JANUARY 2019

NUACHTLITIREANAIR 2019

FOR NEWS, VIDEOS AND FIXTURES www.gaa.ie Football Club General

A HEALTHY CLUB MAKES WELLBEING PART OF THE JOURNEY, NOT JUST A DESTINATION By Colin Regan, GAA Health and Wellbeing Manager ealth and wellbeing at this time following the latest trend to look at what 1. CONNECT – 3. TAKE NOTICE – of the year is a hot topic. But the evidence tells us. what do we really mean and with the people around you. With family, Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. understand by wellbeing and The simplicity of the facts tends to surprise friends, colleagues, your neighbours and Remark on the unusual. Notice the Hhow can a GAA club best support the people. The New Economic Foundation community. Think of these connections changing seasons. Savour the moment, health of its members? – a leading international think-tank as the cornerstones of your life and whether you are watching a match or responsible for promoting social, economic invest time in developing them. Building talking to friends. Be aware of the world In an age when every element of wellbeing and environmental justice – has through these connections will support and around you and what you are feeling. has been packaged and monetised for evidence-based research identified ‘5 Ways enrich you every day and lead to happier, Reflecting on your experiences will help our consumption, it’s important before to Wellbeing’. They are: healthier lives. you appreciate what matters to you.

2. BE ACTIVE – 4. KEEP LEARNING –

Go for a walk or run. Step out into the Try something new. Rediscover an old Embracing the GAA Healthy Club great outdoors. Play a game. Garden. interest. Sign up for that course. Take model is an investment in the Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. on a different responsibility at work. future health of your players and community Most importantly, discover a physical Become a coach or learn how to cook activity you enjoy and that suits your your favourite food. Set a challenge you level of mobility and fitness. will enjoy achieving. Learning new things will make you more confident as well as being fun.

5. GIVE –

Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connections with the people around you. Recreational Rounders played at Good Counsel GAA in in Football Hurling Club General

In a world that can seem increasingly determined to test our mental and physical resolve, sport and the GAA, it would appear, offers not just a respite but a potential antidote. Each of these ‘Ways to Wellbeing’ are easily accessible in your local GAA club and only require your engagement.

The GAA’s Community & Health department has over the past number of years aimed to distil this evidence down into the content of the GAA Healthy Club Project (HCP). 150 clubs across the 32 counties are currently involved in exploring how they can best serve the health and wellbeing needs of their members and communities. For many, it was a matter of continuing the excellent work they were already undertaking. For others, it was a new departure.

In January 2020 all additional interested clubs The GAA uses iconic former all- stars like and Michael will be invited to join the Healthy Club Project. Fennelly to help spread the word on Health and Wellbeing To support interested clubs, Healthy Club Officer (formerly known as Health & Wellbeing Officer) training will be delivered by your Health & Wellbeing Committee in 2019. [Email [email protected] to discover your local training date, i.e. for Donegal the email address will be chair.hwc. [email protected]].

The desired outcome is a reimagination of what a sports club is all about. Yes, winning matches and titles will always drive us, but that destination is only available to one team in each competition. A Healthy Club ensures that regardless of where the journey ends, it has been worthwhile for everyone involved. See more on the project in this month’s newsletter and go to www.GAA.ie/community for additional information. Football Hurling Club General

THE GAA HEALTHY CLUB PROJECT – BE PART OF THE SUCCESS STORY!

he GAA Healthy Club Project with Healthy , the HSE, National Participating clubs work with their • Potential to increase membership (HCP) is designed to improve Office for Suicide Prevention, the PHA, members and their communities to identify • Engage new volunteers the wellbeing of the nation by and is supported by Irish Life through a priority areas to target. Popular topics • Improvements in the health transforming GAA clubs into CSR agreement include healthy eating; becoming a smoke- promoting activities of clubs Thubs for health. It capitalises on the free club; physical activity for non-playing • Better community engagement key role played by GAA clubs in local AIM members; engaging older members of with club activities communities and empowers clubs to The aim is that GAA clubs will become hubs the community; emotional wellbeing; • Access to new funding avenues deliver health and wellbeing information for health ensuring that everyone who gambling, drug, and alcohol education; • Networking opportunities with and programmes directly to their engages with the clubs will benefit from the and inclusion and integration. Activities other clubs members and to the wider communities experience in a health-enhancing way. range from starting up a walking group to • Increased media coverage and that they serve. It is run in partnership hosting Operation Transformation type goodwill events, adopting the GAA’s Mental Health charter, becoming a smoke-free campus or Here’s what participating Healthy Healthy Club adopting healthy eating guidelines. Others Clubs have to say about the project: ambassadors Mickey have sought to better respond to the needs Harte, Philly McMahon, Michael Fennelly and of the older members of their communities “The Healthy Club project will Aoife Lane pass on tips or provide meaningful opportunities to transform the health of your engage with Gaelic games for persons with community. It will enhance your club, special needs. The key is that clubs works strengthen your club and the bonds with their members to identify the areas to within your club. It really grew our prioritise, reflecting local needs, interests, club and changed it in a positive way. and available skills, resources, and partners. It brought a whole new cohort of people to the club. It is a wonderful The HCP is currently in Phase 3 involving programme and I would encourage 150 clubs, multiples in each of the 32 every club to get involved” – Healthy counties. They are supported by the Club Officer, Conor Buckley from Community & Health department in Croke Castlehaven GAA club in Cork Park and their respective GAA County Health & Wellbeing Committees. “The Healthy Club Project has given our club a real boost. Not only are Research into Phases 1 & 2 of the Healthy our members healthier and happier Club Project has identified the following but from a club perspective we have benefits and opportunities for participating increased our social membership. clubs: People soon realised what was available in the club and that we Football Hurling Club General

aren’t just concerned about the players on the pitch but also the wider community” - Healthy Club Officer, Janas Harrington, St Finbarr’s National Hurling & Football Club in Cork.

“The Healthy Club Project has been a huge benefit to both the school and the wider Donnycarney community. It has brought about a greater awareness of being healthy in all aspects, from physical to mental to lifestyle and this has started from the very early ages in the nursery, For more information please right up through our primary contact Aoife O’Brien, National schools and spread into our Healthy Club Coordinator secondary schools, right up [email protected] or until adult hood” – Ciara visit gaa.ie/community Harte, Principal Scoil Chiaráin #GAAHealth CBS, Donneycarney in North Dublin.

STEPS TO BECOMING A HEALTHY CLUB

To start the process clubs are encouraged to appoint a Healthy Club Officer and avail of Healthy Club Officer training which is provided at county level through the GAA County Health & Wellbeing Committees. They can be reached at the generic email address, chair.hwc.COUNTY@ gaa.ie (insert COUNTY name). Football Hurling Club General

‘IRELAND LIGHTS UP’ ONCE AGAIN WITH THE GAA AND OPERATION TRANSFORMATION

n partnership with RTÉ’s Operation bright, environs of their GAA club. Click HERE to view the Ireland Lights Up everywhere with cars backed up. There Transformation and Get Ireland launch video. were groups of people, families, kids, every Walking, more than 250 GAA clubs John Horan, An Uachtarán Cumann walk of life. The walking track in the club across the 32 counties are currently Luthchleas Gael, launched the campaign The aim of Ireland Lights Up is to provide is somewhere you can go for a safe walk Iparticipating in this year’s Ireland Lights last week on episode one of RTÉ Operation a positive and beneficial resource for because there is really nowhere around Up Campaign. Transformation and he said: “In every communities throughout the entire Ballyboughal and people don’t like walking corner of the country our network of clubs country, promoting both the physical and on the dark roads in winter.” After last year’s hugely successful plays a crucial role in contributing towards mental benefits of walking and exercise, campaign, the GAA is delighted to a healthier Ireland. The benefit of this as well as the fantastic facilities that local Interested clubs can sign-up at any point make social exercise more accessible on particular initiative is that this appeals to GAA grounds have on offer to people in over the next six weeks by simply going to the dark winter nights. Every Thursday young and old, players and non-players, their locality. Healthy Club Officer, Joanne www.getirelandwalking.ie and following between 7pm-9pm for five weeks (January with benefits for everyone. This year we Cahill kickstarted Ireland Lights Up in her the Operation Transformation link to 17th – February 21st) Ireland Lights Up aim to reach over 300 clubs and encourage local GAA club last week and she said: “We register their club. Of course, all members encourages GAA clubs to switch on their all clubs who meet the criteria to sign up. had no idea what numbers we would get, of the community are welcome, not just floodlights, seeking to bring communities Together we can ‘Get Ireland Walking”. but we had 150 walkers, maybe even more, GAA members, but participants will be together to enjoy healthy walks in the safe, on the first night. They were coming from required to register and sign-in each night. Football Hurling Club General

GAA GAMBLING AWARENESS CAMPAIGN ‘REDUCE THE ODDS’

he relationship between gambling Congress prohibiting any player, team, and sport is an issue of hot debate member of a management team, or match Tin modern society. official, from betting on any element of a game in which they are involved. GAA President John Horan The GAA’s gambling awareness campaign, The monitoring of this rule has been with Davy Glennon, the ‘Reduce the Odds’, aims to protect the strengthened by the recent development Galway hurling star who has wellbeing of GAA members and the of memorandums of understanding (MOU) spoken courageously about his struggles with gambling integrity of Gaelic Games. between the GAA and the Irish Bookmakers in the past. Association and Betfair / Paddy Power. The The wellbeing of our members and the MOUs allow for the sharing of sensitive integrity of our games are paramount information should either party suspect to the GAA. The Association has made that their rules or terms and conditions significant strides in recent years to have been broken. Sanctions include preserve both and we hope that this suspension and possible disbarment from campaign offers our clubs and members the Association. the resources necessary to continue that work at grassroots level. The campaign, designed by the GAA’s Community & Health Department, has The campaign reinforces the ground- taken a tired approach, including: breaking decision by GAA Congress 2018 to prohibit the sponsorship by a betting • the distribution of gambling awareness firm of any GAA competition, team, playing posters to every club in Ireland gear, or facility. Specifically, the campaign through the County Health & Wellbeing aims to: Committees (if you did not yet receive your posters please contact your County “I never thought I could become addicted about their gambling to seek help sooner • inform all members of the Association’s Health & Wellbeing Committee). to gambling when I started betting. I had no rather than later. Reaching out helped save my rules relating to gambling • a gambling awareness presentation for idea of the potential consequences of what life.” • highlight research identifying athletes clubs and tutor training (training will be started out as a bit of fun. I’m delighted to as an at-risk group in relation to held in the coming months). support the GAA’s campaign to ‘Reduce Resources for clubs relating to the GAA’s problem gambling • a generic club gambling policy that clubs the Odds’ and I hope that the posters and Gambling Awareness Campaign ‘Reduce the • signpost persons in need of help to can adopt to fit their needs. the presentation keep other players and Odds’ are available on www.gaa.ie/community support services available in Ireland members fully aware of the GAA’s new If you are interested in attending the upcoming Galway hurler, Davy Glennon, is supporting rules but also of the risk to their wellbeing. gambling awareness training, please email GAA rules governing the area of gambling the campaign. Having experienced the I recommend anyone that is concerned [email protected] . include the successful 2017 motion to devastation of gambling addiction, he said: Football Hurling Club General

OLDER AND WISER - NEW GAA PARTNERSHIP WILL HELP YOU AGE POSITIVELY

n an era where we are all expected to live The talks will take place in venues in Longford longer, the GAA and Trinity College Dublin (March 11), Limerick (March 20), Donegal have come together to highlight the (March 22), and Mayo and Cork later in 2019 secrets to successful ageing in a series of (dates to be confirmed). The content will Iunique regional seminars. highlight themes including the importance of exercise, diet, social connectedness, purpose For example, did you know that people living and location. by the sea are less likely to be depressed? That optimists live longer? That friendship and good This partnership has been made possible social life is as important as low cholesterol for through the hard work and volunteerism heart disease? That quality of life continues to of the GAA’s County Health and Wellbeing get better after 50 for almost another 30 years? Committees, provided the local knowledge These nuggets of knowledge, and much more, and support to the Community & Health President Michael D Higgins discusses all will be explored by Professor Rose Anne Kenny, department in Croke Park in organising the things GAA with participants of the Social a world expert in healthy ageing, as part of this events. The partnership is an extension of the Initiative during a visit to the Áras in 2013 series of public talks entitled ‘How to Age Well: GAA’s long-standing Social Initiative which Evidence from TILDA’. promotes positive aging and the delivery of age friendly activities throughout the GAA club TILDA is the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, network. Naomh Mearnóg social club members led by Trinity College Dublin. It is the most from Dublin on a trip to Croke Park comprehensive adult study ever conducted The free seminars are open to all interested in Ireland. Over 8,500 people aged 50 and members of the public. Prof Kenny stresses that older were randomly selected and continue the content isn’t only relevant to older people to be repeatedly interviewed and examined – we age every day and this information can regarding many aspects of their lives including help everyone age positively for years to come. happiness, physical and mental health, Further details of the seminars will appear in financial circumstances, quality of life, and local media and on GAA.ie in the coming weeks. perceptions of ageing. This is the first time such a seminar had been The data forms a rich tapestry of what it is made available outside Dublin. A recent event like to be an older adult in Ireland and this in the capital booked out with 200 attending. important and fascinating research is now It is hoped to extend this series to counties coming to a county near you thanks to the interested throughout Ireland in the next 24 GAA. months. Football Hurling Club General

HEALTHY CLUB HEROES Football Hurling Club General

he closing ceremony at the Maria O’Neill (Dunderry, Co. Meath) programmes and skills academies, focused members of the community, in activities Healthy Club Conference in on teaching all children the basic skills such as Operation Transformation, the Croke Park last weekend saw As the Healthy Club Officer in her local of the game. James is heavily engaged Spring Challenge, and strength and a special group of people club, Maria has brought great levels of with members of the communities, and conditioning classes. Tom cares deeply Thonoured for their exceptional efforts enthusiasm and passion to the role. This launched a survey to include all members about the health and wellness of each in promoting the GAA’s Healthy Club is extended to beyond those involved of the GAA family, including fans, players, member, and has had a major impact on Project. in the GAA club, and has been directly parents and referees, to better understand those involved. involved this year in implementing winter where improvements could be made. The Healthy Club Project started in cards nights, starting a book club for the Christina Weldon (Latton O’Rahilly, Co. 2014 with just 16 clubs, four from each community, and was a leading figure in Mairead Beausang (Midleton, Co. Cork) Monaghan) province, involved. It currently engages leading the way for the Gaelic for Mothers 150 clubs, multiples in each county. The & Others initiative in the club. She has been Mairead is the Healthy Club Officer in her Christina is the leader of the Healthy project aims to broaden the traditional a central figure in getting older people and local club. She has been directly involved Club drive locally, as well as being boundaries of a GAA club, turning clubs those not affiliated with the GAA involved. in the co-ordination and organisation of Secretary of the club. The local Operation into hubs for health in the communities. the annual Darkness into Light Walk for Transformation campaign was kick-started It involves a partnership with Healthy Terence McCreesh (Culloville Blues, Co. all members of the community, as well as by Christina, getting a large proportion Ireland, the National Office for Suicide Armagh) launching and implementing healthy eating of the community involved. She uses her Prevention, the HSE, and is proudly initiatives. She is also an active member of position as secretary to not only look after supported by Irish Life. Terence is a central club figure, holding the executive of the club. the day to day running and administration down the roles of Club Secretary, Healthy of the club, but also to encourage the Clubs focus on a range of health topics, Club Co-Ordinator, and membership on Mary Maloney (Ballinderreen, Co. promotion and implementation of Healthy including healthy eating; mental fitness the Club Committee. Terence spearheaded Galway) Club policies across the board. She was and emotion wellbeing; physical activity Healthy Club projects in the local area such involved in establishing a daily walk for for non-playing members; gambling as Operation Transformation, Walk & Talk, Mary is the lead member of the Healthy local people, and also led a survey across drug, and alcohol awareness (including Annual Fun Day, Mental Health Awareness Club and a member of the club executive. the parish to determine what people becoming smoke-free clubs); engaging Week, the Rest-a-Heart Campaign and the Her vision led to her club being the first wanted to get out of Healthy Club. She older community members; and the AED Awareness Campaign. Fully immersed Galway club to set up the initiative. Mary is targeted members of the demographic provision of games for persons with in the club, Terence is the coach of the a very active member, heavily involved in all who perhaps were not as involved, and special needs and those from minority U-18 team, is in charge of child protection fundraising efforts, and encourages people organised for a Rounders Coach to be groups, amongst other things. guidelines, as well as codes of conduct for across all demographics to get involved brought in to establish the sport in the players, coaches and parents. in the GAA club. She organises a monthly locality. Participating clubs were asked to lunch and bingo game for older members of nominate their Healthy Club Heroes: James McGoldrick (Emmet Óg Killoe, Co. the locality, as well as a weekly card game Katherine Williams (Melvin Gaels, Co. someone who has gone above and Longford) and an annual choir concert. Leitrim) beyond the call of duty in serving the health and wellbeing needs of their The chairman of the local club, James set Tom Miller (Castleblayney Faughs, Co. Kathleen operates in a duel role capacity clubs’ members and the communities up the Men’s Shed in the locality, providing Monaghan) in her club – that of Healthy Club Co- they serve. Dublin All Ireland winner, All a much-needed social outlet to men in the Ordinator and Club Treasurer. She also Star, and Player of the Year nominee, area. He has launched several initiatives Tom is an active coach and member of plays a key role in the organising and , was on-hand to present aimed at making the games more inclusive, the Healthy Club committee. He and his coaching of Ladies’ Football in the club. the recipients with their awards in Croke more fun and less pressurised, with ideas colleagues have led the way in encouraging She helped the club become the first in Pak on Saturday. such as “silent side-lines”, cyber-education the GAA club to reach out and include more Leitrim to achieve Healthy Club Status. She Football Hurling Club General

is the fulcrum behind the “Million Minutes” Statement, Anti-Bullying policy and also ran talks on mental wellbeing and gambling club in the initiatives launched. Young initiative, which has encouraged locals to created the Critical Incident Policy. She awareness, and obtained a “no smoking” mothers, senior citizens, and ex-players exercise for a million minutes in total over has played an active role in implementing status for the club grounds. have all been specifically targeted for eight weeks. This was a community-based policies for older people as well as non- inclusion. The club won the Irish News’ project, and resulted in various groups sporting activities such as set-dancing. Liz Gardiner (Castletown Liam Mellow, “Best Well-Being Initiative” in 2018. He and ages getting involved and meeting Co. Wexford) led the launch of “Mission Slimpossible” every Friday to log their minutes for the Joan McElwee (Thomastown, Co. (resulting in a collective weight loss of 54 week. The idea showed how it is possible to Kilkenny) Liz is the Chairperson of the Liam Mellows stone) and “Action Cancer Big Bus”, to exercise in many ways. Healthy Club project team. She is an encourage physical wellbeing and regular Joan is the chairperson of the Healthy encouraging and supportive leader, with a check-ups, which resulted in a number of Cecilia Moloney (Killeedy, Co. Limerick) Club Committee within her club. She has particular focus on continuing to provide referrals and one woman receiving an early encouraged innovative ideas, one of which services for older people, and aid their detection diagnosis. Cecilia is the Healthy Club Officer of her is the Healthy Clubs Recipe for Success. integration into the community. She has club. She is the club Social Media Co- This involved young local people receiving been instrumental in setting up yoga and Janas & Claire Harrington (St. Finbarr’s, Ordinator, and is active in promoting tuition on how to prepare healthy meals, pilates classes for a variety of age groups Co. Cork) Mental Health Awareness initiatives and then designing their own which become and abilities, and hosting a well-attended information. She has introduced a variety of available in local cafes, restaurants and gambling awareness and healthy eating Janas and Claire are the founding members physical activities into the community, such delicatessens. In so doing, young people, workshops. of the Healthy Club team at their club. They as tag rugby, “Couch to 5k”, hill walking, business owners and customers have all approached the club with their vision in fitness classes, Nordic Pole Walking, has become aware of the initiative, which has Éamon Cashin (Abbeyside Ballinacourty, 2011, and have set the scene for the health organised cookery demonstrations, and is helped put a local stamp on the campaign. Co. Waterford) and wellbeing aspect of the club and the passionate about developing an inclusive community ever since. They undertook an community spirit. Kelly Marie McRory (Errigal Ciaran, Co. Éamon is the chairman of his club’s Healthy audit to discover what could be done to Tyrone) Club Initiative. The club covers a large effectively create a healthy and inclusive Caroline Clifford (Clara, Co. Kilkenny) catchment area, and Éamon has worked environment for those in the community. Kelly assumes the role of Secretary of her tirelessly to include as wide a demographic Their club served as a mentor club to others Caroline was the Healthy Club Officer of the local Healthy Club Committee. She has as he can, to ensure there is an activity to in the county as a model of best practice. club, and has since moved on to become been instrumental in organising the local encourage the involvement of everyone They run low-cost weekly exercise groups, the Club Treasurer and County Children’s Operation Transformation programme, in the community. He has shown visionary health awareness campaigns, alcohol Officer. She initiated a weight-loss group couch to 5k, yoga classes, pilates, Zumba, leadership, and would love for the club to and drug information evenings, stress in the club, sourcing a nutritionist to give circuits, netball, and jiving. This opened up become the hub of Healthy Club activity management information classes as well talks and also starting a weekly pilates the club and the community to people who in Waterford. Activities run include – Club as mental wellbeing talks and information class. She was the backbone of securing may not have been involved before. Her on the Move, Couch to 5K, SAOR Course, sources. Claire is now a member of the Cork non-smoking rule on the club grounds. enthusiasm and passion have been central Healthy Eating, GAA.RNLI Respect the Health & Wellbeing committee while Janas Caroline initiated a healthy eating policy to the successful implementation of such Water Campaign. is serving her second term on the national by giving homemade snacks and fruit a wide range of activities. She initiated the Health & Wellbeing committee in Croke after blitzes, organising opportunities for setting up of online groups/messaging Seamus Kearney (Michael Davitt’s Park. children to try new fruits and vegetables groups to keep people informed and to Swatragh, Co. Derry) and secures fruit and veg for the club shop. keep track of numbers attending. She also Stephen Harney (St. Aidan’s, Co. She ensures that Healthy Club initiatives organised a very helpful evening of health Seamus is the Health and Wellbeing Officer Roscommon) and information is visible to all in the checks in the clubhouse, where cholesterol, for his local club. He has incorporated the club. She helped develop the Healthy Club weight, blood pressure were checked, has entire community and not just the GAA Stephen is the Healthy Club Leader at Football Hurling Club General

his local GAA Club. He has been running Fit4Life for the past 7 years through the club. This has brought members of local neighbourhoods together for a weekly social and activity-based event. He has been organiser in chief in arranging for speakers to come to the local community to inform and advise on areas such as gambling and addiction, as well as spearheading the decision to make the club a non-smoking campus. Promoting healthy eating is a passion of his, with many plans in place to promote this in the future.

Maria Curtis (Raheny, Co. Dublin)

Maria started the “Raheny All Stars” for the overall text/messaging service, Seamus Casey Snr. (St. Johns, Co. Sligo) speakers to the locality to speak and inform programme, which caters for children informing locals of upcoming events. on a plethora of issues. A proud clubman, with special needs in the club, to afford She has worked tireless to turn Seamus is the Chairman of his local GAA Michael is involved in all aspects of the every child the opportunity to participate. Clonakilty GAA into an autism-friendly club. He is described as someone who club, none more so than seeking to get Over 15 children now participate in the GAA club, with her efforts contributing shows initiative, is creative and passionate. everyone involved and to improve the lives programme every week. She has also to Clonakilty becoming recognised as He led the committee to research, write of those in the community in whatever way organised and help run “Disability Inclusion Ireland’s first autism-friendly town. and publish a book celebrating 30 years he can. in Sports” training for coaches, including of the club’s existence. He organised a Autism awareness training Lamh sign Colman Motherway (Killeagh, Co. successful Operation Transformation Gwen Lanigan (St. Colmcilles, Co. Meath) language training. She organised yoga for Cork) campaign, including nutritionists, trainers, children, fruit at games, and helped with and medical advisors. He also sought for Gwen is the Health Officer and Irish the smoking ban around the club. Colman holds the positons of club PRO the inclusion of activities such as Pilates, Language Officer at her club. She won and Well-Being Officer for the Juvenile a life coach to speak to younger people, the Seosamh MacDonncha award for her Sinead Crowley (Clonakilty, Co. Cork) club. He initiated the notion that the and made the club the first non-smoking promotion of the Irish language in Meath. GAA club should be actively involved in in Sligo. She delivers a “Café agus Caint” every week Sinead is the active Children’s Officer in promoting and informing the extended in the locality to encourage the use of the her local club. She is also the head of the local community regarding health and Michael Geaney (Nenagh Éire Óg, Co. “cúpla focail”. She was also instrumental in local health and wellbeing committee. The wellbeing. He has united all codes of Tipperary) setting up the “Special Needs” programme, committee produce a monthly newsletter sport under one banner with the aim where there are up to eighteen members containing information health and of promoting and improving health Michael is the Chairman of his club’s taking part in activities on a weekly basis. wellbeing issues, and upcoming events. and wellness. He has helped organise Healthy Club Project. He has pushed The group were invited to meet Prince They have held nutritional information walking groups, weekly fitness sessions through numerous health and wellness Harry and Meghan Markle this year during evenings, organised a summer camp for for all levels, club nursery, healthy programmes, including those for mental their trip to Croke Park. Despite never children with autism, organise a weekly eating workshops, and has got everyone wellness as well as physical. They also having owned a pair of football boots, she is walking group, charity cycle, darkness working together through his philosophy hosted gambling and alcohol awareness at the heart of the Colmcille’s club and the into light walk, and Sinead is responsible of inclusion. evenings. He has organised for numerous epitome of a Healthy Club Hero. Football Hurling Club General

WORLD CLASS GAA COACHING CONFERENCE HAILED AS A SUCCESS

egarded as one of the very SPEAKERS’ TOP TIPS Kevin Murray (Coach, Cork Senior JJ Delaney and Jamesie O’Connor best coaching conferences of Camogie Team) its kind in the world, the 2019 Derek McGrath ( former Manager, Create a culture in which players GAA Games Development Waterford Senior Hurling Team) are engaged in their own well-being RConference in partnership with Sky If our values, thoughts, words and actions and equally committed to their own Sports took place in Croke Park are aligned, then our word is our world professional success and the success in early January. The theme for of the team, this requires foresight, the conference was ‘Coaching for Philip Kerry (Coach, Derry Senior Football planning, discipline and focus Wellbeing’. In total 860 delegates Team) attended, with 31 speakers BECOME a Player Development Coach, Áine MacNamara (Institute of presenting across 26 separate focussing on improving individual players Coaching and Performance, sessions. to enable them to get more from the game University of Central Lancashire) and give more to the game Competition CAN Support Friday, January 11th provided an Development! Re-defining Winning: opportunity for clubs and units to Owen Mooney (Games Development - Stretch and challenge teams showcase their own practices that Officer, Rockland GAA New York) - Stretch and challenge individuals might be of use to other clubs. Allow Players To SOLVE PROBLEMS Posed By - Evaluate against today’s objectives Presenters discussed elements related The Game - Assess against set goals to Urbanisation, Super Games Centres, - Freedom to coach with a long-term Hurling Development, and Child Colm Nally (Coach, Meath Senior Football agenda Development. Team) Games are unrehearsed drama with a few David Hassan (Chair, GAA Standing Saturday, January 12th provided an rehearsed moments. Plan what you can and Committee on the Playing Rules) opportunity for delegates to attend have a bit of chaos in the rest The game has evolved and should be sessions covering topics relevant allowed to find its equilibrium. There is to the player, the coach, the game Ken Robinson (Coach, Dublin Senior Ladies a much more tactical/ strategic than and the environment. A broad range Team) previous eras and a failure to properly of speakers delivered Key Note and Coaches require expertise, a clear role, to be define the cause – focus on symptoms Parallel Sessions. part of an interdependent backroom team; they need energy, to gain enjoyment, but Enda Devitt (GAA Medical, Scientific Presentations and interviews with also development and support and Welfare Committee) Dr Katie Liston, Sport and Exercise speakers are available online at: Sciences Research Institute, IF IN DOUBT, SIT THEM OUT!!! University of Ulster, speaking about www.learning.gaa.ie/ Liam Moggan (Coach and Coach Educator) Bernard Dunne Concussion: Culture Eats Protocol conference2019 Our greatest next step is to transform not for Breakfast at The GAA Games what we coach, but how we coach Development Conference Football Hurling Club General

DURING TOUGHER TIMES OF LIFE MY GAA CLUB HAS BEEN A SOURCE OF HUGE COMFORT AND SUPPORT OUR TEAM – YOUR TEAM

NAME: EMMA TORMEY NAME: JAMIE Ó TUAMA NAME: TOMÁS MEEHAN

Job title: GAA Ticketing Manager Job title: Oifigeach Forbartha Gaeilge Job title: Chief Information Officer GAA Club: Donaghmore/Ashbourne GAA, GAA Club: Cill Mochuda na Crócaigh agus GAA Club: Caltra Meath mé i mo ghasúr ach CLG Dhún Doire (i Honours won: Club: 1 * Galway Honours won: 1 Meath Intermediate gcontae na Mí) le beagnach 10 mbliana Intermediate Championship, 1 * Galway Camogie Championship & 2 Meath Junior anuas. Senior Championship, 1 * Connacht Senior Camogie Championships. Player of the Honours won: Not many unfortunately Club Championship 1 * All-Ireland Club Year 2011 & 2017 but I’ll always treasure winning an U15 championship County: 5 * Connacht No of Years working for the GAA: 13 Dublin Championship with Kilmacud Senior Championships, 2 * All-Ireland years Crokes way back in 1992. What a team! I Senior Championship Favourite Club Memory: September also won an All-Ireland rounders medal No of Years working for the GAA: 4 2011, captaining my camogie team and with Lakelands, in Kilmacud, the same Favourite Club Memory: Winning the winning the Meath Intermediate Camogie year which I also still treasure!! all-Ireland Club title with Caltra in 2004. Championship. It was extra special when my Grandmother, as Meath No of Years working for the GAA: Níl ach ceithre mhí déanta agam go dtí Being a small rural club without even a county title before 2003, Caltra’s Camogie Chairperson, presented me the cup. My Mam was also a selector seo. unexpected voyage to Croke Park and one point victory in the final on St on the team. Favourite Club Memory: Hard to choose. My standout Crokes memory Patrick’s day is definitely my favorite club memory. The celebrations in the Favourite GAA Memory: Meath’s comeback v Louth 2002. It was Meath’s is probably everything about the club winning the Andy Merrigan Cup in parish afterwards were great and possibly might still be going on in some first ever football qualifier and the atmosphere in Navan was electric. Louth 1995 from the build-up, to the game itself and obviously the celebrations parts! were four points up after normal time. They looked home and dry for the were great too! With Dunderry the 100th anniversary of Gaelic Sunday Favourite GAA Memory: Journey back to Galway with Sam Maguire win until Meath scored 2 goals in injury time! Richie Kealy got the first and last year. I got to play for my club against Val Andrews’ over 40 Dubs and in 1998 – Having gone without the All-Ireland for 32 years prior to 98, Meath’s hero scored the second goal to win by 2 points. had the pleasure of playing with some of Meath’s favourite sons that day Galway people turned out in force to welcome back Sam. It took over 12 Myself and my Dad were on the terrace in Páirc Tailteann, we hugged and - Barry Callaghan agus . Quiet strange to play with Meathmen hours to get from crossing the bridge over the Shannon in Athlone to the laughed with shock and joy when the final whistle went. It was one of the against my county!!! The 1918 themed ground hurling match and BBQ that Cathedral in Galway city with many stops in between. Those were the days most memorable games I have been to. followed were also great craic!! before mobile phones and cameras so fortunately there isn’t too much Another favourite memory was when my brother scored a penalty in Croke Favourite GAA Memory: I will always have the last 10 minutes of the 2011 video evidence, but some of that journey home is captured in Pat Comer’s Park against Kildare in 2014 to help get Meath to a Leinster Final. All Ireland final. Croke Park shook that day. Tá brón orm, a mhuintir Chiarraí! documentary – ‘A Year ‘til Sunday’. What does your club mean to you? My GAA club plays a huge part of my What does your club mean to you? Is breá liom mo chlub. Tá buanchairde What does your club mean to you? My club means a huge amount to life. My entire family are heavily involved, either playing or volunteering. agam dá bharr. I loved playing and I now love watch my kids playing. I love me and, indeed, to many people in the parish. It is a focal point for the I have made many great friends in my club down through the years. It is giving a dig out with their drills. I love having the craic with the various community and forms a large part of the social life in the village. For me, a great social outlet for me, playing a team sport and spending time with different characters that gather around the club come match day. Ní the clubs off-field contributions to the community are as impressive as our my club mates off the pitch. Most importantly, during tougher times of fhéadfainn an saol seo a shamhlú gan mo chlub nó gan Cumann Lúthchleas on-field successes and I’m very proud to be a Caltra man.. life my GAA club has been a source of huge comfort and support. It really Gael. What do you like most about working in Croke Park? Working in Croke is the heart and soul of my community. I have been a member of the club What do you like most about working in Croke Park? Is breá liom go Park is a great way to meet lots of people who are involved in GAA at all executive committee, organised fundraisers and I hope to continue to help/ bhfuil an fhoireann chomh craiceáilte céanna i ndiaidh na gcluichí is atá levels, from Cumann na mBunscol to All-Ireland finalists and every step in volunteer long into the future. mise. Bíonn an-phlé ag am lóin! Is mór an phribhléid, an onóir agus an between. What do you like most about working in Croke Park? I love working in chúis bhróid dom bheith ag obair leis an eagraíocht spóirt, pobail agus Croke Park, I still pinch myself some days when I drive in in the mornings. I chultúrtha is fearr ar domhan. am working for the sport I love and one of my biggest passions in life. I love when great occasions go well, and I know that I have played a part in them. I am proud when the hard work of my team pays off, from the bigger days of All Ireland Finals, bumper weekends in Croke Park, special occasions such Meet some of the Croke Park as Laochra, and to the exciting games that take part in the smaller venues throughout the county. staff putting their GAA passion and knowledge to good use Football Hurling Club General

MY CLUB HEROES

Inter-county stars tell us about the people who had the biggest influence on them starting out with their club

Shane Walsh Paul Browne (Kilkerrin-Clonberne, (Bruff, Galway footballer): Limerick hurler) Definitely Enda Daly had to be the Hurling was a huge part of my biggest influence on me in my family growing up. It was my grandfather dragged me into club. He played senior football, Stephen O’Brien the field on day one. I didn’t still playing with us up until last (Kenmare Shamrocks, want to go and was crying but year, I’ve no doubt he’d come Kerry footballer): he made me go. I was four or back again. He’s 41 years of age We had a load of people who five and my dad was working so and he’s probably the fittest influenced me in my club. My father my grandfather got the job of man on our team. Always looks would have been involved in all taking me in. I went in and never after himself and he’s just driven, underage teams I had along with a looked back from there. My like his whole personality is just great friend of his, Seanie Crowley. grandparents and parents were driven. He’s just so passionate They would have been my managers huge influences on me and also about the club as well. It was so then. Ciaran Moriarty, he’s a solicitor Tom Bulfin and Willie Bulfin in the easy for me when I was a young from Kenmare, he was a brilliant club. Willie would have coached lad coming in that it was great to minor manager. Tom Connor then me from five or six and took me see someone like him leading the as well, he was involved with Kerry in all the way up along until minor charges there and it was so easy ’97, he trained me then as a minor, and 21. Tom his brother was the to row in behind him, he’s a he’s a legend of the game. All these principal of the school and it was real leader. guys are huge influences when I was just hurling everywhere inside growing up. As well as that, Paul in the school. And you couldn’t O’Connor who was playing with the get away from it and we didn’t Kerry seniors, I just wanted to be like have too many other sports in the him. My cousin, Conrad Murphy, he parish, so those people were the was playing with Cork so he was a main influences on me. The club kind of role model as well. I had him really realises how important it is as my sponsor for my confirmation in the community.” and all this kind of stuff. You’d be obsessed about them as well then. One of the eir sport questions was “what was your 1st memory of GAA?” so the ’97 final, I would had been 6, probably in junior infants or whatever, I remember decorating the whole school with Kerry gear and Maurice Fitz’ then taking over the game so it’s easy to see why you kind of fall in love with it alright. Football Hurling Club General

IF SHE CAN’T SEE IT, SHE CAN’T BE IT Aoife Murray

he 20x20 initiative is a movement gathering momentum as it aims to shift cultural perceptions about women in sport in the time leading up to 2020. TThe key targets set are: A 20 per cent increase in media coverage of women in sport

A 20 per cent increase in female participation in sport at all levels

A 20 per cent increase in attendance at women’s games and events

Cork’s All-Ireland winning Camogie captain, Aoife Murray, told us about her support for the campaign.

She says: “I would have close ties to it because I would have played with Mary O’Connor who is the brains behind all of it.

“I think its great and how you get the message out is extremely important and that it’s communicated to people and that it is more about getting an equal status rather than one trying to be better than the other and I think that is a really important thing.

“I certainly don’t want to be seen to be better than my counterpart in hurling, I just want to have the same level of opportunity and respect.

“We have a huge road to go but you have got to start somewhere. In women’s sport we are behind the curve a huge amount, so for this to just get that ball rolling at least it is a start. There is a very long road ahead of us but now I can’t go on twitter without seeing some 20x20 hashtag in something.

“Maybe I’m too old to benefit from that but at least my nieces and nephews which I think it’s important for boys to grow up with this equal status in media, and hopefully it will mean we won’t have to have the same conversations in 20 years’ time.”

“Seeing girls going around with their Cork camogie jersey rather than the Cork hurling or football jersey is one thing that has stood out. There’s a lot going around in their club jersey which I think is even better again that they are so proud of where they come from.” Football Hurling Club General

FROM TEENAGE KICKS TO THE HALF CENTURY – ST PATRICK’S FERMANAGH CELEBRATE

t. Patricks GAA in Lisbellaw is one of Fermanagh’s, Ulster’s and Ireland’s greatest GAA clubs. It has a wonderful story to tell of what the GAA really is about and how Sagainst all the odds the club has kept hurling alive in Fermanagh.

Lisbellaw is Fermanagh’s only adult hurling club at the moment and it recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary.

In 1968 Adrian Corrigan and Father Peter McGuiness decided to form a hurling team drawing on players in the Lisbellaw area. Fr. McGuiness contacted Jimmy McPhillips of Coa and Fermanagh. He and his son John assembled some players and training sessions began in October 1968 and they fielded their first team at U-17 level.

At 16yrs old, Gerry Breslin was the first Club Chairman in 1969. Adrian Corrigan, also 16 years-old, was the Secretary while Benny Corrigan at the ripe young age of 14 years was PRO.

All are still heavily involved in the club.

Current chairman Benny McManus was on that first team and such has been his dedication to the club ever since then he was made a surprise presentation by the club at their recent celebration ball. Guest of honour Still making it happen, 50 years was National Hurling Development manager Martin on, founder member of St Patrick’s Benny McManus with National Fogarty. Hurling Manager Martin Fogarty

Has your club got a story, anniversary or celebration to tell? Contact us via [email protected] Football Hurling Club General

THE GAA DEVELOPMENT FUND IS OPEN

fter many years of being closed, the GAA development to obtain borrowings at a most competitive rate. • A viable business plan with cash flow projections for the term Development Fund is open for loan applications A list of criteria which need to be met is listed here... of the loan is required to secure the funding. from GAA Clubs. At present, the rate is 1.9% on Aboth loans and deposits in the fund. • Loans are only made available for the purchase of property • The Development Fund is also open for Clubs who are or for the necessary development of property. Development engaged in fundraising and are looking to make a deposit. Loan applications are to be submitted on or before the 31st of bar facilities and other facilities for renting out is not January 2019. Applications will not be considered unless covered by the fund. Application forms can be obtained from the National Finance they have the guarantee of your County Committee and a Office in Croke Park. The interest rate on deposits is also recommendation from your Provincial Council. • The funding is only available to vested GAA properties and currently 1.9%. Clubs who have deposited money in the Fund must be guaranteed by the Club’s respective County Board. will be given priority once consideration for application begins. The Fund is an opportunity for Clubs who are undertaking Football Hurling Club General

LAST CALL FOR NATIONAL CLUB DRAW TICKETS

he closing deadline is in sight for the National Club Draw, hopefully all clubs made a good use of raising as much money for Ttheir club as possible.

The last day for NCD ticket requests is Friday 1st February 2019. After this day, no more tickets will be allocated to clubs. All sold tickets must be entered correctly onto the Online Ticketing system to be included in the draw.

If you have not already received your login details, please contact nationalclubdraw@ gaa.ie

All tickets both sold and unsold must be returned to your County Liaison Officer by Monday 11th February 2019.

CONTACT DETAILS If you have any general enquiries or requests relating to the National Club Draw (tickets, flyers, posters, login details etc.), please contact your NCD County Liaison Officer or [email protected] / [email protected]

For any technical issues, please contact the support team at [email protected] Football Hurling Club General

THE GAA CONTINUES INVESTMENT IN LEADERS

he GAA’s National Officer and Development Officers enjoyed a New officers attended an induction DCU as the venue enabled the delivery Development Committee in range of role-specific workshops and event in Croke Park which featured an of practical sessions on topics such conjunction with several other keynote speakers on topical matters. overview of structures, strategy and as ‘The efficient use of technology in volunteer-led committees and staff by Tom Ryan (Ard-Stiúrthóir CLG), County Boards’ in a modern IT lab. Tfull-time staff gathered in Croke Park Keynote addresses were delivered a meet and greet with full-time staff for a two-day learning and development by Feargal McCormack (President of and a panel discussion with experienced The next event for officers will take conference for 200 County Officers Chartered Accountants Ireland) on officers. place this spring. The Association’s earlier this month. the theme of good governance and focus for the provision for leadership John Horan (Uachtarán CLG) on the All officers attended the main development opportunities to County Chairpersons, Secretaries/ evolving leadership role of County conference in Dublin City University voluntary officers will immediately Administrative Staff, Treasurers, PROs Officers. (DCU) the following day. The choice of switch to Club Officers.

Attendees at the GAA County Officer Development Conference 2019

Feargal McCormack (President, Chartered Accountants Ireland)

John Horan, Uachtarán CLG Football Hurling Club General

GAA CLUB MEMBERSHIP AND REGISTRATION

SUMMARY • Clubs must register their players and members for the 2019 season • An Annual Club Update is required • New Club Registrars must receive access privileges • Step-by-steps guides to logging-in, resetting passwords and registering players and members are available • Live online training sessions are available for Clubs • A dedicated support desk (e-mail and phone) is available for Clubs Registration

Clubs are reminded that they must register their players and members for the 2019 season on the GAA Management System (GMS) which can be accessed by visiting people.gaa.ie.

ANNUAL CLUB UPDATE Club administrators are now required to complete a six-step process known as the annual club update when they log in to the GAA Management System (people.gaa.ie)

This process has been broken down into six simple steps across three broad categories. When these steps have been completed, the club administrator will be able to proceed to the system as normal. To access further information, click here. Football Hurling Club General

Accessing the GAA Management System Club subscription by the due date set SERVASPORT SUPPORT GAA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WEBINARS If you are a new Registrar that will be by the Executive Committee of the Club The GAA Management System Webinars doing registrations for your Club, your (which shall be prior to March 31st) shall The Servasport Support contains a GAA are a series of webinars being rolled out Club Secretary, through their official GAA be eligible to vote at, nominate for, or seek Membership Training User Guides and throughout February and March, providing e-mail account must contact gaasupport@ election to the Executive Committee at any FAQ explaining the system. To access this Club Officers with an opportunity to improve servasport.com to update the Registrar following General Meeting of the Club in information, click here. their understanding of the GAA Management details on the GAA Management System. the membership year. System. This will ensure that you can access the For any queries on access to the system, or system. ONLINE HELP GUIDES on the system functionality, please e-mail Each webinar, provided by Servasport A number of helpful online forums are or call the Servasport Helpdesk via the and aimed at the person responsible for When logged on, the designated Club available where you will find User Guides following details: registration in any GAA Club, will look at the Administrator (Secretary or Registrar) and FAQs on using the system. Please click following areas: should go to the ‘Register Members’ page here to access these forums. The GMS Email: [email protected] and complete the necessary steps. provides your Club with functionality to: Phone ROI: 04890 313 845 • Annual club update - New six step process Phone NI: 02890 313 845 for club administrators to ensure all club This page will contain the details of all • Add, view and register members and Phone International: +44 2890 313 845 information is accurate and complies with those people who have been registered players GDPR. with the Club in previous years. To add new • Set-up teams, groups, committees SUPPORT TIMES • Registrations via the Official GAA app - members to the Club, go to ‘Add and View and families for reporting and The usual support times are: Members can now register and pay for Members’, click on the ‘Add’ button, select communication purposes their membership via the Official GAA app. ‘Member’ and complete the necessary • Communicate with these groups via bulk • Monday to Friday: 9 – 5 p.m. • Registrations via the GAA Management steps. text message and e-mail • Out of hours support will be in operation System - Club representatives updating • Generate team sheets in Irish and English for a 6 week period between the 18th and registering members on their behalf. Please note that anyone whose name is in • Generate registration reports of February and 31st of March. Out of • Player Injury Benefit Fund (Insurance) - red on either the ‘register’ page or the ‘add • Pay and record fees hours support times will be as follows: Club representatives insuring their teams and view member page’, is unregistered for • Affiliate teams and pay Injury Fund • Monday to Friday: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. for the season ahead. the current year. subscriptions • Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m • Support - Guidance on how to complete • Create team amalgamations any tasks using the official GAA Only a Full Member who has paid his annual • Access resources and supports Management System and app. Football Hurling Club General

USEFUL GAA PHRASES AS GAEILGE FOR TWITTER AND OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA

An mbíonn tú ag giolcaireacht / tvuíteáil faoi na cluichí Gaelacha? Do you tweet about Gaelic games? Do you tweet about them from Poc saor Free (hurling) your personal account, from your club account or from your county account? Cic saor Free (football)

If so, why not use a cúpla focal Gaeilge in your tweets? Cic amach Kickout

Anseo, thíos, tá roinnt frásaí úsáideacha le cabhrú leat. Don’t be afraid Scór leathama Half-time score to give it a try!! Scór deiridh Final score Déan cinnte go n-úsáideann tú an haischlib #GAAgaeilge, freisin! Ionadaí do x Substitute for x

Giolc / Tvuít A Tweet Ionadaí fola Blood sub

Haischlib Hashtag Cúl Goal

(contae/club) Abú! Up (county/club)! Cúilín Point

Go n-éirí go geal le foireann x inniu Best of luck to x today Am cúitimh Injury time / stoppage time

Comhghairdeas le x Congratulations to x Ar fóraoil Wide

Réiteoir Referee X nóiméad fágtha x minutes left

Bainisteoir Manager X nóiméad imeartha x minutes played

Loca Pionóis Sin Bin Cic Taobhlíne Sideline kick

Marc Mark Poc Taobhlíne Sideline poc

Calaois Foul Leis an ngaoth With the wind

Cic éirice Penalty (football) In aghaidh na gaoithe Against the wind

Poc éirice Penalty (hurling) Bratach Flag Football Hurling Club General

CLÁRAIGH DO CHLUB LE FONDÚIREACHT SHEOSAIMH MHIC DHONNCHA LE LINN 2019

s scéim tacaíochta de chuid Chumann Lúthchleas Gael agus Ghlór na nGael í Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha atá dírithe ar chlubanna ICLG ar mian leo an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn.

Cuireann clubanna fud fad na tíre an Ghaeilge chun cinn ina gclubanna gan aon aitheantas. Is é cuspóir na fondúireachta Liam Rushe ag Seoladh seo ná aitheantas a thabhairt don obair sin, Thograí Gaeilge Chumann agus deis a thabhairt do chlubanna forbairt Lúthchleas Gael a dhéanamh ar an obair sin, ar bhonn tomhaiste agus pleanáilte. Tá treoir agus moltaí ar fáil don scéim seo ach teagmháil a dhéanamh le hOifigeach Forbartha Gaeilge Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Jamie Ó Tuama, [email protected] nó le Glór na nGael ar [email protected].

Mar chuid den fhondúireacht seo, freisin, tá ciste miondeontas ann le cabhrú le clubanna imeachtaí Gaeilge a eagrú ina agus do phobal na tíre seo i gcoitinne le chuireann an Ghaeilge chun cinn taobh Seán Ó hÓráin, Uachtarán Chumann gcuid clubanna. Cuirtear na cistí seo ar linn a shaoil. D’éirigh leis an post is airde istigh dá gcuid clubanna. Bhí an-rath ar Lúthchleas Gael fáil ag amantaí éagsúla le linn na bliana. a bhaint amach i gCumann Lúthchleas an scéim seo ó bunaíodh í. Go dtí seo, Bronntar boinn chré-umha, airgid agus óir Gael. Mar iománaí, thóg sé Corn Mhic ta 50 club tar éis an bonn cré-umha Trí chlárú leis an bhFondúireacht tá do ar chlubanna ag deireadh na bliana – ag Cárthaigh leis siar go Gaillimh agus a bhaint amach, tá 22 club tar éis an chlub ag tabhairt tiomantais go gcuirfear brath ar an líon spriocanna a leagtar síos bhí sé ina phríomhfheidhmeannach, bonn airgid a bhaint amach agus tá an Ghaeilge chun cinn go gníomhach agus san Fhondúireacht a bhaineann clubanna agus ina chathaoirleach, ar chuid de trí chlub tar éis an bonn óir a bhaint go dtabharfar spás lárnach di i saol laethúil amach. mhóreagraíochtaí na tíre seo, Foras na amach. Tá os cionn 120 club tar éis an chlub. Tapaigh an deis. Cláraigh leis an Gaeilge ina measc. leas a bhaint as an scéim miondeontas bhfondúireacht go beo! Is in ómós do Sheosamh ‘Joe’ Mac atá mar chuid den fhondúireacht agus Donncha (1953-2016) a ainmníodh an Is scéim iontach í Fondúireacht Sheosaimh chabhraigh an t-airgead seo go mór le Tá tuilleadh eolais maidir le Fondúireacht Fhondúireacht nua seo. Fear le háireamh Mhic Dhonncha a thugann aitheantas clubanna imeachtaí Gaeilge a eagrú ina Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha ar fáil ag a bhí i Joe a bhain go leor amach dó féin cuí do chlubanna ar fud na hÉireann a gcuid clubanna. www.glornangael.ie/clg Football Hurling Club General

SEÁN CONNOLLY’S USING ROUNDERS TO GREAT EFFECT AND GROW THE CLUB

eán Connolly’s GFC is a small parish Sclub in County Longford. Their intermediate level footballers are striving for the success the parish craves.

Meanwhile they’ve a thriving minor club, driven by hard-working youth level coaches, willing to give their time and effort and have built it up over the last seven years into a position where the minor club can bring new players through from minors into the senior football.

Sound familiar?. Seán Connolly’s achieves all of that, but, also has one other important element within the club. GAA Rounders. Rounders they will play all day long. You 9am, the rounders teams gather Seán Connolly’s that morning, became are getting them into the park to play for training. Crisp under foot, faint the embodiment of our Association. All- Over the last three years, Seán Connolly’s a GAA sport. Much to the delight of the mist still clearing under the new sun. inclusive, community building and accepting has added a Rounders club to its activities. minor board half of those kids coming for Grunts, gasps and the occasional of all. By promoting a second Gaelic game in Firstly, through the minor club board rounders turned out to be rather good ‘argh’ could be heard. They came the club we had given the young, who didn’t getting the children to train and play footballers too. out in their numbers. Not the young like football and the older ones who couldn’t competitively and then with senior dedicated footballers striving for Seán play football at a first level a chance. A teams. This has had a huge impact on the The senior rounders club came from sheer Connolly’s football, but the over 30’s chance to take an active part and wear the demographics of the club and the type of hard work. Board members unsure what to 50’s to play a game, many had not Seán Connolly’s jersey and be proud. people involved in the GAA Community of it was all about, concerned over the pitch, played since school. The parents of the parish of Clonbroney. ‘another group wanting to use their pitch’. the underage players, those wanting By embracing GAA Rounders within the But, the upside for the club. This was huge, to keep fit, those wanting a way into Club they now have an extra 50 active With the underage players, Seán Connolly’s especially in a small parish club. They the GAA community spirit were all senior rounders players on top of the 30 saw an uptake from 75% of the local school didn’t see that at the time. All these new embraced. Most would be too old for footballers. Within the minor board, they children being members of the GAA club members. That was the basic sense of it. first team football, but a game of skill have added a good few children which are to 95% by adding Rounders to it’. Let’s The truth was more spectacular. and cleverness - they had all that was playing rounders alone with 50% of those be honest, some kids don’t like football required to wear the Seán Connolly’s coming back to the club and now playing or hurling, but, a non-contact sport like On an early January Sunday morning at jersey. football. Football Hurling Club General

What does it cost? JUNE Sun 9th Leinster GAA Football Senior Annual membership of The 501 Club is Championship Semi-Finals €3,500 per seat. Sat 22nd , Nicky Rackard, Lory Meagher Cup Finals* How do I become a member? Sun 23rd Leinster GAA Football Senior Championship Final To find out more about this wonderful Sun 30th Leinster GAA Hurling membership opportunity, please contact Championship Final & Joe McDonagh Cup Marie Smyth, our Suite and Hospitality Final Manager. You can phone Marie on 00353 1 819 2358 or email [email protected]. JULY Sat 20th GAA Football All-Ireland Senior *The 501 Club will be open for the majority Championship Quarter-Finals of fixtures throughout the year. However, Sun 21st GAA Football All-Ireland Senior there are a few exceptions when the Cusack Championship Quarter-Finals Stand is not open and The 501 Club will be Sat 27th GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior closed – full details can be found on The Championship Semi-Final 501 Club Calendar. On these occasions, you Sun 28th GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior 501 CLUB will be seated in the Hogan Stand. Championship Semi-Final

What are the benefits of becoming a bird’s-eye view of the action as the windows FIXTURE LIST 2019 (PROVISIONAL) AUGUST member? of The 501 Club look directly onto the Sat 10th GAA Football All-Ireland Senior pitch. Your exclusive stadium seats are also FEBRUARY Championship Semi-Final In addition to enjoying this social space, located directly outside the Club – these Sat 2nd Allianz Football League, Dublin v Sun 11th GAA Football All-Ireland Senior membership of The 501 Club comes with covered, Premium level seats mean you’ll Galway Championship Semi-Final many other benefits: have a perfect view, every single time*. Sat 9th AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Junior Sun 18th GAA Hurling All-Ireland & Intermediate Club Championship Finals* Championship Finals You’ll automatically receive tickets to Membership comes with excellent Sun 10th AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Junior all GAA fixtures in Croke Park in 2019, flexibility, allowing you to transfer your & Intermediate Club Championship Finals* SEPTEMBER including the All-Ireland Finals. tickets to corporate clients or family and Sat 23rd Allianz Football League, Dublin v Sun 1st GAA Football All-Ireland friends. You could even use them as staff Mayo Championship Finals At each fixture*, you’ll enjoy a full bar and rewards – there’s nothing quite like match Sun 8th Liberty Insurance All-Ireland casual buffet, which will be upgraded to a motivation! MARCH Camogie Championship Finals* full sit-down meal for the All-Ireland Finals. Sat 16th Allianz Football League, Dublin v Sun 15th TG4 Ladies All-Ireland Football Who is the Club for? Tyrone Finals You won’t have to worry about getting your Sun 17th AIB GAA All-Ireland Senior Club hands on concert tickets as membership Perhaps you’re on the waiting list for Championship Finals *The 501 Club will be open for the majority of fixtures comes with the option to purchase tickets a Suite, or perhaps you’d just like to Sat 30th Allianz Football League Division 3 throughout the year. However, there are a few to all gigs in Croke Park. experience more hospitality, more often. & 4 Finals* exceptions when the Cusack Stand is not open and The Either way, The 501 Club could be the 501 Club will be closed. On these occasions, you will be Sun 31st Allianz Football League Division seated in the Hogan Stand. Like Suite holders, you’ll have your own perfect fit for you. Football Hurling Club General

GAA MUSEUM ALL-STARS!

he visitor attractions at Croke Park – the TGAA Museum, Croke Park Stadium Tour and the Ericsson Skyline Tour - have achieved the much coveted TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence ‘Hall of Fame’ Award.

This impressive accolade is only given to attractions that consistently achieve great traveller reviews and earn a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for an incredible five years in a row. It is the icing on the cake following an incredible year at the GAA Museum, which also saw us celebrate our 20th anniversary in 2018 with a special programme of events.

Find out more: www.crokepark.ie/ trip-advisor Football Hurling Club General

IMPORTANT POLICY NOTICE - CHILD SAFEGUARDING RISK ASSESSMENT AND STATEMENT

lubs and County Boards are practices that ensure the safeguarding reminded that following of children when they are attending our the Child Safeguarding Risk games or activities. It will also examine Assessment that took place in our levels of vetting of adults who work CMarch 2018 that the next risk assessment with children, the numbers who attend takes place on an All-Ireland basis in child safeguarding training and also October/November 2019. This will from those who have undertaken a formal part of a Sport Ireland audit of all Sports coaching qualification all of which, Associations in Ireland. including adherence to our Code of Behaviour (Underage), are now mandatory Following the risk assessment each Club/ requirements in accordance with legislation County Board shall then update their Child and Association policy. Safeguarding Statement and put the new amended statement on display. With a long lead up to the risk assessment in Oct/Nov 2019 Clubs in particular are There is no requirement at present on reminded that compliance with legislative Clubs or County Boards to replace their requirements is mandatory and are urged current Child Safeguarding Statement, to set about achieving such compliance so adopted in March 2018, unless it is as to enable them continue the delivery of shown to be inadequate. Children First our games and activities to children and Legislation, adopted by the Association on young people in their community. an All-Ireland basis for the purpose of the child Risk Assessment and Safeguarding Statement procedures, stipulates that New Youth/Child Membership Form 2019 this process need only be reviewed every 24 months thus permitting the existing Just in time for 2019, a new Child and Youth procedures to remain in place until the next Membership Application Form, as proposed ‘medical needs question’ where parents with the GDPR or Data Protection rights of a child formal review in Oct/Nov 2019. by the National Child Safeguarding are strongly urged to share any medical and is seen as an essential part of delivering on Committee, and adopted by Ard Comhairle, needs or ailments that their child may be our child safeguarding procedures, This timescale is within the legal has now been agreed and will be included in experiencing with the relevant persons in requirements of Children First and in the amended Official Guide. their Club so as to enable us take all such The form has been issued in draft format thus accordance with our Association priorities matters into consideration while their child enabling Clubs to amend or add to it as deemed for 2019. While the form includes many of the is participating in our games and activities. necessary and it may be downloaded at previous membership application www.gaa.ie/my-gaa/administrators/ The risk assessment will look at our questions it now significantly contains the Sharing this information does not interfere membership-registration Football Hurling Club General

CROKE PARK ALLOCATES €100K TO LOCAL COMMUNITY

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