TURASCAIL AN RUNAÍ 2018 / SECRETARY REPORT 2018

How should we evaluate the year Association. The fact that they ground and lose consciousness. 2018 for Down GAA, how would might take place within the the report be signed off, would it be confines of GAA property is not The perpetrator has in 10 seconds a must improve comment, would it excuse for acceptance of and maybe gone from watching a game be a case of fair to average with turning a blind eye to such on a Sunday afternoon or a Friday more commitment needed, would incidents, if these incidents were evening to being someone who we say can and must do better, or happening on a public street after a now faces a charge of Murder or a case of potential but hard work Saturday Night out they would be Manslaughter. That is reality there needed. There were good things deemed to be assault and is no dressing it up or no happened in Down GAA in 2018, Grievous Bodily Harm. They would minimising the damage that can be occasions when we hung out our lead to prosecutions and possible caused when we forget that we are brightest colours and showed how sentencing all of which can have a at a GAA Match. One Punch can can deliver to the highest standard. huge impact on the life of the victim have such an effect on the victim and the transgressor. on their family, their community There were other occasions when and in the reverse One Punch can mediocrity was the norm and we Someone will get badly hurt in have a similar effect on the became very good at mediocracy some of these incidents if they are Perpetrator, their family and their and then there was the ugly when to continue at our Grounds, The community. No one in the GAA we showed the Country our poor One Punch message has been should be subject to either, in the and unacceptable side. Yes, for part of a campaign by the GAA and North of the GAA has Down GAA it was a year of mixed the Authorities in recent times and witnessed enough heartbreak for feelings and mixed emotions, pride it is a very real message. Facts are its members in our troubled history, and shame shared equal space in that One Punch could kill and that we do not need to start now to 2018 in the world of Down GAA. is in honesty something none of us bring this back upon ourselves. would ever dare to dream of Stamping this type of behaviour out The eyes of the Country and happening at a GAA game but at our games is within our own gift, indeed if we take Social Media into reality is that it could. For a we need now to seriously address account the eyes of the world were moment let us think of the the matter, and our Rulebook focused upon us when images repercussions and the offers us sanctions that permit us from one of our fixtures went viral consequences of such for one to deal with such incidents at our and everyone was shocked by person it could mean the end of games. Yes, we might need to take what they saw. The images their life and all because they account of societal changes to represented all that should not be attended a GAA game or they allow us to fully deal with matters about the GAA, physical violence made a throw away comment or but we need too to look at our Mind has no place in our games or were too vocal for someone else -set. indeed at any level in our and they are struck, they fall to the DOWN COUNTY GAA - 2018 ANNUAL CONVENTION 8

In the GAA world today when a then it can follow down to Clubs, the penalty is offered by the CCCC at Club Chairperson or Secretary has County, Provincial or National Level to be strong enough to say No, we the first inclination is to immediately did wrong and we are accepting the launch a request for a Hearing. penalty. Failure to do this by Even when guilt is apparent and Counties and Clubs going forward obvious, even when supported by will only mask the situation until that video evidence, the inclination is to day that none of us want when go on the offensive and to find a someone will find themselves facing loophole that gets our Man Off. a custodial sentence for their actions on a GAA Pitch or within the We go to arm ourselves with confines of a GAA Ground. Solicitors and Barristers who will scan the rulebook and also seek to The scenes that we witnessed this delve in the archives to see if there year are not what we encourage our was perhaps a DRA Judgement that young people to see when we look might in some obscure way get our for them to join our Clubs, we have Man Off and sure we will have him in my mind the greatest games in the next day and we will win that the world why would we let them game. There might also be the become tarnished when all we defence whereby really it was the really have to do is treat people with CCCC fault in the first instance or respect. indeed the fault of the Match Officials. We have all seen The fact that we have the greatest instances of these events games in the World was particularly happening where something flashes evident at the end of June 2018 up on the great Arm of Social Media when Down along with Louth and You Tube, we see evidence of Meath hosted National Féile. What wrongdoing and then we hear later an occasion that proved to be as that everyone was cleared and any the Clubs of Down responded to the proposed action was overturned. call and proved to be outstanding hosts. The fact that Féile was under There is an onus on Counties in the leadership of the National first instance and I say Counties in Chairperson Diarmuid Cahill was that I believe that the leadership going to be a huge factor in its must come from the top to start to success for we in Down are indeed say, No, our man did do wrong and privileged to have a man of his we are accepting the penalty. calibre in our ranks. Counties must be prepared then to say to the Team Manager that the Thirty-Eight Clubs played host to particular player was guilty and that visitors from every County in Ireland the proposed penalty is being and Beyond, Contacts had been accepted. Do I believe that Counties made weeks and months in will take that stance? Well I believe advance, clean ups had been that if we are to be leaders in our organised and all of our Grounds Association then we must be and Facilities were looking prepared to do so. magnificent in anticipation.

I am not saying that we just accept When it came Friday Afternoon on everything but I am saying that if we the 29th of June Down GAA and the look at the Official Guide and we Clubs of Down had hung out our genuinely feel that we have brightest colours and were ready to evidence that would be welcome guests and ready to open incontrovertible in overturning an their homes to fellow Gaels. It was error by a match official then yes, to be a fabulous weekend for the we seek a hearing that is permitted visitors and also most importantly in the GAA Process. for the Down Clubs who were acting as hosts. If Counties take the lead in such

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COUNTY SECRETARY REPORT 2018

No stone was left unturned as pay tribute to the Men of 1968, 50 back in 1968, they were National everyone rolled up their sleeves years on from their All Ireland League Champions, All Ireland and made a he effort to ensure that success over Kerry. This was a Champions and lest we forget Féile 2018 would be long special occasion and with the World Champions, they were a remembered as one of the best Bank Club Awards to be breed apart. ever and as a highlight of the GAA presented it was a night where year in Down. Club and County were coming So in evaluating 2018 yes we had together as one. How great it was lows, we were relegated to Division Everyone has their own particular to have so many of the Team and Three, we tamely exited the Ulster memories of that weekend for me Management with us and to be Championship and our inter county visiting grounds on the Saturday joined as well by greats from Kerry season was over in June, we lost and seeing the smiles on people’s and Cavan, we spared a thought to some great people from our ranks, faces as everyone was genuinely for those of that era no longer with taken too soon from us. Our lowest embracing the spirit of Féile, of the us, Our Joe Lennon, Team ebb as a County was though in the Parade in Newcastle on the Manager Gerry Brown and disgraceful scenes in a Club Saturday evening as we walked stalwarts Brendan Sloan and Pat Fixture in October of this year, along the Main Street on an McAlinden all great men who scenes that should never ever be occasion when the GAA came to played their part. On the night we repeated in our County, we all Town. On the Sunday in Clonduff were honoured too to have with us have a duty to make sure that this where the dimutive Scottish Team Donie O Sullivan, Tom never ever happens again. were rushing their schedule to Prendergast and Brendan Lynch make the next boat and this was from Kerry as well as Gabriel Kelly We had highs though too, as said not the Strangford Ferry they were and Jim McDonnell from Cavan, we hosted Féile and we also aiming to catch and at Finals in who I have to say all had no hosted the celebrations for our Burren where teams went toe to hesitation in wanting to be there, 1968 All Ireland winning team, we toe and there was not a sweeper in we really appreciated their had excellent County Finals at all sight. presence. grades and by and large good County Championships. We are It was an exhausted Our own John Devaney was an focused on delivering Planning that went to sleep on Sunday Night excellent master of ceremonies Permission in 2019 for our Down but smiling in the recall of a job and there was consensus that this GAA Centre at Ballykinlar and we well done and where once again had been a special night where we are continuing to make progress in just like in Congress of 2010, Down were able to honour our Club Stars addressing our Financial GAA showed that we are good at of 2018 and the men of 1968 fifty Commitments. what we do. years on, men who helped make us who we are today. They In Summary 2018 was a mixed Just a few weeks ago we came deserve every tribute that we can report for Down GAA, we have to together in the Canal Court Hotel give them for they achieved the take everything on board and we to host our County Dinner and to highest accolades for this County, have to learn.

DOWN COUNTY GAA - 2018 ANNUAL CONVENTION 10

County Teams you otherwise. Now delivery has to particular kicking three points. If 2017 had been a year of promise come from within, those players for us, then 2018 came with great who wear the Red and Black at The Weather was to prove a big expectation and we were looking any level and in any code have to factor in the next outing v forward to the season ahead have the desire and the work ethic after much debate on the day as to especially when we were set to to want to make success happen, whether the game would actually commence the Season with a the burning desire must be from take place or not, it was finally Home tie against Armagh in the Dr within the jersey. agreed that after a twenty-minute McKenna Cup and add to that a delay in the start time due to Heavy Home Ulster Championship tie v The demands on an Inter County Fog that the game would go Antrim in 2018. It looked as if now player are said now to be greater ahead. The delay in the start time that we were going to get a run of than ever but if that is the case to seemed to suit Down and with Home fixtures at Pairc Esler and be true then it must also be said Celtic Park slowly clearing of Fog the tide seemed to be turning, we that the benefits for an Inter County goals from Sean Dornan and Kevin had in 2017 returned to Croke Park player are also greater. The McKernan put Down 2-7 to 0-8 and 2018 was looked forward to welfare of the County player is ahead at Half Time. Derry reacted with optimism. paramount now, excellent medical well in the second half, with Enda cover is in place for all teams, Lynn prominent were soon back in Alas it was to be a misplaced travel allowances are paid and a the game, and had struck four optimism and was to prove to be weekly food allowance is also in unanswered points as the game indicative of a malaise that has situ, top quality gear and footwear ebbed and flowed. The fog was seemingly affected Down Football is provided and health and well- now turning the game into a lottery over recent years, where we take being matters are also addressed. I and with Down holding on to a two- two steps forward and them have often felt that the only thing to point lead, the ball was misplaced seemingly three steps backwards. improve about Down County by a Down defender who seemed We fail to build on what should Football and in recent to give a pass straight to Niall seem natural, it is eight years now times has been the lifestyle of the Toner for the Derry man to put the since we burst out on to Croke Inter County player and therein lies ball in the net. No one could even Park and were one point away the challenge- Is the Down see who had given the ball away or from winning an All-Ireland title. In Footballer and Hurler really who had actually scored but the that time since we have reached prepared to go that extra mile in lights of the scoreboard now read two Provincial Finals without 2019? Do they believe that we can Derry 1-14 Down 2-10. success and have had no trophies and will succeed? And will they do to show for our efforts on the what it takes to get a football team It was a night that questioned the football field bar in 2018 an Ulster out of Division Three and a Hurling merit of playing these fixtures at Minor League Shield. We look like Team out of Division 2B. Our Stock this time of year, a game that was we can deliver, we are already going into 2019 is low indeed not over until nearly 10.00pm and fuelled with optimism that in 2019 across both Codes we are at our which saw players finally get home in May we will play host to Armagh lowest point now but let us hope it in the wee small hours and in the Ulster Championship and is a case of the Darkest Hour everyone had to be at their work that we can win. Where does that before the Dawn. early the next morning. Perhaps it optimism come from? for we are would be an idea for the pre- now in reality a Division Three 2018 began with a Dr McKenna season competitions to be team, we have not won an Ulster Cup tie meeting with Armagh in regionalised as opposed to being Title for 25 years and really we Pairc Esler and the return of Jim played on a Provincial basis if we have been seen to be aristocrats McCorry to the Inter County Side- are going to have mid-week but with a soft under belly, hard line this time with Armagh, over fixtures. Would there be merit in work and County success do not 1,500 supporters turned up to Meath Louth and perhaps Sligo seem to be in our vocabulary. watch what turned out to be an being included in a 12 Team Dr entertaining 70 minutes of football. McKenna Cup? And being in a There is a new management team On the night, it was to be Armagh group with regional Ulster in place our fourth management who were successful winning by 2- neighbours. We don’t have to team now from 2010 and all of the 12 to 0-13 with goals coming from reinvent the wheel the old North previous in their own style and Andrew Murnin and Ronan Lappin. East Minor Competition involving manner worked very hard to make Meath and Louth would surely give Down successful again, nothing Down gave debuts to Arron us the template to be innovative was spared in Team preparation, Morgan and Ronan Millar and with no journey being more than an anything asked for was delivered there was definite promise shown Hour on a Wednesday night. upon, no management could tell by these two men with Millar in

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Down v UUJ had fallen foul to the Kevin McKernan, Donal O Hare before the break and Down went in frost in Burren on the first Sunday and Darren o Hagan helped Down leading by 0-9 to 0-3 to the delight and now we were back again to build on a half time lead and of the hardy Down souls who had Burren where was Connaire Harrison took up where braved the elements to travel. The hoping that he would get a win he left off in 2017 by tormenting the second half was a backs to the wall under his belt ahead of the Louth Louth Full back and finished with 1- performance from Down against clash in the Allianz League. It was 3 to his name. The 2018 League the breeze and the elements and a dead rubber game but Eamonn campaign had got off to a good there was a great boost when Mark Burns was pleased with the team start on the road with Down Reid produced a great save from a performance and the highlights winning 1-14 to 0-11. Ciaran Murtagh penalty. Inspired were a goal from Connaire by Darren O Hagan in defence and Harrison and three points from play Since 2010 Cork have been a a great performance from Niall by Shay Millar. So on a score line thorn in the side of many Down Donnelly at Midfield Down held on of 1-14 to 0-9 Down overcame the Teams, our result against them in to run out winners 0-12 to 0-7. So students and could now look 2017 had seen us remain in the after three games we had four forward to the commencement of second Division and that draw in points all of which had been gained the Allianz Football League. Pairc Ui Rinn had been our best in away from home and now we in living memory against the Rebel our hearts knew that a win against It is worth noting that Donegal were County. In a tight Division you Clare next time out in would the winners of the Dr McKenna need to be winning your Home put us in a good place with three Cup when they beat Tyrone in the games and especially if you have games to come after that. final. I will be accused of indulging only three Home games then you in nostalgia but I believe that we do need to be securing two points In 2017, the day in Clare had should aim to win the Dr McKenna at home. So with a win already proved to be one of our darkest Cup in 2019. The competition was gained on the road it was clear that days in the annals of Down GAA the first Senior Trophy Down had if Down were to win their three and in 2018 Clare were once again won when it was captured in 1944, Home games then they should be to be the rock on which we would I also recall the late TP Murphy safe in Division Two. ultimately perish. The performance being most annoyed when Down that day in Newry was very put out a weakened team in the The performance against Cork was disappointing especially on the Final of the Competition in the sluggish in the first half and it was back of the victory over early 90’s, he believed you didn’t largely through the free taking of Roscommon, perhaps the focus of give other counties a sniff of Anthony Doherty that Down went in the Down players was not on silverware if you were ruthless at Half time just one point in completing the job and all but enough. Donegal and Tyrone who arrears. We all expected the team guaranteeing Division Two status contested the final in 2018 were to kick on and especially after Shay with three games to go. At the both in the Super eights, one was a Millar had brought the sides level outset in my remarks I talked of the Provincial Champion and one was after half time. It was not to be reality that in recent time we have an All-Ireland finalist yet in January however and Cork would outscore taken one step forward and two 2018 they both wanted to win the Down in the second half by 1-6 to 0 steps backward and the Clare Dr McKenna Cup for they are -4 with a Mark Collins goal after 55 game was a testimony to that imbued in a winning culture. We minutes being decisive. In the cold theory. have at all ages to develop that light of day, assessment would tell winning culture and no better way you that it was going to be a tough Down missed 21 opportunities on to start than with a Dr McKenna call for Down to stay up if we were that day in Newry either a case of Cup in 2019. not winning our home games. wides or a case of the ball into the Goalkeepers hands. Straight from Back to 2018 and the Allianz The snow was on the ground in Dr the throw in Clare had a goal as Football League saw us travel to Hyde Park as Down landed in they moved unhindered through Drogheda for the first game of the Roscommon to play the hosts, the Down defence and by half time League v Louth and a meeting Match Referee Sean Hurson took they led by four points albeit Down between Eamonn Burns and his account of the thaw in the air and had got back into the game with a former Manager Pete McGrath. gave the go ahead for the game to goal of their own from Donal O The Gaelic Grounds in Drogheda is proceed. In the first half Down Hare. The second half was owned always a tight ground to get a win played some of their best football by Down but they could not finish in and on a day when there was a of the year and against all the odds the chances created, a penalty was strong breeze and a heavy pitch were 0-6 to 0-0 up on Roscommon put over the bar and close in frees Down had to dig in. The after 18 minutes. Both teams were missed whereas Eoin Cleary introduction from the bench of managed three further points was impeccable from placed balls

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COUNTY SECRETARY REPORT 2018 for the Banner men. was saved, within 13 minutes we not had too many such fixtures were 2-2 to 0-1 down and the over the years. There is a sense of As time ran out Down were still two heads were well and truly hitting anticipation and a pride in getting points adrift and it was a frustrated the ground. It didn’t get any better your ground ready to host a Eamonn Burns who shook his as Kevin McKernan picked up a Championship, there is a buzz as head when the final whistle blew Black Card and at Half Time Meath people put their shoulder to the and Down were on the wrong end were leading by 2-7 to 0-8. Goals wheel and make things happen. of a 1-12 to 1-10 score line. This win games and in the second half was a game that we should have Meath added two more and at the The Provincial Championship, do won comfortably and now we were end of the game, there was nine that they create that sense of pride back into a relegation dogfight with points between the teams on a of place and local rivalry that is two of the last three games away score of 4-14 to 1-14. unique to the GAA and in the from home. bigger debate, I must say I firmly The game v Tipperary now had to believe in the Provincial A Saturday night trip to Kingspan be played and we had to hope that Championships. Breffni was next up for Down as Louth and Pete McGrath would do the optimists amongst us hoped for us a huge favour by in turn beat The men of 1968 too were guests a third win on the road. In an Meath in Drogheda. The of the Ulster Council on 26th May exciting first half Down were bookmakers gave little chance of in Newry and also for the first time playing some very good football that happening and as proved to we had an Under 20 Curtain raiser and went in at half time one point be they are rarely wrong. This was as opposed to the traditional Minor up and showing great character in a case of us winning the battle but Football curtain raiser. A Kevin that first half. Tempers frayed at losing the war, in a game that was McKernan goal before half time set Half time and the Down Manager largely forgettable we beat Down on their way and although Eamonn Burns was sent to the Tipperary by 2-11 to 1-11 thanks to we always looked comfortable, you stand for the second half. The goals from Sean Dornan and Donal do have nervous moments. At half game seemed to be slipping away O Hare. time the lead was one of seven from Down as Cavan with the points with Down 1-9 to 0-5 ahead breeze at their backs kicked on Reality was that we were even though Kevin McKernan had and established a three-point lead, relegated, we had six points been lost to a black card just on but Down showed great accumulated in the League, one the stroke of Half time. Donal O determination and as we moved more than last year when we had Hare was to amass seven points towards injury time we had got survived but fate had in a sense on the day with Anthony Doherty back to level. An injury to Shay caught up with us. We had lost two establishing himself too as a sweet Millar stopped play as Down of our three home games and striker of a dead ball with three moved in on goal, a hop ball only when we all reflected the Clare points from long range frees. It was penalised Down and it was Cavan defeat in Newry was the big point. a case of Job done as Antrim were then who were to get the next three defeated 1-18 to 0-14 and an scores in injury time to win by 0-17 The focus on that day was Ulster Semi Final beckoned and to 0-14. elsewhere we were not calculated once again, we dared to dream enough to go out and be clinical that momentum would gather and The other results on the weekend and just win the game ensuring we might yet be on the cusp of dictated that we were now in big that we were in control of our own glory days again. trouble and in affect we were now destiny, days like that and results going to be dependent on other like that mean that you fail to Donegal were to be the opponents Counties doing us favours. The achieve. 2010 and Croke Park in the Semi Final and alas, this home game v Tipperary fell foul of looked a far distant memory and game was a bit like the game v the snow and ice, what had worked even 2017 in the Meath in the League in that it was in our favour in Roscommon had paled compared to relegation over before we even got going. worked against us in Newry as the to Division 3 of the League. game was postponed. All of this Fourteen-man Donegal reached meant that we were going to Players went back to their Clubs the Ulster SFC final with a facile 2- Navan and needed a win against for the commencement of the Club 22 to 1-12 win over Down at Meath. season as we turned our attention Clones. Despite the dismissal of The game in Navan was really over to meeting Antrim in the Ulster full back Neil McGee after just 11 before it even got started, with just Championship in Newry. Having an minutes, Declan Bonner’s men 10 seconds gone Down should Ulster Championship game at bossed the contest and were never have had the ball in the back of the home means a lot to a County in trouble against a Down side that net but Connaire Harrison’s effort especially those of us who have failed to push their game anywhere

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COUNTY SECRETARY REPORT 2018 near the realms of championship pride had been restored in the associated with Down having been intensity. We were flat in our Down jersey but the facts don’t lie part of both Ross Carr’s and performance; after twenty-five and on the 23rd June it was a James McCartan’s Management minutes it was 1-8 to 0-0 before harsh reality that all Down Football Team. I wish Paddy and his Caolan Mooney got a point for Teams were out of all selectors every success. Down. It was sad to watch us competitions. struggle to even get the ball to a This year we had a new Down player from a Kick out and There was no knee jerk reaction competition as the Under 21 was Clones the scene of so many of from Eamonn Burns and his no more and we now went an age our great triumphs was proving to management team in the aftermath lower at Under 20, also the Under be a big graveyard. The half time of the game but it was the following 20 Competition was now to replace break did not bring any respite and week when the Down Manager the Minor competition as the with 15 minutes gone in the second announced that he was stepping curtain raiser to Senior half Donegal led by 15 points as down after three years at the helm. Championship Fixtures. The Down followers headed for the exit. Management team of Conor Eamonn Burns had done the Deegan, Michael Walsh, Bernie For those who stayed to the end County some service when against Ruane and Paddy Hardy remained we witnessed a thirteen-point all advice he had agreed to in place and they worked hard from defeat and a case where very few become team manager in the start of the year to have the if any Down players could emerge November of 2016 at a time when team prepared for the with credit. The long wait for an the Down job was portrayed by all Championship. Ulster Title was to continue as we and sundry as the poisoned chalice were now in our most barren spell of . Eamonn Burns Antrim were the visitors to Newry in Inter County Football from prior had answered his county’s call and this was a game where both to our first Ulster Title win in 1959. when others had looked at their teams went out and played free CV’s and thought not, he had given flowing football from start to finish, The Qualifier draw was awaited as a full commitment to the job and at there were seven goals in the we sought salvation in a Home all times he was a gentleman to game and I suppose in these days Draw but alas, that was not within deal with whose only objective had of analysis the pundits would say it our remit and a trip to Brewster been to work for the good of Down. asked more questions than it gave Park and a meeting with Cavan answers. Down were winners by 4- was to be the destination. The I was very proud to have stood on 15 to 3-13 and there were fine display against Cavan was our a side line beside Eamonn Burns, individual displays by Conor best since the win over to have stood with him as he was McRickard, Daniel Guinness and Roscommon in the League, the subject to questioning by the media Pierce Laverty to name but a few. players showed a determination after games always there when it There was optimism now as people and a hunger that had been would have been easy to send headed to Clones for an Ulster missing since then and at Half time someone out and say that we had Semi Final double bill with the despite losing Kevin McKernan and nothing to say post match. I thank Under 20s meeting Derry, with the Connaire Harrison to black cards Eamonn and those who worked Oak Leaf County team containing Down led by two points. An upset with him for their commitment to players who had won the Ulster definitely looked on as mid-way the Red and Black, to Cathal Minor in 2017 and who had been through the second half Down led Murray, Aidan Brannigan, Gerard beaten in the All Ireland Minor by four and the players were Colgan, Gearoid Adams and Neil Final by Kerry. For forty minutes of leading from the front however, as Collins at all times you gave of the game Down played sublime has often happened in recent times your very best in the cause of football, we saw all the plair we suffered misfortune. An attempt Down. I think too of the much used panache and style that we had at a point by Gearoid McKiernan quote that it is better to have a come to associate with Down for Cavan dropped through the lucky manager than a good one, in teams and at half time there was hands of Shane Harrison into the his tenure in charge of Down only one team in the game as we net and then moments later Ryan Eamonn Burns did not have much led 2-8 to 0-7 at the break. There Johnston picked up a straight red of a rub of the green. was only one team in the game as card. The tide had turned and on the resumption the lead was Cavan kicked on to add further In 2019 we have a new Senior now stretched to ten points and we points and their goalkeeper defied Management team selected out of were daring to dream. a brave effort from Darren O a process that involved past Hagan to leave the full time score players in the selection panel, These are after all though only Cavan 1-14 Down 0-15. The team Paddy Tally has been appointed young men, they have not yet the had gone down fighting, some for what will be his third spell maturity of Under 21s and they

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COUNTY SECRETARY REPORT 2018

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COUNTY SECRETARY REPORT 2018 have not yet either experienced development of the player and in their young charges being winning and all that comes with our overall scheme of things then seemingly unable to follow that and the notion that you have to we need to take that into account instruction. Down were winners by learn to win. Inexperience allied to when we are developing our 0-11 to 0-8 but in truth, it was a a game scenario when a losing Mourne Academy programme. game best forgotten. Next up it team start to get all of the big calls Furthermore, these young men was the visit of Tyrone to Newry and are brought back into the were pulled in so many directions and in honesty there was a gulf game, saw Derry convert a soft in the past year they were eligible between the teams as Tyrone penalty and then added another for the County Under 17s and in dominated to win by 2-11 to 0-9. goal this time from Callum Brown. many cases their Club Under 16s and Minors as well as any The new format meant that Down Points followed from the combination of School teams. had still another chance to make McWilliams twins and by the 53rd the semi-finals and on a wet day in minute the ten-point lead was gone This just will not work, in 2020 we Omagh they faced Monaghan this and Derry had their noses in front, will move our age groups as a was a very brave display by the down got back to level thanks to County to be in line with National Mourne men and with the sides Liam Kerr but the know-how of levels at Under 13, 15 and 17 but level at the end of normal time they winning saw Derry once more go in in 2019 we have a duty of care to game entered Extra Time. It was front to win the game by 2-17 to 2- these young men and to their only late in the second half of Extra 15. parents to ensure that we manage time that Seamus McEnaney’s the demands on them. charges pulled away and This was a harsh lesson for Down, Monaghan qualified for the Ulster it was the verdict of all that they James McCartan and his young Semi Final winning 1-20 to 1-16. had done the County proud and charges engaged in the Minor had played some superb football, it league campaign and only for a At Minor level now, there is work to was not to be on the day and it defeat to Armagh in the Abbey they be done and it has to be done took me back to a similar scenario would have qualified for the before the players actually get to again against Derry when in 1981 League Semi Finals instead they this age group, we are behind in an Ulster Minor Semi Final a 14 took the route into the Minor other Counties in the conditioning point lead had been surrendered. League Shield Semi Finals. That of our Teams, I deliberately have Football can indeed be cruel but Semi Final saw Down easily left out the word strength in the with fourteen players at least from overcome Antrim in Newry before a belief that we need to work on the this panel eligible again in 2018 Final meeting with Derry that went first instance in conditioning our then I am indeed optimistic. to Extra Time in Dunsilly. There teams. This work must be a base was reason for hope as Down requirement for the Mourne I think though that we have to give managed to overcome Derry and Academy and players at 14/15 and our players and management the the Ulster Minor League Shield 16, we select players for the best chance at preparation and I was won. It was welcome Academy on the basis of their skill again make the suggestion that we silverware for the County and we levels and in the belief that they will have an Under 21 League in Down hoped that winning would create a enter a pathway that will develop and that we play on alternative positive habit. them to wear the Red and Black of Sunday’s to Reserve Football. This Down in years to come. suggestion is twofold it will allow The Ulster Championship our Under 20 County players to beckoned and with a new format Now the challenge lies with the have a good foundation of Club where everyone was guaranteed Academy to condition the football behind them before they two games, we had a home tie first players to ensure that they can enter into an Inter County against old rivals and neighbours best represent Down, we need to campaign and it will also begin the Armagh. The equivalent game in be giving our Minor and Under process of us addressing player 2017 had been a most exciting 20 Managements access to retention at Club level. affair but the game in 2018 was a finely developed and dour affair and perhaps reflected conditioned footballers who are At Minor level we were now in the the real difference in this age group ready to meet the challenge of Under 17 age bracket and this new between Under 18 and Under 17, competitive inter county age group has to be allowed to there seemed to be a big fear footballer. The Minor develop and people have to accept factor in the play of both teams. Management should be that these boys are a year younger Certainly, the respective expected to continue the work than previously would have been managements of Paul McGrane not begin the work of the case for County Minors. A year and James Mccartan would have conditioning our players, until is a big time span in the shared equally the frustration of we get that balance correct we

DOWN COUNTY GAA - 2018 ANNUAL CONVENTION 16

COUNTY SECRETARY REPORT 2018

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will be asking a Minor our visit to Donegal, it was one of found their way back into the Management to operate with one those weekends where there were game. Coming up to half time there hand tied behind their backs. clashes with Fitzgibbon and other was further heartbreak for Down distractions resulting in a when a ball into the square failed On the hurling front, again, there disappointing performance and a to be cleared and was finished to was much promise but we failed to first ever win for Donegal over the net by Brian Morley. This was a achieve the goals that would have Down in competitive hurling on a huge blow for Down and though seen us gain promotion and get score of 0-17 to 0-14. All of this Paul Sheehan added a long range back to Croke Park in the Christy meant that we had now to beat point we went in ay Half Time only Ring, it was a mixed bag with some Mayo in the last game of the leading by 0-9 to 1-5 despite the excellent performances and then league and in the same token aid of a strong breeze. continued disappointment on the probably meet Mayo again in the big days. League Final. This was not an Mayo seized their opportunity in ideal scenario but it was in our own the second half and with the The Allianz League began hands and more importantly, it was experienced dual star Keith positively with a win over Derry in all achievable. Higgins dictating matters in their Celtic Park, a Danny Toner goal forward line and a defence seeing settled the team and we went in at The final game of the League that this game could be won, Down the break leading by 1-9 to 0-8 with Series saw us win what was a went 17 minutes without scoring in Paul Sheehan in excellent form shadow boxing game with Mayo, the second half. The concession of from frees Down remained the odds were all with the easy frees did not help Down either dominant. A second Danny Toner westerners, we could not take any and Mayo wing half forward Kenny goal put Down well in the driving chances, we had to go win the Feeney was top scorer with twelve seat and in the end, there was six game to ensure we made the Final points nine of which came from points between the teams as Down whilst Mayo could afford not to frees. Try as they may this was not won on a score of 2-17 to 1-14. show their hand as they were going to be Down’s day and at the going to be meeting us in a League third time of asking they once Wicklow were the visitors to Final. The game was played in again fell short in a Division 2B and this would be a good Portaferry and Down were always Final having previously lost to test for Down as in recent years we on top against a Mayo team that Wicklow and Armagh they suffered have faltered against the Garden had only six regulars starting, goals defeat to Mayo on a final score of 1 County. It was a very tight first half from Liam Coulter, Daithi and -15 to 0-14. with the Down defence working Eoghan Sands meant that Down very hard to ensure that the home were comfortable winners by 3-19 This was a disappointing end to a team led at half time by 0-11 to 0- to 0-14. League campaign that had 10. The second half continued to promised so much, when we have be score for score until the last It was a bitter cold Sunday with a season where we have three quarter when Down thanks to an snow on the hills as we headed for home games we are always best Eoghan Sands goal took the lead Kingspan and a placed to challenge for a League and managed 1-8 without reply in Division 2B final v Mayo just one Title. There is no doubt in my mind those last 15 minutes. The final week later. The men from the West that if we can manage to get out of score of Down 1-24 to 0-16 was a shaded the verdict over a Down Division 2B then we can manage to true reflection of the Down team that battled bravely to the stay out of it, I think that the hurdle dominance. Marty Mallon and his end, but few could begrudge Mayo of getting out is psychologically management team were well their win on this bitterly cold day in great for this Down team, once out pleased with the start to the Cavan. The Down men got off to a of it I do believe we would hold our League, two wins from two was flying start and led by 0-5 to 0-1 own and not be a yo- yo team in setting the team up well. Armagh after 13 minutes when aided by a terms of relegation and promotion. were the next visitors to McKenna strong wind. Park in Ballycran and despite In 2019, this will be a tough task, making it difficult for Down at Dáithí Sands and Declan McManus we will have to travel to Wicklow, times, the Down attack showed landed excellent scores and the Warwickshire and Kildare as well their ability to score goals and with tide was flowing strongly in their as winning our home games v Eoghan Sands, Danny Toner and favour at this stage. However, Derry and Donegal. This can be Paul Sheehan all finding the net, to scores were needed when playing done though and if one key area, leave the final score Down3-15 with a strong breeze and the conceding of frees is Armagh 0-13. unfortunately, the capacity of the addressed then I believe we would Down defence to concede frees make a huge difference. Statistics Reality was to kick in though with came back to bite and Mayo slowly tell us that 41 points were scored

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against us from placed balls in 6 out a thriller over in McGovern started to get the picture that Derry games in the Hurling League, it is Park with the Mourne men just had a plan in mind. an aspect of our game that not just coming out on top. is endemic of our County Team but A converted '65 by Cormac also persists in our Club games. The game was played in scorching O'Doherty, in the fifth and final Talking to referees post our Club hot conditions, there was even an minute of injury time, dramatically championship round robin games Ice Cream van inside the ground a confirmed Derry's progression to they too highlighted the conceding sight not often seen in our own the Ring semi-finals at the expense of frees as something that needed grounds these days! With the of Down. to be addressed. teams very evenly matched, and the lead changed hands repeatedly O'Doherty, who ended with figures The Cup campaign in the opening half. of 1-17, struck his most telling blow began with a home tie against Down got the opening goal on 27 at the death to be the Oak Leaf Armagh in Ballycran and this minutes when full-forward Danny hero. The home side led 0-16 to 1- proved to be a journey that the Toner buried his effort to give his 11 at the break, with Daithi Sands Armagh men did not like making in side a one-point lead (1-6 to 0-8). scoring the Down goal soon after 2018. Daithi Sands spearheaded Derry had racked up an early lead. Down's destruction of Armagh with London then got in for a goal of For Derry, O'Doherty amassed 0-9 a hat trick of goals at McKenna their own on the stroke of half time, in the opening 35 minutes. Park. with Colin Nelson's scrappy score enough to see his side take an Down had the better restart and After an evenly contested first 15 interval lead of 1-12 to 1-10. pulled level at 0-17 to 1-14 after minutes, Sands opened the London were very much on top in Paul Sheehan's 40th-minute point. floodgates when he turned his the second-half and will wonder Daithi Sands' second goal handed marker on the end line before how they didn't close out this the Down men the lead for the first rifling the sliotar past Fintan game, but the lead changed hands time at 2-16 to 0-20. After that, Woods. His brother Eoghan again in the 62nd minute, with a Down would score only three snatched an opportunistic goal goal from full-forward Daithi Sands points. Derry hit 1-9, including after 27 minutes before Declan which gave his side a 2-19 to 1-19 Meichal McGrath's 69th-minute McManus was sent clear on 33 lead heading into the final stages. goal and O'Doherty's late '65. minutes to find the corner of Woods' net. Down were also Pearse Óg McCrickard looked to Derry won on a final score of 1-29 accumulating points, while Armagh have won it for Down with time to 2-19, a margin of seven points could only muster five first-half almost up, but London were and reality was that Down were points, including three frees from awarded a close-range free late on out, our hurling season was over. Nathan Curry. And when Davy which was cleared on the Down Bridges saw red on 19 minutes for goal line, with the rebound going The point about conceding frees a wild pull on Sheehan, the writing narrowly wide. was not lost on the fact that Derry was on the wall, by that stage it scored seventeen frees in all so was damage limitation for Armagh It was a great flight home, the form they only managed 2-2 from play and although Down eased off the was good and there was a feeling and yet won the game by seven throttle, were sitting back, Daithi that we could give the Christy Ring points. The statistics do not lie. Sands completed his hat-trick with cup a good rattle, we were after Late in the summer we learned that two flashing finishes. Down were showing here that we could beat a Marty Mallon was unable to off to a winning start on a score team who were a Division above continue as Team Manager for line of 6-21 to 0-11. us and in their own backyard too. personal reasons, a man who had been an outstanding servant of Next up was a trip to London and Down went into the last game Down as a player had as a for me this was the best away to Derry knowing that they Manager been a man who put his performance by the Down hurlers could afford to lose by six points, heart and soul into the role. Again, in 2018. The new grounds in which was the margin that we had like Eamonn Burns he had London are a credit to the Gaels of beaten Derry by in the league and answered the call of the County in London and to men like Brendan still qualify on score difference for less fashionable times when others Brien and Tommy Howell who the competition Semi Final. This is might have opted to say why. have guided the new generation of always a dangerous scenario and exiles as they ensure that the when Derry announced that the There is no doubt that there was continue to grow in game would be moved to Maghera improvement in Down hurling the capital city of our neighbouring and when you saw that Ruairi under Marty and his trusted country. Down and London played Convery was named in goals you lieutenant Paul Coulter, pride was

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back in the jersey and people were we ended up meeting competition really led us to question if the best there for the right reasons- the favourites Kerry in Round One in interests of Counties were being betterment of Down hurling. Mullingar. Kerry with players who served. There is in terms of hurling had been playing at McDonagh development no one size fits all but I would like to place on record Cup level were just too strong for surely when Counties are trying to my thanks to Martin and Paul for us overall and went on to win their better themselves and are trying to their efforts, at all times they ninth title at this grade. raise standards then this should be were great people to work with supported. and they leave Down hurling on To allow for Counties to make the cusp of a return to better progress at this grade one wonders The Leinster Championship was a days. In 2018, they had been if there is merit in the suggestion big step up for our Minors and with joined by Ronan Sheehan on the that this competition be organised a lot travel involved it was not sideline, another man who on a round robin basis. Teams going to be an easy campaign. We exudes passion about Down need more than one game at this were in a group with Carlow and hurling and we are very lucky level, to prepare a team and then Westmeath and though beaten in that Ronan has agreed to take go out after one game does very both games the team were gaining on the Managerial role for 2019. little for the development of hurling experience and we got a third Ronan deserves his opportunity in those Counties. The time frame game against Kildare. Defeat to he has worked at Under 21 and would not necessarily be any Kildare meant that we were now in Minor Manager in recent times, different it would just mean that the Shield Semi Finals where we he knows the players and he every county would be involved for were down to play Meath, this was deserves the chance to take us three weekends then you have the a mid-week fixture at Abbottstown to that next level. I wish Ronan, semi-finals and final, so two teams and unfortunately, logistics were to Mick Blair and Niall Coulter would get a maximum of five dictate that we would be unable to every success and assure them games and everyone else a field in this game with exams still a of our full support in the task minimum of three. Surely, we can factor north of the border. I would ahead. set four/five Saturday’s aside to run like to thank the Leinster Council the Competition and be meaningful for facilitating our participation in One of the bravest performances about the development and the Competition and providing us by a Down team this year in promotion at hurling. If we are just with the opportunity to have football or hurling was from the ticking the box and having an meaningful games. County Under 21 Hurlers in the Under 21 Competition and running Leinster Qualifier v Antrim. The it as quickly as possible then we do In the Celtic Challenge, we had five game was played in Davitt Park in the game a great disservice. In wins out of five in the Ulster section Lurgan and the Down boys went 2019, Down will be advocating an and then we fell foul of the extremely close to bringing of a All-Ireland Under 21B competition regulation where anyone who major shock. With time up in played as a Round Robin format. played in the Leinster normal time, Down had a free to Championship could not then play win the game and take us into the The Down Minor Hurling team in the Celtic Challenge meaning Leinster Championship proper were probably the most hard done that we had to concede in the All- unfortunately, it tailed wide and we by of our teams this year in that Ireland series. We had fallen were set then for Extra Time. The they literally fell between the stools between the stools as I have physical strength of Antrim carried of the Celtic Challenge and the previously stated and this is an them through in Extra Time and Leinster Minor Hurling aspect that the Hurling Antrim were winners by 1-23 to 3- Championship. We entered both Development Committee, 14 aet. This was a very brave competitions and this proved to be Nationally and Provincially need to performance by Down where to our detriment, as the rules took look at for 2019. people physically put their bodies no account of our small base and on the line to defend the goal and the reality that we were never The year of 2018 ended on a high where there were also some great going to be able to have two note in hurling terms when the scores taken by the forward line. distinct panels. Obstacles were put Down schools team won the in the way of what we saw as a Mageean Cup for the very first time The small attendance could only good opportunity for hurling beating St Pats Maghera in the but have been proud of the Down development and led to us having Final to land the Ulster Colleges A performance; the defeat now to concede a walk over in the Hurling title. Back in 2011 the then meant that we proceeded to the All Celtic Challenge and then find that Hurling Promotion Officer Mickey -Ireland Under 21B Competition for the goalposts were being moved McCullough along with the Games the Richie McElligott Cup. The and we could take part again. All of Development Manager Conor O open draw was not kind to us and this was very unsatisfactory and Toole and myself felt that a Down

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Schools Team could be a good Down GAA to the Schools for their the Final on a score of 5-13 to 1- mechanism for the development of cooperation in making this success 10, the dream had come to fruition. hurling in the County. We were happen, these young men at all going into relatively unknown times were tremendous In 2019 in a few weeks’ time, we territory, the experiment had ambassadors for your School and will long for the Inter County worked successfully in Dublin and you can indeed be very proud to Football and Hurling seasons to we had seen Schools have them in your ranks. We were begin, we will once again dare to compete in Leinster Colleges particularly pleased to have on our dream, it will be 25 years since our Football but in Ulster, this was new panel pupils from schools who do last Senior Football Ulster Title. A ground. In our very first match in not participate in Gaelic Games. I whole generation of people have 2011, we were beaten by 45 points particularly thank those schools for not seen a Down captain lift by St Mary’s CBS it was a case of facilitating our requests and silverware. This must change and welcome to the new boys. Over the permitting their pupils to be able to change soon, 2019 can be the year year’s finals were lost to St Mary’s, represent Down Schools. that we start to make that to Cross and Passion and to St difference, we must try to win every Pats Maghera but still we hoped for I would like to thank all the competition that we enter and we the breakthrough. coaches who came on board to must believe too that we can. help this Down team be successful, Fielding a combined Schools team our own Schools coaches Danny Down is a proud county with a means a lot of logistical work, for Toner and Liam Hardy, the Ulster great history and with a pride in our every game we need two buses to Hurling Development Coach CJ history let not that history and collect players from schools and to McGourty, new County Senior tradition be seen as a burden on get them back home again whilst at Manager Ronan Sheehan and the anyone’s shoulders rather it be the the same time trying to ensure that man who coordinated the project 16th man that drives us to success, players are absent from School for Conor O Toole. History will record let us say that in 2019, the famine minimal periods. I would like to that An Dun won the Mageean Cup is over and Down are back. place on record here the thanks of in 2018 beating St Pats Maghera in

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Club Competitions Child protection, the blitzes and environment where they were the We can indeed be proud of our thought well we can do that to and main focus. There has been some Club Fixture programme in Down we could even make it better. mention of the use of silent side- and the amount of games that we Reality is that in some cases they lines for our Under age provide in any given season. The are doing it better, drive out of competitions, there may be merit in one thing we cannot do though is Newry on a Saturday morning and the very suggestion though it could to become in anyway complacent, see big numbers at Newry Rugby be something that might even lead we have work to do to make our Club from 9.00am, drive into to confrontation and conflict the Club competitions the best that on a Sunday morning very thing that it was supposed to they can possibly be. We must and again look at the numbers protect against. always be prepared to rise to the playing at Dunleath Park. Both challenges and go one-step further places are alive with activity, it is We have to try and be innovative in and make things even better. organised, it is punctual and it is how we create a culture of mutual happening and at all times people respect amongst our young people There have been changes take are encouraged to show respect. playing Gaelic Games, we have place in how we organise and long championed the Give Respect promote our games and these Now it is obvious too that there are Get Respect slogan but is this in have been largely positive, the PR good and positive things need of revamping and re- Committee did a magnificent job in happening at our GAA Grounds but inventing, leading question does it promoting our Championships and we cannot in any way become actually happen in our games? We as a direct result, more people complacent, we have to all the time have all heard stories of where the attended our games. be getting better and becoming two teams were lined up at under more innovative. 10 or 12 for post-match The challenges are there in our handshakes only for one of the urban and rural areas, different Can we be proactive and do teams to punch rather than shake challenges yet challenges that something to encourage our the hand of their opponents. Is this must be met and how we meet parents to be respectful on the side what we really want in our games? those challenges will define the -lines, we are delighted that they So how do we make it better, how future for the GAA in Down. One of are in attendance to watch their much responsibility lies with the the basic challenges that must be son or daughter playing but can we coaches of the Teams and then met no matter where in Down our provide a suitable distraction that who is responsible for the games are played is one of the would take their attention Coaches, at what stage does the culture of our games. We must elsewhere and thus let their son do Club show leadership and say change the culture of our games what he is doing best. Could a enough is enough. At senior level around areas like punctuality, Club provide an outlet that is for in Club games, some Clubs now respect, a fixture calendar, facilities parents, tea/coffee stations, offer a cup of tea for their own and and promotion, getting these facets activities organised by the Club but opposing players post match is this right are key to the success of the for parents taking place at the something that needs to happen GAA in our Urban and Rural areas. same time as their sons or now at juvenile level, do we share Facts are that our competitors grandsons are playing Gaelic a platter of fruit and some healthy have looked at the model we Games. We would thus be allowing juice post match for parents and developed five to ten years ago, the Children the space to develop children. the Go Games, the emphasis on a love for Gaelic Games in an

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Our Clubs are our heartbeat and meet Mullahoran of Cavan who real upsets, Loughinisland showed we need more and more people were playing in the Cavan Senior progress and intent in the manner playing our games and being Championship of 2017, were of their challenge to Burren in involved in our association. We subsequently relegated as Cavan Round One, whilst Cumann need I feel to take a stand too and play with only 11 Teams in the Pheadair Naofa were many make it a scenario whereby we are Senior Championship. The odds peoples quiet tip of an upset. exuding the positive about what we are then against Bredagh through do in our Clubs and we need to be no fault of their own, this is more It is Quarter Final stage before in creative in our games to continue so the case too in the Junior some instances, the Championship to make them attractive as the Football Championship where with gets going and in the Quarter number one sport of choice in our only 12 Teams in our own Junior Finals, Mayobridge had a point to County. There are simple things our Champions are going to be at a spare over Clonduff in a game we can address, things like disadvantage again in Ulster. where they were coasting and ensuring that our fixtures happen were nearly caught, while Kilcoo when they are supposed to We cannot do anything about the were too strong for RGU. Burren happen, that they happen on time, composition of our Football and Castlewellan did battle in a that Referees turn up for games Championships at the moment and game that only came to life near and that our Clubs and venues are I have to say too that our Clubs are the end and the South Down men welcoming places to go to and that by and large happy with the entries had three points to spare at the there is publicity about what we do and the format of our Football final whistle. Loughinisland showed in our Clubs. We need to let the Championships, so we should that they will be a worthy Division world see what we are doing and leave well enough alone. In the One team in 2019 as they and whilst we were victims of the power hurling Championships we have Warrenpoint could not be of Social Media in showing the ugly though a responsibility to look at separated firstly in Kilcoo and then side of our games this year, we the format of our Junior and in the replay the game again went can turn that on its head and use Intermediate Championships. to Extra Time but with John Boyle Social Media as a powerful tool for Again, on the Provincial tier no outstanding Cuman Pheadair good. Down Club has won an Ulster Naofa did enough to allay their Junior or Intermediate Hurling Title Quarter Final bogey and earn a I will address later my suggestions and while the new format in our semi-final meeting with Kilcoo. on Fixtures and possible Club own Senior Hurling Championship Competitions for 2019 and beyond has helped prepare our Senior There was excitement about the because it will involve discussion Champions better for Ulster the Semi Finals and first up was the on the future roles of some of our same cannot be said of Junior and meeting of Burren and Mayobridge, Committees. Intermediate. at Half Time the Bridge were playing all the football and an upset The Championships of 2018 were I would suggest that in 2019 where looked likely, however the second the most competitive and we have nine teams competing at half as a different story and Burren entertaining that we have had in Junior and Intermediate claimed their place in the final recent time. There were good Championship level in Down, we winning by a ten-point margin 5-12 attendances at our games and organise a league format first to 2-11. That was a score line no certainly the work done by involving those nine teams and that one could see coming at Half time. Maureen O Higgins and the PR they then divide into a Five and a Committee boosted the profile of Four for Championship. This is The second Semi Final was an our Championships. We are only a thought, the mechanics of exciting affair with the young kids though in a strange sense victims how we work this out would be a on the bloc from C.P.N taking the of the success of our own matter for CCC but we have to game to Kilcoo, a Goal from Alan Championships as we continue to produce a better format for our Davison brought the crowd to their fail to make a breakthrough at Junior and Intermediate Hurling feet as the Blues led by two. Kilcoo Provincial Level. I think here Championships. though are a team of real pedigree particularly of our Intermediate and and they do not do defeat easily, a Junior Winners in Football and The Senior Football Championship Ceilum Doherty goal and accuracy Hurling, through no fault of their is of course the blue riband of our from frees by Niall Kane got them own they invariably meet teams at Club competitions and this year the home with four points to spare 1-13 Ulster Level who are playing Club question on the lips of the pundits to 2-6. Football at a higher level. If we was would Kilcoo make it Seven in take the case of Bredagh, they win a Row and set the bar to a new The County Final day in Pairc Esler a competitive Down Intermediate high. The early rounds were was one of our best events in a Football Championship and then competitive though there were no long time, we had two good games

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of football, we had the opportunity Kilcoo were beaten in a Senior minutes. A nervy start saw both to honour our 1968 Team and we Football Championship Final was sides miss chances, but Liatroim had our biggest attendance in 70 years ago back in 1948, this did find their range through Miceal years, we also had the weather! new generation of Kilcoo players McCartan and Liam Doyle to go 0- Kilcoo came in search of a Seven have served their Club, their Parish 2 to 0-0 ahead after six minutes. in a row whilst Burren the team of and their families outstandingly Two minutes later a sublime the 80s and 90s came to make well and have already stated their Cormac Hughes score off the sure that their proud boast of a intent by their recent Managerial outside of the boot settled previous six in a row was not appointments. We are already Bredagh, and quickly afterwards surpassed. This repeat of last looking forward to 2019 and the Francis surged through the heart of year’s final was a dogfight from the battle for the Frank O Hare Cup. At the Fontenoys defence before start but it was persistence that the recent County Dinner Burren deftly hand passing across for saw Burren through in the end. were named Club of the Year after Donal Hughes to palm to the net. The first half finished all-square at their successes on the field and 0-09 to 2-03, thanks to goals from their developments off the field, Liatroim did have a fisted effort Ceilum Doherty and Jerome they are worthy County Champions come back off the crossbar, and Johnston for Kilcoo. Goalkeeper and they too will have an eye on two more scores from McCartan Cathal Murdock was inspirational 2019. brought matters level by the 18th for Burren when he travelled up the minute, Another McCartan free on field and planted four monster The Intermediate Football 26 minutes cut the deficit to a frees between the sticks, three Championship was of an equally point, 1-3 to 0-5, but 60 seconds from 50 metres. high standard and it was no later Francis once again cut surprise then that two of its most through at pace after taking a fine It was a tight first half with Burren fancied sides would come to meet catch, and his pass to Sean Blaney leading by a point before super in the Final. Saul and Darragh was superbly dispatched to the interplay between Paul Devlin and Cross had shown Championship bottom corner of the net. Two more Miceal Rooney set up Doherty for pedigree in reaching the Semi Hughes frees extended the lead, the first goal. Burren kept in touch Finals and both sides made a big with McCartan closing out the half before Johnston hit the net on 21 effort to get there. Darragh Cross with a score to leave Liatroim minutes to make it 2-02 to 0-05, have had the better of Liatroim in behind 2-5 to 0-6 at the break. On but the St Mary’s side kept recent Championship meetings but the restart, Bredagh were dominant plugging away and scored four-in-a on this occasion, the Fontenoys and scored 1-4 without reply and it -row to level proceedings at the were too strong and made it back looked like the Willie John Farrell break. to an Intermediate Final. Saul had Cup was on its way to the Ormeau a great year winning Division Three Road. The goal on 35 minutes was A Donal O’Hare penalty helped but just found Bredagh a step too a great finish from Declan O’Hara Burren’s cause early in the second far in the other Semi Final where after yet another surging foray up half putting them two in front, but it the class of Donal Hughes was field from Tommy McElroy had cut was level again midway through evident. open the Liatroim defence. But the half at 1-10 to 2-07. Liatroim sparked into life and Bredagh dug deep to hold off a late showed all their battling qualities An O’Hare goal put three points Liatroim surge to deservedly win from then to the final whistle. between the teams with ten their second Down Intermediate Within the next 10 minutes, they minutes left on the clock and Football Championship title in three had notched up five points in a row Burren kept the Magpies to within seasons at Pairc Esler on Sunday. through McCartan, Conor two until the final whistle. McCrickard, PJ Davidson and two The pace and power of Parador from the impressive Pearse Og For Donal O Hare the game was a man-of-the-match Conor Francis, McCrickard – his second point a personal triumph and he was a the accuracy and leadership of shot on goal, which just cleared the worthy winner of the Man of the skipper Donal Hughes (who scored bar. Match Award sponsored by the 1-10), the doggedness of the Mourne Observer. Kilcoo were defence led by Tommy McElroy McCrickard was unlucky a minute megamenus in defeat, they and Kevin Dornan all played a key later to see his effort somehow showed themselves to be true part for Bredagh. But a determined come back off the inside of the champions by the manner in which and talented Fontenoys outfit post when the fierce shot seemed they accepted the disappointment refused to submit and gradually a certain goal. The crowd audibly of their fate. clawed their way back into gasped as Pearse Óg’s effort contention to set up a grandstand seemed destined for the back of The records show that the last time finish and an anxious final few the net. Another Davidson score

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was followed by a goal bound drive However, spare a thought for a the Premier Reserve also. from the great Liam Doyle, gallant Kilclief side who took the brilliantly pushed round the post by game to their much more vaunted Burren got some compensation as Odhran Devlin. opponents and on another day they won both the Under 16 and would have emerged victorious, Under 14 County Titles, a With seven minutes of normal time but they were left to rue a number representation of the work being left Davidson added his third of the of chances that got away. done at under age by the Club. afternoon, bringing Liatroim within six points, 3-10 to 0-13. The Kilclief had done everything right. In Ulster alas our Football Teams irrepressible McElroy capped an They got their tactics spot on and all exited at the Quarter Final stage impressive display with a fine score negated the influence of danger Burren didn’t get going until too but Pearse Og McCrickard was by men Ciaran Carville and Paddy late against Scotstown, Bredagh now ‘in the zone’ and added two Grant, but they simply lacked a were denied in Extra Time by more points to bring Liatroim within killer touch in front of goal. This Mullahoran whilst Teconnaught five. The Fontenoys were making a showdown was an enthralling one week after winning in Down supreme effort now and Bredagh encounter that kept a large crowd went out to a Limavady side that were struggling to get out of their on the edge of their seats from first had Callum Brown in their ranks. own half, Donal Hughes showed to last minutes. real leadership and lifted the siege The Hurling Championships were with a point but back came Liatroim Neither side took a backward step again of a high standard and we and 1-2 in injury time left on the throughout 60 intriguing minutes had a great finish to the Senior minimum between the sides. with sweeping counterattacks the Final with Ballycran pulling the order of the day. Of course, there game out of the fire in the closing The next score was crucial and it were a lot of handling errors, moments. The new format of fell to Bredagh to leave two points misplaced passes and attempted Round Robin games does I believe between the teams and the Cup points falling short, but the work well and now next year we heading to South , it had combatants must be applauded for will have Liatroim competing in the been a final that was a credit to the the football served up in poor Senior Championship which will game and both teams deserve conditions. Teconnaught winning 0 give everyone three games before credit. -8 to 0-7, the finest of margins the Finals. As I have already stated when on the day again the winner it is good preparation for our teams The Junior Football Final had been was Gaelic Football. This was a trying to win Provincial honours postponed from its original date great achievement winning the and in the past two years, our due to a sudden death in the League and Championship by a County Champions have got to the Teconnaught Club and the game Club with great plans for Ulster Final. was played on a wet Saturday in St development on and off the field. Patrick’s Park with Teconnaught Ballyholland Harps won a second Ballycran had won their first two aiming for a League and ever Minor Football Title when they games and thus were waiting in the Championship double. The turned on a brilliant second half final for the winners of Ballygalget weather conditions were very poor display to blow Burren away in a and Portaferry, Portaferry finished for both teams but there was no final of the highest standard in the stronger in the game with the shortage of effort as Kilclief rose to Pairc Esler. There were no accuracy of Ronan Blair from the occasion and put in a superb sweepers in sight as two well- placed balls a big help. The great effort. coached teams went out and warrior Gareth Johnston put in a played Gaelic Football at its best great shift for Ballygalget but at the The Semi Finals had seen Kilclief with the Collie Curran Cup making end of the day Portaferry did come back with 14 men to the short journey up the road to enough to come through. As with overcome Aughlisnafin in the first Ballyholland on a score of 6-11 to 2 previous years, we took in outside of a double header in Drumaness -10 amidst scenes of great referees to officiate at the Round and in the second tie, Teconnaught jubilation. Robin games and I again believe were too strong for Ardglass. that this helps to add an edge to Michael Linden became a You the games it helps raise the The Final itself ebbed and flowed Tube sensation as his remarkable standard too and so far, there are and an upset looked on the cards point in the Premier Reserve Final no issues with this policy. as Kilclief driven on by Conall went viral and the great man Magee who would later win the showed that Class is Ageless in In the final itself it was a most Ulster Bank Player of the Junior Mayobridge’s victory in the exciting finish, when Conor Woods Championship, really put up a Reserve Championship Final as shook the Portaferry net four great challenge to Teconnaught. the Bridge did the double winning minutes into added time, the classy

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forward applying the most dramatic It was impossible not to feel doing damage and the experienced of finishing touches as Ballycran sympathy for Portaferry. Defeated Paul Braniff sprung from the pulled off a remarkable smash and finalists last year too, they had bench, the Ports looked well grab raid to land a first county title been the better team for long placed to bury the memories of last since 2015.They didn’t score at all periods. That late, late Woods free year’s Down decider. But back from the 11th minute until half-time, swung the game. With a huge wind came Ballycran, chipping away at shot a succession of wides after at their backs, it was the Ports who the lead, with Woods pulling the the break and trailed from the 20th had stolen a march at the break, strings. History shows that Conor minute until well into added time. although Ballycran were the first to Woods delivered and Ballycran There was little to suggest this was settle. They adapted well to the were winners 2-13 to 1-14 and going to be Ballycran’s day. trying conditions, their short, sharp Jeremiah McVeigh Cup was for passing game causing problems McKenna Park. But when referee Colin Murray for Portaferry early on. And when awarded a close-range free against McAllister lashed to the net to put The Intermediate Hurling Final saw Portaferry goalkeeper Karol them 1-2 to 0-2 ahead with 11 Liatroim win the first of their two Keating who, seconds earlier, had minutes on the clock, Ballycran Intermediate Finals against spectacularly denied Cormac looked in control. Bredagh when they were always in McAllister a second goal of the control in St Patrick’s Park. Both day, Ballycran’s chance arrived. But they were architects of their Clubs had been the strongest Trailing by two after gradually own downfall at times as some teams in the competition and on clawing back a deficit that had poor tackling gifted Portaferry the day, Liatroim inspired by Ruairi once been seven, and in the final plenty of opportunities, and the McCrickard had six points to spare minute of the four allocated for dead-eyed Ronan Blair was in no 2-19 to 2-13 on the day and now added time, the only decision mood to pass them up, sending having retained the title move up to Woods had to make was where he just one wide all afternoon. Blair the Senior Championship in 2019. wanted to put it. also gobbled up the one chance that came his way in front of goal, The Junior Hurling Final was an Woods slammed the sliothar low to lashing beyond Stephen Keith as emotive occasion with Clonduff the right of the ’keeper, somehow Portaferry took control, with a point meeting Newry Shamrocks and avoiding the Portaferry bodies on from sub Tom Murray sending Clonduff a Club still feeling the line. And when Woods, them in 1-9 to 1-2 ahead at the devastation and loss from the carrying a nasty-looking finger break. untimely death of Pearce Branagan injury from before half-time, sent in the summer. Pearce was a over a point less than a minute Ballycran were a bit panicky in young man steeped in Clonduff later to extend their lead to two front of the posts as they attempted hurling and making a career for with the clock ticking down, the to close the gap, registering three himself as a Primary School Ballycran support was in poor wides in the opening 10 Teacher when he was taken much dreamland. minutes after the restart. With the too soon from us on a Saturday driving runs of Eoghan Sands afternoon in August. On the day of

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the Junior Final there was never Unfortunately, the Down men came structures has now paid off and the any doubt that Clonduff had a 16th up short, the physical presence of team will be able to test man as the spirit of Pearce was the Cushendall team was just too themselves now in what will be a very much in evidence in St much to deal with but they had competitive Division Two. In Patrick’s Park it was one of those been great ambassadors for the Division Four Teconnaught gained occasions when you feel that the County and there is no doubt that promotion with an unbeaten run in result is just meant to be. Clonduff Club Hurling is on the march again the League and with a had a point to spare at the finish 1- in Down, it is so to speak a work in development project underway this 13 to 2-9 and Shamrocks were progress. It is often a fact missed is a Club with serious intent. once again on the losing side in a but there were over 450 Hurling In the Hurling Leagues Liatroim Junior Hurling Final. games played in Down this past were winners of Division One year and on this front, I must thank whilst Ballygalget Seconds took the The Minor Hurling Final was won Liam Quinn and Conor Watson for honours in Division Two. by Bredagh and this was a sign of their work in relation to fixtures. the growth of the game in the In 2019, Clubs will again be feeling greater Belfast area and shows As I write the Under 21 a degree of pain as we try to get to good promise for the overall future Competitions in Football and a position where we have Divisions development. Portaferry were best Hurling are not yet complete, I wish with ten teams in three cases and at Under 16 level, winning the to congratulate Carryduff on then a template for Division Four Championship, with Ballygalget on retaining the Patrick Dinsmore Cup that allows for meaningful top at Under 14. whilst we wait on the other finals competition. We do believe that coming to fruition. getting to this end will be for the The Down Hurling reps entered betterment of Down Football at Ulster and again we have to report The Football Leagues in Down in Club and County level. We need to there was no success, in the Junior 2018 were going to involve a maintain a watch on the Hurling Clonduff overcame Naomh Colm degree of pain for Clubs as we try Leagues and see that we are Cille but were then beaten by to work to have ten team leagues providing the best for our Clubs, eventual winners Castleblaney, in place for 2020. Burren we may well in 2019 have to be Liatroim were beaten by Keady completed a senior Double when open to the fact that some Clubs in whilst in the Senior Ballycran gave they won the O Neills Division One Armagh might well be seeking to us all a boost as they brought the Title, with Loughinisland almost participate in Down Hurling reign of Slaughtneil to an end in going through the League Leagues. the Semi Final. unbeaten in Division Two and gaining a much-deserved Ballycran prepared for an Ulster promotion to Division One. Final against Cushendall with real optimism and there was a great There was great joy in the East of buzz about McKenna Park in the the County with Saul winning build up to the game. Division Two, good work and good

DOWN COUNTY GAA - 2018 ANNUAL CONVENTION 28

Sponsors and Sponsorship We have now Eighteen companies  Mc Cartan Bros Official In 2019, we move forward with our who directly input into Down GAA Clothing Partner Down GAA County Team Sponsors EOS IT with Sponsorship in different forms Solutions continuing to be our and I want to place on record our  HMT Shipping Associate Official and Main Sponsor. We are thanks to those companies for their Sponsor support throughout the year. Their very lucky indeed to have EOS as  KN Group Associate Sponsor our Sponsors, they are not just Contributions help to ensure that sponsors, they are also advocates all of our teams are looked after  Highline Construction New to others to do business with Down and that we can organise our York GAA. They sponsor all of the games and improve our facilities. County Teams in all Codes We also have one anonymous showing that they as a family Our Associate Sponsors are as Sponsor and whose contribution is business are very conscious of the follows: also very much appreciated. We Down GAA Family.  Morgan Fuels who sponsor our can only offer our sponsors three

Senior and Minor real benefits, Access to tickets, EOS are leaders on a global Access to players and Advertising stage and Daniel and Brendan Championships in Football and Hurling in Pairc Esler and Online. There Strain have been extremely are though great opportunities to supportive to the County  The Parador Lodge Belfast be associated with Down in 2019. throughout the year, they are who sponsor our Intermediate passionate Down men who want and Junior Football We need to broaden the the County to be successful in Championships Sponsorship base, Down is a big the first instance as Down county yet in the list of companies supporters and in the second  O’Neill’s Sportswear who just mentioned only three are instance as Team Sponsors. sponsor our All County outside a 10-mile radius of Newry. Leagues They have also provided So if you think that you or your employment opportunities for  Eamonn Rooney Coach Hire company would like to come on many young people in our who sponsor our Reserve and board as an Associate Sponsor for County as they too try to offer Premier Reserve Down we can tailor the package to support to the best of local Championships meet your need. Or if you know a talent in their workforce. There company that might be interested  Autoline The Insurance Partner are a lot of young GAA players in then please let us know and we will employment in EOS and this all of Down GAA establish contact with the adds to the economic contribution  O Hare and McGovern Company. of the company to the community. Associate Sponsor In 2019, we hope to organise a We in Down GAA and in the GAA  The Quays Shopping Centre major event that will act as a in general have to be conscious of Newry Associate Sponsor fundraiser for the County whilst at our Sponsors and how we cater for the same time also acting as a their requirements, they in the case  Modern Tyres Road Safety fundraiser for Clubs. If we organise of EOS are investing in Down Partner of Down GAA one event for the County in any GAA, they are allowing us to make given twelve months, then that  McAvoy Construction things happen by their generous leaves lots of opportunities for Associate Sponsor sponsorship. We are very lucky to Clubs to undertake their own have a good professional  The Murdock Group Associate events. We need to plan events, relationship with EOS and to know Sponsor there needs to be coordination and too that they are committed to communication. The County needs Down and to the brand that is  Fegan Transport Associate to set out its calendar of events Down GAA. I hope that in 2019 we Sponsor early in the year to avoid the can bring some success and plenty clashes with Clubs and sister of media exposure to EOS and that  The Milestone Rathfriland organisations. their business will continue to Associate Sponsor grow. The new Wi Fi system in The Race Day this year was Pairc Esler has also been installed  Canal Court Hotel Hospitality beneficial to those Clubs who took by EOS and this in kind Partner the opportunity to sell their tickets sponsorship goes beyond the and with all of the monies they financial commitment of the firm to  Tullyraine Quarries Associate Sponsor generated going to the Club this Down. was an opportunity not to be

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missed. The day itself was an was not the case and this was relation to our pride in our excellent day and night and we something outside of our control. history. We are after all Down hope that when we announce our and bar Dublin and Kerry I am event for 2019 then more people For me it was another example of sure that there are many will join us and let us make it a win where the GPA leave us with more Counties who would love to win for County and Club. I thank questions than answers. have our history, it is not a Michael McArdle and his team burden, it is no “hand of for all of their work in The next day those players and History” but it is most certainly coordinating the Race Day we Management who wished to attend part of who we are and what always have to be creative in our the All Ireland Final were facilitated made us who we are. The five thoughts and be that bit in doing so as the County stars on our Jersey’s include the imaginative, there is an idea for Committee managed to year of each All Ireland Win and 2019 that might work and we accommodate the ticket requests. rather than this be a burden or a hope to take it to you early in the perceived burden let this be the New Year. On the 14th of October the patrons challenge to the next of Down gave a great welcome to generations for there is room on the Team and Management as the collar of the jersey for a 6th Fifty Years Ago they were our guests at the County Star. Down GAA is proud of our In 1968 the world was a changing Final, there was a genuine warmth heritage, proud of how we do place and nowhere more so than in of feeling as the stand in Pairc things, the Down way has been the North of Ireland and in the Esler rose to applaud the players slated but having seen some of midst of that change there was a and management as they were the alternatives in operation at Red and Black rising as once again introduced at Half Time in the Club and County level I am more Down showed that they were Senior Final. Only a couple of than happy to advocate the indeed the team of the 60s. This weeks previous we had lost Down Way. year we had the opportunity to another member of the squad with honour those great men who won the passing of Pat McAlinden it At the County Dinner we inducted the National League, The Sam was very nice that he was the great Seán O Neill into the Hall Maguire and the World Trophy, it represented by his family on the of Fame, in 1968 he had been the was a year when Down were kings. day. player of the year and there is no doubt that he was our greatest At the Ulster Championship Game On the 2nd of November, we ever Gaelic Footballer. Sean O in Newry v Antrim the Ulster hosted the County Dinner where Neill joins Pat Rooney and Dr Council paid tribute to the Team the men of 1968 were our guest of Martin Walsh as recipients of the and Management and the crowd honour and this proved to be a Down GAA Hall of Fame, which gave them a great welcome. These very special occasion. We were this year was sponsored by Ulster men stepped again on to Pairc joined too by Tom Prendergast, Bank. Esler where fifty years ago it had Brendan Lynch and Donie O been Pairc an Iuir or the Marshes Sullivan from Kerry as well as Jim In my treasure throve of Old as we knew it and they had an epic McDonnell, Gabriel Kelly and Newspapers relating to 1968, I battle with then All Ireland Oliver Galligan from Cavan who all often times get distracted reading Champions Meath in the National travelled to join us on the night. It is up on match reports though I came League. That game then put down a great thing about the GAA that across one Headline which I a marker that this team was on a when you make contact with these thought was very amusing and mission and that was months men and tell them what you are reflected the changing world and before the battle of Ballinascreen. doing, they are half way up the the role of Down in that change in road before you are finished on the 1968. It came from the Evening The GPA honoured the surviving phone! John Devaney did an Press of the time. members at a function in Croke outstanding job as the host on the Park before the All Ireland Football night and it was just a marvellous Final and I have to say I found it occasion as the County as One disappointing to say the least that paid tribute to men who fifty years only the surviving members of the ago lit up our worlds and made us panel were invited. I had naturally all believe we were six inches assumed that the widows of the taller. deceased players the Captain Joe Lennon and defender Brendan People in recent times and sadly Sloan or their representatives from within our own County would have been included but this have chosen to beat us up in

DOWN COUNTY GAA - 2018 ANNUAL CONVENTION 30

Mourne Academy not lead to them becoming great, if it does not what really Now in its third year the work of the obsolete. have we lost. It is after all better to Mourne Academy could be said to have tried and failed than never to be a work in progress with their For now, I think that the Mourne have tried. being a need for ongoing Academy needs to address the evaluation and achievement of deficit in our approach to strength So in 2019 I would like that goals. There is no doubt that there and conditioning and the Down Down GAA and the Mourne has been improvement in the County Committee need to act on Academy are moving to the coaching of our Development those recommendations. We need position where we are Squads but it is only a work in to upskill Down people to be the appointing a Strength and progress. As stated previously we very best in this speciality rather Conditioning Coach with really need to develop a than all of the time having to rely responsibility for working with programme of work in relation to on people from outside the County all squads at all levels. The job the conditioning of our players and to develop our players. The might seem huge but if it can be it needs to be developed in problem then is when a Team done in Cavan by ironically a conjunction with our Academy, our Managements term comes to an Down Man Andre Quinn then Schools and our County Teams at end we have to start again and surely it can be done in Down. Under 17, Under 20 and Senior. I reinvent the wheel, that only Financially it can be funded and welcome the fact that a meeting stymies progress and we lose sustained, we are already paying between many of these groups has ground another case of one step individuals for work on a part been put in place through the forwards and two steps backwards. time basis and if we looked at Offices of our Games Development the Budget and sought to Manager Conor O Toole but this We need too to develop our whole procure less material goods and needs to be the beginning of a recruitment process and talent invested in a person then the process not a case of another box identification for the Academy, post can be created. ticked. there needs to be a full process of engagement where Schools and I thank Paddy O Rourke as The way forward may well be that Clubs can input into the process at Chairperson of the Academy and we follow the lead of other varying stages. We have to the other members of the steering Counties and appoint a head of develop a network of scouts whose group for the work that they have Strength and Conditioning whose opinions are regarded and valued undertaken, I laud in particular the responsibility it would be to ensure all working to identify talent and engagement with parents and that all squads are following a high hand it over to the team of top-level guardians of the young people calibre programme, where people coaches. There are a lot of people entrusted to our care as part of the know what they need to do to in the County who if asked to take Mourne Academy. We have work reach the next level. There had on a scouting role would be very to do all of us, the Steering been previous discussion of a High happy to make a contribution to the Committee needs too to be Performance Director but I feel that betterment of Down Football or refreshed and strengthened, the this post is something that may Hurling. We should never be afraid County Committee need to engage come to fruition at a later stage, a of opinions, and never be afraid too fully with the Academy, only as one post of that status needs more of keeping the door open and will real progress be made. evaluation of the need and it would being prepared to take a chance need to complement existing posts on a particular player if it works

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Urban Challenge posts as Gaelic Games breadth of the County following his In truth progress has been slow in Development Officers, as there is or her County or Club and for the relation to addressing the Urban work to be undertaken with Clubs past 25 years nearly that has been challenge and in particular the as much in terms of planning and largely and unhindered journey. challenge identified with Gaelic development as much as there is a Games in Newry. It was a sad coaching brief to be fulfilled. We all recall the days when statistic to read in the County Final Checkpoints seemed to just appear programme and sadder too for me Newry would be the pilot project in on the days of Ulster to have to write it that it was 50 a Down GAA Plan to address the Championship games in Clones years from a Newry Team was last Urban challenge, if we get Newry and Middleton became a place to in a County Senior Football Final up and running in 2019, then the be avoided. We do not need a let alone won a County Title. That target would be to do an analysis return to checkpoints at borders, though is reality and we all on the need in Downpatrick and that might be an outcome of a No shoulder a degree of blame for North Down for 2020 and 2021. deal or Hard Border. In the old such, the County, the Clubs of saying too much water has flowed Newry, the surrounding Clubs of For now, we need to put our under the bridge for that to happen Newry, the schools and local energies into working with Dr again. government. These stakeholders Eugene Young and producing a all have a role to play in the sustainable plan that will attract We need to keep our young people solution, too much time has funding and support at National at home and in employment and to already been lost, if I take you back Level. Gaelic Games in Newry protect those industries that might to 1985 there was a commission needs a response from the greater now be subject to unnecessary report produced in relation to GAA Family, in 2019 it will be 25 checks and regulations, keeping Gaelic Games in Newry. The years since DJ Kane a proud son our young people at home means commission was led by Hugh of the City lifted the Sam Maguire the future of our Clubs is secure. McNamara and included Ciaran we need to develop the next Those very same local businesses Rafferty as Secretary, the generation of DJ’s, for history and Industries are the very same remarkable thing is that many of its shows when Newry is strong Down people who provide the findings are as applicable today as is strong. sponsorship and support that also they were back in 1985. The helps to keep our Clubs and problems remain the same, the Communities alive. The North of issues have not yet been BREXIT Ireland is in a unique position in addressed and in fact the situation It would be remiss if we were not to regard to Brexit and we need that with Gaelic Games in Newry is mention Brexit and its possible to be recognised by all and we worse than it was in 1985. implications for the GAA indeed need an agreement that reflects anything which adversely impacts that position. The Standard of teams has on the economic life of the dropped, the numbers playing our community has obvious We need to think too of the people games has dropped, yet the implications for the GAA. The GAA we call “The New Irish” for they population figures for Newry are and its community needs an have come and settled in our set to increase, in preparing economy north and South, East communities, they have worked documentation for Ulster Council and West that is thriving and where hard, they have had children born as a first step hopefully on the industry and job creation is allowed here and they are playing our pathway to funding I stressed that to blossom. I hope that the games. Look now at the Team it was a Time to Act and a Time to agreement currently on the table Sheets for Club and County Teams Deliver. There was genuine even in its present format which is throughout the County and at all surprise and shock amongst the not without concerns is delivered levels now we are having names Ulster Coaching and Games upon for no agreement and a hard appear for which there is no Irish Committee that the situation in Brexit and a subsequent hard translation. This is great to see Newry is as bad as I had outlined, border would have implications for where these young people and Dr Eugene Young has been asked people playing our games and some not so young have embraced to work with us to prepare a involved in our Association. the culture of the GAA and are now presentation to take to National We do not on this island of ours fully engrossed in our fabric. Do we Level. The aim of the presentation need a Hard Border in the first want these people to potentially is to obtain if possible two Gaelic instance and thankfully that is a have to leave us and return to a Games Development Officers for consensus that seems to be place that is no longer seem as Newry, people who will work with evident amongst the majority of Home, because we would have no Schools and Clubs and all people. The GAA follower in agreement on Brexit and they interested parties. We refer to the particular travels the length and could be subject to a Hard Border

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and other legislation especially and the Football League. The those now domiciled in the North of County Committee looked after the In recent years we have had All Ireland? County Teams and the County County Leagues at Minor and Championships whereas the Under 16 level as well as Think too of the practicalities of Divisional Committees looked after Championships on an All County how the GAA organises its Inter the Adult League Football in their basis at this level too. I feel that the County Fixtures where we see divisions. This was the case up to time is right to now broaden the London, Warwickshire and 1950 when the late Maurice Hayes base and have Fixtures body Lancashire participate at Inter became the first secretary of the All responsible for the organisation of County Level and where would a County Senior Football League. Juvenile fixtures on an All County Hard Brexit leave those fixtures, Divisional committees then catered Basis. The County CCC would they could become logistical for those teams not yet competing then have two constituent bodies nightmares. at All County and then as Gaelic under its remit, one responsible for games grew through the 1960’s the the organisation of Fixtures at So the GAA needs an Agreement Divisional Committees addressed Adult Level and one responsible for on Brexit and not just for the the need to provide under age the Organisation of Fixtures on an Counties in the Six Counties but for structures below Minor level. all-County basis at Juvenile Level. I the units in Britain and beyond. We would suggest that this change need to be prepared for whatever That is the historical perspective happen in 2020 at the same time might come and though it might and I outline it because I wish to as we are committed to a change seem far removed from us a No address what I feel is a need in our Age Groups. Deal and a Hard Border would once again form unity within our have a big impact on the GAA. We County. At present in Down I feel You will rightly ask how will it work need to use all and any influence we are operating at times as well I would propose that if we take to make sure that the GAA position Three Counties, we have Down the year 2020 for example, we will on Brexit is well articulated to both and then we have East Down be organising competitions at the Governments. and South Down each of whom following age groups Under 13, have carved out their own Under 15 and Under 17. So we Another factor that could also be identities and entities within the agree that the Competition is affected is the GAA funding County of Down. played on an All County basis and currently paid to every County in is either 15 a side or 13 a side, Euro, we need to see post Brexit In the past 12 months Scór has teams are seeded based on their how the currency is affected in been organised on a County basis previous two years’ performance regard to the current grant of by the County Scór committee and and are then placed in the suitable €175,000.00 to each County. If the County Dinner was held where league at All County. It would be there was a great disparity in the there were Down GAA Awards. envisaged that there would be Four Sterling and Euro could have a Divisions in each age Group at All detrimental effect again on This I believe was a very important County Level and as such that Counties in the Sterling Area. This step previously we have had could potentially mean more is something that will need to be Supporters Club Dinners, Club games for our young people, with managed centrally as well. Down Dinners, East and South games Home and Away teams Down Dinners now in 2018 we could have as many as 18 games once again had a County Dinner in the League. The Top Two One County where Down GAA and the family Divisions would be games of 15 a that is Down GAA came together side and the next two Divisions - Ag Obair le Chéile as one. We are geographically not would be for teams of 13 A Side. Down GAA County Committee was big enough now to have division, founded back in 1903 with a first people now have easy access to There would be no 11 a side or 9 a meeting of the new body taking all locations and in Down it is side competition, I think that for the place on the 26th April, with James sometimes easier now to go to long term future of our Clubs we Denvir of Ballynarry Kilclief in the Clubs that previously were not in need to be having our competitions Chair. By 1925 new divisional your natural hinterland. Is it right at either 13 or 15 a side. Yes, the areas were being defined and a too that we should have two challenge maybe numbers but the South Down League and an East entities within the County who are challenge of numbers is more a Down league coming under the financially stronger than the County case of working to get the numbers remit of divisional Committees. and who are generating income out and not just cherry picking and streams that could be better thinking well we would be Dare I say on researching, it directed to the common good of comfortable at 11 or 9 a side. seems as if the structures were Down GAA. nearly along the lines of the FA 33 www.DownGAA.net #OfficialDownGAA

It is not too long ago when all So this would mean that the Teams channelling their energies and competitions were 15aside and who compete in the Leagues at 15 talents into achieving for Down Clubs were able to participate aside would play in the County GAA as a single entity, united in a because people within the Clubs Championship and the teams common purpose of seeing the made great efforts to get teams out participating at 13 a side would GAA continue to grow in Down to on the pitches. I think of men like play in a Cup Competition, the be the number one sport of choice Seamus Faloon driving around format for these competitions in our County. Newry in the Mitchels Minibus to would be decided by the CCCC ensure that he had at least 15 Juvenile Committee. Time changes everything and just players for a trip to Longstone, like the establishment of the All Seán O Rourke in An Riocht who You will say that this is the end of County League in 1950there had to get Diarmuid Cahill out to the Divisional Committees and a comes a time when change make up numbers, failure to do so further dilution of their roles and happens and the roof does not fall would have meant that young men responsibilities and yes that may in, 2020 is I believe our time for would have been lost to our well be the case. Divisional change. I urge that the debate on Association. committees are sub committees of such change should begin now, I the County Committee under the have set out my rationale, it will no There have been record numbers rules of the Association they are so doubt be upsetting to some but it is at our Cúl Camps year on year, so and are not Divisional Boards. a debate that has to happen on the numbers must surely be there, logical not personal grounds and enough for each Club to field either Down as a County operates far as a part of a vision for the future. I 13 or 15 players at Under 13,15 better as one unit, the County have no personal axe to grind with and 17 in 2020, to me this is a Dinner this year was a fine the Divisional Committees I just target that is worth working to. If example of how we do things well feel that there is a better way of and when we achieve this, we will when we are operating as one, in administering our juvenile fixtures be setting down a marker to our Scór this year the County Scór and of ensuring that the GAA is the competitors for we will be making committee were responsible for the number one sport of choice in our games available to our young organisation of the competition and County. people on an increased scale with there was an improvement in key a minimum of 18 league games areas. We quite simply cannot and at least 4 Championship have divisional committees who Finance games. are organising competitions which The Convention last year saw a are at odds with the rules of the presentation by Feargal The Fixture programme would be Association, we cannot have McCormack on how the set out centrally and the games divisional committees which are commitment by our Clubs had would happen at the times vying with the County Committee improved our Financial position proposed and there would be a for sponsorship opportunities and and how this needed to continue to new dimension in that the fixtures for grants. This cannot continue on allow us to operate successfully. would be on an All County basis. any of the above fronts and Down GAA cannot allow this state of Diarmuid Cahill was elected as Clubs would get to play against affairs to continue ultimately to the County Treasurer and with the Clubs from outside of their normal detriment of the Down GAA brand. assistance of James McGrath they hinterland and they might even get set about bringing a new impetus to play against a neighbouring Club We need in my opinion as Runaí to the management of the County who they never get to meet these Coiste Chontae to have our games Finances. Ulster Bank became our days because of the divisional and our organisation under the banking partners with a strong boundaries. Clubs would be direction of one body not as is emphasis on IT support. The issue playing at their own level and we presently the case three different of our outstanding loan with Croke would be removing the language of bodies, we are only creating Park had also been raised at last A B C and D competitions, we division and ultimately under year’s Convention and it was would have Division One to Four, achieving. There should be one addressed in 2018 becoming one we would be playing within rule in entity responsible for Gaelic of the financial good news stories all of our Competitions. I refer you Games and Culture within the for the County. When it had first here to Rule 2.1 of section 2 of the County, one brand- the Down GAA been mooted about making Official Guide part two where by a Brand and a unity that says we are repayments on the Loan in one of County Committee may reduce the Down. I acknowledge that there my past Secretary’s report where I number of players on a team from are many good people involved in said that we needed to be paying 15 for non-championship games. the Divisional committees, I really back the loan it was projected back would love that those people were then in 2012 that the loan would be

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paid in 2032. In fact, I did not model now being adopted by other Championships at this time, it was envisage any of the present Counties in Ulster. When one not an easy sell but Michael Officers being in post when the reflects on the battle that it was to McArdle and his team worked very Loan would eventually be paid. get the Draw adopted by our Clubs hard and ensured that the day was In 2018 we renegotiated the loan I am content too that our 80/20 split a success socially and financially. with Croke Park and now we are in in favour of our Clubs was the right Again there was a win for Clubs of the position where the loan model. We are very generous in a minimum of £1000.00 per Club if currently sits at £ 1,444,421.51 and that split compared to other they had embraced the idea of we are paying £15,000.00 per Counties but I feel that this was the selling tickets for the event and month and at that rate the loan will right decision for our Clubs, we retaining the income from any now be paid off in 2025-26 season. need to ensure that our Clubs are sales that they made. financially sustainable and the We have reduced the loan through Clubs Draw provides the For a week at the end of negotiation, converted the opportunity for such sustainability. September everyone in Down and payments to sterling and thus the GAA world in general became avoided fluctuating exchange rates The 2018 Down GAA Clubs Draw avid supporters of Limerick as the and the real good news saved the generated a total income of very generous contribution from JP County €247,000.00 in £732,000.00 with 6,100 tickets McManus of €100,000.00 made its repayments. For all of those out sold and this was an increase of way to each County. I have to there who have historically 11% on the year previous. A admit that for 30 seconds I thought castigated the County Officers record £632,000.00 which is in all of my Christmas’s had come at for their management of the fact 85% of the revenue will be once as I opened the envelope and County Finances I think that the shared with the Clubs and the saw a cheque made payable to time has come to dispel the spin County Committee. Some Clubs Down GAA FOR €100,000.00, I that money given to the County again made a phenomenal effort then read the accompanying letter was only going to fill the black and raised in excess of £30,000 and saw that the Money was hole of debit. In recent times the in cases for their finances, this indeed for our Clubs. County Officers have been is all a great benefit to Clubs and transparent about the Finances all before the season really This was a magnificent gesture by and rightly so for we have nothing starts. Remember that you JP the man quite simply did not to hide, so I say to those who have cannot buy a ticket for the Clubs have to do it but he knows the plied the spin - Back the County, draw in March, so you are value of the GAA in its community good things are happening and get talking about Clubs making a big and in contributing to Clubs JP was on board to make Ballykinlar effort in December and January ensuring that it filtered down to the happen. in a short time span the rewards Clubs. To be fair to our Clubs I can be great. You need to ask have heard of various ways in The continued support of our Clubs the question Can your Club which the money was going to be is vitally important to our future well afford not to promote the Clubs used to address particular needs -being and in our fundraising for Draw? which perhaps had been down the 2019 that initiative must present list of priorities but none the less the option for our Clubs to The Race Day at Dundalk on July were going to need to be done at a generate income for their own 12th was another success for stage, the JP money became that activities. The Continued success Down GAA, given that all Down stage. of the Clubs Draw has seen the teams were out of the respective

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The gates for our Championships making a difference, now too following a road map of milestones were up and this was a result of with Charitable status granted that hopefully will all be completed good financial management in your contribution as a tax payer to get us to the stage of full ensuring that the right venues were means additional benefits from planning approval by December selected to host games and in the Government. So to Club 2019. We want to come to relation to our County Finals that Down I say you need a Convention in 2019 with Planning we were not clashing with fixtures membership strategy. You need Approval guaranteed for the Down in our neighbouring counties. I do more members contributing but GAA Centre at Ballykinlar. though still feel that we need to you need to be actively asking have a nominal admission charge people, me writing here will not To the Ballykinlar Club and for Under 16s, it still amazes me in necessarily have the required Community I wish to state that you the lengths that people go to in effect but the personal touch have nothing to fear with this order to obtain entry to a ground and the ask of someone to join development, we in Down GAA and game without paying or if Club Down may bring the recognise that the past few years paying then doing so at a greater reward. have been difficult for you as a discounted rate that clearly does Club and for the Ballykinlar not apply to them. Community in general. We believe The Ballykinlar Project that the development by Down The people who work at Pairc The hopes of many will take a GAA can be a catalyst for good in Esler in selling half time draw further step forward early in 2019 the Club and in the area in general. tickets make a valuable as we move to appoint a Planning We want to be good neighbours contribution to the ground and the Consultant and a Design Team for to each and every one of you, we County, under the leadership of our centre at Ballykinlar. The past want you to feel a part of the Michael McArdle they have year has been spent being careful project. The vision envisaged by generated nearly £15,000.00 this to ensure that all of the right steps Down GAA will include facilities year and I just want to place on were being taken to hopefully that will be for the use of all of the record my thanks to them obtain full planning permission by people of Ballykinlar, there will especially the elder statesmen the end of 2019. hopefully be links too with Martin and Columban. education authorities and health We have secured the purchase of and well-being initiatives all for the Under the Chairmanship of Ross the additional land and have benefit of a community. There will Carr Club Down initiated a Youth agreement from Newry Mourne be opportunities too for Draw this past year with again and Down District Council to have employment in the construction benefits going to Clubs who their facility transferred back to the stages and when the project is managed to optimise sales. The MOD who will then in turn transfer complete there will be positions focus for Club Down’s income is the lease to ourselves as part of that need to filled too. This is a the funding of the Mourne the overall project. We have good news story for Ballykinlar and Academy project and as this is a presented our vision to the the surrounding area, together we very necessary project for the National Infrastructure and Finance can all make it happen and I look future development of our Committee at Croke Park to the forward to early 2020 and the footballers and hurlers so people obtain their approval to move to the Down GAA offices being located should be taking the opportunities next stage of appointing the on site. presented to join Club Down. I various consultants. A similar appeal in particular to the parents presentation has happened also For years’ people have criticised us and guardians of the young people with the Ulster Council as we seek for not having a base of our own who will benefit from participation to ensure that we have the full and for having as mentioned in the Mourne Academy to join Association backing at Provincial previously the Black Hole of Debt, Club Down, your son will get far and National Levels before we well now we are well on the road to more benefit than the £10.00 a make any financial commitments. having our own base and the Debt month that is asked of you in We have also been in discussion is well reduced. So now as we in membership. On membership I with bodies in relation to the 2019 move forward to make believe that there is an onus on historic nature of the site and how appointments and to commence Club Down to develop a that can be incorporated in our work I ask you to back us, make membership base, by its very development. that contribution Financial or In name Club Down that suggests Kind that helps us to build the members. A Project Manager will also be home that Down GAA needs and appointed and a Project board deserves since our inception. We need more members formed, a timeframe has been contributing to Club Down and approved and we will now be Let us the new generation ensure

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that the current and future undertaken before in 1990 the BBC Irish and Cultural generations of players who wear broke new ground with The It is with a heavy heart that I write the Red and Black have access to Championship Programme. This in my report about Irish and Culture the very best facilities to allow was all brought back to me when I in this year when we in Down GAA them to be the best that they can looked at the TV Guide for the lost one of our favourite sons with be. 2019 will be 60 years from our week ahead and saw that on BBC the untimely death of William Smith first Senior Ulster Title and 25 2 on Friday night Coleraine v our Irish and Cultural Officer on Years from our last one and from Newry City in the Irish League is May 29th. There was great shock our 5th All Ireland let it now be the being broadcast live. The Ulster when the news broke that William year when Down GAA gets its own Club Football Finals will take place was gone from us, a man of the home and can build for future this weekend too but we will only Mournes had been taken to his generations. We owe it to the men be offered perhaps a glimpse on a heavenly home all too soon. We of 59, the men of 94 to make it news bulletin or extended knew him as William or William happen and more importantly we coverage online! I would not James to those with longer owe it to the boys and girls of the hesitate to place a bet that the memories, a man who always gave future, the inheritors of our great attendance at any one of our finals of his very best for his Club and his tradition to make the vision will be greater than the attendance County. We talk with pride of happen. You can play your part, at the game on Friday Night in the Mourne Granite and William was a speak to any of the Senior Officers Irish League. man fashioned out of all that is to see how you can make a good in Mourne, he had the difference and make the vision a This also happens where BBC give strength of Mourne Granite and he reality #ballykinlar2020. live coverage to the fortunes of had the pride in his place and the Ulster Rugby during the season love of his people. William Smith and when the Allianz Leagues start was a good man in every way, he Coverage of our Games in the last week of January neither was one of those people who said I I must set out my stall having in broadcaster would appear to be will do that and he did it. William previous reports raised issues interested in the provision of Match epitomised the GAA as the Give All about the printed media on this Coverage or being innovative and Association for he himself gave all occasion I have no issues with the providing a Sunday or Monday to his Club and his County, more printed media and indeed I night programme of highlights. than anyone could have asked. commend our local media for their Yes, RTE and TG4 will have rights coverage of our games. The profile of coverage but it would hardly be The history books of Down GAA in the County Down press for beyond the powers of all the will record that William served his Gaelic Games is very much broadcasters to come to an County as a member of the South appreciated and I thank the local agreement and thus improve Down Committee and then as Vice correspondents and the editors for coverage of Gaelic Games in the Chairperson and later as South their coverage of Club and County six counties. Down Chairperson. Prior to that fixtures. The Club PRO’s who William had a keen interest in the submit Club notes do a great job There is an imbalance and this then vibrant Down GAA Youth too in providing a resume of how imbalance gives scant recognition Board being a delegate back in their Club is performing at all levels of the fact that Gaelic Games are 1981. William saw the bigger of activity, we should never be the best attended sporting events picture, he saw that the County afraid to hang out our brightest in the North of Ireland and also was an extension of his club and colours. have now the greatest levels of he could best serve his Club by participation by male and female giving commitment to the County I am though concerned about the participants. I do not wish this and in turn then to his fellow Clubs Coverage of our games by the two issue to become a political football throughout the County. On Coiste channels particularly based in this whereby MLA’s try to outscore Bainisti William served as Vice jurisdiction BBC and UTV. In a each other on the back of an Chairperson, as delegate to the sense here I am revisiting old imbalance. I would prefer that this Ulster Council and for the past four ground as back in 1982 the County matter was championed by Ulster years as Irish and Cultural Officer. Communication Committee under GAA and the GAA nationally to the Chairmanship of Feargal improve the coverage of our To each of these roles he brought McCormack had surveyed the GAA games we need at the very least commitment and dedication, with coverage provided by these two parity in terms of live and deferred the desire to make a difference to bodies. Arising from that report TV Coverage by BBC in particular the GAA in Down. In these roles changes started to filter through and a better recognition of our William did indeed make a and there was coverage of games by UTV. difference, as Vice Chairperson National League games and thus Chair of CCC William

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oversaw the change in the format Down record a win over Antrim, to the wheel and made it happen. of our Championships and was less than one week before he died, always keen to improve the he had only been three days out of How fitting too that Glasdrumman presentation of our Championship hospital but the lure of seeing would win the Ballad Group title in fixtures in particular. Over the Club Down play was too great and he Castlewellan on Sunday week past Championship weekends William watched the game from the and that a granddaughter of was always on duty be it Boardroom in Newry. Happy with a William and Aileen would be monitoring a side line or ensuring Down win and proud to see representing the Club. It was as if that a singer was in place for Connaire and Shane Harrison wear the great man himself was smiling Amhrán na bhFiann, he was happy the Red and Black, William was in and watching over everyone. when we were presenting our good form. games well. Scór is a vital cog in our Glasdrumman was so important to organisation and there is no doubt Serving on Ulster Council led William, it was his parish, it was that in honesty it brings out the William to enjoy friendships with where he was from and it was his best and the worst in people, I people from other Counties but Club, the Club he played for, the would only wish that we could also to fight the corner for the Club he served as a committee bottle the very best of what it Clubs of Down to ensure that they member and as a Chairperson. brings out for then we would have got their entitlements and their The Club where he oversaw the a most vibrant, energetic body that representation when the need was development of a new ground and would take some stopping. There there. There is no doubt that his Clubrooms, a Club where he had is a passion about the followers of love for all things Irish and for our pride in his place. The people of Scór that would do well on a Culture in particular meant that the Glasdrumman were Williams football or hurling pitch and is very post of Irish and Cultural Officer people, here he had built a commendable, let us try to channel was a post made for William. He successful business, created jobs that passion in a positive vein and took to the task with passion and and at all times looked out for the recognise the good that all people quiet persuasion in a remarkable good of his community. can bring to the table. It is easy to way that he had of mixing both knock and within the Scór family attributes to ensure that Scór was We in Down GAA have lost a good that happens too easily, let us to the fore of GAA activity in the friend, a decent man who served recognise what people bring to the County. his County and served it well. table and let us go forward accepting the good and As Irish and Cultural Officer he William was indeed the epitome of channelling it in the best way oversaw All Ireland titles being won all that is good about the GAA, he possible to the benefit of all of our in Solo Singing twice and in Ballad gave of his time, he sought no competitors. In simple terms let us Group twice, his record in the reward, he chose to try and make a see the good in people and not annals of Scór in Down will not be difference and to so many people look for the ulterior motive if we do easy surpassed. Yet there is one he achieved just that. We have that we can build something great moment that gave him the greatest great memories of the days that we and 50 years on let us look forward pride of all and that was then had, days and nights when to many more years of Scór. Let Niamh McDowell from his own William’s smile lit up a room, the our strength be our Unity. Club was crowned All Ireland Scór phone call with a word of wisdom na nÓg Champion in 2017. I do not and wise counsel, the genuine To Paula Magee who as secretary think there was a prouder man in concern for the wellbeing of others. of the County Scór Committee puts the Waterfront Hall when the result William Smith was a good man and in a huge effort to ensure that was announced and Glasdrumman we in Down GAA are the poorer for every fine detail is in place before a had an All Ireland Champion. his passing but richer in the competition starts and who Scór was where William was strength that he gave us when we represents Down at Provincial and happiest, he enjoyed the had him with us. National level, I say thank you for Competitions at all levels within the work that you undertook this Down and then at Provincial Level, The loss of William was a heavy year in personal circumstances he enjoyed the friendships he blow for the Scór community within that must have been very difficult made, friendships that took him Down and it was indeed a very for you. When you need a job done throughout Ireland to Provincial hard task to lift the mantle and look you ask a busy person and they and National Finals. to organise Scór na nÓg for the ensure that it is done, in the case 2019 year. It was done for it would of Paula no task is too small and He was a Down man at heart, on not have been in keeping with the no task is too great. the Saturday night he had made memory of William Smith that we his way to Pairc Esler to watch would not all have put our shoulder

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To all of our National Anthem on a Youth Board or were officers singers I say thank you for of a University Club, they were not All of this brought me then to the enhancing our games in particular all footballers or hurlers on the train of thought that led me to think at County and Club level in 2018, pitch but as the saying goes we well why would you referee and to the mummy's and daddy's who need too the best teams off the when one looks at the sums of drove you to games, thank you too field. money that some Clubs are paying it was much appreciated, and to trainers or managers do we need Plunkett McConville and his team To this end we will be hosting a to increase the payment to of announcers I thank you all for Down Youth Forum on 26th referees. Would a better scale of making yourselves available even January 2019 with the aim of payment make it more attractive for if at times this was at short notice. listening to our young people and some to take up refereeing? There seeing where we can find a place would be an extra cost to Clubs but for their undoubted talents in on the reverse would we get more Youth County Admin going forward. I referees and would we get quality My football career with Newry would hope that we will have a with the quantity. Currently each Mitchel’s was a case of playing on beneficial day where we will as the club pays £15.00 towards the the Club Senior team when I could older brigade listen to the new match fee for a referee if that was not get my place on the Club millennials and we will be enthused to rise to £25.00 per Club per Under 16 team – the rationale by them and we will hopefully get game would refereeing become a being that we had a good Under 16 them engaged. They will be given more lucrative proposition for the team whilst people were not the opportunity to play meaningful retired player or the person who turning up for the Seniors so you roles within County Administration would like to take up officiating. It got a game standing in the corner out of the day on the 26th, the might well be the elephant in the and being told not to get in the canvas will be blank, they can draw room but it is worth discussing, way! You were there because we the map, and the future can be with an increased fee would bring had to have 15 and we had to field great. more accountability for referees so and by the time I was 16 I was then it is a double sided coin. the Club Secretary and that was where my administration in the Referees I congratulate Ciaran Branagan GAA started and my football career Seamus Walsh as chair of and Paul Faloon on their was ending. I then got to join the Referees Administration has performances at Provincial and Down Youth Board where Dan submitted a report on Refereeing National level in the past year, McCartan would collect me from to Convention, I would just like if I Colin Murrays progress at these my house and take me to meetings may address a couple of issued. levels has been hampered by in the Savoy Guest House or Score We need to give priority to the injury and hopefully he too will meetings in the home of the great recruitment of Referees and in make progress in 2019. Sean Magorrian. I got to be particular to the recruitment of involved with great people, Dan Hurling Referees. There is a real To all our referees I say thank you McCartan, Donal McCormack, danger that we will be unable to for the role you played in making Feargal McCormack, the two John fulfil fixtures in 2019 if we do not games happen in our County and I Farrell’s, Sheelagh and Michael attract more referees. Attracting ask only that in this quiet off Murray, in 1980 at the hosting of referees has to be an ongoing season you might be a persuader Congress I was a bookies runner! process, I do not believe that we and recruit a new referee who in as the Grand National was on the can just decide that this is a 2019 might make a difference. same day as Congress in process for the winter months, if Newcastle. It was great you were we get someone in May or June involved in Down GAA and you putting up their hand and saying I Lost Lives were learning from people and you would like to referee then the onus At Convention each year we take a were meeting new people and you is on us to make it happen. minute to remember those who are were still at school. no longer with us, who we have We have to be prepared to ask lost in the past year and for each of Now in 2019 we need to resurrect people too to take up refereeing, us there is always someone that our Bord na nÓg, we need to we have to make the pitch to that we remember at this time of year. recruit new people and we need to person, it may well come in the first The people we think of have involve them in administration in instance from within the Club or if touched our lives in some small this County, we need to give them help is needed then existing way perhaps and in many cases wings and allow them to grow. referees should be asked to speak gave us the love of the GAA that Senior Officer ship in the County to the potential referee or referees we now have. For that we thank contains people who either served admin to talk to the person too. them and we remember them.

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It was just before Christmas in imagination and a desire to 2017 that we lost Maurice Hayes a make things happen. Maurice man who had filled my own role had the vision and most most successfully in the late fifties importantly he had the belief to early sixties. Maurice always had a make it happen, together with quiet pearl of wisdom to offer Barney Carr he worked whenever you met him, his diligently to create the idea a involvement was always genuine Down Team could in five years’ and always to try and be of benefit time win an All-Ireland. In 1958 to the GAA in Down. The fortunes Maurice floated the idea of a of our County were foremost in his Team Manager being thoughts, he had an understanding appointed, yet it was to be of the working of County another year before the Administration and he was always concept would be adopted by available for County Officers to the Clubs of Down. was a bond there that was perhaps discuss in confidence concerns unique in GAA terms. that they might have or to offer In 1959 Down were to win their first possible solutions to a problem that Ulster Senior Title and Maurice as 1964 saw Maurice stand down as might arise. He never lost either his County Secretary was a selector Joint Secretary of the County love and admiration for the players along with Brian Denvir, Danny Committee, due to pressures of his who donned the Red and Black of Flynn was Team Trainer, Martin work as Town Clerk of Downpatrick Down at all levels, Maurice going Walsh was medical adviser and and so a most influential voice was back to the late fifties was in reality Barney Carr was now in the role of lost to administration in Down, his the man who identified player Team Manager. The dream driven ability as a brilliant administrator welfare as a key ingredient in the by Maurice from the mid-fifties was had been recognised at Provincial success of any County. now in sight of fruition. and National Level within the GAA and he had given so much to the Widely regarded as the architect of Player welfare was the key point County of Down that is still so the Down history making for Maurice and there was great relevant to us today, we take our successes of 1960 and 61, solidarity among the men of the All County Leagues for granted yet Maurice had begun his career as a 60s which still exists today, for today they are a testimony to the County Administrator in 1949 as Maurice it was simple " you stick by vision of Maurice Hayes. Assistant Secretary to the late us and we will stick by you ", a great Peadar Barry and it was not man really who was ahead of his Over the years then Maurice took long before his influence was time in recognising that the County on various tasks in a quiet but most starting to show, the Convention of Player and County Team was key efficient manner he led the 1950 set up a football selection to the success of a County. commission into Hurling, when committee of no less than five and Club Down was formed to assist no more than seven to select the 1960 saw the vision of Maurice the County in the development of County Teams, a task that had up Hayes realised as the men of Pairc Esler Maurice again put his to then been the duty of the full Down took the Sam Maguire energies into ensuring that we had County Committee. There was to across the border for the first time, a ground worthy of our status as a be no jockeying to get your own it had taken time for Maurice to County. In recent years too when a man on the Team in Maurice's bring the plan to its conclusion, it football review was being world. That same year Maurice was now ten years since the undertaken which ultimately led to filled the role too of secretary of the selection committee had been the establishment of today's new All County Football League established and an All County Mourne Academy Maurice was and would have been very proud Football League introduced, he only too willing to help, he attended when Downpatrick defeated Newry had the qualities to maintain the meetings and made a positive in a playoff to win the League. focus on the goal of making Down contribution to the review. the best in the land and that was In 1956 when Peadar Barry retired shown again in 1961. When one Maurice’s enthusiasm belied his as Runaí Maurice was was in the presence of Maurice years as when Maurice spoke we unanimously elected County and the players from that era you all listened, we are lucky in Down Secretary, a superb organiser could never help but witness the that Maurice Hayes was one of our Maurice did not spare himself in mutual respect that each held the own, that he was our friend and our furthering the interests of the GAA other in, to Maurice they were his wise counsellor, a man who gave in the County bringing people with men and to the players Maurice great service to his County and his him by his great enthusiasm, was very much their man, there Country, known throughout Ireland

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and the World for his diplomacy Mitchels and to trying to sustain the equalled too often at County level and gentle manner, we in Down Club. He was a teaching assistant today. owe Maurice a great debt for he in Aquinas GS in Belfast where he helped make us the proud GAA was also involved in the promotion Oliver Morgan from Downpatrick county that we are. He had the of Gaelic Games. Down GAA was a man who gave many years’ vision, he lived the dream and he should be lending their support in service to County Sub Committees left us the memories, the history whatever way possible to the and in particular what was then the and the belief in our County, he Heaney family as they seek to Development Committee. Oliver truly was a proud son of Mourne. A address the safety issues on this was meticulous in his approach man we were privileged to have stretch of roadway. and had a great desire to help known and to say he made a Clubs and to see them improve on difference to our lives. The Gaels of Clonduff were and off the field. He loved his shocked by the news of the sudden annual trips to Kerry and then he John Smith of Ballykinlar an All death of Pearce Branagan another would update us on what was Ireland winner in 1961 passed young man dedicated to the GAA happening in the Kingdom and away in 2018, John was left half with a love of hurling and who was what we needed to be doing to back on the team of 1961 where he teaching just down the road in the keep up. formed a great partnership on the home of his neighbours and left wing of the team with his club cousins in Kilcoo. It was a sad Pat Watterson was a man who man Paddy Doherty. Against Kerry summer evening as the hurlers of gave great service to two Clubs, in the All Ireland semi final and Clonduff sat in the garden of the RGU in Downpatrick and Kilclief again against Offaly in the final Branagan homestead at the wake where he was the School Principal, John was the essence of for their friend and fellow Gael and in this role as a Principal he was soundness right through both as you left the house that evening also an outstanding administrator games. John was prominent in the you could only be struck by the with Cumann na Bunscoil. Pat had great Ballykinlar team of the 60s, a power of the GAA in a community. a wonderful way with him and gave team deemed to be amongst the Clonduff won the Junior Hurling a love of Gaelic Games, football best never to have won a County Championship and there is no and hurling to so many who Championship. doubt Pearce played a part. passed through his school, he has left a great legacy in the area. Pat McAlinden, a member of our Another great servant of Clonduff All Ireland winning panel of 1968 and hurling in particular Sean There are few footballers who had passed away a few weeks before Cairns had too been taken from us as short a playing career as Gerry we would gather to celebrate the in the past year, Sean did all the Butterfield but are still talked about achievements of that great team. wee jobs that you need a man to in revered tones more than 60 Pat, a great servant to Club and do in any Club and in Clonduff he years later. Gerry, who emigrated County was a Down championship was passionate about hurling. His to the US while still a teenager, winner with Newry Shamrocks in legacy remains today with his wife built up that reputation in a short 1961. He was goalkeeper on the Goretti and the family still looking time with his home club Ulster Championship winning team after the Club shop and ensuring Mayobridge and very briefly with in 1963 when Down beat Donegal. that there is always something Down, but particularly in the Pat won further Ulster medals in available for patrons on match colours of Abbey CBS Newry. At 1965 and 1966 and then in 1968 days. just 17 he was a key member of was understudy to Danny Kelly, the Mayobridge senior team that winning National League, Ulster Seamus McGrattan was a man of went through the 1953 season Championship and All Ireland the Ards, a hurling man and a Man undefeated. And later that year, medals. of Down who had a lifetime of Abbey coach Gerry Brown would service to the game. An excellent select him as captain of the During the year we lost two young administrator Seamus was MacRory Cup side that was to men with bright futures ahead of Secretary of the Hurling Board write itself into the history books by them who were starting off in from 1972 until 1977 and then went becoming the first school teaching careers where no doubt on to serve as Ulster Hurling exclusively for day pupils to lift the they would have been great assets Development Officer. Seamus was famous trophy. Gerry Butterfield to their communities. We lost Karl also a referee who officiated at emigrated to Cleveland Ohio and Heaney of Newry Mitchels, killed County Finals. Seamus’ time as played against Down on their tour as he was returning from Club Runaí Coiste Iomana coincided to the USA in 1962 ironically if he training on a most dangerous with the term as Chairman of had stayed at home it is more than stretch of the A1. Karl was one of Coiste Iomana of his father Paddy, likely he would have played on the those people committed to Newry a situation that would not be Down team of 1960.

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Just days after County Convention County Down. He led his County in post as Full Time secretary of this last year we learned of the death of the same decade, and served as great County of ours and it is an Harry McEvoy, Harry was Treasurer in the 80s and always honour to hold such office. The role chairman of Coiste Chontae and retaining that pleasant and humble is a great one and it is also an ever Dúin in 1977 and had also served demeanour that he espoused changing role and I will always as County Treasurer for a period in whenever one met him, his gentle endeavour to give of my best in the 80s. Harry McEvoy was a man manner often calmed difficult that role. who gave a lifetime of service to situations. Harry truly has left a the GAA, as an administrator with great legacy in the continued In the first instance I am here to his beloved Down and his club growth and success of Scór and support our Clubs, to be there for Carryduff. It is over 40 years now the growth of his Club Carryduff Club Officers if any guidance or from Harry was elected as County are testimony to the man. help is needed, my role is only an Chairman in 1977 a year in which extension of a Club Officers role. the County won its first All Ireland Harry McEvoy was an outstanding Sometimes too both roles can be Minor Football title. Harry served servant of the GAA one of those lonely roles and it is my job to just one year as County Chairman people who typified that we are support Club Secretary’s or but being the faithful servant of our ‘The Give All Associaton’. Chairpersons or any such officer to Association that he was, Harry allow them to do the job that they continued to be to the fore of many To all who have lost loved ones were elected too. I also have a initiatives within Down. One such this year I extend my deepest duty and responsibility to help and initiative was the production of sympathy, we are but the inheritors support our Clubs when they are in ‘Score’ a magazine which was in of a proud and great tradition within engaged with Provincial or National Harrys own words an attempt to fill Down GAA. The men and women bodies or any outside agencies. the void and as he said in the whom we have lost are the very We in Down GAA have a duty of opening article of the magazine in people who shaped us and made care to our Clubs all 48 of them. reference to the contributors ‘May us who we are for that we will their efforts be a source of always be grateful. It is my role too to support every inspiration to us all not only in Team Management that goes out County Down but throughout the to represent Down in football and whole of Ireland’. Reflection hurling, my role has never been to In my Convention reflection last interfere or input in team affairs but That quote indeed would fittingly year, I suggested that there was an rather to ensure that the be a tribute to the contribution excitement about 2018 in Down environment is right for teams and made by Harry McEvoy to Scór GAA circles and that good days managements to be successful. which under his leadership at were ahead for footballers and The fact of the matter is that this is Provincial and County level has hurlers. My optimism did not find part of my role, at times it appears indeed been a source of inspiration any excitement or success for to be acceptable that the Runaí in to people throughout Ireland. Down teams in 2018 and now we 31 other Counties fulfils a role on Indeed as we look to the role of look to 2019 with new Team match days on the side-line but my Scór within the GAA, the role of Managements in place and with no presence seemed to be a men like Harry in keeping our guarantees of success. We have to botheration for some. Well I have a cultural identity alive was vital in believe though that indeed the job to do on Match Day and I sometimes often difficult corner will be turned and as we intend to fill that role. Every circumstances. Scór was given a look back to 25 years without Inter previous Team Management at place and a platform through the County Senior success in football any level in football or hurling will vision of men and women like there is surely a catalyst there for only confirm that I was nothing but Harry, who through their work with players to say they are going to supportive to them as they did their Scór allowed the GAA family to make it happen. For it must come job. grow, to keep us focused on our from within us all, players must ethos of the preservation and want to make it happen in their It is my role too as Runaí or CEO promotion of Gaelic Games and efforts in training and on match of Down GAA to generate pastimes. days, administrators have to make commercial income and to be the sure that the environment is right point of contact for sponsors, in Harry McEvoy served this for Down teams to be successful. If today’s world business wants only Association well in his lifetime from both of those two forces can come to deal with one person in an the founding of a Club in Carryduff together then I do believe that we organisation, they want to deal with back in 1972 when it was not easy can be successful again. the person who can and will deliver nor fashionable to have Gaelic on their requirements. In Down we Games played in that part of I have been ten years now in the have boosted our Commercial

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Income again for the year ahead say thank you for the work that you we just sat on the fence! and I will continue to work to do on an ongoing basis for your deliver on those commitments that Club and your County you are To all our Schools coaches, our then go to ensure that Down GAA making a difference in a very own Kyla, Liam, Benny, Ambrose, can deliver on all of its positive way. Let us all continue to Mark and Danny along with the commitments. make that difference. DENI coaches I say a big thank you for the work that you do in our There is a legal aspect to the role Martina Maxwell has worked schools as ambassadors for Down as well in that I am the designated extremely hard to ensure that the GAA. You are the Team that person for Health and Safety at all new Microsoft Dynamics Package makes it all happen in our Schools of our grounds but with particular is operational and of benefit to us and we take great pride in the reference to our County Grounds. going forward. This year we have positive feedback we get from our With statutory bodies and local seen transition in the Office where Schools about your performance. government ever more mindful of we have gone from three staff to The situation of uncertainty around legal requirements in relation to one in our Administration and the future of the DENI coaches is Sports Grounds, they want to deal Martina has taken on that not a welcome scenario for these with one person who has authority additional workload and for that I young people and is not good to act. This is to protect the thank her very much. Martina is either for the boys and girls that volunteer from possible legal also a help to Clubs on a daily they are working with in schools. I actions and means that the County basis and continues to work hope that a solution will be found, I assumes accountability for what diligently for the good of Down fail to see how the Finance happens at its grounds. An GAA. We are indeed very lucky to required cannot be made available example of this is in regard to have Martina amongst us and for this project that benefits all Parking at Pairc Esler, if we are to Conor and I both know she is the communities. have a projected attendance of in real boss! excess of 5000 people then we To all of those who lost loved ones have to put in place a Coning Our Games Development Manager throughout the year I extend my requirement, it becomes a legal Conor O Toole is responsible for deepest and heartfelt sympathy, obligation. our coaching staff and for the tonight at Convention we organisation of the Cúl Camps the remember everyone in a prayerful In my role too I have overall fact that our numbers continue to minute before proceedings begin. responsibility for our staff and their grow year on year is a tribute to the The idea of including names of welfare, so to this end we have work of Conor. This year over deceased members in our annual now ensured that all of our staff are 6,000 young people attended our Convention booklet is I feel a nice contracted and all of them have camps and that could be a chance of showing to us all that we their full pension entitlement in logistical headache but to be fair to are acknowledging the work of place. Conor he has a well tried and those who have gone before us tested system in place and we let and helped to make us who we These are just some of the Roles him work away. It is improving year are. Ar Dheis De go Raibh go that I fulfil in my day to day work as on year and it is working why Raibh a anam. Runaí, over the next twelve months reinvent the wheel. The timing of I expect that the role in relation to the Cúl Camps over eight weeks To my fellow officers I thank you Ballykinlar will become more means that Summer Holidays don’t for all of your work during the year evident and more demanding. This happen for Conor and that is an and for your help and support will be our flagship project, our indication of the hidden aspects of shown to me at all times. The biggest undertaking in our history our jobs. mantra now for The County and and I am determined to insure that Club Officer Training Programme is every step we take has the support In 2018 Conor also acted as the that the best Teams are those off of the full GAA family, Our Clubs, servicing officer to the Mourne the pitch and in Down GAA we are Our County Committee, Provincial Academy and also manages our lucky in this regard. When people and National committees. Only by Coaching Staff on a daily basis, take up County Office they do so in following that path will we know this was a busy year for him, on the desire to serve, to make things that we will have the full support of the playing field he was part of his better, to give freely of their time all bodies and only by following Club Team that gained Promotion and to make a difference. that path will Ballykinlar happen. back to Division One while he was also part of the Mageean Cup We in Down GAA should be proud To each and every member of the management team. We didn’t know of the people we have and the Down County Committee I say whether to nominate him for player work that they do, they are your thank you for your support and I of the year or Coach of the year so people, put in place by the Clubs of

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Down. Yes, there will always be approach. He has been there to I would like to thank too Liam something to say about the County support Clubs and also has Quinn and Conor Watson who did Board, history shows that they are adopted a firm line when it was excellent work in looking after the always the bogey men and women, needed. Diarmuid is someone who hurling fixtures both men gave it’s only a different set of people makes things happen, he has the selflessly of their time in a fair and but for some the County Board will courage to deliver on projects that honest manner as members of always be the problem. That has might not be the most palatable to CCC. As I said earlier over 450 been the scenario in Down for over Clubs but he delivers them in a fair hurling games were played this 50 years now and I had to think and honest manner After year one year. about it when I read some former Diarmuid will want to build on the players comments in the press systems that have been Willie Gribben combines the role of earlier this year and I thought well implemented and he will ensure full being chairperson of his own Club it’s not personal it just the County transparency in our Financial with being County Development Board- it wouldn’t matter who the governance. Officer and has supported our members were it would still be the Clubs every step of the way with County Board. This year too he was chair of the Development Projects. At Host Féile Committee and I have Convention Willie becomes our first Our Chairman Sean Rooney enters spoken earlier of the great success appointed Development Officer in now his final year as Chairperson that Féile was, Diarmuids talents line with National Guidance and and he will hope to advance the were also recognised when he was whilst the role will marginally planning application for the appointed to Chair the National change Willie is still the best development at Ballykinlar to bring Youth Committee and recently placed person for the job. it to a fruition if possible in his term hosted the National Youth Forum. of Office. Sean has led from the We need though to ensure that we Our two Ulster Council reps front and has shown that he is alleviate some of the burden on Maureen O Higgins and Michael willing to take on any task for the Diarmuid and one of the first things McArdle make sure in the first good of Down GAA. It would be we should be doing is finding instance that the County is best great for Sean Rooney if Down someone to fill the role of IT represented at Ulster and then they were to lift silverware in 2019, for it Officer. Our Finances are in a good take on other roles too, as is every County Chairman's dream structured place now and we need Integration Officer Maureen has to see their county win and Sean to allow Diarmuid to continue that once again raised the profile of deserves to live the dream. I thank work, if we do then Down GAA will Integration and ensured that it is Sean for all of his support as Chair have a secure future. working at a practical level in and look forward to continuing our Down. This year Maureen wanted work in 2019. Brendan Fitzpatrick has been a a new challenge and we asked her good support to Diarmuid and has ahead of the Championship if she As Vice Chairperson John continued with the responsibility for would take on the role of leading Devaney also chairs CCC and in a the management of our gates and the PR Committee. Well the difficult year has shown real ensuring that we maximise our answer was yes and what a leadership, good engagement with Income from our Championships. difference that made to our PR, Clubs delivered a league Brendan and his team of men are new people were recruited, they programme that very nearly met its often the public face of Down GAA had their own what’s app group objectives of being finished ahead for many of our patrons, they are and word had it that they were of Championship. With us entering the first people that you see at a ambassadors for the Tea Drinkers now year two of the transition to ground and I thank them for their of Ireland! The end result was a reduce the number of Teams in our efforts in all weather. huge boost in our PR and good Divisions, John is now working with gates at our Championships, myself on the preparation of a It is sad that we are losing Jarlath Thank you Maureen Fixtures Calendar. At the recent Tinnelly from the role of Assistant County Dinner John also displayed Secretary, at all times Jarlath made Michael McArdle heads up our his real talent as an MC as he a willing contribution to Down GAA Events team and in 2019 we had a ensured that the presentation on and I would like to thank him for his very successful day at the Races the night was excellent. support to me in my role. We will and Night at the Dogs on the 12th also need and would welcome July in Dundalk. Michael is a man Our treasurer Diarmuid Cahill had Jarlath’s advice on community who gets things done, he looks an extremely busy year, he took on matters in the year ahead and we after the Half Time in Pairc Esler the role of County Treasurer and know that he will always give his as well and will be planning now for brought to the post great best for Down GAA. 2019 and a major event. In 2019 organisation and a professional too we are endorsing the

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candidature of Michael for the earlier about a committee with the Seamus Ryan selflessly puts his position of Ulster PRO, we have no sole responsibility of administering own business at our disposal to doubt that Michael would be the Juvenile Fixtures. ensure that we are fully compliant best person for the job. We in with all regulations; this is the type Down would welcome a person in Conor Watson is our County of hidden work people do not see. an officer ship position within Hurling Officer and has been new The GAA is deep in the genes of Comhairle Uladh, the last person to management this year. Conor Seamus Ryan and Down GAA in we had in such a role was the late brings to the table a passion about particular. great Danny Murphy. We wish Down hurling and also a great Michael every success. knowledge of the needs of our Mark Fitzsimmons has taken on hurling clubs. In 2019 Conor will the role as County Children’s Fiona Murphy as County PRO has grow more into this role and with Officer and Mark had a busy year ensured that there are good his work on CCC will no doubt with our hosting of Féile in 2018 channels of Communication ensure that hurling is given a and now has the challenge of between Down GAA and all of our status within Down in keeping with ensuring that compliance is in units. Fiona worked well in liaising its much deserved UNESCO place in all of our Clubs. I have no with all County Teams this year status. doubt that Mark will ensure that our and ensured that Team Clubs are protected in these times Managements were available to So that is the Team Off the field in when voluntary organisations are Media as required. In the summer Down GAA , a team I am proud to continuously in the spotlight. she too became one of Maureen’s be a part of and a team that works team and played a key role in well together, there are many Gary Doherty quietly fills a key role making sure that programmes others who play a key role and for Down GAA as our Health and were in place for all of our fixtures. none more so than James and Wellbeing Officer and as society Mary McGrath who coordinate the changes we too need to be aware Seamus Walsh continues to Clubs Draw. The Clubs Draw of the societal changes that affect represent the County well at continues to grow, it is the envy of our members. Gary has a good Central Council providing reports other Counties and the difference it team in the Health and Well Being from all meetings and also has made to Clubs who have Committee but he needs more help internally chairing Referees embraced the scheme is there to too. There is a lot of work to be Administration. Seamus has been be seen in the development that done here and although we are for active in assisting referees at all has taken place at their premises. the large part a games based stages and it is a role that he is The bottom line is that Down GAA organisation we have a duty of proactive in, we hope that in 2019 could not survive without the Clubs care to all of our members. Gary Seamus’s task is made a bit easier Draw and quite simply we do not delivers on this for us quietly and by the recruitment of some new have the personnel like James and efficiently. referees. Mary to manage it. They do a tremendous job month in month There is good work being done by Tom Potter as Coaching Officer out and all on a voluntary basis for a whole lot of people all for the has been active in ensuring that we the good of the County. The Draw betterment of Down GAA and it is deliver a high standard of coaching takes over their home in January/ our failing that we don’t shout it programmes for our Clubs and is February and I cannot thank them enough from the rooftops and we also involved in the steering enough for all that they do. don’t thank people like Michelle Committee for the Mourne Pollock, Sheila Kelly, Tony Burden, Academy. Tom is also chair of the James has also been invaluable to Donal McCormack, Paul Rooney, Coaching and Games committee us in the past twelve months as a Richie Reynolds, Paula Magee, PJ and is keen in the year ahead to support to Diarmuid and myself in Quinn, Ross Carr, Anita Brannigan, develop coaching standards within managing the County Finances. He the Down Supporters Club and Dr our Clubs. has given of his time voluntarily Eddie Harney enough for the jobs bring his professional experience that they do on our County Sub Donal McNally and Ger Connery to the table and in the transfer of committees, to each and every play vital roles as Chairpersons of business to the Ulster Bank the person who does anything for their respective Divisions East and interests of Down GAA were well Down GAA I say Thank you, you South Down and they do vital work protected with James overseeing help make a difference. You are all in the organisation of juvenile and the transfer. James McGrath has part of the great Down GAA family. adult reserve fixtures. I do think been a huge asset to Down GAA in that people like Ger and Donal 2018. To the people who serve on Sub would be ideally placed to provide Committees nationally and leadership in my thinking stated provincially, I thank you very much

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for the work you do, you are within Down GAA and I hope that representing your County and In Croke Park we have a new Ard they will be seen on their own giving of your time to ensure that Stiuthoir in Tom Ryan and Tom individual merits and strengths. Down GAA plays a central part in has quietly settled into the role, the affairs of our Association. Tom was always a good support to To my wife Teresa who is always Down over the years and in supportive in the tasks that I There are great people in Ulster particular too with the development undertake and who accepts that GAA, Geraldine McKavanagh of Pairc Esler and we wish Tom the GAA operates on a different continues to be the person who well and assure him of our support. holiday and leave calendar than people look to in the Office in the Department of Education, I say Market Street and she is always at To all the staff in Ulster and in Thank you for being there for me. hand for any of the County Croke Park I say thank you on In June of this year Teresa showed Secretary’s with support and behalf of the Gaels of Down, this is who had the real power, as GAA advice. Thank you Geraldine for the great strength of our President John Horan was diverted being you. We were delighted to Association we are a family of to visit St Malachy’s High School host you and the Marathon Team equals. You get as County on his visit to the Primary Schools in Pairc Esler and facilitate your Secretary to meet great people in of Down for Féile. Diarmuid Cahill donation to the Air Ambulance our Organisation the Staff in Ulster even had to admit he had lost that Fund. Bernie Fox was ready with and Croke Park, I can only speak one! the offer of help as soon as word highly of, like us all they are all part broke that we were hosting Féile of the great GAA family that It is best to conclude on an and in 2018 that help was continues to go from strength to optimistic note and as we look to invaluable. It is people like strength. 2019 there are reasons to be Geraldine and Bernie who make us optimistic, a home draw against very proud to be part of the GAA For me to do this job and fulfil the Armagh in the Championship, new family. role as I see it I need the support at team managements in place, home for this job great as it is no 9- underage structures starting to In Michelle McAleer the Director of 5 job, it’s a bit like Ronnie Barker show shoots of growth and hurlers Finance we have a lady always yes we are open all hours. As I with a real chance for promotion willing to support us in our said before there is no day when and a renewed energy. There is endeavours to address our you are not the County Secretary Ballykinlar and the goal of Finances and in our presentations but I would not have it any other obtaining planning permission in at National Level we knew that way. 2019. Michelle was also championing our cause. On behalf of Down GAA I John and Fiona are in their own Yes, Down GAA can be a great thank Michelle for her work on our right setting out to make their mark again, let mediocracy be a thing behalf throughout the year. Paul in the GAA. John enjoyed the of the past I have no doubt Sanders has been very supportive experience of his involvement with about that we can make the to our Clubs in terms of assisting the County Minors this past year difference. If we want it to developments and works closely and now in his role in Aquinas is happen, it will and it can, from with Willie Gribben while Stephen making a positive contribution to the youngest to the oldest, from Donnelly is a guide for us all in Schools Football, for Aquinas to be the players to the supporters, terms of fixtures and match competing at Corn na nÓg level is from the team managers to the programmes. great progress in South Belfast. administrators, from those who criticise us, to those who are To all the staff of Comhairle Uladh Fiona is now teaching in the Nai there for us, we need you all and to the Provincial Director Brian Scoil in Kilkeel and playing for the with us on the journey. McAvoy I say thank you for all your Laochra Team in Belfast, the GAA help and support to me in 2018. and our language are very Bealach an Dúin: Ag Obair le Brian as a former County Secretary important for her and I am indeed a Chéile the Down Way: Working will always have the best interest of very proud father of both. They will Together. Down GAA at heart. develop their own roles and niches

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