#WeAreUlsterGAA

CLG ULADH An Chomhdháil Bhliantúíl 2016

TUARASCÁIL AN RÚNAÍ #WeAreUlsterGAA

Tuarascáil an Rúnaí

A Chairde, Pension’ requirements. At the end of supporters for their continued the year Comhairle Uladh had worked attendances at our games. The The progress of the Association is its way through the many complex substantial reduction in the value of onwards, upwards and at times very legal aspects that apply to employees, the Euro has had significant impacts slowly before us. The performance Comhairle Uladh and to the law of the on transfers in the euro and sterling of our Counties is generally good but land. This has witnessed the ongoing transactions. The Marketing of our the matter of does need to be of the requirements being more and games has been very substantially reviewed and renewed. more regulated and everything from maintained and this in turn has seen VAT to Pensions are placing greater a continued increase in online sales of When the past year is examined there responsibility on organisations like tickets for games ensuring that those are many aspects that are admirable ourselves. The ongoing inputs relating attending our games can pre - purchase as we are very competitive in football, to the proposed redevelopment of tickets either through our units or via but we do need to adhere to the are also quite time tickets.ie or through outlets of the One Club One Association ideal. We consuming; the increased attendances, Musgrave Group. We are now starting welcome and admire the success greater input into funding for to see the growth in the wider economy of the Tír Eoghain Under 21 football projects and the stringent budgetary and we shall continue to market our team in winning the All- requirements places further obligations games, continue to work for the Championship. This was an excellent on the Council. The ongoing work community and be part of the future of achievement, given the overall strength in relation to the Council’s own the Country and our Diaspora. We shall of the teams involved both within income and expenditure continues continue to support the enhancement and throughout the Country. to be central to our work and it is in of Community development and to this It is an important marker in the scale this sphere that the demands have end will seek to maintain our investment of team and player development and continued to increase. in games, games development and our competitive capacity seems to areas of physical development. be progressing across more counties The income of Comhairle Uladh at this level. In hurling Fear Manach amounted to €6,674,527 inclusive The team of stewards from the deservedly won an exciting final of the of all grants. Our gate income, Counties, the team officials and Cup. O’Donovan Rossa €1,746,950 represented 26% of this members of Comhairle Uladh won the All-Ireland Intermediate Club compared to 31% of the total income have given great assistance to the Championship and given the previous in 2014. In 2015 our grant income, organising of a very substantial success of Loughgiel indicates that €1,539,509, represents 23% of our total games programme and without the standards at Club level are on a in comparison to 23% in 2014. The these continuing efforts we would be competitive level with Clubs anywhere. expenditure amounted to €6,004,573. unable to maintain major input into In addition, the investment in Grounds all aspects of the games programme. The past year has been most and Infrastructure amounted €159,237. We acknowledge their dedication competitive and this has demonstrated There was an operating profit on and commitment given so generously that the games are still the central focus the years working equating to throughout the year and thank them of our Association, and the teams taking €510,717 which was transferred to our for it. They all do so in a voluntary part make a tremendous contribution accumulated funds. The through put of capacity and that includes many to the development of our Counties, funds in respect of Casement Park are members of staff who are also vital Clubs and Schools. This is very much in separately accounted for and this is the to our overall work on match days. evidence and the current standards are basis for the total project and beyond. An Cisteoir, Oilibhear Ó Gealagain is relevant to the aims and ideals of the We are grateful to the Finance and an outstanding Officer and a totally GAA and its future within our Country Governance Workgroup and Brendan committed person who has given where the Irish Diaspora needs to Waters for their guidance on this very great work to the Council throughout remain at the heart of the GAA. important work. We acknowledge the the year and on a myriad of fronts. He grants from DCAL and Ard Comhairle in has been fully involved in our financial FINANCE respect of the Casement Park Project. affairs and has been an outstanding The Financial affairs have seen help to Comhairle Uladh. We thank continued expansion with regards to Our attendances have continued to him for his outstanding work on our the various aspects of the financial increase over the year and this has behalf. The complex work undertaken workings of Comhairle Uladh. The past seen an increase of income across our by Michelle McAleer, our Head of year has needed some very complex competitions which we acknowledge Business and Finance, has also been work in dealing with the ‘Peoples and thank all our members and outstanding and her contribution to

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our overall work of Comhairle Uladh initiative saw a total of 24 teams the Final, Ard Mhacha has been enormous. Brian Mallon has compete from across the of conceded a costly last minute goal been a tremendous asset and although Ulster as well as teams from Louth. to lose out to Ros Comain by 2-12 to he has moved to work for Ard Mhacha The clubs who originally 1-14. In the Lory Meagher Final, Fear we were well served by his enthusiastic competed were again incorporated Manach just edged out to Sligeach approach and wish him well in his new into the Connacht section. There were by 3-16 to 1-17 on an emotional day challenges ahead. Paul Sanders also a total of three divisions. Middletown for the Ernemen. They overcame the contributes to the controls that ensure (Ard Mhacha), Setanta (Dún na nGall) tragic death of their teammate Shane that in this field, our finance team are and Sean MacCumhaills (Dún na nGall) Mulholland and gave his family a always in charge. We are grateful to emerged as the Division 1, 2 and 3 fitting tribute to claiming the national their diligence in taking care of our winners respectively. With regard to title. Ar dheis do go raibh a anam. finances and related matters. the Ulster Football Club League, 2015 They then backed this up with a Nicky saw a total of 41 clubs involved, with Rackard play off win over An Lú to cap COMÓRTAISÍ CÚIGE 14 teams in senior and 27 teams in a successful season that ensures they In 2015, the Anglo Celt Cup was intermediate. Ballinderry (Doire) and will play at a higher level in 2016. reclaimed by Muineachán while Galbally (Tír Eoghain) won the Senior Aontroim again won the Liam Harvey and Intermediate finals, with both finals In our first competition of the year, the Cup. The Ulster Club Championships being great spectacles. This competition Dr McKenna Cup, Tír Eoghain again both went to familiar homes in the again provided clubs with competitive collected the title by defeating An recent months as Ruairi Óg Cushendall action at their appropriate level prior Cabhán by 1-13 to 0-10 at another well and Rangers collected to the commencement of their internal attended final at the . the honours in their respective games programmes. I also extend my gratitude to Bank of codes. The fact that both our Senior Ireland for their sponsorship of this Finals required extra time illustrates Ulster had three representatives in important competition in the Ulster the competitiveness of our club the National Football League Finals, GAA calendar. championships. Crossmaglen edged with contrasting results. Ros Comain out Scotstown in the football final at defeated An Dún in the Division 2 SENIOR FOOTBALL the Athletic Grounds in front of over decider, while Ard Mhacha beat Fear CHAMPIONSHIP 8,600 spectators while Ruairi Óg Manach in the all Ulster Division 3 The 2015 Ulster Senior Football secured a memorable and historic Final. With regards to hurling, we had Championship commenced at Pairc extra time win over Slaughtneil at the representatives in the Ring, Rackard MacCumhaill on Sunday 17th May, same venue. The attendances at our and Meagher Finals. In the where Dún na nGall welcomed Tír Ulster Club Championships continued Final, Ciarraí defeated Doire by 1-20 to Eoghain. In an enthralling encounter, to rise and we experienced particularly 0-12 and then they went on to defeat Donegal just held out to emerge 1-13 large crowds at the Ulster Football and Aontroim in the Liam McCarthy Play to 1-10 winners. Seven days later, in Hurling Club Finals. off. This was a seriously disappointing Kingspan , a late surge result and means that Aontroim will from Muineachán saw them defeat 2015 saw the fourth year of the Tain participate in the Christy Ring along An Cabhán by 0-16 to 0-15. On May Adult Club Hurling League. This with An Dún and Doire in 2016. In 31st, Fear Manach gave us a sign

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of things to come as they defeated the balance until the last play of the with the margin being 13 points Aontroim by 1-13 to 0-08 at Brewster game when a Donegal shot just sailed this time. Park. The following Sunday, Doire just wide of the mark. Muineachán seemed edged out An Dún by 0-12 to 0-11 at to possess a greater cutting edge for On July 11th, Doire saw off Loch . In the last Ulster Senior scores and emerged as 0-11 to 0-10 Garman at Owenbeg while Tír Eoghain Football Championship quarter final champions in an intriguing tussle. The edged out An Mhí by two points at at the Athletic Grounds, Dún na nGall scenes of jubilation at the final whistle . 24 hours later, Gaillimh produced a brilliant first half showing from a county who had retained the ended the season for Ard Mhacha as they blitzed Ard Mhacha to record a Ulster Championship after a mere as they left the Athletic Grounds as 2-11 to 0-08 scoreline. one year lapse were memorable and 1-12 to 0-12 victors. At the same time, congratulations go to Muineachán for Fear Manach were performing heroics In the first Semi-Final, a strong last a well deserved success. to comeback from the dead and pip quarter including a Conor McManus Ros Comáin in a 1-14 to 0-16 thriller at goal ensured that Muineachán ALL-IRELAND FOOTBALL Brewster Park. In Round 3, Tír Eoghain progressed to the Ulster Final at the CHAMPIONSHIP travelled to Tiobraid Arainn and won expense of Fear Manach at Kingspan The All-Ireland Senior Football comfortably while Doire were beaten in Breffni Park. The following Saturday Championship for Ulster Gaillimh in terrible weather conditions. night in St Tiernach’s Park, another representatives began on 20th June In Round 4, Fear Manach continued goal from Martin O’Reilly proved with both An Cabhán and Aontroim to blaze a trail as they defeated Iar crucial as Dún na nGall saw off Doire facing tricky away fixtures. The Mhí at Kingspan Breffni Park while Tír by 1-09 to 0-10 to reach their fifth Breffni County travelled to Ruislip and Eoghain coasted past Sligeach at Croke consecutive Ulster Final. defeated Londáin by 2-22 to 0-11. Park. Dún na nGall rediscovered their The surprise of the entire qualifiers goal touch to defeat Gaillimh by 3-12 to The Ulster Final took place three came in Portlaoise where Aontroim 0-11 at Croke Park on the same day. weeks later where Dún na nGall and overturned Laois with a strong finish Muineachán met at St Tiernach’s Park, to run out 2-15 to 1-16 winners. The following day, the Erne County Clones on Sunday 19th July. 31,997 was deserted as they all moved to the spectators attended the Final on a The following week, three of capital to take on Áth Cliath in the day when the Ulster Senior Football our counties were in action. Ard All-Ireland quarter final. Displaying the Champions from 25 years previous, Mhacha and Tír Eoghain both had same spirit and skill that got them to Dún na nGall were honoured. With the comprehensive home victories over Cill this stage, Fear Manach played some inclusion of honouring the successful Mhantáin and Luimneach respectively. great football only to be outgunned by teams from the past, Cumann na An Dún disappointingly exited the the champions by 2-23 to 2-15. mBunscol exhibition games, band championship with a 2-16 to 2-11 entertainment, the Minor Football Final at Loch Garman. Six days later, An In the other quarter finals, Ulster and the Senior showpiece, Ulster Final Cabhán were beaten at home to Ros champions Muineachán were paired day continues to be a celebration of Comáin by 3-16 to 1-17 at Kingspan against their neighbours Tír Eoghain. our great Association in the province Breffni Park. The following day, Fear The Red Hand County controlled the of Ulster. The game was a titanic tussle Manach and Aontroim met again at game for large periods and won out between two great teams that was in Brewster Park, with a similar outcome, by 0-18 to 0-14. In the same double

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header, Dún na nGall met Connacht winners over Longfort at Brewster CLUB FOOTBALL champions Maigh Eo. Unfortunately, Park. On Sunday 23rd August, Doire CHAMPIONSHIP the Connacht champions proved were defeated by the reigning The Ulster Club Championship still moved stronger on the day to run champions, Ciarraí by 1-11 to 1-06 at has that lure for our supporters and out 2-11 to 0-08 winners. The All- Croke Park. A disappointing end to the the local aspect means that all clubs Ireland Semi-Final on Sunday 24th year for our Ulster champions, but the at all levels can aspire to the greatest August ended Ulster’s involved in the experience of playing in such massive stage throughout the province and 2015 series. Ciarraí displayed greater occasions in front of huge crowds will indeed, Croke Park. In the Preliminary efficiency on a very wet day to emerge leave an indelible positive mark on Round, reigning champions Slaughtneil 0-18 to 1-11 winners over an unlucky these youngsters. easily disposed of Derrygonnelly. In the Tír Eoghain side who showed great Quarter Finals, there were wins for Trillick, progress as the year developed. UNDER 21 FOOTBALL Scotstown, Crossmaglen and Kilcoo CHAMPIONSHIP over glen, Naomh Conaill, Slaughtneil, As regards the 2015 GAA / GPA All This Championship continues to thrive Kilcoo and Kingscourt respectively. At the Stars, I extend my congratulations to in its current Wednesday night slot Semi-Final stage, Scotstown held off a the two Ulster recipients, namely Conor in the fixture programme, where it resilient Trillick challenge as they ran out McManus (Muineachán) and Mattie does not directly impinge on counties 2-09 to 2-07 winners at Brewster Park. In Donnelly (Tír Eoghain). I also commend preparations for National Football the other game, Crossmaglen produced all the recipients from our province who Leagues and also benefits from an a really controlled performance to defeat collected Ring, Rackard and Meagher increased interest from our spectators. Kilcoo by 0-12 to 0-8 at Pairc Esler. In the All-Star Awards on the same night. In the Preliminary Round on Ulster Final, Crossmaglen and Scotstown Wednesday 11th March, Doire defeated played out a thriller at the Athletic MINOR FOOTBALL An Dún by 2-12 to 1-11 at Celtic Park. Grounds in in front of over 8,600 CHAMPIONSHIP On Wednesday 18th March, the four spectators. Extra time was required The Ulster Minor Football quarter finals took place and there when a goal from Kyle Carragher Championship continues to excite were wins for all four home teams in proved vital for the Armagh champions, and entertain. These games are fitting Tír Eoghain, Dún na nGall, Muineachán as they ran out 2-17 to 2-12 winners. curtain raisers on championship days and Ard Mhacha. In the Semi-Finals, and 2015 again produced another there wins for Dún na nGall over The 2015 Ulster Senior Club great competition. In the Preliminary Muineachán at Healy Park and Tír Championship was a brilliant Round, Dún na nGall defeated Tír Eoghain over Ard Mhacha at Kingspan competition which included a number Eoghain on a 1-11 to 0-08 scoreline. Breffni Park. I wish to place on record of great games. The Senior and Junior In the quarter finals, there were wins my gratitude to both Ard Mhacha and Finals were played as a double header for An Cabhán, Aontroim, Dún na Tír Eoghain for travelling to Cavan at in the Athletic Grounds and it was a nGall and Doire. In the Semi-Finals, very short notice after Brewster Park fitting end to another great year of An Cabhán beat Aontroim by 1-19 to was deemed unplayable. activity on our playing fields. 1-11 while Doire edged out reigning champions Dún nan Gall by 0-11 to 0-10 The following week, Tír Eoghain and The Intermediate Football Club at St Tiernachs Park. Dún na nGall played out a brilliant Championship remains an extremely encounter in front of a large crowd competitive grade and 2015 was no The final meeting between Doire and at Celtic Park. Tír Eoghain held on different. In the Preliminary Round, An Cabhán ensured that we had four to win by the minimum on a 1-11 to Loughinisland defeated of our counties represented on Ulster 0-13 scoreline. After securing their champions, Greenlough. In the Quarter Final day, with Dún na nGall and first Ulster title since 2006, Tyrone Finals, there were wins for Glenavy, Muineachán sharing the senior stage. progressed to the All-Ireland stage. Bundoran (AET), Doohamlet (AET) Doire controlled the minor game for They played some outstanding football and Loughinisland over Irvinestown, most of the game and won out by 1-11 to account for Connacht champions, Clann Eireann, Ballyhaise and to 0-11 to collect the Fr Murray Cup. Roscommon in the Semi-Final. In the Edendork respectively. In the Semi- Congratulations to Doire for a well All-Ireland Final, played in terrible Finals, there were convincing wins for deserved success. conditions in , Tyrone just Loughinisland and Bundoran to set up edged out Tipperary to claim another a final meeting. In the Final, played at In the All Ireland Quarter Finals, there well deserved All-Ireland title at this Owenbeg, both teams played some were contrasting fortunes for our level. Their run through the Ulster fantastic football in terrible conditions two representatives. An Cabhán were campaign left them in good stead with Loughinisland’s eye for goals beaten by a strong Cill Dara side at as they claimed the All-Ireland title proving the difference on a bizarre Navan on a scoreline of 2-14 to 2-12. on the same scoreline as their UIster scoreline of 4-01 to 0-07. Doire needed a strong second half to decider. A brilliant achievement by recover from the concession of two all concerned. Congratulations to Tír In the Junior Football Championship, first half goals to win out 0-12 to 2-04 Eoghain on this All-Ireland success. there was the return of Fear Manach

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champions to make a full complement a really good crowd and those in former player, Shane Mulholland who of nine participants. In fact, Fermanagh attendance were treated to a great passed away earlier in the year and we winners, Coa won their Preliminary spectacle of inter county hurling. are all very proud of this tremendous Round game against Tullysaran. In the In a game that ebbed and flowed, success in remembering Shane. Quarter-Finals, there were wins for Aontroim produced a late rally to Congratulations to all concerned in Templeport, Glasdrumman, Rockcorry retain the Liam Harvey Cup by virtue this All-Ireland success. and Faughanvale over Naomh Ultan, of a 1-15 to 1-14 victory over An Dún. Davitts, Coa and Brackaville, respectively. Well done to all involved. MINOR HURLING In the Semi-Finals, there were wins CHAMPIONSHIP for Rockcorry and Faughanvale. The ALL-IRELAND HURLING Five counties competed in the Ulster Junior Final was played in the Athletic CHAMPIONSHIP Minor Hurling Championship in 2015. Grounds, and it was Rockcorry who Aontroim were again involved in the In the quarter final, Doire comfortably collected the Paul Kerr Cup by virtue of Leinster Senior Hurling Championship defeated Dún na nGall by 6-18 to a 3-10 to 0-09 scoreline. round robin series, This commenced 2-05. In the Semi-Finals played at with a fantastic 5-17 to 3-22 victory over Owenbeg, there were comfortable ALL-IRELAND CLUB FOOTBALL Laois at Ballycastle which raised the victories for both Aontroim and CHAMPIONSHIP hopes of the Saffron county. However, Doire over Ard Mhacha and An Dún In a great game of football on 15th subsequent defeats away to both respectively. A fortnight later, the final February, Slaughtneil produced a Iar Mhi and Ceatharlach ended their brought Aontroim and Doire together great display to edge out Austin involvement in the All-Ireland series. at Owenbeg. An impressive all round Stacks by 1-14 to 2-10 in Portlaoise to Their fate was compounded when they display by Aontroim saw them emerge reach their first ever All-Ireland Club lost a playoff to Ciarraí by 2-16 to 1-18 to victorious by 2-20 to 0-09. Well done Final. On St Patrick’s Day, Slaughtneil relegate them to the to Aontroim. In the All-Ireland Quarter represented their county and province in 2016. This is a really disappointing Final, Aontroim were beaten by Áth with fierce pride but came up against a development but they have the Cliath by 2-22 to 2-11 at Kingspan Breffni formidable Outfit. Corofin produced a opportunity to regroup, refocus and Park. In concluding this minor summary, masterclass on the biggest club stage return to the top tier by 2017. I congratulate Tír Eoghain on their All- and won out by 1-14 to 0-7. Ireland Minor C title, as they defeated In the Christy Ring Cup, An Dún and Maigh Eo in the final after a replay. In the All-Ireland Intermediate Club Doire were Ulster’s representatives. Championship, Cumann Pheadar Naofa Doire defeated An Dún in the Semi UNDER 21 HURLING faced Ardfert and were beaten by the Final played at Owenbeg by 0-23 to CHAMPIONSHIP minimum, 1-8 to 0-10 in Portlaoise. 2-12 to claim a final place. There they Four Ulster counties competed in In the Junior grade, Rock were also faced a strong Ciarraí outfit and were the Under 21 Championship, which beaten at the Semi-Final stage, albeit defeated by 1-20 to 0-12 at Croke Park. was played on a knock out basis after a replay by Brosna on a 1-08 to again. The Semi-Finals saw Aontroim 0-07 scoreline at Ballinasloe to end The saw Ard comprehensively defeat Ard Mhacha their involvement. Mhacha, Dún na nGall, Muineachán and at Ballycastle. The other game was a Tír Eoghain as the competitors from the brilliant encounter with Doire winning SENIOR HURLING province. Muineachán beat Longfort out over An Dún by 3-16 to 3-14 at CHAMPIONSHIP before they were defeated by both Dún Owenbeg. In the final that was moved The 2015 Championship was a five na nGall and Ros Comáin. Dún na nGall to Ballinascreen at late notice, Antroim county competition with Aontroim again and Tír Eoghain were eliminated at the retained their title by beating Doire by receiving a bye to the Ulster Final. In Semi-Final stage by Ard Mhacha and 1-19 to 0-17. In the All-Ireland Semi-Final, the quarter finals, played on 21st June, Ros Comáin respectively. In the final, a Aontroim came up against Loch Garman Doire defeated Dún na nGall by 3-17 to last gasp Ros Comáin goal claimed the at Thurles and the Leinster champions 5-07 scoreline at Celtic Park. The other Nicky Rackard Cup at the expense of collected a 1-20 to 1-08 victory. quarter final was played at the Athletic Ard Mhacha. Grounds as An Dún ran out comfortable ALL-IRELAND CLUB HURLING 5-20 to 3-14 winners over Ard Mhacha. In the , Fear Manach CHAMPIONSHIP were our only representative. After In the Ulster Senior Club The Semi-Final saw Doire take on An suffering heart breaking final defeats Championship, we were treated Dún in Owenbeg on Sunday 28th June in 2012 and 2014, Fermanagh won to some great encounters. In the and in another great game between their way back to the Lory Meagher quarter final, Middletown just held familiar rivals, the Mournemen were decider at Croke Park. On 6th June on to beat Lisbellaw by 0-19 to 2-10. victorious by 3-16 to 1-7. 2015, the Ernemen produced a great In the Semi-Finals, Slaughtneil beat attacking display to win out by 3-16 at Dungannon while Ruairi The 2015 Ulster Senior Hurling Final over Sligeach in a great game of Óg needed a strong second half to see was played at Owenbeg in front of hurling. This was a fitting tribute to off Middletown. The Ulster Final was

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Slaughtneil representatives pictured at the Ulster Club Championships Launch.

Fermanagh captain 12 July 2015, John Paul McGarry Chris O’Connell, lifts the Lory Antrim, lefts the Meagher Cup. Liam Harvey Cup.

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played as a double header with the In the Junior grade, Castleblayney were work in relation to the redevelopment of Ulster Senior Final and threw up well defeated by Fullen Gaels by 2-18 Casement Park continued apace and we a brilliant game of hurling. Extra time was to 1-07 at Parnells in . are now in the process of consultation required as Ruairi Óg won by 1-24 to 3-16 with the view that we will seek to obtain at the Athletic Grounds. A tremendous INTER PROVINCIAL planning permission for the second success for the proud Glensmen. CHAMPIONSHIPS time. It needs to be restated that we The Inter Provincial Championships have a world leader, Mott McDonald, in In the Intermediate Club Hurling in both football and hurling remained the field of Stadium design working for Championship, Kickhams Creggan on the games programme in 2015. us and we are satisfied that we were collected the title at Owenbeg, Ulster were delighted that this has doing everything that is required of following wins over Castleblayney, been included in the fixture calendar us. The reassessment of all aspects of Burt and Eire Óg. In the Junior Final, in 2015 but unfortunately Storm the case outcome has formed a major Eoghan Rua Coleraine defeated Ballela Desmond eliminated the possibility of part of our work in the past year and at Owenbeg. any sporting activity taking place on we have a clear determination on the the weekend of 5th / 6th December. matters at hand and were the future is ALL-IRELAND CLUB HURLING At the time of going to print, CCCC are likely to take us. CHAMPIONSHIP currently examining dates in early 2016 Portaferry were Ulster’s representatives to play this important competition. The Project Board and our stadium team in the All-Ireland Club Championship, has been ably led by Tomas Ó Dalaigh having won the 2014 Ulster Club PROVINCIAL COUNCIL and operated to the highest standards. Championship. In the All-Ireland The hosting of Feile na nGael was a The past year has witnessed the Semi-Final on 7th February, they came very significant event in our province retirement of Sean Ó Raghallaigh and up against Kilmallock at Pairc Esler. and the input of the Clubs involved, we record our gratitude to him for his Unfortunately, it was a bridge too far Counties and members of Comhairle unstinted work over a long period. We as the An Dún and Ulster champions Uladh are fully acknowledged and are still committed to the delivery of this just lost out by 2-17 to 0-12. represented a tremendous overall project as a vital strategic objective set dedication and commitment of the down in the Strategic Review Committee After collecting the Ulster title last GAA in Ulster. The role of the Feile Report of 2002 and in subsequent October, O’Donovan Rossa represented Executive and particularly Micheal Ó documents including the Programme Ulster in the All-Ireland series. On 25th hOsain and Jimmy Darragh has to be for Government which committed itself January they edged out Cappoquin in acknowledged as representing the very to meeting the strategic needs of the the All-Ireland Semi-Final to secure a best standards of our Association. The three sports and that includes the GAA. Final slot. On 15th February in Croke work of facilitating such an event is To this end two external members have Park, O’Donovan Rossa claimed the reflected by the various sub committees been added to the Stadium Project All-Ireland crown by defeated Kilburn and host families who were tremendous Board and the expertise of John Cole Gaels by 1-9 to 2-3. Congratulations and demonstrated the importance of and Michael McGuckin should prove to all involved. Feile to the Association in Ulster. The beneficial in the difficult months ahead.

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The past year has seen the tremendous governance is at the centre of the work a mammoth amount of work on our and ongoing work of the Officers and of the Council and also our Counties. behalf. I also want to record my thanks Members of Comhairle Uladh. Those We are indebted to Oliver for all his to Damian Kelly for his work in this who work on our Sub Committees work on our behalf and his diligence to area. We are grateful to the members have also worked diligently for the our Council and its’ affairs. of the Hearings Committee for their greater good of our Association and dedication in resolving these important we are indebted to them. Our staff Our OCP, Sean Ó Conghaile, has matters on our behalf. have collectively ensured that we are continued to ensure that our work and meeting the challenges that comes our affairs are adequately portrayed in the We are well served by Stephen way while at the same time assisting media. He has dealt very efficiently Donnelly who gives an outstanding our constituent units and members in with the various issues and statements service to Coiste Cheannais na planning for the future and our role in it. that have arisen in a most efficient and Chomortaisi, our Counties, Referees, positive manner. He has also worked Clubs and to other fixture making We are indebted to Mairtin MacAibhne, to market our games and activities bodies as required. Bernie Fox, assisted Uachtarain, for his leadership and he in a very effective manner and has by Kathy Kelly and Paul McKillop has been totally dedicated to his work overseen the utilisation of modern provides clear leadership in the field on behalf of the Council. He has given media to ensure that our people of Child Protection and for which we generously of his time in the best are informed. We thank Sean for his are grateful. I would also like recognise traditions of the Association in Ulster. tremendous work on our behalf. the work of the Senior Staff for their He has worked diligently at National continued dedication to the GAA and level on several Committees and he has The Membership of the Ulster Council their support and loyalty the GAA been a member Coiste Bainisti Naisunta continued to give generously of their and to me. I thank Eugene Young and Ard Comhairle. He has represented time throughout the year. Through (Director Coaching and Games), the Council across a diverse list of their efforts they have provided a Michelle McAleer (Head of Finance, functions and events and in all these he substantial service and support to HR and Business), Ryan Feeney (Head has exuded the leadership of a vibrant the work of the GAA in Ulster. Their of Community, Strategy and Public and confident organisation. We thank contribution at all levels of our affairs Affairs) and Stephen McGeehan Mairtin for his work on our behalf and including working on our own sub (Head of Operations, Compliance for his support across the full spectre committees and also on National Sub and Infrastructure) who undertake of our activity in Ulster. Committees has been exemplary. They outstanding work on our behalf. Ryan also help by supporting the operational Feeney is moving on to new challenges Micheal Ó hOsain, Leas Uachtarain, requirements on match days. We but we appreciate his work on our has also been an important part of acknowledge the work of our members behalf. In Geraldine McKavanagh we the work of Comhairle Uladh. He has and for their dedication and support have a great treasure and her unstinted given generously of his time and has throughout the year. We record our work across the complete spectrum of played a very important part in the appreciation for the work of those who our work is exemplary. I wish to thank administration of our affairs. He is the leave the Council at this Convention Geraldine for her loyalty, support and Chairman of Coiste Forbartha Iomana and we acknowledge the outstanding dedication to the many aspects that and also the Executive Committee of contribution made by Danny McLernon, she delivers every day. Feile na nGael. He has ensured that Patsy Mullan, Aodh Mairtin Ó the interests of hurling are provided Fhearraigh, William James Smith and CHILD PROTECTION for including the maintenance of the Gerry Duffy. They all have represented 2015 has been as expected a Tain League. He has also continued their Counties with distinction and we demanding year and full of change as Cathaoirleach of the Integration wish them well in the challenges that in this vital area of our work in both Committee and has worked diligently they undertake in the future on behalf Jurisdictions, and a year that has to ensure that the continuing work of of the GAA. We thank them for their provided us with many challenges. integration continues to be advanced. work on behalf of Comhairle Uladh The long awaited commencement of We acknowledge his work and we during their time as members and the Fairer Faster Justice Bill NI in 2015, thank his dedicated input to the know that they will continue to work saw the beginning of online applications affairs of the GAA. for the Association in the years ahead. to AccessNI in April 2015, aided by a Case Management Tracking System, Oilibhear Ó Gealagain, our Cisteoir, The work of our Coiste Eisteacha has and accompanied by the change to has been a very active Officer and witnessed a tremendous commitment Single Certificate in November 2015. has given excellent support to the to their role within the discipline and Portability is due to come into effect in work of the Council and in particular appeals system. We acknowledge the North at some point in 2016, and to all financial aspects of our work. Nollaig Mac Cumhaill and Eamann Mac this will carry different requirements He has been a member of our Mathuna who again have as Chairman for us as we manage this very complex Finance Committee and they have and Secretary of the Hearings process. The challenges associated with worked diligently to ensure that good Committee respectively carried out these changes have led the council to

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source and implement a new database for their tremendous work in this area. made in GAA programmes, particularly to ensure that these matters are dealt in the area of health & wellbeing, with as efficiently as is possible while Following on from the launch of the volunteer recruitment, and coaching ensuring accuracy to the highest level. new joint code of behavior in 2014, & games. As part of upgrade the It is encouraging to see the numbers of we started to implement the new Club Maith Toolkit, Website and those processed growing to over 20,500 committee structures at both Club and supporting resources have been across our Vetting systems in Ulster to County level with the establishment reviewed and updated as appropriate. date, however there is still much work to of a Code of Best Practice Hearings Clubs continue to recognise Club be done in this area, and we encourage Committee at both levels, and the Maith as a club development tool, and all clubs to be proactive and ensure that County Determining Committee. branding has been updated this year all those who should be vetted complete We acknowledge the difficulties to reflect the new content. Club Maith the process as required. experienced at all levels in setting up Facilitators continue to play a vital role these committees and carrying out in the assessment of clubs, and are A system of E-Vetting is being their functions, and we look forward supported in their role through training developed by the Garda Vetting to the publication of a more detailed which took place this year. Bureau in line with the introduction guidance document, and to the of the Garda Vetting Bureau Bill 2012, development of a training programme The Club Planning Programme which is due to commence in 2016. It to assist those involved in early 2016. continues to be a key process in is likely that the GAA will be involved It is important that this new structure enabling clubs to better prepare in the pilot of this system and this is is implemented across all of the Gaelic themselves for the future. This something that we welcome. We look Games Associations, and we thank programme is rolled-out through forward to cooperating with Croke our County Childrens Officers for their Ulster GAA in conjunction with County Park to develop a central GAA Vetting assistance in this matter. Development Officers. A bank of Club database for all Codes. Planners has been established in each We continued to promote our Tackling County, who are on-hand to assist In October 2015 Coiste Baniste Uladh in Bullying Programme throughout the with clubs wishing to engage with the conjunction with an Coiste Cód Eitice year, placing focus around the National programme, A Club Development Plan agus Dea commissioned an Audit of Anti Bullying Week in November, is a vital document in any club and as all clubs in Ulster to ensure that they where our messages were widely such the Club Planning Programme will are compliant with any best practice supported and publicised across all continue to be an important area of and legal requirements in terms of of our Counties and constituent units. work in 2016. Safeguarding. All clubs were provided We encourage all clubs to adopt a with a list of those vetted and trained zero tolerance approach to bullying The Club Officer training aims to in the GAA Safeguarding Children and behaviour and to avail of assistance provide club officers with all essential Young People in Sport workshop, and when it is required. information for the year ahead. In 2015, asked to ensure there are no gaps in there were two compulsory workshops: terms of the lists held by us and those Our Safeguarding Children and Young Child Protection and Health and working with children and young People in Sport workshop remains at Wellbeing. Each county was then asked people in their club. It is imperative the forefront of our suite of training to select up to three other workshops that our clubs create and maintain the courses available as a requirement from a bank of twenty to ensure that safest possible environment in which for all those who work with children the content delivered was of the most our children and young people can and young people in our Association. relevance to their clubs. These three participate in our games and activities To date we have trained over 34,600 workshops were selected from six and therefore we thank our clubs for people in Ulster and 2015 will see the different themes; club development, their assistance in this area of work. introduction of a refresher course governance, communications, This was a time consuming task and we which will be recommended to be volunteer development, culture and thank Paul McKillop and Kathy Kelly for completed every 3 years. At National language. 644 Officers were trained in their attention to detail in dealing with level, the three hour Children’s Officer 2015 across 50 workshops. clubs and counties on these matters. Workshop which is currently at pilot stage will be available to all clubs Ulster GAA is very proud to once For the second year in succession, in Ulster by the end of January. We again achieve Investing in Volunteer Ulster hosted Feile na nGael, and with encourage all those who are involved Standard. This award rightly puts the it came the requirement to ensure all in Safeguarding in their clubs to spotlight on our volunteering policies host families and those involved with complete this course in 2016. and procedures. Ulster GAA is run by teams were appropriately vetted. We volunteers, supported by a dedicated record our sincere thanks to all those CLUB DEVELOPMENT staff base, but it is our volunteers involved in this process and a special Club Maith was upgraded in all of its who make decisions and plan the way word of thanks goes to our County aspects in the past year. The Portfolio forward for the future. It is extremely Children’s Officers and to Kathy Kelly was updated to reflect advancements important that we have strong

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volunteering policies and procedures organisations that are committed there is trust and mutual respect, the and I am very proud that we have once to tackling inequality received their foundations of any good working again achieved this standard. I take this awards from Sport NT. Whilst achieving relationship. I was delighted that that opportunity to thank all those volunteers the Preliminary Level highlights how the efforts throughout 2015 culminated who participated in the Investing in far we’ve come in our work around in the three codes launching a Joint Volunteers assessment process. making Ulster GAA accessible to all, Strategic Framework in the presence and our continued commitment to of the Deputy First Minister Martin Our community department are addressing equality issues, we will be McGuinness. This framework recognises currently developing a new Leadership looking to maintain and improving our collective potential to making a programme for club volunteers to upon our Preliminary Level to ensure better society by delivery in areas be delivered in February and March. Ulster GAA remains at the front of such as community development, Entitled the ‘Elevate Award’ this Sport and Community affairs. good relations, club and volunteer programme will offer clubs and development and capacity building. individuals the opportunity to develop Ulster GAA continues to be There is immense strategic value in knowledge and capacity across eight represented on the Sport For Change the three largest bodies of sport in the key areas; Leadership, Management, working group which is responsible north of Ireland working together in Club Planning, Marketing, Financial for overseeing Game of Three Halves these areas, while each recognising our Management, Fundraising, Capital events. The Interface Games differences in make-up and strategic Projects and Partnerships. Experienced took place from 20th -31st July goals. Moving forward I remain volunteers from across the province finishing with more than one hundred committed to further strengthening the have been recruited to assist with the children taking part in a flagship event partnership and developing our joint delivery, sharing their experiences in at the Queens Sports Pavilion. work, which will undoubtedly serve the relevant areas of work. It is hoped that entire Community in Ulster well. this additional programme will build Our relationship with Ulster Rugby and stronger volunteers and ultimately the Irish FA has been strengthened The past year has witnessed what stronger clubs within the Province. greatly in the past twelve months and was another significant one for as we move forward together into a Health and Wellbeing within Ulster Having previously achieved the Peace IV application I am confident GAA. The formal establishment of Foundation Level in 2014, Ulster that our connection has never been the Ulster Health and Wellbeing GAA are one of only two sporting closer. The joint work on the Stadia Committee was a notable milestone organisations in the Province to project, together with operational this year, affording this key issue the have been awarded the preliminary projects emerging from the DSD and appropriate recognition within the level of The Equality Standard: A DCAL programmes, has ensured that Council by formalising it into our Framework for Sport in 2015. Sporting at all levels of the three Associations structures. I am grateful to Cathal

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Hand of Monaghan for Chairing this most recognisable campaigns. The It is our hope that the new structure committee in it’s inaugural year and ‘Oscars’ represented the culmination will result in more local support for to the personnel across Ulster who of the Road Safety Video Competition sport but also clear joined up thinking have worked tirelessly to improve the and rewarded six winning schools for when it comes to strategic community wellbeing of our members. It is evident their efforts in making a campaign planning. We also continue to have a to me through the large presence of film. I am delighted to say DOE have strong and positive relationship with Ulster representatives on the National continued their investment in us again the Department of Foreign Affairs Committee that our progress in this into 2016 and I look forward to the and Trade. This is vitally important to area will not only serve the members ‘Oscars’ in March. the joined up approach we have that in our own province well, but those ensures all of our nine Counties receive across the Country. Significant work has been undertaken appropriate funding and support in the over the last year to ensure that the development of their programmes The inception of the ‘Blood Sub’ GAA remains relevant to government for participation. campaign added much colour to policies and funding opportunities this year’s Championship campaign in the Assembly, The Oireachtas, The work that is advanced by our Coiste with it’s launch amid a sea of red Westminister, Brussels and at local Forbartha, Club Planning and Physical balloons in the Athletic Grounds in government level. We engage weekly Development Committee and Coiste June. This campaign calls on members with elected representatives and Pairceanna agus Slandala are vital to to encourage and support blood policy makers to ensure our Units the overall wellbeing of the Association donations, while a wealth of online and Volunteers are recongised for the and they are involved in advising and materials are available on the Ulster significant and positive contribution the forward planning that is required GAA Health microsite to ensure we are they make to our Community. The within the Strategic Plans at County, better informed on this crucial topic. By Community staff have again this provincial and National level. The engaging with the Blood Transfusion year made significant progress work is supported by the Community Services this has ensured that we can in dealing with a range of issues and Public Affairs staff of the Ulster signpost our members directly to the including responding to consultation Council is reflective of our units and relevant services in thier area. exercises on draft legislation, dealing members across a diverse and complex with Club level planning issues, Association. We acknowledge and One of the other key achievements lobbying for funding and attending appreciate the work of Ryan Feeney, this year was the inception of the Live Assembly scrutiny committees to Aileen Cummins, Sharon Haughey- to Play ‘Oscars’. Now in it’s fifth year, make presentations on areas of work Grimley, Maura McMenamin, and Live to Play has become one of our relevant to the GAA. Fionntan O’Dowd in this vital area.

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GROUNDS for her personal and professional matters the report made a number of The Club Grounds Awards were a commitment to ensuring parity for the recommendations for the Casement central part of the work during the past GAA despite the challenging political Park project. year. The inspection of the grounds of and economic environment. all our Clubs was a tremendous piece The Ulster Council and Project Board of work and we are indebted to the The technical and legal work of our unanimously accepted the findings members of CCC, Coiste Forbartha team was somewhat overshadowed of the PAR Report and a high level and Coiste na bPairceanna agus very publicly from late April and working group including the Uachtaran Slandala for their outstanding work through the summer as despite CLG, Ard Stiurthoir CLG, Uachtaran CU and dedication to the task in hand. The the fact that the Casement Project CLG, Runai CU CLG, Tom Daly Chairman County winners were all invited to the planning consent had been ‘quashed’ of the Project Board and Feargal Presidents Awards and received their by the court the chair of the STG group McCormack, member of Coiste Bainisti awards. The overall winner was CLG presented himself before the Culture, CLG and Project Board has worked Ardara and the highly commended was Arts and Leisure (CAL Committee) diligently to implement all of the critical Loughmacrory and they too received and what has ensued since has been a recommendations from the report. their provincial awards. I would like to lengthy and complex ‘nugatory’ exercise pay tribute to Mairtin MacAibhne for in my view which is focussing on a With a renewed confidence and his total commitment to the project stadium design that no longer benefits enthusiasm the Ulster GAA, the and to Geraldine McKavanagh and Paul from a planning consent. Contrary to Central Council of the GAA and Antrim Sanders for their support and work in views expressed at committee or on GAA remain firmly committed to the delivering this very worthwhile project. the media reports from it, the GAA development of a new Provincial GAA achieved advisory group sign off for Stadium at Casement Park, Belfast. The Significant progress was made on the the design during the previous process Project Board is continuing to work funding front this year for the Antrim and had the court decision not quashed closely with the planning and delivery GAA Centre at Dunsilly, when Ulster the planning consent all remaining teams to prepare a revised scheme for GAA was able to secure for Antrim compliance issues typical of a design the Casement Park Stadium that will: GAA £800,000 investment for a new and build construction process would phase of the Antrim GAA Centre at have been resolved fully. n Develop and deliver a world class Dunsilly. We acknowledge the input of stadium in Belfast for the GAA DCAL and particular the Minister Caral What is very important to state here n Enhance the local Community that Ni Chuilin in resolving the outstanding and for the record which was vigorously the new Casement Park will serve matters I would like to acknowledge stated by our Association delegation to n Deliver a facility suitable for hosting the work of our staff in completing the the CAL Committee in June is that this Club, County, Provincial and Business Case and relevant documents Association takes the health and safety National fixtures while contributing and guided the project through the of all of our patrons very seriously to the economic and social funding milestones. This is significant indeed. Public Safety is both paramount development of Belfast and Ulster and positive progress that will see and fundamental in everything we do the Centre open and operational in as a sporting organisation and our track The GAA will be in a position to late 2016. I want to record my thanks record in this regard is impeccable. On commence public and community to Ryan Feeney, Michelle McAleer behalf of the Council I categorically consultation on our new proposals in and Frankie Quinn for their work in reject the bogus charge that Casement early 2016. Another comprehensive achieving this significant investment Park was or ever will be any different engagement process will be for the project. in that respect. undertaken and following consideration of the results and feedback we will During the first half of 2015 much time Following the developments at prepare and submit a revised proposal. and significant resource was expended the CAL Committee and other In recent weeks there has been much on legal reviews and due diligence investigations ensuing relating to welcomed and needed site activity to ensure that the GAA ambition for public sector policies and processes at Casement Park relating to both a strategic fit for purpose Provincial the Minister for DCAL instigated a High the security and presentation of the stadium at the Casement Park site Level Programme Assessment Review site which has re-energised the GAA could be achieved. Central to this (PAR) of the Stadium Programme members and local community to take work was securing the NI Executive with a specific focus on the emerging pride in a strategically important GAA commitment to the retaining funding difficulties on the Casement project. and Community facility in Belfast. for the project as originally envisaged. This report which was led by the On that specific point the Funding Cabinet Office (experts in multi- In the interim the Project Board will Agreement between the Department billion infrastructure projects) entirely again in an open and transparent of Culture, Arts and Leisure and the vindicated the GAA team and our manner engage with all stakeholders to GAA was paramount and we are professionals in relation to the matters progress the new Casement Park which grateful to Minister Caral Ni Chuilin on safety. On the wider project will include the GAA membership at all

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levels, local residents, local community in the County and to the Casement Duffy as a very active and engaged groups, elected representatives and Park project during his term. It has member of our Project Board for their government departments. We have been a challenging time and Jim has invaluable support from Central Council already had an initial and positive and continues to contribute to the level. I wish to mention the support to engagement with the Chairman of the project via his work on the new STG our project team from Peter McKenna Safety Technical Group. group alongside Stephen McGeehan. and in particular Alan Gallagher from a stadium operation perspective who We have added two additional Equally, I wish all of the new Antrim continue to assist on that front. To experienced, competent and highly officer’s and Colin Donnelly as Chairman the Antrim County Committee and respected individuals namely Professor every success for the future. The Council in particular to Jim Murray formerly John Cole and Michael McGuckin and Antrim will need to continue to work and now Colin Donnelly and the ever as independent members of the closely together to ensure the success present Frankie Quinn for their co- Project Board. Rory Miskelly has also for the project and whilst there will operation and support, we thank them been added to the GAA’s delivery undoubtedly be many challenges, with for their efforts. At Departmental level structure as a Project Director. With his combined interests and commitments we convey our ongoing appreciation to programme experience previously in we can navigate our way through most. Carál Ní Chuilín, MLA Minister for DCAL DCAL and direct delivery experience and her officials led by Ian Maye as the at Kingspan Ravenhill Stadium, he Our Stadium Project Board led by new Programme Senior Responsible will bring extensive construction our enthusiastic Chairman Tomas Ó Owner (SRO) in the Programme Team expertise; project planning, delivery Dalaigh has worked courageously and for their support, inputs and on-going and commissioning experience to with forthrightness in advancing the financial resource. complement the existing GAA delivery project through difficult and at times team. The GAA deferred its plans to extremely challenging issues to ensure I wish to thank our two contracted make such an appointment in late 2014 that we have a project that is viable teams who remain fully involved and when it was prevented from proceeding and achieves our desired outcome. integrated in the Design and Build with site works and stadium Rory Miskelly has been added as a process namely Mott MacDonald on construction due to Judicial Review Project Director over recent weeks the Design side and in particular to proceedings against the Minister for and will assist both Tom and myself their Belfast Divisional Director Bill the Environment. These appointments in the oversight of the project and in Dowey. On the contracting side the are additional to the existing GAA particular pushing on with our new Heron Buckingham Joint Venture personnel involved in the Project. planning application. (HBJV) team has been active on the site in recent weeks and we A working group lead by Peter Quinn Our Stadium Project Steering Group acknowledge in particular the charged with working with the issues which is the critical operational side contribution of their Managing that emerged around the existing and of our delivery is led by Stephen Director Damian Heron. future tenure of the Casement Social McGeehan, the Project Sponsor, Club reported to Ulster Council in supported by our Technical Advisor, GAMES DEVELOPMENT recent weeks. Much progress has been Tim Harkin. This group is supported The Coaching and Games Development made on that front and at the time of by Oliver Galligan (Cisteoir), Michelle Department continues to develop, writing Annual General Meetings are McAleer and Ryan Feeney. The support and innovate all aspects of being planned with legal agreements administration of the various stadium games development. The central being finalised to work towards the works-streams continues to be purpose is to encourage, support move from the existing stand to managed by Geraldine McKavanagh and work with volunteers through temporary facilities to facilitate site as Stadium Administrator and is vital the all of our GAA Codes and with preparation and ultimately to new to the delivery of the project within Coaches, Managers, Players and the permanent accommodation in the new challenging time scales. Officials in all our games. We work Stadium. On behalf of the Ulster GAA closely with our Community team to I wish to acknowledge the contribution I wish to acknowledge the contribution embed the key messages of Live to that the CSC made over many years to of our Leas Uachtaran Michael Hasson, Play and Health and Wellness and the GAA in Antrim and look forward to who represents the Council on the our Cross Community focus with them continuing to do in the exciting DCAL Sponsor Board. I wish also to coaching engagement throughout the future for the stadium and the county. acknowledge significant contributions programmes. This is within the concept of our Project Board members, Project of the whole family for the whole life. There have been a number of officer Steering Group members and to the changes in Antrim County Committee external representatives from DCAL and The Curriculum Sports Key Stage 1 this year and I wish to thank all of CPD who contribute at those levels. programme is now in place since 2007 the outgoing members, Chairman and continues to flourish. It has taken a Jim Murray in particular for his We acknowledge the support from our significant hit in funding in this period, commitment and support to the GAA President, Aogan Ó Fearghail and Paraic resulting in the loss of six coaches. The

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programme continues to engage over Other activity in handball through the to debate with Eamonn Ryan (Cork) 30,000 children each week as well as schools one wall programme and the and Mick Dempsey () and all 600 teachers. It is designed to build wheelchair hurling schools programme coaches have been involved in both their competencies and capacities present a sample of how healthy our residential and one day workshops and makes a huge contribution to games are at present. over the twelve month period. embedding lifestyle habits that will Recruitment to the programme is contribute to a reduction in obesity in High Performance Support and the through application. The challenge later years. The coaches have worked Sports Institute remains a key partner is to ensure we recruit coaches who within counties to embed schools in the promotion and development are putting something back into their practice within the clubs. This work of the overall high performance county set up. provides an important bridge for the environment. There are three children and it makes this programme significant strands namely player Ulster GAA Referees Academy is unique. Thanks to Terence McWilliams lifestyle, performance analysis and delivered in partnership with the with the help of Ryan Mellon for elite handball player development. We Referees Committee and Ryan Mellon driving this programme so successfully. have negotiated and supported the has worked closely with the Chairman player development services for World Patsy Mullan and Secretary Jim Games Development continue to be Champion Aisling Reilly and Charlie O’Rourke. Many of the young referees rolled out for hurling, football and Shanks and we have set up training who have been on previous programmes handball and we also continue to programmes for four performance are now on the National register. Barry support the delivery for both Camogie analysts dispatched to the counties Cassidy (Derry) was one of our first and Ladies Football. Go Games, Super and nine player lifestyle officers graduates and he took control of this Touch Games and Super Games working with each county. Senior year’s Ulster Senior Club Final. We Centres target participation. A fifty County teams are encouraged to welcomed the inclusion of the 3fivetwo eight percent drop off from fourteen engage with Kevin McGuigan and take health check as part of the programme to eighteen years has been reported. full advantage of the sports science and the results clearly indicate This sends a clear message that young services offered by the Province the need for this check to happen people decide that they do not want but we are disappointed that not all prior to their season to support our the competitive facility provided by counties take advantage of this service. officials in what can be a stressful and clubs but do want to play GAA on unfortunately, a hostile environment. a recreational level. There has been Ulster GAA Coach Academy is a significant increase in activity in supported by the Performance Focus 3fivetwo Ulster GAA Player Academy hurling and our Regional Hurling staff Programme from Sport NI, This has this year expanded to include 12 of divide both indoor and outdoor hurling programme is driven by Kevin Kelly, our top young handballers and fifteen activity through blitzes and regional and Sheena Kelly. The of our Inter Provincial Wheelchair academy squads. Activity through coaches involved have welcomed Hurlers. The hurling and football teams the integrated schools programme the opportunity to engage in small went on to represent the Province in is now well embedded with three groups with some of the GAA’s top fixtures against Galway and Dublin and different blitzes throughout the year. coaches. They have had an opportunity the young handballers and wheelchair

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Ulster GAA President Martin McAviney with Inter Firms players at the 2015 Launch of the Ulster InterFirms.

Mel Boyce, from Laura Finlay, Crossmaglen from Ballybay, Rangers, after the Co. Monaghan, AIB Ulster GAA congratulates Conor Senior Club Football McManus after the Championship, Ulster GAA Football Quarter-Finals. Senior Championship Semi-Final game.

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players also went on to represent McCann and Paul Callaghan have work. Programmes at Level 3 in Ulster in the National League and ALL targeted Belfast and Derry and GAA Performance Coaching, GAA Ireland Championship. The Academy Strabane with this programme. They Team Management and Performance gave them an opportunity to feel work in after schools programme and Analysis have been ongoing and plans what it is like to operate in a high the engagement of a local club coach to look at additional areas such as performance environment. to bridge the gap between school and Athlete Development is ongoing. club remains the challenge. They are Player Welfare Programme has been challenged to build capacity within the GAA Level 2 Awards will in 2016 see driven by Ryan Mellon who has worked club to ensure that they have coaching the introduction of the mandatory closely with the Sports Institute and games structures that are fit for coaching awards for counties and in training Player Welfare Officers purpose. has been clubs. All county based squads from for each county. These volunteers central to this work advising and fourteen to senior require an Award were challenged initially to deliver a supporting the clubs to create efficient 2 coach. Where this is not in place presentation to the academy players and effective structures to take on any counties are encouraged to access the and parents in their own county. This additional members. Assimilation process for experienced was supported by Ryan Mellon who coaches or set up a level 2 course in also went into the second level schools Further and Higher Education sectors their county. Thanks to Roger Keenan, to deliver key messages to young is supported by Gary Mallon with who continues to drive the Coach players around life style, concussion Ulster at the centre of helping to Education Programmes embedding and anti-doping. The programme was establish Academies for the further best practice and standards in games not only received by GAA players education students. This piece of work development throughout Ulster. within the some schools, but also goes unnoticed but it was for a long some players from other sports. The time a forgotten sector with many Within the context of Coaches and programme will again be supported young GAA people going into the Managers Values there has been much by the Sports Institute for 2016 and an Colleges and getting very little if any debate about overtraining and burnout additional nine Player Lifestyle Officers GAA activity. The higher education issues and the need to address fixtures targeted for support within counties. sector faces new challenges as there and schedules. There may well be a is pressure now for many institutes to case here, however, ultimately the Inclusion and Integration: continues to merge campuses and field one team. load and burden on players comes be central to the work of the Council The increasing number of students down to the player, the coach and the and the Community and Coaching and attending Higher Education presents appropriate manager of the teams. We Games Departments. Coaching and a challenge for . The all have to reflect on our values and Games support to the Interface games, clubs and their administrators are beliefs as coaches and begin to put the the Cuchullians Programme, the challenged to resource, finance and welfare of the player at the centre of Game of Three Halves and within the field multiple teams. Our funding to all decisions. Education programmes in Integrated Education sectors has been the development officers in this sector anti-doping and concussion awareness ongoing. In addition excellent work is designed to assist in this process. are high on the priority list for 2016. was carried out by Diarmaid Marsden There is also a need to move away from in Hydebank Young Offenders Centre, O’Neills Ulster GAA Coaching and this focus on strength and conditioning through both coaching and a games Games Development Conference to one of player development. A focus opportunities supported by other staff. had over three hundred and twenty on the skills and the development of Ulster continues to open the door delegates in attendance in 2015. We game sense and decision making both and invite people in to try our games. are delighted that O’Neills through required to play our games. The welfare The success of the integrated schools our relationship with Kieran Kennedy of our officials our coaches and our sector blitzes is an excellent example has continued their support. Dermot managers as well as club and county of this. In addition the creation of Early and John McEntee were the volunteers remains a priority. As the four disability hubs and the purchase key note speakers and both spoke bar and the prizes have been raised, of wheelchairs, means that Ulster passionately about their roles that with the stress and pressure has risen in GAA can now expand their disability Club and Country presenting some of tandem and as an Association we have programme. The Schools Road show the challenges and issues within the a duty of care to create a safe and in December provided an opportunity coaching environment. secure environment for everyone to for able bodied students to engage allow them to be involved in our games in meaningful activity with their OCN Coaching Accredited Programmes at an acceptable and appropriate level. classmates who are wheelchair bound. provides the accreditation of programmes through an external We acknowledge the outstanding work Active Clubs Programme is a new agency has now been running for being undertaken by our Coaching initiative that has been developed five years and present an option for and Games Development Committee. to target disability, young women a volunteer to gain an externally They do a remarkable amount of work and areas of high social need. Shane recognised qualification for their on our behalf. We appreciate the work

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of Gerry Duffy, who as Chairperson The deployment of six Regional selection of two teams to play in of the Committee has given the level Hurling Development Officers the annual challenge games against of leadership required for such an continues to contribute significantly Galway and Connacht, which took important aspect of our work. We also to the development of hurling in each place in Garvaghey, County Tyrone. acknowledge the outstanding work county. Those staff have now been of Eugene Young who continues to allocated up to 20 clubs to develop The Ulster Poc Fada took place over give effective leadership to the whole and they will carry out a needs analysis Hen Mountain in the Mournes and we field of games development and we for each club before delivering a are grateful to the Clonduff Club and are indebted to him for his forward number of interventions to assist the Chontae an Dún for their support in planning and vision in the area that club in developing hurling in their local delivering an excellent event. Despite has such a critical function for all our area. Examples of the level of support highlighting that not all our counties players and teams. We pay tribute to available includes club coaching, embraced the national guidelines last all the staff in Games Development for developing links between the club year, it was once again disappointing the work that they do. and local schools, coach education, to see that some counties are still not organising new games opportunities meeting their obligations in relation to ULSTER HURLING through go games blitzes and delivery the organisation of a county event in DEVELOPMENT of coaching courses. Over the year Poc Fada. The past year has seen a lot of work many activities have been organised going in to the development of hurling and in some areas where the game is Following the success of the Tri County in the province with considerable struggling, school based games have League Monaghan formed their own progress made in many areas yet attracted many new players to the U.16 competition in 2015, which led to regression in others. Quite often the game, for example regional indoor the event only being played at U.14. development of hurling sees ‘two events that saw 7,973 participants This has been a very successful project steps forward then three steps back’ involved in 25 events across the for Cavan, Fermanagh and Monaghan but the fight goes on to ensure that province. However the next challenge and the time is now right for those our national game continues to grow is to stimulate interest in developing counties to organise the event for within our province. new clubs to cater for the children that themselves and so complete the want to play the game. development of the project. The expansion of the Táin Hurling League in 2014 proved to be Throughout the year Ulster staff have The Coaches Academy has been challenging and in 2015 the withdrawal worked to deliver academy squad organised jointly with of the Derry clubs led to that league competitive opportunities at U.14 and and Ladies Football and has led to the being reduced to three divisions with U.16 levels. However it is disappointing development of a number of coaches, 24 clubs participating. The further to see that in some cases counties who in future years will commit withdrawal of a number of clubs during cannot field teams for the events and their time and effort into developing the season led to 78% of the scheduled indeed one county failed to play in a academy and county squads. The games being played. The scheduling of single academy squad event in 2015. qualification at Award Two level of games during the spring and summer This is cause for concern for the future these coaches is seen as a major months has proved to be a big success of the game in that county. Counties advancement in meeting National and this will be repeated in future travelled to play in the National Blitz Day, targets for coach education. With the years. However the day when the at the end of August to various locations time fast approaching for counties to best clubs in Ulster will be competing throughout the county and indeed have Award Two qualified coaches in against each other in a league format they competed well with their peers. their management teams the work in is still a long way off. this area will prove to be invaluable to The best players at under 16 level once our counties into the future. Our province was once again honoured again were treated to the experience to host the annual Féile na nGael event of the annual camp at the University of GAEILGE AGUS OIDHREACHTA in June, our Vice President, Michael Ulster at Jordanstown. The advent of The work of this Coiste continues Hasson, and his dedicated organising a new sponsor led to the camp being to expand and their work is fully committee worked tirelessly to deliver rebranded as the 3fivetwo Group Ulster supported by the GAA in Ulster. The a very successful event involving GAA Player Academy 2015. Cursai de Faoite was an outstanding 104 hurling and 84 camogie clubs. In example of how our Language and total 254 hurling, 204 camogie and The annual Players Academy involved its related heritage are in need of 61 handball games were played over 45 young hurlers from across the our support and encouragement. We the weekend. Ulster GAA is grateful province. During the two day camp the need to see our language vibrant for all the assistance received from players were exposed to an intensive and community centred. To this end, County Boards and clubs throughout training and development programme. Cursai de Faoite has reinvigorated the province in making this event such The squad then participated in a everyone involved and will contribute a huge success. number of training sessions before to ensuring that the language of the

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millennia will contribute to the future O’ Connacháin as Cathaoirleach of committed to the work on behalf of of Ireland and her Diaspora. the Commiittee and we are indebted Scór over a long period. He has been to him for all his help and advice to ably assisted by Ailis Nic an tSaoi Gaeilge sa gClub is a programme Comhairle Uladh. who has also contributed greatly organised by the Ulster University. It to the development of Scór. They has been very successful to date and CULTURE AND SCÓR in conjunction with the members we are fully supporting this initiative. It The ongoing work by our units through of Coiste Scór provide enthusiastic is simple, those supported by us must the cultural development of our music, leadership and an efficient delivery of use their skills in the development song, dance and drama has contributed our Ulster competitions and for which of our language within their own to a very successful sequence of Scór we are very grateful. Damian Kelly Club. This has helped develop na nÓg and Scór competitions. It and Geraldine provide the appropriate and strengthen the Celtic Studies is well supported by our Clubs and support to the work of Coiste Scór for Department of the University and has members and the semi finals and which we acknowledge and appreciate. seen engagement with the East Belfast finals. There is an ongoing need for Mission. This in turn led to Linda Ervine all our Clubs to ensure that Scór is an ASSOCIATION ISSUES attending our Course in the Downings. integral part of their Club’s activity The GAA being an Association of Linda addressed the attendees on and that it is primarily organised for constituent units has at its core the her support for the for enjoyment and wider involvement. It strength of democracy to ensure that which she was afforded a standing is an important element in adhering to the greater good prevails within our ovation. This demonstrates that all the aims and ideals of our identity and Rules and the decision making process. aspects of our work are integral and our Association. Ulster had two winners There has been much discussion on all contribute to the whole. at the All-Ireland Scór Final and we the fixtures we organise, the period congratulate St. Monina GAC, Killeavey within which we play them and the We appreciate the work of Coiste and St. Mary’s GAC, Aghagallon on multiplicity of engagements of our Gaeilge agus Oidhreachta and the being All-Ireland Champions in Set players at the various levels and various workgroups associated with its Dancing and Ballad Group respectfully. teams. This has implications for the work. The active members make a vital wellbeing of our players and we need contribution to the greater good of the We acknowledge the work of Eamonn to address the issues that are apparent GAA. We are well served by Pádraig MacMathuna who has been totally to all. We need a preseason to sort out

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players and teams. A playing season their assistance in their specific sphere social media campaign for the Ulster that needs to deliver a programme of operation. Championship, we were able to of games that ensures all aspects are increase our website traffic by 133% provided for and we need to reduce Paraic Ó Dufaigh, our Ard Stiurthoir against the same period in 2014. In the training requirement relative to has been a tremendous support to relation to the devices used to browse games played. There has been much the Association and has provided our site, the trend continues to shift discussion on the calendar year in forthright and clear leadership to the towards mobile users, with 55% of the context of addressing the overall GAA. We in Ulster are particularly the entire traffic in 2015 coming from problems. I believe that the calendar grateful for his support and advice on smart-phone or tablet devices, so this year of fixtures can be scheduled a myriad of matters that arise from is critical in relation to ensuring our provided that everyone adheres to time to time throughout the course of content and structure is responsive the discipline of the listed dates. The the year. We too are very proud of the and user-friendly. In an increasingly Ulster Council have been criticised for work of Aogan Ó Fearghail, Uachtarain digital focused age, it is critical that taking too long for the playing of our Cumann Luthchleas and we see again we continue to invest in our website Championships but in nine weeks, our the dedication and commitment to ensure that we have a strong online Counties complete the Senior Hurling of Aogan to the aims and ideals of presence to promote our various and Football Championships, the Minor our Association and he too has also games and activities, and also as a Championships, the Ring, Rackard and provided leadership to the GAA resource to support our volunteers. Meagher Cups plus a substantial part membership at home and within the of the All Ireland Qualifiers in hurling Irish Diaspora abroad. We thank Paraic We are delighted that Armagh GAA and football. A more concise playing and Aogan for the work they recently came on board to join Tyrone, season can be agreed but it should not do on our behalf. Donegal, Fermanagh and Monaghan be to the detriment of structures and as well as five Clubs and Queens GAA, above all standards. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY as part of our ‘Club & County’ website AND MARKETING network. The project, established in We are part of the wider development In 2015 our social media channels conjunction with Lairdesign, has seen of the Association be it physical have affirmed their position as the us develop a Wordpress based website or games related. The ongoing single most critical platform in terms template designed on the main Ulster engagement with the various officers of promoting our games and events, GAA site. All the websites feature the has been maintained, strengthened influencing public and media narrative latest technology, a mobile responsive and expanded. The working on key organisational messaging, design, and feeds from the Servasport relationships between our Council increasing our brand awareness, GAA fixtures and results system. The and our Counties has been very good enhancing reputation and credibility, structure of the system means that we and the engagement between our and also creating additional sales now have the opportunity to feed key Officers and their respective County and marketing opportunities. The messaging information throughout Counterpart have continued to be reach of our social media channels is all sites on the network, and also developed. We acknowledge the very impressive, with 45k and 27.7k provide County specific branding and work of the Chairpersons, Secretaries, followers on our official Twitter and information for games relating to the Treasurers and Games Development Facebook channels respectively, and particular Counties. The Club and Managers and thank them for their the effectiveness of our social media County project was very successful cordial and business like approach to strategy was particularly evident this in marketing our games in 2015 and the affairs of the GAA. summer where we achieved over will be a crucial element of our future 10 million social media impressions communications and ticket sales We have ongoing working during the three months of the Ulster strategies. Ulster GAA and Lairdesign arrangements between our staff at GAA Championship, at absolutely no have invested heavily in this system Comhairle Uladh with those at National additional cost at the point of delivery. to date, and it is hoped to roll this level which has been very good with We continue to lead the way within out publicly in early 2016 for all clubs one or two exceptions. Likewise, there the GAA in terms of embracing the wishing to obtain high-quality bespoke are similar arrangements in place latest technologies and opportunities GAA websites at a reasonable cost. between our Council and our Counties to enhance our communications and This is a flagship project for Ulster GAA and all the constituent units for which marketing operations. moving forward and will be the central we are grateful. We thank all the pillar in our overall plan to secure staff at National Level for their help, The statistics for visitors and control over our own information cooperation and guidance we would behaviours on our website remain channels and public narrative. particularly like to acknowledge the fairly consistent, with over 720,000 assistance of Pat Daly, Peter McKenna page views in 2015, equating to One of the major successes of 2015 for their work and input. We also thank approximately 60,000 page views was the ‘Buy Early and Save’ campaign Patrick Doherty and Fergal McGill for per month. However, due to a robust during the Ulster Championship, which

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encouraged the advance purchasing and other related matters but we will our solidarity with the family of the of match tickets. These reduced priced challenge those that do not operate deceased who were all well known to tickets were available to purchase via fair reporting procedures. the GAA family. our Clubs/Counties, online and in store, and were promoted with a robust We pay tribute to the journalists, The Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered marketing campaign via our social photographers, radio and television for all the deceased members of our media channels the Club & County personnel for bringing the excitement Association in The Main Administration website network. This campaign was around the build up to our games, Building, at Owenbeg on the morning of very successful and resulted in 69.7% reporting on the events and on Convention at 11.00 a.m. It is hoped that of total sales coming from advance occasions and recording for posterity all delegates can attend as a mark of sales, this is a massive and welcome our great occasions and events. Our respect for all our deceased members. shift in our purchasing culture. Going thanks are due to Sean Ó Conghaile for forward, we should strive to build his work as our Public Relations Officer. CONCLUSION on this change in purchasing culture He has assisted me in many ways and Today we are at a critical point in by reinforcing the cost savings and always represents the Association in the history of the GAA. We need to backing this up with County the very best traditions of the Ulster remember that there are four vital specific marketing. Council. Our thanks are also due to aspects of what we are about. Families Stephen Donnelly, Damian Kelly, Ryan are still the centre of our organisation This Committee are innovative, Feeney and Sharon Haughey – Grimley and that is encompassed within the motivated and focused on what we, for their work in dealing with the theme of ‘the whole family for the as an Association, need to do to keep media on a daily basis and also for whole life’. Facilities are central to our our GAA brand readily identified and their ongoing support to our Council in future and again this year we are being continually refreshed. Information this area of our engagement with our hosted by a wonderful facility controlled Technology is now firmly established members, supporters, the public and by the County Committee. Finance is as the main communication facility all aspects of the media. important insofar as we have to pay our we use in many aspects of our daily way now and into the future. Fixtures written communications within the COMHBHRÓN are the current centre of discussion and Association, the media and the general Once again this year has witnessed are important to the overall stability of public. We acknowledge the excellent many bereavements that have the Association. We need a preseason, work of the Committee and its related impacted on many of our members competitive season and a post season. Workgroups. Sean Ó Conghaile has and friends. The death of Malachy Many stresses are apparent but the real given leadership to the work that has Mahon robbed us all of an outstanding issue is, have we the necessary discipline been undertaken. We also appreciate leader for all matters pertaining to our to adhere to our own decisions? If we the work of Damian Kelly in advancing Association. We offer our sympathy do, then everything is possible and a our IT, Website and the functionality to his family, Club and the GAA in bright future awaits the GAA. of our systems. Fermanagh on the passing of another great administrator. Monaghan too Is mise, le meas, MEDIA lost two former Chairmen who had The media is a significant part of our given courageous leadership to the interaction with the public. We deal GAA. The deaths of Peter Sherry and with them across all elements of our Aidan Quigley demonstrated the total Association’s affairs. Most times we dedication of those who represent the work closely with them. The work that true ethos of our volunteer Officers. the media do is important to us. We Vincie Savage died after a lifetime of only require fair treatment and on the service to his Club, County and the wide spectrum of matters from games Association as an administrator and and related items to news and public steward. Death is no respecter of affairs this has been the case. However, age and we bade farewell to Shane the sensational reporting of evidence Mulholland and Aaron Devlin who are being given to the Culture, Arts and measured by how they lived rather Leisure Committee linking the GAA to than the length of day. We extend our events at Hillsborough were inaccurate, sympathy to everyone who suffered unfair and offensive and totally lacking bereavement and particular to the in research. In general we have a family and friends of those who died good working relationship with the within the past year. There have been DÓNALL Ó MURCHÚ media and we do appreciate the input many occasions were we have felt Rúnaí of the written, visual, spoken and the sense of loss most acutely as we photographic coverage of our games attended funerals and wakes to show

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