The Chairman may change the order of items on the for a reply, and when that has been given a vote must agenda with the support of a simple majority of those be taken. present, entitled to vote and voting. GAA Annual Congress

from the depth of winter… to the height of summer…

4 The year at a glance 2010

€11m invested in supporting games 343 international Clubs affiliated to the development in schools, Clubs and Counties Association

over 78,000 children participated in 2,615 Affiliated GAA Clubs playing our games Vhi Cúl Camps 1,457,218 supporters attend 2010 €48m distributed to GAA units nationwide Inter-County football and hurling championship games

sources of revenue 2010 utilisation of revenue 2010 8% 7% 44% Gate Receipts 18% 18% Match & Competition Costs 24% 7% 34% Commercial Revenue 19% Payments to Counties 44% 7% Irish Sports Council Grants 19% 20% Games & Org. Development 14% 34% 7% Stadium Rental – IRFU/FAI 5% Player Welfare 5% 20% 8% Other Income 14% Administration 24% Grants An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

from the depth of winter… to the height of summer…

5

sources of revenue 2006-2010 all- Qualifier series gate income 2001-2010

70,000,000 3,000,000 Football 60,000,000 2,500,000 Hurling 50,000,000 2,000,000 40,000,000 1,500,000 30,000,000

1,000,000 20,000,000

10,000,000 500,000

0 0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 20012002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Gate Receipts grants for capital development 2004-2010 Commercial Revenue 25,000,000 Stadium Rental - IRFU/FAI Other Income 20,000,000 Irish Sports Council Grants 15,000,000

10,000,000

5,000,000

0 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 aw l ays determined to go further An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2010 embracing the values at all levels that make our games so unique

Tuarascáil an Ard stiúrthóra Report of the Ard stiúrthóir Páraic Ó dufaigh

are extremely competitive, a feature emphasised by the close correlation between league and championship success in recent years. Yet there is no doubt that the growth in foR CluB And CounTy importance and the popularity of the championships have 7 tended to overshadow the significance of the leagues. The leagues continue to attract very satisfactory attendances, but, unlike other competitions, the high level of public réamhrá interest in the earlier stages of the competitions seems to diminish as the final stages are reached. There are a number Tá sé in am dúinn breathnú siar ar bhliain gnóthach eile i saol of reasons for this. After the winter break, players and an Chumainn agus is mór an onóir dom an tuairisc seo a supporters welcome the return to action, which gives a boost scríobh agus a chur os bhur gcomhair. to the early rounds of the competitions. In addition, many Ní gnáthbhliain a bhí inti – ar an bpáirc nó taobh amuigh di counties see the winning of promotion or staying in their – agus bhí neart imeachtaí a thit amach thar an tréimhse sin division as their primary goal, the consequence of which is gur gá mionscrúdú a dhéanamh orthu. that, having achieved these less ambitious objectives before the end of the league, counties’ attention turns towards the Ar pháirc na himeartha, ag an leibhéal is airde, tháining championships. As a result, the finals of the leagues appear ‘Ré na gCat’ chun deireadh – ar feadh tamaill ar a laghad to excite less enthusiasm and interest than heretofore. – agus anois is iad Tiobraid Árann atá i gceannas san iomáint. Chomh maith leis sin don chéad uair ó 2002 níorbh é ainm Another factor is that the finalists in Division 1 of the leagues Chiarraí nó Thír Eoghain a bhí ag bun Chorn Sam Mag Uidhir have often been decided in advance of the final round, i mí Mheán Fómhair. which necessarily lessens interest in the closing stages. An attempt is being made to address this issue at Congress Seachas aon rud eile is dócha gurbh iad na deachrachtaí a through a motion that would restore semi-finals in Division 1. bhaineann le cúrsaí eacnamaíochta na dúshláin ba mhó a I am reluctant to see the addition of inter-county games, as chas linn i 2010 agus de réir dealraimh is cosúil go mbeidh these reduce the opportunity for counties to play club said ag fanacht linn ar feadh tamaill eile – ní amháin ag fixtures, but I accept that there is an argument to be made leibhéal lárnach, ach ag gach leibhéal den Chumann. that restoring semi-finals in Division 1 will generate Pé scéal é, bhí i bhfád níos mó ná cúrsaí airgeadais i gceist le increased interest in the final stages of the Allianz Leagues. linn bliana a bhí thar a bheith bróidiúil, gnóthach, ach ag am An issue that needs to be resolved is the role of the leagues céanna thar a bheith taitneamhach fresin. as a laboratory for testing rule changes. It is probably true that frequent rule-experimentation in the leagues has the allianz leagues detracted somewhat from their status. We need, therefore, The place of the Allianz Leagues in our competition structure to look at alternative competitions in which to conduct such has been a subject of discussion for some time. The leagues experimentation. GAA Annual Congress

Counties need to be reminded that there is a significant increase in revenues arising from increased attendances opportunity to boost their revenues by more aggressive would increase their income. While this idea has been floated marketing of the leagues. In this context, the launch of the periodically over the past ten years, I believe it is time to give ‘Spring Series’ by Dublin is to be commended. We have detailed consideration to the advantages and disadvantages frequently been criticised for putting insufficient financial of the respective models, and then make a decision in the resources behind the marketing of the leagues, but in 2011 best interests of both counties and the leagues. we have budgeted a significant spend to promote the One issue that resurfaced in the media over the Winter has leagues, independent of Allianz’s own marketing budget. been the suggestion that the first three rounds of the Allianz Much of our spend has focused on advertising campaigns on Leagues be played before Christmas. Among the arguments local radio, with a further investment on an overall national offered was that it would release dates for club activity, clear TV and radio campaign. In most instances, unlike the the way for a closed season and increase media coverage championship, supporters will attend only their own later in the year. It is surprising how people can have such county’s games, which is why we focus on local advertising. short memories. It is worth reminding ourselves why the However, the most effective marketing is that which is decision was taken to move to a calendar-year competition. done by counties to promote their home games. The Formerly, when three or more rounds were played before Communications and Marketing Department in Croke Park Christmas, there were constant complaints about counties developed a toolkit to assist counties in developing effective fielding weakened teams. Indeed, the negative media marketing of the leagues. Seminars were held in each coverage generated in relation to the leagues at that time in January 2011, to which key county officers were was due to this very issue. The post All-Ireland period is vital invited, to promote the use of this marketing toolkit. for counties as they seek to complete their internal club The commitment of some counties has, frankly, been competitions. Moreover, we had numerous instances of disappointing. Counties are the most effective units to counties, especially those featuring in the closing stages market games on an individual basis; they could do much of the All-Ireland Senior championships, fielding teams t more to help themselves, even if only to insist that team hat were well below full strength. There was conflict, too, managers announce their teams five days before the game. between county and clubs as players found themselves in a There is no more effective means of marketing games than tug-of-war between club and county managers. It was also the advance announcement of team selections, reconciling extremely difficult to promote effectively a competition that with the publication dates of local and national newspapers was played over eight months. As far as the closed season is and the needs of local radio. concerned, a pre-Christmas league would virtually guarantee It may also be worth revisiting the system whereby counties an extension of the time players spend in training with county 8 are not allowed to retain all of their home league ‘gates’. rather than club, and would serve merely to reduce the The ‘pool’ system is important, as is the underlying principle period during which players can get a break. We should of the strong supporting the weak, but the benefits that retain the calendar-year leagues. would accrue to less wealthy counties could be compensated for by some adjustments to the general system of annual senior football final financial allocations from Central Council. It seems to me The most controversial incident of the 2010 All-Ireland that the most significant incentive to counties to market the Championships occurred in the Leinster Senior Football Final leagues enthusiastically would be the knowledge that any on 11 July. It is regrettable that what the match referee called

micheál Quirke and help gaa president unveil plans for new respect-driven campaign

gaa put respect initiative to the fore

A new innovative scheme aimed at enhancing the environment our games are played in at every level and grade is launched by uachtarán ClG Criostóir Ó Cuana at Croke Park in the company of a number of top players and referees. The new programme is designed to encourage fair play and ensure that respect for all is at the heart of our activities. A new fair Play Index which charts red and yellow cards issued to all inter-county teams is also launched. At the end of the Allianz leagues Cork top the new fair play list in hurling while limerick claim top spot in football. An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

a “terrible mistake” deprived Louth of a first Leinster senior views on the issue of an agreed replay known to the counties. title since 1957, a mistake that left Louth players, I accept that Meath County Board found itself in a very management team and supporters with an understandable difficult position and that it was fully entitled to decide that it and profound sense that they had been the victims of a great would not offer a replay. However, I reject utterly the criticism unfairness. Equally to be regretted were the post-match that Croke Park failed to offer leadership and direction. incidents on the pitch, which inflicted damage to the In fact, we provided both, but it would appear that, for some reputation of the Association. The events of the day people, the default position in times of difficulty is the facile generated enormous media coverage and impassioned one of blaming Croke Park. We are obliged to operate within debate about how, if possible, to rectify an obvious injustice. the rules decided by the Association, and that is precisely The rules of the Association make it clear that the result of a what we did. Rules governing a sport cannot be made up, game cannot be changed on the grounds that a referee has or changed, as one goes along. And counties would do well incorrectly allowed, or failed to allow, a score. In a 2005 to remember that without consistent adherence to the rules adjudication, a DRA panel, in reaching a decision on a similar of a game, there would be chaos. case, referred to cases brought to the Court of Arbitration for There are some lessons to be learned from this episode, Sport and ultimately found that “where no corruption or bad which, for me, was the low point of our activities in 2010: faith is shown, or alleged, a Referee’s decision on the field of the immediate post-match events represented a serious play, whether as to primary fact or as to application of rule, breakdown in security, one that left the referee open to and whether right or wrong, may not be overturned by the assault on the pitch, while the final moments of the match Council or Committee in charge or, in a legal challenge, demonstrated that the protocols governing the manner by the DRA, in a manner which affects the outcome of the in which referees and umpires work as a team need to game”. The panel went on to say that “this should not be be addressed. taken to govern situations where teams agree to replay a game for one reason or another… there are situations where all-ireland football championship format a genuine error by a Referee is of such import that the teams – in the spirit of sportsmanship – might agree a replay. The defeat of the four provincial champions in the We assume (without ruling on the question) that can be quarter-finals of the All-Ireland Senior Football facilitated by the Committees in charge”. Given the context Championship inevitably gave rise to a debate about the both of our rules and that 2005 DRA adjudication, Central structure of the championship. I addressed this issue in Council and the Leinster Council, in the aftermath of the general terms in my report to Congress 2010. I argued that Leinster final, made two relevant and important points to the current championship structures are the best available at the moment in terms of achieving the difficult balance the counties involved: that a replay could not be ordered but 9 would, with the agreement of the counties, be facilitated. between the promotion of our games and the fixture In this context, it is difficult to accept either the expressed requirements of our clubs. The specific issue that arose after “disappointment” at Croke Park’s alleged “lack of leadership”, the quarter-finals of the 2010 football championship was the or the criticism from officers in both counties. We remained lack of a ‘second chance’ for provincial champions. There in ongoing contact with both counties, both of which were are a number of points that I would like to make. It is worth fully aware of the rules and of our views on the issue. recalling that the Qualifier System was not introduced to We issued a public statement that made it clear that our rules ensure that teams got a second chance, but rather that they did not provide for a replay by right and we also made our had at least two games in the championship.

a long list of projects set to benefit from the funds generated from the rental of croke park is confirmed

infra-structural funding details announced

The first wave of funding totalling €36.5m is announced for projects at county and provincial level across the country. This funding was generated by the lease of Croke Park for soccer and rugby internationals and was specifically ring-fenced for infra-structural investments. every county receives €250,000 to either invest in a county-led project or to distribute amongst clubs engaged in their own development work. some of the major projects include mchale Park Castlebar, hawkfield Kildare, Garvaghy in Tyrone and Annaduff in leitrim. givi ng loyal support An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2010

Any measure that would force club championships in successful counties to be crammed into an even tighter timeframe and to be played even later in the year would not be in the best interests of the Association, and should be resisted.

Essentially, there are two routes of qualification to the There was a view that the U.21 Final was being overshadowed eight-team All-Ireland series – through the Provincial by the Senior Final and that it would draw a bigger Championship, or through the open-draw Qualifier. There is attendance and have a better atmosphere if played at a no ‘second chance’ in the All-Ireland series, and one can venue in a hurling heartland, outcomes that were indeed argue that it would be unjust to offer such an opportunity to realised in 2010. In addition, it presented an opportunity to provincial champions only. It is worth noting, too, that this is showcase the All-Ireland U.21 B final as part of a double bill, the first time in the ten years of the Qualifiers that all four as well as being ‘live’ on TV. On the basis that Thurles had provincial champions have lost at the quarter-final stage. recently been refurbished through an €18 million investment On the law of averages it was bound to happen sometime, and that it is the Association’s second major stadium, the but its occurrence once in ten years hardly constitutes decision to play the game there was no more unreasonable convincing evidence of the need for an overhaul of the than, for example, Tyrone travelling to Clones to play existing system. It would surely be unwise for the GAA to Monaghan in the Football Final in July, or Wexford change the system based on a single set of quarter-final travelling to meet Dublin in in the Leinster results. It is worth recalling, too, that a motion to give a U.21 Hurling Final. That said, we need to avoid a repetition of second chance to provincial winners was debated and the ill-feeling generated by this issue and to make a definitive rejected at the 2010 Congress, where concern was expressed decision about whether Thurles is to be the venue for future All-Ireland U.21 Hurling Finals, irrespective of the pairing. If we so decide, the decision should be made before the commencement of the provincial competitions. While Thurles was the venue selected for a Galway v Tipperary foR CluB And CounTy final, we must also consider the option of declaring Thurles as 11 the venue for all Under 21 finals, other than those contested by Tipperary.

attendances at the impact on club fixtures of an additional round of the Given the severe economic conditions that prevailed in championship. The present system reduces the number of 2010, it seemed likely that attendance figures for our counties involved in the football championship to four by the championships would decrease from the level of the previous first week in August, thus allowing the other 28 counties to year. Yet, despite very gloomy prophecies, total championship proceed with their own county championships. The August attendance was marginally lower than in 2009. Interestingly, deadline was put in place to provide some protection to club the two International Rules games in late 2010 produced championships. Any measure that would force club cumulative attendances above those of 2009. This was a championships in successful counties to be crammed into remarkable achievement given the circumstances, and is a an even tighter timeframe and to be played even later in the testimony to the fundamental appeal of and to year would not be in the best interests of the Association, the commitment of the GAA supporter. However, we cannot and should be resisted. take such support for granted, and we must ensure that our matches remain affordable. all-ireland u.21 hurling final There are several factors that influence attendance levels. One of the major controversies of 2010 arose from the There is a huge variation in the level of support available to decision to fix the Bord Gáis All-Ireland U.21 Hurling individual counties, so attendances in a given year have the Championship Final for Thurles. The protests from Galway potential to vary considerably – the counties involved in the Hurling Board were vociferous, although I can understand closing stages of the championships dictate the attendance their annoyance at having to play Tipperary in the All-Ireland levels for these stages. No matter how effective the final in Thurles. Having travelled to Athlone to meet the officers of the Galway Hurling Board and having explained promotional efforts, attendance figures will dip if teams fully the circumstances in which, and the process through with a lower support base contest the closing games. which, the CCCC made the decision to fix Thurles as the The impact of live TV coverage is more difficult to measure, venue for the game, I was disappointed at the criticism that but the broadcasting of five or six live games on TV over continued to emanate from the Galway Hurling Board. a weekend will inevitably have a negative impact on The issue arose from the decision to stage the All-Ireland attendances. Sitting at home to watch three games on TV U.21 Hurling Finals as a separate event, rather than to fix on the same day has to be, for many people, an attractive them in conjunction with the All-Ireland Camogie Finals. alternative to the travel and costs of attending a single game. GAA Annual Congress

The scheduling of a number of major games in 2010 on promotions undertaken through local media. Clearly, Saturday-afternoon and early-evening slots, as well as on a effective promotion of our games is crucial to boosting Bank Holiday Monday, in order to meet the requirements of attendances, and we will continue to invest heavily in all TV, clearly had the effect of reducing attendances at these media in 2011. Managers and players can have a positive games. This issue was addressed in preparing the tenders for impact in this regard, and I wrote to all counties requesting the new television contracts. managers to desist from imposing blanket media bans and to be aware of their responsibilities for properly promoting Tickets prices, too, clearly had an impact on attendances. our games. We all need to be more conscious that we are Admission charges to our championship games attracted competing for media coverage with other sports: self-interest criticism from some quarters in 2010. In this regard, it is alone should tell us that spurning media interest in games is important to put a number of facts on the record. Central short-sighted and foolish. I know that many of our GAA Council admission charges to championship games have journalists are exasperated at the reluctance of managers to remained unchanged since 2007 and, relative to other allow players to be interviewed in advance of major games. sporting or entertainment events, have remained reasonably I understand, too, that managers feel a need to protect their priced. There was a clamour from some people to reduce players, but it should be possible to find a happy medium that prices, but we need to consider carefully the consequences of meets the needs of all parties. significant headline-price reductions. An average reduction of €5 on the price of an individual ticket for the 1.4 million match bans spectators who attended our championships in 2010 would post a potential revenue loss of €7 million. Eighty percent of In my report to Congress 2010, I argued the case for specific the revenue the Association generates goes straight back to ‘match bans’ as a way of addressing the inequities that arise our units; we have a responsibility to protect the funding that from our suspensions practice. I pointed out that there is a finances the development of the Association. There is also particular problem at inter-county level where the irregular a considerable level of debt at various levels of the GAA due nature of fixture-scheduling means that there can be gaps of to the effects of a weakened economy. It is vital that Central four to five weeks between championship games. It leads to Council income is maintained to allow us to continue to offer situations where a player incurring a four-week suspension financial support to our various units. We are acutely aware of can miss as many as three games, or, at the other extreme, the fall in income of many of our members and supporters, no games at all. In the case of eight-week suspensions, a and we have tried to address this issue through a growing player may miss anything between one game and five. number of ticketing packages, including season and family There is an obvious imbalance in a system in which a player tickets, which has led to a drop in the average revenue per may serve no suspension for an offence that earns another 12 ticket sold. We must endeavour to set ticket prices in 2011 player a five-game suspension. At last year’s Congress a at levels that reflect the needs of both supporters and the commitment was given that a match-ban proposal would Association. be brought before this year’s Congress for consideration. A motion to that effect – a modest one – is on the agenda. It was frustrating to read criticism of our ‘lack of promotion’ It recognises that one of the difficulties in employing a of the leagues and championships in 2010. All of our system of match bans is the eligibility of players for various Provincial Councils and the GAA at a national level invested teams in the Association. This is reflected in the eligibility of heavily in the promotion of our competitions. Much of the players not only at both club and inter-county levels (not to criticism was based on a lack of awareness of the significant

new partners for both the 2010 gaa hurling and football championships are confirmed

new championship sponsors unveiled

superValu and Centra are announced as the new partners for the 2010 GAA football and hurling Championships respectively. A number of well known inter-county players help launch the new alliances which fit into the GAA’s multi-sponsor model. Two specially arranged Croke Park events, including large numbers of retailers from both companies, are organised. The new line-up for the 2010 season sees superValu, Vodafone and ulster Bank supporting football and Guinness, etihad Airways and Centra partnering hurling. An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

mention schools or colleges) but also within these levels in either a third level college team or a successful club team (e.g. a club player may be eligible at both junior and senior participating in the latter stages of the Provincial Club level; an inter-county player at minor/U.21 and senior level). Championships; such teams continue to train collectively Therefore, the motion before Congress recommends only during this period. It was never claimed on behalf of the rule that: (i) a system of match bans be operated on a trial basis in that it did address these situations. However, a properly the Alllianz Leagues and the Senior Inter-County implemented closed season does ensure that the Championships in 2012; (ii) match bans incurred in the approximately 70% of players who do not fall into either of Leagues in 2012 be carried over to the Senior Inter-County the two categories mentioned above are getting a rest and Championships in 2012, where applicable; (iii) within such a that, during the closed season, most of the remaining system, penalties for Category I, IV and V infractions should 30% are training with only one team, rather than with remain time-based, and, in the case of Categories IV and several teams. V, applicable across all levels, codes and grades of the A second criticism is that, because of the closed season, Association. This pilot project seems to me a sensible way players are not undertaking enough pre-season work prior of addressing an inequity; if successful, it could, in time, to the commencement of the subsidiary provincial be extended to other competitions. competitions. But this argument fails to recognise that these competitions are themselves part of pre-season preparation, inter-county closed season rather than being an end in themselves. They are an The issue of the Closed Months/Collective Training for important part of the preparation for the Allianz Leagues inter-county teams, as outlined in Riail 6.44 of the Official that begin in early February, and are regarded as such by Guide, has generated much debate in recent months, managers and players. This criticism also has its origins in including allegations in the media and elsewhere of breaches a fundamental misunderstanding: it assumes that the GAA of the rule. It does indeed appear that the rule is being has a ‘training ban’ in place rather than a closed season for broken by a number of inter-county panels and Coiste collective training. In fact, most managers who observe the Bainistí recently discussed a paper on the issue prepared closed season quite rightly give their players individual by our Head of Player Welfare, Feargal MacGiolla. training programmes for the months of November and As outlined by Feargal, the objective behind the adoption December in order to ensure that players are properly of the rule was to ensure that inter-county players had an prepared for the commencement of collective training. annual break from the mental and physical demands of This brings me to a third major criticism made in relation inter-county training. Such a break is regarded as essential to the closed season, namely that giving players individual good practice in all major sports, and is a recognised feature training plans defeats the very purpose of a closed season. 13 of player-welfare policies in sports that enjoy the benefits of Again, this argument is based on the confusion between a the best scientific research. closed season and a ‘training ban’. The best research in this There is general support among our players for the principle area suggests that athletes should not cease to keep fit in any of a closed season, and, while there may not be unanimity ‘off season. The value of these individual programmes is that about the best way to provide it, I believe that players they are followed by players in their own time and at their welcome the protection provided by our closed-season rule. own pace and convenience. The pressure of being in a certain place at a certain time is removed for two months, One of the criticisms directed at our closed season is that it as is the chore of travelling long distances to collective does not address the issue of an inter-county player involved

a new plan aimed at overseeing the continuation of the improvement in match officiating is completed

new vision planned for referees and match officials

A new approach to the recruitment and training of referees is unveiled with the intention of further raising the standards of match officials for inter-county games. one of the main talking points in the new programme is the decision, taken with consultation with referees, to introduce an age limit of 50 for all inter-county referees in both football and hurling. Combined with the recently unveiled Respect Initiative this revised programme together with plans to improve the standard of umpiring charts the way for the future development of match officiating to the highest possible standard. wl il ing no matter what the weather An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2010

It is clear that the arrangements put in place for the 2010 All-Ireland Finals enabled the winners to celebrate appropriately and safely and allowed the runners-up to leave the pitch with dignity. The new arrangements also present us with the opportunity to improve the trophy presentations.

training at a central location, something that is welcomed by safety most players. It is somewhat disappointing to feel obliged, once again, to Where should we go from here? The rule governing the return to the issue of pitch invasions. I first raised this issue in closed season should remain in place; at the same time, the my report to Congress in Cork in 2009, when I made it clear present situation where many counties appear to be flouting that we were neither ‘spoilsports’ nor wreckers of tradition by the rule cannot continue. I suggest that we sit down with the trying to prevent mass invasions at the end of games in Croke GPA to try to agree a way forward. The views of managers Park. I emphasised that serious injury (or worse) could occur can also be taken into consideration. However, we must during such invasions and pointed out that having respect for remember that the issue here is one of player welfare. tradition would be no consolation or defence in the event of The health and well-being of our players must be the main a tragedy. I elaborated on the matter in my Congress 2010 consideration in deciding how this matter is to be resolved. report and stated that it was the opinion of the GAA, An Garda Síochána, the Emergency Services and the relevant club fixtures safety authorities that serious and potentially tragic accidents Having addressed concerns with the manner in which many were inevitable if pitch invasions were allowed to continue. counties arrange their club fixtures programmes in my At Congress 2010 in Newcastle we made a DVD presentation in an effort to persuade delegates of the need to take action to avoid serious incidents. Yet, despite the informed opinion of, and consensus among, professionals, it became clear during the Summer that there was continuing resistance by some to recognise that a potential tragedy lay in wait foR CluB And CounTy for us all if remedial action was not taken. It is frustrating 15 (and frankly astonishing) that many of our officials choose to ignore the advice of safety consultants. Notwithstanding the unwillingness of some to face up to reality, and in order to prevent a recurrence of the dangerous situations that had reports to Congress in 2009 and 2010, I am reluctant to developed in previous years, Central Council, at its August return to the issue at any length again. However, I feel 2010 meeting, took the decision to erect fencing at the obliged to present the persistent criticisms expressed by Dineen Hill 16 end of Croke Park. We would have preferred clubs in ‘Ag Éisteacht’ visits on the impact of the inter-county not to have been obliged to do this, just as it would have fixtures programme on the implementation of counties’ been preferable to have succeeded in educating people to internal fixtures programmes. Although the enlightened the obvious dangers of pitch invasions. The erection of the attitude of some inter-county managers and the work of fencing was a success in that it prevented the potentially Fixture Planners through the work of the National Fixtures dangerous situations that have marked a number of recent Planning Committee has brought improvement in several All-Ireland finals, including the dangerous crushing in front counties, we still need to see stronger leadership from county of the Hogan Stand. There is a view that the tradition of officers in defending the rights of clubs and confronting invading the pitch could be retained by allowing access to county mangers who are unreasonable in their demands to the pitch in a controlled manner. Even if it were possible have first call on players for inter-county panels. We also to achieve such an orderly flow onto the pitch (and history need to look at our own responsibilities at national level. shows that it is not), it would merely encourage thousands Congress weekend will see discussion at Congress and of additional supporters to exit via the Hogan Stand, thus Central Council on motions to restore semi-finals in Division ensuring that the dangerous crowding on Jones’s Road One of the Allianz Leagues, bring back replays in all rounds continues. It is clear that the arrangements put in place for of the Provincials senior championships and the All-Ireland the 2010 All-Ireland Finals enabled the winners to celebrate quarter-finals, and resume the Interprovincial appropriately and safely, and allowed the runners-up to leave championships. Each decision has the potential to further the pitch with dignity. The new arrangements also present us limit the time available for club fixtures and to diminish the with the opportunity to improve the trophy presentations in number of dates on which inter-county players are available the years ahead. No-one wants to retain barriers on Dineen to play with their clubs. Should we be surprised if we are Hill 16 a day longer than is necessary, but their removal is sometimes accused of paying lip-service to the oft-repeated dependent on an acceptance by officers and supporters that refrain that the club is the most important unit in the the playing area is for players only. Clearly, there is a Association? I hope that some delegates will, at the very least, long-term education process to be completed before that offer arguments from the perspective of clubs and club stage is reached. In the meantime, let it be understood that players before final decisions are taken. the GAA cannot go back to pitch invasions in Croke Park. GAA Annual Congress

international rules This task, in terms of Congress undertaking a measured consideration of the proposals for change, was an impossible International Rules Football returned to Ireland in 2010 with one, exemplified in the discussion on the ‘mark’. Four the two-test series against Australia played in the Gaelic motions dealt with the proposal to introduce the ‘mark’ into Grounds, Limerick and Croke Park. When the series was in a variety of ways. There seemed to be some last played in Ireland in 2006, the unacceptable scenes of level of support for further trialling a variation of the ‘mark’, violence threatened the future of these matches. but Congress does not have the facility to create a consensus Modification to the rules and, more importantly, the positive in such a situation. If the Uachtarán were to attempt to seek attitude of coaches Mick Malthouse, Seán Boylan and such a consensus with 350 delegates, the business of led to two keenly contested and sporting Congress would simply not be completed. In its review of series in 2008 and 2010, demonstrating that the game can Congress, Central Council considered the suitability of the have a long-term future. It was again clear in 2010 that our current model for dealing with playing-rule changes, the players value the opportunity to represent their country in a outcome of which is a motion on the Congress agenda to meaningful international contest. It was evident, too, that our change the current process. The motion envisages a less supporters enjoy the matches; the combined attendances frenetic exercise, and one that would provide a greater of over 90,000 compared very favourably with other opportunity for all aspects of proposed changes to be international sporting events in Ireland at the latter end of properly considered. The motion prepared by Central Council the year. The commitment of our players to representing would allow counties to table motions on the playing rules Ireland was clear and, although we lost the series, we can – as is currently the case – in years divisible by five, but would travel to Australia in October confident of our ability to also establish a Standing Committee on the playing rules that engage in another competitive contest with the players could submit motions to Congress on an annual basis, but of the AFL. The trip to Australia also provides a great only with the support of Central Council. In this procedure, opportunity to meet the officers of the Australasian Board it would have the right to amalgamate comparable proposals who work hard to promote our games among a growing (from different counties) seeking to amend the same rule. number of Irish emigrants. It is hoped that some of those This proposal deserves serious consideration by Congress. players will feature in an exhibition hurling game to be played The road to a playing-rule change would still be a difficult before one of the International Rules matches. one, and quite properly so, and would still require the support playing rules of two-thirds of Congress. Yet, if passed, the motion would offer the Association the possibility of a more reflective Congress 2010 was notable in that it was a ‘playing rules’ process for the examination of its playing rules. year, in other words a year divisible by five in which counties 16 had the right to propose changes to the rules of hurling and umpiring Gaelic football. The four-stage model for dealing with The importance of a high standard of umpiring in our games playing-rule changes is that a committee is set up, proposals is obvious, and any serious error in a major game is damaging are trialled during the Allianz Leagues, counties make their to the reputation of the Association. An occasional source own suggestions through motions, and Congress then of controversy has been a failure to correctly adjudicate on reaches a decision on all of the proposals. In 2010, this whether a football or has or has not passed between process resulted in Congress being asked to consider the posts. The decision of Coiste Bainistí to request the 49 motions on playing rules (out of a total number of 123).

leinster champions ballyhale rise to the top on st patrick’s day as they avenge their 2009 defeat to portumna

ballyhale shamrocks claim all-ireland club hurling title

The Kilkenny county hurling champions complete their 2009-10 trophy haul with the one that matters most when they claim the Tommy moore Cup with an assured final showing against Galway champions Portumna that seals a five-point win. david hoyne’s 46th minute goal proves decisive in derailing Portumna’s three in a row bid and nine points help secure a 1-19 to 0-17 victory. The result sees Ballyhale avenge the previous year’s semi-final reversal against the same opposition. The Intermediate and Junior hurling crowns are claimed by st lachtain’s (Kilkenny) and Blackrock (limerick) respectively. An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

National Research Committee to undertake a full feasibility The plan had a particular focus on the fourth-tier counties; study on the possible implementation of the Hawk-Eye those having a very low base of players and clubs, and that score-detection system demonstrates willingness by the are not consistently competitive in senior inter-county Association to address this aspect of umpires’ duties. competition at the lowest grade. These are counties where Incidents in the 2010 championships also reminded us that it Gaelic football is predominant and where there are a high was time to undertake a broader look at the role of umpires, number of players from a small number of clubs on inter- and to consider how we have addressed the matter of their county teams. The plan contained a number of radical training and standards of performance. In the current proposals, including the establishment of a Feeder Team definition of the umpire’s role, as outlined in Part 2 of the Model of Participation, an emphasis on a cross-county Official Guide, it is clearly indicated that an umpire is club league, and a streamlined inter-county senior games expected to have knowledge of the playing rules of the game. programme. In general terms, the plan lays out an ambitious Yet, we do not know if an umpire has such knowledge or not; list of initiatives, including access to a National Hurling moreover, an umpire is not required to demonstrate such Centre of Excellence that will be managed and supported knowledge. We have systems in place to govern the training, by the National Hurling Development Officer. performance, monitoring and appointment of referees; yet, I am not going to summarise the main proposals of the plan where umpires are concerned, we exercise little control in here, but it does raise a number of pertinent and challenging these areas. Following discussion of a paper approved by questions for the Association. In relative terms, the financial Coiste Bainistí, Coiste na Réiteoirí is taking steps to raise investment required to deliver the plan is fairly modest, but, standards of umpiring to the highest possible level and to given the return on previous investments in hurling in this initiate improvements before this year’s championships. bottom tier of counties, it is not unreasonable to wonder if The decision to devise a training course for umpires is the necessary commitment to deliver on the aims of the plan sensible, as is the requirement that, without the certification will be forthcoming. The preservation and development of received upon successful completion of such a course, hurling is an ongoing issue for the Association. Previous an umpire may not officiate at senior inter-county level. plans have managed to preserve the game in its traditional A new focus on the contribution of umpires to an improved heartlands; this plan will have succeeded if it manages a standard of officiating at our games can only be of benefit to significant increase in the playing base in the fourth-tier match officials and players alike, and is to be welcomed. counties. development of hurling No-one worked harder to develop hurling in fourth-tier In 2009 the National Coaching and Games Development counties than did in his five-year term as Committee was asked by the Uachtarán to develop a specific National Hurling Development Co-ordinator. Paudie retires 17 plan for the promotion and development of hurling. The task from his post after this Congress. He came to this role after was assigned to a Hurling Development Workgroup, chaired promoting hurling in Drom & Inch throughout his life as by Liam O’Neill, and it presented its plan to Coiste Bainistí in principal of the Primary School in the Ragg. He went about December 2010. The group had set itself the goal of his work at national level with an evangelical zeal, helping identifying ways of: (i) increasing the provision of regular with the promotion and development of the game in a variety games for club players; (ii) increasing participation; (iii) of capacities and contexts – as leader, coach, mentor, tutor improving standards; and (iv) developing support structures. and problem-solver. It is important that the Association continues to build on the foundations Paudie has laid;

antrim football champions st gall’s become the first club from the county to claim all-ireland glory

st gall’s crown memorable year with andy merrigan cup success

west Belfast club st Gall’s cap a remarkable year by holding off the final challenge of Clare’s Kilmurry Ibrickane to win the AIB All-Ireland Club football title for the first time ever. The club’s st Patrick’s day final success allows st Gall’s to celebrate their centenary year in style and provides Antrim football with another major boost. In the end the ulster champions run out 0-13 to 1-5 winners on a day when they were always in control. spa and Castlegregory help Kerry complete an Intermediate and Junior double over fr Rock’s and Kiltimagh respectively. rstie pec ng the judgement of match officials An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2010

Further progress was made in the area of cardiac protection when Croke Park became, in 2010, the first Heartsafe Stadium in Ireland, a recognition of the facilities at the stadium and the level of care provided by the GAA to its supporters and players.

the National Hurling Development Plan provides an ideal screening. In order to provide the best care to our members mechanism to do so. I know that Paudie will not be lost to at all levels, we have also rolled out a programme – in the game of hurling; in thanking him again for his immense association with the GPA – in which the services of a specialist contribution, I hope he will continue to work in specific sports cardiologist are made available to GPs who require project areas as we seek to implement the Hurling Plan. specialist diagnosis on ECGs carried out on GAA players at all levels. player welfare Further progress was made in the area of cardiac protection The roll-out of anti-doping education programmes aimed when Croke Park became, in 2010, the first Heartsafe at senior inter-county players continued in 2010. Senior- Stadium in Ireland, a recognition of the facilities at the team doctors and county officials were targeted through stadium and the level of care provided by the GAA to its educational seminars with the intention that the relevant supporters and players. The continued promotion of best information and advice would be transmitted to the players. practice in this area across all levels of the Association is a However, following some disappointing attendances at the key objective of the Medical Scientific and Welfare seminars, it has been decided that, in 2011, direct contact Committee in the years ahead. with players will be established in order to achieve a more effective means of communicating an important message The interim findings of the Player Injury Database, now in its fourth year of operation, were announced in December 2010. The Report highlighted the most common injuries in our games and provided valuable data that can, we hope, be used to better predict and prevent injuries in the future. The results revealed that the level of injuries in Gaelic games 19 foR CluB And CounTy is largely in line with that experienced in field sports of a similar nature, such as Australian Rules, and offered an important insight into the frequency of injuries and the recovery times associated with these. The area of injury prevention is one in which, in the past, there has not been a to players. This will be achieved through working with the great deal of empirical evidence for the GAA to analyse; the GPA. We will also seek to develop educational opportunities continued development of the Injury Database should be a in the future, both through the GPA and through our own valuable tool in the prevention of injury in the coming years. county and provincial resources. We are fortunate that there The Government Reimbursement Scheme for inter-county is no evidence of a performance-enhancing drug culture in players received an overhaul in 2010 when an online system, the GAA: in 2010 Irish Sports Council testers carried out developed in conjunction with the GPA, was put in place. 93 tests on our senior inter-county players on match days This initiative was intended to reduce the amount of work and at training sessions – all were returned as negative. imposed on our county officers, and it ensured a streamlined In 2010 the Medical Scientific and Welfare Committee began and more efficient system, without affecting the key to lay the groundwork for the phased introduction of governance principles of the scheme. mouthguards for footballers, a measure that is intended to reduce dental and facial injuries in Gaelic football. A motion gaelic players association before Congress seeks the implementation of this measure At Congress 2010, a motion was passed recognising the GPA up to Minor level from 1 January 2012, and at all levels from as the official representative body for senior inter-county 1 January 2013. This may seem like an ambitious timescale, players. The motion was a result of the development of the but our players, members and clubs have shown their ability Interim Agreement between the GAA and GPA reached at in the past to adapt quickly in matters of player safety: the the end of 2009, in which the GAA agreed to contribute to manner in which hurling helmets have been adopted by all the administrative costs of the GPA and provide funding for of our players is the most obvious example. Player Welfare programmes in 2010. The year 2010 also saw the conclusion of a three-year project This agreement represented a significant breakthrough in which nearly 300 inter-county players of all grades were in what had been, on occasions over a ten-year period, examined in an attempt to assess the effectiveness of various a tempestuous relationship with the players’ body. However, cardiac-screening methods. Following consideration of the we knew at the time that the real task lay in defining the results of the programme and a review of the most precise mechanisms for governing the relationship between up-to-date international best practice guidelines, the the two bodies. To this end, we appointed a team to work GAA announced an update to its position paper on cardiac with the GPA during 2010 with the aim of developing a GAA Annual Congress

protocol that would give life to the notion of recognition of of services on offer to inter-county players, including the GPA and that would agree a funding model for the next initiatives to help employment prospects, a third-level five years that would be acceptable to all parties. scholarship scheme, an enhanced injury scheme, counselling services, a jobs-action programme, a benevolent fund, etc. The Recognition Protocol that emerged reiterates the key There is no doubt that working relations have improved principles of the Interim Agreement (including the GPA’s beyond all recognition in the past year and that we now have commitment to the amateur status of the GAA, its in place a welfare service for inter-county players that would positioning as a Player Welfare body, and the fact that all GPA be the envy of many other sports. Most importantly, the expenditure will be devoted to welfare and administration). consideration of any type of ‘pay-for-play’ model in Gaelic It outlines the operational relationship that will exist between games has become redundant. Equally, we have the two bodies, includes provisions on how future disputes demonstrated the respect in which we hold our inter-county will be handled, and spells out a funding structure for the players by emphasising our commitment to their welfare and years 2011 to 2015. It also details mechanisms that give the our recognition of the role they play in the life of our GAA overview powers of GPA expenditure, and it affirms the Association. shared desire that the GPA move towards a position where it is fully funded by the GAA alone. use of gaa property The Protocol also provides for a commercial initiative It is GAA policy not to allow the use of its grounds or whereby the GAA and GPA will work together on new facilities by rival field sports with which the Association is commercial projects. The idea of this initiative is to explore in competition for membership and participation. The GAA previously untapped revenue streams in order to generate last reviewed its policy position on the matter in 1993 as part further capital for investment in player-welfare programmes, of the report of a sub-committee charged with preparing both at inter-county level, via the GPA, and also at club level, policy statements for the Association. In the interim, where half of all income generated will be put into the Player several rule changes of relevance occurred: in 2005, Injury Scheme. The ultimate aim of this initiative will be to Annual Congress took the decision to allow Croke Park to be assist our clubs by offsetting the overall cost of the Injury used on a temporary basis by the Irish rugby team and the Scheme to clubs annually. The annual premiums are a heavy soccer team while Lansdowne Road swa burden on clubs and it is our hope that the joint GAA/GPA under redevelopment. In 2010, Annual Congress voted to initiative, by helping to reduce these premiums, will have a allow Central Council to consider applications for use of direct financial benefit for our club units across the country. Croke Park only, by other sports, on a case-by-case basis. The Protocol was adopted by Central Council at its February In light of these changes, Central Council, in August 2010, 20 2011 meeting. Its publication represented the culmination updated the GAA’s policy position on use of its property in of years of hard work by many GAA officials, both voluntary the context of the current rules in the Official Guide and and full-time staff, and by the representatives of the GPA. on the basis of a paper prepared by Feargal MacGiolla. That said, the real work is only beginning – problems and In determining the operational policy in relation to these difficulties surely lie ahead as we set about developing rules, most of the observations of the 1993 report retained and implementing all that is envisaged in the Protocol. their relevance on the principle that the GAA’s primary Nonetheless, one year on from the decision to offer official objective is the development and promotion of Gaelic games. recognition to the players’ body, there is an impressive suite Further, our grounds and facilities give an essential and

gaa.ie and new ‘round the sQuare programme are launched to help profile the association’s activities

gaa’s new and improved website gaa.ie goes live

The Association’s new one stop shop for all matters relating to the Association gets its official lift off. The new site, which has been totally restructured, offers an up-to-the- minute news stream and designated sections for the different areas of the GAA’s various activities. special audio and video sections are also included. later in the year a specially commissioned magazine programme ‘Round the square’ is produced for the championship and Joe deane and contribute as guest columnists. A new GAA app also proves to be a big hit before the year is out as the Association continues to fully embrace the digital age. An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

permanent presence and identity to the Association and objectives. In respect of the use of full-size and juvenile-size our national games in their respective locations and outdoor playing pitches (including full-size Astroturf pitches) communities, in keeping with the Association’s purpose and controlled by units of the Association, Central Council standing. Making our grounds available for games promoted confirmed that it does not permit the use of these playing by other organisations in direct competition with our national facilities by other sporting bodies, or for sporting activities games would, in the view of Central Council, seriously dilute other than those controlled by the Association itself. this presence and unity of purpose of the Association, and However, Central Council has the power to authorise the would be a contradiction of the Association’s aims. Among use of Croke Park for games other than those controlled by the reasons, outlined by Central Council, that the GAA does the Association. not make the use of its grounds available for rival field sports The GAA’s policy on the use of its property has always were the following: it would conflict with our fundamental attracted plenty of media comment. A number of high- aim of promoting Gaelic games; it would have an adverse profile breaches of the rule generated considerable publicity and serious effect on the promotion of Gaelic games in the during the past year. If there is dissatisfaction within clubs medium and long term; the Association would lose the with regard to the current rule on property, or on the advantage that its facilities provide in competing with other, implementation of that rule, the only way to address the issue often professional sports; many GAA grounds are already is through a motion to Annual Congress. In the absence of a over-utilised; a conflict of interest would lead to grounds not change in the current rule, there is an onus on all units to being available at all the times when required for the playing observe the existing rule. One difficulty, however, is that the of Gaelic games; and our playing season would be dictated by penalty for breach of Rule 5.1 by any club, County Committee the demands of other sports. or Provincial Council acting contrary to this rule is automatic In outlining an operational policy in respect of Rule 5.1, suspension. The severity of the penalty has led to reluctance Central Council, in August 2010, clearly distinguished to implement it. Therefore, Central Council is proposing to between ancillary facilities and playing pitches. It may be Congress that the option of a fine as a penalty, if deemed worth outlining the key elements of that operational policy. appropriate, be added to the rule. Ancillary facilities were defined as clubhouses, halls, dressing rooms, handball alleys, meeting rooms, indoor halls, congress/central council non-full-size Astroturf facilities, squash, basketball or tennis This year’s Congress sees a number of minor alterations courts, and any similar facilities controlled by units of the in the way that the business of Congress is conducted. Association. In respect of these facilities, Central Council The functions of Congress are clearly listed in Rule 3.37 of stated that the GAA does not permit use of such ancillary the Official Guide, one of which is “to determine Association 21 facilities either by other sporting associations (or units of policy in broad outline”. Quite obviously, this should be one same) promoting field sports, or for party-political or other of its key functions, but, more and more, Congress has purposes that are clearly politically motivated or linked to a become an occasion to enact, amend, or rescind rules. politically motivated group. It went on to say that clubs, There is, of course, a policy-making dimension to rule at their discretion, and as part of their role as a community- revisions, but one is led to wonder if Congress, as currently centred organisation, may permit the use of such ancillary conceived, allows the necessary time for the considered facilities to groups of individuals for recreational purposes debate that will lead to well-advised and appropriate policies that are not considered contrary to the GAA’s own aims and for the Association.

a direct link between gaa clubs globally and croke park is established outside the gaa museum

clubs across the world acknowledged on new ‘falla na gclub’

The special place of the club at the heart of the Association’s activities is underlined by the unveiling of a new Club wall on the Cusack stand side of Croke Park between the two club finals on st Patrick’s day. The wall is divided by county and province and provides all of our units with a tangible link to headquarters. The President and director General also continue with a series of Club questions and answers sessions as part of the Ag Éisteacht Programme. Clubs in every county are visited as part of this exercise and club members are provided with a platform to discuss all aspects of GAA activities. aw el ays th re to volunteer An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2010

Any hopes that we were experiencing merely a temporary economic setback have long since disappeared, so the cautionary nature of my remarks on finance last year still apply – only more so. Reassuringly, 2010 has been another year of sound financial performance for Central Council.

Very often, the issues addressed in rule formulation or condemned by county officials, yet is it rare for a county to amendment are technical rather than policy-driven, and, submit a proposed amendment when CCCC annually puts while necessary, they do not engage delegates in discussion the regulations before Central Council for approval. of important or immediate policy issues. A further difficulty One could go on at length in this vein, but the conclusion is at some recent Congresses has been an excess of motions, clear: one is led to question the decision-making processes which has restricted the time available for debate and that establish rules and regulations that are subsequently obliged the Uachtarán, as Chair of Congress, to limit flouted or widely criticised by many within the Association. discussion on individual motions. The discussion on Rules and regulations should reflect the wishes of the amendments to the playing rules at the 2010 Congress members, so there is something seriously wrong when in Newcastle illustrated this point. It is worth reminding they are so routinely ignored. ourselves that Congress lasts little more than a day, and it is debateable if we are making the best use of the available One of the issues addressed in the Strategic Review of time. One also has to question the value of bringing 350 2002 was the role of Central Council. The Review stated delegates together for a convention where a relatively small the following: “to ensure that policy is interpreted and number contribute or have the opportunity to contribute. implemented on a uniform basis throughout the country, It is, perhaps, time to review the entire functioning of the most direct line to the counties and the most influential voice within the counties needs to be involved directly in the main policy-interpretation forum.… the Central Council delegate from County Committees should be the County Chairman for his/her five years in office. In this way, Central foR CluB And CounTy Council should be reinvigorated on a regular basis by the 23 introduction of new people who are fully conversant with the issues affecting GAA units.” This proposal was not accepted, but, given the fact that the five-year rule is now fully operational, it may deserve to be Congress with a view to ensuring that it fulfils its functions re-visited. I believe that the dynamic of Central Council effectively, as outlined in the Official Guide. would change if County Chairmen represented their counties. It is certainly valid to argue that Central Council One wonders, too, if non-compliance with motions passed has benefited from the experience and contribution of at Congress is related in any way to the minimal time long-serving administrators, but it is clear that, within available for debate. It has to be a matter of grave concern counties, County Chairmen are best acquainted with the that Congress decisions on key issues such as closed months/ challenges facing us. Given that the five-year rule now collective training and the availability of inter-county players restricts the term of membership of Central Council, to clubs are so widely ignored at county level. Add to this the it may not be necessary to legislate on this matter. Counties regular criticism by a number of county officials of the – on an individual basis and when the term of their current implementation of match regulations set by Central Council representative comes to an end – might like to reflect on the and it raises questions about the relevance of our decision- merits of being represented at Central Council on an ongoing making structures. There was virtually no opposition at basis by their County Chairman, and on how this would Congress to the passage of the rule limiting the period benefit both their county and the Association. of time during which senior inter-county players are not expected to fulfil club championship fixtures prior to finance inter-county championship games. Nonetheless, counties routinely ignore the rule at the behest of team managers, In my report last year I made specific reference to the state leaving club players without significant competition for of the national economy and its bearing on the Association lengthy periods over the summer months. Similarly, there was at all levels. Any hopes that we were experiencing merely a widespread support for turning November and December temporary economic setback have long since disappeared, into closed months to allow players a rest from the rigours of so the cautionary nature of my remarks on finance last year training. Not only have counties flouted the rule, but team still apply – only more so. Reassuringly, 2010 has been managers have publicly and consistently challenged a rule another year of sound financial performance for Central that was passed nearly unanimously at Congress on the Council, and the Association at central level is in a reasonable grounds that a designated period of rest would benefit our state of financial health and well prepared for a difficult players. Match Regulations are frequently questioned and financial future. Our four-year arrangement with the FAI and IRFU came to an end in Spring 2010, signalling the end GAA Annual Congress

of a revenue stream that will be very difficult to replace. situation is the downward pressure on fees paid by sponsors. We must now adjust our costs and investment plans at The GAA has not been immune to these pressures. Not only central level accordingly. has there been a reduction in fees across the board, but sponsor expectations have also increased significantly. The imperative of careful financial management applies The organisations that are now most attractive to potential equally to counties and clubs. An increasing number of them sponsors are those that are willing and able to deliver real are experiencing financial difficulties. It is vital that running brand value to the sponsor as part of a mutually beneficial costs of all units are examined and curtailed. This has been relationship. a repeated message from national level in recent years, but, worryingly, there are indications that many counties and The competition for sponsorship investment has changed in clubs are not adapting quickly enough to the new profile in recent years. The GAA no longer competes simply environment. In particular, the cost to counties of preparing with other major sports associations. Today, the return on county teams has become unsustainable and there is an the sponsorship of GAA competitions is evaluated against onus on all county committees to address this issue as an the return from broadcast sponsorships (e.g. Fair City urgent priority. There is also a need to address the issue of sponsored by Kellogg’s), from venue sponsorships irregular and unsustainable payments to managers and (e.g. the Aviva Stadium), from digital media sponsorships management teams, an issue I addressed in a discussion (e.g. www.rte.ie), and from community/arts sponsorships paper for Coiste Bainistí in December 2010. (e.g. Vodafone Happy Heart Weekend). Also relevant in this context are international events that attract sponsor Restricted resources and funds will mean harder choices. investment, such as the Rugby World Cup 2011 and the However, this does not have to mean a weaker Association. London Olympics 2012. To compete in this environment, Gaelic games have prospered in more difficult times than the GAA must demonstrate a commitment to partnership these. By improving our financial management we can with our sponsors that extends to all levels of the Association. guarantee stability and remain ambitious, and ensure that our games continue to thrive and to illuminate the lives of At national level the GAA has a strong portfolio of sponsoring those who enjoy them. brands. These brands support our games with high-quality promotion and pay significant fees that are reinvested sponsorship throughout the organisation. Since the 2010 Congress we The GAA appreciates the significant contribution of have welcomed two powerful Irish brands into the GAA sponsorship in terms of both funding and games promotion, as Senior Championship sponsors – SuperValu and Centra. and we thank all of our sponsors for their continued support Securing these sponsors on long-term contracts, particularly 24 at all levels of the Association. Sponsorship accounts for in the current environment, is a strong endorsement of the approximately 50% of the GAA’s annual commercial revenue; GAA as a promotional vehicle and of our ability to deliver real this is a core revenue stream for the Association in its funding value to commercial partners. However, the GAA is subject of clubs, counties and provinces. to strong competition in the market for sponsorship investment, as evidenced by clubs and counties finding Sourcing sponsorship investment has become much more it increasingly difficult to identify and retain sponsors. difficult in the past three years. The health of the Irish In an environment of increased competition and higher sponsorship market reflects the condition of the overall expectations from sponsors, we must do more to deliver on economy, and the market is not forecast to return to positive sponsorship commitments. growth in the short term. The clearest indicator of the current

uachtarán na héireann mary mcaleese attends the gaa’s annual congress in newcastle co. down

congress returns to ulster

To coincide with the 50th Anniversary celebrations of down’s first ever All-Ireland senior win back in 1960, Congress takes place in newcastle. A special celebratory event is organised on the friday of Congress weekend to honour the players and management of that team and this is attended by the President of Ireland and her husband dr martin mcAleese. As part of the business of Congress more than 120 motions are tabled in what is a year for change to the playing rules. The GPA also receives official recognition after the agreement reached with the Association a number of weeks previously. It is the first time since 1994 that Congress takes place in ulster. An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

What can we do to protect this revenue? It is no longer their association with our competitions and communities realistic to expect sponsors to enter into an agreement and that make a difference to our clubs and members in a without being provided with a comprehensive list of benefits tangible way. to be delivered in return for their investment. The return on investment must be quantifiable so that the sponsor can communications and the media assess value for money. Precise answers have to be provided The 2010 championships marked the end of the current to precise questions. How many advertising/promotional contracts governing the live broadcast of Provincial and signs do we get? How many match tickets are available? All-Ireland Senior Football and Hurling championship games. How many GAA members in the county or club can the Prior to opening negotiations on new contracts, there was sponsor target? What is your record of success on the field? prolonged internal discussion on the ideal level of coverage We also have a responsibility to deliver on what we promise of our games and on, in particular, the number of live games and to protect the investment of our sponsors. The threat that ought to be covered in the senior championships. of ambush from unofficial brands is common to all sports The decision to reduce the number of live games from 50 world-wide, ranging from cheap stunts on match day to to 40 was taken for a number of reasons. Most live games sophisticated campaigns to associate a brand with events are shown in June and July; in order to fulfil our contractual without paying any fee to the rights-holder. It is no surprise obligations, it was not unusual for five live matches to be that, in a difficult economic climate, some brands will seek shown over a weekend. In addition, this coverage greatly to gain an association with the GAA without paying for the reduced the period of time in which counties could play off privilege. Put simply, we must strive to exclude these brands their championship programmes without competition from and to protect sponsors who are paying for their association televised games. It is not easy to decide on the optimum with the GAA. number of live games to allow. Clearly, it is very important to retain a high television profile for our games. Yet, in terms of Finally, a key factor in retaining a sponsorship relationship is the total number of our games covered on all channels, the manner in which we manage the relationship throughout the reduction in the number of live games is relatively small. the year. It is often the little things that matter – extra match Television coverage is spread across RTÉ, TV3, TG4, BBC tickets, a welcome on match day, regular meetings, an and Setanta Ireland, and provides, I believe, invitation to annual banquets, etc. Our sponsors are often an adequate provision of live coverage. TV is a powerful GAA members who genuinely appreciate the opportunity medium in the promotion of our games, and we are well to build relationships with the GAA through sponsorship. It is served by the quality of coverage provided. The excellent important to develop that relationship on a year-long basis. viewing figures recorded by our televised games in 2010 Looking to the immediate future, the brands that are was a powerful endorsement of their appeal to viewers. 25 prepared to reinvest in the GAA are very clear about what The most watched sports programme across all channels in they want. More than anything, they are looking for Ireland in 2010 was the All-Ireland Hurling Final between sponsorships that build relationships at grassroots level and Tipperary and Kilkenny with the Down v Cork All-Ireland make an impact in communities. The GAA is better equipped Football Final in second place, with both games shown on than most organisations to provide that link because our RTÉ. In a year of significant international sporting events, clubs are at the heart of communities and are our greatest including the World Cup in soccer, this was a notable asset. In 2011, one important task will be to work with our achievement. national sponsors to develop campaigns that celebrate

the top class facilities of two leading clubs highlighted as they host the launches of the championships

progressive clubs help signal lift-off for gaa championships

Tralee’s Kerins o’Rahilly and Ballyboden st enda’s of dublin showcased our thriving club scene when they hosted the media launch events organised to promote the commencement of the senior inter-county football and hurling championships in may. The Kerry club hosted the football event in the company of home-clubman micheál Quirke, , Trevor mortimer, michael shields and stephen o’neill while Ballyboden st enda’s stephen hiney was joined by shane mcnaughton, david Collins, Brian hogan and Conor o’mahony in south dublin. Pearse’s museum in Rathfarnham and Banna strand and Blennerville were amongst the locations used for photography. rstie pec ng worthy opponents An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2010

Effective communication from Croke Park with our members and officials is a priority, and a number of improvements were undertaken during 2010 to ensure efficient communication. With almost 66% of the population now active internet users, we have improved our communications channels online.

In 2009 we concluded a formal agreement with the Our Communications Strategy, published in 2010, details independent commercial radio stations, under the all important aspects of communication in the GAA, and is Independent Broadcaster of Ireland umbrella, to facilitate the available at gaa.ie. Effective communication from Croke Park live radio commentary of matches featuring teams within with our members and officials is a priority, and a number of their franchise area. Although this was the first such formal improvements were undertaken during 2010 to ensure agreement, local radio stations, since their establishment, efficient communication. With almost 66% of the population have always been strong supporters of GAA activities. I am now active internet users, we have improved our pleased to report that we have now agreed to extend this communication channels online, successfully relaunching formal agreement for the period 2011-2014. The support of our gaa.ie website in March 2010. The relaunch brought a local radio stations will represent a valuable promotional number of new features: a more comprehensive, up-to-date opportunity for our activities and games during this period. fixtures and results section; video and audio rooms with This year’s new media contract sees the arrival of Newstalk as post-match interviews; regular polls on all issues; columnists a broadcast partner of ‘live’ championship matches. In its exclusive to gaa.ie, namely Jason Sherlock (football) and Joe short existence Newstalk has made a significant contribution Deane (hurling); and a dedicated Clubzone with information to Irish broadcasting. Its much-acclaimed mid-week sports and documents of benefit and interest to our club units. programme Off the Ball, which takes an irreverent look at In 2011, a new online video section, where members and supporters can view the latest GAA videos – GAA TV – will be established to ensure that our supporters are kept up-to-date on all GAA news in an enhanced, visually appealing format. There will also be more interaction foR CluB And CounTy with members using polls and quizzes. 27 A mobile version of the new website was also developed, allowing users to check gaa.ie for the latest news, fixtures and results while on the move and a free and hugely successful official GAA iPhone App was also released. In addition, we hosted our first online TV programme in 2010, Round the sports matters at home and abroad, has built up a big Square, which drew some very positive feedback from following among sports fans. We believe it is important for supporters. This 10-minute weekly show aired on gaa.ie the GAA to support the development of another national during the championship, and helped us engage with sports broadcaster – Newstalk will complement the younger audiences. Finally, an online Championship outstanding work of RTÉ in this sector over many years. Newsletter provided weekly updates during the A new national media-accreditation system for print media, championship season. based on photographic identification, was implemented The GAA email system continues to grow, with over 5,000 in 2010, in co-operation with the Provincial Councils. users at present; in 2011 the system will be expanded to In addition, meetings with key editors of national newspapers include Club Chairpersons and PROs. It provides the took place during the year as part of a constructive dialogue Association with a direct means of communicating important with the media. I would like to thank all our media outlets for information to our units in Ireland and abroad, while also the excellent coverage afforded our games. While we might facilitating document- and calendar-sharing, and the not always agree with all that is said all of the time, Irish posting of information to websites and other resources media, at both local and national level, continued to promote in real time. In addition, a monthly Club Nuachtlitir, our games and activities diligently throughout the year. with information of direct relevance to clubs, is sent directly It is not something that we should take for granted. Those to each Club Secretary for distribution to members. who cover GAA in the national media are genuine supporters of our games and it was sad to see some excellent journalists In other improvements, a major revamp of match lose their jobs recently with the closure of Irish Daily Star programmes was undertaken in 2010 to ensure accuracy Sunday and, at the time of writing, possible closure of The in content and a more modern design, and an online Sunday Tribune. It is, primarily, a great personal blow to the communications toolkit is now available to help all units journalists and their families but the closure of newspapers communicate in an effective manner. that provided first- class GAA coverage is also a setback for Communicating with young people will be a major objective the Association. Unfortunately, it is a situation that has been in 2011. Expanding into areas of social media, including replicated in a number of local newspapers over the past year. increased use of Twitter and direct engagement through Facebook, will be part of the GAA’s response to the demand GAA Annual Congress

created by new communications practices, while a new counties are feeling the true impact of the recession. Helping Android Application will also be released. our players find work has always been part of the GAA way of doing things, but the scale of the current crisis is such that it micheál ó muircheartaigh has been beyond the capacity of our individual units to cope. The 2010 GAA All-Ireland Football Final marked the The implications of this player-drain are obvious, and don’t retirement of Gaelic games broadcaster Micheál need to be restated here. Ó Muircheartaigh. Micheál can reflect with pride on a career A major concern is that a prolonged period of recession and that commenced in 1949 and that spanned seven decades, emigration will threaten the very existence of some clubs. during which time he captivated millions of people in every The GAA will, as always, do what it can to assist in creating part of the world. The response of spectators in Croke Park on and sourcing employment, but we must accept that the All-Ireland final day, and the tributes paid to him since, have reality of emigration will not be a short-term matter. underlined the special place that Micheál holds in Irish The increase in the number of players emigrating has put the broadcasting and, indeed, in Irish life. Micheál was unique, spotlight on our units abroad and their role in catering for partly because of the length of his career, but mostly because those who want to continue to play our games. High levels of the utterly distinctive style of his commentating, at once of emigration emphasise the need for us to support the evocative, lyrical, exciting and passionate. Micheál possessed development of our overseas clubs and to ensure that an innate understanding of and feel for our games, and he administrative structures are in place to facilitate the transmitted the pleasure and even joy he experienced to delivery of an adequate programme of games for their be privileged enough to speak through Gaelic games to the players. The network of clubs overseas continues to be a vital people of Ireland, the people he clearly loves. Micheál knows resource for our emigrants; if there is a positive feature of the Ireland intimately, no doubt through knowing and current situation, it is that the playing strength of many of understanding the clubs and communities that make up our clubs abroad will be enhanced by the exodus of players the GAA. He has served as a wonderful ambassador for our from Ireland. games and Association. We hope he knows the affection in which we hold him and how we feel fortunate that he graced We can take heart from the many positive developments that our games for so long. In wishing him a happy retirement, have taken place in our overseas units in 2010, reflecting the it is in the hope that Micheál will continue to contribute, if in progress being made by boards in North America, Europe, a different role, to GAA broadcasting for many years to come. Australia and elsewhere. Several events are worthy of mention. Rockland Hibernians – a club with 650 registered overseas under-age players – had their new grounds in upstate New 28 York opened in October by the Uachtarán, Criostoir Ó Cuana; The dramatic decline of the Irish economy has had important this $3 million development has a fully floodlit pitch and a consequences for the GAA, the most serious of which is the first-class training facility. Staying in the USA, the Continental departure of players from Ireland through emigration. Youth Championship (CYC), now in its eighth year, was From the beginning of the financial crisis in September 2008, hosted by New York in 2010. The CYC has gone from strength concerns were expressed about a return to the bad old days to strength, and this year’s event was the largest so far: of the 1980s when many of our young players were forced to 149 teams played 271 games, from U.8 to Minor, in hurling, emigrate in search of work. It is only in recent months that football, camogie (for the first time), and ladies football. those fears have been fully realised; it is now that clubs and Ten pitches were used over the four days of the competition

crowds attending championship matches remain in line with the previous year’s figures

gaa attendances remain strong in challenging times

GAA crowds for Championship 2010 breach the one million mark in July on a day when the dublin footballers play Tyrone and Kerry clash with down at Croke Park. Kerry supporter sandra Clancy becomes the one millionth spectator to pass through the turnstiles winning an All-Ireland final weekend prize. for the second consecutive year the GAA offer ticket packages including the Combo, the dual Package and the football feast which prove attractive to regular attendees of our games. The success of these packages follows on from the growth in uptake earlier in the season of the GAA season Tickets which cover both league and championship action. An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

in Eisenhower Park, Long Island. It was an outstanding Gaelic stadium in the world to be awarded the BS8901 certification games festival, enhanced by the involvement of London in for sustainable practice in all areas of social, economic and the inter-county Minor Football competition and by the environmental practice. In practical terms, we now divert U.16 Cuchullains cross-community team from . 54% of our waste from landfill; we have reduced our water consumption by 312,000 litres a day; and we have reduced In the Asian Games in Hong Kong, a total of 650 players our utilities consumption by 20%. The need for a strong competed in Gaelic football, hurling and ladies football, with environmental policy is clear when one considers that under-age competitions taking place between Hong Kong, Croke Park welcomes 1.5m visitors annually. Singapore, Kuala Lumpur/Malaysia and Thailand. Dubai defeated Qatar in the Senior Football championship final, The year 2010 was a particularly difficult one for stadium with Hong Kong taking the Senior Hurling honours. In 2011, business operations. Although we had made allowances for the British Universities celebrate the twentieth anniversary the termination of our soccer and rugby deal, the impact of of the inauguration of the Universities Gaelic Football the economic downturn on domestic spending was less Championship; a measure of the strong growth of the game predictable. In this uncertain context, the Páirc an Chrócaigh in Britain is the involvement of 45 colleges. One could Teo management team, under the excellent leadership of continue to list progressive and encouraging developments Peter McKenna, produced a very solid performance. of our overseas units. I would simply like to say that we are Specifically, the team manages a group of companies that indebted to those members who invest so much time and are responsible for the operation of Croke Park, the Croke effort to promote our games abroad. Park Hotel and other property rents, as well as hospitality income derived from match days, conferences and concert croke park stadium activity. A significant contraction in conference business, In 2010 Croke Park hosted 60 matches on 27 fixture-days, together with reductions in spend per visitor, emphasises the involving 26 different counties and attracting an average need to keep costs in check and to deliver value for money. attendance of 38,174. Croke Park was also the venue for We succeeded in keeping our booking rates at 2005 levels, fifteen development days, when children from all over the and we improved margins with a 4% decrease in costs: country had the opportunity to play and train in the stadium. administration costs were down by 32%, insurance costs In addition, our concert partners, MCD, staged a hugely by 13% and utilities costs by 14%. We concentrated on successful concert. Our ability to continue to deliver achieving sustainable cost savings while all the time high usage levels is due, to an important degree, to our maintaining our standards and the quality of service to our voluntary stewards. It is fitting, therefore, that this customers. I believe that we achieved this. In this context, contribution was recognised when Volunteering Ireland it is heartening that we managed to achieve over a 90% sale 29 presented our Chief Steward, Bill Barry, with an award in of our Hogan Stand Premium seats and boxes that came up acknowledgement of his contribution to sport, and an award, for renewal during 2010. In difficult economic times we are too, to Croke Park Stadium for nurturing a volunteer ethos. grateful for the continued support of our long-term debenture holders. The stadium received two international awards – an O2 ability award and a NISCO award – for sustainability and In April 2010 the GAA Museum, with the help of grant safety at the International Stadium Summit. Our most assistance from Fáilte Ireland, undertook a major prestigious achievement, however, was to be the first refurbishment that produced a new Museum Café, temporary exhibition space, updated match footage

legendary gaa commentator micheál ó muircheartaigh announces his retirement from live match commentary

micheál hangs up his commentary mic

A commentary career spanning six decades finally comes to an end when it is confirmed that the 2010 GAA All-Ireland football final will be micheál Ó muircheartaigh’s last final assignment. The Kerry native and ardent Gaeilgeoir covered his first game in 1949 and was a regular contributor to RTÉ’s GAA coverage in the decades that followed. his renowned live commentary made him a permanent fixture in homes across the country and a special presentation was made to him on the field directly before the final meeting of down and Cork. The second International Rules clash with Australia at Croke Park would prove to be his last live match assignment. ensuie r ng very detail is right An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2010

Coach Education also remains central to the development of performance; our aim is to ensure that every player is coached by a person qualified to the appropriate level. There continues to be significant challenges, however, in the provision of quality-assured and accessible Coach Education.

and a new trophy display. As a result, visitors to the museum ticketing over the past number of years. It is important to can now enjoy many new and innovative features. One such note that we will maintain a strong relationship with addition is a distinctive club-focused wall at the main Ticketmaster, which will continue to sell GAA tickets entrance, Falla na gClub, which welcomes visitors to the through their outlets. museum with a display of every GAA club crest. The centrepiece of the museum is a specially commissioned games development central display unit for the original Sam Maguire and Liam The key objectives of maximising participation and MacCarthy trophies. The interactive games area of the optimising performance continued to be supported in museum has had a complete makeover, while a new club 2010 through the roll-out of the Grassroots to National database has been created, greatly adding to the historical Programme (GNP). The process has been enhanced by information on clubs stored at the museum. Clubs can introducing a streamlined approach to planning, whereby update this database online at any time to ensure it each county and province produces a focused Games accurately records their respective histories and most Development Plan centred on the implementation of our recent achievements. Since opening in 1998, the museum strategic targets. These plans continue to be supported by has received over 600,000 visitors; over the past two years a huge investment from national, provincial and county it has recorded growth rates in visitor numbers of over 20%, resources, augmented by €3.156 million in funding from the Irish Sports Council (ISC). Economic circumstances demand that we constantly reflect on the effectiveness of our structures and programmes, and that we strive for the most sustainable system possible for the implementation of Games foR CluB And CounTy Development initiatives. In the development of operational 31 structures for full-time personnel, the central role of the County Games Development Managers is vital. So, too, is achieving the correct balance between full-time, part-time and voluntary personnel. Coach Education also remains central to the development of performance; our aim is to bringing the annual figure to 82,000 for 2010. Underlining its ensure that every player is coached by a person qualified to status as an important museum of our national culture, the appropriate level. There continues to be significant foreign visitors continue to account for a significant challenges, however, in the provision of quality-assured and proportion of total visitor numbers (33%), with French accessible Coach Education, and we must simplify access and nationals constituting the single largest group of foreign provide a greater variety of mechanisms through which attendees at 11% of total visitors in 2010. qualifications can be achieved. Looking ahead, it is clear that the impact of Government The priority in games development remains the provision of austerity measures will reduce disposable income and have appropriate opportunities for games for our players; in this a negative impact on Croke Park Stadium revenue. I am regard, 2010 was a significant year as Congress in Newcastle confident, however, that we have the strategies in place, passed the Go-Games motion relating to the organisation of the collective courage and, more importantly, the right games for players up to U.12. The aim of the motion was to people to steer the company through these difficult times. ensure that best practice in the area of player-development is implemented and that our young players are provided with ticketing: a new partner a gradual introduction to the demands of competition, while After a lengthy selection process in 2010, the GAA selected being guaranteed meaningful playing time in a child-centred an Irish company, Tickets.ie, as our new primary ticketing environment. I am certain that this policy is boosting partner. Tickets.ie will supply all ticketing software for use by participation numbers and is welcomed my most people, GAA units and will also serve as a sales agent for GAA tickets. even though the reduced emphasis on competition has This new arrangement provides a number of benefits to the been unpopular with some of our members. With over GAA: we will be able to reward GAA members directly; we will 78,000 participants in our Vhi Cúl Camps, we can reflect with enjoy a greater degree of control, in terms of pricing and satisfaction on the opportunities we provide for children distribution, over our own tickets; we will be able to empower across the country. all units to ticket local fixtures or GAA events; and we will reduce the cost of ticketing to the Association. The new irish sports council/department of tourism, culture arrangement also allows GAA units to contribute new and sport development ideas or requirements and it provides us with A co-operative effort with other national governing bodies the opportunity to build upon the innovations introduced in (NGBs) in lobbying for maintenance of state funding for sport GAA Annual Congress

helped ensure that cuts in government funding – through available at a very difficult time. I look forward to working the ISC to NGBs – were not as severe as had been feared. with her successor as part of a positive engagement with It is hoped that further reductions in ISC funding for 2011 will the new government. be of manageable proportions. There is always the fear that Gaelic games, as indigenous sports, might lose out in a time national strategic vision and action plan of scarce resources to the desire to invest in sports with an The Association continues to make progress in the international dimension. Yet, while we have suffered cuts in implementation of the National Strategic Vision and Action funding from the ISC, we must acknowledge that we have Plan: 85% of targets were achieved in 2009 and 2010. always been treated equitably. Key achievements across the eleven themes of the Plan In co-operation with other NGBs, we will continue to make include: the case to government for the need to invest in sporting excellence through the ISC. It is important for Irish sport that • Adoption of Go-Games as best practice at U.12 level the role and status of the ISC be maintained; I fear that, if the (Games Development) ISC’s allocation of funding from government continues to be • Code of Best Practice in place (Games Development) reduced, its ability to drive improvements in sport may diminish proportionately. Beyond the matter of funding, • Recreational Games developed (Games Development) the relationship between the GAA and the ISC has developed • Completion of the Online Membership Scheme positively. The ISC’s assistance has been invaluable in the (Volunteers) development of a number of our policies, including Child • Training of Fixtures-planners in all counties (Games Protection and Anti-Doping, and in the delivery of the Schedule) Government Expenses Scheme for players. I would like to acknowledge the ongoing contribution and support of the • Referee Strategy launched (Games Schedule) Chief Executive of the ISC, John Treacy, and the recently • Launch of the new GAA Website (Communications) retired Chairman, Ossie Kilkenny, in developing the relationship with the GAA, and I look forward to working • Development of Attendance Initiatives (Funding with new Chairman, Kieran Mulvey. Opportunities) Investment in modern physical facilities is vital to Games • Adoption of Auditing Procedures for County Accounts Development. Until the economic downturn brought a virtual (Financial Excellence) halt to new government investment in such facilities, the • Inclusion Strategy launched (Inclusion and Integration) 32 Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport had made a significant and welcome contribution to the funding of our • Completion of Club Crest Programme (Club, Culture and infrastructure. The Secretary General of the Department, Community) Con Haugh, retires shortly. I wish to thank Con for his • Development of Club and County Planning Programme consistent support and co-operation and wish him well in his (Planning) retirement. I also wish to thank Mary Hanafin for her support as Minister. She came into the Department at a time of • Setting up of the Urban Development Fund diminishing resources but was always supportive and (Urbanisation)

kilkenny’s ambitious push for hurling and gaa immortality runs aground in a classic final clash

tipperary halt the ‘drive for five’

The second final meeting of Tipperary and Kilkenny in the GAA hurling final in 12 months proves to be every bit as intriguing as the first – but crucially this time, Tipp succeed in reversing the outcome. A hat-trick proves crucial on a day when henry shefflin’s involvement ends in the first half. Another captivating final turns out to be the most watched live TV sporting event with Irish viewers for 2010. The minor title is claimed by Kilkenny who see off the challenge of Clare with two points to spare. An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

All of our units need to plan ahead in order to be in a position These values are what make the GAA unique and if the GAA to meet future challenges and to take advantage of is to live up to these values, they must influence our culture opportunities. A key theme in the National Plan is the and behaviour. planning theme, which aims to build planning capacity in Brand-value tracking is a mechanism widely used by our clubs, counties and provinces. The four provinces, Britain, organisations around the world to measure their adherence and 25 counties now have their own plans in place, and the to their stated values. Once a benchmark has been remaining counties will have completed their plans shortly. established for an organisation, periodic research is As part of the implementation of these plans, counties have conducted to monitor trends in people’s perception of been asked to hold a Club Forum once a year to discuss with the organisation. Such monitoring allows organisations to club delegates the progress that has been made and to consider adjustments to their behaviour in order to continue consider the targets for the following twelve months. to adhere to stated values. Fifteen of these forums took place in 2010. The Association has also developed a new club planning programme, which Since the launch of the Strategic Plan, we have conducted is being rolled out across the country at present. research on a number of occasions. On each occasion we surveyed 1,300 adults throughout the island of Ireland. Enormous changes have taken place in the country since the This representative sample of the adult population was asked National Plan was launched in late 2008, which will affect our to consider a number of statements about the GAA and to ability to meet all the targets outlined in the document. respond accordingly. The sample included both members of I have, therefore, asked that a review of the Plan take place, the GAA and non-members of the GAA, as well as those who which will include an analysis of the progress made thus far are interested in the GAA and those who are not. and consideration of the need, where required, for revised targets for the eleven themes over the next three years. Overall, the research has confirmed the perception and value This review will be completed shortly. of the GAA as being at the heart of community life; there are also high levels of support for the values of Amateur Status, brand-value tracking Teamwork, Player Welfare and Community Identity. The GAA’s Strategic Action Plan, published in early 2009, Scores for Inclusiveness have been improving, but reflect the defined six key values of the Association. These values historic differences of traditions on the island of Ireland. represent the essence of what the GAA stands for, and are as The research suggests that we must never forget the follows: importance of listening to our members and of being seen to act with integrity at all levels of the Association as we strive • Amateur Status to live up to our values. • Respect 33 administration • Inclusiveness One of the great strengths of the GAA is the high number • Teamwork of voluntary and full-time officials who continue to give their • Player Welfare time, energy and talents so selflessly in the service of the Association. Finding the proper balance between paid • Community Identity employees and volunteers can prove difficult. While the total number of staff in Croke Park has been reduced by three over

cork hold off down’s challenge to claim the title shared between tyrone and kerry since 2003

cork end 20-year wait for return of the sam maguire

An impressive display of deadball kicking from helps Cork to finally claim football’s top prize and consign previous final disappointments to history. Their improved second half showing sees them complete an impressive turnaround following their munster semi- final replay defeat to Kerry. A more direct second half approach sees Cork gain the upper hand and their use of the bench also aids their efforts. down’s previously free-scoring run comes unstuck bringing their superb campaign to a halt. In the minor game Tyrone pip Cork by a point to deny the Rebel County a rare senior and minor double. traih ning ard to perfect skills An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2010

Following a pilot scheme in 2009 in four counties (Armagh, Kilkenny, Waterford and Sligo), the GAA Respect Initiative was launched nationally at U.12 level in January 2010. The initial steps of the national roll-out involved a briefing with all 32 County Games Development Managers.

the past year, the total number of full-time employees We became aware of the data breach on 19 November 2010 throughout the whole Association has increased significantly when we were informed that disks containing the database over the past decade, arising from our investment in Games had been received by the Office of the Data Protection Development and from our efforts to improve the quality of Commissioner (ODPC) and the GPA; the latter immediately our administration. passed the disk to the GAA. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in Belfast also received a disk. An investigation One of the most significant changes in administrative was carried out by the Police Service of Northern Ireland structures was the decision to appoint full-time County (PSNI). At the request of the PSNI (in order to facilitate the Secretaries. It was envisaged that the full-time secretary investigation), we refrained from informing members until would take direct responsibility for the day-to-day 10 December. management of County Committee activities, as well as developing and managing the delivery of a collective vision The database contained the names and addresses of for the county to meet the challenges faced by the 501,786 members. In addition, the database held 288,511 Association. In essence, the expectation was that the dates of birth, 107,212 mobile-phone numbers, 63,695 appointee would be responsible for: (i) the performance of all landline numbers and 30,171 email addresses. In the case the regular duties of a County Secretary, in accordance with of 544 members, the database contained a reference to the Official Guide; and (ii) for the co-ordination, management a medical condition. We wrote directly to each of these members, setting out the information recorded about them. A total of 167,157 GAA members on the database were under 18 years of age. It is GAA policy that mobile-phone or email details of persons under 18 years of age should not be foR CluB And CounTy stored on any database. The policy states that any mobile- 35 phone or email communication should be carried out via the mobile-phone or email address of their parent or guardian. No other GAA IT system was affected by this incident, and the database did not contain any financial or any other information. and delivery of a nationally and provincially aligned Strategic This security breach was taken very seriously by the GAA. County Plan, prepared in collaboration with the County We worked closely with the ODPC, the ICO, the PSNI and Committee. It was expected that the appointment of a the Garda Síochána in dealing with the matter. We engaged full-time person would thus facilitate a greater focus on the Deloitte to undertake an independent review of Servasport development and delivery of strategic goals. The transition and other suppliers of IT to the GAA. We also sent from voluntary to full-time secretaries, however, has not been information to all clubs, and we set up an Information Line easy, and there is little added value to a county if a secretary to deal with queries from members. At the time of writing the simply does more of the same routine work undertaken by a matter is still under investigation by the PSNI, but the issue is volunteer secretary. A number of full-time county secretaries a reminder of the security issues posed by the use of new have discovered that their availability to undertake this technologies. It is important that the lessons that will be routine work is regarded as a priority, and has led to their learned from this incident be implemented throughout frustration at the expectation that they be available to deal the Association. with the detail of routine activities seven days a week. We need to establish greater clarity and uniformity respect initiative around the role of the full-time secretary. Issues such as reasonable working hours need to be addressed, as do the Following a pilot scheme in 2009 in four counties (Armagh, implementation of effective reporting lines and an emphasis Kilkenny, Waterford and Sligo), the GAA Respect Initiative was on the delivery of strategic objectives. launched nationally at U.12 level in January 2010. The initial steps of the national roll-out involved a briefing with all security breach 32 County Games Development Managers to explain the In November 2010 Servasport Ltd. informed us that there initiative in detail and to prepare the way for them to hold had been unauthorised access to the GAA membership briefing seminars with all clubs in their respective counties. database. Servasport, the Belfast-based company that These seminars included dissemination of marketing developed and maintains the GAA membership database, material (brochures and posters), as well as ‘GAA Give issued an unreserved apology to the GAA and to our Respect, Get Respect’ bibs for coaches to wear at all members. This breach of security has been a matter of games, up to and including U.12 level. As part of Games grave concern to the Association. Development merit-based funding, counties were set targets for holding club-briefing seminars and for promoting the GAA Annual Congress

initiative through local media channels. It is difficult to The new One-Wall GAA Handball initiative was launched in pronounce a definitive judgement on the success of this first February 2010, leading to a huge rise in participation levels phase of the Respect Initiative, although one senses that the in schools around the country. A total of 12 counties have response to the programme, due to be progressed to all introduced this One-Wall template, with the initiative grades up to U.14 in 2011, has been mixed. It seems to me being launched in ’s Holy Trinity College that a far greater commitment and conviction will be needed in (Tyrone). An additional major support effort, from here on to drive the initiative at every level, if it is to following the launch of new promotional and coaching packs produce the improvement we seek over time. at GAA Handball Congress in March, is expected to contribute to further consistent growth in this area. Whatever the response thus far to the Respect Initiative, we cannot disguise the fact that the Association continues At international level, Cavan’s Paul Brady and Antrim’s Aisling to have a problem with the attitude towards refereeing. Reilly secured USA National Championship titles in June 2010 In most counties there is not a culture of respect towards in Arizona, while the Irish Junior National team collected six referees. And while we must continue to work to improve USA Junior titles in California in December 2010, further refereeing standards and attitudes to referees at all levels, cementing Ireland’s current number one world-ranked the most effective short-term means of ensuring a change status. In April 2012 Ireland hosts the World Handball in behaviour towards referees is the consistent imposition Championships, where a record entry in terms of both of effective penalties for unacceptable behaviour. players and countries is anticipated. It is hoped that the new state-of-the-art National GAA Handball Arena will be i n place for what will be the biggest-ever World Handball Championship event. GAA Handball has continued to make impressive progress in 2010, the highlights of which have been a significant rise in Important contributory factors to the success of the participation levels and membership, new club registrations, promotion of handball have been the official GAA Handball the erection of more than 60 new handball facilities in website www.gaahandball.ie, which has registered over schools around the country (mainly one-wall), Irish players 175,000 hits since its launch in September 2009, and the achieving more success in the international arena, and an GAA Handball Newsletter. These initiatives will be augmented improved media profile for the sport. by the forthcoming GAA Handball Digital Quarterly Magazine. Handball also took a decision to commission and The 8% increase in membership is the first significant rise produce its own TV Handball series, The GAA Handball Show, in GAA handball membership for almost 20 years. As part which was aired on TG4 throughout January 2011, and which of handball’s plans for development at club level, a major 36 has proven to be an outstanding success, generating much initiative – in conjunction with County Development and positive feedback. There are also plans to expand this Coaching Officers – to reinvigorate dormant handball clubs promotional feature with the launch of GAA Handball TV around the country has been implemented. This has led to a online before the end of the year. In this general context of further 16 new GAA Handball clubs being formed in 2010, the improved health of handball, it is appropriate to say a with the number of official clubs registered crossing the special word of thanks to Tony Hannon, who completed his 200 mark for the first time in the history of the Irish three-year term as Uachtarán of GAA Handball in March Handball Council. 2011, being succeeded by Walter O’Connor.

the 15th annual asian games highlight the growing popularity of our games across all continents

games continue to thrive amongst overseas units

The Asian County Board publicise their annual games at an event in Croke Park in the company of the Association’s President and micheál martin Td, minister for foreign Affairs. The GAA’s Asian network continues to go from strength to strength with the addition of an Indian team for the first time – the new dehli wolfehounds – and once again the All-stars tour returns to the continent later in the year. however, it’s not just in Asia where the overseas scene is vibrant. A total of 343 clubs outside Ireland were registered with the GAA in 2010 and in many instances locals have been recruited to line out and train alongside ex-pats. An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

community outreach and inclusion from the UUP, as well as with the northern Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Nelson McCausland MLA. As Ireland’s largest sporting, cultural and community These meetings were positive and constructive, and began organisation, the GAA has a responsibility to play its part in a dialogue that should continue. building a better future for everyone on the island of Ireland. That has always been a central part of our mission and Ulster GAA has also supported District Council-level purpose, and should inform our policies and initiatives. good-relations events that involve meeting local community groups and organisations and has also engaged in dialogue Ulster faces a particular challenge in this regard. It has made with the Ulster-Scots movement. excellent progress over the past five years, with the full support of Central Council, in establishing contacts and links cuchulainn initiative 2010 with individuals and groups that traditionally would have had The Cúchulainn Initiative is Ulster GAA’s flagship cross- no involvement in the GAA and that may even have been community project that aims to promote Gaelic games to antagonistic towards it. The Association’s decision to change those from non-GAA backgrounds, while at the same time Rule 1.12 at Congress 2009 resulted in the GAA moving from using sport to break down barriers and promote mutual a non-sectarian, non-racist policy to a strong anti-sectarian respect among young people. It has now been in place for and anti-racist stance. This rule change required the GAA to four years and has grown in popularity and significance. become active in its new position, rather than just reactive or We owe a great deal to those who joined this initiative and passive. I am pleased to report that the Ulster Council has who made this project immediately successful. Their courage undertaken significant initiatives to make the GAA in Ulster and integrity remain inspirational. more welcoming and open, led by their Provincial Secretary Danny Murphy and Ryan Feeney (Head of Community The Enniskillen Cúchulainns won the 2010 Gaelic Football Development) in their Unionist-community outreach work Tournament for the Cuchullain Cup, which was held in the on behalf of the Association. Mid-Ulster Sports Arena in Cookstown, beating off strong competition from Armagh Cúchulainns in the final. Four During 2010 several meetings of significance were held with new teams competed in the tournament this year – Lurgan, individuals within northern civic society. The PSNI Chief , Magherafelt and Glengormley. Prior to the blitz Constable, Matt Baggott, met with the Ulster GAA officers all teams received coaching from Ulster GAA and county- and senior staff in Ceannaras Uladh, becoming the first Chief level coaches. Twenty boys from Enniskillen later represented Constable to attend a meeting in Ulster GAA headquarters. Ulster at the 2010 Continental Youth Championships in New The Association was also delighted to welcome the Chief York. These 15-year-olds were selected from four schools in Constable and the Deputy Chief Constable, Judith Gillespie, Enniskillen – Portora Royal, St Michael’s, St Joseph’s and to the All-Ireland Hurling Final in September. In another ‘first’, 37 Erne Integrated College. The week-long trip focused on the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ireland, competitive games with teams from New York and the North Dr. Norman Hamilton, was also welcomed to Ceannaras American Board area. The boys also had the opportunity to Uladh in January 2011, participating in a two-hour meeting make lasting friendships with players from other teams and, that discussed a range of issues. Further meetings with the most importantly, with their own team-mates who live within Presbyterian Church will take place in the coming months. the Enniskillen area. Several follow-up events have been Danny Murphy and Ryan Feeney also met with the leader of organised since the trip, and it is a pleasure to report that the Ulster Unionist Party, Tom Elliot MLA, and a delegation strong links remain between both the schools and the teams.

championship winners lead the way but no football forward berth for league & championship winners cork

all-ireland winners cork and tipperary top all-stars lists

liam macCarthy and sam maguire winners Tipperary and Cork lead the way in the annual All-star haul after their september exploits. however there is no attacking berth for ’s team despite their success on both the league and championship stages. lar Corbett’s hat trick final exploits see him collect the hurler of the year award while the football award goes to a man who didn’t even appear in the final – on the back of a sensational summer. The touring duties are left to the footballers this year who visit Kular lumpur, malaysia where local club orang Éire host the visiting party. shows ing kill under pressure An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2010

The manner in which members and units of the Association have embraced child welfare and development has been most encouraging, and the benefit that members have derived from recent publications and training initiatives are beginning to bear fruit throughout our club structures.

game of three halves Tá díospóireacht ar siúl ar bhonn náisiúnta anois le tamall Ulster GAA joined forces with Ulster Rugby and the Irish maidir le múineadh na Gaeilge agus ní dona an rud é go Football Association (IFA), along with PeacePlayers mbeidh deis ag an bpobal an cheist a phlé agus aird a International, at the Civil Service Sports Pavilion in East tharraingt ar an tábhacht a bhaineann lenár n-oidhreacht Belfast to participate in the 2010 ‘A Game of Three Halves’. agus lenár gcultúr . “Beatha teanga í a labhairt”, a deirtear The concept was first developed - by Paul Brown, Youth agus ba chóir úsáid a bhaint as gach áis leis an nGaeilge a Co-ordinator at Knock Presbyterian Church, together with chur chun cinn . É sin ráite, is léir mar eagraíocht spóirt go PeacePlayers International - as a cross-community initiative bhfuil béim áirithe againn ar na cluichí agus sin má ba chóir that would bring the three governing bodies together to offer é a bheith. children from both sides of the community the chance to Beidh an leagan Gaeilge is déanaí d’ár dTreoraí Oifigiúil in experience rugby, Gaelic football and soccer. Each governing eagar againn agus ar fáil do chlubanna na Gaeltachta agus body invited young people from local primary schools with iad sa Ghalltacht fresin go gairid tar éis na Comhdhála seo. which they have formed lasting relationships over the years. Throughout the day participants received top-class coaching Ba bhreá liom freisin níos mó Gaeilge a fheiceáil ar ár suiomh from Development Officers of all three sports. idirlíne agus leanfaimid ar aghaidh ag baint úsáide as an nGaeilge inár gcláracha agus ar ár laethanta móra . Scór and Scór na nÓg continue to be the most visible fulfilment of our stated aim to actively support the , traditional Irish dancing, music, song, and other aspects of Irish culture. Even after forty years, however, foR CluB And CounTy we have not realised their full potential. While there are many 39 people who understand how the Association’s core values and ethos are exemplified through participation in Scór – and many clubs participate actively and with enthusiasm each year – there is still some lack of appreciation of its value in Ulster GAA, the IFA and Ulster Rugby are moving towards promoting a community spirit within clubs. The competitions establishing a formal umbrella body with the working title of deserve support at every level. They continue to provide Sport 4 Change to help organise these events in the future. tremendous entertainment and those who give so much Monthly meetings between the relevant personnel in the time and effort to participation, adjudication and three organisations are already taking place, and I look administration are making a major contribution to the forward to further progress in this area over the next year. delivery of our aims and ethos. Already, four camps are being organised – in Coleraine, Derry, Lurgan and Belfast – for Summer 2011. child welfare and protection I am grateful to the officers and staff of the Ulster Council The Association continues to implement its Child Welfare who undertake this important work on behalf of the and Protection Strategy. It is overseen and co-ordinated at Association. I would also like to recognise the financial national level by agreed GAA support structures and by our contribution provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs National Children’s Officer, Gearóid Ó Maolmhichíl, and is for the Ulster GAA diversity programmes in 2010/2012, promoted at club and county level by our Children’s Officers. and to thank the former Minister, Micheál Martin TD, and the officials at the Department for their support in this vitally The manner in which members and units of the Association important work. have embraced this vital area of child welfare and development has been most encouraging, and the benefit an ghaeilge / cúltúr that members have derived from recent publications and training initiatives are beginning to bear fruit throughout Leanfamid ar aghaidh ag obair ar son na Gaeilge, ag our club structures. Two publications, in particular, have déanamh ár ndichill cabhair agus cuidiú a thabhairt dóibh siúd atá freagrach as a chinntiú gur teanga sláintiúil í an constructively influenced the implementation of the GAA chéad teanga oifigiúíl agus dóibhsan atá ag saothrú lena child welfare and protection policy, the GAA Code of Best caomhnú. Practice in Youth Sport, and the recently published second edition of the joint Code of Behaviour when working with Duirt mé anuraidh agus deirim arís é go bhfuilimid lándárire Underage Players (a code that has been agreed with faoi na dualgais atá orainn ó thaobh an ábhair sin – ní amháin camogie, ladies football, and handball). chomh fada agus a bhaineann sé leis an teanga, ach freisin In addition to these key publications, two new lenár gcultúr go ginerálta. comprehensive leaflets outlining the roles of Club GAA Annual Congress

and County Children’s Officers and Club and County A new online Garda Vetting initiative is being piloted by the Designated Persons were also launched in 2010. GAA as a possible precursor to a national online system. With the full support of the Garda Central Vetting Unit, irish sports council and sportni child-protection this pilot programme has the potential to fast-track, awareness workshops in a highly secured environment, the processing of GAA The Association believes that persons working with children vetting applicants. The possibility of developing this system and young people on our behalf must undertake child- was discussed with the Office of the Minister for Children protection awareness training, which includes attendance at and Youth Affairs, and received a favourable response from Irish Sports Council/GAA Child-Protection Awareness and the Minister. SportNISafeguarding Children and Young People workshops, training of children’s officers and designated persons and that such persons must also undergo additional recruitment requirements including vetting or criminal- The GAA National Children’s Office continued to provide background checks. The success of and demand for these training and to stage information events for Children’s workshops can be gauged by the fact that the GAA has had Officers and Designated Persons at specially convened to upskill more than 100 tutors over a two-year period in county meetings in 2010. To date, 12 counties have hosted order to deliver the workshops throughout the Association. such events, and it is intended to cater for all other counties Contact details for the GAA tutors now appear on in 2011; specific provincial and national training events will www.gaa.ie/clubzone, thus facilitating clubs and other also be provided as part of this initiative. In promoting these units within the Association in inviting tutors to deliver the roles, the Association has agreed to assist our overseas units workshops at local level. in amending, where necessary, the GAA Code of Best Practice in Youth Sport and the Guidelines for Dealing with recruitment and selection of persons working with Allegations of Abuse in order to conform to legislation and children and young people guidance within their own jurisdictions. The publication of the GAA Code of Best Practice in The first Child Welfare and Information Day took place in Youth Sport put in place agreed recruitment and selection Croke Park on 30 January 2011, and was attended by almost procedures for those who work on our behalf with children 100 invited guests, including Children’s Officers and and young people; it also created a renewed impetus to Designated Persons at club and county level, plus a range implement our policy on vetting. Since engaging with the of ISC/GAA Tutors. Speakers included Teresa Blake (BL), vetting programme, the Association has vetted Paul Stephenson (NSPCC) and Bernie Priestley (ISC). approximately 30,000 members. We are indebted to both Following the success of the event, it has been agreed 40 the Garda Central Vetting Unit and to AccessNI for their to organise a similar day in January 2012. assistance in the implementation of our programme. Notwithstanding the merits and value of vetting, it should be developing new training initiatives noted that, in addition to vetting, the suitability or otherwise The GAA Code of Best Practice Implementation Group has of a person needs to be explored in terms of references, agreed to proceed with the development of two new training willingness, and the availability to undertake specific training programmes. The Association will work closely with the Irish and coaching courses; the general overall suitability to work Sports Council in agreeing the contents of a new Designated with young people must also be considered. Persons Training Programme suitable for delivery at club and

limerick hosts its first ever international rules game while ’s players appear at croke park

international games against australia and scotland resume

The International Rules series returns after a two-year lapse as Australia arrive in Ireland looking to claim back the Cormac mcAnallen Trophy. The visitors hold the upper hand against Anthony Tohill’s men in the first outing at Páirc na nGael and only a late Bernard Brogan goal keeps the series alive. despite a brave second test revival from the hosts Ireland fall short as Australia win out. Ireland are scheduled to travel down under next autumn. Ireland and scotland open proceedings in a hurling/shiny match before game two at Croke Park on a night when scotland record a win in dublin. An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

county level, while a specially appointed working group will policies and procedures to prevent problems from occurring draft a new GAA Anti-Bullying Training Programme for in the first instance, and over 600 Club Drug and Alcohol delivery at club level. policies have now been completed. Alongside our own internal training courses we have also ábhar ar fáil as gaeilge been linking with professional drug and alcohol agencies Tá ana chuid de na foilseacháin atá eisithe ag an tOifig to provide education seminars to clubs and to provide Náisiúnta Leanaí ar fáil le híoslódáil ag www.gaa.ie/clubzone. individuals and their families with help, as required. Ina measc tá an Cód Dea Chleachtais agus Ról an tOifigeach We have been fortunate to have the support of many Leanaí. professionals who work in voluntary and statutory drug and alcohol services; with their assistance, over 650 training asap programme and education sessions have taken place. One area where the GAA’s commitment to enhancing the The Health Service Executive (HSE) has been of great support quality of life in communities has been given practical to the GAA in developing the programme and in helping us expression is in our work on the Alcohol and Substance develop our own pool of expertise in dealing with alcohol Abuse Prevention (ASAP) programme. It is not, of course, and other drug-related issues. Our National Co-ordinator, a stated goal of the GAA to seek to resolve Ireland’s drug and Brendan Murphy, who had been on secondment from alcohol problems. Yet, we have clearly a potential role to play the HSE for the past five years, has now returned to that in minimising the negative impact of the abuse of alcohol organisation. I wish to express my appreciation of the and other drugs. The Association has been working over the excellent work he has done in expanding the ASAP past five years on developing a response through the ASAP programme during his secondment to the GAA. We are programme, building a network of ASAP Officers to further grateful for his efforts and delighted that Brendan will the programme in clubs throughout the country. continue to support our efforts as a volunteer. Since the inception of the programme, over 1,450 ASAP Club Officers have been appointed, whose main duties are social initiative to be the contact person for the ASAP Programme in his/her The GAA Social Initiative arose out of the concerns expressed club, to liaise with the ASAP County Officer on how best to by President Mary McAleese and her husband, Martin, at the implement the ASAP programme locally, to co-ordinate the relatively small number of older men in attendance at their development of a Club Drug and Alcohol Policy as laid out in many visits to local communities during her presidency. the GAA Manual for Dealing with Drug and Alcohol Related Subsequently, she invited the GAA to implement an initiative Issues and to become fully familiar with the ASAP on her behalf to encourage such men to engage more fully 41 programme resources. in community activity. The ‘GAA Social Initiative’ was thus Under the leadership of the programme’s National launched as a community-based, nationwide project that Co-ordinator, Brendan Murphy, we have produced some utilises the GAA club network to organise social activities for very worthwhile resources: an ASAP Club Manual for Dealing men who would benefit from an increased participation in with Drug and Alcohol Related Issues; ASAP posters; local community life. ASAP pitch-side signage; ASAP information brochure; The objective set for clubs is to organise five or six social an ASAP website at www.gaa.ie/asap; and an ASAP DVD, events during the year as a means of encouraging older men, ‘Club Matters’. ASAP Officers have been developing localised

former mayo and roscommon footballer seán kilbride confirmed as project manager for the social initiative

seán kilbride to spearhead the social initiative

The GAA’s social Initiative receives a boost when it is confirmed that the former Irish Army Colonel will head up the scheme after 41 years in the defence forces. The scheme, set up in conjunction with the office of the President of Ireland in 2009, aims to reintegrate older male members of society with a meaningful and regular social outlet using the existing network provided by the GAA. A large number of clubs express an interest in facilitating the roll-out of the scheme. seán’s appointment to the role is seen as a further commitment on behalf of the Association to strengthening the GAA’s work on a community-wide basis. as p s ion across generations An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2010

The Social Initiative provides an opportunity for the GAA to demonstrate once again its commitment to community life in Ireland by utilising our vast network of outstanding community volunteers. The signs are that this initiative will have a very positive impact.

via the GAA, to engage more actively in the community. buíochas A pilot project is being conducted as a first step; this involves I wish to express my gratitude to Uachtarán Criostóir 92 clubs that are organising social activities and events in Ó Cuana, in particular, for his support and encouragement, their respective areas. Although, inevitably, many of these and to the members of Coiste Bainistí, the National Executive events will be GAA-oriented, the Social Initiative is not meant Committee and Central Council for their assistance and to be exclusive to GAA members, and all men within our club support throughout the year. I also wish to thank the catchment areas will be made welcome. The initial task for provincial and county secretaries whose co-operation is participating clubs will be to select volunteers to conduct crucial in the implementation of national policy throughout these activities. It is hoped that the Initiative will be seen the Association. In particular, I wish to acknowledge the as worthy of support and that it will inspire suitable club contribution of the provincial secretaries, which is visible members to get involved. The second task for the clubs will to me in my quarterly meetings with them and their staff. be to identify potential participants in their club areas and I look forward to developing the potential of these meetings to approach them in a way that will motivate them to attend in the coming year, and, in conjunction with province-based the organised events. meetings with county secretaries, to achieving an effective The initiative, by virtue of being launched and supported by system of administration at all levels. the President of Ireland, has a special status, and there is an In the past year we have made a number of organisational changes. All GAA Central Council staff members are now based in Croke Park. Previously, the Games section had been located in offices in Westward House, a short distance from foR CluB And CounTy the Stadium. The advantages of having all staff in one 43 location have been obvious over the course of the year. I would like to acknowledge the hard work of the entire staff in Croke Park. They are a loyal and generous group of people, committed in their service to the Association. I greatly appreciate the support they provide me at every level. onus on us to respond wholeheartedly to her invitation. On an individual level, there were a number of significant It provides an opportunity for the GAA to demonstrate once reallocations of duties within the staff. Feargal Mac Giolla, again its commitment to community life in Ireland by utilising who had given me invaluable support in his role as our vast network of outstanding community volunteers. The Operations Manager, was promoted to the post of Head signs are that this initiative, under the direction of Project of Games Administration and Player Welfare. Siobhán Manager Sean Kilbride, will have a very positive impact. Ní Chuana moved from my office into a new role as Executive Assistant to the Uachtarán. In her new position she also comhbhrón provides support to Seán Mac Giolla Bhríde, Project Manager Déanaim comhbhrón leis na clanna a chaill duine i rith na of the GAA Social Initiative. I wish to thank Joan for her bliana. I measc na daoine a chailleamar do bhí: Pádraig exemplary performance as Manager of my office, and I know Ó Fainín, Iar- Uachtarán, Cumann Lúthchleas Gael; that she brings the same qualities of conscientiousness and Peadar Ó hAirt Iar-Uachtarán, Comhairle Uladh; competence to her new post. Treasa Ní Raghaill moved from Pádraig S. Ó Riain (Luimneach); Mick Spain (Uibh Fhailí); her position as Games Manager to that of Executive Assistant Frank Sheehan (Londain); John Doyle (Tiobraid Árann); to the Árd Stiúrthóir and Manager of my office, and has Dermot Earley (Ros Comáin); Davy Dalton (Cill Dara); Peter adapted quickly to her new responsibilities. I am particularly McNulty (Laois); Gerry O’Neill, Frank Kernan agus Jack Bratten indebted to Treasa and Áine Ní Mhainnín for the consistent (Ard Mhacha); Seán McGettigan (Aontroim); Ger Feeney agus excellence of their work, as well as for their good humour Adrian Freeman (Maigh Eo); Philly McGuinness (Liatroim); and patience. Dr.Mick Brosnan (Ciarraí); Michaela Harte (Tír Eoghain); Art Bennett (Loch Garman); Peter Moore (An Mhí); Barney conclusion McCoy (An Lú); Mick Kennedy (Áth Cliath); John J Doyle, The deeply serious financial and economic situation in which Rev. John Hayden agus Paddy Halligan (Ceatharlach); Ireland finds itself, allied to the enormous debt that the Irish Johnny O’Connor (Port Láirge); Andy Creagh (Corcaigh); people and economy have to support, would indicate that a Seán Murphy (Luimneach); Dessie Slater (Tír Eoghain); return to financial health will take many years. For the GAA, Patrick Dinsmore (An Dún); Olly O’Rourke (Muineachán); the immediate concern is for our clubs and county units, Austin Coughlan (Dún na nGall); Darren Gaughan (Sligeach). which are having to operate in a very difficult environment; Suaimhneas síoraí dá n-anamacha go léir. levels of debt that, just a few years ago, were reasonable and GAA Annual Congress

Like the entire country, we are being obliged by circumstances to reassess. In the GAA, this, inevitably, leads us back to the values that have sustained us since we began. We will have less to spend, but will, perhaps, have something to gain.

manageable, now appear intimidating and, indeed, represent The GAA achieved much of merit in the years in which Ireland a threat to the well-being of a number of our units. Some experienced extraordinary prosperity. Yes, some units turned clubs and county committees are struggling financially on out to be a little too ambitious, but, as against that, our account of decisions taken to embark on what seemed, when games reached new levels of popularity, and we rebuilt initiated, good infrastructural projects geared to enhance Croke Park, which remains a fitting symbol of the their capacity to cater for members. The state of finances and commitment, energy and vision of the Association. the difficulties in fund-raising are now the biggest challenges In the sombre period in which Ireland is undergoing and facing our clubs and counties, and are a source of genuine will continue to endure for some time, these same qualities stress for officers as they attempt to cope with an will be our greatest resource. Like the entire country, we are unprecedented situation. These financial difficulties, the being obliged by circumstances to reassess. In the GAA, this, unemployment of many of our members and the loss of inevitably, leads us back to the values that have sustained us young players and administrators through emigration since we began. We will have less to spend, but will, perhaps, combine to create a very difficult environment in which have something to gain – circumstances will surely remind us the Association seeks, as always, to develop and expand. that young love to kick a ball or strike a sliotar The financial constraints oblige us to look carefully at over the bar, and that the rest of us love to watch them doing planned projects for ground development, remind us of the it, and that we love to get together and be together in our need to get value for money from our investment in games communities to organise all of this. That’s how it all began, development and demand, as I wrote earlier in my report, it’s what kept previous generations going in good times and that we monitor current expenditure carefully at all levels (very) bad, and it should sustain us all in the GAA in the hard of the Association. times ahead. The casual Irish sports fan can be forgiven for thinking that the GAA means big championship matches in 44 Yet, we must not let ourselves be overwhelmed by events Croke Park in July, August and September. GAA members and a difficult context. We have immediate priorities and know otherwise. For them it is all about families coming achievable objectives to motivate us. We must move with together in their communities, supporting their club, renewed vigour to achieve integration with Ladies Football and each other. We don’t have to spend great amounts and Camogie, a process that is vital for the future of money to continue to do this. And in reminding development of the Association, and we must find the ourselves of these fundamental values and ambitions, means to provide the additional facilities they need for the and in recommitting ourselves to realise them, we in the GAA advancement of their games. We must continue to work, may be able to make a modest but invaluable contribution to through high-quality fixtures-planning, on providing our Ireland and its people in difficult times. players with a co-ordinated programme of meaningful games that are appropriate to their needs and abilities. The greater goal here is ensuring that we enhance the playing experience of all our players. We need also to recruit

and retain more volunteers to assist in the running of clubs. The instinct to strive, improve and develop remains strong in the GAA. It is exemplified in a new commitment to long-term páraic ó dufaigh planning and to the development of processes to ensure that ARD STIúRTHÓIR agreed plans are implemented, at all levels and in all units. There is much we can do to improve and strengthen the Association without significant financial investment. An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

Allocation of tickets for All-Ireland finals 2010

overall capacity (planning permission) 82,300

2009 2010

County Allocations 59,315 59,005 Term Tickets 4,155 4,155 Season Tickets 354 764 Provinces 385 385 Overseas 499 499 Ard Chomhairle & Iar Uachtarán 991 905 Camogie 120 120 Ladies Football 150 150 Rounders & Handball 162 162 Sponsors 970 970 Press 254 254 TV & Radio 74 74 Schools & Educational Bodies 2,229 2,229 3rd Level 278 278 Croke Park Residents 250 250 Match Officials & National Referees Panel 108 108 Health Bodies & Irish Sports Council 70 70 Match Day / Vertigo / Minor Teams 200 200 Staff and Sub-committees 825 811 Jubilee Teams 137 137 45 Mini-Sevens 246 246 number available for distribution 71,772 71,772 Premium and Corporate 10,528 10,528 total 82,300 82,300 eoin kelly Andrew mitchell Paul mccormack Brendan stakem Bill beckett Cillian buckley Aaron craig TIoBRAId áRAnn & An IARmhí & ARd mhAChA & An lonGfoRT & CIll ChAInnIGh & CIll ChAInnIGh & An IARmhí & mullInAhone ClonKIll KeAdy wolfe Tones sT. lAChTAIn’s dICKsBoRo sT. olIVeR PlunKeTT

Padraic maher shane nolan eamonn walsh eoin guinan Brendan hennessy shane kavangh diarmuid lyng TIoBRAId áRAnn & CIARRAí & BAllyhAle shAmRoCKs sT. lAChTAIn’s BlACKRoCK GAIllImh & loCh GARmAn & dúRlAs ÓG CRoTTA o’neIlls (CIll ChAInnIGh) (CIll ChAInnIGh) (luImneACh) KInVARA sT. mARTIn’s 46 winners

Colin harris willy collins Brian mcguigan Jason farrell shea mcgarrity John cooper CIARRAí & CIll mhAnTáIn & muIneAChán & CoRCAIGh & slIGeACh & TíR eoGhAIn & áTh ClIATh & KIlmoyley CARnew emmeT’s CAsTleBlAyney BAnTRy Blues owenmoRe GAels CooKsTown fR RoCK’s nA fIAnnA

Colin brady Brian mulligan Adrian finn michael shields steven mcdonnell Charlie harrison seanie buckley sT. GAll’s CooKsTown fR. RoCK’s CAsTleGReGoRy CoRCAIGh & ARd mhAChA & slIGeACh & luImneACh & (AonTRoIm) (TíR eoGhAIn) (CIARRAí) sT. fInBARR’s KIlleAVy sT. John’s dRum-BRoAdfoRd iomáint liam maccarthy cup míonúir ‘b’ sraith chomórtas náisiúnta Cill Chainnigh ...... 1-18 An Iarmhí ...... 2-12 roinn i Tiobraid Árann ...... 4-17 Cill Dara ...... 1-12 Gaillimh ...... 2-22 fé 21 Corcaigh ...... 1-17 An Iarmhí ...... 2-16 Tiobraid Árann ...... 5-22 roinn ii Ciarraí ...... 1-18 Gaillimh ...... 0-12 Loch Garman ...... 1-16 cup fé 21 ‘b’ An Clár ...... 2-9 Ard Mhacha ...... 3-15 Ciarraí ...... 0-22 roinn iii (a) Londain ...... 3-14 An Mhí ...... 0-12 Ciarraí ...... 2-18 cup eadar club sinsear 09/10 Doire ...... 1-15 An Longfort ...... 1-20 Ballyhale Shamrocks roinn iii (b) Dún na nGall ...... 1-12 (Cill Chainnigh) ...... 1-19 Cill Mhantáin ...... 3-18 idir mheanach Portumna (Gaillimh) ...... 0-17 An Lú ...... 2-9 Cill Chainnigh ...... 2-17 eadar club idir 09/10 roinn iv Corcaigh ...... 1-13 St Lachtain’s (Cill Chainnigh) ..... 3-17 Muineachán ...... 1-18 míonúir St Gall’s (Aontroim) ...... 0-10 An Longfort ...... 1-10 Cill Chainnigh ...... 2-10 eadar club sóisear 09/10 An Clár ...... 0-14 Blackrock (Luimneach) ...... 1-18 Naomh Colum Cille (Tír Eoghain) ... 0-9

Craobhacha na hÉireann 2010 47

peil sinsear eadar club sóisear 09/10 Corcaigh ...... 0-16 Castlegregory (Ciarraí) ...... 1-14 An Dún ...... 0-15 Kiltimagh (Maigh Eo) ...... 0-15 sóisear sraith chomórtas náisiúnta Sligeach ...... 2-10 roinn i Ciarraí ...... 1-7 Corcaigh ...... 1-17 míonúir Maigh Eo ...... 0-12 Tír Eoghain ...... 1-13 roinn ii Corcaigh ...... 1-12 Ard Mhacha ...... 0-17 fé 21 An Dún ...... 1-12 Áth Cliath ...... 1-10 roinn iii Dún na nGall ...... 1-8 Sligeach ...... 0-19 eadar club sinsear 09/10 Aontroim ...... 1-11 St Gall’s (Aontroim) ...... 0-13 roinn iv Kilmurry-Ibrickane (An Clár) ...... 1-5 Luimneach ...... 1-16 eadar club idir-mheanach 09/10 Port Láirge ...... 1-14 Fr Rock’s (Tír Eoghain)...... 1-7 Spa (Ciarraí) ...... 1-8 48 peil

It’s said that good things come to those who wait and that certainly proved to be the case for the footballers of Cork who finally capitalised on the potential and promise of previous seasons to ensure that it was their name that was added to the plinth of the Sam Maguire trophy by the end of September.

In achieving that long sought-after feat they became the first evaluate Cork’s status as the fancied outfit on the back of County to interrupt the Kerry/Tyrone dominance that had impressive early season form that brought with it league stretched back to Armagh’s 2002 success since one or other success. of those two counties ended up in the winners’ enclosure Left with the options of sliding meekly off the radar gripping the trophy that matters most in football on an or dusting themselves down and regrouping, Conor annual basis. Counihan’s team very resolutely opted for the latter and Despite Cork’s lengthy wait to end a separation that stretched although they were helped with a qualifier passage that kept back as far as 1990, there was nothing simple or straight- them away from fellow fallen big guns, the experience forward about the route taken that eventually yielded the amassed in past campaigns saw them inch their way back ultimate prize. into the mix with a minimum of fuss and an absence of panic. Not for the first time in recent seasons Cork’s campaign A long road it may have been but one worth following started with a joust against old foes Kerry. Not for the first nonetheless. time a second instalment was required before light could be Kerry took full advantage of Cork’s absence from the put between the teams and when that juncture was reached, remainder of the Munster Championship once again holding it was Kerry and not Cork who were left standing. One point off the impressive final challenge of Limerick who had blazed was the margin, an unlikely score from the boot of Marc Ó Sé an early trail in Killarney before being pegged back. proving the difference, leaving many observers to re- An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

On the Leinster circuit, Dublin’s push for a sixth consecutive Provincial crown was stopped in emphatic fashion and following a stuttering performance against Wexford in outing number one, they shipped five goals against Meath to shatter their Leinster hopes. Louth’s early beating of Kildare was one of the stand-out results of the season and for good reason and this form spilled over into their semi-final meeting with Westmeath from which a final ticket was secured. Drama was the order of the day in the Leinster final where a disputed goal in the closing seconds gifted Meath three points and denied Louth a first Leinster title since 1957. The blow proved too much for Louth to stomach and Dublin ended their busy summer in the qualifiers to see themselves, Cork, Down and Kildare into the last eight with provincial champions Kerry, Roscommon, Tyrone and Meath. Down proved too hot to handle for a depleted Kerry in the quarter-finals while Dublin finally ended their Tyrone hoodoo on the same day in Croke Park hinting at the possible emergence of something along the lines of a new order. In the remaining quarter-finals Roscommon struggled to live with Cork’s physical presence on a day when Kildare claimed the scalp of Meath in some style. With Tyrone and Kerry both missing from the semi-final line up there was a real novel feel to the semi-finals and the quality and drama produced in two memorable fixtures further embellished a Championship to remember. 49 Senior Football Review 2010 Dublin, powered by yet another Bernard Brogan goal, led for 65 minutes of their tussle with Cork before the concession of a number of late frees and a penalty saw ice-cool Cork squeak home. On the other side it was Down who held their nerve despite a late crossbar scare to end Kildare’s interest in Sam Maguire for season 2010. Up North it appeared there may have been change on the In a year when the 50th Anniversary of Down’s 1960 wind with Monaghan serving up a surprisingly breakthrough success was celebrated it seemed the scene comprehensive victory over an Armagh team who had was set for the possibility of an even greater already accounted for Derry at . Tyrone once again acknowledgement of that victory courtesy of the class halted Antrim’s progress, this time at the quarter-final stage of 2010. Cork, mind you, had other ideas. and while Fermanagh and Donegal accounted for Cavan and When you’ve waited as long for an All-Ireland success and Down – a team we would see more of – respectively. coveted as badly a reacquaintance with Sam Maguire as Cork The idea of change turned out to be fanciful however. had the idea of letting another one slip by becomes avoidable Monaghan accounted for Fermanagh before Tyrone held the in the extreme. disappointing Mourne County challenge at bay to oversee a So it proved. replay of the 2009 Ulster final. In keeping with the trend of recent season it was Tyrone who emerged tops fuelling A lacklustre first half showing from Cork hardly hinted at the further interest in their designs for national success. vast improvement that followed in their play in the second period. For meandering, delayed and laboured build-up play The remaining two Provincial Championships once again in the first period, see direct, hasty and concise in the second underlined the allure and appeal of traditional bragging and so flowed the scores. rights. Donnacha O’Connor and played significant roles Sligo beat Mayo and Galway in dramatic circumstances in but it was the deadball expertise of Daniel Goulding and Noel Marcviecz Park before succumbing to a rejuvenated O’Leary’s role in helping to curtail at the back Roscommon team which made light of their Division Three that helped to thwart the Down challenge and send the 2010 status on a memorable day at McHale Park when Donie Shine football title to Cork. produced further evidence of his undoubted talents, nowhere more than from placed balls. Worth the wait indeed. gaa football all-ireland senior championship final

cork 0-16 GAA Annual Congress down 0-15

croke park september 19 2010 rebels reach the promised land cork

50

“I said last year when we lost that it is a results business and the same is true this year”

conor counihan, cork manager An Chomhdáil1 A Quirke Bhliantúil 2011 2 e Cadogan 3 m shields 4 R Carey 5 n o’leary 6 J miskella 7 P Kissane 8 A o’Connor 9 A walsh 10 C sheehan 11 P o’neill 12 P Kelly 13 d Goulding 14 d o’Connor 15 P Kerrigan Substitutes: n murphy rebels reach the promised land G Canty C o’neill d Kavanagh J hayes

51 aib gaa football all-ireland club championship

st gall’s 0-13 kilmurry-ibrickane 1-5

croke park 17 march 2010

st gall’s antrim champions after 100 years

52

“we came here today with a tremendous work ethic. we did things simply and took the simple scores”

lenny harbison, st gall’s manager 1 R Gallagher 2 P Veronica 3 A mcClean 4 C Brady 5 m Kelly 6 A healy 7 s Kelly 8 s Burke 9 A Gallagher 10 T o’neill 11 R Gallagher 12 Kevin mcGourty 13 CJ mcGourty 14 K niblock 15 Kieran mcGourty Substitutes: K stewart champions after 100 years P Burns s Kennedy

53 GAA Annual Congress

54 iomáint

Regardless of the outcome of the 2011 season legions of hurling followers will make the claim in years to come that they saw first hand – much in the way many speak of Ring – ’s Kilkenny four-in-a-row winners towards the end of the first decade of the new millennium.

They will also speak and recall the finals of 2009 and 2010 bounce back from the lower reaches of the season to do so. referencing them as bookmarks to that memorable Kilkenny More was the wonder. run – and of course Tipperary’s success in halting a spree that To say that Tipperary’s burgeoning reputation was seriously impressed in every aspect of its makeup, not least its longevity. deflated after their first championship outing of the season The fallout from the 2009 final didn’t automatically would in no way be an exaggeration. mean that 2010 would work out the way it did, not in the Liam Sheedy’s men arrived at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in the no-guarantee world of top level inter-county hurling. knowledge that their last championship performance – the Nonetheless, we witnessed enough spark in the Tipperary previous year’s final – had been one of real quality. It counted challenge of 12 months earlier to place them at the top of for little. the pecking order of those most likely to derail project black Tipp were stuck to the ground and unable to curb the and amber. So it would turn out but not before a season of influence of Aisake Ó hAilpín who helped provide the thrills, spills, trials and tribulations. eventual All-Ireland champions with a serious wake-up While Tipperary would eventually climb the ‘Everest’ that call. Would they have won out without this alarm call? was an All-Ireland success for the first time since 2001, Who knows? ending one of the most remarkable runs in the history However, from a blue and gold perspective there was only of modern day hurling in the process, they were forced to one way their season could go, and so it transpired. An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

All the while Tipperary were in the background easing their way back into contention with wins over Wexford and then Offaly. However, it was the county’s nail-biting win over Galway that reaffirmed their credentials and saw them move back up through the gears and onto the All-Ireland stage. Galway’s loss that day was nothing less than heartbreaking from their perspective and it was scant consolation to them that they had helped serve up a hurling treat that captivated anyone who was lucky enough to see it. The Tipp win secured a semi-final ticket to an outing against Waterford and nothing more. However, it was confirmation that Liam Sheedy’s men were back on track and this view was backed up in the outing that followed – another high-scoring, high-octane affair in which Tipperary’s hunger and belief came to the surface. On the opposite side of the draw the clash of red and white and black and amber conjured up memories of clashes past but the high expectation of the pre-match billing proved wide of the mark and on a day when Kilkenny lost both Henry Shefflin and Brian Hogan, Cork only managed to stay in touch for the opening quarter of an hour. The respective wins ensured a rematch of the 2009 final pairing. While repeat pairings can at times generate a yawn factor this was never a concern in the run up to the hurling final as the ‘Drive for Five’ captivated sporting fans across the island enticing huge numbers to Kilkenny training sessions, Senior Hurling Review 2010 many turning up to see the progress of Henry Shefflin who 55 was attempting to appear in the final despite the cruciate ligament knee injury sustained in the semi-final. Hype and excitement can see eagerly awaited occasions fall flat. Not so on this occasion. If Kilkenny – incredibly with Shefflin on board – had any While they took a circuitous route peddling away in the background, there were others with designs on making a doubts about the prospect that awaited, they soon found burst for the top. out. Despite toppling Tipperary, Cork did not have it all their own Leaving Lar Corbett’s incredible hat-trick to one side, way thereafter. Waterford emerged from the opposite side of Tipperary’s commitment to the cause was exemplary the draw to set up yet another final joust with their and the loss of Shefflin before half-time didn’t help the neighbours and rivals and a second day out would be Kilkenny challenge. required before the Déise County won out. There was a freshness to the Tipperary push, a realisation On the Leinster circuit, the continued involvement of Antrim that while the previous year they had been good enough to and Galway added further spice to the championship, albeit compete, this in itself was not good enough and ultimately in a temporary capacity before Kilkenny exerted their almost delivered runners-up medals. total influence on the competition. The chance was seized this time but not before the unfurling Galway survived the test of Wexford in Kilkenny and Offaly of a game worthy of winning any championship. Few thought just about a navigated their way beyond Antrim at Parnell the spectacle of 12 months earlier could be equalled, never Park – but not without a real scare first. mind bettered. While the Cats proved too strong for Dublin, Galway and How wrong they were. How fortunate we were. Offaly were forced to meet for a second time before Galway progressed to a final outing against Kilkenny. The novelty of their involvement was the only thing new about a game that ended with a very predictable outcome. In Ulster, Antrim’s encouraging showing in Leinster was replicated and another provincial crown was delivered. gaa hurling all-ireland senior championship final

tipperary 4-17 GAA Annual Congress kilkenny 1-18

croke park september 5 2010

tipp triumph in epic final

56

“It’s the whole year wrapped up in 70 minutes. what can you say, it’s unbelievable”

lar corbett, scorer of 3-0 for tipperary An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011 1 B Cummins 2 P stapleton 3 P Curran 4 m Cahill 5 d fanning 6 C o’mahony 7 P maher 8 B maher 9 s mcGrath 10 G Ryan 11 P maher 12 J o’Brien 13 n mcGrath 14 e Kelly 15 l Corbett Substitutes: tipperary C o’Brien s Callanan B dunne d young tipp triumph in epic final s hennessy

57 aib gaa hurling all-ireland club championship

ballyhale shamrocks 1-19 GAA Annual Congress portumna 0-17

croke park 17 march 2010 fifth all-ireland title captured ballyhale kilkenny

58

“It was a whole team performance. It couldn’t have been better and that is why they are All-Ireland club champions”

michael fennelly, ballyhale manager An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

1 J Connolly 2 A Cuddihy 3 A Cummins 4 P holden 5 P shefflin 6 e walsh 7 B Aylward 8 J fitzpatrick 9 m fennelly 10 C fennelly 11 h shefflin 12 TJ Reid 13 e Reid 14 P Reid fifth all-ireland title captured 15 d hoyne Substitutes: J holden m Aylward

59 offaly longford tipperary clare mayo laois

galway westmeath fermanagh wexford derry armagh

louth dublin kildare dublin cork down

60 GAA All-Ireland Senior Championship 2010

football

Qualifier round 1 ThuRles newRy round 4 Tiobraid árann ...... 0-13 An dún ...... 1-14 PáIRC An ChRÓCAIGh doire ...... 1-18 Laois ...... 0-12 An Longfort ...... 1-10 áth Cliath ...... 2-14 Ceatharlach ...... 2-9 Qualifier round 1 replay An Lú ...... 0-13 newBRIdGe doire ...... 0-13 Cill Dara ...... 0-15 Cill dara ...... 1-15 An Iarmhí ...... 1-7 Corcaigh ...... 0-16 Aontroim ...... 0-15 Aontroim ...... 0-9 ennIsKIllen Luimneach ...... 1-11 Ard mhacha ...... 0-11 Qualifier round 2 PáIRC An ChRÓCAIGh uíbh fhailí ...... 2-18 Fear Manach ...... 0-7 Cill dara ...... 1-15 newBRIdGe Clare ...... 1-18 Muineachán ...... 1-11 Cill dara ...... 1-12 Qualifier round 3 Liatroim ...... 0-5 PáIRC An ChRÓCAIGh KInGsPAn An longfort ...... 1-12 An dún ...... 3-20 PáIRC An ChRÓCAIGh áth Cliath ...... 0-14 Maigh Eo ...... 0-14 Sligeach ...... 0-10 áth Cliath ...... 1-21 Ard Mhacha ...... 0-11 CRossmAGlen Tiobraid Árann ...... 1-13 CelTIC PARK Quarter-finals Ard mhacha ...... 2-14 PáIRC An ChAoImh Cill dara ...... 2-7 PáIRC An ChRÓCAIGh Dún na nGall ...... 0-11 Corcaigh ...... 1-19 Doire ...... 1-9 An dún ...... 1-16 KInGsPAn BReffnI PARK An Cabhán ...... 0-4 TullAmoRe Ciarraí ...... 1-10 An Cabhán ...... 0-15 TullAmoRe uíbh fhailí ...... 1-19 PáIRC An ChRÓCAIGh Cill Mhantáin ...... 2-8 uíbh fhailí ...... 0-15 An Dún ...... 1-12 áth Cliath ...... 1-15 RuIslIP Port Láirge ...... 0-10 Tír Eoghain ...... 0-13 loch Garman ...... 4-22 Corcaigh ...... 0-12 PáIRC An ChRÓCAIGh Londain ...... 0-9 loch Garman ...... 1-11 Loch Garman ...... 0-5 Corcaigh ...... 1-16 Gaillimh ...... 0-13 Ros Comáin ...... 0-10 carlow tipperary offaly laois wexford limerick

dublin dublin cork clare antrim antrim

galway kilkenny waterford tipperary cork tipperary results 61 hurling

PáIRC An ChRÓCAIGh preliminary round PoRTlAoIse Cill dara ...... 2-17 dR Cullen PARK Tiobraid árann ...... 0-21 An Mhí ...... 1-12 Ceatharlach ...... 1-19 Uíbh Fhailí ...... 1-12 semi-finals Laois ...... 3-12 Quarter-finals PáIRC An ChRÓCAIGh phase 1 PáIRC An ChRÓCAIGh Corcaigh ...... 1-15 CAsemenT PARK Corcaigh ...... 1-25 Áth Cliath ...... 1-14 Aontroim ...... 2-18 Aontroim ...... 0-19 PáIRC An ChRÓCAIGh Ceatharlach ...... 3-12 PáIRC An ChRÓCAIGh

An dún ...... 1-16 ThuRles Tiobraid árann ...... 3-17 Cill Dara ...... 1-14 Tiobraid árann ...... 3-24 Gaillimh ...... 3-16 final Loch Garman ...... 0-19 semi-finals PáIRC An ChRÓCAIGh phase 2 PáIRC An ChRÓCAIGh Corcaigh ...... 0-16 TullAmoRe Cill Chainnigh ...... 3-22 An Dún ...... 0-15 uíbh fhailí ...... 1-18 Corcaigh ...... 0-19 Luimneach ...... 1-13 PáIRC An ChRÓCAIGh

PáIRC An ChRÓCAIGh Tiobraid árann ...... 3-19 áth Cliath ...... 2-22 Port Láirge ...... 1-18 An Clár ...... 0-15 final phase 3 PáIRC An ChRÓCAIGh PáIRC An ChRÓCAIGh Tiobraid árann ...... 4-17 Aontroim ...... 1-17 Cill Chainnigh ...... 1-18 Áth Cliath ...... 0-19 GAA Annual Congress

Championship Attendances 2010

date competition venue attendance

2 Bealtaine Senior Football Nua Eabhrac v Gaillimh 4,562 8 Bealtaine Ulster Senior Hurling Dún na nGall v Ard Mhacha Letterkenny 196 8 Bealtaine Ulster Senior Hurling Tír Eoghain v An Cabhán 167 8 Bealtaine Ulster Senior Hurling Fear Manach v Muineachán Brewster Park 224 15 Bealtaine Ulster Senior Hurling Lonndain v Muineachán Casement Park – 212 15 Bealtaine Ulster Senior Hurling Ard Mhacha v Tír Eoghain Casement Park ] 16 Bealtaine Ulster Senior Football Doire v Ard Mhacha Celtic Park 10,242 16 Bealtaine Leinster Senior Football Cill Mhantáin v Ceatharlach Portlaoise 5,225 16 Bealtaine Munster Senior Football Tiobraid Árann v Ciarraí Thurles 5,080 22 Bealtaine Leinster Senior Hurling Ceatharlach v Laois Portlaoise 2,881 23 Bealtaine Leinster Senior Football An Mhí v Uíbh Fhailí Portlaoise – 7,122 23 Bealtaine Leinster Senior Football An Lú v Longfort Portlaoise ] 23 Bealtaine Munster Senior Football An Clár v Port Láirge 2,269 23 Bealtaine Ulster Senior Football Aontroim v Tír Eoghain Casement Park 18,159 29 Bealtaine Ulster Senior Hurling Doire v Lonndain Casement Park – 337 29 Bealtaine Ulster Senior Hurling An Dún v Ard Mhacha Casement Park ] 29 Bealtaine Leinster Senior Hurling Loch Garman v Gaillimh 7,877 30 Bealtaine Ulster Senior Football Dún na nGall v An Dún Ballybofey 13,727 30 Bealtaine Connacht Senior Football Lonndain v Ros Comáin Ruislip 3,593 30 Bealtaine Leinster Senior Hurling Aontroim v Uíbh Fhailí Parnell Park 1,926 62 30 Bealtaine Munster Senior Hurling Tiobraid Árann v Corcaigh Páirc Uí Chaoimh 36,827 5 Meitheamh Connacht Senior Football Sligeach v Maigh Eo 13,130 5 Meitheamh Leinster Senior Football An Lú v Cill Dara Páirc Tailteann 6,727 6 Meitheamh Munster Senior Football Port Láirge v Luimneach Fraher Field 3,700 6 Meitheamh Ulster Senior Football Ard Mhacha v Muineachán Casement Park 11,675 6 Meitheamh Leinster Senior Football An Íarmhí v Cill Mhantáin Tullamore 8,600 6 Meitheamh Leinster Senior Hurling Áth Cliath v Laois Nowlan Park 3,861 6 Meitheamh Munster Senior Football Ciarraí v Corcaigh Killarney 35,786 7 Meitheamh Munster Senior Hurling An Clár v Port Láirge Thurles 11,028 12 Meitheamh Ulster Senior Football An Cabhán v Fear Manach Kingspan Breffni Park 9,677 13 Meitheamh Leinster Senior Football An Mhí v Laois Páirc an Chrócaigh – 49,754 13 Meitheamh Leinster Senior Football Áth Cliath v Loch Garman Páirc an Chrócaigh ] 13 Meitheamh Munster Senior Football Replay Corcaigh v Ciarraí Páirc Uí Chaoimh 23,486 19 Meitheamh Ulster Senior Football Tír Eoghain v An Dún Casement Park 15,419 19 Meitheamh Leinster Senior Football Replay An Mhí v Laois Tullamore 12,598 20 Meitheamh Leinster Senior Hurling Áth Cliath v Cill Chainnigh Páirc an Chrócaigh – 25,620 20 Meitheamh Leinster Senior Hurling Gaillimh v Uíbh Fhailí Páirc an Chrócaigh ] 20 Meitheamh Connacht Senior Football Ros Comáin v Liatroim Dr. Hyde Park 11,924 20 Meitheamh Munster Senior Hurling Corcaigh v Luimneach Páirc Uí Chaoimh 13,638 26 Meitheamh All-Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 1 Uíbh Fhailí v An Clár Tullamore 670 26 Meitheamh All-Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 1 Ard Mhacha v Dún na nGall Crossmaglen 4,975 26 Meitheamh All-Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 1 Ceatharlach v Doire Dr Cullen Park – 3,168 26 Meitheamh All-Ireland Senior Hurling Prelim. Ceatharlach v Laois Dr Cullen Park ] 26 Meitheamh All-Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 1 An Cabhán v Cill Mhantáin Kingspan Breffni Park 2,932 26 Meitheamh All-Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 1 Cill Dara v Aontroim Newbridge 7,372 26 Meitheamh All-Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 1 Longfort v Maigh Eo Pearse Park 3,500 26 Meitheamh Leinster Senior Hurling Replay Gaillimh v Uíbh Fhailí Portlaoise 12,527 27 Meitheamh Connacht Senior Football Gaillimh v Sligeach Pearse Stadium 12,831 27 Meitheamh All-Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 1 Lonndain v Loch Garman Ruislip 423 An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

ulster munster leinster connacht Qualifiers - finals total Championship Attendances 2010 133,852 214,416 281,790 81,658 745,502 1,457,218

date competition venue attendance

27 Meitheamh All-Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 1 Tiobraid Árann v Laois Thurles 1,510 27 Meitheamh Ulster Senior Football Fear Manach v Muineachán Kingspan Breffni Park 17,010 27 Meitheamh Ulster Senior Hurling Aontroim v An Dún Casement Park 2,173 27 Meitheamh Leinster Senior Football Áth Cliath v An Mhí Páirc an Chrócaigh – 59,826 27 Meitheamh Leinster Senior Football An Lú v An Íarmhí Páirc an Chrócaigh ] 3 Iúil All-Ireland Hurling Qualifier Pe 1 Tiobraid Árann v Loch Garman Thurles 11,330 3 Iúil All-Ireland Hurling Qualifier Pe 1 Aontroim v Ceatharlach Casement Park – 7,676 3 Iúil All-Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 1 Replay Aontroim v Cill Dara Casement Park ] 3 Iúil Connacht Senior Football Replay Sligeach v Gaillimh Markievicz Park 12,045 4 Iúil Munster Senior Football Final Ciarraí v Luimneach Killarney 23,864 4 Iúil Leinster Senior Hurling Final Cill Chainnigh v Gaillimh Páirc an Chrócaigh 28,369 10 Iúil All-Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 2 Gaillimh v Loch Garman Pearse Stadium 2,330 10 Iúil All-Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 2 Corcaigh v An Cabhán Páirc Uí Chaoimh 2,812 10 Iúil All-Ireland Hurling Qualifier Pe 2 Áth Cliath v An Clár Páirc an Chrócaigh – 22,107 10 Iúil All-Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 2 Áth Cliath v Tiobraid Árann Páirc an Chrócaigh ] 10 Iúil All-Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 2 An Íarmhí v Doire 2,256 10 Iúil All-Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 2 Uíbh Fhailí v Port Láirge Tullamore – 3,940 10 Iúil All-Ireland Hurling Qualifier Pe 2 Uíbh Fhailí v Luimneach Tullamore ] 10 Iúil All-Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 2 An Dún v Longfort Páirc Esler 4,112 10 Iúil All-Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 2 Cill Dara v Liatroim Newbridge 6,310 11 Iúil Leinster Senior Football Final An Lú v An Mhí Páirc an Chrócaigh 48,877 63 11 Iúil All-Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 2 Fear Manach v Ard Mhacha Brewster Park 6,017 11 Iúil Munster Senior Hurling Final Corcaigh v Port Láirge Thurles 35,975 17 Iúil All-Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 3 Doire v Cill Dara Celtic Park 3,747 17 Iúil All-Ireland Hurling Qualifier Pe 3 Áth Cliath v Aontroim Páirc an Chrócaigh – 25,947 17 Iúil All-Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 3 Áth Cliath v Ard Mhacha Páirc an Chrócaigh ] 17 Iúil All-Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 3 Uíbh Fhailí v An Dún Tullamore 1,600 17 Iúil Munster Senior Hurling Final Replay Corcaigh v Port Láirge Thurles 22,763 18 Iúil Ulster Senior Football Final Muineachán v Tír Eoghain Clones 34,634 18 Iúil All-Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 3 Loch Garman v Corcaigh Wexford Park 6,807 18 Iúil All-Ireland Hurling Qualifier Pe 3 Tiobraid Árann v Uíbh Fhailí Portlaoise 13,888 18 Iúil Connacht Senior Football Final Ros Comáin v Sligeach Mac Hale Park 23,573 24 Iúil All-Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 4 Muineachán v Cill Dara Páirc an Chrócaigh – 47,738 24 Iúil All-Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 4 Áth Cliath v An Lú Páirc an Chrócaigh ] 24 Iúil All-Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 4 Luimneach v Corcaigh Páirc na nGael 9,499 24 Iúil All-Ireland Football Qualifier Rd 4 Sligeach v An Dún Kingspan Breffni Park 8,617 25 Iúil All-Ireland Hurling Quarter Final Corcaigh v Aontroim Páirc an Chrócaigh – 27,864 25 Iúil All-Ireland Hurling Quarter Final Gaillimh v Tiobraid Árann Páirc an Chrócaigh ] 31 Iúil All-Ireland Football Quarter Final Ciarraí v An Dún Páirc an Chrócaigh – 62,749 31 Iúil All-Ireland Football Quarter Final Tír Eoghain v Áth Cliath Páirc an Chrócaigh ] 1 Lúnasa All-Ireland Football Quarter Final Ros Comáin v Corcaigh Páirc an Chrócaigh – 47,016 1 Lúnasa All-Ireland Football Quarter Final An Mhí v Cill Dara Páirc an Chrócaigh ] 8 Lúnasa All-Ireland Hurling Semi-Final Cill Chainnigh v Corcaigh Páirc an Chrócaigh 41,060 15 Lúnasa All-Ireland Hurling Semi-Final Port Láirge v Tiobraid Árann Páirc an Chrócaigh 49,754 22 Lúnasa All-Ireland Football Semi-Final Áth Cliath v Corcaigh Páirc an Chrócaigh 80,225 29 Lúnasa All-Ireland Football Semi-Final Cill Dara v An Dún Páirc an Chrócaigh 62,182 5 Meán Fómhair All-Ireland Hurling Final Cill Chainnigh v Tiobraid Árann Páirc an Chrócaigh 81,765 19 Meán Fómhair All-Ireland Football Final Corcaigh v An Dún Páirc an Chrócaigh 81,604 GAA Annual Congress

Clubs affiliated in 2010

60 2,615 63 108

68 5

50 56 70 26 50 8 52 33 59 42 11 32 24 59 17 7 47 5 31 86 223 85 66

46 46 85 15 51 32 77 41 24 71 41 103 96

56 74 262 51

laighean mumha connacht uladh an bhreatain timpeall na 807 651 230 584 84 cruinne 259

laighean mumha uladh timpeall na Ceatharlach 32 An Clár 85 Aontroim 108 cruinne Loch Garman 96 Corcaigh 262 An Dún 70 An Eoraip 51 Cill Chainnigh 41 Ciarraí 74 Tir Eoghain 68 Nua Eabhrach 41 An Mhí 59 Luimneach 103 Dún na nGall 63 Bord Meiriceá Thuaidh 77 Áth Cliath 223 Tiobraid Árann 71 Doire 60 Canada 15 Laois 46 Port Láirge 56 An Cabhán 59 An Astráil 51 Iar Mhí 47 Ard Mhacha 56 An Áis 24 Longfort 24 connacht Fear Manach 50 Uíbh Fhailí 85 Gaillimh 86 Muineachán 50 An Lú 42 Maigh Eo 52 Cill Dara 66 Roscomáin 33 an bhreatain Cill Mhantáin 46 Liatroim 33 Londain 31 Sligeach 26 Hertfordshire 7 Warwickshire 17 Gloucestershire 5 Lanacashire 11 Yorkshire 8 Scotland 5 An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

FInAnCIAL STATemenTS For The yeAr ended 31 deCemBer 2010

Contents

Tuarascáil an Stiúrthóra Airgeadais 66 Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Injury Scheme 94

Central Council 68 Statement of Management Responsibilities 94 Report of the Independent Auditors 95 Ard Chomhairle and Other Information 68 Revenue Account 96 Report of Ard Chomhairle 69 Balance Sheet 97 Statement of Management Responsibilities 70 Notes to the Financial Statements 98 Report of the Independent Auditors 71 Number of Teams Registered 2010 100 Revenue Account 72 Injury Summary Report 2010 101 Balance Sheet 73 Cash Flow Statement 74 Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Injury Scheme – Britain 102 Notes to the Financial Statements 76 Statement of Management Responsibilities 102 65 Schedules to the Financial Statements 80 Report of the Independent Auditors 103 Net Income from Competitions 85 Revenue Account 104 Operating Payments to Clubs, Counties Balance Sheet 105 & Provinces 2010 86 Notes to the Financial Statements 106 Cumann Luthchleas Gael Insurance Fund 87 Injury Summary Report 2010 107 Number of Teams Registered 2010 107 Insurance Work Group and Other Information 87 Statement of Management Responsibilities 88 Páirc an Chrócaigh Teoranta Report of the Independent Auditors 89 & Subsidiary Companies 108 Revenue Account 90 Tuarascáil Stiúrthóra Staid an Chrócaigh 108 Balance Sheet 91 Directors and Other Information 111 Notes to the Financial Statements 92 Report of the Directors 112 Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 113 Report of the Independent Auditors 114 Consolidated Profit and Loss Account 116 Company Profit and Loss Account 117 Consolidated Balance Sheet 118 Company Balance Sheet 119 Consolidated Cash Flow Statement 120 Notes to the Financial Statements 121 GAA Annual Congress

Tuarascáil an Stiúrthóra Airgeadais

The economic difficulties which have confronted us all in recent times are well documented and don’t need to be elucidated upon further in these pages. Those difficulties have been felt keenly within the GAA at all levels in 2010. In some ways, however, the GAA is fortunate – as a community based and volunteer led organisation, our motivation is not the pursuit of profit. The measure of the Association’s success, or otherwise, is not to be found in the financial statements. nonetheless finance is one of the main enablers or our ambition, and has to be given due consideration. Without sufficient means all of our ambitions are significantly more difficult to achieve.

Thus, although secondary to our core aims, the financial performance of Central Council is clearly worthy of attention in a number of respects. Ard Chomhairle is the central unit of the Association. It is rightly the unit which is most subject to general scrutiny and it is vital that it is maintained on a solid financial footing in order to do justice to the broader reputation and standing of the Association. Central Council is also the single biggest revenue earner in the Association so the financial brief is simple – maximise revenues, minimise costs, and invest and distribute as much as possible in the games. Its financial performance has a real and tangible impact on the fortunes of the wider association. Furthermore Central Council must be seen to observe the highest standards of financial management and governance – not simply in its own right, but also in order to set a standard and tone for all of our units nationwide.

It is in this context that I am pleased to report a solid and commendable financial performance for central council and its related entities the financial year just ended. At first glance a reduction in revenues of approximately €10m may seem at odds with this analysis – but the reasons behind this movement are clear and were foreseen. Spring 2010 saw the conclusion of our arrangement with the FAI and IRFU for the rental of Croke Park, an arrangement which operated throughout the full 66 extent of preceding financial years. The reduced number of soccer and rugby games at headquarters in 2010 explains almost all of our reduction in revenues. This arrangement was always for a finite term, and the income earned over the four years has been assiduously set aside for strategic purposes. Nevertheless the loss of such a revenue stream in future years clearly poses a challenge.

Reassuringly, and contrary to many predictions, the number of people attending GAA matches in 2010 was largely unchanged from the previous year. When we further consider the numbers who attended the successful International Rules series at the close of the year it is apparent that our attendance numbers actually increased during the year. This is manifested in a modest increase in gate receipts revenue during the year – a result of which we can all be proud. The main determinant of gate receipts, on any given day and throughout the year, is always the quality of the match. In that regard we were fortunate again last year with two vibrant senior championships which captured the imagination of all of us in their closing stages last summer and autumn. But such figures are also a result of the fact that Gaelic Games last year represented excellent value for money for the paying supporter. The only way to maintain gate revenues in the year ahead is to continue to ascribe to this principle by making tickets more accessible and more affordable.

On a similarly heartening note we managed to further increase our commercial revenues in 2010. The importance of this is two-fold. Quite apart from the income itself, optimising revenues in these areas serves to protect us somewhat from the variances that arise from time to time in gate receipts. The long term nature of our contracts and arrangements allow us to plan our investments for the year ahead with some degree of certainty. We are very grateful to our partner sponsors and broadcasters for their continued support – both financial and otherwise. Their increased support is a vote of confidence in our Association and our games.

I am very aware that the reasonably healthy state of Central Council’s revenues is not universal in clubs and counties around the country. The scope for raising revenues at local level in these times is very much constrained, and in such circumstances the focus has to turn to cost management. There are two ways in which the Association nationally can play a part here. The first is reflected in the fact that €11m was distributed last year to provinces, counties and clubs to help meet their ongoing operating costs. We will of course do everything possible to ensure this level of funding is maintained in future years, but the solution to local finance challenges is, at least in part, local. An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

Tuarascáil an Stiúrthóra Airgeadais

This means that quite apart from generating and distributing funds, Central Council must constantly promote a cost control agenda nationwide. We must help units to size their operations appropriately to their newly constrained resources. The most obvious area for attention is the cost of preparing county teams. Nationwide these costs are not being addressed quickly enough. The total bill for last year was approximately €20m and we simply do not, as an organisation, have the resources to sustain this continued level of expenditure.

The main focus of our investment activity in recent years has rightly been in coaching and games. In 2010 this investment reached €11m in support of coaching personnel and projects countrywide and overseas. This is at the heart of what we aim to do as an Association, and whatever 2011 may hold for us we will strive to maintain games development as our single highest priority area of expenditure. In some instances this may be unavoidably at the expense of capital investment.

Capital investment at all levels in the Association has expanded dramatically in recent years. In the case of Central Council the means to achieve this came largely from the rental of Croke Park to other sporting bodies. With that era behind us our capital funding will revert to normalised levels – indeed an element of that adjustment is evident already in the 2010 financial statements. This doesn’t mean that we should be any less ambitious, just that we must ensure that our capital projects everywhere are realistic and soundly funded.

There is a common theme to everything that I have outlined above, and to the financial results as a whole. 2010 was, against all odds, a good year. But those odds have not changed. Whatever satisfaction we feel at a reasonable performance in 2010 cannot be mistaken for complacency, and I think we all recognise that 2011 will bring more challenges. There will be more work to be done, and less funding with which to do it. Nevertheless we have, all of us, the capacity to ensure that the GAA continues 67 to thrive even in adversity.

We are embarking upon 2011 in a sound financial state, and in the good hands of our voluntary financial leadership. In particular I wish to acknowledge the members of the National Financial Management Committee, Audit Committee, IT Committee and Insurance Workgroup. I wish to thank also all of the provincial and county Treasurers throughout the Association, for their efforts and their expertise, and for their contribution to a successful year.

Tomás Ó riain STIURThóIR AIRGeADAIS GAA Annual Congress

FInAnCIAL STATemenTS For The yeAr ended 31 deCemBer 2010

Central Council

Ard Chomhairle and Other Information

Baill den Ard Chomhairle As per Cuid II

Baill den Choiste Bainistí Criostóir ó Cuana (Corcaigh), Uachtarán Pádraig ó Neachtain (Muigh eo) Séamus ó huilín (Loch Garman) Seán Breathnach (Ciarraí) Aogán ó Fearghaill (An Cabhán) Bearnard ó Catháin (Comhairle na Breataine) eoin ó Dufaigh (Ard Mhacha) Conchúr ó hógáin (Tiobraid Árann) Pádraig Mac Aogáin (Gaillimh) Máirtín Mac Aodh Bhuí (Cill Dara) Éamonn ó Súilleabháin (Ciarraí) Gearóid ó Catháin (Doire) Pádraig ó Neill (Cill Chainnigh) 68 Aodh Mac Amhalaoibh (Áth Cliath) Tomás ó Riain (CLG)

Ard-Stiúrthóir Páraic ó Dufaigh

Auditors Mazars Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors harcourt Centre harcourt Road Dublin 2

Bankers AIB Lower Drumcondra Road Dublin 9

Solicitors Reddy Charlton & McKnight Solicitors 12 Fitzwilliam Street Dublin 2 An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

CenTrAL CounCIL

Report of Ard Chomhairle

Ard Chomhairle Cumann Luthchleas Gael presents its annual report together with the audited financial statements of the council for the year ended 31 December 2010.

Principal activities Ard Chomhairle Cumann Luthchleas Gael is the central governing council of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The principal activity of the Association is development and promotion of Gaelic games as a principal component of Irish identity and culture.

As well as developing and promoting the games nationally and internationally, Ard Chomhairle is responsible for the operation of the All-Ireland Series in both hurling and Football in all grades, the National hurling League and National Football League, the Club All-Ireland series and various other competitions at adult and underage levels. results Details of the financial results for the year are set out in the income and expenditure account on page 72 and the related notes.

Future developments Ard Chomhairle expects financial performance in the forthcoming year to continue to reflect the healthy state of the games.

Subsidiary companies Ard Chomhairle owns and controls 100% of Pairc an Chrocaigh Teoranta, the financial results of which are reported separately on page 108. 69 An Choiste Bainisti Members of An Choiste Bainisti are detailed on page 68.

Post balance sheet events No significant events occurred since the balance sheet date which requires disclosure in the financial statements.

Criostóir Ó Cuana Páraic Ó dufaigh UAChTARÁN ARD STIúRThóIR 3 Márta, 2011 GAA Annual Congress

CenTrAL CounCIL

Statement of Management Responsibilities

Management is required to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Council and of the surplus or deficit of the Council for that year. In preparing those financial statements Management is required to:

– select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

– make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

– prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Council will continue its activities.

Management is responsible for keeping proper books of account which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Council. Management is also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Council and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Criostóir Ó Cuana Páraic Ó dufaigh UAChTARÁN ARD STIúRThóIR 3 Márta, 2011 70 An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

CenTrAL CounCIL

Report of the Independent Auditors

To the members of Central Council Cumann Luthchleas Gael We have audited the financial statements of Central Council, Cumann Luthchleas Gael for the year ended 31 December 2010 which comprise the Revenue Account, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and the related notes. These financial statements, on pages 72 to 79, have been prepared under the accounting policies set out on page 75.

This report is made solely to the members of Central Council. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Council’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors’ report and for no other purposes. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than Central Council and its members for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. respective responsibilities of management and Auditors Management’s responsibilities for preparing the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and Generally Accepted Accounting Practice in Ireland including the accounting standards issued by the Accounting Standards Board and published by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland are set out in the Statement of Management Responsibilities on page 70. It is our responsibility to form an independent opinion, based on our audit, on those statements and to report our opinion to you.

Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in accordance with the relevant legal and regulatory requirements and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland).

We report to you our opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice in Ireland and are properly prepared. We also report to you whether in our opinion proper books of account have been kept by the Council. In addition, we state whether we have obtained all the information and explanations 71 necessary for the purpose of our audit and whether the Council’s Balance sheet and Revenue account are in agreement with the books of account.

Basis of opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgements made by Management in the preparation of the financial statements, and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Council’s circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatements, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the financial statements. opinion In our opinion the financial statements, read in conjunction with the Accounting Policies, give a true and fair view, in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice in Ireland, of the state of the Council’s affairs as at 31 December 2010 and of its surplus for the year then ended and have been properly prepared.

We have obtained all the information and explanations we consider necessary for the purposes of our audit. In our opinion, proper books of account have been kept by the Council. The financial statements are in agreement with the books of account.

mazars harcourt Centre Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors harcourt Road Dublin 2 3 Márta, 2011 GAA Annual Congress

CenTrAL CounCIL

Revenue Account for the year ended 31 December 2010

Schedule 2010 2009 € €

revenue Gate Receipts 1 25,783,687 25,477,323 Commercial Revenue 2 19,754,748 19,948,746 State Funding 3 3,986,493 3,748,241 Other Income 4 8,490,316 18,525,919

58,015,244 67,700,229

direct Costs Match Day Costs 5 9,068,212 8,888,932 Competition Costs 6 1,434,922 448,560

10,503,134 9,337,492

Indirect Costs Team Costs 7 2,644,297 3,067,417 County and Provincial Distributions 8 8,483,815 8,650,455 Games Development 9 11,106,147 10,165,469 72 Organisational Development 10 547,792 418,417 Player Welfare 11 3,092,310 1,927,366 Administration Costs 12 8,147,987 9,396,892

34,022,348 33,626,016

operating Surplus 13,489,762 24,736,721

Funding Activities Operating Grants Payable 13 2,211,461 1,462,137 Capital Grants Payable 14 11,141,501 23,006,196

13,352,962 24,468,333

retained Surplus for the year 136,800 268,388

Criostóir Ó Cuana Páraic Ó dufaigh UAChTARÁN ARD STIúRThóIR 3 Márta, 2011 An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

CenTrAL CounCIL

Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2010

note 2010 2009 € €

Fixed Assets 1 553,590 488,807

Current Assets Debtors and Prepayments 2 32,762,315 36,207,155 Cash and Bank Balances 54,203,863 40,299,821

86,966,178 76,506,976

Current Liabilities Amounts Payable within one year 3 45,001,302 42,637,225 net Current Assets 41,964,876 33,869,751

Total Assets Less Current Liabilities 42,518,466 34,358,558 Amounts Payable after more than one year 4 35,247,023 27,223,915 net Assets 7,271,443 7,134,643

73 represented by: Accumulated Reserves 5 7,271,443 7,134,643

Criostóir Ó Cuana Páraic Ó dufaigh UAChTARÁN ARD STIúRThóIR 3 Márta, 2011 GAA Annual Congress

CenTrAL CounCIL

Cash Flow Statement for the year ended 31 December 2010

note 2010 2009 € €

net Cash Inflow/(outflow) from operating Activities 6 13,483,643 (2,377,451)

returns on Investments and Servicing of Finance Interest on deposits and short term investments 882,780 1,062,180

net Cash Inflow from returns on Investments and Servicing of Finance 882,780 1,062,180

Capital expenditure Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets (462,381) (474,326)

net Cash outflow from Investing Activities (462,381) (474,326)

Increase/(decrease) in Cash 6 13,904,042 (1,789,597)

74

Criostóir Ó Cuana Páraic Ó dufaigh UAChTARÁN ARD STIúRThóIR 3 Márta, 2011 An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

CenTrAL CounCIL

Accounting Policies

i) Accounting Convention and reporting Currency The financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles under the historical Cost Convention. The financial statements are stated in euro. ii) Scope of Financial Statements These financial statements reflect the activities of Central Council, Cumann Lúthchleas Gael. The activities of the Insurance Fund and the Injury Scheme are not incorporated in these financial statements and are reported separately. Financial statements for other CLG entities are separately reported. Some of the 2009 comparative figures have been restated to provide more meaningful comparisons. iii) Gate receipts Gate income is stated gross. Income from term tickets is credited to the Revenue Account in respect of the annualised value of each term ticket scheme.

Income from corporate packages is recognised in the financial statements of Páirc an Chrócaigh Teoranta. iv) depreciation Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets over their expected useful lives. The rates applied vary between 20% to 33⅓% and are applied on a straight line basis. v) Grants 75 Grants receivable and payable are included in the Revenue Account in the year in which they are approved in principle. vi) Foreign Currency Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded at actual exchange rates at the date of the transaction. The monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are reported at the rates of exchange ruling at the year end. The resulting differences are dealt with in the Revenue Account. vii) Pension Scheme The Council operates both defined benefit and defined contribution pension arrangements. The defined benefit arrangement provides benefits based on final pensionable pay. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Council, being invested under trust. Contributions to the scheme are charged to the Revenue Account. GAA Annual Congress

CenTrAL CounCIL

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2010

2010 2009 € €

1. FIxed ASSeTS

Cost At beginning of year 1,429,097 954,771 Additions in year 462,381 474,326

At end of year 1,891,478 1,429,097

depreciation At beginning of year 940,290 582,638 Charge for year 397,598 357,652

At end of year 1,337,888 940,290

Opening net book value 488,807 372,133

net book value at 31 december 553,590 488,807

2. deBTorS And PrePAymenTS 76 Amounts falling due within one year Debtors and Prepayments 8,824,821 6,068,461 Loans repayable from other GAA units * 23,937,494 30,138,694

32,762,315 36,207,155

* Loans are repayable on demand but it is expected that €20,585,940 will be received after more than one year, (2009: €30,138.693).

3. CredITorS FALLInG due WIThIn one yeAr

Creditors and Accruals 4,165,102 3,238,746 GAA Creditors and Accruals 21,309,757 20,331,536 Funds on Deposit from GAA Units 16,470,654 16,345,472 Term Tickets Fund 1,037,028 1,037,028 Bank Borrowings 1,745,274 1,424.019 Taxes and Other Liabilities 273,487 260,424

45,001,302 42,637,225

4. CredITorS FALLInG due AFTer one yeAr

GAA Units 31,931,315 22,873,367 Term Tickets Fund 3,315,708 4,350,548

35,247,023 27,223,915 An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

CenTrAL CounCIL

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2010

2010 2009 € €

5. ACCumuLATed reServeS

Opening Reserves 7,134,643 6,866,255 Retained Surplus for the year 136,800 268,388

Closing Reserves 7,271,443 7,134,643

6. CASh FLoW STATemenT

a) reconciliation of operating Surplus to net Cash Inflow from operating activities Operating Surplus 13,489,762 24,736,721 Interest Receivable (882,780) (1,062,180) Depreciation Charge 397,598 357,652 Decrease/(Increase) in Debtors 4,021,813 (5,876,619) Increase in Creditors 9,810,212 3,935,308 Operating Grants and Donations (2,211,461) (1,462,137) 77 Capital Grants (11,141,501) (23,006,196)

Net Cash Inflow/(Outflow) from operating activities 13,483,643 (2,377,451)

b) reconciliation of net cashflow to movement in net funds Movement in cash in the year 13,904,042 (1,789,597) Opening net funds at 1 January 40,299,821 42,089,418

Closing net funds at 31 December 54,203,863 40,299,821

c) Analysis of net funds 31 dec 2010 Cashflows 31 dec 2009 € € €

Bank Balances and Cash 54,203,863 13,948,115 40,299,821

7. reLATed PArTy TrAnSACTIonS

Ard Chomhairle, Cumann Lúthcleas Gael controls Páirc an Chrocaigh Teoranta and Musaem Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Teoranta. Transactions between Ard Chomhairle and Páirc an Chrócaigh Teoranta resulted in net income to Páirc an Chrócaigh Teoranta amounting to €1,248,931 (2009: €9,863,862). Loans (including interest) totaling €7,206,062 were owed by Páirc an Chrócaigh Teoranta at the year end (2009: €7,099,569).

Transactions between Central Council and Musaem Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Teoranta resulted in net income to Musaem Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Teoranta amounting to €150,000 (2009: €150,000). GAA Annual Congress

CenTrAL CounCIL

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2010

The following balances were outstanding with related parties at the year end: 2010 2009 € €

Due from Páirc an Chrócaigh Teoranta 10,017,887 16,455,739 Funds on Deposit from GAA units 16,470,654 16,345,472 Balances due to GAA units 53,241,073 43,204,903 Loans due from GAA units 21,125,669 14,259,929

Income of €7,000,000 has been confirmed as payable for the year ended 31 December 2010 (2009: €17,000,000). €3,100,000 of this amount remains outstanding at the year end.

a) Grants amounting to €43,430,882 were paid to Páirc an Chrócaigh Teoranta for the redevelopment of Croke Park, of which €20,330,882 remains outstanding. These grants are repayable under circumstances at the discretion of Central Council.

8. TAxATIon

The Association is exempt from Income Tax under the provisions of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. 78

9. SurPLuS For PerIod

The surplus has been arrived at after charging: 2010 2009 € €

Auditors’ Remuneration (including VAT) 45,738 54,450

10. PenSIon PremIumS

Cumann Lúthchleas Gael operates both a defined benefit and defined contribution pension arrangements. The Assets of the Scheme are held separately from those of the Association, being invested under trust. The Central Council’s share of the contributions to the schemes is charged to the Revenue Account.

The defined benefit arrangement is a multi-employer scheme and provides benefits based on final pensionable pay. A full valuation of the defined benefit arrangement was carried out on 1 January, 2010 and on the 31st December 2010 for the purpose of the accounting disclosure. The valuation was carried out on 31 December 2010 by a qualified independent actuary using the Projected Unit Method for valuing the pension liabilities.

This involves assessing the amount required at the balance sheet date, based on the assumptions made, to provide for all benefits accrued to that date, allowing for assumed future increases in the accrued benefit to retirement. Such increases were in line with salary increases. To value the liabilities certain assumptions were made by the actuary. The valuation includes assumptions with regard to the return on various asset classes. An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

CenTrAL CounCIL

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2010

These assumed returns are summarised in the table below:

Assumptions 31 dec 2010 31 dec 2009

Rate of return 5.086% 5.32% Discount rate 5.1% 5.40% Inflation 1.9% 2.00% Salary escalation 1.9% 3.00% Increases to pensions in payment 0% 0%

It is not possible to identify the underlying assets and liabilities in the defined benefit scheme that relate to the Central Council on a consistent and reasonable basis. however the market value of the assets in the pension scheme as a whole, the expected rate of return and liabilities of the scheme were as follows:

Long term rate of value at Long term rate of value at return expected 31 dec 2010 return expected 31 dec 2009 at 31 dec 2010 at 31 dec 2009 €’000 €’000

equities 7.0% 2.120 7.0% 1,872 79 Bonds 3.8% 2,394 4.2% 2,020 Property 6.5% 59 6.5% 59 Cash/Other 1.9% 334 2.0% 284

Total market value of pension scheme assets 4,907 4,235 Present value of funded pension liabilities 4,362 4,116

Net pension surplus 545 119

The pension costs for the year amounted to €345,109 (2009: €712,938). The contribution rate in respect of the defined benefit arrangement was 22% and an amount to fund the scheme.

11. AnnuAL TeAm PerFormAnCe And SuPPorT SChemeS

During the year the Department of Arts Sport & Tourism continued the Annual Team Performance and support schemes for the development of excellence in hurling and Football. Under the Schemes €1,050,000 was made available to senior intercounty players to defray expenses incurred in preparation and training for the Championships. The Association acted as an agent for the Department in the administration of the schemes. These funds are not considered to be the Association’s income and their disbursement is not considered to be an expense of the Association. These transactions are not reflected in the revenue account for the year. The balance sheet at the year end includes €77,562 of a bank balance in respect of undistributed payments held on behalf of county panels. This amount is correspondingly included in current liabilities.

12. APProvAL oF FInAnCIAL STATemenTS

The financial statements were approved on 3 March 2011. GAA Annual Congress

CenTrAL CounCIL

Schedules to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2010

2010 2009 € €

1. GATe reCeIPTS

All-Ireland Football Championship 12,435,008 11,223,957 All-Ireland hurling Championship 7,240,671 8,345,674 National Football League 1,837,455 2,634,303 National hurling League 1,006,656 1,104,940 Other Competitions 2,226,557 1,131,109 Term Tickets Amortised 1,037,340 1,037,340

25,783,687 25,477,323

2. CommerCIAL revenue

Media Coverage 10,834,291 10,602,977 Sponsorship 8,175,945 8,585,571 Franchising 309,900 325,000 Licensing fee 434,612 435,198 80 19,754,748 19,948,746

3. STATe FundInG

Irish Sports Council Grants 3,156,000 3,287,000 Department of Foreign Affairs – Overseas Projects 349,258 376,241 Department of Justice, equality & Law Reform – Inclusion Programme 22,000 85,000 Department of Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs – Inclusion Programme 66,235 – Department of Tourism, Culture & Sport 393,000 –

3,986,493 3,748,241

4. oTher InCome

Registration Fees 501,370 378,585 Interest 882,780 1,062,180 Income from Pairc an Chrocaigh Teoranta 7,000,000 17,000,000 Fines 95,900 90,800 Other income 10,266 (5,646)

8,490,316 18,525,919 An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

CenTrAL CounCIL

Schedules to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2010

2010 2009 € €

5. mATCh dAy CoSTS

Venue Rental and expenses 7,654,619 6,466,358 Match Officials 255,118 251,363 Catering 227,268 271,169 Security 60,561 223,134 Ticketing Costs 358,410 694,414 Insurance Fund 273,592 256,895 Other 238,644 725,599

9,068,212 8,888,932

6. ComPeTITIon CoSTS

Medals and Trophies 192,091 253,450 Awards Ceremonies and Trips 214,284 186,858 International Rules 1,028,547 8,252 81 1,434,922 448,560

7. TeAm CoSTS

Team expenses 2,644,297 2,947,417 Developing County Subsidies – 120,000

2,644,297 3,067,417

8. CounTy And ProvInCIAL dISTrIBuTIonS

County and Provincial Basic 6,185,500 6,185,500

Competition distributions National Football League 1,058,165 1,150,905 National hurling League 581,157 632,795

1,639,322 1,783,700

Commercial distributions Royalties 67,540 45,810 Media 432,000 480,000 Ticketing Administration Rebate 139,453 155,445 Fair Play Index 20,000 –

658,993 681,255

8,483,815 8,650,455 GAA Annual Congress

CenTrAL CounCIL

Schedules to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2010

2010 2009 € €

9. GAmeS deveLoPmenT

Games development Deployment of Personnel* 3,617,294 2,173,344 County Projects* 1,183,001 1,401,314 INTO Mini-Sevens Competitions (4,484) (3,221) Feiles 41,374 41,278 Cumann na mBunscoil* 83,121 88,708 Cul Camps (312,185) (147,745) educational Projects 93,775 101,016 Games Development equipment** 433,726 – Other Games Development 390,168 242,227

5,525,790 3,896,921

hurling development Deployment of Personnel* 1,387,766 1,422,017

82 National and Regional Projects* 617,490 964,579 and helmet Subsidies 499,650 520,268

2,504,906 2,906,864

dublin Games development* 1,550,000 1,600,000

other development International Dimension*** 1,368,099 1,475,474 Referees Development 157,352 286,210

1,525,451 1,761,684

11,106,147 10,165,469

* Irish Sports Council Grant Assisted ** Part funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture & Sport *** Part funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

CenTrAL CounCIL

Schedules to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2010

2010 2009 € €

10. orGAnISATIonAL deveLoPmenT

organisation and Planning County and Provincial Officer Training Programme 42,018 40,471 Club Development Personnel 76,000 – Club Forum 15,303 – Comhairle Programme 50,010 18,119 Intercultural Strategy**** 88,235 74,583 National Strategic Plan 152,855 170,176

424,421 303,349

other Programmes Alcohol and Substance Abuse 36,112 51,062 Child Protection Programmes 20,729 10,729

56,841 61,791

Coiste na Gaeilge 83 Scór na nóg and Scór Sinsear 43,911 29,827 Costaisí Cultúrtha 22,619 23,450

66,530 53,277

547,792 418,417

**** Part funded by the Department of Justice, equality & Law Reform

11. PLAyer WeLFAre

Injury Scheme 1,548,278 1,482,581 Initiatives and Programmes 1,544,032 444,785

3,092,310 1,927,366 GAA Annual Congress

CenTrAL CounCIL

Schedules to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2010

2010 2009 € €

12. AdmInISTrATIve CoSTS

Marketing 1,505,178 1,936,694 Staff and Pension Costs 3,660,729 3,876,633 Rent and Insurance 183,921 405,639 Depreciation 397,598 357,652 Communications 128,609 176,595 IT Costs 562,779 405,862 Professional Fees 534,159 472,964 Conferences and Travel 890,907 1,113,220 Office Admin and Sundry expenses 263,399 384,840 Financial Costs 20,708 266,793

8,147,987 9,396,892

13. oPerATInG GrAnTS PAyABLe

84 Provincial Councils Grants 250,000 250,000

related Bodies Cumann Peil Gael na mBan 86,540 50,000 Cumann Camógaíochta na nGael 86,540 126,500 Cumann Cluichi Corr na heireann 30,000 30,390 Comhairle Liathroid Laimhe na heireann 197,540 276,180

400,620 483,070

educational Bodies Comhairle Iar-bhunscoileanna 300,000 300,000 Comhairle Ard Oideachais 79,000 75,000 Comhairle Colaisti Talmhaiochta 3,000 3,000

382,000 378,000

other operating Grants Museum 150,000 150,000 Comortas Peile na Gaeltachta 10,000 10,000 Inter Firms Council 10,000 10,000 County Administration Grants 753,700 654,500 Other Grants and Donations 255,141 181,066 County Administration Grants provided for previously – (654,500)

1,178,841 351,066

2,211,461 1,462,136 An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

CenTrAL CounCIL

Schedules to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2010

2010 2009 € €

14. CAPITAL GrAnTS

County Infrastructure 4,122,245 6,097,291 Club Infrastructure 3,000,000 3,000,000 Regional Infrastructure 3,900,000 11,166,666 Overseas Infrastructure 75,000 – Local Infrastructure – 2,666,667 Funding expenses 44,256 75,572

11,141,501 23,006,196

Net Income from Competitions (€)

85

Gross Gate Cost of GAA Injury Team expenses net Income staging games Contribution & & distributions /Cost Insurance Fund Football Championship 12,953,678 4,361,850 941,833 674,972 6,975,023 hurling Championship 7,759,341 2,526,258 433,493 460,348 4,339,242 National Football League 1,837,455 576,517 202,773 1,058,165 0 National hurling League 1,006,656 314,758 110,741 581,157 0 *Minor Football 21,065 19,078 1,264 116,930 (116,207) *Minor hurling 13,618 93,406 (107,024) U21 Football 109,616 42,246 6,544 63,188 (2,362) U21 hurling 352,504 60,094 21,150 66,904 204,356 Christy Ring Cup 18,827 50,827 1,110 105,918 (139,028) 1,623 17,344 97 111,468 (127,286) Lory Meagher 72 14,271 4 83,940 (98,143) Club Championships 464,053 300,743 27,843 239,296 (103,829) INTL 1,091,997 1,592,193 65,055 (565,251) INTM hC 14,267 12,327 856 18,452 (17,368) JNR FC 14,738 12,887 884 39,880 (38,913) U21 B hurling 455 9,190 27 36,364 (45,126) Club Junior 13,301 12,992 775 98,068 (98,534) Club Intermediate 124,039 78,066 7,421 67,648 (29,096) ToTAL 25,783,687 10,015,259 1,821,870 3,916,104 10,030,454

*Gates for Minor games allocated in full to Senior Champiosnhip GAA Annual Congress

CenTrAL CounCIL

Operating Payments to Clubs, Counties & Provinces 2010 (€)

rent Commercial Competition Team Games Admin. & Capital Total distribution distribution expenses development other Grants Grants Uladh 650,000 1,490,217 91,000 660,000 2,891,217 Connacht 400,000 833,020 295,000 1,704,632 3,232,652 Mumha 600,000 1,164,170 15,000 810,000 2,589,170 Laighean 700,000 1,747,916 15,000 1,125,000 3,587,916 Breatain 50,000 20,000 735,879 805,879 Aontroim 12,463 170,431 34,610 131,040 97,689 30,000 225,000 701,233 Ard Mhacha 9,235 175,058 65,029 28,740 42,000 30,000 605,944 956,006 Ceatharlach 5,912 150,646 36,222 14,100 44,000 32,750 482,500 766,130 An Cabhán 26,233 170,410 21,910 17,400 40,500 30,000 461,781 768,234 An Clár 5,750 150,982 46,870 78,040 51,000 30,000 865,000 1,227,642 Corcaigh 62,562 332,768 153,104 286,684 78,000 913,118 Doire 9,455 170,599 47,927 20,792 119,000 10,000 70,000 447,773 Dun na nGall 12,874 170,449 31,153 41,926 42,000 6,700 600,000 905,102 An Dun 34,418 180,046 73,226 199,980 45,000 30,000 100,000 662,670 Áth Cliath 28,381 188,514 90,411 103,886 1,588,000 31,750 1,050,000 3,080,942 Fearmanach 7,551 150,494 24,390 22,644 42,651 30,000 89,800 367,530 Gaillimh 26,028 186,700 99,794 128,458 64,000 10,000 163,334 678,314 Ciarrai 32,813 173,628 82,955 127,354 47,000 30,500 600,000 1,094,250 86 Cill Dara 19,451 166,144 33,083 74,200 46,513 30,000 820,000 1,189,391 Cill Chainnigh 20,855 193,188 83,577 265,648 60,000 500,000 1,123,268 Laoise 30,575 170,821 29,791 19,150 53,500 30,000 333,837 Liatroim 2,464 150,683 25,910 9,000 40,500 225,630 454,187 Luimneach 64,524 173,167 59,491 28,450 59,000 30,000 1,351,000 1,765,632 Londain 908 150,000 36,000 50,000 3,240 240,148 An Longfort 4,005 150,798 24,150 30,190 50,500 15,000 100,000 374,643 An Lú 5,901 152,570 21,910 25,970 48,000 300,000 554,351 Maigh eo 24,545 171,901 70,992 45,484 43,500 30,000 143,333 529,755 An Mhí 13,812 172,144 43,578 49,830 46,057 20,000 345,421 Muineachain 13,423 174,096 43,429 23,294 40,500 10,000 83,334 388,076 Nua eabhriac 105,000 20,015 10,596 175,000 310,611 Uibh Fhaili 21,211 151,133 41,826 24,290 51,000 215,000 504,460 Roscomain 5,346 151,211 21,910 45,150 46,500 30,000 35,190 335,307 Sligeach 5,050 174,677 21,910 47,130 43,500 7,500 250,000 549,767 Tiobraid Arann 128,766 197,863 88,139 214,030 59,000 30,000 939,490 1,657,288 Tir eoaghain 20,266 156,139 43,083 75,248 43,500 30,000 1,033,334 1,401,570 Port Lairge 17,031 153,854 64,990 53,770 64,000 30,000 1,000,000 1,383,645 An Iarmhí 7,846 150,881 21,911 22,920 53,318 10,000 15,000 281,876 Loch Garman 16,420 154,576 41,795 26,394 59,000 30,000 83,334 411,519 Cill Mhantain 3,954 152,923 34,246 16,090 43,000 30,000 83,334 363,547 Warwickshire 30,000 20,000 6,000 56,000 Páirc an Chrócaigh Teoranta 6,954,591 6,954,591 Overseas 473,500 473,500 Club Championship 237,000 237,000 IomLÁn 7,654,619 8,174,494 1,659,322 2,644,297 9,716,266 1,080,200 16,965,970 47,895,168 An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

FInAnCIAL STATemenTS For The yeAr ended 31 deCemBer 2010

Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Insurance Fund

Insurance Work Group and Other Information

Insurance Work Group Micheál ó Donnchú (Cathaoirleach) Criostóir ó Cuana Páraic ó Dufaigh Michelle Nic Giolla Uidhir Adrian ó hAiseada eanna MacDhuáin Micheál Mac Raghnaill Fiontán Mac Ginneartaí Pádraig ó Maoldúin Pádraig Mac Gearailt Aodh ó Raghallaigh Tomás ó Ceallaigh Ailéin ó Gallachóir Roger Mac Lannchaidh Sinéad Ní Chúinn 87 Insurance Brokers Willis Limited Grand Mill Quay Barrow Street Dublin 4

Loss Adjustors Liability Claims Appraisers Ltd Ballymount Road Lower Dublin 12

Bankers AIB Bank Lower Drumcondra Road Dublin 9

Auditors Mazars Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors harcourt Centre Block 3 harcourt Road Dublin 2 GAA Annual Congress

CumAnn LúThChLeAS GAeL InSurAnCe Fund

Statement of Management Responsibilities

Management is required to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the fund and of the surplus or deficit of the fund for that period. In preparing those financial statements management is required to:

– select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

– make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

– prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the fund will continue its activities.

Management is responsible for keeping proper books of account, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the fund. Management is also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the fund and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Criostóir Ó Cuana Páraic Ó dufaigh UAChTARÁN ARD STIúRThóIR 3 Márta, 2011 88 An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

CumAnn LúThChLeAS GAeL InSurAnCe Fund

Report of the Independent Auditors

To the members of Central Council Cumann Lúthchleas Gael We have audited the financial statements of Cumann Luthchleas Gael Insurance Fund for the year ended 31 December 2010, which comprise the Revenue Account, the Balance Sheet and the related notes. These financial statements, on pages 90 to 93, have been prepared under the accounting policies set out on page 92.

This report is made solely to the members of Central Council. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Council’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors’ report and for no other purposes. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than Central Council and its members for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. respective responsibilities of management and auditors Management’s responsibilities for preparing the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and Generally Accepted Accounting Practice in Ireland including the accounting standards issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland are set out in the Statement of Management Responsibilities on page 88.

Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in accordance with the relevant legal and regulatory requirements and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland).

We report to you our opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Standards in Ireland and are properly prepared. We also report to you whether in our opinion proper books of account have been kept by the fund. In addition, we state whether we have obtained all the information and 89 explanations necessary for the purpose of our audit and whether the fund’s balance sheet and revenue account are in agreement with the books of account.

Basis of opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgements made by the officers in the preparation of the financial statements, and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the fund’s circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatements, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the financial statements. opinion In our opinion the financial statements, read in conjunction with the Accounting Policies, give a true and fair view, in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice in Ireland, of the state of the fund’s affairs as at 31 December 2010 and of its result for the year then ended have been properly prepared.

We have obtained all the information and explanations we consider necessary for the purposes of our audit. In our opinion, proper books of account have been kept by the fund. The financial statements are in agreement with the books of account.

mazars harcourt Centre Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors harcourt Road Dublin 2 3 Márta, 2011 GAA Annual Congress

CumAnn LúThChLeAS GAeL InSurAnCe Fund

Revenue Account for the year ended 31 December 2010

2010 2009 € €

Income Premium Income 3,569,589 3,276,775 Gates Receipts Levy 273,560 256,896 Investment Income 144,079 125,869

3,987,228 3,659,540

expenditure

Insurance Premiums 2,078,118 1,851,226 Claims and expenses 1,223,814 1,035,532

3,301,932 2,886,758

Surplus for year 685,296 772,782

90

Criostóir Ó Cuana Páraic Ó dufaigh UAChTARÁN ARD STIúRThóIR 3 Márta, 2011 An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

CumAnn LúThChLeAS GAeL InSurAnCe Fund

Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2010

2010 2009 € €

Current Assets Investments (Note 5) 3,600,000 8,422,378 Debtors and Prepayments 5,699,239 365,449 Cash and Bank 74,504 54,169

9,373,743 8,841,996

Liabilities Claims and expenses 6,691,139 6,785,053 Other Creditors 158,115 217,750

6,849,254 7,002,803 net Assets 2,524,489 1,839,193 represented by: Accumulated Fund (note 6) 2,524,489 1,839,193

91

Criostóir Ó Cuana Páraic Ó dufaigh UAChTARÁN ARD STIúRThóIR 3 Márta, 2011 GAA Annual Congress

CumAnn LúThChLeAS GAeL InSurAnCe Fund

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2010

1. AImS And oBjeCTIveS

The objective of the fund is to provide insurance cover to units of Cumann Luthchleas Gael. The risks covered are employers liability and public liability. The fund also facilitates the collection and payment of premiums in respect of a group property insurance policy.

2. ACCounTInG PoLICIeS

i) Accounting Convention The financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles under the historical cost convention, as amended for the inclusion of investments at market value.

ii) reporting Currency The financial statements are stated in euro (€).

iii) Contributions Contributions from units of Cumann Luthchleas Gael are determined by Coiste Bainisti and are reflected in the financial statements on an accruals basis. The contribution from National Leagues and All-Ireland Football and hurling Qualifier Series are allocations from gate receipts.

92 iv) Claims and expenses Claims settled during the year and related expenses in addition to a provision for outstanding claims are reflected in the Revenue Account.

v) Investments Investments are stated at market value.

vi) Foreign Currency Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded at actual exchange rates at the date of the transaction. The monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are reported at the rates of exchange ruling at the year end. The resulting differences are dealt with in the Revenue Account.

vii) Provision for outstanding Claims Provision is made in accordance with Reserve Valuation of claims made as determined by Loss Adjusters, or to the limit of the Association’s liability where claims in excess of the limit are underwritten by insurers.

3. TAxATIon

The Association is exempt from Income Tax under the provisions of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

CumAnn LúThChLeAS GAeL InSurAnCe Fund

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2010

4. SurPLuS For PerIod 2010 2009 € €

The surplus has been arrived at after charging:

Auditors’ Remuneration (including VAT) 20,995 24,700

5. InveSTmenTS

Commercial Paper – 4,822,378 Ard Chomhairle 3,600,000 3,600,000

Total 3,600,000 8,422,378

6. ACCumuLATed Fund

At beginning of the period 1,839,193 1,932,523 Prior Year Adjustment – (866,112) Surplus for the period 685,296 772,782

At end of the period 2,524,489 1,839,193 93

Amounts receivable from insurers in respect of claims settled in years prior to 2003 were found to have been incorrectly classified. Consequently claims and expenses in respect of these years, and cumulatively, were understated. This is corrected by a prior year adjustment in the 2010 financial statements.

7. APProvAL oF FInAnCIAL STATemenTS

The financial statements were approved on 3 March, 2011. GAA Annual Congress

FInAnCIAL STATemenTS For The yeAr ended 31 deCemBer 2010

Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Injury Scheme

Statement of Management Responsibilities

Management is required to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the scheme and of the surplus or deficit of the scheme for that year. In preparing those financial statements management is required to:

– select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

– make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

– prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the scheme will continue its activities.

Management is responsible for keeping proper books of account which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the scheme. Management is also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the scheme and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

94

Criostóir Ó Cuana Páraic Ó dufaigh UAChTARÁN ARD STIúRThóIR 3 Márta, 2011 An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

CumAnn LúThChLeAS GAeL Injury SCheme

Report of the Independent Auditors

To the members of Central Council Cumann Lúthchleas Gael We have audited the financial statements of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Injury Scheme for the year ended 31 December 2010, which comprise the Revenue Account, the Balance Sheet and the related notes. These financial statements, on pages 96 to 99, have been prepared under the accounting policies set out on page 98.

This report is made solely to the members of Central Council. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Council’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors’ report and for no other purposes. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than Central Council and its members for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. respective responsibilities of management and auditors Management’s responsibilities for preparing the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and Generally Accepted Accounting Practice in Ireland including the accounting standards issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland are set out in the Statement of Management Responsibilities on page 94.

Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in accordance with the relevant legal and regulatory requirements and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland).

We report to you our opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Standards in Ireland and are properly prepared. We also report to you whether in our opinion proper books of account have been kept by the scheme. In addition, we state whether we have obtained all the information and 95 explanations necessary for the purpose of our audit and whether the scheme’s balance sheet and revenue account are in agreement with the books of account.

Basis of opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgements made by the officers in the preparation of the financial statements, and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the scheme’s circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatements, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the financial statements. opinion In our opinion the financial statements, read in conjunction with the Accounting Policies, give a true and fair view, in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice in Ireland, of the state of the scheme’s affairs as at 31 December 2010 and of its result for the year then ended and have been properly prepared.

We have obtained all the information and explanations we consider necessary for the purposes of our audit. In our opinion, proper books of account have been kept by the scheme. The financial statements are in agreement with the books of account.

o’Connor & Associates harcourt Centre Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors harcourt Road Dublin 2 3 Márta, 2011 GAA Annual Congress

CumAnn LúThChLeAS GAeL Injury SCheme

Revenue Account for the year ended 31 December 2010

2010 2009 € €

Income Team Registration Fees 6,317,006 6,414,699 Gate Receipts Levy 2,278,250 2,277,088 Interest 309,339 238,824

8,904,595 8,930,611

expenditure Claims and expenses 8,124,333 9,417,598 Administration Fees 490,000 470,000 Contribution to Injury Scheme – Britain 35,235 35,235

8,649,568 9,922,833

Surplus/(deficit) for year 255,027 (992,222)

96

Criostóir Ó Cuana Páraic Ó dufaigh UAChTARÁN ARD STIúRThóIR 3 Márta, 2011 An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

CumAnn LúThChLeAS GAeL Injury SCheme

Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2010

2010 2009 € €

Current Assets Bank balances 84,546 250,058 Investments (Note 6) 4,400,000 12,561,008 Debtors and Prepayments 11,492,075 1,721,240 Scheme Administrators 85,560 296,901

16,062,181 14,829,207

Liabilities Claims and expenses accrued 11,090,176 10,569,531 Injury Scheme-Britain 849,512 764,473 Other Creditors 524,391 152,128

12,464,079 11,486,132 net Assets 3,598,102 3,343,075

97 represented by: Accumulated Funds (Note 7) 3,598,102 3,343,075

Criostóir Ó Cuana Páraic Ó dufaigh UAChTARÁN ARD STIúRThóIR 3 Márta, 2011 GAA Annual Congress

CumAnn LúThChLeAS GAeL Injury SCheme

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2010

1. AImS And oBjeCTIveS

The objective of the scheme is to provide benefits to players on teams registered with the scheme who incur accidental injury while playing hurling, Gaelic Football, handball or Rounders in the course of an official game or training session. The scheme is funded wholly from team contributions and a proportion of gate receipts and investment income.

2. oPerATIon oF SCheme

Claims on the scheme are processed by Willis Limited who are engaged as scheme administrators and are responsible for the operation of the scheme. Benefits paid and expenses incurred are reimbursed from the scheme.

3. ACCounTInG PoLICIeS

i) Accounting Convention The financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles under the historical Cost Convention, as amended for the inclusion of investments at market value.

ii) reporting Currency The financial statements are stated in euro (€).

98 ii) Team Contributions Team contributions are accounted for on a remittance basis.

iv) Provision for Claims Provision for outstanding claims is made in accordance with Reserve Valuation of claims as determined by the scheme administrators.

v) Investments Investments are stated at market value.

vi) Foreign Currency Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded at actual exchange rates at the date of the transaction. The monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are reported at the rates of exchange ruling at the year end. The resulting differences are dealt with in the Revenue Account.

4. TAxATIon

The Association is exempt from Income Tax under the provisions of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

CumAnn LúThChLeAS GAeL Injury SCheme

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2010

5. SurPLuS For PerIod 2010 2009 € €

The surplus has been arrived at after charging:

Auditors’ Remuneration (including VAT) 11,305 13,300

6. InveSTmenTS

Ard Chomhairle 4,400,000 4,400,000 Commercial Paper – 8,161,008

4,400,000 12,561,008

7. ACCumuLATed FundS

At beginning of the period 3,343,075 4,335,297 Surplus/(Deficit) for the period 255,027 (992,222)

3,598,102 3,343,075 99 8. APProvAL oF FInAnCIAL STATemenTS

The financial statements were approved on 3 March, 2011. GAA Annual Congress

CumAnn LúThChLeAS GAeL Injury SCheme

Number of Teams Registered 2010 as at 31 December 2010

youth youth Adult Adult u/21 u/21 youth Adult u/21 Total CounTy hurling Football hurling Football hurling Football Totals Totals Totals Teams Antrim 160 191 52 78 14 20 351 130 34 515 Armagh 41 233 6 80 1 25 274 86 26 386 Carlow 60 90 16 47 8 13 150 63 21 234 Cavan 22 237 2 87 0 29 259 89 29 377 Clare 235 222 73 60 31 24 457 133 55 645 Cork 695 778 222 268 88 104 1,473 490 192 2,155 Derry 51 238 16 72 2 3 289 88 5 382 Donegal 59 316 10 84 1 34 375 94 35 504 Down 65 251 24 93 2 11 316 117 13 446 Dublin 424 566 111 188 25 38 990 299 63 1,352 Fermanagh 25 108 4 44 1 3 133 48 4 185 Galway 306 367 117 112 40 38 673 229 78 980 Kerry 118 394 25 125 8 44 512 150 52 714 Kildare 117 374 28 106 5 26 491 134 31 656 Kilkenny 272 188 85 31 35 16 460 116 51 627 100 Laois 128 142 57 72 12 17 270 129 29 428 Leitrim 14 103 5 54 0 15 117 59 15 191 Limerick 398 374 101 74 41 34 772 175 75 1,022 Longford 16 114 4 53 1 16 130 57 17 204 Louth 46 335 8 78 1 26 381 86 27 494 Mayo 59 355 7 88 4 41 414 95 45 554 Meath 125 418 40 113 19 48 543 153 67 763 Monaghan 28 199 11 67 1 15 227 78 16 321 Offaly 96 77 52 61 12 11 173 113 23 309 Roscommon 42 170 13 63 6 27 212 76 33 321 Sligo 32 147 9 51 1 17 179 60 18 257 Tipperary 407 399 135 89 57 47 806 224 104 1,134 Tyrone 54 386 6 100 1 34 440 106 35 581 Waterford 237 216 77 69 27 23 453 146 50 649 Westmeath 81 177 28 67 11 26 258 95 37 390 Wexford 271 270 98 92 37 37 541 190 74 805 Wicklow 93 187 21 73 1 1 280 94 2 376 ToTALS 4,777 8,622 1,463 2,739 493 863 13,399 4,202 1,356 18,957 An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

CumAnn LúThChLeAS GAeL Injury SCheme

Injury Summary Report 2010

Injury Adult Football youth Football Adult hurling youth hurling Total Abdominal 37 2 13 0 52 Acl 91 19 38 4 152 Ankle 347 33 104 18 502 Arm 72 12 35 12 131 Back 175 17 56 7 255 Chest 11 4 5 2 22 Collar Bone 92 22 32 6 152 Death 3 1 0 0 4 eye 19 4 1 2 26 Facial 47 16 11 6 80 Finger 110 18 131 23 282 Foot 79 7 30 4 120 Groin 251 19 59 1 330 hand 96 14 97 19 226 head 38 12 28 7 85

hip 83 6 23 4 116 101 Jaw 38 2 6 1 47 Knee 1,114 135 330 33 1,612 Leg 400 50 139 16 605 Muscular 4 0 3 1 8 Neck 20 2 5 0 27 Nose 52 15 7 0 74 Rib 25 3 8 0 36 Shoulder 309 24 129 13 475 Teeth 236 61 62 12 371 Testicle 2 1 7 2 12 Thumb 60 10 78 16 164 Toe 11 1 3 1 16 Wrist 70 20 37 12 139 ToTAL 3,892 530 1,477 222 6,121

Injury SummAry rePorT SPLIT By ProvInCe

Connaught 884 Leinster 2,315 Munster 1,397 Ulster 1,524 ToTAL 6,121 GAA Annual Congress

FInAnCIAL STATemenTS For The yeAr ended 31 deCemBer 2010

Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Injury Scheme - Britain

Statement of Management Responsibilities

Management is required to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the scheme and of the surplus or deficit of the scheme for that period. In preparing those financial statements management is required to:

– select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

– make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

– prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the scheme will continue its activities.

Management is responsible for keeping proper books of account which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the scheme. Management is also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the scheme and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

102

Criostóir Ó Cuana Páraic Ó dufaigh UAChTARÁN ARD STIúRThóIR 3 Márta, 2011 An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

CumAnn LúThChLeAS GAeL Injury SCheme - BrITAIn

Report of the Independent Auditors

To the members of Central Council Cumann Lúthchleas Gael We have audited the financial statements of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Injury Scheme – Britain for the year ended 31 December 2010 which comprise the Revenue Account, the Balance Sheet and the related notes. These financial statements, on pages 104 to 94, have been prepared under the accounting policies set out on page 106.

This report is made solely to the members of Central Council. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Council’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors’ report and for no other purposes. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than Central Council and its members for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. respective responsibilities of management and auditors Management’s responsibilities for preparing the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and Generally Accepted Accounting Practices in Ireland including the accounting standards issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland are set out in the Statement of Management Responsibilities on page 102.

Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in accordance with the relevant legal and regulatory requirements and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland).

We report to you our opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Standards and are properly prepared. We also report to you whether in our opinion proper books of account have been kept by the scheme. In addition, we state whether we have obtained all the information and explanations 103 necessary for the purpose of our audit and whether the scheme’s balance sheet and revenue account are in agreement with the books of account.

Basis of opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgements made by the officers in the preparation of the financial statements, and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the scheme’s circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatements, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the financial statements. opinion In our opinion the financial statements, read in conjunction with the Accounting Policies, give a true and fair view, in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice in Ireland, of the state of the scheme’s affairs as at 31 December 2010 and of its result for the year then ended and have been properly prepared.

We have obtained all the information and explanations we consider necessary for the purposes of our audit. In our opinion, proper books of account have been kept by the scheme. The financial statements are in agreement with the books of account.

mazars harcourt Centre Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors harcourt Road Dublin 2 3 Márta, 2011 GAA Annual Congress

CumAnn LúThChLeAS GAeL Injury SCheme - BrITAIn

Revenue Account for the year ended 31 December 2010

2010 2009 € €

Income Team Contributions 50,000 50,000 Contribution from CLG Injury Scheme – Ireland 35,235 35,235 Interest 16,281 12,490

101,516 97,725

expenditure Premiums to Insurers 5,477 7,500 Claims and expenses 61,464 4,153

66,941 11,653

Surplus for year 34,575 86,072 Accumulated Surplus at beginning of year 740,334 654,262

Accumulated Surplus at end of year 774,909 740,334 104

Criostóir Ó Cuana Páraic Ó dufaigh UAChTARÁN ARD STIúRThóIR 3 Márta, 2011 An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

CumAnn LúThChLeAS GAeL Injury SCheme - BrITAIn

Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2010

2010 2009 € €

Current Assets CLG Players Injury Scheme – Ireland 849,512 764,473

Liabilities Claims and expenses accrued 74,603 24,139

Net Assets 774,909 740,334

represented by: Accumulated Fund 774,909 740,334

Criostóir Ó Cuana Páraic Ó dufaigh UAChTARÁN ARD STIúRThóIR 105 3 Márta, 2011 GAA Annual Congress

CumAnn LúThChLeAS GAeL Injury SCheme - BrITAIn

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2010

1. AImS And oBjeCTIveS

The objective of the scheme is to provide benefits to players on teams registered with the scheme who incur accidental injury while playing hurling, Gaelic Football, handball or Rounders in the course of an official game or training session. The scheme is funded wholly from team contributions and a grant from Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Injury Scheme – Ireland together with investment income.

2. oPerATIon oF SCheme

Claims on the scheme are processed by Willis Limited who are engaged as scheme administrators and are responsible for the operation of the scheme. Benefits paid and expenses incurred are reimbursed from the scheme.

3. ACCounTInG PoLICIeS

i) Accounting Convention The financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles under the historical cost convention.

ii) reporting Currency The reporting currency for the financial statements is euro (€). 106 iii) Team Contributions Team contributions are accounted for on a remittance basis.

iv) rebate of Premiums A premium rebate arises in any year where the insurers policy excess is not reached. The financial statements reflect this on a remittance basis.

v) Provision for Claims Provision for outstanding claims is made in accordance with reserve valuation of claims as determined by scheme administrators.

vi) Foreign Currency Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded at actual exchange rates at the date of the transaction. The monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are reported at the rates of exchange ruling at the year end. The resulting differences are dealt with in the Revenue Account.

4. TAxATIon

The Association is exempt from income tax under the provisions of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.

5. APProvAL oF FInAnCIAL STATemenTS

The financial statements were approved on 3 March, 2011. An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

CumAnn LúThChLeAS GAeL Injury SCheme - BrITAIn

Injury Summary Report 2010

Injury Adult Football youth Football Adult hurling youth hurling Total Abdominal 0 0 0 0 0 Ankle 3 0 0 0 3 Arm 0 0 0 0 0 Back 1 0 0 0 1 Collar Bone 0 0 1 0 1 eye 0 0 0 0 0 Finger 1 0 0 0 1 Foot 1 0 0 0 1 hand 3 0 0 0 3 head 1 0 0 0 1 Jaw 0 0 0 0 0 Knee 0 0 0 0 0 Leg 3 0 0 0 3 Rib 1 0 0 0 1 Shoulder 0 0 0 0 0 Teeth 3 0 0 0 3 Thumb 0 0 0 0 0 Wrist 0 0 0 0 0 ToTAL 17 0 1 0 18

107

Number of Teams Registered 2010 as at 31 December 2010

County Adult Football youth Football Adult hurling youth hurling Total Gloucestershire 7 1 19 0 27 hertfordshire 8 1 49 7 65 Lancashire 15 1 25 0 41 London 41 17 59 20 137 Scotland 7 0 14 0 21 Warwickshire 26 5 47 14 92 Yorkshire 17 2 17 0 36 ToTALS 121 27 230 41 419

Injury SummAry rePorT SPLIT By CounTy Albain 0 Gloucestershire 1 hertfordshire 1 Lancashire 0 London 10 Scotland 0 Warwickshire 3 Yorkshire 3 ToTAL 18 GAA Annual Congress

FInAnCIAL STATemenTS For The yeAr ended 31 deCemBer 2010

Páirc an Chrócaigh Teoranta & Subsidiary Companies

Tuarascáil Stiúrthóra Staid an Chrócaigh

2010 was a particularly challenging year for our business operations. Whilst we had made allowances for the cessation of our soccer and rugby deal, the impact of the financial crash on domestic spending was less predictable. In this context, we are pleased to report that Páirc an Chrócaigh Teo posted a solid, profitable performance.

Specifically, the management team are responsible for a group of companies relating to the operation of Croke Park stadium, the Croke Park hotel and other properties, together with hospitality income derived from match days, conferences and concert activity.

In summary, consolidated group turnover for the year 2010 at €36.8m was €14m behind 2009 at €50.8m. This is a decrease of 27% which is directly attributable to the loss of soccer and rugby match income. Consolidated group profits after interest and depreciation but before distribution at €11.4m for 2010 were 47% below our 2009 comparative figure of €21.5m. Nevertheless, tight controls on margins and costs ensured this result was above our budgeted expectations.

In total, An Coiste Bainistí approved a distribution of €7m from the 2010 results. As in previous years, revenue from hosting rugby fixtures during 2010 at €4.05m have been ring fenced for National Infrastructural projects. In addition an €800k grant was provided for the Museum and a further €750k allocated to the Croke Park asset replacement reserve.

108 This asset replacement reserve recognises the accelerated replacement costs that will be incurred due to the exceptional usage of the facilities; for example seat replacement, facilities upgrades and replacement, concrete repairs and pitch works. During 2011 we are committed to a full review of our capital resources in tandem with the preparation of revised strategic targets.

Forming the largest part of the group accounts, the Croke Park operating company, faced a challenging year. Turnover for the year 2010 at €26.7m was down €10.5m on the year 2009 at €37.2m a decrease of 28%. Still 2010 was not without positives. Rental income from our own games generated €8.2m in 2010 an increase of €1m on 2009 at €7.2m, an improvement of 14%. In total we held 60 matches over 27 fixture days, involving 26 different counties, attracting an average attendance of 38,174. In addition to National fixtures we hosted 15 development days at headquarters where children from all across the country were offered the opportunity to play and train in Croke Park.

Our ability to continue to deliver high usage levels is, in no short measure, a tribute to our voluntary stewards. It is fitting that this contribution was recognised when Ireland Involved presented our Chief Steward an award in recognition of his contribution to sport. In addition the stadium management team were awarded two international awards for sustainability and safety at the International Stadium Business Summit, an O2 ability award and a NISO Presidents award.

however our most prestigious achievement was to be the first stadium in the world to be awarded the BS8901 certification for sustainable practice in all areas of social, economic and environmental practice. In practical terms we now divert 54% of our waste from landfill, we have reduced our water consumption by 312,000 litres a day and we have reduced our utilities consumption by 20%. The value of a strong environmental policy is clearly demonstrated when you consider that altogether with concerts, conference attendees and museum visitors are welcomed over 1.5m people to the stadium.

This reduction in footfall will be welcomed by the local community. Indeed in an effort to improve relationships we appointed a Community Liaison person during 2010. In addition a €100k Community Fund was established. This fund has supported community initiatives across a variety of projects including schools, sports, garden and festival. It is our intention to deliver a similar fund every year for the foreseeable future. An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

PÁIrC An ChrÓCAIGh TeorAnTA & SuBSIdIAry ComPAnIeS

Tuarascáil Stiúrthóra Staid an Chrócaigh

Of course the change in footfall is a consequence of 2010 being the last year of our arrangement with the IRFU. I would like to acknowledge the professionalism of both the IRFU and previously the FAI teams in their dealings with us and to wish both organisations well in their new facilities on Lansdowne Road. In the same breath, I would also like to pay tribute to the outstanding contribution to patron comfort and safety that is made by the statutory authorities. For all of us charged with running venues the professionalism of An Garda Siochána, the hSe, St. John’s Ambulance and Dublin Fire Brigade and the seamless way they integrate with our own event management team, our security services and our volunteer stewards ensures we collectively deliver an event, which operates to the highest international standards.

Despite the uncertainties posed by a turbulent economy, our concert partners, MCD delivered an outstanding show in June from the very talented phenomenon that is Westlife. We look forward to continuing to work with MCD to bring the world’s best outdoor concerts to Croke Park in 2011 and beyond and to investigate other innovative concepts that will capture the public imagination.

In other areas of the business 2010 was a difficult year. A noticeable contraction in conference business together with reductions in spend per head has put more emphasis on keeping costs in check and delivering value for money. We succeeded in keeping our booking rates at 2005 levels and improved margins with a 4% decrease in costs with administration costs down 25%, insurance costs down 13% and utilities down 14%. We concentrated on achieving sustainable cost savings whilst maintaining our standards and not diluting the quality of service to our customers. I believe we achieved this.

Rental income from our property portfolio generated income of €423k in 2010 a €73k decrease on our 2009 figure of €496k, a 15% reduction. In addition, we have recognised changed property valuations and we have included an impairment charge of 109 €764k in our 2010 figures.

Interest outflows at €46k for 2010 showed an improvement on the 2009 outflow of €148k. This reflected the difference in costs on our long term borrowings, which remain at €17.1m and income from commercial paper.

Amortised income from our premium customers at €10.1m for 2010 is in line with our 2009 figures. In this context it was heartening that we managed to achieve over a 90% sale through our hogan Stand Premium seats and boxes which came up for renewal during 2010. In difficult economic times we are grateful for the continued support from our long term debenture holders. Our Priomh relationship service which was launched in May 2009 has gone from strength to strength. Our customers recognise the efforts we are making to enhance their experience and based on their feedback we will be introducing a number of new innovations to the system in 2011.

Whilst we can seek to innovate there is no doubt that the success of the Croke Park experience is based on delivering the quintessential Irish experience. In seeking to deliver to this high expectation we receive the wholehearted support of our hospitality partners. I would like to pay tribute to our partners in Fitzers and the Doyle Collection who despite difficult times have maintained the high standards and value for money offering which continues to distinguish us from our more expensive rivals. equally distinguishing itself from their peers, our Museum management team completed a refurbishment of the facility and over the course of the year attracted a credible 82,000 visitors. Further it has enhanced its status by achieving full heritage Council status a full 18 month ahead of target. We are grateful for the contribution of Dermot Gallagher, Professor Sean Freyne and hugh Cawley who serve as external company directors. Due to a different corporate structure the Museum is not consolidated within the PCT group of companies. The accounts are circulated for comment and review to Ard Chomhairle who are members of the company.

It is relatively straightforward to manage activities in buoyant times. however, in a depressed market, the importance of a team effort is brought into a sharper focus. In this respect, I would like to pay tribute to the Croke Park management team, who, GAA Annual Congress

PÁIrC An ChrÓCAIGh TeorAnTA & SuBSIdIAry ComPAnIeS

Tuarascáil Stiúrthóra Staid an Chrócaigh

collectively are responsible for delivering an exceptional performance in exceptional times. Our efforts have been enhanced by the support of the Stadium executive Committee and further by the efforts of our Board of Directors, An Coiste Bainistí and in particular An Uachtarán and the Ard Stiúrthóir. The value of this collective experience in providing guidance, direction and a forum to debate strategy is a key component of our success.

Looking forward it is inevitable that 2011 will be another turbulent year. On the macro level, our economic difficulties will demand drastic action. This action will stifle growth and will impact negatively on the disposable income of our supporters and our customers. Knowing that to be the case is a good starting point; but of more importance is for the team to embrace a ‘can do’ attitude in facing into these testing times. I am pleased that our people are well versed in the values of our Association, that they have the savvy to be flexible in our business dealings and that we will continue to deliver a strong, profitable performance.

Peadar macCionnaith STIúRThóIR STAID AN ChRóCAIGh

110 An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

PÁIrC An ChrÓCAIGh TeorAnTA & SuBSIdIAry ComPAnIeS

Directors and Other Information

directors Criostóir ó Cuana Páraic ó Dufaigh Séamus ó huilín Séamus ó Gormán Resigned 16th April 2010 Bernard ó Conchubhair Resigned 16th April 2010 Tomás ó Dálaigh Resigned 16th April 2010 Roibeard ó hUanacháin Resigned 16th April 2010 eoin ó Dufaigh Resigned 16th April 2010 Seosamh ó Seachnasaigh Resigned 16th April 2010 Seán Mac Giolla Rua Resigned 16th April 2010 Bearnard ó Catháin Nioclas ó Braonáin Resigned 16th April 2010 Pádraig ó Neachtain Conchúr ó hogain Pádraig ó Neill Aobh Mac Amhlaoibh Martin Mc evoy Appointed 16 th April 2010 Seán Breathnach Appointed 16 th April 2010 Gearóid ó’Catháin Appointed 16 th April 2010 Aogán ó’Fearghaill Appointed 16 th April 2010 111 eamonn ó’ Súilleabháin Appointed 16 th April 2010 Pádraig Mac Aogáin Appointed 16 th April 2010

Secretary Peadar Mac Cionnaith registered office Páirc an Chrócaigh Baile Átha Cliath 3

Bankers AIB Bank Lower Drumcondra Road Dublin 9

Bank of Ireland Drumcondra Road Dublin 9

Solicitors Reddy Charlton & McKnight Solicitors 12 Fitzwilliam Place Dublin 2

Auditors Mazars Chartered Accountants harcourt Centre Block 3 harcourt Road Dublin 2 GAA Annual Congress

PÁIrC An ChrÓCAIGh TeorAnTA & SuBSIdIAry ComPAnIeS

Report of the Directors

The directors submit their report together with the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2010.

results for the year The group profit for the year after transfer to the asset replacement reserve is €1,826,143 (2009: €1,081,520), which is transferred to the accumulated fund.

Principal Activities The principal activity of the group consists of the administration, management and redevelopment of Croke Park Stadium.

review of the business and future developments The directors are pleased to report a group profit for the year of €1,826,143 after a distribution of €7,000,000 to Ard Chomhairle and a transfer to an asset replacement reserve of €750,000.

Post Balance Sheet events No events have occurred since the balance sheet date requiring adjustment to or disclosure in the financial statements.

directors The directors of the holding company at the year end are listed on page 111.

directors’ Interests in Contracts There has been no contract or arrangement with the group during the period in which a director of the group was materially interested and which was significant in relation to the group’s business. 112 Principal risks and uncertainties The directors consider that the following are the principal risk factors that could materially and adversely affect the group’s future operating profit and financial position: operational risk Operational risk is the risk of direct or indirect losses due to inadequacy or failure of internal processes, people or systems. Loss of revenue Loss of revenue, customers and key staff are the main risks that could affect the group’s financial position. economic risk economic risk is the risk of direct or indirect losses due to external events. The risk has been minimised by continuous monitoring of the market and competitors, adequate insurance cover and regular management review of the business. The group has insurances and structures to limit these risks and the board of directors regularly review, reassess and proactively limit the associated risks.

Books and records The Directors are responsible for ensuring that proper books and accounting records, as outlined in Section 202 of the Companies Act 1990, are kept by the group. The Directors have appointed appropriate accounting personnel in order to ensure that those requirements are complied with. The books and accounting records of the group are maintained at Páirc an Chrócaigh, Baile Átha Cliath 3.

Auditors Mazars, Chartered Accountants have expressed their willingness to continue in office in accordance with Section 160 (2) of the Companies Act 1963.

Criostóir Ó Cuana Páraic Ó dufaigh UAChTARÁN ARD STIúRThóIR 3 Márta, 2011 An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

PÁIrC An ChrÓCAIGh TeorAnTA & SuBSIdIAry ComPAnIeS

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities

The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and Generally Accepted Accounting Practice in Ireland including the accounting standards issued by the Accounting Standards Board and published by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland.

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the group and of the surplus or deficit of the group for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the directors are required to:

– select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

– make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

– state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and

– prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.

The directors are responsible for keeping proper books of account which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the group to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 1963 to 2009. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the 113 company’s website. Legislation in the Republic of Ireland governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Criostóir Ó Cuana Páraic Ó dufaigh UAChTARÁN ARD STIúRThóIR 3 Márta, 2011 GAA Annual Congress

PÁIrC An ChrÓCAIGh TeorAnTA & SuBSIdIAry ComPAnIeS

Report of the Independent Auditors

To the Board of Páirc an Chrócaigh Teoranta and Subsidiary Companies (a company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital) We have audited the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2010 which comprise the Group and Company Profit and Loss Account, the Group and Company Balance Sheet, the Group Cash Flow Statement and the related notes. These financial statements on pages 116 to 130 have been prepared under the accounting policies as set out on pages 121 to 122.

This report is made solely to the company’s board, as a body, in accordance with Section 193 of the Companies Act, 1990. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the board those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purposes. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s board as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions, we have formed.

respective responsibilities of directors and auditors The directors’ responsibilities for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and Generally Accepted Accounting Practice in Ireland including the accounting standards issued by the Accounting Standards Board and published by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland are set out in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities.

Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in accordance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements and 114 International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland).

We report to you our opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice in Ireland and are properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2009. We also report to you whether in our opinion: proper books of account have been kept by the company; and whether the information given in the directors’ report is consistent with the financial statements. In addition, we state whether we have obtained all the information and explanations necessary for the purposes of our audit, and whether the financial statements are in agreement with the books of account.

We also report to you if, in our opinion, any information specified by law regarding directors’ remuneration and directors’ transactions is not disclosed and, where practicable, include such information in our report.

We read the directors’ report and consider the implications for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements within it.

We consider the implications for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial statements. Our responsibilities do not extend to any other information.

Basis of opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgements made by the directors in the preparation of the financial statements and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Group’s and Company’s circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the financial statements. An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

PÁIrC An ChrÓCAIGh TeorAnTA & SuBSIdIAry ComPAnIeS

Report of the Independent Auditors

opinion In our opinion in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice in Ireland the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and Company’s affairs at 31 December 2010 and of its profit for the year then ended and have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Acts 1963 to 2009, as applicable to companies limited by guarantee and the european Communities (Companies: Group Accounts) Regulations 1992.

We have obtained all the information and explanations we considered necessary for the purposes of our audit. In our opinion, proper books of account have been kept by the company. The financial statements are in agreement with the books of account.

In our opinion, the information given in the Directors’ Report, on page 112, is consistent with the financial statements.

mazars harcourt Centre Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors harcourt Road Dublin 2 3 Márta, 2011

115 GAA Annual Congress

PÁIrC An ChrÓCAIGh TeorAnTA & SuBSIdIAry ComPAnIeS

Consolidated Profit and Loss Account for the year ended 31 December 2010

note 2010 2009 € €

Turnover 36,847,590 50,797,601 Cost of sales (5,855,677) (8,917,790)

Gross Profit 30,991,913 41,879,811 Administrative expenses (11,329,950) (11,814,663) Depreciation 5 (8,279,123) (8,276,939)

operating Profit 11,382,840 21,788,209 Interest (payable)/receivable and similar charges 3 (20,237) (245,320) Impairment on property 5 (764,358) –

Profit before Grants and distributions 10,598,245 21,542,889 Grant paid to Museum (800,000) – Distribution to Ard Chomhairle (7,000,000) (17,000,000)

Profit on ordinary Activities before Taxation 2,798,245 4,542,889 Taxation 4 (222,102) (261,369)

116 Profit on ordinary Activities 2,576,143 4,281,520 Allocation to Asset Replacement Reserve (750,000) (3,200,000)

retained earnings for the year 1,826,143 1,081,520

The group had no recognised gains and losses other than its reported profit for the year.

Criostóir Ó Cuana Páraic Ó dufaigh UAChTARÁN ARD STIúRThóIR 3 Márta, 2011 An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

PÁIrC An ChrÓCAIGh TeorAnTA & SuBSIdIAry ComPAnIeS

Company Profit and Loss Account for the year ended 31 December 2010

2010 2009 € €

Income Rents for matches: Central Council 6,943,343 5,566,552 Leinster council 1,125,101 1,235,930 National leagues 161,209 384,574 Property rents 423,284 496,010 Corporate facilities 10,077,306 10,208,863 hire of facilities 7,145,858 18,751,615 Advertising space 439,140 255,108 Other income 435,197 354,741

26,750,438 37,253,393 expenditure Staff Costs and Security 1,702,568 1,755,977 Administration expenses 409,043 546,692 Repairs and Upkeeps of Grounds and Matchday costs 4,973,190 5,090,753 117 Marketing expenses 305,274 275,709 Redevelopment expenses 439,341 343,176 Rent and Rates 642,061 691,775 Insurances 307,775 355,544 heat, light and power 695,801 808,426

9,475,053 9,868,052

Operating Profit before depreciation and interest 17,275,385 27,385,341 Net Interest (Payable)/Receivable and similar charges (46,035) (147,962) Depreciation (7,116,788) (7,030,796) Impairment on investment (764,358) –

Profit before Distribution and Grants 9,348,204 20,206,583

Distribution to Ard Chomhairle (7,000,000) (17,000,000) Grant to Museum (800,000) – Allocation to Asset Replacement Reserve (750,000) (3,200,000)

Surplus Transferred to Retained earnings Reserve 798,204 6,583

The company had no recognised gains or losses other than its reported profit for the year.

Criostóir Ó Cuana Páraic Ó dufaigh UAChTARÁN ARD STIúRThóIR 3 Márta, 2011 GAA Annual Congress

PÁIrC An ChrÓCAIGh TeorAnTA & SuBSIdIAry ComPAnIeS

Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2010

note 2010 2009 € €

Fixed Assets Tangible Assets 5 155,419,389 162,487,781

Current Assets Debtors 7 10,790,942 6,062,351 Cash and cash equivalents 23,495,674 27,910,755

34,286,616 33,973,106 Current Liabilities Creditors – Amounts falling due within one year 8 (15,983,872) (26,178,673)

net Current Assets 18,302,744 7,794,433

Total Assets less Current Liabilities 173,722,133 170,282,214 Creditors – Amounts falling due after one year 9 (37,783,264) (38,870,574)

135,938,869 131,411,640

represented by: 118 reserves Retained earnings Reserve 11 88,971,367 87,145,224 Asset Replacement Reserve 14 7,150,000 6,400,000

96,121,367 93,545,224 Stadium Redevelopment Fund 12 39,817,502 37,866,416

135,938,869 131,411,640

Criostóir Ó Cuana Páraic Ó dufaigh UAChTARÁN ARD STIúRThóIR 3 Márta, 2011 An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

PÁIrC An ChrÓCAIGh TeorAnTA & SuBSIdIAry ComPAnIeS

Company Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2010

note 2010 2009 € €

Fixed Assets Tangible Assets 5 119,466,401 124,228,594 Financial Assets 6 1,780,850 2,545,209

121,247,251 126,773,803

Current Assets Debtors 7 17,795,224 12,136,879 Cash and Bank Balances 20,729,001 25,145,873

38,524,225 37,282,752 Current Liabilities Creditors – Amounts falling due within one year 8 (14,218,029) (21,941,361) net Current Assets 24,306,196 15,341,391

Total Assets less Current Liabilities 145,553,447 142,115,194 Creditors – Amounts falling due after one year 9 (16,341,023) (16,402,060) 119 129,212,424 125,713,134 represented by: reserves Retained earnings Reserve 11 82,244,922 81,446,718 Asset Replacement Reserve 14 7,150,000 6,400,000

89,394,922 87,846,718 Stadium Redevelopment Fund 12 39,817,502 37,866,416

129,212,424 125,713,134

Criostóir Ó Cuana Páraic Ó dufaigh UAChTARÁN ARD STIúRThóIR 3 Márta, 2011 GAA Annual Congress

PÁIrC An ChrÓCAIGh TeorAnTA & SuBSIdIAry ComPAnIeS

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement for the year ended 31 December 2010

note 2010 2009 € €

net Cash (outflow)/Inflow from operating Activities 13(a) (13,697,232) 6,362,229

returns on Investment and Servicing of Finance Interest paid (20,237) (245,320)

Net Cash Outflow from Returns on Investments and Servicing of Finance (20,237) (245,320)

Capital expenditure and Financial Investment Payments to acquire fixed assets (2,668,610) (7,221,430)

Net Cash Outflow from Capital expenditure and Financial Investment (2,668,610) (7,221,430)

net Cash outflow before use of Liquid resources and Financing (16,386,079) (1,104,521)

Taxation (222,102) (261,369)

Financing 120 Receipts from corporate package renewals 12,086,607 1,107,048

net Cash Inflow from Financing 12,086,607 1,107,048

decrease in Cash in the period 13(b) (4,521,574) (258,842)

Criostóir Ó Cuana Páraic Ó dufaigh UAChTARÁN ARD STIúRThóIR 3 Márta, 2011 An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

PÁIrC An ChrÓCAIGh TeorAnTA & SuBSIdIAry ComPAnIeS

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2010

ACCounTInG PoLICIeS

The following accounting policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items which are considered material in relation to the group financial statements.

Basis of Preparation The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting standards generally accepted in Ireland and Irish statute comprising the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2009 and the european Communities (Companies: Group Accounts) Regulations. The financial statements are stated in euro (€).

Group Financial Statements The Group financial statements include the financial statements of the company and its subsidiaries consolidated on the acquisition basis.

Government Grants Capital grants received are credited against the purchase cost of the fixed asset for which they were received in the year in which expenditure was incurred.

Fixed Assets and depreciation Tangible fixed assets are shown at cost or valuation less accumulated depreciation.

Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets in equal annual instalments over their expected useful lives. The rates applied are as follows: 121 Land nil Buildings 2% Machinery, Fixtures & Fittings 10 - 20% Leasehold Improvements over the term of the lease

Cost for capitalisation purposes represent all costs incurred in bringing the asset to its current location and position. Finance costs incurred during the construction period of tangible fixed assets that are directly attributable to the construction of those assets are capitalised as part of the cost of those assets.

Investment properties The investment property is not depreciated or revalued as it relates to a put and call option exercisable in 2012 which has been capitalised in the balance sheet.

Financial Fixed Assets Investments in subsidiaries are carried at cost less provisions for impairment in value.

Stadium redevelopment Fund Advance sales of term tickets and corporate packages for the stadium redevelopment programme are recognised in the fund. These schemes are amortised in accordance with the policies detailed below. Any surplus left in the fund at the end of the schemes will be recognised at the termination of the schemes.

Corporate Facilities Income from corporate facilities is credited to the revenue account in equal annual instalments over the term of the packages. GAA Annual Congress

PÁIrC An ChrÓCAIGh TeorAnTA & SuBSIdIAry ComPAnIeS

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2010

Foreign Currencies Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate ruling at the date of the transactions. The resulting monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the balance sheet date and the resulting exchange differences are dealt with in the revenue account.

Pension Scheme The group operates both defined benefit and defined contribution pension arrangements. The defined benefit arrangement provides benefits based on final pensionable pay. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company, being invested under trust. The group share of contributions to the scheme is charged to the Revenue Account.

1. oPerATInG ProFIT

The operating profit for the group has been arrived at after charging: 2010 2009 € €

Auditors remuneration 35,000 40,850 Directors’ remuneration – – Depreciation 8,279,123 8,276,939 122

2. emPLoyeeS And remunerATIon

The average number of employees working for the group during the year was: 2010 2009

Grounds staff 3 3 Marketing and Administration 20 20 Management 8 8

31 31

2010 2009 € €

Wages and salaries paid/payable 1,190,766 1,189,874 employer PRSI 159,348 172,064 employer pension costs 132,386 101,306

1,482,500 1,463,244 An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

PÁIrC An ChrÓCAIGh TeorAnTA & SuBSIdIAry ComPAnIeS

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2010

3. neT InTereST (PAyABLe)/reCeIvABLe And SImILAr ChArGeS 2010 2009 € €

Net Interest (Payable)/Receivable (20,237) (245,320)

4. TAxATIon 2010 2009 € €

Corporation tax 222,102 261,369

5. TAnGIBLe ASSeTS – ComPAny Land & machinery, Fixtures Leasehold Buildings & Fittings Improvements Total € € € €

Cost At 1 January 2010 143,047,907 34,837,064 160,740 178,045,711 Additions in year 28,425 2,401,784 – 2,430,209 123 Transfer to current assets (75,614) – – (75,614)

At 31 December 2010 143,000,718 37,238,848 160,740 180,400,306

depreciation At 1 January 2010 28,170,279 25,486,098 160,740 53,817,117 Charge for year 3,119,354 3,997,434 – 7,116,788

At 31 December 2010 31,289,633 29,483,532 160,740 60,933,905

net Book value At 31 December 2009 114,877,628 9,350,966 – 124,228,594

At 31 December 2010 111,711,085 7,755,316 – 119,466,401

Included within machinery fixtures and fittings is a finance lease with a NBV of €181,483 at 31 December 2010. GAA Annual Congress

PÁIrC An ChrÓCAIGh TeorAnTA & SuBSIdIAry ComPAnIeS

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2010

5. TAnGIBLe ASSeTS – GrouP Land Fixtures Leasehold Investment & Building equipment & Fittings Improvements Property Total € € € € € €

Cost At 1 January 2010 149,099,404 7,512,251 35,322,261 160,740 29,300,000 221,394,656 Additions in year 28,425 60,131 2,580,054 – – 2,668,610 Transfer to current assets (460,363) (233,158) – – – (693,521 Impairment charge (764,358) – – – – (764,358)

At 31 December 2010 147,903,108 7,339,224 37,902,315 160,740 29,300,000 222,605,387

depreciation At 1 January 2010 28,183,329 4,133,704 26,429,102 160,740 – 58,906,875 Charge for year 3,119,355 963,911 4,195,857 – – 8,279,123

At 31 December 2010 31,302,684 5,097,615 30,624,959 160,740 – 67,185,998

net Book value At 31 December 2009 120,916,075 3,378,547 8,893,159 – 29,300,000 162,487,781 124 At 31 December 2010 116,600,424 2,241,609 7,277,356 – 29,300,000 155,419,389

Included within machinery fixtures and fittings is a finance lease with a NBV of €181,483 at 31 December 2010. The land and building held by Croke Park Motors Ltd has been impaired by €764,358 at 31 December 2010 and the value has subsequently been accounted for at €1,785,867 based on the directors’ valuation.

6. FInAnCIAL ASSeTS Company Group € €

Shares in Gambetto Limited 2 – Shares in Lauris Limited 2 – Shares in Brindare Limited 2 – Shares in Croke Park Motors Limited 1,780,841 – Shares in Mercury Investments Limited 3 –

1,780,850 –

All of the above subsidiaries are 100% owned by the parent company. The investment in Croke Park Motors Ltd has been impaired by €764,358 at 31 December 2010 and the value has subsequently been accounted for at €1,780,841 based on the directors’ valuation. An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

PÁIrC An ChrÓCAIGh TeorAnTA & SuBSIdIAry ComPAnIeS

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2010

7. deBTorS Company Group € €

Debtors and prepayments 4,697,272 8,863,542 Due from Revenue – 376,699 Related party balances 13,097,952 1,550,701

17,795,224 10,790,942

8. CredITorS – AmounTS FALLInG due WIThIn one yeAr Company Group € €

Creditors and accruals 3,966,624 6,090,064 Deferred Income – 70,263 CLG Investment Scheme 7,206,062 7,206,062 Related Party Balances 3,045,343 2,617,483

14,218,029 15,983,872 125

9. CredITorS – AmounTS FALLInG due AFTer one yeAr Company Group € €

Term Loans 10,000,000 10,000,000 Creditors 92,121 92,121 Net obligation for renewals 6,248,902 6,248,902 Net obligation on repurchase of hotel – 20,415,966 Capital Allowances due – 1,026,275

16,341,023 37,783,264

10. deTAILS oF BorroWInGS Within one year After one year Total €’000’s €’000’s €’000’s

maturity Analysis Repayable other than by instalments: Deposit and Loan Scheme 7,206 – 7,206

Repayable by instalments: Term Loan – 10,000 10,000

Total 7,206 10,000 17,206 GAA Annual Congress

PÁIrC An ChrÓCAIGh TeorAnTA & SuBSIdIAry ComPAnIeS

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2010

11. reTAIned eArnInGS reServe Company Group € €

At 1 January 81,446,718 87,145,224 Surplus for year 798,204 1,826,143

At 31 December 82,244,922 88,971,367

12. STAdIum redeveLoPmenT Fund 2010 2009 € €

Corporate Packages At 1 January 37,866,416 47,400,686 Subscriptions during year 12,086,607 1,107,048

49,953,023 48,507,734

Direct expenses – (432,455) 126 Transfer to Revenue Account (10,135,521) (10,208,863)

At 31 December 39,817,502 37,866,416

Total Stadium Redevelopment Fund 39,817,502 37,866,416 An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

PÁIrC An ChrÓCAIGh TeorAnTA & SuBSIdIAry ComPAnIeS

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2010

13. CAShFLoW STATemenT 2010 2009 € €

a) reconciliation of operating Surplus to net Cash Inflow from operating Activities Surplus before Grants and Distributions 10,598,245 21,542,889 Impairment charge 764,358 – Transfer to current assets 693,521 – Depreciation 8,279,123 8,276,939 Interest payable 20,237 245,320 Increase in Debtors (4,728,591) (311,514) (Decrease)/Increase in Creditors (11,388,604) 4,249,913 Ard Chomhairle distribution (7,000,000) (17,000,000) Museum Grant Payment (800,000) – Direct expenses of Stadium Redevelopment Fund – (432,455) Transfer from Stadium Redevelopment Fund (10,135,521) (10,208,863)

Net Cash (Outflow)/Inflow from Operating Activities (13,697,232) 6,362,229 127

b) reconciliation of net Cashflow to movement in net Funds Decrease in cash in the period (4,521,574) (258,842) Net Funds at 1 January 10,811,186 11,070,028

Net Funds at 31 December 6,289,612 10,811,186

Analysis of changes in net Funds At 31 dec At 1 jan 2010 Cashflows 2010 € € €

Bank Balances and Cash 23,495,674 (4,415,081) 27,910,755

Debt due within one year (7,206,062) (106,493) (7,099,569) Debt due after one year (10,000,000) – (10,000,000)

6,289,612 (4,521,574) 10,811,186

14. ASSeT rePLACemenT reServe Company Group € €

Asset Replacement Reserve 7,150,000 7,150,000

The Board of Directors have allocated €750,000 to an Asset Replacement Reserve for the year ended 31 December 2010 for the future redevelopment of the stadium. GAA Annual Congress

PÁIrC An ChrÓCAIGh TeorAnTA & SuBSIdIAry ComPAnIeS

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2010

15. reLATed PArTy TrAnSACTIonS

Transactions between Páirc an Chrócaigh Teoranta and Ard Chomhairle resulted in net income to Páirc an Chrócaigh Teoranta amounting to €1,248,931 (2009: net expenditure of €9,863,862). Loans (including interest) totalling €7,206,062 were owed to Ard Chomhairle at the year end (2009: €7,099,569). Páirc an Chrócaigh Teoranta and Ard Chomhairle are subject to common control.

Páirc an Chrócaigh Teoranta and Musaem Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Teoranta are related by way of common directors.

Grants for redevelopment of Croke Park amounting to €20,330,882 are repayable under certain circumstances at the discretion of Ard Chomhairle.

Gambetto Limited, Lauris Limited, Mercury Investments Limited, Croke Park Motors Limited and Brindare Limited are wholly owned subsidiaries of the company. Páirc an Chrócaigh Teoranta granted Gambetto Limited a 99 year lease of land owned by the company at a rent of €300,000 per annum, subject to five year rent reviews. Lauris Limited is a company engaged in the development on land owned by Páirc an Chrócaigh Teoranta. The principal activity of Brindare Limited is to operate on licensed premises, that was subject to a management charge of €900,000 during the year ended 2010.

Páirc an Chrócaigh Teoranta received a dividend from Gambetto and Croke Park Motors amounting to €211,236 and €24,520 respectively.

The following balances were outstanding with related parties at the year end:

128 Amounts (payable to)/recoverable from related parties Company Group € €

Due to Ard Chomhairle (2,617,483) (2,617,483) Due to Lauris Limited (427,860) – Due from Gambetto Limited 3,187,881 – Due from Mercury Investment Limited 3,475,490 – Due from Croke Park Motors Limited 2,662 – Due from Brindare Limited 5,228,593 – Due from Musaem CLG 1,203,326 1,550,701

10,052,609 (1,066,782)

A distribution of €7,000,000 has been confirmed as payable to Central Council for the year ended 31 December 2010 (2009: €17,000,000). €3,100,000 remains due at the year end. An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

PÁIrC An ChrÓCAIGh TeorAnTA & SuBSIdIAry ComPAnIeS

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2010

16. PenSIon PremIumS

Cumann Lúthchleas Gael operates both a defined benefit and defined contribution pension arrangements. The Assets of the Scheme are held separately from those of the Association, being invested under trust. The company’s share of the contributions to the schemes is charged to the Revenue Account.

The defined benefit arrangement is a multi-employer scheme and provides benefits based on final pensionable pay. A valuation of the defined benefit arrangement was carried out on 1 January, 2010. and on 31 December 2010 for the purpose of the accounting disclosure. The valuation was carried out by a qualified independent actuary using the Projected Unit Method for valuing the pension liabilities.

This involves assessing the amount required at the balance sheet date, based on the assumptions made, to provide for all benefits accrued to that date, allowing for assumed future increases in the accrued benefit to retirement. Such increases were in line with salary increases. To value the liabilities certain assumptions were made by the actuary. The valuation includes assumptions with regard to the return on various asset classes.

These assumed returns are summarised in the table below:

Assumptions 31 dec 2010 31 dec 2009

Rate of return 5.086% 5.32% 129 Discount rate 5.100% 5.40% Inflation 1.900% 2.00% Salary escalation 1.900% 3.00% Increases to pensions in payment 0% 0%

It is not possible to identify the underlying assets and liabilities in the defined benefit scheme that relate to the company on a consistent and reasonable basis. however the market value of the assets in the pension scheme as a whole, the expected rate of return and liabilities of the scheme were as follows:

Long term rate of value at Long term rate of value at return expected 31 dec 2010 return expected 31 dec 2009 at 31 dec 2010 at 31 dec 2009 €’000 €’000

equities 7.0% 2,120 7.0% 1,872 Bonds 3.8% 2,394 4.2% 2,020 Property 6.5% 59 6.5% 59 Cash 1.9% 334 2.0% 284

Total market value of pension scheme assets 4,907 4,235 Present value of funded pension liabilities (4,362) (4,116)

Net pension surplus 545 119

The pension costs for the year amounted to €52,962 (2009: €84,750). The contribution rate in respect of the defined benefit arrangement was 22% of pensionable salaries and an amount to fund the scheme. GAA Annual Congress

PÁIrC An ChrÓCAIGh TeorAnTA & SuBSIdIAry ComPAnIeS

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2010

17. CommITmenTS And ConTInGenT LIABILITIeS

a) Capital Commitments At 31 December 2010 capital commitments of nil existed.

b) Contingent Liabilities State Grants in the amount of €114m and Ard Chomhairle grants in the amount of €20m are repayable under certain circumstances.

Under the arrangement to finance the building of the hotel by its subsidiary company (Gambetto Limited), Pairc an Chrocaigh Teoranta has:

i) Provided a counter indemnity to the bank to a maximum of €6.73m in respect of rental income payable to the Investor by Gambetto Limited over a seven year period from the date the hotel was opened;

II) Agreed to assign as security for borrowings the 99 year lease between the company and Gambetto Limited.

18. APProvAL oF FInAnCIAL STATemenTS

The financial statements were approved by the directors on 3 March, 2011.

130 An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

Na Rúin : Motions

notes on motions

• motions 1 to 14 are submitted under riail 3.43 (a) (iv) (3) in the name of Ard Chomhairle arising from a report of the rules Advisory Committee.

• motions no. 26, 27 and 45 are submitted by Ard Chomhairle in accordance with riail 3.43 (a) (iv) (5).

oFFICIAL GuIde PArT 1 (7) Amend rule 6.4 o.G. Part 1 2010 – Playing restrictions (Clubs) by adding to exception (2): (1) Amend rule 1.6 to read: “A player who plays on an Independent Team shall be “The Rules of the Association shall be printed in Irish a registered member and player of his parent Club, and and english”. shall retain his membership of that Club during and Ard Chomhairle at the conclusion of his playing participation with the Independent Team.” (2) In rule 3.11 – elections – delete the final paragraph on Rules Affected: Rules 2.2, 2.3, 6.2, 6.3 and 3.21 (c) (as it Page 18, O.G. 2010 – “The County Convention may also relates to the Definitions of home Club) O.G. Part 1 2010. elect ...... may from time to time decide”. Ard Chomhairle Rules possibly affected: Rule 3.21 (a) O.G. Ard Chomhairle (8) Amend rule 6.16 o.G. Part 1 2010 – Inter-County Intermediate hurling by adding as Section (c): (3) (1) Amend Rule 3.11 O.G. by inserting “Childrens’ “(c) Those who have played on the winning team in Officer” in place of “Youth Officer”. 131 the preceding year’s All-Ireland Intermediate (2) Amend Rule 7.2 Club Constitution by insertion of Championship Final.” “Childrens’ Officer”. Ard Chomhairle Ard Chomhairle (9) Amend rule 6.38 national Leagues o.G. Part 1 2010 (4) Amend rule 3.18 – Bye Laws, o.G. Part 1 2010 by as follows: inserting, as a second last paragraph, the following: – Delete the word “exception” between the two “It may, for the purposes of compliance with the paragraphs. General Rules and standardisation, and following – Amend the second paragraph to read: consultation between its Bye-Laws Sub-Committee and the County Committee concerned, approve “The National Football and hurling Leagues shall amendments to a proposed Bye-Law. Such a Bye-Law be constructed in order that they are completed, shall become operative immediately and without the including Finals, over no more than eight weeks but necessity of it receiving further approval of a County or not necessarily successive weekends”. special County Convention”. exceptions: Ard Chomhairle (1) Nine weeks allowed for Division 1 of both the National Football and hurling Leagues. (5) Amend rules 3.31 – Council (Provincial Councils) and 3.46 (a) – Council (Central Council). o.G. Part 1 2010 by (2) Ten weeks allowed for Division 4 of the National deleting the word “consecutive” as it relates to the five Football League.” year terms of office of Representatives on the Councils. Ard Chomhairle Ard Chomhairle (10) Amend rule 7.1 – disciplinary jurisdiction, o.G. Part 1 (6) Amend rule 3.50 (a) – management Committee by 2010 as follows: adding at the end “and the Finance Director” (without – In (a) the opening two lines to read: voting rights)”. Consequently delete the word “and” in the “Central Council, Provincial Councils, County third last line. Committees and Overseas Units shall have within Ard Chomhairle their respective …...... ” GAA Annual Congress

Na Rúin : Motions

– Add to (c): “In all Football Games and Practice Football Sessions, it is “including any penalty imposed by an Overseas mandatory for all players to use a mouth guard.” Unit.” (Note – effective Dates of this Rule – For Grades up to Ard Chomhairle and including Minor – January 1st 2012; For all players – January 1st 2013 (11) Amend rule 7.11 – Appeals, o.G. Part 1 2010 by adding (b) Adopt a new rule (as 6.2 – Dissent, with existing a new Section (c) Rules 6.2 to 6.5 being re-numbered accordingly) in the (with existing Sections (c) to (r) being re-lettered Rules of Football, O.G. Part 2 2010 as follows. accordingly): “6.2 to fail to comply with a Referee’s instruction to use a – “(c) Overseas Units (other than Britain) shall make mouth guard. provision for an appeals process within their internal Penalty – Caution the offender; order off if he persists.” structures. Only in exceptional circumstances (Note – effective dates of this Rule: determined by the Central Council Management Committee may an appeal against a decision of For grades up to and including Minor – January 1st 2012; an Overseas Unit be made to the Central hearings For all players – January 1st 2013). Committee.” Rules affected: Rule 1.2(v), Rules of Control, O.G. Part 2 – The opening line of Rule 7.11(a) shall state: 2010. “Subject to Rule 7.11(c) and (d) below a Member or Ard Chomhairle Unit, …….” oFFICIAL GuIde PArT 1 Ard Chomhairle 132 (15) That Rule 1.13 (a),(b) of the Official Guide be amended to oFFICIAL GuIde PArT 2 include: (12) (1) Amend rule 4.1 – Duties of Sideline Official, Rules “Penalty: As prescribed in 7.2(e)”. of Control by adding The downs, Iar mhí as a Section (e): (16) Aims and ethos “(e) to monitor and report breaches of Match Regulations”. Insert New Rule – Code of ethics and Good Behaviour – False Allegation. (2) Amend rule 1.6 – report of referee, Rules of Control by adding prior to last sentence: A false allegation made by a member of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, under the Association’s Guidelines for “Breaches of the Match Regulations, as reported by Dealing with Abuse affecting the good name or character the Sideline Official”. of another member, shall be deemed to have discredited Rule affected: Rule 4.1 – Duties of Sideline Official, the association. Rules of Control. “Penalty: As prescribed in Rule 7.2(c)” Ard Chomhairle (Insert new Rule numbered 1.15. All other rules to be (13) Amend rule 4.2(i) (re hurling helmets), rules of re-numbered accordingly.) Specification, o.G Part 2 2010 by adding the words: Gaeil na heirne, Fearmanach “that meets with the standard set out in IS: 355 or other replacement standard as determined by the National (17) That the term Co. Committee be deleted and replaced by Safety Authority of Ireland (NSAI).” Co. Board. Rules affected: Rules 1.2(v), Rules of Control, and 6.2 The Rules to refer: 3.10, 3.11, 3.19, 3.20, 3.21, 3.22. 3.23, Rules of hurling, O.G. Part 2 2010. 3.24, 3.28, 3.34, 3.39, 4.4, 4. 5, 4.11 4.13, 4.14, 4.14, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 (b), 6.3 (b), 6.4 (B1), 6.8, 6.21, 6.22, 6.26, 6.40 Ard Chomhairle (c), 7.1, 7.11 (b) and (c) and anywhere else it arises in (14) (a) Adopt a new rule (as 4.3, with existing Rules 4.3 to OFFICIAL GUIDe. 4.5 inclusive being accordingly re-numbered) in Rules of naomh Iosaif, Sr na Cathrach, An Clár Specification, O.G. Part 2 2010 as follows: An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

Na Rúin : Motions

(18) (A) That in Rule 3.11(a), the words “Public Relations (C) That a new section be added to the Rule as follows Officer” be deleted and be replaced by with the existing sections (ix to xiii) be re numbered “Communications Officer”. accordingly: Rules affected or possibly affected: Rules 3.19; 3:22 (ix) Irish Language Committee 3.22(ix); 3.23; 3.27; 3.34(viii) T.O. 2010. It shall be responsible for the Irish Language. (B) That in Rule 3.27(a) the words “and P.R.O.” be Coill an Chlochair, Tír eoghain deleted and be replaced by “and Communications Officer”. (22) That Rule 3.11 (a) TO (2010) be amended to read as Rules affected or possibly affected: Rules 3.31; follows: 3.34(viii); 3.11(a); 3.22(ix); 3.23 T.O. 2010. A County Committee shall consist of the Officers, the Corcaigh Central and Provincial Council Representatives (who shall be ex-officio members), other representatives of District (19) That the current Rule 3.11 (b) T.O. whereby voluntary Committees or Clubs as set out in the County Bye laws, GAA officers are obliged to step down after holding a the County Referees’ Administrator and a representative position for five years be amended and the following of the following Committees: County handball, County wording added: “An Officer shall be entitled to seek a Primary Schools, County Post Primary Schools. A nomination and be elected to that same office after a representative of the Ladies Gaelic Football County further five year period has elapsed from the original Committee and a representative of the Camogie County stepping down date”. Committee may attend County Committee meetings in a ruan, An Clár non voting capacity. Remainder of Rule unchanged. 133 (20) Ag tagairt do Riail 3.11 (a) Treoraí Oifigiúil 2010 molaimid An Bhoth, muineachán an t-athrú seo: “Oifigeach Cultúr/Gaeilge le Gaeilge cumarsáide/feidhmiú”. (23) That Rule 3.43(a) (iv) (3) of the Official Guide 2010 Part 1, In relation to Riail 3.11(a) Treoraí Oifigiúil 2010 we be amended to read as follows: propose the following change: “Officer for Irish Language Any Motions consequent upon a Central Council and Culture with a proficiency in Irish”. Sub-Committee Report, except Motions to alter part 2 of eochaill, Corcaigh the Official guide that contains the Playing Rules. Rules Affected – Rule 3.43(a)(4) and (d). (21) (A) That Rule 3.11 (a) of the Official Guide 2010 Part 1 be amended to read as follows: An Goirtín & Cill dhreasa, Tír eoghain/ naomh mhuire, Tiobráid Árann/eire Óg, An Clár Subject to the exceptions hereunder: (A) The Annual County Convention shall elect the (24) That Rule 3.43(a) (iv) (5) of the Official Guide 2010 Part 1, following Officers of the County Committee, who be amended to read as follows: shall hold office until the conclusion of the next A maximum of three Motions other than those listed in Annual Convention: Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, the Categories listed above except Motions to alter part 2 Secretary, Assistant Secretary, if desired; Treasurer, of the Official guide that contains the Playing Rules. Assistant Treasurer, if desired; Development Officer, Rules Affected – Rule 3.43(a)(4) and (d). Coaching Officer, Officer for Irish Language, Officer for Culture, Youth Officer, Public Relations Officer, An Goirtín & Cill dhreasa, Tír eoghain/ and hurling Officer, if desired. Cill Sioláin & Cill Chais, Tiobráid Árann/eire Óg, An Clár (B) That Rule 3.22 (viii) of the Official Guide 2010 Part 1 (25) Motion 3.43 (d) Cultural Committee be amended to read: The first sentence to be deleted and replaced by the It shall be responsible for Scór and other Cultural following: “Motions to revise Playing Rules may be tabled Activities. only every three years”. naomh Iosaif, Sr na Cathrach, An Clár GAA Annual Congress

Na Rúin : Motions

(26) That a new rule be enacted and be included in Chapter 3 County is a designated County as provided for in (as Rule 3.56) as follows: Condition (1) below, while continuing to be eligible A Standing Committee, appointed by Central Council to play with his home Club. shall monitor the Playing Rules of hurling and the Playing The following Conditions shall apply: Rules of Football on an ongoing basis with regard to: (1) The County availing of this Rule is not participating (a) the Interpretations of the Rules in the All-Ireland Senior hurling Championship (Liam and McCarthy Cup) or Division 1 of the National League. (b) the Implementation of the Rules. (2) A County availing of this Rule may have a maximum of five such players sanctioned in any Championship The Standing Committee shall have the responsibility of Year. bringing forward to the October Meeting of the Central Council each year, proposals for any amendments it (3) The permission of a Player’s home County must be considers necessary for the deliberation of Congress of obtained. the following year. (4) A Player may avail of this Rule for only one County, County Committees shall have the right to submit and may not declare for a home County for Football. proposals to the Standing Committee but it is for the (5) If a clash of Championship Fixtures arises between Standing Committee to decide what proposals or an that of a Player’s home Club and that of the County amalgamation of proposals if they relate to the same Rule availing of this Rule, the player shall play with his are submitted to Central Council for consideration. home Club. In years not divisible by five, only Motions on the (6) Permission to avail of this Rule shall be for one Playing Rules that have been proposed by the Standing Championship Year at a time, and application must 134 Committee and approved by Central Council, may be be made annually for renewal of permission. included on the Congress Agenda. The closing date for Applications each year shall be the In years divisible by five, Motions on the Playing Rules may 31st March. be submitted as permitted in Rule 3.43. john mitchells, Warwickshire Rule affected: Rule 3.43 O.G. (29) That Rule 6.13 (b) be amended to read as follows: existing Rules 3.56 – 3.60 inclusive be re-numbered accordingly. (a) A player intending to play on a longer term basis in the area governed by one of the following Ard Chomhairle Boards – the New York Board, the Canadian Board (27) That the Penalty in rule 5.1 – use of Property be or the Australasian Board – must obtain an Official amended to read as follows: Sanction in duplicate, signed by his Club Secretary, the County Secretary and the Director General (or “In the event of any Club, County Committee or Provincial other designated person). Council acting contrary to this Rule, that body shall be subject to suspension or fine, as deemed appropriate”. (b) A player intending to play on a longer term basis in the area governed by the North American County Remainder of Rule to remain unchanged. Board must obtain an Official Sanction or an Official Ard Chomhairle J1 Sanction in duplicate, signed by his Club Secretary, the County Secretary and the Director General (or (28) That the special circumstances provided for in Riail 6.7 other designated person). and its subsequent conditions in Treoiraí Oifigiúil 2010 A player who has been included on an Inter-County (eligibility for Weaker hurling Counties) as stated below Senior Championship list submitted to the Referee, be deleted. in accordance with Rules of Specification 2.5 (ii) (a) For Senior Inter-County hurling Competitions, a player, for a game in the current year’s Championship shall subject to the conditions hereunder, shall be entitled to: not be eligible to be accepted for Registration as a (a) Declare for the County of birth of a parent; or member of any Club in the North American County (b) Play for the County of Residence, provided this Board Jurisdiction. An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

Na Rúin : Motions

exception: A player who has been included on an year. Participation in the Provincial and/or All-Ireland Inter-County Senior Championship list submitted Club Championships, other than allowed in Rule 6.4 to the Referee, in accordance with Rules of exception 3, grades a player by the relevant status of that Specification 2.5 (ii) (a), for a game in the current championship. year’s Championship, who holds a valid current J1 A player shall not thereafter play in a current year’s Visa or meets the eligibility requirements to obtain Competition (Championship, Relegation Play-Off, a J1 Visa, and who obtains an Official J1 Sanction League etc.) of a lower grade than that of his current in duplicate, signed by his Club Secretary, the Championship status. County Secretary and the Director General (or Gaill Tír, Port Láirge other designated person), may be accepted for registration. (34) That Rule 6.22 (5) of the Official Guide 2010 be amended north American County Board as follows: Change to part (a): (30) That Rule 6.13 b (iii) of the Official Guide 2010 Part 1 be amended to read: Add to end of present part (a) “One League point shall be deducted from that club for each un-played game.” A Sanction shall not be granted after July 1st for players intending to play in Canada, or after July 20th for players Change to part (b): intending to play in New York or North American County Add to end of present part (b) “One League point shall be Board areas. deducted from that club for each un-played game” donegal GFC Boston Change to part (c):

(31) That Rule 6.13 ( c ) i of the Official Guide 2010 Part 1 be Opening paragraph (c) to remain unchanged. Parts (i) to 135 amended to read: (vi) to be reordered and re-worded as follows: A player who remains permanently (beyond one playing (I) a play-off may be used only in the following season) in the North American County Board OR circumstances: Canadian County Board Jurisdictions shall be eligible to (1) If the possibility of play-off has been agreed obtain a transfer. Applications shall be lodged in Croke before commencement of competition and Park on or before march 31st. time allows. Baltimore Bohemians, nACB (2) If the teams involved are tied for a knock-out/ relegation spot. I.e. No play-off will be allowed (32) Rule 6.18 Age Grades: where teams are tied for placings. Delete Minor (U.18). Be under 18 years and over 14 years. (3) extra Time must be played in all-play-off games Replace by the following: where necessary. “Minor U/19. Be under 19 years and over 14 years”. (4) Only game play-off game shall be played where Rules Affected: 3.21(a) and (c), 6.4, 6.28, 6.35, 6.44 O.G. possible. Part 1; 3.5 and 3.6 Rules of Specification, O.G. Part 2. (5) i.e. if 3 teams finish level for two qualifying places, 1st place amongst the three teams shall naomh Iosaif, Sr na Cathrach, An Clár be as in the order below and 2nd place will be (33) That Rule 6.20 be amended to read: decided by a play-off. A player is graded by his Championship status. Where (II) The club which has conceded the fewest amount the Championship is run on a league basis, a player that of walk-overs and/or has had the fewest amount of starts one higher grade championship game or comes games awarded against them. on twice as a substitute in a higher grade championship (III) Where two Teams only are involved – the outcome game may not be subsequently regraded during that of the meeting of the two Teams in the previous championship year, e.g., if a player starts once or comes game in the Competition. on twice in a Senior Championship he is graded Senior (IV) Scoring Difference (subtracting the total Scores for the remainder of that championship year and may Against from total Scores For). not be subsequently regraded during that championship GAA Annual Congress

Na Rúin : Motions

(V) highest Total Score For. (38) That the second last paragraph of Rule 6.28 (A)(1) of the (VI) Scoring Average (divide total Score Against into total Official Guide 2010 Part 1 be amended to read as follows: Score For). Provincial Runners Up shall be allowed a thirteen day gap (1) exception (for parts iv, v & vi only) If the between their Provincial Final and their participation in accumulated scores of a team, so involved, are the All-Ireland Qualifier Series. affected by a disqualification, loss of game on Rule Affected: Rule 3.51 O.G. a proven objection, retirement or walk over, domhnach maighean, muineachán the scores (For & Against) of this team shall be discounted from all teams score difference, (39) The Rules affected by this motion are Rule 6.28 T.O. 2010 scores For & Scoring Average. and Rule 6.29 T.O. 2010. A disqualification shall only affect further participation in Rule 6.28 (A) to (G) T.O.2010 to remain unchanged. the current Championship involved and not the following That the words “All-Ireland Under-21 Football and year’s Championship or qualification for it. In the context hurling Championship” be removed from Rule 6.28 of a disqualification, in any promotion or relegation (h) T.O. 2010 and replaced by the words” All-Ireland process, a team shall retain the points it has won in a Under-21 hurling Championship”. Rule 6.28 (h) to now stage of the Championship run on a League basis. read as: Rule Affected: Rule 3.4 Rules of Specification. (h) Other All-Ireland Championships Béal An Áth, Tiobráid Árann The All-Ireland Junior Football Championships, and the All-Ireland Under-21 hurling Championship shall be (35) That Rule 6.22 (5) (c) of the Official Guide 2010 Part 1 be organised initially on a Provincial basis with the winners, amended as follows: 136 going forward to the All-Ireland Series. The pairings for “Where teams finish with equal points for Qualification the All-Ireland Series shall be on a Rota System, initially for the Concluding Stages, or for Promotion or Relegation determined by the Central Council. Counties may organise Play Offs. Should they decide not Rule 6.28 (I) T.O.2010 to remain unchanged. to do so, the following must apply: (i) Where two Teams only are involved – the outcome of the meeting of the That the following be inserted as Rule 6.28 (J): two Teams in the previous game in the Competition. (ii) (J) All-Ireland U21 Football Championship Scoring Difference (subtracting the total scores from total i. Provincial Championships for) (iii) highest total for”. The remainder of the Rule to These Championships shall be played on a knock out remain the same. format. The winners of the Provincial Championships St Lomans, Iar mhí shall qualify for separate All-Ireland Championship Quarter-Finals. (36) That the following be added to Rule 6.26 of the Official Guide 2010 Part 1: ii. All-Ireland Qualifier Series Round 1. This round shall include all the counties “The Provincial and All-Ireland club championships that do not qualify for the Provincial Semi-Finals. shall be completed prior to the commencement of the following year’s National League competitions”. A preliminary game(s), which may be on an arranged basis, shall be played to reduce the number of teams Rules affected: Rule 3.32, 3.33 & 3.51 O.G. to sixteen. CLG roibéard emmet, Aontroim An open draw shall then be made to determine the eight pairings. (37) That Rule 6.26 (ii) be amended to allow teams that win County Intermediate and Junior Championships be Round 2. each of the eight teams defeated in the allowed to play in provincial club championships even if Provincial Semi-Finals shall play against one of the they have a team in the club at a higher grade by deleting eight winners from round 1. A draw shall be made to eligibility Rule (ii). determine the eight pairings. muillte ui Cheallachain, An Clár Round 3. This round shall involve the eight winners of round 2. A draw shall be made to determine the four pairings. An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

Na Rúin : Motions

Round 4. each of the four teams defeated in the (40) Amend Rule 6.28 O.G. by including the following as Provincial Finals shall play against one of the four Section(I) (with current Section (I) becoming Section (J)): winners of Round 3. A draw shall be made to “All-Ireland Masters (over 40’s) football and hurling determine the four pairings. Championships shall be organised by Central Council. iii. All-Ireland Quarter-Finals The Central Competitions Controls Committee shall give each of the four Provincial Champions shall play one permission to Counties to participate. The Competitions of the four winners from Round 4 of the qualifier. shall be played in two groups with a Quarter-Final, Subject to the respective Provincial Champions Semi-Final and Final.” not meeting the defeated Finalists from their own Burrishoole, maigh eo Province in this Round, a draw shall be made to determine the pairings. (41) The mick mackey Cup minor hurling Championship. iv. All-Ireland Semi-Finals. The Mick Mackey Cup shall be organized in addition to A Provincial Rota system initially determined the All-Ireland Minor hurling Championship. by Central Council, shall apply. If a Provincial Championship winning team that defeats it shall Teams eligible to play: take its place in the Semi-Final. In Munster; those 4 teams who play in the all Ireland v. All-Ireland Final. Minor hurling Championship who do not reach the Provincial Final in that province; That the words “The Provincial Under-21 Football Championships shall be played in conjunction with the In Leinster; those 4 teams who reach the Semi-Finals period of the National Football League.” be removed and its penultimate game in the provincial All-Ireland Minor hurling Championship proper and don’t play in the from Rule 6.29 (a) T.O. 2010 and replaced by the words 137 “The Provincial Under-21 Football Championships shall Provincial Final in that province; be completed by the end of April”. Rule 6.29 (a) to now The Quarter-Final runners up in the all Ireland Minor read as: hurling Championship series; are eligible to play. a) Senior Provincial Championships in the Provinces The structure of the competition shall be as follows: that have to send forward Teams to compete in the All-Ireland Championships shall begin no The Mick Mackey All-Ireland Minor hurling Championship earlier than the third weekend in May and shall be shall be organised initially on a Provincial basis in Munster decided during that month, June and July, unless and Leinster. The Munster and Leinster winners shall deviation is allowed by the Central Council on the go forward to the Semi-Finals in the all Ireland Mick recommendation of the Central Competitions Mackey series. The runners up in the minor All-Ireland Control Committee. Minor Provincial Championships Championship Quarter-Final shall go forward to the shall commence after the completion of All-Ireland Semi-Finals of the All-Ireland Mick Mackey competition. Post Primary Schools Competitions in the respective Draw: code on the second weekend of April, and shall be The winner in Munster Mick Mackey provincial decided during the months of April, May, June (as competition may: authorised by Central Council, based on Second Level Schools’ examination dates) and July. In 1 play the winner in Leinster Mick Mackey cup exceptional circumstances, Provincial Senior and competition; Minor Finals may, by the sanction of the Central 2 the runners up in the Quarter-Final All-Ireland Competitions Control Committee, be played on minor hurling championship (i.e. teams from the first Sunday in August. The Provincial Under-21 Ulster/Conaught provincial winners/runners up Football Championships shall be played completed in the Leinster Provincial Final All-Ireland hurling by the end of April. Provinces shall send forward championship). Teams to compete in All-Ireland Championships on The winner in Leinster Mick Mackey provincial cup the dates required by the Central Council. competition may: naomh Teagain, Cill mhantáin 1. Play the winner in Leinster provincial Mick Mackey cup competition; GAA Annual Congress

Na Rúin : Motions

2. The runners up in the Quarter-Final All-Ireland For Inter-County Senior Championship fixtures, the Minor hurling championship. (i.e. if teams is from Committee responsible shall appoint neutral Umpires and Ulster/Connaught provincial winners/runners Linesmen from alternative Counties other than that of up Munster Provincial Final All-Ireland hurling the Referee in charge of the match. One of the linesmen championship). shall be nominated in advance as the stand-by Referee. Subject to avoidance of Repeat Pairings, where feasible, It shall also appoint a Sideline Official for all Inter-County a Draw shall be made to determine the Pairings. The first Senior games. Team drawn in each pairing shall have a home Venue. Contae An Lú Finals are played at neutral venues. (43) That Rule 6.44 of the Official Guide Part 1 – Closed Final to be played by the 1st Sunday in September. Months/Collective Training be amended to read as That this rule be read in addition to rule 6.28 F Treoir follows: Oifiguil 2010 and become 6.28 F. The month of November shall be closed for all games (b). existing Rule 6.28 F to become 6.28 F (A). involving Inter-County teams and collective training for Inter-County panels. Ahane, Luimneach Remainder of Rule to remain the same. (42) 2. That Rial 6.41 (Appointment Of Match Officials) of Cúl an tSudaire, Laois T.O. – Part 1 2010 be amended as follows: The second last line to be removed “For Inter-County (44) That Rule 6.44 of the Official Guide 2010 Part 1 be Senior Championship fixtures, the Committee amended to allow for the following change: responsible shall appoint neutral linesmen, and one The commencement date for collective training of 138 of the linesmen shall be nominated in advance as Inter-County Minor hurling and Football be brought the stand-by Referee” and replaced with: forward to Feb 1st. “For Inter-County Senior Championship fixtures, Amendment: “Minor hurling and Football – February 1st”. the Committee responsible shall appoint neutral Cill Sioláin & Cill Chais, Tiobráid Árann Linesmen & Umpires from alternative Counties other than that of the Referee in charge of the match. (45) That rule 7.2 – Infractions be amended as follows: One of the linesmen shall be nominated in advance (1) In 7.2 (b): as the stand-by Referee.” After the Penalties outlined for Category II Remainder of Rule to remain unchanged. Infractions, insert the following: The Rule would now read: exceptions (on trial basis): 6.41 – Appointment of match Officials In cases arising from the 2012 Allianz Leagues The Central Council, Provincial Council (subject to the and All-Ireland Senior Championships, the above provisions of Rules 3.34 (a)(ii) and 3.54 (b)) and County Penalties shall be substituted by: Committees shall have the absolute power to appoint the match officials for all Games under their respective (i) Minimum: One Match Ban in the same Code Jurisdictions. The Council or Committee may delegate the and at the same Level, applicable to the next appointment of Umpires and Linesmen to the Referee, game – Allianz League or Senior Championship, except where otherwise provided for in this Rule. even if that game occurs in 2013. The respective Referees’ Administrator at County and (ii) Minimum on Repeat Infraction: Two Match Provincial levels shall be a member of the Committee Bans in the same Code and at the same Level, responsible for the appointment of Referees at these applicable to the next games – Allianz League levels. he shall not be entitled to discuss any other or Senior Championship, even if one or both business or to vote on it, other than for the appointment games occur in 2013. of referees, where a Referee is unable to act, a substitute (2) In 7.2 (b) shall be appointed by the Secretary of the Committee- After the Penalties outlined in Category III in-Charge, or in the case of a Referee who is unable Infractions, insert the following: to contact the Secretary, the Referee may appoint a substitute. exceptions (on trial basis): An Chomhdáil Bhliantúil 2011

Na Rúin : Motions

In cases arising from the 2012 Allianz Leagues otherwise amend his Report with the exception of and All-Ireland Senior Championships, the above clarifying the identified ambiguity. Penalties shall be substituted by: (f) Disciplinary Action alleging Misconduct at Games (i) Minimum: Two Match Bans in the same Code and at Infractions may only be commenced by the the same Level, applicable to the next game of the Competitions Control Committee where: Allianz League or Senior Championship, even if that 1. The Referee’s Report discloses the alleged game occurs in 2013. infraction; or (ii) Minimum on Repeat Infraction: Three Match Bans 2. The Referee has failed to submit his report in the same Code and at the same Level, applicable within a period of 10 days after the game to the next games – Allianz League or Senior concerned; or Championship, even if one or both games occur in 3. The Competitions Control Committee has 2013. made a decision pursuant to Rule 7.3(d)(2). Rule affected: Rules 5 in both hurling and Football Playing Other Rules possibly affected: Rule 7.3(aa)(1)(vi), O.G., Rules O.G. 2010. Part 1; Rule 1.1, Rules of Control, O.G., Part 2. Ard Chomhairle Sáirséil Liagáin, An Longfort (46) That Paragraphs (d), (e) and (f) of Rule 7.3 Treoir Oifigiúil (47) The following is added to Rule 7.5 of the Official Guide 2010 be deleted and replaced by the revised paragraphs Part 1, Suspensions – Interpretation of Terms: (d), (e) and (f) hereunder: “Team” shall mean the team’s status at which the Rule 7.3 Suspension concerned was incurred e.g. Senior (including (d) Disciplinary Action shall commence where: Intermediate & Junior), Under-21 or Minor age groups. 139 1. a Referee’s Report discloses an alleged (The following Rules to be amended accordingly: Infraction; Rule 7.2(b) Category I (ii); 7.2(b) Category II (i) & (ii); 7.2(b) 2. the Competition Control Committee, of it’s own Category III (i) & (ii); Rule 7.2(b) Category IV (i) & (ii); Rule volition, decides, following a review of available 7.2(b) Category V(b) (i) & (ii); Rule 7.2 Definition of “Repeat evidence, that Disciplinary Action is appropriate Infraction”; Rule 7.2(c) Categories Ia, IIa, IIIa & IVa; Rule arising from Competitions or Games in respect 7.5(h)(3) & (4).) of an alleged Infraction not referred to in the naomh Cillian, Ard mhacha Referee’s Report, or alternatively where, and notwithstanding the fact that, an alleged oFFICIAL GuIde PArT 2 Infraction is disclosed in the Referee’s Report and adjudicated on by the Referee prior to (48) That Rule 3.5 of the Official Guide Part 2 be amended to the submission of his Report,that Disciplinary read as follows: Action in respect of an alternative Infraction “Unless the Management Committee of Central Council should be substituted being satisfied that it is otherwise permits on a application by a Competitions more appropriate and warranted. Control Committee, extra time shall be obligatory in or the following competitions: Inter-County Under-21 Championships (excluding All-Ireland Finals), Inter County 3. The Management Committee decides that Minor Championships (excluding the Provincial and Disciplinary Action is appropriate arising All-Ireland Finals), Inter County Intermediate hurling, otherwise than from Competitions or Games. Inter County Junior Football, the knock-out stages of (e) The Competitions Control Committee may make the National Leagues, Inter Provincial Competitions, a written request for Clarification from a Referee Oireachtas and other Inter County Tournaments, Inter where there is ambiguity in his Report in relation to Club Provincial and All-Ireland Championships (excluding an Infraction which occurred and which has already the Provincial and All-Ireland Senior Finals), the Sigerson been adjudicated on by the Referee but such request and Fitzgibbon Cups, and any other games in subsidiary shall not be construed so as to extend to afford competitions.” the Referee an opportunity to revise the category Liam mellows Coolgreany, of any alleged Infraction already adjudicated on or Loch Garman & An urnaí, Cill dara GAA Annual Congress

Na Rúin : Motions

CLuB ConSTITuTIon

(49) Ag tagairt do Riail 7.2 (Bunreacht Club agus Rialacha) Treoraí Oifigiúil 2010 molaimid an t-athrú seo: “Oifigeach Cultúr/Gaeilge le Gaeilge cumarsáide/feidhmiú, chomh fada agus is féidir”. In relation to Riail 7.2 (Bunreacht Club agus Rialacha) Treoraí Oifigiúil 2010 we propose the following change: “Officer for Irish Language and Culture with a proficiency in Irish, as far as possible”. eochaill, Corcaigh

140 Thanks to our Sponsors

The Central Council of the GAA wishes to place on record its appreciation for the help in the promotion of our games received from the following sponsors in 2010.

SuperValu, Ulster Bank and Vodafone as the official sponsors of the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship.

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

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

Cadbury as the official Bord Gáis as the official sponsor of the GAA sponsor of the GAA Football U21 All-Ireland Hurling U21 All-Ireland Championship. Championship.

ESB as the official sponsor Vodafone as the official of the GAA Football and sponsor of the GAA All GAA Hurling All-Ireland Stars. Minor Championships.

Vhi Healthcare as the GAA Central Council would also like to sincerely thank official sponsor of the GAA Coca Cola, the official sponsor of the GAA Féile na nGael; Cúl Camps. Ulster Bank, the official sponsor of GAA Third Level Competitions; and Lucozade Sport, the official sponsor of the GAA Games Development Conference, for their support throughout the year.

Cúl Green is an initiative between ESB and the GAA aimed at making Croke Park a carbon-neutral stadium. GAA, Páirc An Chrócaigh, GAA, Croke Park, Baile Átha Cliath 3 Dublin 3

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