Clg Uladh an Chomhdháil Bhliantúil 2019 Cluichí | Cultúr | Teanga 25Ú Eanáir 2019 Óstán Na Cille Móire, an Cabhán Annual Convention 2019

CLG ULADH AN CHOMHDHÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2019 CLUICHÍ | CULTÚR | TEANGA 25Ú EANÁIR 2019 ÓSTÁN NA CILLE MÓIRE, AN CABHÁN ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

05 TUARASCÁIL AN RÚNAÍ

These are changing times in the GAA of a female referee to take charge and GPA, and published in September, world. As I write this report the five of a major inter-provincial final in found that some inter-county players experimental Gaelic Football rules 2018. In 2017 Cavan’s Maggie Farrelly can devote up to 31 hours per week are being trialled in the pre-season took charge of the Ulster Club Junior to their sporting commitments competitions and this comes on the Football Final - the first female and sacrifice other aspects of their back of significant changes in the referee to take charge of a provincial lives to do so. While the majority of inter-county football and hurling club final – and Maggie added to respondents also reported significant championships which came into her impressive list of refereeing benefits from their involvement at being, albeit on a three-year trial accolades in 2018 when she became inter-county level, we must be careful basis, in 2018. the first female referee to take that our expectations and demands charge of an inter-county provincial we put on players do not exceed For the first time since 2014 an Ulster final when she took charge of the what should be realistically expected county contested the All-Ireland minor decider between Monaghan from them. Senior Football Final and while there and Derry. was to be no luck for Tyrone on this 2018 GAMES ACTIVITY occasion there was success for the The GAA’s success story is undisputed In 2018, the Anglo Celt Cup was O’Neill County earlier in the year with but none of what has been achieved reclaimed by Dún na nGall for the Moy Tír na nÓg taking the honours would ever have happened without first time since 2014. in the All-Ireland Intermediate the countless hours of voluntary Club Championship. effort that has been amassed across The Ulster Club Championships the Association over the last 134 continue to enthuse our players The Red Hands had further success years. The GAA’s contribution to Irish and spectators. Ruairí Óg, St. Galls when they captured the All-Ireland life has been immeasurable but it and Castleblayney collected the Ladies Intermediate Football title is important, and more so now than respective titles in hurling and and I mention this in the context of ever, that the selfless efforts of the congratulations to all involved. the roll-out of the 20x20 initiative volunteer are not taken for granted. The Ulster Hurling Club Final between during the past year. This is an While there are many positives from Ruairí Óg and Ballycran took place in all-inclusive campaign to change volunteering, there are also many the Athletic Grounds with over 3,700 perceptions to women’s sport on the demands, both from within our spectators in attendance. island of Ireland with the aim by 2020 great Association and from outside to achieve a 20% increase in media it as well, so the message must be 2018 marked 50 years of the Ulster coverage of women’s sport in Ireland heard loud and clear – that message Senior Football Club Championship and to increase both participation is that we must have realistic and this year’s final saw the unique and attendance levels for women’s expectations of our volunteers and pairing of Gaoth Dobhair and sport by the same levels. It is an it is in the long-term interests of Scotstown. At this year’s final we exciting initiative and we all have a no one to over burden them with invited representatives from all 18 part to play in helping this ambitious increased bureaucracy and increased clubs who had previously won the target to come to fruition. expectations. They are too valuable a Seamus MacFerran Cup to attend, resource to be taken for granted. along with members of the MacFerran Ulster GAA has over many years family. The clubs were presented had a successful relationship with Equally our players, and particularly with specially commissioned plaques the Ulster Ladies Gaelic Football our inter-county players, must be which were warmly received by all Association and the Ulster Camogie treated with dignity and respect. The our previous winners. 2018 saw Gaoth Association and on many occasions sacrifices they make to play the game Dobhair become the 19th club to win Ladies’ games have formed part of they love are akin in many instances it as they became the second Donegal a double-bill with our main games. to that of some professional club to lift the Seamus MacFerran Cup. But that is not where our innovation sportspeople. Research undertaken Comhghairdeas Gaoth Dobhair. Well ended. This has never been more by The Economic and Social Research done to Naomh Éanna and Red Hugh’s exemplified with the appointment Institute (ESRI) on behalf of the GAA who collected the Intermediate and Junior titles respectively.

38 AN CHOMHDHÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2019 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

2018 saw the seventh year of the counties. An Cabhán secured for their continued sponsorship of this Táin Adult Club Hurling League. promotion to Division 1 albeit at important competition in the Ulster This initiative saw a total of 22 teams the expense of Dún na nGall. Ard GAA calendar. compete from across the province of Mhacha defeated Fear Manach in Ulster, as well as teams from Louth. the Division 3 Final with both teams SENIOR FOOTBALL The Connacht clubs who originally being promoted, with An Dún CHAMPIONSHIP competed were again incorporated dropping to Division 3. Doire were The 2018 Ulster Senior Football into the Connacht section. There were disappointingly relegated to join Championship commenced at Pairc a total of three divisions. Keady (Ard Aontroim in Division Four. MacCumhaill on Sunday 13th May, Mhacha), Sean Treacys (Ard Mhacha) where Dún na nGall overcame An and St Feichin’s (An Lú) emerged as On the hurling fields, An Dún reached Cabhán 2-20 to 1-15. The following the Division 1- 3 winners respectively. the AHL Division 2 Final where they weekend, Fear Manach defeated Ard This competition is littered with lost out to Maigh Eo at Kingspan Mhacha by 0-12 to 0-07 at Brewster the non-fulfilment of games and is Breffni Park. In the Nicky Rackard Park and Muineachán edged out Tír in need of a major overhaul. This is Final, Dún na nGall overcame Eoghain by 1-18 to 1-16 in an exciting currently being examined. Warwickshire on a 2-19 to 0-18 tussle at Healy Park. One week later, scoreline. Well done to all involved. An Dún overcame Aontroim at Páirc The Ulster Football Club League in Esler on a 1-18 to 0-14 scoreline while 2018 saw a total of 44 clubs involved, BOI DR. MCKENNA CUP Dún na nGall beat their neighbours with 18 teams in senior and 26 teams In our first competition of the year, Doire at Celtic Park on a 2-16 to 0-16 in intermediate. This was the highest the Bank of Ireland Dr. McKenna Cup, scoreline. The great All-Ireland number of entries in a number of Dún na nGall broke the dominance winning Down team of 1968 was years which illustrates that clubs are of Tír Eoghain by defeating them in honoured by the Ulster Council at keen for games at this time of year. an entertaining final at the Athletic the game in Páirc Esler. Eoghan Rua Coleraine (Doire) and Grounds by 1-16 to 1-12. I wish to Laragh United (An Cabhán) won the compliment the understanding In the first semi-final, played at Healy Senior and Intermediate finals, with from our counties and universities Park on Sunday 3rd June, a last gasp both finals being great spectacles. during the campaign as weather paid Eoin Donnelly goal saw Fear Manach This competition again provided havoc with the schedule. Getting shock Muineachán by 1-08 to 0-10 clubs with competitive action at it completed on schedule was a to secure the first Ulster Final place. their appropriate level prior to the major achievement and I commend The following Sunday in St. Tiernach’s commencement of their internal the counties and colleges for Park, Dún na nGall powered past An county games programmes. their tolerance and understanding Dún to ease to a 2-22 to 1-12 win. The Allianz Football League had throughout the campaign. I also contrasting fortunes for the Ulster extend my gratitude to Bank of Ireland

ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019 39 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

The Ulster Final took place two weeks for a well deserved success. at Navan, while An Cabhán won in later where Dún na nGall and Fear The 2018 Ulster Senior Football Wicklow and Ard Mhacha won away Manach met at St. Tiernach’s Park, Championship was played over to An Iarmhí. Clones on Sunday 23rd June. 28,778 a shortened period with the four spectators attended the Final on an quarter-final games taking place In Round 2 of the Qualifiers there historic day. The occasion of unique over two weekends and counties were wins for four of our counties, final pairing was added to by the were playing every two weeks albeit the An Cabhán victory came attendance of the DUP leader Arlene as they remained in the hunt for at the cost of An Dún. Muineachán Foster at the game. the Anglo Celt. Sunday 23rd June won easily away in Port Láirge, Tír seemed an early conclusion to our Eoghain won in Ceatharlach and Ard The Ulster Senior Football Champions Ulster Championship but is a positive Mhacha emerged 1-19 to 1-13 winners from 25 years previous, Doire were development for all our clubs. in Sligeach. honoured. With the inclusion of honouring the successful ALL-IRELAND FOOTBALL Qualifier Round 3 on 30th June saw teams from the past, Cumann na CHAMPIONSHIP another all Ulster clash in Brewster mBunscol exhibition games, band The All-Ireland Senior Football Park. Kingspan Breffni was closed entertainment, the Under 20 Football Championship for Ulster for resurfacing work so An Cabhán Final and the Senior showpiece, representatives began on 9th June and Tír Eoghain faced off with the Ulster Final day continues to be a with five of our counties involved. Red Hand county edging out 0-18 celebration of our great Association Doire lost out in a high scoring to 1-12 winners. On the same day in the province of Ulster. The game encounter at Owenbeg to Cill Dara Muineachán won easily in Liatroim, itself was a step too far for Fear by 2-22 to 2-14. Aontroim suffered while Ard Mhacha staged Manach, as Dún na nGall assumed defeat on the road as they lost out a remarkable comeback to defeat total control for long spells and in Tullamore to Uíbh Fhailí by 2-20 to An Clár at the Athletic Grounds. emerged as 2-18 to 0-12 champions. 1-15 to end their season. Tír Eoghain Congratulations go to Dún na nGall required extra time to see off An Mhí

40 AN CHOMHDHÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2019 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

By Round 4 we had four Ulster Eoghain and Dún na nGall both lost In the All-Ireland Final Dublin faced counties remaining in the All- to Baile Átha Cliath and defeated Ros Tyrone on the earlier date of Sunday Ireland series, along with Ulster Comain to set up a winner takes all 2nd September, as a consequence of champions, Dún na nGall. High clash in Pairc MacCumhaill on Sunday the changes to the national fixtures scoring encounters were the 5th August. In a brilliant spectacle, programme. Baile Átha Cliath name of the game in Round 4 as late goals from substitutes Harry stormed to four in a row by virtue of Fear Manach, Tír Eoghain and Ard Loughran and Declan McClure saw Tír a 2-17 to 1-14 success. Tír Eoghain Mhacha all experienced contrasting Eoghain progress to the All-Ireland battled fiercely to the end and will fortunes. Tir Eoghain beat Corcáigh Semi-Final stage. also take solace from their first All- by 3-20 to 0-13 at Portlaoise while Ireland Final appearance in a decade. Muineachán edged out Laois by 0-18 In the All-Ireland semi-final, to 1-12 at Navan. Ard Mhacha lost Tír Eoghain faced neighbours, MINOR FOOTBALL out in a thriller to Ros Comáin while Muineachán in Croke Pak on Sunday CHAMPIONSHIP Fear Manach saw their season finish 12th August. This time, it was a late The Ulster Minor Football in Navan by virtue of a 3-20 to 0-18 goal from Niall Sludden that proved Championship continues to excite defeat to Cill Dara. vital in a 1-13 to 0-15 win for Tír and entertain. These games were Eoghain. A disappointing end to the traditionally fitting curtain raisers on 2018 saw the introduction of a season for a Muineachán side that championship days but 2018 saw a phased All-Ireland quarter-final showed real signs of progress and very different competition. The Under (colloquially known as the Super they will be looking ahead to 2019 18 Competition was replaced by an 8’s) format with each team playing with renewed optimism. The result Under 17 Championship and as the three games in two groups of four, also demonstrated how difficult it is counties had voted for a ‘back door’ to replace the traditional quarter- to defeat a team of similar standard championship, beaten teams got a finals. Muineachán emerged from three times in the one season. second chance up to the semi-final their group as a consequence of wins stage. Subsequently, only two Minor over Cill Dara and Gallimh as well as games were played as curtain raisers a draw at home to Ciarraí, when they to the senior games and they were were caught by a last minute goal. Tír Donegal v Monaghan in Ballybofey and Monaghan v Down in Healy Park. We were treated to a brilliant competition with four of the 15 games requiring extra time, with one of those requiring an additional two periods of extra time.

In the Preliminary Round, in a sign of things to come, Doire needed extra time to see off Muineachán at Celtic Park. In the First Round, there were wins for Tír Eoghain, Fear Manach, while An Cabhán and An Dún required extra time in their victories. The following weekend, in Qualifier Round 1, Muineachán ended the involvement of Aontroim at Corrigan Park on a 3-12 to 0-7 scoreline.

ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019 41 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

Qualifier Round 2 saw wins for Doire UNDER 20 FOOTBALL ULSTER CLUB FOOTBALL and Muineachán over Ard Mhacha CHAMPIONSHIP CHAMPIONSHIP and Dún na nGall respectively. Round This year has seen the introduction The Ulster Club Championship still 2 saw the four Round 1 winners of the Ulster Under 20 Football has that lure for our supporters and play each other where Tír Eoghain Championship, replacing the Under the local aspect means that all defeated An Dún and An Cabhán 21 grade. Doire became the first clubs at all levels can aspire to beat Fear Manach. The following title holders of the ‘Corn Dónall Ó the greatest stage throughout the weekend, Doire beat Fear Manach at Murchú.’ As per the Official Guide this province and indeed, Croke Park. the Athletic Grounds and Muineachán competition was played on a straight In the Preliminary Round, Scotstown beat An Dún in a thriller at Healy Park. knock-out basis in a tight window defeated Fermanagh champions, The competition took a break during between the end of May and mid- Derrygonnelly at Clones. In the the exam period with the semi-finals August and within the province five of quarter-finals, there were wins for taking place as a double header these games were played as curtain Crossmaglen, Scotstown, Gaoth at the Athletic Grounds on 1st July. raisers with the Ulster SFC games Dobhair and Eoghan Rua Coleraine In two local derbies, Muineachán which added to the occasion. against Coalisland, Burren, Cargin outscored An Cabhán by 2-16 to 2-04 and Castlerahan respectively. while Doire defeated Tír Eoghain on In the Preliminary Round, Dún na a 2-10 to 1-08 scoreline. In a well nGall were fiercely impressive in a At the semi-final stage, we were attended final at the Athletic Grounds 2-21 to 0-10 victory over An Cabhán. treated to a brilliant double header in it was Muineachán who collected the The quarter final stages saw victories Healy Park, Omagh with almost 8,000 Fr. Murray Cup on a 1-09 to 0-09 final for Ard Mhacha, Tír Eoghain, An Dún spectators in attendance. In the first score. Well done to all involved. and Doire. The first semi-final saw game, it took a nerveless last-minute Ard Mhacha host Tír Eoghain in the free kick from All Star Rory Beggan to Both minor finalists qualified for the Athletic Grounds in what turned out seal a 1-14 to 2-10 win for Scotstown All-Ireland quarter-finals where Doire to be a scintillating match, which was over a very gallant and skilful Eoghan were beaten by An Mhí 1-15 to 1-10 and won by the home side on a 2-22 to Rua side. The second game saw a Muineachán won out over Cill Dara by 0-24 scoreline after extra-time. The first half scoring spree place Gaoth 2-11 to 0-08 at Mullingar. other semi-final saw Doire come back Dobhair into an unassailable lead and strongly to defeat An Dún by 2-17 to they ran out 4-11 to 0-16 winners over In the All-Ireland semi-final, played as 2-15 at St Tiernach’s Park. The final Crossmaglen. In the Final, played a curtain raiser to the senior semi- was played as the curtain raiser on at Healy Park, Omagh and screened final between Muineachán and Tír Ulster Final day and Doire put on a live by TG4, extra time was needed Eoghain, the Ulster champions lost great second half display of attacking to separate the sides. The name of out to Ciarraí by 1-16 to 2-11 after an football to secure the Corn Dónall Ó Seaghan Ó Fearraigh will go down in epic struggle. Murchú on a 2-15 to 1-14 scoreline. Gaoth Dobhair folklore as his extra time point proved to be the winning score in a 0-13 to 0-12 victory for the Dún na nGall champions. Team captain, Niall Ó Fríl delivered his entire acceptance speech as gaeilge to the glee of all supporters.

The Intermediate Football Club Championship remains an extremely competitive grade and 2018 was no different. In the Preliminary Round, Banagher defeated Belnacleck at Owenbeg. In the quarter-finals, there

42 AN CHOMHDHÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2019 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

were wins for Tattyreagh, Naomh In the Junior Football Championship, In the All-Ireland Intermediate Club Éanna, Mullahoran (after extra-time) Monaghan winners Emyvale won Championship on 27th January, Moy and Banagher. In the semi-finals, their Preliminary Round game against travelled to Semple Stadium to take played at as a double header at the Drumlane. In the quarter-finals, there on An Gaeltacht. In a tight affair, a Athletic Grounds, we saw Naomh were wins for Red Hugh’s, Limavady, late goal from Harry Loughran proved Eanna and Mullahoran progress in Aghadrumsee and Emyvale. to be the difference in a 1-5 to 0-6 dramatic circumstances. Naomh In the semi-finals, played as a double win. In the All-Ireland Final on 3rd Éanna produced a late rally to edge header in Healy Park, there were wins February, it was an early goal from his out Tattyreagh by 0-13 to 1-08. The for Red Hugh’s and Limavady in two brother Tom that set the Moy side on other semi-final will go down in tight encounters. The Junior Final was their way in a 1-10 to 0-7 victory over history as the first championship played at Celtic Park, after Limavady Michael Glavey’s from Roscommon game in the province where the won a coin toss as agreed by both to secure a brilliant success for the winners were decided by virtue of a clubs. Red Hugh’s just held off the Tyrone champions at Croke Park. free taking competition. Mullahoran Limavady challenge to emerge as 1-11 and Banagher could not be separated to 1-09 winners and collect the Paul In the Junior grade, Naomh Colmcille after full-time so extra-time followed. Kerr Cup for the first time ever. Well (Dún na nGall) lost out to Cork The game was still level after two done to all the club champions. champions Knocknaree by 2-09 to periods of ten minutes so a further 0-07 at Mullingar. two periods of five minutes each way ALL-IRELAND CLUB followed. With the teams still tied at FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP The 2018/19 All-Ireland Junior 1-16 to 0-19, the game was finished via In a great game of football on 24th Football Club Twinning Final pitted the ‘Finish on the Day’ process and February 2018, extra time was our champions, Red Hugh’s against Mullahoran emerged as 5-3 winners. needed to separate Slaughtneil and Dunedin Connolly’s. The game was In the Final played at the Athletic Munster champions, Nemo Rangers effectively an All-Ireland quarter-final Grounds on Saturday 1st December, at Portlaoise in the All-Ireland Senior and was played at O’Donnell Park, a slick Naomh Éanna side claimed semi-final. Unfortunately, the Derry Letterkenny on Sunday 9th December the Patrick McCully Cup with a 2-11 to and Ulster champions just fell short with the Ulster champions winning 1-10 win over the Cavan champions. as the Cork champions ran out 2-19 through after extra-time. For a club that suffered so much to 1-14 winners. heartbreak during ‘The Troubles’ it was an emotional success which was welcomed by GAA followers all across the province.

ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019 43 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

HURLING CHAMPIONSHIPS lost out to Lancashire but defeated The restructuring of the national Sligeach on their return to senior inter competitions aims to provide a high county activity. number of games for Ulster counties at their own level, while the apathy The Ulster Minor Hurling towards the Ulster Senior Hurling Championship has been discontinued Championship in recent times has for a three-year period (2018 -2020) been obvious. Therefore, with a and following discussions with heavy heart, the Ulster Senior Hurling Comhairle Laighean, Ulster agreed Championship has been discontinued to enter two teams into the Leinster for a three-year period (2018 -2020). Minor Hurling Championship. An Dún played three games and were In the new Tier 2 competition, namely defeated by Iar Mhí, Ceatharlach the Joe McDonagh Cup, Aontroim had and Cill Dara. Aontroim beat An Mhí wins over An Mhí, Ceatharlach and and Ceatharlach but lost out to Cill Cill Dara in a play-off to retain their Dara and Uíbh Fhaíli before being status. Doire, An Dún and Ard Mhacha well beaten by Baile Átha Cliath in all competed in the Christy Ring Cup a Quarter Final. in 2018. Ard Mhacha lost all three games while An Dún only secured one The Celtic Challenge (Under 17) saw victory, albeit at the expense of the six of our counties compete in the Orchard County. Doire fared better group stages during March and April, with two victories over their Ulster while Donegal, Monaghan and Cavan counterparts but lost to Londáin in competed in the group stages during Round 1 and then to Cill Dara in the May and June. All counties went Semi-Final. forward to the knockout stages with three of them reaching finals. Doire In the Christy Ring Cup we had won Division 3 title beating Gaillimh another three counties involved. Tribesmen in the final by 2-18 to 3-12. Muineachán had differing results Aontroim were beaten in the Division in all three group games but lost 4 Final by Laois and Dún na nGall were out to Dún na nGall in a semi- defeated by Sligeach in the Division final. Tír Eoghain beat Liatroim 5 Final. In a new venture, the finals but lost out to Dún na nGall and were streamed live on YouTube. Warwickshire in a semi-final to end their season. Dún na nGall defeated Comhairle Laighean agreed to both Ulster counties and Liatroim accommodate one Ulster county in on way to the Final. There they the 2018 Leinster Under 21 Hurling defeated Warwickshire, in a great Championship. Aontroim and An advertisement for hurling, by 2-19 to Dún indicated that they wished 0-18 at Croke Park. to compete for this place and played a qualifier in March 2018. In the Lory Meagher Cup, Fear Manach In a brilliant game of hurling that and An Cabhán drew in Round 1 in required extra time, Antrim progress a contest which was the curtain by virtue of a 1-23 to 3-14 scoreline. raiser to an Ulster Senior Football They progressed to the Leinster Championship fixture. Fear Manach Championship where they were then suffered defeats to Sligeach defeated by Ceatharlach by 3-22 and Lancashire while An Cabhán also to 1-19 after extra-time.

44 AN CHOMHDHÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2019 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

ULSTER CLUB HURLING The Intermediate Club Hurling ALL-IRELAND CLUB HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP Championship was a brilliant six team CHAMPIONSHIP In the Ulster Senior Hurling Club competition. There were quarter Slaughtneil were Ulster’s Championship, there were only three final wins for Keady and St. Galls. In representatives in the All-Ireland competitors. In the semi- final, the semi-finals, St. Gall’s and Keady Senior Club Championship, reigning champions Slaughtneil had great wins over Swatragh and having won the 2017 Ulster Club faced Down champions Ballycran at Liatroim respectively. St. Gall’s went Championship. In the All-Ireland Corrigan Park. In a great attacking onto to collect the title at Páirc Esler semi-final they met Na Piarsaigh display, the Ards men shocked the defeating Keady by 2-12 to 0-11. from Limerick and were defeated reigning champions by 4-15 to 1-14. by 3-15 to 3-08 at Parnell Park. The Ulster Final between Ruairí Óg In the Junior Club Hurling Cushendall and Ballycran was played Championship, there were quarter After collecting the Ulster as a double header with the Ulster final wins for Clonduff, Sean Treacy’s, Intermediate title in 2017, Middletown Junior Final at the Athletic Grounds, Cushendun and Castleblayney. The represented Ulster in the All-Ireland Armagh. Ruairí Óg claimed back their semi-finals saw Cushendun defeat series. On 27th January they were first title since 2015 on a 1-15 to 0-10 Sean Treacy’s and Castleblayney beat beaten by the Munster champions, scoreline. A tremendous success for Clonduff. The Junior Final produced Kanturk (Cork) by 3-13 to 0-12 the proud Antrim club. a great spectacle as Castleblayney in Newbridge. finished strongly to overcome Cushendun by 1-14 to 0-16 at the Athletic Grounds.

ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019 45 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

In the Junior grade, Setanta were Six teams participated in the Bank Section the Ulster champion Louise defeated by Waterford and Munster of Ireland Conor McGurk Cup, with Dougan (Derry) finished a credible champions, Ardmore in the All-Ireland Antrim getting the better of Down runner-up to defending champion semi-final on 27th January by 4-12 to in a well contested final at The Dub. Susan Earner (Galway). 0-12 at Navan. With Antrim qualifying to participate in the Leinster U21 Championship, 2018 saw the introduction of the The 2018/19 All-Ireland Junior Down, Tyrone, Donegal and Derry Táin Óg League at U13 which Football Club Twinning Final pitted all participated in the All-Ireland ‘B’ culminated with six hurling finals our champions, Castleblayney Richie McElligott Cup, with Derry played in St. Tiernachs Park, Clones. against John Mitchels, Warwickshire. losing out to a strong Kerry side in All finals were competitive and this is The game was played in Páirc na the final. testimony to the grading committee hEireann, Birmingham on Sunday 25th who had the unenviable task of November. After trailing by 1-4 to 0-2 Hurling Academy Squads where grading clubs at a level appropriate at half time, a storming second half held over the five national squad to their ability. The 21 teams performance from the Monaghan and days for U14, U15 & U16 age grades, encompassing more than 600 players Ulster champions saw them progress culminating with the National Hurling who competed in the league were on a 2-11 to 1-10 scoreline. They now Academy Games day. 2019 will see guests of honour at the All-Ireland take on the Connacht champions a more focused approach, with the Hurling Semi Finals. 2019 will see Carrick (Liatroim) in January 2019. adoption of a format which is similar this league develop to U15 level. to the Celtic Challenge for all Tier 2 – OTHER HURLING COMPETITIONS Tier 5 Counties at U15 level. A Provincial Hurling Coaching day The development of hurling within The Ulster Poc Fada took place in took place in Owenbeg, with over 120 the province is primarily focussed Shane O’Neill’s GAC, Glenarm, Co. coaches in attendance and within on improving the delivery programme Antrim with the winners participating coach education there is an increase across Club, County and Schools levels. in the All-Ireland Finals on the Cooley in the number of club coaches Mountains. In the Senior Ladies completing their Foundation and Level 1 awards. 25 coaches have to date gained Level 2 accreditation.

46 AN CHOMHDHÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2019 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

INTER PROVINCIAL team of umpires, the gaels of Roger He didn’t play in the Championship CHAMPIONSHIPS Casement’s, Antrim GAA and his many in his final year – his last appearance The Inter Provincial Championships friends, Ulster GAA offer our deepest in the famed green jersey was in an in both football and hurling did not sympathy. A Moment’s Silence was Allianz League game against Wexford take place again in 2018. Ulster, observed at all Ulster Club games – but had some consolation of being who are the current holders of the on the weekend following his death. a component part of the Fermanagh Football competition, have always Go ndéanna Dia trocaire ar a anam. team panel on Ulster final day. He been committed to both these was the longest serving inter-county championships and it is disappointing RYAN, CHRIS AND MARK player at the time of his retirement to see this once great competition While many inter-county retirements and last surviving player to have now cast into the dustbin of history, are announced with something of been part of a county panel in the though no formal decision has been a fanfare, the retirement of Ryan last century (he first came onto the taken to permanently remove it from McCluskey after a remarkable 20 Fermanagh panel as an 18-year-old the annual fixtures calendar. seasons in the Fermanagh jersey was in 1999). A great ambassador for much more low-key. Perhaps this is the game, Ryan McCluskey was a REFEREES due to the fact that Ryan didn’t retire great servant of Fermanagh and I thank all our referees for their time, with a string of medals to his name Ulster football – he played on the commitment and involvement in the – he didn’t win as much as a league 2009 winning Railway Cup team - delivery of our games programme medal in his illustrious career – but and I thank him for his wonderful which included 319 games in 19 he gave a service to his county that contribution to gaelic football. different competitions in 2018. was second to none. In his time with Another player who said farewell Without referees, there are simply no the Erne County he played under nine to the inter-county game in 2018 games. Many of our referees regularly managers and finally called quits on was Antrim goalkeeper Chris Kerr. make themselves available and some his inter-county career at the end of The St. Gall’s clubman first played at very short notice and on behalf of the 2018 season. senior with ‘The Saffrons’ in 2007 Ulster GAA I say thank you to all of and he played his last game between you for your continued support and, the sticks against Down in the may I say it, tolerance. Ulster Championship.

It would be remiss of me not to mention the sad passing of Paul McKeever in November. Paul was a current member of the Ulster Referees panel. From the Roger Casement’s club in Portglenone, he joined the Ulster Referees Academy in 2014 and was a member of the National Support Panel for the past two years. On the provincial stage, Paul refereed in the Ulster Club Championships, the Ulster Minor Football Championship and in 2018 he refereed the Ulster Senior Football League Final in March and the Under 20 Championship game between Donegal and Cavan in May. To Paul’s wife Nicola, his children Ryan, Conor and Erin, his wider family, his

ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019 47 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

A strong advocate of mental health At this juncture it is worth noting As Ireland’s largest sporting and awareness Chris, like Ryan, may not that in January 2016 the First cultural organisation the GAA can have been blessed with a handful Minister Arlene Foster and deputy exert great influence across its of inter-county medals but he was First Minister Martin McGuinness community base and indeed far a proud player for his county and held a private reception for Danny at beyond. It is important that this always give of his best. Stormont in honour of his work for influence is channelled in a positive the GAA and his efforts to promote way and for the betterment of society. At the beginning of December that reconciliation. Like Danny, Martin When Fermanagh qualified for their great Derry stalwart Mark Lynch has departed from this world, but it first Ulster Final in a decade, I saw it announced that he was hanging up was deeply significant that Arlene as an opportunity for us to explore his inter-county boots after 16 years Foster should be present at the the possibility of the DUP leader with the Oak Leaf men. A real team Ulster Final when the ‘Danny Murphy attending the match. player, the 2008 Sigerson Cup winner Cup’ was unveiled for the first time, also won All-Ireland Minor and Hogan with Derry having the honour of Given the political inertia at Cup medals and was a lynchpin (if you being the first recipients of the Stormont, I felt it that there would pardon the pun!) of the Derry men for magnificent trophy. never be a better time for Ulster GAA the last decade. While his last game to act in this way. While securing the in a Derry jersey, against Kildare in DUP LEADER AT attendance of the DUP leader at the the All-Ireland qualifiers, didn’t have HE ULSTER FINAL Ulster Final was not in itself going to the end he would have wished for, his The Ulster final in Clones attracted lead to a restoration of the political performance against Donegal in his media attention like no other but, institutions, it was wholly appropriate last Ulster Championship game (when unlike their sporting colleagues, the that Ulster GAA should play its part he scored five points) illustrated his many news media who attended were in helping to overcome some of the overall importance to the Derry set- more interested in who was in the barriers which led to their collapse. up. I wish Ryan. Chris and Mark all the crowd, as opposed to who was on best in their inter-county retirements. the field.

DANNY MURPHY CUP The contribution of the late Danny Murphy to Comhairle Uladh was unparalleled and it was only proper that he should be remembered with a fitting memorial. The creation of the new Ulster U-20 Football Championship created the perfect opportunity and the Ulster Council owe the Murphy family an immense debt of gratitude for their donation of the Corn Dónall Ó Murchú.

Danny served on the Ulster Council from 1981 until his untimely death in December 2016, holding each Council officership in the process. The trophy named in his honour is a beautifully designed antique Irish silver three handled cup, which was made by Sharman D Neill of Belfast. It was hallmarked in Dublin in 1905.

48 AN CHOMHDHÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2019 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

No one should be in any doubt that the other provinces, where there was new style Quarter-Finals, colloquially Arlene Foster had many factors no increase in prices, also suffered referred to as the ‘Super 8’s, patrons to consider before deciding to a ‘hit.’ When, for example, was a had a greater choice of games and attend the game and I trust that Leinster Final involving Dublin last there is solid evidence to suggest the impromptu singing of ‘Come on played with Croke Park less than that people were more selective in Arlene’ by some supporters on her half full? the games they attended. arrival at St. Tiernach’s Park helped make her feel somewhat at ease. So, what were the determining factors Saturday night games don’t as a rule In her own words she said that she in reduced attendances? Much store, attract the same number of attendees wanted to have a ‘shared community’ in the media and amongst the general as Sunday games and this year there and that going to the Ulster final was public, has been placed on the quality were two Saturday encounters. One a significant step in that direction. of fare on offer and while there were of these games was played at the some decent games, the truth is same time as the Champions League While politically there is obviously that only a handful of games were Final and as this involved an English still some way to go before there truly competitive. An over emphasis Club more people ‘stayed away’ is a restoration of the Stormont on ‘zonal’ play and teams playing to than what would have been the case institutions, gestures and actions tried and tested systems, rather than had no English Club been involved. which help create a better with off the cuff exuberance, is now Twelve months ago there were two understanding of different cultures the norm and it is a factor in people outstanding First Round ‘derby’ are vital if we are to move forward. ‘switching off’. That said however I fixtures, involving Down v Armagh and think the public have expectations Cavan v Monaghan and while there MATCH ATTENDANCES above what is truly realistic and the were no such encounters in 2018, the Attendances at Ulster Championship quality of football on offer is nowhere Tyrone v Monaghan First Round game games in 2018 fell below 100,000 near as poor as some commentators in Omagh did whet the appetite. for the first time in many years. have us believe. People speak of The reduction in attendances was ‘great games’ of by-gone days but Another fact that can’t be ignored is not unexpected and indeed in an if some of those games were being that societal lifestyles are changing interview with ‘The Irish News’ played today, they would in all with much greater levels of choice prior to the commencement of the probability receive the same levels on offer. Young people especially Championship I predicted that there of criticism as is currently the case. are more likely to make alternative would be a reduction in the number The wonderful standard of hurling choices with the net effect that less of people going to games. games at the top level in recent years people are likely to come through has compounded football’s woes and the turnstiles. There was some disquiet as a result the fact that around twice as many of an increase in admission prices for counties have realistic ambitions Many of our patrons who regularly the Championship in 2018 – the first of winning the Liam McCarthy Cup attend our games say that there is increase in over a decade. While the than the Sam Maguire Cup is a clear much greater entertainment in the increase was not excessive (£2 for illustration of how the dynamics have club championship than there is in games up to and including semi- changed over recent years. the inter-county game at present finals and £5 for the final) patrons and, as if to give some credence to in the ‘Six Counties’ did to some In my view however the condensing this argument, attendances at our extent feel ‘short-changed’ when the of the Championship is the club championship in 2018 were up increases (our pricing structure is greatest contributory factor to from the previous year (and this was based in euro) were taken against the falling attendances. This year, for without the attraction of an Antrim backdrop of a ‘weak’ pound. While example, Donegal played four Ulster v Derry hurling fixture) although the ticket increase was no doubt a Championship games in six weeks. increased marketing levels have no contributory factor to the reduction in Just two years previously they would doubt also been a contributory factor. attendances, it was by no means the have played those games over a nine- main factor – football attendances in week period. With the advent of the

ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019 49 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

CLUB FIXTURES While operating guidelines can be magnificent run to the All-Ireland did, The playing (or in some cases non- put in place there can be no template not unsurprisingly, lead to a hiatus playing) of club fixtures continues for club fixtures as every county in club fixtures during July and to generate much debate and has their own particular needs and August, especially at senior and commentary and the Association requirements. What is important intermediate levels. at a Special Congress in September is that there are regular games for 2017 agreed to a number of measures club players which should continue Notwithstanding the importance with which would create more ‘space’ for irrespective how far their inter- which leagues tend to be treated club games. county teams advance in their within Ulster, there may need in respective championships. cases to be some fresh thinking Key amongst these was the when it comes to ensuring that the creation of April as a club month. Within Ulster April as a ‘club month’ club player remains active during Some sections of the media was highly successful with some the inter-county season. and indeed others seemed to 699 games played throughout the erroneously interpret this as a ‘Club province and this would have been The Club Survey demonstrated that Championship’ month and bemoaned even better had it not been for one the unavailability of county players the fact no championship games particularly bad weekend weather was identified by clubs in five of the were played in Ulster during this wise. The table below illustrates the nine Ulster counties as the biggest period. It has been many years since club games football games (plus single challenge in relation to any club senior championship games Antrim hurling games) scheduled and club fixtures. Therefore the model in Ulster were played during the those that were actually played. In adopted by Monaghan in 2018 was month of April and it should not be six of the nine counties members of innovative and ground-breaking. forgotten that league fixtures enjoy a county panels were available for all The format allowed nine league higher profile in Ulster counties than games played in April and in the other games to be played with county in any other province. Only one Ulster three counties they were available for players (five points were awarded for county played any championship all but one round of fixtures. Two of a win in these games) and up to nine fixtures in April with a small number these counties, Cavan and Donegal, without county players (two points of Junior Football games taking place were competing in the Preliminary were awarded for a win in these in Monaghan. Round of the Ulster Championship. games – if it transpired that county players were available for some GAMES GAMES of these games, two points were Only five counties in Ireland currently COUNTY SCHEDULED PLAYED organise their club championships on awarded for a win as they were not a straight knock-out basis and four Antrim (H) 27 27 one of the ‘designated’ five point win of them are in Ulster. Championship Antrim (F) 35 35 games). While one may argue that the five/two differential was too great formats vary differently amongst Armagh 89 68 - this is what the Monaghan Clubs the other counties, both in terms Cavan 80 80 agreed to – the key fact is that games of games played and in the number Derry 94 89 of teams competing in the various continued to be played all during Donegal 111 90 grades. In Offaly, for example, every Monaghan’s wonderful run to the All- team is guaranteed a minimum of Down 125 108 Ireland semi-final. Notwithstanding eight club championship games, Fermanagh 50 49 the fact that there were some ‘issues’ whereas in Down two is the minimum. Monaghan 57 57 around what happened when teams finished equal on league points Eight teams play in the Fermanagh Tyrone 96 96 Senior Football Championship, (these issues can be resolved), Monaghan deserve great credit for whereas 32 play in the Tipperary The key challenge for counties some fresh thinking and it may be equivalent and the number of teams is however to keep club players a model that other counties may competing in the respective hurling involved when the county team is wish to learn from moving forward. county senior championships varies still involved in the Championship. from three to 29. This can be challenging and Tyrone’s

50 AN CHOMHDHÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2019 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

TELEVISION COVERAGE The fact that just two Ulster Championship games (the first semi- final and the final) were covered ‘live’ on television came in for a lot of debate prior to and during the Ulster Championship. Under the current contract, which remains in place until 2022, RTÉ television has access to 31 senior championship games each year including all provincial hurling and football finals, and Sky Sports have rights to 20 games, 14 of them exclusive. By agreement with RTÉ, the BBC have rights to broadcast Ulster Championship games on a simulcast basis.

In 2018 RTE ‘picked’ only two Ulster Championship games and this de facto meant that the BBC could only show those two games ‘live’ However, no other province has a However, the GAA media rights on TV. With the support of Ulster second public service broadcaster so agreement caters for much more GAA, BBC were able to show full it is only fitting that gaels in the north that inter-county games and moving deferred coverage of those Ulster have a legitimate right to see gaelic forward I believe that there may be Championship games which were games broadcast as part of their potential scope for the televising not being shown live. However as licence fee. of more club championship games deferred games cannot be broadcast within the province. In 2018 Eir earlier than 6.00 pm. on Sunday, The new hurling format in Munster chose not to broadcast any club the BBC argued that they didn’t see and Leinster was always going championship games and this merit in showing the two Saturday to impact on the number of live resulted in a reduction in coverage. evening Ulster Championship games provincial football championship This may create new opportunities (neither of which were being covered games selected for transmission for other players in 2019 and should by RTÉ) some 24 hours after they and that came to pass with 14 of this be the case Ulster GAA would had taken place. However, as no the 21 live provincial championship of course work hard to ensure games were being shown by either games broadcast on television greater coverage of our games RTÉ or Sky Sports on those evenings,’ being hurling contests. As this within the province. the BBC, with the support of Ulster championship format is in place for GAA, successfully argued that these at least another two years it is highly The BBC provided highlights of games could be shown live online conceivable, if not almost certain, our County Finals and Ulster Club without this breaking the 45 live that during this timeframe that the Championship games on their online ‘television’ games quota. This has majority of provincial championship platforms and I commend them for resulted in every Ulster Championship games televised live will continue to that, though I would hope that they game being shown in full, either on be hurling ones and this will again will build on this in the coming year television or online, and that is not impact on the number of Ulster and particularly if new television a statistic that can be matched by championship games that will be opportunities become available. any other province. shown live by the BBC.

ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019 51 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

VIOLENCE AT GAMES Disciplinary Committees should not COUNTY HEARINGS COMMITTEES A number of violent and unseemly shy away from their responsibilities, Rule 3.20 of the Official Guide incidents occurred at games in the even if it does lead to multiple places a requirement on County province during the course of the suspensions, as it’s only when players Committees to appoint a Hearings year. It should be noted that these themselves suffer the penalty that Committee and they are charged violent episodes were not confined this problem can be eradicated with the adjudication of disciplinary to Ulster, though the scenes at games from our games. There is however matters when the offer of a proposed in Tyrone, Derry and Down and at an a need for disciplinary bodies to be penalty has not been accepted. Ulster U-20 football semi-final did consistent in their application of rule While detailed guidance is set out nothing to enhance the image of in relation to melees. in the ‘GAA Disciplinary Handbook’ the game. I’m not sure if there is a consistent There may be initial criticism from application of policy throughout Ulster GAA chose the launch of some quarters if the full rigours of the the Association. the Ulster Club Championships to GAA Disciplinary Code is applied but highlight the ‘One Punch Can Kill’ the disciplinary committees should There may be various reasons for campaign and the dangers of on field stand firm in the knowledge that they this but I am increasingly being told violence. As Aaron Kernan so aptly are acting in the best interests of the that the removal of ‘local interest’ stated at the time, “we don’t need to Association and indeed all who play may be beneficial to the process. wait until there is a fatality.” and support our games. It has been suggested to me from several interested parties that County Players must think of the The Ulster Council were heavily Hearings Committee members consequences of their actions. criticised in some quarters when should be drawn from outside the Players must realise that what they offered proposed penalties to county to protect the interests of happens on the field doesn’t always 18 players/officials as a result of the all and remove any perception of stay on the field and legal action can U-20 melee and while a number of bias. Another suggestion is that a and does arise from on-field actions. players were cleared to play in the number of Hearings Panels be drawn The ‘cover’ of a mass brawl doesn’t Ulster final following successful up in the province (perhaps based on make you invisible and the courts appeals, those cases were re-dealt membership from three counties with largely take the view that take the with after the game and at the end an independent Chair and Secretary view that an assault on the field of of the process 15 players/officials of each) and that committee play is no different to assault on served (or will serve in the case of members (apart from the Chair and a street corner. those still eligible for U-20 next year) Secretary) only sit on hearings which suspensions as a result of involve cases outside of their county. I firmly believe that the offence of their involvement in the melee. In such an instance it would require ‘contributing to a melee’ needs to be all three counties to appoint the same removed from its current Category County Hearings Committee. It is an III classification and placed in a area which I feel is worthy of some separate category with much stiffer debate and if sufficient support were penalties. In so doing the definition to be forthcoming, it could be trialled of ‘contributing to a melee’ should on a ‘pilot basis’ in three willing and be broadened to include anyone who (ideally) neighbouring counties. is any way involved in a melee (even in a ‘peace keeping’ capacity) as numbers arriving at ‘the scene’ more times than not inflame the situation. This may seem draconian but if we are serious about tackling this major blight on our games then we need to take draconian action.

52 AN CHOMHDHÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2019 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

FINANCE throughout the year. I thank also the things should be a little bit smoother Comhairle Uladh finances were Ulster GAA finance staff members with last year’s experience behind us. put under pressure in 2018. Michelle McAleer, Ruairi Cunningham I thank also Ashelene Groogan (who The condensed nature of the and Paul Sanders for their unstinting is now covering Rose for the period Championship and changes in the efforts and I must recognise also of her maternity leave) for her efforts underage competitions affected the important role that Paul plays in during this time as her willingness the organisation financially. However, ensuring that legal documentation also to go the extra mile proved revisions to distribution levels from pertaining to clubs is in compliance invaluable. I pay tribute also to all Central GAA ensured our income with Association policy. Ulster GAA staff who played their was maintained close to 2017 levels. part throughout the Championship Expenditure was also reduced, The re-vamped championship has campaign. I must also pay tribute to particularly with match expenses meant games being played in a Emma Tormey and the ticket team in which are directly linked to condensed period of time and this Croke Park who were always available Gate Receipts. placed great pressure on the Finance to offer advice and assistance. team and in particular our Ticketing I wish to place on record my sincere Officer Rose Treanor who worked thanks to the Finance Committee tirelessly on behalf of the gaels of chaired by Ulster GAA Cisteoir Ulster throughout the season and Ciaran McLaughlin and to the particularly over the hectic summer finance personnel and gatemen and period. This has been a learning women who assist us on match days experience for us all and I trust that

ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019 53 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

CASEMENT PARK PROJECT civil servants could take key (Planner’s) during the planning In my report to last year’s Annual decisions was likely to be tested in process. Final statutory returns Convention I expressed the hope that the courts. are awaited from two key agencies the planning assessment process for and beyond that it is in the hands Casement Park would conclude by The ARC 21 / Buick planning decision of the Planners to give their verdict. the summer of 2018 with the Ulster was successfully judicially reviewed Clarification however is required as GAA’s project team, at the time, in the High Court and was referred to what level of decision making can finalising a return containing Further to the Appeal Court with the appeal be made in the absence of a Minister Environmental Information (FEI), from the Department dismissed in and if indeed it transpires that no following a request from the Planner’s the summer of 2018. This ruling had cross-cutting capital project can for additional information. major implications for all Government proceed without Ministerial sign- Departments, as essentially the off, then this will have wide ranging This was a reasonable assumption to judiciary had ruled (twice) that the implications that will reach far make on the basis that the planning Civil Service had only very limited beyond Casement Park. application was lodged back in powers and authority in respect of February 2017 and that the first decision making. The Ulster Council GAA and Project application process took around Board led by Chairman and Project six months. In direct response to this Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) development the Secretary for Tomás Ó Dalaigh has continued to By the time this report is brought to State for Northern Ireland Karen oversee the project development Ulster GAA Convention the planning Bradley indicated that she would and Business Case development. application will have been in the bring legislation before the House system just one month short of two of Commons in the Autumn of 2018 During 2018 Ulster GAA provided years, which none of us could have to bring clarity to the situation. In the planning authority with a anticipated in terms of duration. November 2018 the ‘Northern Ireland comprehensive report outlining the (Executive Formation and Exercise detailed work and progress that It is of course, right and proper of Functions) Bill’ was passed by had been made in respect of safety, that the views of the planning Parliament and this extends the emergency planning and alignment authority, statutory agencies and all statutory period to form an Executive with emerging best practice in the representations made by the public until 26th March 2019. The Bill also sector. The guidance and expertise are all fully considered, and that due provides for an extension period of of the Safety Technical Group (STG) care and attention is taken around up to a further five months, thereby has been crucial in this process and a regionally significant planning meaning that the current political I thank them for their efforts. application. The Ulster GAA instability could continue until 26th welcomes the robust nature of the August 2019 without any legislative Additionally, Ulster GAA and the process and the engagement of measures being taken to move the Casement Park Project Team have all those concerned during the situation forward. both provided significant beneficial period. The political situation in inputs for the Safe Sports Grounds the north remains unchanged since Crucially for the NI Civil Service, Authority (SGSA) in the publication my last report, in the sense that published alongside the Bill was of their recently released “Safety there is still no local devolved guidance on decision-making for in Sports Grounds, Sixth Edition”. administration in place at Stormont Northern Ireland Departments during I wish to thank our members on and no Ministers’ (Local or Direct this temporary period which has been that forum, namely Jim Murray and Rule) in place for the planners to set aside for the political parties to try Stephen McGeehan, for their ongoing make recommendation to. to form an Executive. involvement and diligence on this vital area for the project. In my report last year, I highlighted Ulster GAA has worked closely with that the ongoing absence of the Department for Communities and Aiken PR have continued to support a Minister and the degree to which the Department for Infrastructure the work of our team on the

54 AN CHOMHDHÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2019 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

communication and public relations developed without GAA involvement. I want to thank all Project Board team working alongside our Project He later accepted an invitation to join members, Project Steering Group lead Stephen McGeehan and our our Board and contributed positively members all project partner Communications and Marketing lead during our first planning application, representatives who contribute at Paul McGurk. then sadly retiring from his duties due those levels. I acknowledge the to ill health in recent times. ongoing support of Ard Stiúrthóir Tom During 2018 Colin Donnelly (Antrim Ryan and Uachtarán John Horan who Chair) joined the Board and during his Our dedicated Stadium Project Team, continue to encourage Ulster GAA time made a valuable contribution despite the frustrations with delay, and support us to see this project alongside the long serving Secretary have had plenty of important work through despite all the challenges Frankie Quinn who has represented to do this year and I wish to thank faced to date. the interests of Antrim exceptionally them for their ongoing commitment during his tenure. At the recent to the job. They key individuals are From the Departmental for Antrim County Convention Collie, Rory Miskelly, Stephen McGeehan and Communities (DfC) I thank Ian Terry Reilly (Vice Chair) and Pól Tim Harkin and they are supported Snowden (SRO) for his support. Ian MacCana (Treasurer) vacated their by Oliver Galligan, and Michelle transferred to another post during the officer positions where they had McAleer at PSG and Council level. The year and I also welcome the Interim served for three years and I want communications work is supported Programme SRO Deborah Brown, who to thank them for their support by Paul McGurk and Seamus Donnelly. is the sixth Departmental lead person and contribution to the project Geraldine McKavanagh’s contribution who has worked directly with the GAA efforts during their time in office. to the stadium work through the on the project. I want to record my Ciaran McCavana has recently been Project Board and the Project thanks to Jacqueline Fearon, Andrew appointed the new Chairperson and I Steering Group, alongside the daily Dadley and James Macauley in the look forward to working with him and administrative work, continues to Programme Team for their support Eamonn Grieve (Treasurer) in 2019. be of the highest and professional and partnership on the project and standards and I thank her for her likewise to Emma McCracken from Tomás Ó Dalaigh continues to lead dedication and input. the Central Procurement Directorate. our Board and is always on hand to provide advice to myself in my role I wish to acknowledge the enormous I also thank our two contracted as Investment Decision Maker and contribution that Michelle McAleer teams who remain fully involved and to the team whom we work with has made to this project since its integrated in the Design and Build closely. As I write the report, I have inception. Other aspects of Michelle’s process namely Mott MacDonald just learned of the death of a former roles are highlighted elsewhere on the Design side and, to their member John O’ Reilly, RIP, (a former in this report but there can be no Belfast Divisional Director Bill Dowey. President of the Ulster Council) and doubting her effort and commitment On the contracting side the Heron one of the most important figures in to the Casement Park project and our Buckingham (HBJV) team remain the GAA’s drive to secure a publicly loss is Páirc Uí Caoimh’s gain. I trust engaged and I thank Managing supported stadium in the north. that following her secondment, the Director Damian Heron for his John, alongside Peter Quinn, was experience she will have gained in company’s unstinting commitment instrumental in representing the GAA operating a built stadium will prove to the job. in the Maze/MLK stakeholder groups hugely beneficial for both Ulster GAA back in 2003-2006 period and helped and Casement Park. to ensure that no facility would be

ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019 55 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

COACHING & GAMES However this ongoing and constant Engaging our high-performance DEVELOPMENT evaluation keeps us at the cutting county managers and coaches Ulster GAA Coaching and Games edge in providing activity to both remains a challenge, with some Team has had a challenging and our participation and performance of our counties continuing to have busy year, with programmes base. The Active Clubs Programme, a ‘closed doors’ approach and reflected by over 190,000 volunteer supported by Sport NI, provided the a lack of willingness to engage in engagements. This reinforces our opportunity to target areas of high a meaningful manner. We can all desire to ensure that we continue to social need and engage with people learn from each other and no matter deliver and support our grassroots in with both learning and physical how good or successful you are, clubs and counties. The participation disabilities and increase female there is always room for new learning blitzes and tournaments, the coach participation. Activities included and improvement. Some great work education engagement, the volunteer handball, Gaelic for Girls and fitness however is being done in relation to development programmes are related activities designed to attract the sharing video footage between designed to help our clubs be new members and encourage people counties and this co-operation can better organised and provide a top- to try new activities. only benefit everyone. class experience for our players and families. Over the period of the year Ulster GAA The GAA throughout Ulster employs have been engaging again with the some excellent people and it is our The diversity of programmes is broad Sports Institute NI, having previously belief that although much of their and we often question ourselves as to had the facility withdrawn. Sport time is spent working with volunteers, what is nice to do and what is needed. NI have supported workshops and that it is our duty to manage and provided mentoring for some of support employees as would any our staff and I thank them for this. other employer. They often work remotely, dealing with challenges and issues at the coal face in clubs, schools and counties.

56 AN CHOMHDHÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2019 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

The evening and weekend work CURRICULUM SPORTS For 11 years Ulster GAA and the IFA can take them out of their family PROGRAMME have made a telling and lasting environment to deliver the club Undoubtedly the greatest contribution annually to the lives of plans and the coach the coaches’ disappointment of the year for Ulster over 40,000 children in over 400 workshops. It is important the GAA was the loss of the Curriculum schools. I thank each and every one we all value the volunteer but Sports Programme (CSP). This of the Ulster GAA staff who made equally important that we value our Department of Education funded such an impact on the lives of so employees who are working for the programme, which combined physical many people. The CSP has been a benefit of all clubs and counties education with literacy and numeracy tremendous learning experience across the province. tuition for Key Stage 1 school pupils, for everyone involved – the coaches had been in existence since 2007 have enriched the lives of so many I thank section Director Dr. Eugene and its demise resulted in the loss of schoolchildren and teachers and Young for once again ensuring that over 20 staff jobs. In October Ulster delivering the programme has also Ulster leads the way in coaching GAA were advised by the Department helped them to progress in their and games development and I thank that they would be unable to continue careers and personal lives. You are his dedicated team for their efforts. funding the CSP beyond 31st October deserving of the highest praise. I May I be forgiven for making special 2018. The Management Committee also pay tribute to the dignity and reference to team leaders Roger of Ulster GAA agreed to fund the understanding of the 22 staff who lost Keenan (Coach Education), Kevin Kelly Programme until 14th December their jobs last month. It was a difficult (Hurling Development) and Jimmy 2018, while we continued to engage time for you, your families and indeed Darragh (Games Manager) for their with the Department of Education, for all at Ulster GAA. I thank also the co-operation and co-ordination of wider Civil Service, the Education schools for their support over the programme delivery and content. Authority, political representatives past 11 years and I know how much of Thanks also to the Chairman PJ and the GAA nationally. a blow the loss of the programme is McGowan for his excellent work in to the schools who benefitted from driving the work of the Coaching and Meetings with both the Head of the it. I commend also the guidance and Games team and to Danny McLernon, Civil Service and the Permanent support of all the Department of Secretary to the committee for Secretary at the Department of Education staff who worked on this capturing the essence of the wide Education unfortunately proved policy initiative over the past 11 years. range of areas that are debated in unsuccessful in terms of attracting an accurate manner. in-year funding, from both within the There was cross party political Department of Education and from support for the retention of the There was a sad end to the year with other government departments. CSP and politicians from all sides the loss of the Key Stage 1 Curriculum Ulster GAA also met with the GAA’s supported us throughout the process. Sports programme – and I’ll deal Ard Stiúrthóir and Director of Finance I thank them sincerely for their with this in greater detail below – to ascertain if any central funding efforts. Ultimately however the and the end of the year also saw could be made available to ensure combination of reduced exchequer the departure of our Sports Science viability of the CSP. Had there been funding coupled with the absence Officer Michael O’Donnell, who has certainty beyond April 2019 I am of an Executive at Stormont has returned to work in Australia with confident that it may have been resulted in the end of the CSP. the Australian Football League. I possible to put in place a package For those that argue that not having thank Michael for the time he spent which would have allowed the CSP a functioning Executive makes little at Ulster GAA and wish him well in his to continue for a further period. difference to the everyday life of future career path. Regrettably, in the absence of any people in the north, this is clear concrete deliverables from the evidence to the contrary. Department of Education, we were unable to progress this option in any meaningful way.

ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019 57 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

The parties have said that they would Particularly during those early In 1997 he joined the Ulster Council restore the CSP if an Executive was months, when Ulster GAA was not as a delegate from the Antrim County restored. This is to be welcomed and only coming to terms with a new Committee and he has remained as rest assured we will remind them of this Provincial Secretary but also the sad a member to this day, laterally holding should there be such a restoration. loss of my predecessor Danny Murphy the offices of PRO, Treasurer, Vice- (who was still in post when he was President and President. On behalf In the face of a reducing budget and taken from this world on 7 December of all the gaels of Ulster I thank him competing demands the department 2016), he offered me his total support. for his leadership and service and had to make some tough decisions He always gave me his unstinting look forward to his wise counsel and it was the CSP that lost out. They loyalty and I thank him sincerely and advice over the next year as have however intimated that they are for that. I also must pay tribute to he continues to serve on willing to explore options with both his wife Noeleen who accompanied our Management Committee. Ulster GAA and the IFA in relation to him to many functions and events a new initiative beyond April 2019 throughout his Presidency. Oliver Galligan will today become the – one which would be broadened sixth man from the Breffni County to to incorporate a wider age range Michael is a lifelong gael who has assume the post of President of the and to tackle issues around mental served the Association as a player, Ulster Council As Vice-President health, obesity and sports inactivity supporter, referee and administrator. Oliver has worked tirelessly to and drop-out. Options around this Michael first served on the committee promote and further the aims of are being considered though should of his beloved St. Mary’s, Rasharkin in Ulster GAA and as Chair of the Local there be a positive outcome, it would 1965 and two years later he became Organising Committee of Feile Peile appear that any future programme a member of the South-West Antrim na nOg in 2017 his organisational will have a very different look and Divisional Committee where he acumen was clear for all to see. feel than the CSP. remained for thirty years.

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL Comhairle Uladh has every reason to be proud of the commitment and dedication of its volunteers who are drawn from right across the province. Be it on our Council, Management Committee or as sub-committee members, these individuals make an immense contribution to the wide remit of GAA life in the province and we are both proud of them and grateful to them.

Michael Hasson completes his three- year term as Uachtarán Comhairle Uladh today. I will always remember him as being the incumbent President of Ulster GAA when I took up the role of Provincial Secretary in December 2016. I realise that more than anyone on the Ulster Council it was vital that Michael built up a strong working relationship with me from the outset and this he did.

58 AN CHOMHDHÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2019 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

Winner of an Ulster Senior Football Ulster GAA Writers by honouring him and next month she will move on Championship medal with Cavan with their Communications Award last secondment to pastures new when in 1969, Oliver has served as Chair year was well deserved. I thank him she takes up a new role with Páirc of the Ulster Hurling Development for his strenuous efforts in promoting an Chrócaigh Teoranta, working Committee and the Ulster Integration our affairs. exclusively on the re-developed Páirc Committee with distinction. I have Uí Chaoimh. The fact that she was worked closely with him over the past I thank also the Chairs’, Secretaries’ offered this post is testimony to the two years and am looking forward to and members of all our sub- esteem with which Michelle is held many more dealings with him in his committees for their ongoing efforts. throughout the Association and I new role. wish her well in her new role and A number of members today say trust that she will enjoy her time Ciaran McLaughlin has been a farewell to the Council after varying down Leeside way. The post will Treasurer who led from the front years of service and I thank you all enable her to broaden even further with a ‘hands-on’ approach. He is for your outstanding contribution her vast repertoire of experience and widely respected as an administrator to the furtherance of our affairs. I’ve in time I’ve no doubt that this will at all levels in the Association – he no doubt that you will all continue be of great benefit to Ulster GAA. is also Chair of the National Games to play active roles within the GAA We all owe Michelle an enormous Development Committee – and is a and I wish you well in your future debt of gratitude. strong exponent of good governance endeavours. A big thank you therefore and best practice and he has chaired goes out to Liam Ross, Paul Kelly, Our very reason d’etre is the Ulster GAA’s Finance Committee Liam Peoples, Liam McElhinney, promotion and playing of games and with distinction. I thank him for his Sean McKenna and Brendan Casey. to this end the efforts of Stephen sterling efforts for both Ulster GAA Donnelly, ably assisted by Niall and for the wider GAA family in the I rely heavily on my Senior Staff Team Muldoon, cannot be praised highly province and, indeed, beyond. who offer guidance and support enough as week after week they through good times and not so good. devote endless hours in ensuring During his three years as Public I appreciate their dedication, loyalty the proper organisation of our Relations Officer for the Council, and support and for their ongoing games at provincial level. I thank Michael Geoghegan has combined efforts in support of the betterment them sincerely for the immense tradition with innovation. The of the GAA in the province. Their contribution they make to the Ulster GAA Radio initiative has had a work straddles many fields and furtherance of our GAA activity. successful induction – I listened to brings them into contact with many commentary on the Derry v Monaghan people, both inside and outside the No words of praise from me can Ulster Minor Football Championship Association. To Dr. Eugene Young adequately pay tribute to the work Preliminary round game from (Director Coaching and Games), of Geraldine McKavanagh as she Marakesh – and we aim to build on Michelle McAleer (Head of Finance, organises my affairs and is regularly our service to patrons in the months HR and Business), Diarmaid Marsden the ‘go to’ person for people and years ahead. Michael is one of (Head of Community, Strategy and contacting the Council. the busiest people in the stadium Public Affairs) and Stephen McGeehan on match days and he has built up a (Head of Operations, Compliance and Her dedication and loyalty know no trusting and workmanlike relationship Infrastructure) and their respective bounds and she somehow manages with the media during his tenure. He teams I say a big ‘thank you.’. to combine this role with that has been a strong advocate of Ulster of Stadium Administrator on the GAA and has an excellent working I hope I will be forgiven on this Casement Park Project, as referred relationship both our counties and occasion for singling out Michelle to earlier in my report. Her efforts internally with Ulster GAA staff, McAleer, who has served in her are deeply appreciated. particularly those in the Information current role since 2007. Michelle Technology, Marketing and Public has given true and unstinting service Relations team. His recognition by the to both staff and council members

ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019 59 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

ASSOCIATION MATTERS to prepare for this scenario and, as I CLUB SURVEY In the first year of the phased All- referenced elsewhere in this report, if One of the more interesting findings Ireland Football Quarter-Finals it was the correct structures are in place an of the past year were that of the perhaps fitting that seven of the eight extended championship run need not National Club Committee who teams who progressed to that stage impact adversely on club activity. surveyed every club in Ireland in an of the competition had all played in effort to gain first-hand information Division One of the Allianz League Exposure to the games on television on what they believed to be their (beaten All-Ireland finalists from will however not happen without main challenges. 853 clubs (53%) 2016 and 2017, Mayo, were the team changes to the existing media rights responded so the findings have high that didn’t make it) while the eighth contract, as I’d be very confident credibility, though the 40% response team was the 2018 Allianz Division that neither RTÉ nor Sky would from the clubs in Ulster – the lowest Two League champions. While one countenance a situation where a of any province – was somewhat cannot draw conclusions on the basis ‘B’ Championship match (unless a disappointing. of one season, there appears to be final, perhaps, and even then I’d be increasing evidence that there is a surprised) would form one of their live While there were regional variances widening gap between the top teams championship ‘picks.’ I also firmly one of the most interesting findings in the land and those who are further believe that every county should still related to fixtures. While many down the food chain. have the right to compete in their commentators might have us believe provincial championship and for the that lack of regular fixtures is a It was interesting therefore to read Sam Maguire Cup, though I accept plague that besmirches every county, the results of a recent GPA survey that this is a view that may not be if these findings are to be believed which found that 58% of their universally shared. Combining all the reality is quite different. Across members favoured a two-tiered these factors won’t be easy but it is a the country fixtures was ranked fifth Football Championship. While it debate that is necessary and timely. of the six most important challenges is not clear what percentage of facing the Association, while in Ulster respondents came from counties that One of the more controversial it was the lowest ranked challenge. are most likely to be included in a ‘B’ happenings of the past year was Championship (i.e. Division 3 and 4 the decision of Coiste Bainistí to Finance, facilities, demographics counties) there is clear evidence that investigate a number of counties for and the demands on volunteers there is a growing shift in opinion alleged breaches of the ‘Collective are however the key challenges since the issue was last fully debated Training’ rule. Potential breaches identified by clubs and this is prior to the 2016 Congress. There is were investigated but just four were important and timely feedback a renewed campaign for some form hit with sanctions. One of these as we aim to provide the best of a secondary of ‘B’ Championship was rescinded following a Hearing. possible support to our volunteers but the matter needs to be carefully It beggar’s belief that only three in an increasingly challenging and thought through before any decisions county teams were found to have demanding environment. are taken. Any such competition breached the rule and Armagh will must be meaningful and needs to be no doubt believe, and not without well marketed to achieve significant some justification, that they have media coverage, while the impact on been penalised for ‘telling the truth.’ club activity must be kept to Surely clear guidelines need to be put a minimum. in place to define ‘collective training’ as the whole process has just left The latter should be achievable. everyone confused – and Armagh While a ‘B’ Championship will feeling justifiably angry. lengthen the season for most counties, in the vast majority this shouldn’t be by any more than a couple of weeks. Counties just need

60 AN CHOMHDHÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2019 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

GAELFAST AND DERRY During 2018, significant progress was This committee was expertly chaired CITY INITIATIVES made on the early implementation of by John Keenan, with Kathy Kelly Gaelfast is a new and exciting the Gaelfast initiative. Paul Donnelly acting as a highly efficient Servicing initiative which aims to raise and was appointed as the Regeneration Officer, and its membership included further develop the profile of the Director and he took up post in representatives from the GAA, Gaelic Athletic Association among November. Paul has a wealth of education and local authority sectors. young people, their parents and experience in GAA and wider sports The committee presented Ulster GAA their community in order to increase governance and I wish him and with their findings last month, almost participation in playing and/or the Gaelfast team every success four months ahead of schedule. involvement in Gaelic Games within moving forward. These now need to be explored in the greater Belfast area. It will centre greater depth but undoubtedly they on enhancing existing partnerships GAA 5 Star Centre ‘Pilot Projects’ have made a compelling case for and forging new relationships involving 16 primary schools have higher levels of investment in the city. between schools and the GAA, initially been approved for roll-out during Derry City has never been a bastion focusing on primary schools and later 2019 and over the next year a Gaelfast of GAA activity but as its population post primary schools, including the Management Board will be formally continues to grow and is projected to delivery of a high quality programme established and a Gaelfast Strategic increase by another 1,500 or so over of games and activities, while Plan will be consulted on, developed the next decade, it is important that supporting GAA clubs to improve and launched. the GAA is to the fore in the provision their governance arrangements, of meaningful opportunities to enable coaching standards and approaches Earlier this year Ulster GAA us to be in a position to attract new to player development. The Gaelfast established a working group to generations to our games. I thank initiative is supported by a range of review the state of gaelic games this committee for their efforts key stakeholders, including the GAA in Derry City. in compiling this report and for nationally, Ulster GAA, Antrim GAA, the methodical way in which they Down GAA and Belfast City Council. conducted their evidence gathering.

ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019 61 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

CORPORATE TRUSTEE agus Dea-Chleachtadh under the FÉILE PEILE NA NÓG 2018 The GAA’s Corporate Trustee Chairmanship of David Hassan, our Down co-hosted, with support from Company, ‘Iontaobhas Corparáideach County Chairpersons’ and Childrens’ some clubs in Armagh, along with Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Cuideachta Officers’ and all of those who support counties Louth and Meath co-hosted Faoi Theorainn Ráthaíochta (ICCLG), them in this area of work. A great Féile Peile na nÓg in 2018. It was is now firmly established, with responsibility is placed on your once again a mammoth undertaking outstanding legal issues pertaining shoulders and your ongoing efforts in terms of the allocation of divisions to legal variances in both are to be positively commended. and the scheduling of fixtures. The jurisdictions now fully addressed. vetting of host families was a huge The ICCLG AGM on 14th December During the course of the year Ulster and laborious task and I thank all of 2018 approved the appointment of GAA were audited by the Department those involved at Club and County Provincial Secretaries as Directors of of Justice’s Access NI team and Level, in particular the Féile Officers, the Company and a number of GAA I am pleased to report that our host families and clubs for their units in the province have now vested procedures were found to be fully hard work and support in fulfilling property in the Company. compliant. To have passed the audit this requirement and providing a without one single recommendation safe environment for participating As well as winning their first Ulster for improvement was an amazing teams. I thank also Bernie Fox, Conn Club Football title, the Gaoth Dobhair outcome and I thank the Ulster GAA Stevenson and Kathy Kelly for their Club in Donegal made further history Safeguarding Team and Code of efforts in processing over 1,100 in 2018 when they became the first Ethics and Best Practice Committee Access NI applications. club in the province to officially adopt for setting and insisting on such high the ICCLG model. I’ve no doubt that standards in what is a subject matter With 11 Boys’ Divisions and Seven many more will follow suit in the of such high importance. Girls’ Divisions – amounting to a coming years. total of 288 competing teams - a I must pay tribute to the work of mammoth effort was needed in terms SAFEGUARDING Ulster GAA’s Safeguarding Manager of the co-ordination of fixtures and & CHILD PROTECTION Bernie Fox for the support and allocation of referees. An incredible guidance that she gives to the 2018 has been an incredibly 684 games involving almost 7,000 Council, counties and clubs. Her challenging time in this area of our children were played over the professionalism, sensitivity and Governance work as Ulster GAA has weekend and this would not have understanding in dealing with highly assisted a number of our constituent been possible but for the excellent complex and difficult situations units in dealing with some of the work of the National Féile Committee cannot be praised enough and she most sensitive of cases to have ever under the Chair of Brendan Brien is deserving of the highest praise crossed our paths. Now, even more and the Local Organising Committee from all. This was never so true than than ever, it is crucial that our clubs under the Chair of Diarmuid Cahill. during the past year when Bernie has ensure that they are compliant with Stephen Donnelly and Niall Muldoon on numerous occasions gone far and Safeguarding legal and best practice assisted with the results gathering beyond the call of duty and I know requirements and that these are process and the scheduling of that her kindness and compassion adhered to in a meaningful way. knock-out games over the weekend is deeply appreciated by those who In so doing this will allow our clubs and their experience in this field was have benefitted from it. and members create and maintain greatly appreciated by the organisers. a safe, fun and enjoyable environment This was the first occasion where the I also place on record my sincere in which our children and young hosting of Féile was spread across thanks to Kathy Kelly and Conn people can participate in Gaelic two provinces and it proved highly Stevenson for their exceptional work Games and activities. successful, so a big well done to as part of the Ulster GAA Safeguarding everyone involved in its organisation. team and particularly for their work in I wish to acknowledge and thank the dealing with statutory authorities in members of An Choiste Cód Eitice both jurisdictions.

62 AN CHOMHDHÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2019 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

While Féile is a wonderful festival that talk of asking all existing 28 member border’ and that is something that brings together thousands of children states to agree an extension to this must be avoided. Even though a over two weekends, the sheer scale of deadline, while the voices of those Common Travel Area was in place numbers involved does present risks seeking a second referendum are there are many among us who to the Association, notwithstanding becoming louder by the day. will remember border queues and the excellent vetting work that is customs checks prior to Britain and undertaken in advance. I re-iterate Although the Irish border received Ireland joining what was then called my view that the way forward could scant air-time on British airwaves the European Economic Community well be in the form of expanded during the referendum debate, for in 1973. In more recent times we are Regional Féile Competitions, which those who thought through the all too familiar with different types would reduce or perhaps eliminate, ramifications of a ‘leave’ vote it was of border checks – and more long the need for overnight stays and always going to be the key issue post queues. This is something no one would also significantly reduce the decision. And so it came to wants a return to. the levels of bureaucracy and pass! Who would have thought administration involved. The current that a term used in baseball, largely Already we are seeing changes. age level of U-14 is ideal for the unheard of here, would come to Ulster GAA have had to register to be current weekend competition but if dominate our vocabulary over the allowed to transfer goods to and from the core underage age grades are to last twelve months? the EU, something that we currently be changed from even to uneven age take for granted as both jurisdictions grades, then there will need to be a The Withdrawal Agreement sets out are within the EU. As referenced complete evaluation of the current the terms of the ‘exit’ but at the time earlier in my report, the weakening of format of Féile. of writing it has still to be put to sterling has meant a de facto ticket Parliament for decision – a planned price increase in the ‘Six Counties’ BREXIT vote last month was postponed by as euro is the default currency for On 23rd June 2016 the UK voted the Prime Minister. Those who are the setting of GAA ticket prices. Will to leave the EU – more than two much more au fait with parliamentary more of our young people emigrate in and a half years on I’m not sure if matters than I say that the Agreement search of work, thus impacting on the we’re much wiser as to what form in its current format is doomed to ability of some of our smaller clubs this ‘leaving’ will take and the failure and with little sign of any to continue to field? These are the repercussions it will have, especially ‘common ground’ between the known, unknowns and there are no for the island of Ireland. A ‘leaving’ ‘Brexiteers’ and the ‘Remainers’ the doubt unknown unknowns. No one date and time has been set (11 pm on words of that much loved Bellaghy knows the full impact that Brexit will Friday 29th March 2019) but as that poet Seamus Heaney come to mind; have on the GAA but it is potentially date draws tantalisingly close and the “the voice of sanity is getting hoarse.” one of the greatest challenges that possibility of a ‘no deal’ Brexit looms the Association is likely to face in the even larger, more and more people Some ask, ‘how will Bexit imapct on coming years. are starting to question the wisdom the GAA’? Firstly, a ‘no deal’ Brexit of this position. There is increasing would virtually guarantee a ‘hard

ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019 63 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ULSTER SCHOOLS And just to demonstrate that We all have a fascination with time It was a truly historic year for Schools’ lightening can strike twice, the and irrespective what the final football in the province with St. success of the Mourne side was outcome of Brexit, a potentially more Ronan’s, Lurgan building on their followed up a couple of weeks later far reaching effect on the Irish nation maiden MacRory Cup victory on St. when Tír Eoghain Schools won the could come from the proposal to Patrick’s Day by going on to win the Casement Cup (Senior Colleges ‘B’ abandon Daylight Saving Time. Hogan Cup several weeks later. That Hurling) with a comprehensive victory was part of a great day for victory over St. Mary’s, Magherafelt At the end of August the European Ulster in Croke Park with Holy Trinity in the final. Commission announced that they are College, Cookstown winning the to recommend to the European Union All-Ireland Schools ‘B’ title (Paddy If that wasn’t enough more history member states that the practice of Drummond Cup) in the first leg of was made in December when for changing the clocks in spring and a provincial double. the first time two teams from the autumn should cease. Currently integrated sector contested an EU legislation determines that all There was more history made in Ulster Schools Final. Two years 28 member states must move their November when An Dun won the ago Drumragh Integrated (Omagh) clocks forward to ‘summer time’ on Mageean Cup title for the first time, created history by being the first the last Sunday in March and then beating St. Patrick’s, Maghera in the integrated school to win an Ulster move the clocks back to ‘winter time’ final with man of the match Ronan Schools title, when they won the J.J. on the last Sunday in October. Blair hitting a hat-trick of goals in Reilly Cup and this year they were the process. back in the final again, when Lagan While any change will need the College were their opponents. approval of both the European Parliament and the respective national parliament to become operational, the proposed directive could have major consequences for the island of Ireland – and not just for gaelic games.

It would be totally unthinkable for Ireland north and south to operate on different time zones for seven months of the year. While I don’t think there is any appetite on the island for this to be the case, the scenario of more and more EU nations making the change could result in mounting pressure on Ireland to follow suit. As an all island organisation it’s an issue we need to keep on our radar and use all influence we have to ensure that common sense will prevail and the clocks north and south remain aligned.

64 AN CHOMHDHÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2019 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

This time victory was to go to the GAA SAFE CLUB INITIATIVE NATIONAL SPORTS POLICY north’s oldest integrated college who The cost of insurance claims against In July Ministers’ Shane Ross and were winning their first ever Ulster the Association is something that Brendan Griffin launched the Schools title and, significantly, with we must take cognisance of and National Sports Policy 2018-27. a team that predominantly comprised exercise care and diligence at all It’s an ambitious document with players from what would be described times. While risk can never be the key content areas focussing as non-GAA backgrounds. eliminated it can be managed and it on Increased Participation, Greater The success story for integrated is incumbent on us all to ensure that Excellence and Increased Capacity. schools didn’t end there however any deficiencies in health and safety and in the same week that Lagan procedures are addressed. A key target is to increase College were winning the J.J. Reilly participation numbers in sport by Cup, Matthew Murnaghan, a pupil at The Monaghan County Committee 260,000 by 2027 and as the leading Drumragh Integrated College (and is therefore to be commended on sports organisation in the country a J.J. Reilly medal winner two years developing a ‘Safe Club Initiative’ the GAA will have a significant part to ago) became the first player from and for agreeing to act as the ‘pilot play in helping to realise the target. an integrated school to be selected county’ for the project. It is obviously on the Danske Bank Ulster Schools preferable if Association finances One challenge is to our inclusiveness, All-Star team. are spent on developing our games which is a key value of the and facilities than on contesting or Association. Our role is to make our Ulster Schools organise over 70 settling claims. Anything that can activities accessible to persons of all competitions each year and my save our clubs money must be abilities and therefore the creation thanks goes out to their hard working readily embraced. of the post of National Inclusion and committee under the Chairmanship of Integration Officer is to be welcomed. Jimmy Smyth and Secretary Seamus The ‘Safe Club Initiative’ rewards Woods. I commend also the work of clubs in the form of credits towards Participation in sport helps improve Niall Muldoon in supporting Ulster their annual insurance premium and health and wellbeing and leads to Schools in the scheduling of their I await the findings of the ‘pilot’ with a better quality of life. Through the mammoth fixtures programme. interest and hope that it will pave the Games for All Programme and the way for better housekeeping and numerous Health and Wellbeing I ask the question however that risk management throughout the initiatives the GAA is helping to given the increasing demands on entire Association. achieve this but the National Sports players may there be any scope Policy should act as a catalyst for for steamlining in any of the further enhancements in this field. competitions? For example, 16 teams entered the premier The policy identifies the importance competition, the Danske Bank of physical literacy for young children MacRory Cup, for the 2018-19 in the development of their overall campaign but it takes amost six wellbeing. It is ironic that this is months to run-off the competition. being promoted at a time when in the north the Curriculum Sports I fully understand the attraction Programme, which does exactly this, of playing the final on St Patrick’s has been closed down due to lack of Day with ‘live’ television but does government funding. the competition need to begin in October?

ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019 65 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

GAMES FOR ALL As a result of this meeting a number CLUB AND COMMUNITY Ulster GAA’s Strategic Plan identifies of ideas were developed and it is DEVELOPMENT the need for targeted programmes to hoped that a team from Argentina The Club and Community address disability and this is an area GAA will compete in the GAA World Development Department is of growing importance throughout Games in Waterford this summer. responsible for Club and Volunteer the Association. In Fis Shoiléir, the support, Irish Language and latest GAA Strategic Plan (published Roger Keenan and Jimmy Darragh Culture, Health and Wellbeing of in 2018), there is a commitment to delivered a coaching course in our members, and Community appoint an Inclusion Officer and to Montreal in April, while later that Outreach. Over the last 12 months develop a strategy to communicate month Frank McDonald delivered the Department has grown in number and promote disability and inclusion. a referee’s course in Toronto. and now includes a designated The number of coaches with Irish Language Officer (Tricia Ní Ulster GAA has promoted Wheelchair Foundation and/or Award 1 coaching Chearra) and three Community Sports Hurling and has provided a platform qualifications continues to grow and Development Officers (Pierce Caherty, at our provincial semi-finals, through a very encouraging aspect of our Ryan McShane and Proinsias O’Kane). the half-time games concept, for association with the Canadian GAA These additional posts complement some of our players with learning is the growing number of schools the existing Health and Wellbeing difficulties. There is much more that that offer Gaelic Games as part of Manager, Club Development Officer could be done however and I am their curriculum. and Volunteer Development Officer. pleased to report that Ulster GAA is positively engaging with Disability Ulster GAA again sent referees to The Department plays a role in Sport NI with a view to increasing cover the Western, Eastern and public affairs and contributes to our overall package of delivery and Toronto Divisional Finals and, for relevant engagements with public creating opportunities for greater the first time ever, Ulster GAA was representatives and external diversity within the programmes officially represented at the Eastern agencies and organisations. and initiatives we offer. Finals when Vice-President Oliver There are numerous organisations Galligan visited Prince Edward Island that request to meet Ulster GAA and TWINNING INITIATIVES which were hosting the finals for the likewise there are partnerships we first time. Ulster GAA has continued its strong have established, to develop the GAA twinning arrangements with Britain at all levels in the province. Once again Ulster GAA were and Canada and in the past year represented with a cross community Argentina has now been added to The Club and Community team at the All Britain Competition our list of partners. Martin Lopez Development Department is a in London and Ulster GAA also Soler from Argentina visited Ulster point of contact for all clubs to provided two referees to help cover GAA in August and, thanks largely to receive guidance on club matters the schedule of games. Ulster GAA the offices of Roger Keenan from the and volunteer development. The also provided referees for the British Coaching and Games Department, Department deals with queries Junior Hurling Final and the Scottish he had the opportunity to attend directly or can signpost to Junior Football Final, while a referees some coaching sessions and a Tyrone professional bodies as necessary. coaching course was undertaken in Minor Football Championship game. Lancashire by Brian Crowe. The Coaching & Games section have The Community Development continued to engage with Argentina Department has successfully applied GAA and while visiting Toronto for for and received grant funding for the Canadian GAA Convention last a wide range of projects – some of month Ulster GAA President Michael which help fund posts and others for Hasson and myself met with Bernardo specific initiatives e.g. Sport Uniting Devereux from Argentina GAA Communities Peace IV bid, The (he recently moved to Canada for a short period).

66 AN CHOMHDHÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2019 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

Executive Office and DFA funding of CLUB MAITH CLUB PLANNING the Cúchulainn Cup, Foras na Gaeilge Club Maith continues to be the Planning within the Association funding towards an Irish Language recognised brand for club excellence has long been recognised as a vital Officer, and various Health based among GAA clubs in Ulster. Seven component of our continued growth initiatives via the Public Health Agency. clubs have been accredited in 2018, – and development. This is particularly they were, Mullaghbawn Cúchulainns true at club level where a plan Government departments, both north (Armagh), St Patrick’s Mayobridge provides direction and enables a and south, opened major capital (Down), Liatroim Fontenoys (Down), club to look beyond the day-to-day funding streams in 2018, and through Kinawley Brian Boru’s (Fermanagh), operations that can, at times, blur the Club and Community Department, St Martin’s Desertmartin (Derry), a more long-term vision a club may advice clinics were arranged for all Greencastle St Patrick’s (Tyrone) and have. Through the National GAA Club clubs seeking to make an application. Killyman St Mary’s (Tyrone) - and I Planning Programme assistance and 21 clubs in Donegal, Cavan and extend my congratulations to them. guidance is available to clubs through Monaghan attended the Sports The Club Maith website continues trained club planners within their Capital Programme advice clinics in to be an excellent online resource county. Currently 17 clubs from within October and a further 19 applications to clubs compiling their Club Maith Ulster are engaged in the process were supported for the Sport NI Multi Portfolios, and indeed to any club with a call out for additional clubs Facility Funding in the north. with a club development query. to be made in early 2019. Training and courses developed by the Community Department are A Club Development Plan is a vital placed on the site to keep club document in any club and as such officials abreast of new initiatives. the Club Planning Programme will Since its inception in 2007, 68 clubs continue to be an important area of have now achieved Club Maith Status. work in 2019. Currently there are 47 clubs engaged in the process and receiving support and guidance with the aim to achieving accreditation in 2018.

ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019 67 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

COUNTY PLANNING YOUTH FORUM The winners for 2018 were: Through the support of National GAA Ulster GAA organised a new Young MARCH: and Ulster GAA a number of Ulster Leaders Programme targeting Moneymore Derry; counties have undertaken the task in outstanding young GAA volunteers Emmett Crozier 2018 to produce an updated Strategic from across Ulster’s nine counties. APRIL: Plan. Tyrone launched their updated This exciting and innovative Tír na nÓg Armagh; plan in April, while the last couple of programme was the first of its kind Cathal Mercer months have witnessed the launch of in Ulster and was made possible with the Donegal and Cavan plans. Antrim the support of the Coca-Cola Thank MAY: and Fermanagh hope to have their You Fund. 33 Young leaders took Wolfe Tones Armagh; plans in operation in the first quarter part over four days in July 2018 at Niamh McCarthy of 2019. Garvaghey. Topics delivered included JUNE: Getting to know the GAA, Event Latton O’Reilly’s, Cavan; Management, GAA For All, Basic First VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT Christopher Rice In the past year Ulster GAA revised Aid, Sports Science, Social Media, JULY: and renewed its existing Volunteer Communication and Marketing and Slaughtmanus, Derry; Policy. This policy reflects guidelines Nutrition and Lifestyles. The course Oran Boyd on our Values, Recruitment and concluded with a Dual Foundation Selection of Volunteers, and Coaching course and Safeguarding AUGUST: Management of Volunteers. This Children course. The young volunteers St. John Bosco, Down; policy will be in place from 2019-2021. then had to go back to their clubs Shannon Carroll and complete 25 Volunteer Hours SEPTEMBER: GOLDMARK incorporating a club event. They were rewarded on 2nd December Naomh Treasa, Antrim; Ulster GAA is a delivery partner for at the Ulster Club Final with an Lára McGoldrick the Millennium Volunteers GoldMark overall Young Leaders certificate, OCTOBER: Programme, which promotes and Foundation Coaching certificate, encourages young people aged Naomh Pól & Padraig Sarsfields, Child Protection certificate as well as 14-24 years old to volunteer in sport. Antrim; Meabh Kelly & Ava Finnegan a commemorative sweater designed Ulster GAA works with clubs to NOVEMBER: by the Young Volunteers. manage this programme though club Ruairí Óg, Cushendall, Antrim;

co-ordinators. In 2018, 148 Young TRANSLINK YOUNG Emer & Áine Quinn GAA members registered for this VOLUNTEER AWARDS programme. 37 achieved 50 hours, Volunteer Development Pathway Ulster GAA, in partnership with 33 achieved 100 hours and 24 Ulster GAA has now an established Translink, run a volunteer recognition achieved 200 hours which is an Volunteer Development Pathway programme which highlights the award of excellence. which includes 3 key steps: New good work being done by young GAA Officer Induction, Club Officer volunteers in clubs across Ulster. A joint awards ceremony was Development Programme and the Each month, Ulster GAA asks clubs hosted on 21st February 2018 in the Elevate Club Leadership Award. Wellington Park Hotel to recognise to nominate an outstanding young person who has been involved in young sports volunteers participating The New Officer Induction is volunteering in their club. The in the programme from Ulster GAA, role specific training for all new winners receive a framed certificate Ulster Rugby and Irish FA. Over 100 club officers across Ulster for and a return enterprise journey from young people were rewarded at Chairpersons, Secretaries, Treasurers, Translink. The monthly winners and the ceremony. PROs, Development Officers, their volunteering stories are widely Children’s Officers, Coaching Officers, promoted through Ulster GAA and Cultural Officers. In 2018, Ulster Translink networks. GAA ran this induction programme

68 AN CHOMHDHÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2019 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

in association with National GAA Management, Club and Community CLUB DEVELOPMENT to complement the National Club Planning, Marketing and promoting PROGRAMMES Leadership Development Programme. your club, Financial Management, Ulster GAA continue to have a strong 342 Club officers participated in this Fundraising, Capital Projects and working relationship with the National induction across 141 Clubs. Partnerships. All Elevate Tutors are Officer Development Committee volunteers who have expertise in the under the chairmanship of Paddy The Club Officer Development subject. In 2018, five Clubs achieved Flood (Monaghan). This close link Programme delivered training for club the Elevate Award, they were: has enabled the Ulster GAA Volunteer officers across priority issues facing – Doire Colmcille, Derry Development Pathway and National clubs. The topics dealt with in 2018 – Padraig Sarsfields, Antrim Club Leadership Development were Financial Issues, Health and – St. Patrick’s Saul, Down Programme to work alongside each Wellbeing, Volunteer Recruitment, – Stewartstown Harps, Tyrone other ensuring a more joined up Communication Skills, Good Relations – St. Eugene’s Newtownstewart, Tyrone process rather than duplication of (Inclusive Club) and Safeguarding. events across the Province. 256 Club officers participated in this training across 108 Clubs. DFC PROGRAMME AND KEY OBJECTIVES Ulster GAA’s Elevate Programme 2018 “Sport - A Home for Lifelong was the third year this Club leadership Volunteering” continues to be the award was delivered. Involvement primary programme through which in the programme is on a whole club club and volunteer development is basis with volunteers attending delivered through Ulster GAA. This modules that are relevant to their role programme is joint with the Irish FA or interest. Issues explored through and Ulster Rugby and is funded by the this programme include: Leadership, Department for Communities. There are a number of Ulster GAA specific initiatives as well as Joint initiatives.

The DfC Multi-sport Volunteering Forum was held in Dungannon Integrated College on 14th November 2018, where participants received information on how to become more inclusive from Disability Sport NI, and The Rainbow Project.

The Schools Roadshow held in Ballymoney on 21st November witnessed the coming-together of pupils from Our Lady of Lourdes and Dalriada Colleges to learn more about volunteering, while also looking at the area of mental health in sport.

In December sports volunteers attended workshops held in Kingspan Stadium (3rd December), and Drumragh Sarsfields GAA (12th

ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019 69 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

December) which looked at ways to of work, while also assisting in CHARITY PARTNER 2018 promote club activities. Successful the delivery of Ulster GAA specific – CANCER FOCUS case-studies from GAA and rugby programmes. The huge amount of Following a successful partnership highlighted best practice. health and wellbeing activity ongoing spanning over a decade Cancer within clubs is testament to the Focus became Ulster GAA’s Charity Other aspects new to the DfC “Sport support clubs receive from their Partner for 2018. This status gave - A Home for Lifelong Volunteering” County HWC’s. both organisations the opportunity include the development of a Club to further extend their areas of Inclusion Charter which helps clubs I wish to thank our nine County collective effort. to promote what they are doing to Health and Wellbeing Chairpersons. make their club more inclusive. Unfortunately, 2018 has seen our “Care in the Sun” was promoted at County Health and Wellbeing the Ulster Senior Football Final where HEALTH AND WELLBEING Committees supporting a significant volunteers supported Cancer Focus Ulster GAA’s Health and Wellbeing number of clubs through critical and Ulster GAA to distributed much- Committee continues to operate and incidents. Although our County HWC’s needed sun protection, while also deliver at a high level. Chaired by have been playing an invaluable raising awareness of the importance Monaghan’s Cathal Hand the Ulster role in such circumstances it is also of using the UV Index as the best H&W Committee meets quarterly important to stress that our County measure of harmful sun-rays. throughout the year. The Committee HWC’s are not just there to serve this have been instrumental in supporting purpose. As dictated by the Critical Cancer Focus continue to be available health and wellbeing within Incident Response Plan template, to clubs in delivering much needed Ulster GAA. the County Executive should lead-out cancer prevention information and on the response, supported by the were a welcome addition to Ulster All nine County Health and Wellbeing County HWC. GAA’s Staff Health Days’ in August and Committees (HWCs) are established October by providing health checks but embedded to varying degrees Ulster GAA continue to be through their “Keeping Well” health in overall county activity. represented on National HWC through check services. For a small fee Cancer This is something which has been our Community and Health Manager Focus can provide their “Keeping raised as an issue at the National Maura McMenamin. Gambling Well” Van to GAA Events, and link Health and Wellbeing Forum in Awareness and the Critical Incident formally with Ulster GAA in this regard October 2018. To help address this Response Plan are the main areas of through the Farm Families Health issue Cathal Hand, Maura McMenamin focus in 2018-2019. Checks programme. and Diarmaid Marsden have met with Ulster Coiste Bainistíochta and Ulster HEALTHY CLUB PROGRAMME Cancer Focus provided resources Chairperson’s in 2018 to relay the Phase III of the Healthy Club for the promotion of Breast Cancer formal position of the County Health Programme began in March 2018. Awareness month in October 2018 and Wellbeing Committee within the 150 clubs were selected across and Ulster Camogie and Ulster Ladies county structure. The situation will be Ireland following a highly competitive used their Ulster Club Championships monitored throughout 2019 in order selection process. 42 clubs in to raise awareness of this important to maximise the potential of the GAA Ulster were awarded the status, issue. Some vital funds were also health and wellbeing agenda. representing all nine counties. raised by the clubs involved. Phase IV will begin in 2020, and it Our nine County Health and Wellbeing is hoped that all GAA clubs will be Committees have delivered a vast offered the opportunity to attain array of activity in 2018; directed by Healthy Club status. their Health and Wellbeing Action Plans 2017-2018 and 2018-2019. It is inspiring to see the progress being made on this significant programme

70 AN CHOMHDHÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2019 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

MENTAL HEALTH THE SAMARITANS LIFESTYLE AND AWARENESS Following-on from a successful year As National GAA Mental Health PROGRAMMES in 2017, the past year witnessed the Partner, The Samaritans delivered an Live to Play extension of funding from the Public Active Listening workshop to Ulster Ulster GAA entered into a new Health Agency. MindFit, in association GAA staff. This was very well-received partnership with the Northern Ireland with the mental health charity with the consensus being that the Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) and AWARE, is designed to empower more support clubs, and coaches PSNI to develop a new Live To Play young people to development their can be offered in this regard the Club Event format. The new format resilience and emotional intelligence better. County HWC’s have been involves the use of virtual reality skills. 20 MindFit workshops were linked with their Samaritans Liaison goggles, hence negating the need originally funded, but due to a huge Officers, with the aim of rolling out to source a car-wreck, as was the demand, the PHA were able to fund an “The Huddle” concept. “The Huddle” case previously. The new partnership additional 10 workshops. These encourages teams to embrace mental under the NIFRS ‘Your Choice’ are being delivered currently in clubs health by informally incorporating it programme banner was launched and counties and are proving to be into everyday practice, such as the in Road Safety Week, November very worthwhile. natural wrapping-up of a training 2018, and is available to clubs and session. This concept will be further counties currently. As part of the funding received from developed in 2019. the Public Health Agency, Ulster One Punch Campaign GAA commissioned the design and Ulster GAA have partnered with manufacture of pitch-side signage for the PSNI to develop a “One Punch clubs relaying important information Can Kill” campaign aimed mainly at about how to look after ourselves and young males, advising them about someone else who may be in need to responsible behaviour both on and support for their emotional wellbeing. off the pitch, with an emphasis on ‘one punch’ scenarios. The one-hour workshop looks at the medical and legal consequences of ‘one punch’ on the victim and perpetrator.

ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019 71 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

As mentioned elsewhere in this “Want 2 Stop” Smoking Campaign Donation Campaigns report, the issue of on-pitch violence Ulster GAA linked with the smoking Ulster GAA’s “Blood Sub” campaign was addressed at the Ulster Club cessation teams through the Public has been in place for a number of Championship launch in October Health Agency to promote the “Want years and has successfully increased 2018, and was well-received by the 2 Stop” smoking campaign at the the number of people regularly media and GAA community. Fermanagh V Armagh Ulster Senior donating blood. 2018 has seen Football Championship Quarter- Ulster GAA and Tyrone GAA work with Domestic Violence Campaign Final in Brewster Park on 19th May. other donation campaigns, namely; Ulster GAA partnered with the Irish Patrons were asked to smoke only blood stem cell donation and organ F.A. and Ulster Rugby to support in designated smoking areas, while donation, respectively. As such a Department of Justice funded volunteers and PHA staff were on- Ulster GAA are working on a general domestic violence campaign entitled hand to offer a brief intervention, donation campaign which reminds #Don’tTackleItAlone. The campaign providing information on free us to do our best to give to others. was promoted during the BOI Dr. smoking cessation services. The We are reminded that Give is one McKenna Cup Final in February 2018, campaign was well received and links of the “5 Steps to Wellbeing”. More while Ulster Camogie and Ulster well with the drive for GAA clubs to information on Ulster GAA’s donation Ladies wore #Don’t TackleItAlone become “smoke-free” and add to the campaign will be forthcoming in jerseys at their respective significant number of clubs in Ulster early 2019. Interprovincial Tournaments in 2018. who have successfully gone smoke-free. First Aid & Heart Start During 2018, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) acquired the contract for Heart Start. Ulster GAA remains as a licensed first responder scheme, with staff availing of training in summer 2018. Training for new tutors will be delivered through NIAS in Fermanagh in March. Plans are also afoot to engage more with the “Call Push Rescue” programme which delivers training on the skills of CPR. “Call Push Rescue” has been shown to improve outcomes from Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrests in other countries and is something Ulster GAA plan on rolling-out in early summer 2019.

Ulster GAA have linked with the Red Cross to design bespoke training for GAA clubs entitled “GAA Pitch-side First Aid”. This three-hour course covers all the common scenarios encountered through training and games. A special discount for GAA clubs makes this training a very affordable option for first aid training, while best equipping our volunteers on very useful first aid skills.

72 AN CHOMHDHÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2019 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

CÚCHULAINN CUP The young players from Dalriada also extremely grateful to The annual Ulster GAA Cúchulainn Cup School and Our Lady of Lourdes The Executive Office for their took place at the Meadowbank Sports School in Ballymoney created continued support for this project Arena, Magherafelt on Wednesday memories together in July as they which is an integral part of our 14th March. The Cúchulainn Initiative travelled to London to represent outreach programme. aims to afford young people their schools and town as the from different backgrounds the Ballymoney Cúchulainns in the IRISH LANGUAGE AND opportunity to engage with one All Britain Competition. CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT another, and to educate people not Our Provincial Cultural Committee traditionally involved with the GAA on Despite being a team made-up – Coiste na Gaeilge agus na the fundamentals of the Association. of players who had little or no hOidhreachta – has been working New to the programme in 2018 experience playing Gaelic games, the closely with our newly appointed Irish was the introduction of a Girls’ Ballymoney Cúchulainns represented Language Officer, Tricia Ní Chearra, Competition, with Belfast, themselves with distinction showing to provide opportunities for clubs to Banbridge, Foyle and Magherafelt some incredible skills, passion, and avail of assistance in the promotion the participating areas. Taking part team-work as they came up against and use of Irish. These invaluable links in the Boys’ Competition for the first club teams who have had several between our County Cultural Officers time were Antrim and Ballymoney, years of experience playing together. and our Irish Language representative with Belfast and Enniskillen returning at Ulster GAA have been vital as we once again, having been involved in Away from the playing field the group continue to work on goal seven of previous years. were invited to a tour of the Houses of our Strategic Plan 2016-2020: ‘The Parliament at Westminster which was Promotion of Irish Language and In preparation for the Cúchulainn Cup kindly facilitated by Conor McGinn Culture.’ We have already begun to Blitz, schools were given “GAA Taster MP, and during the visit Ian Paisley see progress in relation to our goals Sessions” in which pupils who had MP for North Antrim welcomed the through this relationship. never played Gaelic Games, or had team and commended them for their very little interaction in the Games, participation in the programme. CLUB AUDIT The group also met with Adrian were taught the basic skills of Gaelic Ulster GAA issued a survey to all O’Neill, Ireland’s Ambassador to Football and Hurling. Taster sessions Ulster Clubs to ascertain the status of the UK and Ciaran Cannon, Irish were provided in twenty schools Irish and Culture at club level early in Minister of State for the Diaspora with over 300 Year 11 boys and girls 2018. This audit has been invaluable and International Development getting an opportunity to sample in the appraisal of Irish promotion during their time in London. what the GAA has to offer. and Scór participation throughout Ulster, and an excellent source of The real value of such an experience In addition, “Getting to Know the information for our newly appointed was profoundly seen on the young GAA” presentations were delivered to Irish Language Officer. Ulster GAA men, as they forged meaningful participating schools which helped to vows to use this information to and lasting friendships. Praise must promote greater understanding and continually strengthen the position of go to the school-teachers who respect for other cultures; a key aim Irish and Culture within our clubs and accompanied their pupils, and staff of the Cúchulainn Initiative. to encourage our clubs to embrace from Ulster GAA who made it possible this aspect of the GAA. for the young men to become After a very enjoyable day of games I wish to thank the members of Coiste involved in the experience. I thank the Belfast Cúchulainn team na Gaeilge agus na hOidhreachta, Diarmaid Marsden, Fionntan O’Dowd, emerged as winners of the inaugural who were vital to the execution of this Pierce Caherty and Paul Callaghan for Girls’ Cúchulainn Cup, with first audit, particularly the County Cultural their efforts in helping to prepare the time participants Ballymoney Officers who were responsible for team and making the weekend such Cúchulainns emerging successful driving the initiative at grass-roots an enjoyable experience for all. I am in the Boys’ Competition. level and I offer my sincere thanks to the clubs who responded to the survey.

ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019 73 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

I would also like to thank the This collaboration between Ulster The 2018-19 academic year saw an Chairperson of the Committee GAA and Ulster University continues increase in promotion and interest in Michael McArdle, Secretary Clíodhna to successfully promote the use of the scheme with Ulster GAA awarding Kerr and committee member Pat Irish within clubs throughout Ulster 24 GAA members £400 each towards Connaghan for their direction and by providing financial assistance their course fees. These recipients assistance in this initiative. to GAA members who sign up for have attended directory workshops Mo cheol sibh. a Diploma in Irish Language. The with Ulster GAA’s Irish Language scheme is successfully equipping our Officer, and the projects each student GAEILGE SA CHLUB members with the skills to promote intends to oversee will be an integral (IRISH IN THE CLUB) the Irish language, with all recipients part in the continued promotion of In its fifth year, the Gaeilge sa Chlub carrying out an Irish language project Irish throughout the province. bursary scheme continues to ensure in their club following their studies. that GAA club members from across Significantly, Ulster GAA last year Ulster benefit annually from the also provided a £1,000 scholarship £10,000 Ulster GAA invest in this to Linda Ervine’s TURAS Programme, initiative in order to promote Irish an Irish Language project which she at club level across the province. operates from the East Belfast Mission.

74 AN CHOMHDHÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2019 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

COMMUNITY LINKS ‘The Ballad of Tom Clarke.’ Paddy Conor McManus and Michael O’Neill An important part of promoting Mee of Armagh was also honoured spoke highly of how sport provided Irish is ensuring that we, as an at the All-Ireland Scór Sinsir Final opportunities for them to work with organisation, interact with and for his service to Scór over the years people from various backgrounds support community-based Irish and I extend my congratulations and and how important sport is in leading language groups. Ulster GAA thanks to him. I thank also the Ulster peace and reconciliation. has created links with Glór na Scór Committee, particularly our nGael as they continue to provide Chair Ailish McEntee and Secretary CLUB SPORT FOR PEACE DAYS their outstanding Joe McDonagh Danny McLernon, for their efforts in Club Sport for Peace days are Foundation service, a project that running Scór across the province. I activity-based events that are ran successfully guides GAA clubs commend all those who foster the as joint projects between the three through a process of language tradition of Scór and thank them for organisations. These allow children acquisition and promotion in order their ongoing efforts. At the heart of and young adults from various to achieve a high standard of Irish Scór is participation and celebration backgrounds to come together within their club. We have also of our national arts. This year Scór through sports participation. forged links with several community celebrates its 50th anniversary. Participating clubs host the event and organisations, including Aonach Special events will take place in turn promote their commitment to Mhacha, Armagh’s new Cultúrlann, nationally, provincially and within becoming an open and welcoming and Irish speaking GAA teams, such as counties to celebrate and remember organisation to all. In 2018 there Belfast’s Laochra Loch Lao. Ulster GAA a half-century of Scór activity. The were nine ‘Club Sport for Peace’ days will continue to connect and work Ulster Celebration event will take delivered within the project which with the Irish language community place in Omagh on 30 March and engaged over 800 young people. both in and out of the GAA family and as one might say, let’s hope it is encourage such organisations to one Bígí páirteach! GAME OF THREE HALVES contact us to create these links. The Game of Three Halves events THE PEACE IV PROGRAMME are joint events involving coaching SCÓR The Peace IV Programme entitled sessions from each of the three Scór continues to be an outstanding ‘Sport Uniting Communities’ is a sporting bodies. This event allows showcase of national talent and there joint project between Ulster GAA, participants to try sports they may was an excellent display from the Ulster Rugby and the IFA and is not have tried before whilst also Ulster Gaels who represented the funded through European Regional working and learning with people province brilliantly at all levels. Development Funding from SEUPB. from different communities and Comhghairdeas to all who The programme is designed to backgrounds. The events promote participated in these competitions support peace and reconciliation the learning of skills as well as and to our winners who advanced to within the nine counties of Ulster, games-based scenarios, whilst the All-Ireland finals in Knocknarea with a clear cross community and promoting team work and other Arena, Sligo, where Ulster won two cross border focus. attributes that are important for all titles at Scór na nÓg with an excellent three sports. There were 18 Game of display of talent by all participants: Nine Community Development Three Halves events delivered in 2018 Killeavy, Armagh won the Rince officers (three from each sporting as part of the ‘Peace IV Sport Uniting Foirne, and Cornafean, Cavan were the body) deliver twelve joint projects Communities’ Programme, involving overall winners of the Tráth na gCeist. and three individual projects each almost 1000 participants. The Scór Sinsir All-Ireland Finals also year all with the aim to help build saw two titles being brought back positive relations with people to the province. Watty Graham’s from different communities and Glen, Derry won the Rince Foirne and backgrounds. The programme Dearbhlá Scallon of Tyrone claimed was successfully launched on the Amhránaíocht Aonair All-Ireland 21st March 2018 at Queen’s Sport. Title with a wonderful rendition of Speakers including Pete McGrath,

ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019 75 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

HAVE A GO DAYS CLUB EDUCATIONAL VISITS plans, as well as achieving numerous CSDO’s from Ulster GAA, Ulster Rugby Volunteers from clubs across the objectives contained within the draft and The IFA work together to deliver three sports attend educational visits Programme for Government. There ‘values based’ coaching at our ‘Have to various stadiums, including Croke is a real concern that the impasse at a Go’ events. These events are based Park, Celtic Park, the Athletic Grounds Stormont could seriously affect some in areas where opportunity to take in Armagh, Kingspan Ravenhill of these programmes going forward. part in certain sports are minimal, as and Windsor Park with a view of This would have a detrimental impact well as the opportunity to work with addressing perceptions and building on the ability of Ulster GAA to provide people across the religious divide. relations. These visits also provide an the necessary support to clubs and There have been six ‘Have a Go’ days informal opportunity for networking volunteers right across Ulster. during 2018 with over 300 young between clubs and people from people having the opportunity to different backgrounds. CONGRATULATIONS take part. That great Crossmaglen and Armagh GETTING TO KNOW THE GAA stalwart Joe Kernan was inducted into VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT Getting to know the GAA is a single the GAA Hall of Fame, a fitting and PROGRAMME led activity ran by Ulster GAA’s three lasting tribute to a great servant of The Volunteer Development Community Sport Development club, county, province and country. Programme involves a series of five Officers. Groups from various workshops, which are attended by communities and backgrounds Three players from the province were volunteers from each sport to discuss receive a presentation and are selected on the Electric Ireland Minor important aspects of their clubs involved in discussion about the Team of the Championship; Ronan including the definition of different history of Ulster GAA, its methods Grimes and Aaron Mulligan from roles and responsibilities within and its work within the community. Monaghan and Tiarnan Woods from clubs, volunteer recruitment and Feedback from these events has been Derry, while at U-20 level exciting retention, succession planning and very positive, with many highlighting Derry prospect Callum Brown was becoming an inclusive club. Feedback that they were unaware of the work selected as the EirGrid Player of from these events was very positive done by the GAA outside of sport the Province. and clubs highlighted that although within the local community. In 2018 many roles within the clubs across these presentations were delivered It was a great night for Ulster at the three sports were similar, each to PSNI students, a group of visiting the annual President’s Awards in sport could learn from each other in students from Amsterdam University February, with three recipients from how they promote volunteering and and a range of community groups the province. That great St. John’s retain volunteers. and organisations. and Antrim gael Seamus O’Hare, who has been an ever-present volunteer YOUTH LEADERSHIP The Multi Sport partnership with at Ulster Council games over many years, was a worthy recipient as was The Youth Leadership Programme the Irish FA and Ulster Rugby has fellow Belfast man Sean McEntee, involved the creation of youth forums proven to be very successful over the from the St. Paul’s Club. Sean has where participants engaged in last few years in lobbying jointly for been a lifelong devotee of handball training in volunteering and personal funding, as in the DfC “Sport a Home as a player, coach and administrator development, allowing them to for Lifelong Volunteering” Programme and is a former President of the gain a Level 1 Qualification in Sports and Peace IV SEUPB “Sport Uniting Irish Handball Council. The third Leadership. 45 young people from Communities” Programme. Ulster ‘winner’ was Seán Ó hEarcáin across the three sports and various Government Departments and from Donegal and he was rightly community organisations gained the funding bodies recognise the honoured for his efforts in organising Level 1 Sports Leaders qualification strength of the three main sporting the wonderful competition that is in 2018. organisations working together to achieve objectives which fit in with Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta. our own governing body strategic

76 AN CHOMHDHÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2019 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

The evergreen Mickey Linden, All-Ireland finalists Tyrone had two The complete list of Ulster winners who in 2018 won a Down Reserve winners when Colm Cavanagh and was as follows; Antrim’s Neil Championship medal at the age of Padraig Hampsey were selected in McManus (Joe McDonagh), Derry’s 55 (and indeed scored a trademark the full-back line, while Ryan McHugh Cian Waldron and Cormac O’Doherty, Linden classic point in the final), (Donegal) became only the seventh Down’s Dáithí Sands and Armagh’s was inducted into the Gaelic Writers’ footballer to win All-Star awards in Stephen Renaghan (Christy Ring), Association Hall of Fame and the both defence and attack with his Cavan’s Kevin Connelly, Donegal’s same organisation honoured another selection at left-half-forward. Declan Coulter and Stephen great forward from the province in Gillespie, Fermanagh’s Ryan Bogue, selecting Conor McManus as their I also congratulate each of the hurlers Monaghan’s Kevin Crawley, Tyrone’s Football Personality of The Year. from Ulster who were honoured Dermot Begley who all received Nicky It was a great night for Ulster at with selection on the ‘Champions Rackard/Lory Meagher Champion the annual All-Star Awards with six 15’ teams from the Joe McDonagh, 15 Awards. players from the province being Christy Ring and Nickey Rackard/ honoured. Conor McManus picked Lory Meagher Cups and make special Two McNamee Awards came to Ulster up his third award and his Monaghan mention of Donegal’s Declan Coulter with St. Peter’s, Warrenpoint winning colleagues Rory Beggan and Karl who was player of The Nickey Rackard the Best GAA Website Award and O’Connell were honoured for the Cup. In a year when Ulster teams that hospitable ‘Donegal Democrat’ first time. just fell short at national level, the journalist Paddy Campbell won victory of the Donegal hurlers in this the Provincial Media Award for his competition was a welcome boost to magazine feature marking the 25th the province. anniversary of the county’s historic 1992 All-Ireland Football Final win.

ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019 77 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

PUBLIC RELATIONS While there are occasions when we Michael Geoghegan completes his AND MARKETING may be unhappy with some levels of term as PRO today and in his three Over the Christmas period when media coverage, the positives largely years at the helm he has been reading through the pages of a book outweigh the negatives and I thank innovative and has led from the front. chronicling the GAA of a century ago our broadcast, print and digital media He has had a wonderful rapport with I could not help but be taken aback for their continued coverage of our press personnel and with our county by what different times we live in games and issues. PRO’s and I thank him sincerely. His now. Those were the days before recognition in 2018 by the Ulster GAA RTÉ (or 2RN) and phones were a rare Our partnership with Q-Radio for the Writers was well merited. commodity. GAA games received Ulster Senior Football Championship nothing like the publicity they receive was a new initiative and this is one A huge debt of gratitude is also due now. To even get the result of an which I hope to build on in 2019. to our Marketing & Communications All-Ireland final you most likely had to Manager Paul McGurk for his await someone who was at the game I thank our programme sellers at expertise in this field and for his arriving home – or read about it in our games and the counties for their unstinting efforts in the media and the following day’s paper (assuming continued support on the many facets commercial sectors. I thank also the it was reported on). Today you can of PR activity. I also thank Tiernach immense contribution made by Claire follow every score of a club league Mahon and Dessie McDonnell for the Curran and Seamus Donnelly to the game from the comfort of your assistance they offer in this regard at work of the Communications Unit and own home – which might be half Ulster Championship games and to I thank also Stephen Donnelly for his a world away. Mark Nelson for the role he plays in tireless efforts in the production of relation to media access at games. our match programmes. The media therefore plays an increasing role in our everyday lives, Ulster GAA has a hard-working Public I thank also AV Browne for their advice with digital media increasingly Relations Committee under the and support in relation to our media becoming the media of choice. It is watchful eye of Michael Geoghegan content and design and I commend against this backdrop that the Ulster (Chair) and Declan Woods (Secretary). our photographer John Merry and the GAA communication team operates. I thank them and all the committee team at Linwoods Armagh TV for their The past year has again witnessed members for their invaluable work. ongoing work for Ulster GAA. an increase in our digital media output and the number of followers continues to grow - Ulster GAA now has over 72k followers on Twitter, over 42k friends on Facebook and over 10.5k followers on Instagram.

Ulster GAA Radio was a new concept initiated in 2018 and this resulted in full online radio coverage of 23 games in the Ulster Minor and U-20 Championships. I commend all involved in this great undertaking which has done much to raise the profile of our inter-county underage fixtures.

78 AN CHOMHDHÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2019 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

OBITUARIES The GAA community in Pomeroy and William made an immense As 2018 drew to a close Ulster GAA indeed throughout Tyrone was cast contribution to the GAA at club, was saddened to learn of the death into mourning in early January with divisional, county and provincial of their former President and Vice- the sudden death of Christopher levels. Quiet spoken, people listened President John O’Reilly. A lifelong Colhoun, just hours after being when William James spoke as his devotee of his beloved Crossmaglen admitted to hospital with severe contributions were always well Rangers, John was President of the ‘flu’ symptoms. ‘Crico’, as he was thought through and were made GAA in Armagh at the time of his affectionately known, was a former rationally. His heart was in his native passing. John served as President of Tyrone panellist but was better known Glasdrumman, located between the Ulster Council in the years 2001- for his exploits with his beloved the beautiful Mourne Mountains 04 during which time he witnessed Plunkett’s. He was an integral part and the sea, and he was certainly a his native Armagh winning their first of their Ulster Intermediate Club Mourne man true and true. A former All-Ireland title and the following Championship winning team of 2016 South Down Board Chairman and a year, in 2003, he had the remarkable and indeed scored crucial goals in Vice Chairman of the Down County honour of being the provincial Chair both their semi-final victory over Committee, William James also served when for the first time two teams Castledawson and in the final as a member of the Ulster Council from the same province contested against Donaghmoyne. and was a member of the provincial an All-Ireland Senior Football Final Scór Committee at the time of his (Tyrone and Armagh). Another link with that ground- death. Perhaps his proudest ever breaking Down team of 1960-61 GAA moment came in February 2017 The year started with the demise of was broken with the death in July of when young Niamh McDowell from Seamus McGrattan, who served as John Smith. John wasn’t part of the his own club won All-Ireland Scór na the first Ulster Hurling Development 1960 team but lined out at left-half- nÓg honours in Solo Singing. William Officer. The genial Ballygalget man back in the 1961 semi-final and final, James stood as tall as the Mourne gave a lifetime of service to the replacing none other than Kevin Mountains that evening and rightly GAA in Down and Ulster and hurling Mussen, and in both games he more so and it was fitting that Niamh was was always his great passion in than justified his selection with solid amongst those who performed at this life. Seamus did much to broaden performances. Another link with funeral service. the playing base of the game in the the Mourne men’s All-Ireland roll of province and in so doing he has left honour was broken in September with In May, Derry and Ulster paid a sad a lasting legacy. Seamus also had the passing of Pat McAlinden, who farewell to that iconic footballer the distinction of serving as the was a member of the 1968 panel. Seamus Lagan. The Watty Graham’s secretary of the Down Hurling Board man won All-Ireland U-21 and Minor in the 1970’s at a time when his We were all shocked on the evening Championship medals and was an father Paddy was the chairman of of 29 May to learn of the sudden integral part of that great St. Columb’s the same committee. passing of William James Smith, Irish Hogan Cup winning team of 1965. Language and Culture Officer for Seamus also had the honour of In August the former Chief Steward the Down County Committee. Just winning three Ulster Senior football of Ulster GAA Brendan Kirk was laid three days earlier William James Championship medals in the 1970’s. to rest after a long illness. Never attended the Down v Antrim Ulster one to complain Brendan fought his Championship game at Páirc Ésler Two great servants of hurling in Down, illness with both bravery and dignity and he seemed to be recovering well Pat Watterson (Kilclief) and Jerry and he left behind a great legacy with following recent surgery. Sheehan (Kilkeel) were also called to his times at Ulster GAA as a trusted their eternal reward during the past steward and volunteer. year. As well as being steeped in hurling the Cork native, who is father of Down senior hurling manager Ronan Sheehan, was a Scór Sinsear Tráth gCeist champion from 1971, the initial year of the competition.

ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019 79 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

Derry hurling and the Na Magha club On the evening of 13th November THANKS were plunged into deep mourning all gaels in Ulster were saddened to In conclusion I wish to pay tribute with the tragic death of young Aodhán learn of the death of Paul McKeever. to all my colleagues at Ulster GAA O’Donnell who had lined out for his The Portglenone man was one for their commitment and support county in the Christy Ring Cup just of the province’s best refereeing throughout the year. On a daily weeks before his untimely passing, prospects and indeed just over five basis I deal with officials from across while Ballygalget’s teenage hurler short months earlier he had taken Ulster and beyond and I commend Niall O’Connor also died in tragic charge of the Ulster U-20 Football each and every one of these people circumstances. The sudden passing Championship match between for their continued dedication and of young Clonduff hurler Pearse Donegal and Cavan in Celtic Park. support. In particular I thank the Branagan serves as another reminder In his playing days he represented County Secretaries’ and Chairs’ that death has no respect for age and Antrim at Minor and U-21 level and from across the province – most of how fitting it was that Clonduff’s win indeed featured for his county in my dealings with counties are in the Down Junior Championship a the 1997 Ulster Minor Football final through you and I totally appreciate few months later was dedicated to his against Tyrone. your advice, understanding and, memory. There was further tragedy on occasion, forbearance. in Down when Karl Heaney from the As the year was in its twilight hours John Mitchels club in Newry was news broke of the passing of Frank In April Tom Ryan succeeded Páraic tragically killed in a road accident en Campbell. The Pomeroy Plunkett’s Duffy as Ard Stiúrthóir of our great route from a club training session, clubman gave a lifetime of service, Association and I thank him and the while eight year old Daniel Bradley in numerous guises, to the GAA in his entire staff team at Croke Park who who also died as a result of a road native Tyrone over many years and we are always on hand to give good traffic accident had strong links with are all the poorer for his passing. counsel and fine wisdom the Glen Club in Maghera. when required.

Crossmaglen Rangers lost a great stalwart with the death of their lifelong volunteer, and Honorary President, Paddy Kindlon. So also did the St. John’s Club in Belfast with the passing of Patsy Donnelly, father of former Antrim County Committee Chair Collie. St. Mary’s, Convoy and the wider Donegal GAA family lost a great stalwart with the sudden passing of Liam McConalogue. A great volunteer for club and county his death was a tremendous shock to all who knew him, as was that of Cathal O’Reilly from Cavan who was a regular gateman at Ulster GAA games over many years. Clonduff lost a great stalwart in Sean Cairns, Drumaness in Jim Savage and Downpatrick lost two wonderful servants in Al Dillon and Oliver Morgan.

80 AN CHOMHDHÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2019 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019

To succeed Páraic was going to be Our games are the conduit by which no easy task but Tom in his first nine we generate revenue to support months at the helm has shown that the development of our activities he will be a steady hand at the tiller. and none of these could take place He has a loyal team of staff within without the loyal band of dedicated the Ard Stiúrthóir’s Office and I give volunteers who turn out week special praise to them as much of my after week to ensure we have the Croke Park dealings are with them. required number of personnel in I thank also Feargal McGill, Pat Daly, place to allow these games to take Alan Milton, Ger Mulryan and their place. I thank in particular our Chief respective staff teams and pay tribute Steward John Connolly, Deputy Chief also to Peter McKenna and his staff at Steward Michael McCarney, our Event Páirc An Chrócaigh Teoranta for their Controllers and Designated Persons - on-going help and co-operation. it is through your efforts and those of your teams of volunteers that I thank also my colleagues in the so many people get to see our other provinces and to colleagues wonderful games. I thank the players in other sporting bodies with of club and county teams who give whom Ulster GAA works closely. selflessly of their time and give us Your guidance and support is both so much enjoyment. welcome and valued. In the summer Simon Moroney retired as Secretary Last, but by no means least, I of Comhairle Mumhan. Simon and thank my family and especially my I go back a long way since our time wife Deirdre for their unstinting as respective County Secretaries in loyalty and support. The demands Clare and Down and I wish him well. of the job mean many evenings’ I offer my congratulations to his away from home and without their replacement Kieran Leddy and look understanding and tolerance there is forward to working with him in the no way that I could give the time and years ahead. commitment necessary to carry out my duties to the best of my ability. Ulster GAA owes a big debt of gratitude to our main and corporate sponsors. In O’Neill’s International Sportswear we have a company who is recognised as being at the top of their industry and in their centenary year it was fitting that Ulster GAA recognised the great contribution that this company has made to the GAA by launching both the Ulster Championship and the Bank of Ireland Dr. McKenna Cup at their Strabane premises. Bank of Ireland continue to be a loyal supporter of the Dr. McKenna Cup and I thank them for this very welcome support. BRIAN MAC FHÍOBHUÍ RÚNAÍ

ANNUAL CONVENTION 2019 81