Officers / Sub-Committee’s Reports 2013 Gaeilge/Cultúr 2013 buíochas freisin to Pat O’ Callaghan (Taghmon- Camross), Chloe Kenny (Oulart-The Ballagh) and Bhí mé gnóthach go leor le dualgaisí an phoist i 2013 Domini Codd (Fethard) whose fine renditions of Amhrán ach bhí an táth liom go raibh roinnt mhaith daoine na bhFiann greatly enhanced match days. toilteanach cabhrú liom i rith na bliana. Míle buíochas dóibh go leir. Agus an méid sin ráite agam, caithfidh me admháil gur bhain mé taitneamh as bheith ag obair ar As regards Scór, I am pleased to relate that despite the son Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Loch Garman. Ba mhaith controversy surrounding the introduction of changes, our liom comhghairdeas a ghabháil le hoifigí an chontae as Scór committee can report increased interest and ucht an sár obair a dhéanann said go léir, o bhliain go participation, particularly in Scór na nÓg that is bliain agus ba mhaith liom freisin a thréaslú leis na currently underway. The recent co. semi-finals had over clubanna go léir as ucht na cluichí breá bríomhair a chuir 150 youngsters involved agus tá súil agam go mbeidh said ós ár gcomhair le linn 2013. sé mar an gcéanna le Scór Sinsir, in mí Feabhra.

Following my election at last year’s Convention I invited Clubs are obliged to have an Irish/Cultural Officer and I some people to serve on my committee and I am truly would appeal to those office holders to endeavour to appreciative of their input to the various strands of my make some efforts, beag nó mór, to engage with me so brief. Tony Furlong, Jim Breen and Dominic Williams that together we may promote our native language, worked so diligently in researching and sourcing the culture, music and traditions. Bhí cruinniú specialta photographs (and arranging the mounting, framing and agam do na hoifigí sin ar an 17ú Deireadh Fomhair ach installation) of the thirty teams (minor to ní árdódh an tinreamh do chroí! Mar sin féin, bainfidh senior) that have achieved all-Ireland success. This mé triail eile as agus socróidh mé cruinniú eile san photographic display can be viewed in the entrance hall Earrach. of the G.A.A. office, in and it spans 120 years, from the 1893 All-Ireland Senior Football victory Ar aghaidh linn le chéile! of Selskar Young Irelands to the Senior 3-in- a-row, 2012. Added to that, if you visit the Canteen you Breda Jacob can view a selection of other historic photographs featuring personalities and events of Wexford’s glorious sporting past as well as a framed chart of the crests of Development Report all the clubs of Loch Garman. I ndáiríre, insíonn gach pictiúr scéal! I am pleased to say that this aspect of my Chairman: Gerard Carthy brief is a work in progress. Committee: Noel O’Keefe, Dave Ormonde, Seamus Whelan, Seamus Howlin, , Aidan Committee members, Jim Breen and Dominic Williams O’Connor, Darragh Ryan, Paddy Wickham, Tom also contributed well-researched articles to Co. Final O’Shea. programmes, recalling personalities and events of the past. Their scholarly input greatly enhanced the Meeting: 5 programmes and added to their value as collectors’ items. In my second year, I have come to fully appreciate the challenges that are faced by Wexford GAA. These Caithfidh mé buíochas a ghabháil freisin le Rúnaí agus challenges vary in range from financial issues to Leas-rúnaí Coiste na nÓg, Marion Doyle agus Angela achieving the best practice at coaching and games and McCormack on account of their very efficient promoting the Gaelic Athletic Association within administration of the Gaeltacht Scholarship Scheme that Wexford. It is quite clear that there are a huge number was availed of by 14 déagóirí ón contae. of voluntary people in our clubs who work tirelessly on behalf of the Association and are in need of our support Aileen Kennedy (Cathaoirleach Scór) agus a deirfiúr, to allow them to continue the immense contribution they Aine (P.R.O. Scór) continued to work tirelessly make to their clubs, parishes and County. organising Scór activities and also agreed to serve on my Irish/Cultural Committee. They were instrumental in Our Committee has responsibility for the upkeep and organising Scór musicians to play Ceol Gaelach as maintenance of our County grounds, St. Patrick’s Park delegates arrived to attend Coiste na nÓg convention and Wexford Park and the implementation of the County 2012 and in the Canteen as refreshments were served on Strategic Plan. While a lot has been achieved in this the day of the /Wexford championship match. area, there is still a lot of work to do. A County (or club) They also encouraged and facilitated contestants to can never stand still and competitors pass you by. participate in the television series, Scór Encore. Míle

1 I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Meetings: 20 members of my Committee who were of great assistance The above Committee was tasked with bringing this to me, as were Michael Reynolds (Leinster Council) and much needed facility to a successful conclusion within the entire club Officers whom I dealt with throughout the financial limits that this Association finds itself in. the year. From the Project team’s inceptions, it has been a long and hard road with a lot of time spent trying to get a Leinster Council Grants handle on the project, however, 2013 has brought this The level of facilities in place in clubs continues to grow Project to a new level with the completion of the and all work has been completed to a very high standard. construction of four state of the art pitches with the Clubs must be complimented for continuing to put infrastructure in place for the flood light systems. Kevin wonderful facilities in place in this very testing Kehoe must come in for praise for his and his company’s economic climate. Unfortunately, the level of financial outstanding workmanship. These are due to be installed assistance available through grants has lessened in recent in the coming months. Tenders for the construction of years. Furthermore, grant applications are now the dressing room complex have been opened and we thoroughly examined at Leinster Council level. Clubs envisage that a Contractor will be appointed prior to this now have to ensure that all documentation attached to year’s County Convention. the application strictly complies with the guidelines laid down. Also, clubs must plan in advance for grants, In an overview, 12 months ago the Project had shown no therefore, any club who wishes to complete work and signs of coming to fruition due to various issues. receive grant assistance in 2015, must have their However, in 2013 we have seen the Project go from an documentation submitted before May 1 st 2014. underdeveloped green field site to a state of the art centre of excellence. A place that Wexford GAA can be proud St. Patrick’s Park / Wexford Park of. St. Patrick’s Park: The New Year saw the installation of a new 500 seater stand to provide cover for supporters I would like to take this opportunity to thank both the and give some comfort to our paying customers without County Grounds Committee and the Centre of whom the Association would be unable to function. Excellence Project team all the contractors that have There has been some minor works carried out to worked on the Centre of Excellence development and Patrick’s Park following on from the installation of a indeed all of our facilities. new turnstile, revamp and painting of existing dressing rooms and some plastering of existing walls including In 2013 we lost one of Wexford GAA’s larger than life the long awaited signage in 2012 while also delivering characters, Michael Lynch. Having given a lifetime of an excellent playing surface. This is in line with Stage 3 service as Groundsman in St. Patrick’s Park, he will be of the Strategic Plan and our Committee is to be sorely missed for his directness, honesty and above all complimented for their vision in this regard. his wit. However, the Lynch name lives on in St. Patrick’s Park through his son, Michael Junior, who has Wexford Park taken up the position that his father coveted for so many Wexford Park has received substantial investment in our years. endeavour to deliver an excellent playing surface in our flagship stadium, but I would have to state that this is a Ní Neart go Cur le Cheile. work in progress and I would ask the members of our Association to be patient in this regard. It has received Gerard Carthy a lot less usage over the past year, the reason for this Development Officer being that we are endeavouring to achieve the high quality playing surface which our players deserve. The Dressing Rooms were also revamped back in 2012 and we are in the process of painting the stand seats. Club and County Planning Report

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff of Vice Chairman : Micheál Martin Wexford Park for their dedication and hard work during 2013. Club Officer Training & Volunteer Recruitment For the third year in a row, a development night for club Wexford Centre of Excellence – Ferns officers was held. This year’s event, held on February Project Team: Gerard Carthy, Bobby Goff, Derek Kent, 5th , had Liam Sheedy from Tipperary as guest speaker. Anthony Neville, Michael Mahon, Projects Manager, Liam gave a passionate speech on the importance of Dave Tobin, Quanitity Surveyor. keeping the club at the heart of the community, recounting his own experiences with Portroe. The night

2 was well attended again this year with over 120 in governance have stagnated is therefore a concern. attendance. The success of these nights is based on the willingness of club officers to engage and share ideas. I recall reading the following words in the chairman This has worked well and the success in the spreading address of the 2009 Coiste na nÓg AGM booklet. of fundraising ideas such as “Strictly Club Dancing” is “In terms of our duty to our young players the existing a good example of this. model has not worked, is not working and is doomed to failure. The GAA of the divided camps, cynical ego Club Planning building and self promotion is plainly evident to the There has been a continued upsurge in the number of modern young person. They see the same bad decisions clubs who have decided to plan for their future. As we being made, sometimes by the same people, on an stand in 2013 the following clubs have completed five annual basis since they were children. They are not fools year plans (or are in the process of doing so). My thanks and are voting with their feet.” go to Joe Sheehan, Des Croke and Derek Kent who assisted in delivering club workshops. This vision gave me hope for the future and a desire to become involved. As we move into 2014; I sincerely Club List hope that these words are put into action. Kilmore, Ballygarret, Clonard, St Marys Maudlintown, Sarsfields, Shamrocks, Clongeen, I am not standing for re- election in 2014, and while I Kilanerin, Clonee, Taghmon, Volunteers, Horeswood, am sorry to depart, I hope to continue my involvement Fethard, Bunclody, St Annes, St Fintans, Cushinstown, in Wexford GAA in the future. My sincere thanks to all Ferns, Gusserane, Duffry Rovers, St Pats, Cloughbawn with whom I have worked, with a special mention to Adamstown, Marshalstown, St Josephs, Ballyhogue, county secretary Margaret Doyle who very often does Castletown, Faythe Harriers not get the credit she deserves for her professionalism and dedication. County Strategic Plan The various officer reports will detail progress in various The role of supporting clubs in club development has areas. Notable progress has been made with fixture been very enjoyable as it gives a true picture of “the planning, social media development, Children officer feeling on the ground”. I am extremely conscious that development, club planning and physical development. volunteer recruitment is a huge challenge for clubs and The plan for St Patrick`s Park, which was put in place that many clubs are surviving rather than thriving, but under my tenure as development officer, has come to survive they will, because of the work of a dedicated and fruition and is an example how careful planning and progressive group of volunteers. strong work ethic can produce results. Loch Garman Abú My report of 2011 and 2012 highlighted that the area requiring most attention in the county strategic plan in Micheál Martin 2013 would be Games Development (Coaching and Vice Chairman Player Development). Following a root and branch examination of all coaching and games in the county, a sub-committee, which I was asked to chair, spent twelve Hearings Committee Report intensive weeks converting the review recommendations According to Treoir Oifigiúil, the Hearings Committee into an Action Plan. Meetings were held with all – consisting of seven members here in Wexford – stakeholders to ensure maximum buy in and the plan was adjudicates on all disciplinary matters where a hearing launched in February to unanimous backing of county is requested relating to the enforcement of rules arising board. Since then many twists and turns have taken from matters under the jurisdiction of the County Board. place. The loss of a hugely committed Coaching Officer along with a misinformed and grossly inaccurate media The Committee met 16 times during the year since storm over the Caulfield league were low points that January and dealt with 24 cases arising from events could and should have been avoided. The review group during the sporting calendar. The cases varied from carried out its first quarterly review in May with a appeals for and against transfers, both adult and under- detailed report circulated to all clubs. This highlighted age, early in the year, to discipline and behaviour issues, some progress with many challenges existing. I would both on and off the field, during the active part of the repeat what I wrote in last year`s report, Clubs must buy GAA calendar, and administrative cases arising from the into an ethos of a player centered approach across child- decisions of various bodies throughout the year. youth and adult and County Board must respond by proper governance and organizational structures. The The following list includes most of the issues dealt with fact that the Strategic plan targets in the area of during the year:-

3 Appeals related to transfers: ...... 7 CATEGORY ONE TWO THREE FOUR OTHER Appeals against club procedures: ...... 1 CATEGORY

Striking with the head, shoulder, fist etc: ...... 1 No of Player Striking with hurl, both minimum and stronger: ...... 8 Infractions 51 65 13 17 Appeal re referee’s score: ...... 1 Minimum Appeal re severity of fine: ...... 1 Penalty Remainder Min 4 Min 8 Min 12 Min 8 Per T.O of Game Contributing to a melee: ...... 1 Striking with fist: ...... 1 In addition to the above it was necessary to investigate a number of serious incidents that occurred and as a As can be seen from the above list, the most obvious result of which Suspensions were Proposed. aspect of indiscipline on the field is using a hurl to strike an opponent, whether with minimum force or stronger. There are several clubs who do have serious discipline Players will have to learn to control their actions on the issues and despite significant efforts being made by Club field and impose a greater degree of self-discipline. Officials the responsibility with regard to Discipline mainly lies with players. Previously, verbal abuse to match officials, particularly Discipline within clubs is an ongoing problem and needs to referees, was a feature of cases which came before the to be at the forefront of all clubs endeavours to Hearings Committee, but it seems to have dropped off demonstrate greater respect for Referees and fellow the radar with regard to coming before the Committee. players at all times. That’s not to say that it has ceased to be a feature of our An area that is a cause of great concern for the games, but if players or officials are being penalised for Committee is the amount of Verbal Abuse directed abuse, it now seems that they are accepting the penalty towards Referees by players during matches. This point as laid down by CCC without requesting a hearing. was highlighted in last year’s report and it is regrettable that such behaviour has increased during the year. Appeals re transfers rose dramatically this year. We have noticed that this year there has been a number Previously, most transfer decisions were accepted, but of incidents of abuse of referees by team mentors and this year, they were contested to a much greater degree. such behaviour is not acceptable in our games. We This arose at both adult and under-age levels, with the would have to question the reasons or need for so many latter constituting the majority of cases which came team officials to be on sidelines during games and this before the Committee. is an issue that we will requesting County Officers to address in the coming year. This year we introduced a process of circulating all clubs County Competition with up to date lists of players suspension, on a regular basis ,which has been a major benefit for clubs. Control Committee The role of the CCC Discipline involves a major degree Discipline of commitment in order to ensure that fairness is shown The following is a Summary of disciplinary issues that to all concerned and the application of the Rules as set the Committee dealt with during the past year. down per Treoraí Oifigúil are adhered to.

The Committee dealt with a total of 137 ( 102 in 2012 ) I would like to thank all clubs and referees for their co- Infractions involving players, officials and clubs operation throughout the year. covering a range of Categories as listed below involving 42 clubs. This represents an increase of 34% year on I would like to recognise the role that the Hearings year which is extremely disappointing. Committee, under the Chairmanship of Liam Curtis, Secretary Eddie Nangle and the rest of the members, Notices of Proposed Suspensions were issued to 4 play in the Disciplinary process. It was always a individuals for non-playing infractions. pleasure to assist them whenever the occasion arose.

Fines were issued to a total of 4 clubs. Míle buíochas don Runaí Chondae Máiread Úi Dúill, agus na daoine atá ag obair san oifíg i bPairc Loch A number of clubs (9) received letters as to the Garman Máire Úi Chonchúr, Donncha Ó Dúill agus unacceptable behaviour of mentors and club officials Máire Úi Dúill le haghaidh an cabhrú agus cúirtéis a Rule 3.1 (b) T.O 2012. thabhairt siad liom i rith an bliain ,míle buíochas dóibh go léir. 4 I would like to acknowledge my fellow committee finishing at Wexford Park. And in September our members Chairman Aidan O’Leary, Mary Doyle, Willie Members Draw was held on South East Radio with Wickham and Tossy Ryan for the hard work, prizes including Holiday in Croatia, Car + 4 to England commitment throughout the year, and whilst we did not on Stena Line, All Ireland tickets, Green Fees and much, all agree at all times with the actions that were Proposed much more going to members. we respected each other’s opinions and a balanced consensus was reached. The proceeds from all of these fundraisers enable us to make significant contributions to the enhancement and Is Mise growth of , Football, Underage, Camogie and Seosamh Ó Síocháin Ladies Football.

By becoming a Member of the Wexford Supporters Club Wexford Supporters/Club Wexford for as little as €20 you can become part of the team, you Report: can help fulfil the dream.

The well-being and development of Wexford GAA is of `The work goes on ……. the cause continues paramount importance to the Wexford Supporters Club The hope still lives ….. and the dream shall never die` and Club Wexford. The onus is therefore on us to continually look for new ways of supporting and Maria Nolan PRO investing in it.

To this end we began the year with our wonderful Black Wexford Central Council Report Tie Awards Night at the Amber Springs Hotel on Saturday 16th Feb where the cream of Wexford GAA It is a great honour for me to represent Wexford on the congregated in numbers to celebrate and honour the Central Council. Well 2013 will go down as some of the heroes and heroines of our games. Sponsored by Glen greatest games hurling and football were ever played. Fuels this was an evening of appreciation, splendour and glamour hosted by sophisticated fashionista and staunch Just a few words to let you know health & safety in all Wexford GAA supporter Anne Doyle. Chairman Arthur sports now is a big thing and from the first of 2014 Quinn thanked Alan Keyes and Glen Fuels not alone for helmets and face guards must be worn in all games and their most generous sponsorship but for their huge also mouth guards for both hurling and football. Players contribution to the event itself. who do not comply with these rules will not receive any Our 2013 Valentine Ball Awards Night is at the Talbot injury scheme. Hotel on Friday 14th Feb 2014 – so book early to secure your tickets. The clock which will be used for all senior championships in 2014 and if you have any views on the Our next event was on Sunday 3rd March when the matter please let me know. National club draw, we all Ferrycarrig Hotel was full of GAA and racing say Central Council do nothing for the clubs so this year enthusiasts who turned out to pay tribute to one of there is a national club draw and anyone who wishes to Wexford`s most famous, most popular and most sell tickets for it please let me know. Central Council successful sons – Mr. Jim Bolger. The 300 strong provide the prizes and the club keep all money for every audience enjoyed contributions from an illustrious panel ticket they sell. Once again I thank you all and wish you of Willie Mullins, Christy Roche, Colm O`Rourke, all the best of luck for 2014. Kevin Manning, , Ronnie Delaney and Cyril Farrell to name but a few. Is mise le meas, Padráig Uiceam Another very successful fundraising and social event was hosted in the Golf Club Wexford on Friday 3rd May as 44 teams from around the county turned out to show Coaching Officer Overview 2013 their support for Wexford GAA and our county teams. This report is produced in the context of the current Our sincere thanks to all who participated and to The Coaching Officer being in the role for 3 months. Carlton House Hotel for their generous sponsorship of the event. Go Games Overview: Despite a few challenges relating to a Go Games based On Sunday 21st July Wexford G.A.A. Supporters Club event in the District, the county and its clubs in conjunction with The Friends of Wexford Hospital continue to work towards the playing of our games from hosted an Eight Kilometre Walk for Health starting and u8- 12 in both spirit and implementation of the Go 5 Games principles. . The fundamental principles that schools, clubs and Academy Squads. The Calendar, an apply to Go Games are aimed not at stymying our games initiative of the County Coaching and Games Committee but rather at ensuring that in the changed environment and developed by our staff and the Talent Academy that all clubs now operate in facilitates the promotion Workgroup was the first step in providing schools, clubs, and playing of our games amongst children who do not players and parents with a clear Coaching & Games come from the traditional GAA playing pool and ensures Plan for the year. We will issue a Calendar for 2014 and that they play and stay with the GAA. That said, the u12 I urge clubs to use it, display it, discuss it and promote grade, as recognised by GAA Congress in Derry in 2013, it. is in need of some re-designing and as you know we had hoped to have the relevant Croke Park staff member was In 2013 we expanded the use of www.wexfordgaa.ie to due to attend a meeting with all our clubs to provide promote not only upcoming games and coaching events some information and context for the u12 Go Games but but also as resource for club coaches and teachers where this was not possible and we have been informed that we have placed a significant amount of coaching this will now happen in early 2014. When we get a resources, video links and documents relating to schools national overview we will convene a meeting to discuss coaching, Talent Academy Development Squads and and agree how Wexford clubs will operate the u12 grade Club coaches. in 2014. While we are all aware that there continue to Due to changes outlined in the Action Plan, access to be some challenges around u8 and 10, regarding Foundation and Award One Coaching courses were put distances to be travelled and grading, the CCC and the on hold until late September. We currently have two Coiste Na nOg are working hard to find solutions but Award One courses nearing completion. Participation like all problems those solutions will not necessary in coaching courses enhances all of our coaching please some or all of us. experiences and they offer examples of best practice and while currently voluntary, there are strong indications Programme of Games: arising from the FRC review that minimum coaching As outlined elsewhere in this documentation, Wexford standards will be required by all GAA coaches in the CnG and our clubs completed over 2,700 games in 2013. coming few years. This is a substantial achievement and credit is due to our administration, the CCC and all our clubs. Given the In 2013, we rolled out a number of Club coaching dual nature of our county there will always be challenges supports including the Leinster and Wexford model and in completing our programmes so that clashes with post a number of clubs participated in these and as always we primary schools are minimised but every effort was and appreciate feedback and suggestions as to how we might is being made to manage this and further improvements improve them. Clubs are always welcome to approach will be evident in 2014. Catering for so many games, us re their own specific club needs and we will respond finding ways to allow our minor football and hurling to any requests in football or hurling. Following on teams to reach their potential and to prepare as best they from last year, the Coaching and Games unit organised can and avoiding overruns into post primary calendars an open coaching session with Martin Fogarty and a presents a serious challenge and that challenge is met in large number of club coaches attended and felt it was a good faith and in an open and transparent manner. good learning experience. This will continue in 2014 with similar actions in hurling and football and in the Minor Football and Hurling: four districts or with club clusters depending on demand. Our minor footballers made progress this year even if We also hope to organise a Wexford specific GAA their season ended in a disappointing loss but this bodes coaching conference and workshop in early 2014 with well for our future. I would like to thank our minor the aim of hearing about best practice around the country football management and players for the effort and and in the county, both codes and provide a chance for commitment they gave and wish them the best of luck club coaches to hear about emerging trends and policy in 2014. developments relating to club activity.

Our minor hurlers put Kilkenny to the sword in Nowlan Our core coaching programme continued across the year Park but despite the work and commitment of our and as with all initiatives aimed at promoting and players, Laois proved to be a bridge too far for this team developing Wexford GAA, we are charged with the and we fell short of our target of reaching then Leinster responsibility to meet identified and emerging needs and final. That said, every effort was expended by players this sometimes requires the prioritisation of resource and management into preparing for the championship management and allocation. As we are funded by the and I express my thanks and I wish the 2014 minor Leinster Council for the much of our direct coaching players and management the very best of luck in the actions, we need to work in partnership so that their 2014 championship. requirements are met but that we keep Wexford GAA front and centre in any action or activity relating to Coaching: Coaching and Games. This is not always an easy task One of the significant achievements in 2013 was the but is essential if we wish to build a sustainable future introduction of our Games and Coaching Calendar for for our clubs and for the county.

6 Urban areas of the county require at times a more equal footing with football on Friday and hurling on strategic engagement and discussions are on-going Saturday. We will continue this in 2014 and while we relating to all our urban priorities and we will announce had a few instances of codes clashing I think most these early in the new year. Other broader coaching people would recognise that the balance was more or events were delivered throughout the year including less achieved. Ultimately, our job is to give players the Easter and Cul Camps, Hurling on the Green and opportunity to play for their county and our philosophy Hurling on the Beach. and operational structures must reflect this principle.

Talent Academy Development Squads: New Initiatives: Talent Academies, Development Squads, are about elite In September, Wexford GAA, under the Hurling 365 player development in an Elite but not an elitist banner, launched a number of initiatives aimed at structure. Winning blitzes and once off challenge games creating improved school and club links which are a key against our peers in and outside of Leinster are nice element in successful development for clubs and achievements but are not our goal: our goal is or should counties and to date over 60 such partnerships have been be the development of a core group of players who formed or are being formed. The Club School Link develop skill, application and strength and conditioning under Hurling 365 is about providing additional quality levels that prepares them for introduction to inter county hurling coaching to children who wish to avail of it and competition and primarily makes them better club participate in it. We urge all schools and clubs to players and better club leaders and role models. Every consider participating and our focus will be one of club in this county has ambitious players and our role in quality and not quantity. Participation in Hurling 365 TAW and in the county is to meet and nurture that requires schools and clubs to be organised, open to ambition. That has to be our focus for sustainable player review and dedicated to ensuring that additional hurling development. coaching is delivered before, during or after the school day. Hurling 365 recognises the crucially important role Under the Action Plan, a new structure was put in place of schools and teachers in promoting our games and for 2013 which saw the establishment of the Talent provides a small grant as part of that recognition and Academy Workgroup (TAW). In 2013 we ran Talent recognises that all clubs have their part to play in this Academy Development Squads at u14, u15 and u16 process. football and these squads and players participated in blitzes and challenge games in Leinster and nationally. We launched our Combined Schools team in September Our u17 football squad was activated in September to and the work they are doing will benefit schools, clubs prepare for blitzes that sadly were not possible to and the county. Players come from all schools except complete. Our football squads played Leinster and St Peters and Good Counsel College who compete in Connaught counties and while ultimately not Leinster Senior A as separate schools. Other Hurling progressing to blitz finals, the players and management 365 actions include Nursery hurling actions for young worked hard to be competitive and to be proud of children, urban actions and a bursary support representing the county. There were a small number of programme for Wexford players in 3 rd level colleges. operational issues but in the overall context we operated Hurling 365 is supported by the Dublin based Wexford football squads with a professional and comprehensive Supporters Club and the Hickey Family. focus on player development. As ever, the focus for next year must be on improvement. In hurling we had Other new initiatives include the excellent Wexford u14,15 and 16 squads and again our focus was on player District Winter Hurling League and we will hear more improvement in skills, attributes and competitiveness about this later tonight and hurling and football and as with football, coach development. Our u16 initiatives undertaken by all the clubs in the Gorey hurlers, with a mixed panel, won the Leinster Blitz District. The potential for club and district actions are shield while our u16 A panel won the Tipperary clear and we would like to hear from other districts with Supporters Shield . These achievements should be plans to further promote and play our games. considered signposts for the future and as with our As Coaching Officer and Chairperson of TAW I would footballers who had wins over Meath and Roscommon to express my thanks to all clubs for their support, we saw glimpse of what be achieved with hard work and Diarmuid Devereux and Booby Gough and all members good structures. Small steps but important ones. Our of the County Executives at adult and underage, all the u17 hurling squad were linked to our minors until June staff and volunteers in Wexford Park, my fellow and under Tom Prendergast a lot of work was done but members of the Talent Academy Development Squad, sadly due to fixtures at adult level meant we were unable Leinster Council, teachers and schools, the Hurling and to compete in the national u17 blitz in Mallow. We have Football Advisory Committees, Development Squad provisionally applied for approval to run national u17 coaches and to all the players in all our clubs and Talent blitzes for u17 football and hurling in 2014. Academy Development Squads who invest their trust in As per National Rules, we are limited to a set number of us to do the right thing and to keep getting better at doing sessions for all Academy activity. Under the system this it. year, we ensured that football and hurling were given Murt Flynn

7 Tuairisc an Runaí Coiste na nÓg

Tá sé de phribhléid agam an tuarasáil seo ar obair na bliana 2013 a chur faoí bhráid na Comhdhála.

Following the AGM in 2013 the Committee of Coiste na nÓg Loch Garman comprised of the following:

Committee 2013 Name Club Chairperson Bobby Goff Glynn/Barntown Vice Chair Marguerite Furlong Davidstown-Courtnacuddy Secretary Marion Doyle Taghmon-Camross Assist Secretary Angela McCormack Clonard Treasurer Noel O’Keeffe St Annes PRO P. J Howlin Duffry Rovers Coaching Officer Murt Flynn Crossabeg/Ballymurn Children’s Officer Dermot Howlin Bannow/Ballymitty

CCCC 2013 Name Club Chairperson John O’ Neill Ratharogue-Cushinstown Secretary Marion Doyle Taghmon/Camross Referees Sec/Gorey Rep Jack O’Brien Buffers Alley Enniscorthy Rep Gabriel Wade HWH Bunclody Wexford Rep Peter McGuire Volunteers-St Johns New Ross Rep Fintan Whyte St James

Meetings 2013

Meetings Recorded in 2013 County Board Meetings: 7 Management Meetings: 7 CCCC Meetings: 23 County Games Committee: 5 Disciplinary Meetings: 4 Adult Hearings Committee: 2

8 It is with pleasure that I present for your approval my Qtr/Semi/Final stages of the Championship from the 1st report on the activities of the underage for the past September with 150 Games to be played a challenge year. This is my fifth year reporting to the AGM of knowing the restrictions imposed by Colleges and Adult Coiste na nOg Loch Garman but it only seems like Games the CCCC successfully completed all games by yesterday and I now must vacate my role as the 27th October. Last year I reported many issues the voluntary Secretary as per rule ! However, I will still CCCC endured surrounding Minor and Adult fixtures continue to serve Coiste na nÓg Loch Garman as the unfortunately, we still continue to cross paths due to the Underage Administrator and I would like to take this volume of young minor players playing adult. Burnout opportunity to welcome my partner in crime Angela is the most common word and can be used as an excuse McCormack on board as the new Secretary who is no as so often endorsed by Clubs during the Semi/Finals stranger to our team. stages of games and can be misunderstood as to who is at fault County or Club ?. Players being dragged Like last year I wish to begin this year’s report on a between age levels, club catch up time on rewarding note by thanking all Clubs, Volunteers, postponements and the need to fulfil the vast amount of Coaching, and Sponsors for their full support throughout games can cause stress and burnout but unfortunately we 2013, they all have been great to work with. I would all need to address such issues. Playing U21s also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the great hurling/Football during peak season did not help the efforts of our Team Mentors within Clubs, Coaches of cause for Minor or Adult in 2013. Development Squads, School Mentors, County Team Mentors and backroom personnel for their dedicated Our Wexford Development plan in 2013 incorporated a work with all of our teams within . A fixtures review of games both Adult and Underage special word of thanks to all the Committees and which was conducted by John O Neill and Derek Kent in Wexford Coaching who spared no effort during the year October to tackle congestion, reduce number of division to ensure very high standards were carried out on and and encourage amalgamations. Constructive feedback off the field and my thanks to all these individuals for from clubs resulted in a revised fixtures structure their diligent attendance and work over the past year. currently up for debate. Congestion will always be a barrier due to overlap of players. There is no easy fix Coiste na nOg Loch Garman continues to make steady or remedy for either CCC Committees but I would like progress and to date has achieved moderate success and to compliment the approach of harmony from both was on target with their games programme in 2013. In Underage and Adult boards. my report I will briefly outline actual facts, figures and findings. This year the Clubs ventured into a new grading system cleverly created by Des O Neill which produced Finance mathematically devised divisions while still achieving The financial accounts are included in this report in the National minimum fixtures. The new system considerable detail. As noted in the Treasurers report eliminated appeals by entrusting the data furnished and the total value of gate receipts was €39,366.00 up by recorded by the Clubs. This year there was no doubt €1,165.00 from the corresponding figure of 2012. Our about unbalanced grading due to lack of numbers, expenditure for 2013 saw financial assistance of dishonesty and the element of winning titles at lower €39,359.00 from Coiste na nOg Loch Garman towards grades. The grading system format deserves an Patrick’s Park Stand and €10,00.00 for Minor Teams. adequate testing period and with a little tweaking and I am sure you will all agree that games are now are much honest data there are no reasons why this formula should more pleasurable to watch from a covered stand in the not work with ease going forward. cold and wet weather. Well done to the Chief Banker Noel O’ Keeffe who is very much in control and to his However, no mathematically approach will currently loyal core of Volunteers for their support and hard work. grade U14s! This age group is one of the most fiercely contested by Clubs and a difficult age group to grade due Competitions Control Committee to the following feedback I am delighted to report on the 2013 Underage games O programmes which were almost 90% hassle free!!! No history O What a great achievement considering the volume of Go-Games results are meaningless O games scheduled. This was completely aided by Clubs Lack of honestly with Clubs not identifying exact co-operation and the CCCC adhering to rules along with number of Players the Inter-County Minor Teams exiting from their O Resistances from Clubs willing to move up respective championship earlier than expected. divisions, fear of unable to compete O Congestion only really began when we entered into the Transition from playing 11aside to 15aside

9 An option going forward would be to devise a district the year due to other sports O grading system to be graded by clubs in each district in Clubs struggling with numbers hit by injuries, conjunction with CCCC and the Rackard League! summer holidays & Grads O Grading O The 12/13 aside (U14-Minor) yet again proved to be Clubs adhering to cancellation rule/Inter Club unbalanced leaving some Clubs unable to compete in issues their respective grades. Withdrawals were most noticeable in U16/Minor grades. The need to combat The CCCC strived hard with Clubs this year to control WOs and Withdrawals is always on the clar and is and avoid postponements and kept a tracking system; paramount! Clubs perhaps addressing their own club especially at Minor level hence the above findings. fixtures planner, highlighting major events i.e.; player NB: Postponements will most certainly become a focus numbers, player’s holidays, graduations, other sports, etc in 2014 should the revised fixtures format come into would eliminate WOs going forward. play due to extra games at all levels.

From Feb- August of this year’s playing season the May I compliment John O Neill, Jack O Brien, Gabrielle CCCC recorded 65 (excluding withdrawals) walkovers Wade, Peter McGuire and Fintan Whyte on the which contributed mainly due to the following: tremendous work that was carried out in 2013! The amount of voluntary time given by CCCC was incredible O Club’s unable to field teams in the earlier part of indeed! - Thank you all.

Games Review

Games 2011 2012 2013 Comments

Games played Championship & League 1,697 2,697 2,554 Slight decrease due to (inclusive of U8/U10 U12 qtr/semi/finals regarding of U8-U12 /blitz) mid season

Qtr/Semi/Finals/Replays 111 134 158 Up by 24 games due extra Qtr finals

U12 Finals (Blitz) FB & HL 90 88 92

Feile - Games 82 88 81

U8/U10/U12 507 1,520 1,615

Number of Teams competing 334 359 371 Due to extras teams at U8-12 (Excluding U8/U10)

Number of Amalgamated teams competing 8 12 22

Walkovers/Withdrawals games 134 117 161 Due to unbalanced teams

Withdrawals 18 19 24

10 Breakdown participating of Teams Grade code Div 1 Div2 Div3 Div 4 Div 5 Total (12/13aside)

U14 FB 7 9 9 10 9 44

U14 HL 7 8 9 9 14 47

U16 FB 8 8 8 6 9 39

U16 HL 8 8 9 6 5 36

Minor FB 887`7535

Minor HL 8886838

A glimpse of feedback from Clubs: Transfers Year Granted Refused Negatives O Compelled to play Blitz’s format not suitable 2010 27 2 (tournaments) O 2011 23 11 Restriction to play over 1 or 2 days/weekend (tournaments) 2012 59 2 O Restriction to play over 4 dates with U12 and in blitz 2013 22 5 format O Mentors perception of Go Games differs from Club to Club O Feile Re-grading in mid season – not working O Congratulations to Glynn/Barntown and St Martins who Incorrect Club reporting of scores to County Board O represented Wexford and contested competitively in Travel O their respective games at the All Ireland Feile’s. As Clubs not adhering to mix ability teams format. O always the feedback and hospitality from clubs, parents Supporters – lack of understanding of Go Games and supporters was fantastic. Congratulations to all concerned. It is widely documented that Feile is Positives O currently under review and we may see change to the Set programme of games catering for multiple structure in 2014 from Croke Park going forward. Teams O Festival of Hurling and Football completed on time compared to 2012 O Go Games No pressure and all players are afforded the Games played in 2013 opportunity to play games O Under 8 : 500 (HL 250 – FB 250) Acceptance of no Cups/Trophies at U10 level Under 10: 485 (HL 209 – FB 276) Under 12: 630 (HL 320 – FB 310) Clubs are fully aware and understand the rule 6.26 as Festival of Hurling/ 140 discussed at November’s County Board meeting by the Football Coiste na nOg Loch Garman Chairman Bobby Goff however, still pending from Croke Park is the policy in In 2012 we held Go Games District review meetings relation to U12 and Under 13 age groups. debated on Club Fixtures and internal Club Competitions /Tournaments incorporating the ethos and Rule 6.26 (T.O 2013 Part 1) policy of Go Games. The feedback at the time forced Under 13 and Younger Age Groups change and a new Wexford policy was created and Games in the under 11 and Younger age groups shall be agreed by Clubs prior to last year AGM. When we organised on the “Go Games” model as approved by embrace change, we also must be realistic in terms of its Central Council. Games in the U12 and under 13 year strengths and weaknesses and how it may impact in groups shall be organised on a league basis, as approved general! by Central Council. 11 Talent Academy /Development Squads for the much appreciated time and commitment they The County Squads in both codes from U14s-U17’s give to Patricks Park. For me the passing of the late contested competitively in their respective Inter-County Mickey Lynch and his sharp and witty sense of humour games and blitz’s this year. Development was a focus has left a void no doubt in Patricks Park and he is sorely and with the support of Dave Guiney, Murt Flynn, in- missed by all the GAA Gaels from far and near and the conjunction with Coiste na nOg Loch Garman a ringing words he so used to say to all the supporters and Coaching & Games planner was merged and structured players “ keep it cool” !! as they left Patrick Park. which worked quite successfully between all Committees and Clubs. However, we endured a certain Post/Primary Schools amount of tension with Leinster Development Fixtures Congratulations to all Primary & Post Primary Schools games that were scheduled during midweek in the midst who are the sheer indicators of the strength of our games of Wexford’s peak season which infringed on the in the County throughout the year in promoting the skills Championship. Unfortunately such fixtures are out of of the games with the youth. I would like to our control and Wexford is quite unique due to being congratulate Post /Primary Schools on winning titles in almost a fully Dual County which is an isolated matter. 2012/2013 in both codes. Links between Underage and The Volunteers and GDA Coaches are to be Schools are paramount and the supply chain must complimented and I would like to thank all concerned continue harmony. A new initiative in 2013 saw the for the time and effort along with their attention to detail launch of our Combined School, players from all in grooming our young players. Schools except St Peters and Good Counsel will be given the opportunity to play with this team and Coaching and Games hopefully will excel with promising results. On behalf This year we experienced change within the Wexford of Coiste na nOg Loch Garman I wish to acknowledge Action Plan, parts were exposed and highlighted as the ongoing contribution to our games by the teaching being excellent and worked as forecasted and other profession and volunteers. activities required reviewing by the Coaching and Games Committee. With all development plans it’s not Discipline set in stone and adjustments are to be expected. I could Referees reports addressed in 2013 were 18 under the go on and highlight many positives in relation to players’ category a reduction of 11 on last year Coaching that go unnoticed with existing and new recordings which is very pleasing due to volume of initiatives ie: Schools programme, Club School Link, games played in the County With every good result 365, blitz, Coach Education, Reach Programme, Wise, generates a “but” yes here it comes we saw an increase Cul Camps, Club /Specialist Workshops, Jobridge, CE in misconduct by Mentors and Supporters especially at combined links etc. However, this year we are certainly U10/U12s and Under 14 fuelled by various occurrences reaping the benefits of the primary schools blitz’s during and after games. Much work is needed in programme (2nd year running ) which saw hundreds of organising a Club educate together programme for kids around the County playing our games an important supporters to avoid conflict going forward and such introductory step into the GAA, and we must not forget conduct must be prevented. Both Clubs are County that this is where it all begins! By maturity and yearly have a duty to protect our players and to provide a safe inception of the Wexford Action Plan only then can we environment. learn from impulses and examine all principals by a Recordings measured and balance view. Category 2: = (14) Category 3: (3) Category 4: (1) other categories: (10) I would like to acknowledge the work, passion and Overview total: 18 player offences 10 cases of dedication that Dave Guiney and his co-workers, misconduct George, Paul, Luke, Joe and Kevin have given on an off duty in 2013 well done lads and I thank you sincerely. I would also like to mention the outgoing Coaching Referees: Officer, Des O Neill who also brought his delivery of the I have attended quite a number of games this year Coaching Plan to focus and welcome Murt Flynn on between the league/ concluding stages and the feedback board as the New Coaching Officer, well done to both and treatment of Referees have being nothing short of men. applauding at times!. Much debate and criticism maybe warrant in the eyes of Clubs and Supporters due to lack Club Grounds & Patricks Park of knowledge on the rules of the game in some cases. Only for the support of Club Officials and their grounds However verbal and threatening behaviour has gone to we would have not have completed the underage games another level and is totally unacceptable and should not programme on time. I wish to thank all Clubs and be tolerated. Each year we advertise with Clubs and especially Michael Lynch (Junior) and his co-workers recruit young people into the fold and time is needed for

12 those to excel into their role as a Referee a wrong County Minor Football decision may occur and it is part and parcel of learning The Minor Football outfit competed in the Leinster the trade. It was noted this year that some referees are Minor Football League as a player trial platform for the choosing to deal with such behaviour in silence in fear of Championship and showed promising results in 2013. upset and conflict with Clubs and not being assigned to Their determination and enthusiasm was very much games going forward. displaced in the Championship by reaching the Quarter Final stages but unfortunately, bowing out to much more gallant Dublin team on the day. Well done to the Minor LEINSTER MINOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE Football Management and players for their commitment in 2013. Round 1 2nd February – Offaly (2-11) Louth (2-09) 2nd February – Kildare (3-08) Laos (2-10) ELECTRIC IRELAND LEINSTER GAA MINOR 2nd February – Wick low (2-11) Carlow (2-05) HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP 2nd February – Meath (2-15) Wexford (0-07) 2nd February – Dublin (0-12) Tipperary (0-06) 20th April - Offaly (5-23) Carlow (2-10) 2nd February – Longford (2-09) Westmeath (1-07) 20th April - Kildare (8-10) Wicklow (1-11) 20th April - Kilkenny (3-20) Laois (1-09) Round 2 27th April - Meath (2-17) Westmeath (2-13) 9th February - Kildare (1-12) Louth (0-10) 4th May - Kildare (3-14) Carlow (3-12) 9th February - Laois (0-14) Offaly (0-07) 4th May - Laois (3-16) Meath (1-5) 9th February - Wexford (1-11) Carlow (2-6) 4th May - Dublin (1-21) Offaly (0-11) 9th February - Dublin (1-15) Westmeath (0-11) 4th May - Wexford (3-07) Kilkenny (1-10) 9th February - Tipperary (2-9) Longford (1-9) 18th May - Kilkenny (7-16) Kildare (1-9) 9th February - Meath (2-16) Wicklow (1-04) 18th May - Laois (4-16) Offaly (0-13) 22nd June - Kilkenny (0-17) Dublin (2-07) Round 3 23rd June - Laois (1-14) Wexford (0-13) 13th February - Westmeath (1-13) Tipperary (3-7) 7th July - Kilkenny (1-18) Laois (0-08) 13th February - Meath (2-9) Carlow (0-6) 13th February - Laois (2-6) Louth (1-9) 15th February - Dublin (0-10) Longford (0-6) County Minor Hurling 16th February - Kildare (3-7) Offaly (2-6) The joy and excitement of reaching a Leinster Final was Semi Final dampened and shorted by a very strong Laois team on 23rd February - Kildare (0-8) Meath (0-6) the 23rd of June. Heartbreak must be acknowledged for Final this Minor outfit considering their triumph over 2nd March - Dublin (3-8) Kildare (0-13) Kilkenny in Nowlan Park on 4th May and their display of hurling and determination was to be admired. We may ELECTRIC IRELAND LEINSTER GAA MINOR not have won any silverware at Inter-County Level for FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP both codes but I would like to thank both Minor Managers, Willie Cleary and Pat O Rourke along with 11th April - Kildare (2-29) Kilkenny (0-01) their backroom personnel for their dedication throughout 13th April - Dublin (1-9) Louth (1-7) - AET the year. 13th April - Wicklow (2-14) Carlow (2-8) 13th April - Westmeath (1-10) Wexford (0-10) 17th April - Laois (1-9) Longford (0-6) Thank you 20th April - Offaly (6-10) Meath (3-08) st 24th April - Wexford (2-11) Carlow (0-09) As you all know Bobby has survived his 1 year of 1st May - Wexford (1-15) Louth (2-11) service and will now enter into 2014 in the knowledge 1st May - Meath (1-17) Longford (2-10) that he has done a good job in steering the ship which 11th May - Westmeath (2-13) Wicklow (0-10) endured some storms and sunshine along the way, that’s 11th May - Dublin (0-17) Wexford (0-09) the joys of being Captain!! A Captain’s crew is the 11th May - Meath (2-13) Laois (0-09) key that sails the ship and what a great bunch of people 11th May - Kildare (3-11) Offaly (0-05) : Noel O Keeffe, Marguerite Furlong, Angela 6th July - Westmeath (0-11) Meath (1-6) McCormack, P.J Howlin, John O Neill, Jack O Brien, 6th July - Kildare (3-13) Dublin (2-6) Gabrielle Wade, Peter McGuire, Fintan Whyte , Murt 14th July - Kildare (2-15) Westmeath (2-06) Flynn, Dermot Howlin who are complete fun and a pleasure to work with!!

13 I wish to thank Diarmuid, Margaret, Maire, Dave, Ba mhaith liomsa mo bhuíochas a gabháil libhse, a George, Denis, Paul, Luke Kevin, Joe, Bumpy (Park dhaoine uaisle, as an obair a dhéanann sibh gan Team), Mick Corish, Joe Sheehan and Dave Ormonde chúiteamh, gan aiteantas, agus go minic gan buíochas. for their help and support during 2013 Molaim sibh go mor.

Bereavements On behalf of Coiste na nOg Loch Garman we would MAIRE UI DHUILL like to remember all our GAA Gaels who passed away Coiste na nOg Loch Garman during the year.

Leinster Council Report operates literally on a shoe string, this impacts on our approach and curbs some of the possible initiatives that It was an honour to represent Wexford at Leinster we would like to undertake. However despite these Council. constraints we have had a number of notable successes in 2013. Depending on our results in hurling hopefully Wexford will have some home games in 2014 from the home and The website: away arrangement. In hurling we could have Dublin in A comprehensive overhaul of the website was one of my Wexford Park in a Leinster senior hurling semi final. If initial priorities and Mick Nolan our tech guru did a Offaly beat Longford we are assured of a home game in wonderful job modernizing the entire site making it even the Leinster senior football quarter-final. more user friendly and www.wexfordgaa.ie is now we believe one of the top GAA websites in Ireland. The It was a quite year for grant aid funding, however website is of course the central repository for GAA Wexford did secure €275,000 for the development in related news and information in the county, for fixtures, Ferns. Club applications were low and funding allocated for team news, for coaching resources, forms and contact to the County was well below the average payout with information. Useful features include the ability to search only €41,000 allocated to our Clubs. Hopefully the for all your clubs fixtures/results, to find a club on our allocation will be increased in 2014. Google Maps powered ‘Club Finder’ or to buy a Season Ticket or Model County Draw Ticket or to vote for There will a new Leinster Chairman, John Horan from Dublin. John has great Wexford roots spending many a player of the year. The site is increasingly important summer here and we wish him well in his term of office. commercially, driving sales of Season Tickets, Draw Tickets, Supporters Club and has received over 1.2 Thanks to Clubs, County Board and County million pageviews and 370,000 different visits over the Management for their support in 2013 past 12 months.

Joe O’Shaughnessy Social media: Derek Kent One of my priorities on assuming the role was to expand our presence on social networking media, F acebook and Twitter . We’ve continued to grow the reach of our Twitter account @OfficialWexGAA with almost 8,800 PRO: Annual Report For Convention people following us making out account one of the most followed Twitter accounts in the GAA and the largest 2013 has been a year of firsts for me and my committee, account for a Wexford based organisation. Looking the Public Relations & Marketing Committee in our around at other Wexford based Twitter accounts areas of responsibility Public Relations, Marketing and demonstrates our success; Wexford County Council IT. My committees in effect manage what is the shop (3,500), South East Radio (3,300) and Wexford Youths window for Wexford GAA, and my aim is to present our (1,350). The recent statement issued by Wexford and best, most positive and progressive face possible to the Oulart-the-Ballagh star Rory Jacob and the reaction that public, our supporters, sponsors, parents and players. followed demonstrates the power of Twitter as a communication medium and our presence as the number The reality is that people do judge a book by its cover one Wexford based account is important. Twitter allows and as a result I believe the work we do is critically us to send out information and news instantly in up to important and that we have been effective in 140 characters but we can also link to bigger stories on implementing a strategy that places Wexford as one of the web site. the best counties in the family GAA in this regard. Finance of course remains an issue and my committee The most important and valued function of our Twitter 14 account is real time ‘Live’ match day updates. We now while another journalist said that: have followers all over the world. Wexford people who want to know what’s going on with our county teams “Wexford Park (following the roll of WiFi) is a and with the Club championships. We have followers in game changer” the UK, USA and Australia as you would expect, but many parts of Europe and the Far East provide a large This massive leap forward in technology has enabled us percentage of the people who keep in touch. to broadcast live games across the web to supporters around the globe, a project championed by Joe Carroll. The Twitter followers are generally in their twenties and This has given us the opportunity to broadcast live audio thirties, young professionals, many who play or played commentary of games not covered by South East Radio. our games and wish to know easily and quickly what is Games covered this year included county quarter finals going on within Wexford GAA. Many of our players and and co-commentators included Ben Brosnan, Tom clubs are also on Twitter, something we are keen to see Dempsey, and Anthony Masterson. But the expanding. Encouragingly we now see that a majority man behind the microphone is Michael Dwyer from of our clubs have an active presence on Twitter, using it Gorey who no doubt will one day grace a bigger stage. to send out results and scores and publicise their events Our thanks for all those involved in this initiative. . The potential is massive and I’d urge all clubs to get online via Twitter for the 2014 Club Championships and Wexford GAA TV and YouTube: to Tweet updates on the games they are involved in and Our use of video through YouTube, another Joe Carroll we can via the @OfficalWexGAA account share these project, has been a revelation this autumn, see updates with our thousands of followers around the youtube.com/Officialwexgaa we’re calling our channel world, instantly. on YouTube Wexford GAA TV . We have uploaded some videos of old games but the Facebook remains another important communication most popular are the pre and post-match interviews with tool and it was pleasing to see that a recent independent players, mentors and interested parties. We even have report on Social Media use in the GAA said that: been parodied recently when Lar Prendergast, Garrett Sinnott combined with Mossy Waters for a hilarious “In terms of engagement, it’s Wexford that comedy send up of our interviews. This has ‘gone viral’ engages its fans the best.” being picked up by national media and websites and shows the power of this media. Our new stars include This means we are interacting better, providing more Kate Kelly and Leona Tector who have taken their place relevant content to our fans than any other county in in front of the camera with great style and humour. Leinster. We had a target of 3,000 followers set for the Again this all gained up national media attention with year and we are glad to say that we have surpassed that our most recent interview with senior manager Liam with over 4,400 as of December 1 st . This media speaks Dunne being quoted in this week’s Irish Independent directly to the under 20 age group in particular with over newspaper. 60% of our Likes coming from this section of the public., The second highest group on our Facebook are Wexford GAA TV LIVE - we went live on air in 2013 women in the 35-50 age group suggesting that the face broadcasting HD quality footage from Wexford Park of the typical GAA supporter is changing. Looking at across the web and this has been an instant success. our clubs, 35 have an active Facebook presence and I’d Again Michael Dwyer took the commentary role, hope to see others following suite in 2014. Camogie stars Kate Kelly was the inquisitive interviewer and Lar Sutton of irishsport.tv provided the technology. To support this we organized a Club training night at The senior football final was the biggest event covered the start of the year and thanks to St Peters College and and we have been inundated with requests to do more. Gorey Community College for allowing us use their It Sadly we are constrained by issues such as the rights to facilities on the different nights. Pat Doran was the man broadcast certain games and the possibility that if behind this initiative and many thanks for his efforts. available to a local audience it may affect attendances. Watch out for more from Wexford GAA TV in the Free WiFi ‘a game changer’ coming months. This summer saw the roll out of free WiFi Broadband internet access for all supporters attending games in This is just the start of the social media project for us, Wexford Park. This is a first nationally with not even and we must keep abreast of new developments and Croke Park or Lansdowne Road offering this facility to technologies as they come on stream with Instagram supporters. This development has been provided by local being a very obvious area for further exploration. Internet Services company Carnsore Broadband and gained excellent national media coverage for Wexford Newspapers GAA including a piece in the Sunday Business Post, We really are very lucky in Wexford with both our local

15 papers The People Group and The Echo for the fantastic the group games of the championship as well as the coverage they both give to . Colour knock out stages. While it did vary a little most Clubs spreads previewing games both club and county, match had all their teams above Junior B level out each reports, expert opinion pieces, guest columnists all weekend of the championship. That is five divisions combine to give the Gaelic Games supporter great value (Senior, Intermediate; Intermediate ‘A’; Junior and for money and a real insight into the games in the county. Junior ‘A’) with twelve teams in each division. Simply They also cover county board meetings and keep an eye put that is sixty teams, thirty games for five rounds on administrative affairs. football and five rounds hurling . It proved very It is more than just a job; you know the people involved successful and popular with our supporters as the have a real interest in Wexford Gaelic Games. Our programme cost only €1 and had most of the 60 teams thanks and appreciation goes to all the staff especially and every game included and could be reused all Brendan Furlong, Dean Goodison and Alan Aherne from weekend for different games. The People Group and Ronan Fagan from the Echo. However, some Clubs were not as cooperative as others and did not send in any team for the programme. This Radio was also true of some Clubs who had second or third South East Radio provides a different dimension to teams playing and while their first team was included people interested in sport within the county. The live we were unable to get any information about these teams commentary from National League games home and for most of the championship. Supporters from these away, live updates from other venues, after match Clubs often expressed dissatisfaction as to why their interviews with still out of breath players all add to team was not included. Answer lies with the Club. coverage full of colour and vigor. Along with Liam For 2014 the championship format will remain the same Spratt and his wonderful commentary we get reports and we plan to produce programmes again for each from Gerry Forde plus expert analysis from Billy Byrne, round. We broke the season into sections in 2013 so Billy Dodd and Sheamus Fitzhenry. clubs could have a panel for the first three games then Alan Cocoran on his Morning Mix Show gives great when things settle down send in a second panel for the depth to GAA news. He has done some very clear and remaining two games. For the knockout games we will honest interviews with mentors and players and when need a panel submitted for each round. events transcend the sporting field he has brought the County Chairman in to studio to expand upon or explain NOTE: We hope to put up on our website all the to the listeners what is behind the headlines. programmes we published this year. These will be in PDF format and can be down loaded if anyone wishes. It will be a great way to keep these Club Booklets. publications for posterity. The Club Booklets were once again a success this year. They contain a lot of very useful information and are County Teams easily carried around with you. We have also published It was a joy to work with our county teams this year, both the information on the website under Club tab. We sets of management and their players were very easy to intend, if budgets allow, to merge this information with deal with. Aidan O’Brien and his management team the Club Finder on the Home page of the website so that always were very accommodating and I wish him the once you click on a Club there not just its location but best for the future. They ran a very successful Open the main contact details pop up straight away. Clubs Night in May when hundreds of children got to be themselves will be able to edit their own data on here coached by and get photos and autographs of our senior and keep it up to date. players. Such a night is now scheduled by Croke Park To print the booklet for 2014 we need Clubs to submit for all inter county senior teams into the future so we can the information as soon as possible after their AGM. look forward to more such nights every May. Most positions will be filled at this point and if there are and the senior hurlers got off on a any additions you can send on later. This will ensure that professional note from the start and appointed Dermot the booklet is published early in the year in time for the Howlin as liaison. The interest levels on our social All County Leagues’. media rose drastically every time we announce a senior hurling team showing that there is still a huge interest in Programmes our teams among the youth of Wexford. I would like to Programmes are a great service to our supporters and thank all management teams for their cooperation during media who attend our games. This is now especially true the year. for hurling games as with all players wearing helmets it is difficult to know even your own team let alone keep Set Heather Blazing an eye on the players from the opposing lineup. Committee 2013: Rory Murphy; PJ Howlin; Joseph With the new championship format this year we decided Carroll; Tom Doyle; Maria Nolan; Michael Dwyer; that it would be a good idea to have a programme for all Mick Nolan; Pat Doran; John Kenny; Tom Boland.

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