29Ú EANÁIR 2021 ANNUAL CONVENTION 2021

05 TUARASCÁIL AN RÚNAÍ

“In the worst hour of the worst season Of the worst year of a whole people....”

The words of the poet Eavan Boland It would be remiss not to pay the told and a sense of fear engulfed the in her famine poem ‘Quarantine’ hold most glowing of tributes to the health community as the rising daily death true for the year that has just passed. staff and frontline services for their tolls brought the harsh realities of 2020 certainly was ‘a year like no response to the pandemic. Despite this pandemic into sharp focus. But other!’ It’s a year we will never the obvious risks to their own health the GAA put its best foot forward and forget. – and some paid the ultimate price – responded to the needs of society in they unstintingly gave of their time a manner which vividly demonstrated Words like ‘lockdown’ (the close (and lots of it) and professionalism to the community values of our great relative of ‘quarantine’), ‘social do their utmost for the greater good. Association. distancing’, ‘super spreader’ and They are owed a debt of gratitude that ‘self-isolation’ became part of our can never be repaid. We are proud of All over the country GAA club everyday vernacular and indeed you all and can take pride also in the volunteers were at the forefront of how poignant it was that Eavan fact that many are members of our community relief efforts, delivering herself would die at the height of the great Association. goods and pharmaceuticals to the pandemic (though not from COVID-19) most vulnerable, many of whom were at a time when we didn’t really know At the outset of the pandemic no one confined to their houses. GAA units the scale or depth of what we were knew what to expect and being told to placed their facilities at the disposal facing. ‘stay at home’ was alien to everything of health authorities, north and south, we were accustomed to. The elderly and in our counties of Cavan, Donegal Last January we were watching and and the most vulnerable were most and Monaghan GAA facilities were listening to news reports of a new susceptible to COVID-19 we were used as COVID-19 test centres. coronavirus strain that was sweeping through the Hubei Province of China, but when we held our Annual Convention in Silverbridge on the last day of the month little did we know what lay in store. Indeed, that was the very evening that Brexit took effect and this was much more of a side topic of conversation amongst the delegates than anything than was happening in far-off Asia.

27 days later came the first reported case of COVID-19 on the island of Ireland – the rest is history! Within a fortnight, restrictions were being placed on our everyday lives and before the end of March we were all in ‘lockdown.’ Initially we hoped that things would soon return to some sort normality but how wrong we were as the ‘new normal’ became another addition to our lexicon in 2020.

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Ulster GAA established a COVID-19 Advisory Group under the Chair of Stephen McGeehan, who also sits on the National GAA Advisory Group. Each of our counties had their own working group which linked to the Ulster Group and strong relationships were established with the NI Executive and with local authorities on both sides of the border. As the numbers of cases and deaths increased the NI Executive asked Ulster GAA, the Irish Football Association and Ulster Rugby to have a cohort of volunteers on stand-by in the event of the civic authorities being so over-whelmed that they would need additional support. Thankfully we never reached that stage but once again the GAA was ready and able to assist had that need arisen.

The GAA can be rightly proud of its community response – but we did what we always do, albeit never before on this scale. I thank everyone who played their part - it was a real team effort and I know the depth of gratitude is appreciated by so many across the entire island. It was the GAA at its very best!

Additionally, GAA players and units across the country leant their support to coronavirus messaging initiatives that were in place across both strict conditions. Although a concept being driven by the Health Service jurisdictions. which was an anathema to the GAA Executive and the Public Health membership it was excellently Agency. This continues to happen as On Friday 13th March the GAA called observed by our members throughout we move into the next phase of the a halt to its activities – it was one of the country. pandemic. the first sporting organisations to do so. Spring then rolled into summer Having been devoid of games Ulster GAA also established its own and the GAA pitches lay idle – and at for over four months, the club dedicated COVID-19 microsite which a time when they should have been championship games captured was a vital source of information for at their busiest. June brought better the imagination and interest of our members and units. Incorporated news and by mid-July games were the nation like never before. With within this was a dedicated funding permitted, albeit in front of a couple severely reduced attendances at page which signposted clubs to of hundred spectators and under games, ‘live streaming’ became the various support programmes

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There was also much media coverage our armoury to fight this dreaded surrounding events at two Senior coronavirus. What is clear however football finals in the province. For the is that we will continue to endure record it should be noted that there restrictions for some time to come were no reported positive COVID-19 and it is difficult to see the country cases resulting from either of these moving to Level 2 or below any time games. soon, so the prospect of club games resuming in the near future appear to Following the incidence of social be remote. gatherings following County finals the GAA moved quickly and on 5 FIXTURES TASKFORCE REVIEW October the GAA paused its club At the end of November 2019 the programme until further notice. A Fixtures Calendar Review Task Force fortnight later Ireland moved to published their proposals in relation level 5 restrictions which called a to the GAA fixtures schedule and, in halt to all sporting activity except at line with their terms of reference, ‘elite’ level. For the GAA this meant outlined a series of recommendations senior inter-county only with all such in relation to competition structures games having to be played with no and dates. spectators permitted.

On 2nd December the country moved out of Level 5 – further restrictions remained in the north until 11th December – and while the country briefly returned to Level 3, increasingly popular and indeed club games are not allowed to be presented counties with a welcome played under this level of restriction. revenue stream when regular income However, as the daily numbers of channels were suffering severely. positive cases reached record highs across the island, measures akin to County finals co-incided with the Level 5 restrictions took effect in the relaxation of some of the lockdown north on St. Stephen’s Day and on measures that had been in place 30th December the Irish Government and unfortunately there were a small announced a full return to Level number of cases where post-match 5. Both Governments announced gatherings led to the emergence of further restrictions in the first week COVID-19 clusters. These essentially of January. While things can change related to County Finals in both male rapidly, it is difficult to envisage any and female codes. We all know the club games taking place prior to joy of having our club playing in a Easter 2021 and, indeed, any club County Final and it was regrettable activity during April will probably be that some post-match activities a bonus. led to a rise in COVID-19 cases but it should be stressed that many While we hope for better times there thousands of games took place is no doubt that we will endure more without any issues – and all our pain in 2021. There is renewed hope clubs and their members should be now that a vaccine for COVID-19 is commended for that. in place but this is but one tool in

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Some of the ‘less difficult’ six months to club activity was to play. This happened and when recommendations were adopted at explored by the Task Force but they the club season was complete the the GAA Congress in February 2020, concluded that it wasn’t the best fix inter-county season took centre while it had been the intention to solution to the fixtures issues and stage. Moving forward however it hold a Special Congress in September no recommendations were brought makes much greater sense to play to consider the more far-reaching forward in this issue. the county season first. Non county proposals put forward by the Task panelists can play leagues and other Force. Then COVID-19 came along – and non-championship games during the the world changed! Given the small inter-county season and then clubs Three options were put forward in playing window open to the GAA in will have their full quota of players relation to the senior inter-county 2020 it had no option but to adopt available to them for championship football championship, one of which a split season so both club and games. The absence of provincial was the retention of the status quo. inter-county competitions could be and All Ireland Club championships in The other two options provided for an catered for. While the resumption of 2020 was crucial to the club season eight-team provincial championship, GAA activity was welcomed by all, the going first. Once these competitions divided into two groups of four teams success of the split season prompted are re-instated their timing would each. One of these options has an the GAA President to ask Task Force clash with the pre-season and early All-Ireland Championship linked to Chair Eddie Sullivan to reconvene rounds of competition of the inter- Allianz League finishing positions, his committee and update their county season. This will undoubtedly with the provincial championships November 2019 Report accordingly. result in friction in some counties – an being run as standalone issue that won’t arise if the inter- competitions, divorced from the This it has done and has county season comes first. All-Ireland series. recommended a split season. In 2020 it was important that the Crucially, the Fixtures Calendar The idea of a split season allocating club season came first, given that Review Task Force also re-visited the first six months of the year to it guaranteed that every player in their earlier options in relation to the inter-county activity and the latter the country would get a chance Senior Football Championship, and

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have brought forward some minor counties the opportunity to compete GAMES ACTIVITY 2020 modifications. The separation of for the Anglo-Celt Cup but unlike In 2020, the Ulster Senior Football the provincial championships from the November 2019 proposal this Championship took place from the the All-Ireland series remains on the option is now catered for. There is end of October to mid-November table, though an Ulster Championship a Preliminary Round in the Ulster behind closed doors. The Anglo- to consist of 1 x Round Robin Group of Championship every year – Cavan Celt Cup returned to Cavan for the 5 and 1 x Round Robin Group of 4 has even managed to win it from it in first time in 23 years as they saw replaced the initial proposal of two 2020 - and one option put forward off Donegal in a thrilling final at the groups of four, which would mean one in the updated Task Force Report Athletic Grounds in Armagh, played Ulster County being designated to is for the two lowest placed teams on Sunday 22nd November. Connacht on an annual basis. in the Allianz League to play off, with the winner playing in the eight The Ulster U20 Football I’ve previously stated my strong team Ulster Championship and Championship was played in the desire to ensure that all nine Ulster the loser playing in an eight team early part of the year, with the final counties get to compete in their own Connacht Championship, along with in which Tyrone defeated Donegal in provincial championship, so this a team from Leinster. The fact that Clones being one of the last games amendment to the initial option is a a similar process would happen in before lockdown, while the Ulster welcome development. However, I Leinster means that every county Minor Football Championship was have also previously expressed my gets the opportunity to play in and severely affected by the pandemic opposition to the de-coupling of the indeed win their own provincial and has been extremely disjointed. provincial championships from the championship. Given the importance This has been very disappointing for All-Ireland series. Doing this would of the provincial structures this is an all involved with county minor teams devalue the provincial championships important fundamental. in 2020. and counties would undoubtedly use them as preparation for the There are many positives to this The Ulster Football Club League in forthcoming League/Championship. option. One is that every county 2020 saw a total of 54 clubs involved, As evidence you don’t have to look will be guaranteed at least one with 14 teams in senior and 24 teams any further than the now defunct ‘home’ championship game each in intermediate and 16 in junior. We Ulster Senior Hurling Championship – year and another is that each county had reached the semi-final stage in during the 1990’s and 2000’s it was a is also guaranteed a minimum of all three grades by early March, at competitive competition with Antrim, four championship games. This can which stage the nation was placed Down and Derry all enjoying success. only but improve standards and is into lockdown and the decision was However, when it became de-coupled preferable to the current ‘super-eight’ taken, subsequently, to abandon the from the Liam McCarthy Cup series fixtures where only the stronger Ulster League. It should be noted it effectively lost its prestige and counties get additional games. I that the entry numbers had increased was no longer treated with the same strongly favour this option. by 17 on the previous year and this relevance by players and supporters The option also remains for one competition continues to provide alike. I fear the same would team from Ulster (and three from clubs with competitive action at happen the Ulster Senior Football Leinster) to play in a different their appropriate level prior to the Championship if this proposal was to provincial championship but without commencement of their internal be adopted. the opportunity to play a preliminary county games programmes. fixture to effect this opportunity. The option of eight teams’ provincial Under the revised proposal this The Allianz Football League had championships with progression to would mean that the lowest place contrasting fortunes for the Ulster the All-Ireland series also remains on county in the Allianz league would counties. Armagh were promoted to the table – but with one significant automatically play in the Connacht Division 2 along with the divisional development. As I alluded to earlier, championship – this is much less winners Roscommon; Cavan and I couldn’t support any proposal preferable to my favoured option for Fermanagh were relegated to which doesn’t give all nine Ulster the reasons as outlined above. Division 3; Down secured promotion

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to Division 2 along with divisional Tyrone retained their title be edging the years many counties used it as a winners Cork, while Antrim narrowly out Monaghan in the final, played on springboard to further success and missed out on promotion from Saturday 18th January, by 0-11 to 1-05. in more recent times it has played Division 4. A disappointing side note was the an integral part in helping the three decision of Donegal not to field in their Belfast-based universities prepare for On the hurling front it was a very semi-final against Monaghan due to the Sigerson Cup. The Dr McKenna encouraging year for our counties in a significant number of players being Cup signalled the commencement the Allianz League. Antrim topped unavailable. Tyrone had defeated Down of a new season and gave renewed Division 2A and went on to win the in the other semi-final. hope to all participants and the league title by defeating Kerry in Ulster GAA inter-county scene will be Tullamore by 2-23 to 2-20 on Sunday The BOI Dr McKenna Cup is a somewhat poorer without it should 18th October. On the same day Down competition that will not take place it be a casualty of a revised fixtures defeated Derry in the 2B Final by in 2021 due to the late conclusion of calendar. 2-16 to 0-17 at the Athletic Grounds. the 2020 inter-county senior season Division 3A had been completed prior but proposed changes to the fixtures SENIOR FOOTBALL to lockdown and once again there calendar, if adopted, will signal the CHAMPIONSHIP was Ulster success with Donegal end of the pre-season inter-county Up until just a few years ago, it took defeating Armagh in the decider, competitions. It is a competition that nine weekends to play they Ulster which was played in Carrickmore. has served this province well, having Championship – this year it was been first played for in 1927. Down played over just four. The 2020 CONOR MCGURK CUP Longford and Louth were new additions to the Conor McGurk Cup which commenced in December 2019 with nine participating teams. It was however the traditional hurling foes of Antrim and Down which made it to the final which was played at The Dub (Queen’s University Playing Fields) on 5th January 2020. Victory went to ‘The Saffrons’ on a winning scoreline of 2-19 to 0-13.

BANK OF IRELAND DR. MCKENNA CUP In our first competition of the year, the Dr McKenna Cup, which didn’t include the University Colleges’,

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Ulster Senior Football Championship In the other two quarter-finals, played bridged a 23-year gap. They produced commenced at St Tiernach’s Park, a week later, Down breezed past a steely display and when Conor Clones on Saturday 31st October, Fermanagh with ease on a 1-15 to Madden bagged a major in the 69th where Cavan rallied late on to defeat 0-11 scoreline in Brewster Park, while minute, they were four points up and Monaghan after extra time by 2-15 Cavan eventually saw off a determined heading for dreamland. to 1-17. The winning score came Antrim challenge, winning out by 0-13 The history books will show a winning from a monster 55m free converted to 0-09 at Kingspan Breffni Park. The scoreline of 1-13 to 0-12 but that by the Cavan goalkeeper and captain semi-finals were complete contrasts. only tells part of the story. It was Raymond Galligan with the very last Donegal blitzed Armagh by 1-22 to a remarkable end to a remarkable kick of the game. The following day 0-13 at Kingspan Breffni, while Cavan Ulster Championship and my two quarter-finals were scheduled, came from ten points in arrears to congratulations go to Cavan for outlining the condensed nature of this defeat Down 1-14 to 1-13 at the Athletic this success. Just five weeks after year’s championship. Armagh travelled Grounds, Armagh in a thrilling contest. being relegated to Division 3, the to Celtic Park and edged past the home Breffni men were Ulster Champions, side by 0-17 to 0-15 while Donegal The Ulster Final took place one and it was won after playing on six squeezed past Tyrone in a rain-soaked week later where three-in-a-row consecutive weekends (they played Ballybofey on a 1-13 to 1-11 scoreline chasing Donegal and Cavan met at Allianz League games on both after a titanic battle. While we didn’t the Athletic Grounds, in what was a weekends prior to their first Ulster know this at the time, this game drew repeat of the 2019 final. This was a Championship fixture). a curtain on the illustrious career of unique final in many ways. Played Mickey Harte as Tyrone manager and I behind closed doors, the first final in In the All Ireland Semi-Final, the newly will pay my own tribute to Mickey later Armagh since 1941 and ultimately and crowned Ulster campions played the in this report. fittingly, it had a thrilling conclusion. All-Ireland champions Dublin in Croke 2019 was a step too far for Cavan but Park on 5th December and despite 2020 proved to be the year that they putting up a spirited performance, the all-conquering ‘Dubs’ emerged

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convincing winners on a 1-24 to 0-12 restrictions came back into place in a postponement of both minor scoreline. which meant that the Minor Football semi-finals which were scheduled Championship had to be paused. to be played on 3rd January 2021. It ULSTER MINOR FOOTBALL is not known when they can resume CHAMPIONSHIP It re-commenced on Sunday 20th again but given the dramatic increase The Ulster Minor Football December with Monaghan defeating in the numbers of people contracting Championship had been scheduled Antrim at Corrigan Park, Derry the virus there is no prospect of this to commence in April with a ‘back- narrowly getting the better of Armagh happening in the immediate future. door’ element but when it became at Owenbeg, Tyrone securing a clear that Gaelic Games activity one-point victory over Donegal in U20 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP would resume the Ulster CCC agreed Ballybofey and Fermanagh turning 2020 saw the continuation of that this year’s Electric Ireland Ulster in a disciplined display to defeat a Regional Leagues for this age Minor Football Championship would fancied Down team in Enniskillen. grade with the majority of Ulster revert to a straight knockout format Unfortunately, on Christmas Eve came counties taking part in the Leo and that the draw would mirror the news that Minor (and U20) Inter- Murphy Cup which was won by Mayo, that of the Ulster Senior Football County Championships had once who defeated Louth in the final. Championship. In the Preliminary again fallen victim to Coronavirus Monaghan won the Philly McGuinness Round, Monaghan scored a late restrictions as the country entered Cup after beating Longford in the goal to defeat Cavan by 1-8 to 1-7 on the third and seemingly most virulent final, which was played on the last 17th October. The following week, wave of the pandemic. This resulted weekend in January.

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The EirGrid Ulster Under 20 Football over six months until 17th October In the Nicky Rackard Final, Donegal Championship commenced in to play their All-Ireland semi-final beat Mayo by 3-18 to 0-21 at Croke February with Derry defeating against Dublin. Tyrone led for most of Park on the memorable Bloody Fermanagh after extra-time in the the game but this time it was Dublin Sunday weekend, while Kildare Preliminary Round game which was who finished strongly to win by two defeated Down in the Christy Ring played at Celtic Park. There were points and set up an All-Ireland final Final on the same double bill. quarter-final wins for Antrim, Tyrone meeting with Galway. Down however had the consolation (after extra time), Down and Donegal of gaining promotion to the Joe (after extra time and penalties) over HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP McDonagh Cup for 2021 and their Derry, Armagh, Cavan and Monaghan Pride of place on the hurling front epic semi-final penalty shoot-out respectively. Atrocious weather from an Ulster perspective was the victory over red hot favourites Offaly conditions meant it proved very magnificent achievement of Antrim was undoubtedly the greatest hurling difficult to secure venues for the in winning the Joe McDonagh Cup, shock of the season. semi-finals which were played on 29th which means they will play in the February but thanks to the generosity Leinster Senior Hurling championship In the Lory Meagher Cup, Fermanagh of the Lavey and Loup Clubs the games in 2021. Building on their league and Cavan again competed strongly went ahead and all four teams, despite success Antrim played some with the group stage meeting the weather conditions, served up outstanding hurling in the McDonagh between these two sides ending in a some wonderful football. Tyrone edged Cup round-robin stage and this set up draw. Fermanagh progressed to the out Antrim by 0-11 to 0-9 at the former a final meeting with Kerry. The final, final by virtue of their one-point win venue, while a late Donegal goal helped which was a repeat of the league over Louth in the group stages but them secure a 1-11 to 0-12 victory final played two months earlier, was the Leinster men turned the tables over Down. played as a curtain-raiser to the in the final by producing a strong All-Ireland Senior Final. Trailing by a performance to defeat the Erne men A strong second-half showing helped point at half-time Antrim turned in by 2-19 to 2-8. Tyrone to secure the title with Darragh a strong third quarter and held on Canavan’s goal proving decisive in to deservingly win on a 0-22 to 1-17 Comhairle Laighean agreed to their 1-11 to 0-9 victory over Donegal scoreline. It was proud captain Conor accommodate one Ulster county in the final at Clones. This game was McCann who lifted the cup under the in the 2020 Leinster U21 Hurling played on 7th March but the back- Hogan Stand. Championship. Antrim and Down to-back Ulster Champions, due to indicated that they wished to the onset of COVID-19, had to wait compete for this place and played

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a qualifier in October 2020. Antrim, hoping to become the first club to win a single point. In the All Ireland final with a late flurry of scores, proved three consecutive Club Football titles a fortnight later Magheracloone never too strong winning out on a 3-24 but Mickey Moran’s charges made reached their potential and lost out to to 2-14 scoreline at Ballycran. it clear from the outset that they Oughterard (Galway) by 2-16 to 0-12. They progressed to the Leinster weren’t in town just to make up the Championship where they were numbers. The sides were deadlocked In hurling, Ulster Intermediate defeated by a strong Dublin side at at 0-7 apiece at full-time after a tense champions Naomh Eanna (Antrim) Darver. tactical battle but Kilcoo’s valiant found the challenge of a Tommy effort fell short as Corofin pulled away Walsh inspired Tullaroan a step too There was success for the minor in extra-time, winning on a 1-12 to 0-7 far in the All-Ireland semi-final, while hurlers of Down who defeated Meath scoreline. it was another Kilkenny Club, Conahy by 1-14 to 0-15 at Páirc Tailteann in Shamrocks, that proved too strong for Navan in the final of the Peadar O The day after Kilcoo had defeated Eoghan Rua (Derry) in the Junior semi- Liathain Cup (All-Ireland Minor ‘B’ Ballyboden St. Enda’s, Slaughtneil final, which was played in Inniskeen. Hurling) with Francis Caldwell being (Derry) put in an equally stirring Throughout this pandemic, the GAA the Mourne hero, as his winning goal performance against reigning All clubs have further enhanced its role came deep in second-half stoppage Ireland Club Hurling champions in local communities throughout time. Ballyhale Shamrocks (Kilkenny) in Ireland and when games were Newry. The Derry men matched the permitted to be played again the CLUB FOOTBALL & HURLING Kilkenny artisans puck-for-puck and club scene flourished, giving some CHAMPIONSHIPS score-for-score throughout the game brightness at a time of great darkness The year commenced with the playing and it was only a stoppage-time Colin in our lives. From mid-July the Club of the concluding stages of the AIB Fennelly goal that sealed victory for Championship was beamed onto our All-Ireland Club Football and Hurling the Noreside outfit. television screens in the comfort Championships. of our homes. This was provided The Monaghan duo of Magheracloone on either free to air channels or At senior level Kilcoo (Down) put in and Blackhill who were Ulster ‘streamed’ behind a paywall devised a sterling performance to defeat Intermediate and Junior Football by the various County Committees. favourites Ballyboden St. Enda’s Champions respectively played on We watched on as Ederney ended a (Dublin) by 2-8 to 0-11 in the All- 11th January, with Magheracloone 52-year wait to claim the Senior title Ireland semi-final in Kingspan Breffni comprehensively defeating Leinster in Fermanagh. Dungannon Clarkes Park on 4th January and fifteen days champions Mattock Rangers (Louth) waited even longer – all of 64 years - later they faced the might of Corofin in Crossmaglen, while Blackhill were as they won the O’Neill Cup in Tyrone (Galway) in the All-Ireland Club Final unlucky to go under to Wexford outfit and so ended a generational famine. in Croke Park. The Westerners were Rathgarogue-Cushinstown, losing by Their victory was secured by means

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of a penalty shoot-out after they and We could go on and on throughout Trillick St. Macartan’s finished level the nine counties and the stories after extra-time and so they became would keep flowing. In 2020, we have the first team ever to win a county been denied the opportunity to view title by this method. these winners on the provincial stage, but the memories that have been Dunloy and Loughgiel went head- provided will live long in the memory. to-head in the Antrim Hurling Final 2020 will forever be etched in our for the first time since 2012 as the grey matter and thankfully for the young guns from Cuchulainn’s gaels of Ulster there will be a small claimed back-to-back title. The consolation that we were able to view Cavan SFC Final required a replay some of the greatest successes of with Crosserlough finally seeing off the modern era. The full list of County a determined Kingscourt challenge. Championship winners are outlined Slaughtneil, in both codes, Kilcoo and below, with six adult championships Scotstown continued to rubberstamp perhaps hoping to be finished when their dominance in their respective the COVID-19 restrictions allow. counties.

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COUNTY SENIOR INTERMEDIATE JUNIOR SENIOR INTERMEDIATE JUNIOR FOOTBALL FOOTBALL FOOTBALL HURLING HURLING HURLING

Aontroim Cargin Moneyglass Ardoyne Dunloy Tír na nÓg St Paul’s

Ard Mhacha Maghery Clan na Gael Forkhill Middletown N/A Sean Treacy’s

An Cabhán Crosserlough Ballinagh TBC Mullahoran N/A N/A St Joseph’s

Doire Slaughtneil Greenlough TBC Slaughtneil Swatragh Lavey

An Dún Kilcoo Saul St Paul’s Portaferry TBC TBC

Dún na nGall TBC Aodh Ruadh Convoy Setanta N/A Carndonagh

Fear Manach Ederney Enniskillen TBC N/A N/A N/A Gaels

Muineachán Scotstown Monaghan Aughnamullen Castleblayney N/A Clontibret Harps

Tír Eoghain Dungannon Edendork Kildress Eire Og N/A Naomh Colum Cille

OTHER HURLING INITIATIVES and the organisation of regional, county-border league for developing Unfortunately, much of the hurling provincial and cross provincial games Hurling Counties. This will provide activity scheduled for 2020 was programmes, across all age grades clubs in the developing Tier 3, 4, decimated due to the pandemic and levels. 5 hurling counties with increased with the following events and opportunities to participate in a competitions among those having The necessity to furlough many series of meaningful games against to be cancelled; the Annual Ulster staff, including all of the Regional teams of a similar standard from a Subway Player Academy Programme, Hurling Development Officers from county other than their own. County Summer Development Camps, 1st April to 31st October obviously Academy Squad competitions, severely dented our delivery capacity ULSTER SCHOOLS Provincial and National Poc Fada, but since these staff have returned It has been a particularly difficult year Tain Og Leagues, Cúchulainn Adult on a part-time basis they have run for the Ulster Schools Committee with Club Hurling League, Ulster Hurling out a very successful and engaging most of their competitions halted by Og Sport, Feile na nGael, Ulster Féile, Vodcast series, which can be viewed the pandemic. The premier Ulster Ulster Club championships and the on the Ulster GAA YouTube channel. Schools Hurling Competition, The Provincial Coaching Workshops. Mageean Cup, had been concluded Our Regional Hurling Staff are In 2021 The National Hurling in November 2019 with Cross & continuing to engage with their Development Committee (HDC) is Passion College, Ballycastle defeating Counties, clubs and schools in hoping to progress with a Cross- St. Mary’s CBS, Belfast to take the the form of club development County Hurling Competition for Adult honours but for the first time since workshops, support coaching Hurling Clubs. The new CúCulainn the MacRory Cup became a knock-out League will be a regional cross- competition in 1935, there was no

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final. Those two great heavyweights current high levels of Coronavirus it our match officials. I thank all our of Ulster Colleges Football St. is almost certain that many Schools’ referees for their time, commitment Colman’s College, Newry and St. Competitions won’t again be played and involvement in the delivery of our Patrick’s College, Maghera made it in 2021. Competitive sport is very much-reduced games programme. through to the final but days before it much part of school life and it is sad On behalf of Ulster GAA I say thank was due to be played all GAA activity that many young people have and you to all of our referees for your ceased. will continue to miss out. Hopefully continued support. We are in the however brighter times won’t be process of developing a Referees Efforts to re-schedule the game for too far away and that in the not-too- Pathway document for the province, later in the year proved unsuccessful distant future we can see a return to which we hope to launch in 2021. and it was agreed that the title should action on this front. The quality of our football referees be shared. It was a similar case in was recognised at national level the MacLarnon Cup where Our Lady HANDBALL with six of the 14 inter-county & St. Patrick’s, Knock and St. Pius X, Unfortunately, the Handball season senior championship referees in Magherafelt shared the spoils. This in the province was decimated by the 2020 coming from the province. was a bitter-sweet ending for both COVID-19 pandemic with none of the This is a testament not only to the schools but particularly for the East major championships in the province referees themselves but also to the Belfast college who were denied the able to take place. Hopefully it will individuals who have done so much opportunity to play in their first ever be a more positive picture for the to promote refereeing in the province. MacLarnon final. coming season. In his first year on the inter-county championship list Paul Faloon’s Not being able to stage these REFEREES performances didn’t go un-noticed finals’ was one of many sporting In concluding my summary of games and he was rewarded by being casualties of 2020 and given the activity in 2020, I wish to thank appointed to referee the All-Ireland

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U-20 Final. Congratulations Paul! I also congratulate Barry Cassidy and Sean Hurson on being appointed to referee the Ulster and Connacht Senior Football Finals’ respectively.

MICKEY HARTE On the evening of Friday 13th November news quickly spread that Mickey Harte had stepped down as manager of the Tyrone Senior Football team. Mickey had spent an incredible 30 consecutive years in charge of Tyrone teams at Minor, U21 and Senior levels, the last 18 of which were with the latter.

When Mickey took charge of the Tyrone Minor team in 1991 few would have dared to think what an incredible journey he and Tyrone football would embark upon. It was a journey laced with both triumph and tragedy.

Success cannot be measured in trophies alone but the record of Mickey Harte’s tenure has ensured a place for him at the top table of great Gaelic Football managers. ‘O’Dwyer, Heffernan, Boylan, Gavin, Harte…!’, they almost roll off the tongue. With Mickey at the helm Tyrone won three All-Ireland Senior titles, one National League title, six Ulster Senior titles, 12 Dr. McKenna Cup titles, two All-Ireland U21 titles and one tragically from injuries sustained in We thank Mickey for the contribution All-Ireland Minor title. their opening Ulster Championship he has made to the GAA not only in game that season) but it was the Tyrone but throughout the province. After Mickey started out his inter- catalyst for an avalanche of success, He has always been very supportive county managerial career in 1991 spearheaded by those three Sam of Ulster GAA and it is only fitting that success didn’t come instantly but the Maguire Cup winning victories in the I thank him for the many occasions Tyrone County Committee of the time space of six seasons. that he selflessly gave of his time had the vision to realise that he was when we sought his attendance at developing a group of players, both Mickey’s enduring faith undoubtedly Ulster GAA organised events and in terms of their football ability and helped him through the bad times with launches. When he stepped down their character. The first All-Ireland the sudden death of Cormac McAnallen as the Tyrone supremo he said he success didn’t come until 1998 (the in 2004 and the brutal murder of his wouldn’t be buying the slippers just young minor team of the previous daughter Michaela on her honeymoon yet. Needless to say, we didn’t have year reached the All-Ireland Final in 2011. His character shone through to wait long before we heard of his and had to endure the tragic loss of during those dark times and has next footballing adventure. We wish their colleague Paul McGirr who died continued to shine through. him well and no doubt there will be an increased focus on the Louth football

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fortunes in the coming years. Thanks Connacht Football Final) and Richard for everything Mickey and best Maguire. What started with a tweet wishes for the future. in the hope of getting an U12 team established within weeks led to the COLM CAVANAGH club fielding adult teams across As we got some respite from the all four team codes – a remarkable pandemic and county training re- achievement. commenced in anticipation of an October 17th resumption to the season, Inclusivity is at the heart of East news came on 23rd September that Belfast – their club crest is unique in Colm Cavanagh would not be re-joining that it features the word ‘together’ the Tyrone set-up. His career with the in English, Irish and Ulster Scots, as Tyrone seniors under the tutelage of well as the Red Hand, the Shamrock, Mickey Harte had spanned 14 years the Thistle and the famous Harland and the two-time All-Star from The Moy and Wolff cranes Samson and Goliath, club man was the last All-Ireland medal which dominate the East Belfast winner on the O’Neill County panel. skyline. Their Club President is the Like his brother Sean he gave many of inspirational Linda Irvine and their his best years to Tyrone football and we membership is undoubtedly the most are deeply indebted to him and wish diverse of any club in Ireland. him well in his future endeavours. To form a GAA club at any team in East CONOR MAGINN Belfast was no mean feat – to do it in Following the conclusion of the 2020 the midst of a pandemic is mind- Championship Down stalwart Conor boggling. I extend my congratulations The concept and raison d’etre of Maginn announced his retirement to the club and trust that it will these great competitions is as valid from inter-county football. The continue to go from strength now as it was half a century ago but Bryansford club man had represented to strength. they have grown way beyond what his county for 11 seasons and was a the founders could have imagined. loyal servant to the Mourne cause. FÉILE Logistically Feile has become highly While he didn’t have any silverware The underage festivals of hurling and challenging with over 250 teams for his efforts he has many great football that are Féile na nGael and competing and over 600 games being memories from his inter-county Féile Peile na nÓg have been one of played over three days. career including playing in an All- the great success stories of the GAA. Ireland Final, having come on as a Unfortunately, the 2020 competitions In my Annual Report to the Ulster substitute for John Clarke in the 2010 had to be cancelled and there was Convention in January 2018, while decider against Cork. particular disappointment in counties reviewing the Féile Peile na nÓg that Donegal, Derry and Tyrone who had had been held in counties Cavan, EAST BELFAST GAA been scheduled to host Féile Peile Fermanagh and Monaghan the At a time when Coronavirus brought na nÓg. previous summer, I wrote; many of us to our knees, there arose a shining light from the east – East This year we will celebrate 50 years “While accepting that the weekend Belfast. The formation of East Belfast of Féile na nGael - Féile Peile na nÓg has been an integral part of Féile, the GAA, the first GAA club in that part didn’t come into being until 1982 - requirements and expectations of of the city since the demise of the and this is an opportunity to celebrate today’s world now requires logistical St. Colmcille’s, Ballyhackamore club the success of these underage arrangements that could not have in 1972, was the brainchild of David festivals of Gaelic Games which have been imagined at the outset of the McGreevy (a Teconnaught natïve given many days of enjoyment to festival. Some 3,000 people who who played for London in the 2013 players, families and clubs.

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were hosting visiting children had some GAA units, particularly in larger day in our history. Indeed Michael to be ‘cleared’ by either the Garda urban settings. “brought to life” the story of Bloody Vetting Bureau or Access NI. The Sunday and now the other victims amount of work that this placed on BLOODY SUNDAY REMEMBERED have been given their rightful place host clubs and Ulster Council staff, On November 21st 2020, one hundred alongside Michael Hogan in the who had to process each application, years to the day since the atrocity, history of the GAA. was staggering.... the GAA marked Bloody Sunday “Looking beyond this year it is time with a poignant, dignified and That Croke Park ceremony will live for a major re-think on Féile. The co- befitting ceremony in Croke Park. long in our memory – but so too ordination of the weekend requires so 14 torches were lit on Hill 16, along will those of the following day. As much time and effort that one must with corresponding pillars of light, in someone wrote it was the day that ask the question, does it represent memory of the 14 people who went to Gaelic football allowed itself to dream value for money. Even with all the a football match that infamous day in again. Only once before, in 1920, had Garda and PSNI checks there remains 1920 and never returned. They were the four provincial championships a risk that, given the numbers remembered in an oration narrated been won by Dublin, Mayo, Cavan involved, the safety of a child could be by Brendan Gleeson which concluded and Tipperary and while Mayo and compromised. This is an issue that the with words most fitting; Dublin had the 2020 versions neatly Association needs to think seriously ticked away, few would imagined the about.” “They are our family, Our friends, Our scenes which would unfold in Páirc Uí people. Cuimhnímis orthu uilig. We Chaoimh and the Athletic Grounds on Well, the Association did think Remember them all.” 22 November 2020. seriously about the issue and late last year published revised Féile In a ceremony attended by by But Tipperary, wearing the white and proposals. In a post COVID-19 era Uachtarán na hÉireann Michael D green jerseys of Grangemockler - just the overnight stays with host clubs Higgins, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin as they had in Croke Park 100 years seems much less attractive but, as and Minister for Tourism, Culture, and one day earlier – surprised Cork I pointed out above, even prior to Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to land their first Munster title since COVID-19 the risks associated with Catherine Martin, the Ard Stiúrthóir 1935, while a few hours later Cavan the host club concept of Féile were Tom Ryan and Uachtarán CLG John ensured that the All-Ireland semi- a cause for concern. Under the new Horan laid wreaths on the spot close finals of 2020 would mirror those proposals the concept of a host to Hill 16 where Tipperary corner of 1920 with perhaps the greatest county or host counties has been back Michael Hogan was fatally shot shock of the 2020 campaign when removed, with games following the that day. Poignantly, Dublin captain they dethroned reigning champions respective county competitions being Stephen Cluxton, accompanied by his Donegal in the Ulster Final. organised on a regional basis. This team colleagues, also laid a wreath removes the need for overnight stays after the Leinster Football Final which In another twist to an already in the homes of host families. The followed the ceremony – Dublin had remarkable story, the 1920 Ulster new concept will also provide greater of course been Tipperary’s opponents final, was refereed by none other than opportunities for clubs to play teams on that fateful November day in 1920. Tom Hogan, brother than Michael from outside their county. Great praise is due to the GAA Hogan. Had it not been for COVID-19, The age grade has been raised from Commemorations Committee for the Ulster final would have been U14 to U15, while it is also anticipated their efforts to mark this centenary, played five months earlier but fate that in future there will be greater with particular thanks to Croke Park decreed that it would be played on cross county opportunities for club staff member Cian Murphy. The the same weekend as the anniversary teams at U13 level. The raising of contribution of journalist Michael of Bloody Sunday. A truly incredible the age grade to U15 aligns with the Foley should also be recognised – his weekend was best summed up GAA’s new age-grade policy and will book ‘The Bloodied Field’, published by ‘Irish Examiner’ journalist John hopefully address some of the early in 2014, has been the source of many Fogarty when he wrote; teenage fall-out rates experienced by of the initiatives marking this solemn

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“We’ve been told time and time again continue to place significant pressure negative side we have had to cancel that sport doesn’t do sentiment, but on the organisation and it will impact so many of our education activities maybe in a year like this, it made an on our operational capability for some and participation events. We have exception.” considerable time. had to change the format of our Championships and our Clubs and Incidentally, and movingly, two weeks I thank our Treasurer Michael Counties have had to squeeze an later after their All-Ireland semi- Geoghegan and our Finance Team adjusted programme into a short time final defeat to Mayo in Croke Park, headed up by Brian Mallon, who with frame. Administrators, coaches and Tipperary football captain Conor the support of the Ulster GAA Finance players have to be commended for Sweeney and his colleagues laid their Committee, have worked steadfastly their resilience and the planning they own wreath near to the spot where to steer us through these unchartered have undertaken, to keep players safe Michael Hogan was killed. waters. Brian, Ruairi Cunningham and injury free. and Paul Sanders have also been In the year that our Provincial FINANCE an invaluable support resource to Club Audit generated a 95 per It has been a most challenging our clubs and counties during these cent response rate, it highlighted year for Ulster GAA financially with unprecedented times and I know that clearly the need to support small zero gate receipts from our biggest their efforts are greatly appreciated. and medium sized clubs. Despite revenue earners, the Ulster Senior the pandemic we have started this Football Championship and the Unfortunately, our loyal band of process. On the positive side we have Ulster Club Championships (which gatemen and stewards were not as found new ways of doing our work. were cancelled). Inclement weather busy as we would have hoped over We have graduated to the Microsoft also impacted on attendances at the past year but hopefully we’ll see Teams platform very quickly. This the Bank of Ireland Dr. McKenna Cup more of those familiar faces at our has facilitated webinars and club games and at the EirGrid Ulster U-20 games in 2021. I thank all those for meetings online. We have generated Championship, which moved to an whose services that we did need to videos and vodcasts that have earlier calendar slot in February/ call upon in the past year. populated our YouTube channel. We March. have run in-service opportunities COACHING AND GAMES for teachers. Our wheelchair hurling Worryingly, there is little prospect of It was a year in coaching and games programme continued with the turnstiles opening any time soon so that we will not forget for many Friday night quizzes and challenges. 2021 will be as equally challenging, reasons both good and bad. On the What a group this is, motivating and if not more so, than 2020. This will

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supporting each other through very I thank the entire Coaching & Games emerged, based on feedback both difficult times. Team at Ulster GAA for your patience from members and from the Club and tolerance over the past year. Audit carried out in 2020, are: Ulster GAA has challenged coaching With no on-field activity for much staff to come up with new ideas of the year most you had to be 1. Improving Opportunities for and new delivery mechanisms. We furloughed and the immediate future Participation and Performance; have built a stronger relationship is far from encouraging. These are 2. Supporting and Developing our with our primary schools. Schools difficult times for all. Volunteers and Administrators; coaches have spent quality time As an Association, it was necessary to 3. Governance and Operational in the schools with less travelling avail of government support schemes Excellence; between schools. The independent to ensure long term sustainability of 4. Communication and Wider Civic research currently being completed the GAA in our Counties and Province. Engagement. has clearly indicated that this has This situation will continue into 2021 helped to meet the physical and and retention of existing structures To deliver on any strategy, the mental wellness needs of the pupils will be a challenge. One positive has engagement and the help by and teachers alike. As a back-up plan, been a significantly greater use of stakeholders both internally and Ulster GAA piloted virtual session into technology to conduct our business externally is essential. As we move the schools, but the Principals and and we look forward to the time when into delivery on the strategy, we will teachers were keen to have coaches we have full activity and engagement target the small and medium sized in, adhering to good practice and with clubs, schools, further and clubs to provide specific support - hygiene around the COVID-19 threat. higher education establishments and some of this has already commenced In 2020 there was the unusual our counties. during the COVID-19 period. situation where coaching staff in the Six Counties were furloughed and STRATEGIC PLAN The Strategy has received wide not working from April through to the The preparations for the forthcoming support from a range of external gradual return to work (three days per Ulster GAA Strategic Plan – one which agencies and is reflective of not only week) in October. Albeit a reduced has lasted some 18 months – edged the administration and governance of number of hours, this was welcomed towards a conclusion last month our Association, but the wider aspects as a step forward, given that no when the draft final document was of coaching and games, language and activity had taken place in the north presented to the full Ulster Council. culture, health and wellness and our during this six-month period. The plan is currently being finalised civic engagement. Through the work Cúl Camps were not delivered in five and it is hoped to launch it in the that we do, Ulster GAA will continue of our nine counties as coaching coming weeks. to impact on communities, schools had ceased due to many staff being and wider society and this strategic furloughed. Derry were able to offer I wish to thank Professor David document will provide key direction a small number of camps and in Hassan for Chairing the Strategic for our on-going journey over the next Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan the Planning Committee, the members of three years. Cúl Camps proceeded but on a much- this committee and the members and reduced basis. Having any camps Chairs’ of the support workgroups for INFRASTRUCTURE at all was, however, an achievement their persistence and hard work. This Ulster GAA, like in many other areas in itself given the difficulties we all document is designed for delivery of our activity for 2020 was adversely faced in 2020. In the ‘Three Counties’ over three years and was informed affected in working with our County there were also challenges arising through a wide consultative process. Committees and Clubs in bringing from the Irish Government’s Wage ‘Sustaining Clubs and Building forward development projects during Subsidy Scheme which supported Capacity’ is appropriate strapline, the year. For a period at the start working staff, though with reduced given the times that we have of the pandemic physical works salaries, and this resulted in a number experienced and are likely to continue actually ceased at sites but thankfully of employees leaving their posts to to experience in the foreseeable that turned out to be a temporary seek alternative work. future. The four key themes that have measure. Unfortunately, the financial

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impact from COVID-19 has not been so will assist our ongoing compliance communities in the North and provide temporary and as a result the ability in health and safety and we will a catalyst for the further promotion of Central Council and ourselves to continue to ensure the Association of Gaelic Games in Belfast. Casement support projects has meant that we benefits now and in to the future from Park, which first opened in 1953, is have not been in a position to make this grant support. the home of Antrim GAA and Ulster awards via our Parks and Safety GAA and we are determined to see Committee in 2020. We hope that CASEMENT PARK PROJECT the venue transformed to become the we will be able to re-instate such In last year’s report detailing progress iconic stadium for the GAA in Ulster support measures in due course but (or a lack of it as some might say), for future generations. on current projections we are likely to I set out the critical importance, have further significant restrictions as I saw it, for the return of the NI Tom Daly has been involved on our financial capabilities in 2021, Executive for the prospects for the as Chairman of this stadium 2022 and possibly beyond. project going forward. Within days development project from the very of the restoration of devolution in beginning and his commitment Stephen McGeehan, our Provincial the North and the appointment has been absolute during the past representative on the National of Departmental Ministers’, the ten years. I now look forward to Infrastructure and Health & Safety Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey 2021 being the year when Tom and Committee has continued to work and Finance Minister Conor Murphy fellow Board members may have the with those units that had secured visited the site in a demonstration opportunity to see real progress finance prior to the pandemic of their unequivocal support for the on site. and it has been very encouraging project. This was a much-needed to progress most especially on boost and it got us off to a great start I thank our Stadium Project Team the Corrigan Park Project and St. for the year. members. Rory Miskelly, Stephen Tiernach’s Park, Clones which both McGeehan and Tim Harkin have have proceeded during the year on Without planning, however, as our worked intensively on getting the the stadia front. I sincerely hope that Project Board Chairman Tom Daly planning decision across the line in before long, we will see spectators has said for many years’, there is no 2020 and Brian Mallon and Geraldine return to these venues and others project. That remained the case until McKavanagh have left no stone as crowds return to sporting events mid-October when Infrastructure unturned in continuing to ensure as the mass distribution of vaccine Minister Nichola Mallon announced the highest standards in finance and proceeds on the Island. to our delight that she would be administration, which is critical to the Progress also continues to be made recommending a notice of approval governance of the operation of both to made at Centre for Excellence for the project. On 18th November the Project Board and the Steering projects at various stages including that Notice was issued, all of 1,359 Group. The pace has stepped up on Armagh, Cavan, Down and days after the planning application critical project workstreams that Fermanagh. had been submitted. will develop the project to a state of readiness in the early part of 2021. We were also able to proceed with This was a result that lifted the spirits Thanks to Paul McGurk, the Ulster the Sport NI funded minor health and of all Ulster Gaels as for the second GAA Communications Team and the safety improvements delivering CCTV time we have secured the support of support provided by Aiken PR for the and PA improvements at a number Government Ministers’ and planning Casement Park Project. of designated venues in the North as officials for our new fit for purpose referenced in last year’s report and I provincial stadium in Ireland’s second Antrim GAA Ciarán McCavana want to thank Liam Nelis, our Project city, Belfast. I thank them for the time (Chairperson) and Frankie Quinn Officer who assisted Counties and they devoted to the application. (Secretary) continue to represent the Clubs to maximise this opportunity. For over a decade Ulster GAA has County at all levels of the project on At the time of writing, new been striving to develop a Provincial our Board and Steering Group and opportunities for project funding in Stadium for the Association in they carry the hopes and support the region of £15,000 have emerged Ulster, which will be recognised as a of the entire county, its clubs and for 2020/21 and 2021/22 which symbol of the GAA’s contribution to members that we will see Antrim

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teams back in Casement Park in the thank Carál Ní Chuilín for her period but also looked deeper at social not-too-distant future. as Interim Minister and in Gaelic issues such as culture and disability. Games terms she was certainly It has provided us with a source Thanks to all our Project Board and an ‘impact sub’ providing energy, of information which has not only Project Steering Group members encouragement and support for us in helped to inform our forthcoming who contribute to our work and the past few months. Strategic Plan but some of the middle thanks to Ard Stiurthoir Tom Ryan Thank you Cárál. to long-term issues that we need and Uachtarán John Horan for their to address as an Association. It ongoing support for the project. Let’s hope that 2021 is going to be the showed the GAA in the province on year we see real progress being made a firm footing but also identified key We record our appreciation to the and we look forward to reporting areas which need more attention, Department for Communities (DfC) further progress during the year! particularly with regard to the overall and their colleagues in Central support base and volunteer capacity Procurement Directorate (CPD) for CLUB AUDIT in some of our smaller units. their ongoing support and funding for In the early part of the year Ulster What was particularly encouraging the Casement Park Project. GAA, with the support of Gaelfast was that we had some 95 per cent and Sheffield Hallam University, of our clubs engaging with the As I write this report, I am delighted conducted the most comprehensive process and 345 clubs (93 per cent) to receive the news that Deirdre audit of our clubs in our 117-year making a full online submission. Hargey has returned to her Ministerial history. The audit not only questioned This would not have been possible role after a period of illness. I trust clubs on key aspects of club life without the support of both Ulster she will return to full health and I including participation, games, GAA staff and the staff in counties for wish her well for 2021. I also wish to volunteering, facilities and finances the technical and practical support

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which he translated into a very ‘easy to understand’ report, and Dr Paul Donnelly for his help in the design and roll-out of the audit. I thank also Dr Eugene Young and Diarmaid Marsden for the ‘hands-on’ roll they played at provincial level in driving forward the process.

In the latter part of 2019 and the early part of 2020 Ulster GAA, at the behest of Sport NI, subjected ourselves to an external audit of our Elite Development System under the auspices of the model known as SPLISS (Sport Policy Factors Leading to International Sporting Success). Given that GAA teams don’t compete on the international stage some of the nine assessment pillars were not totally relevant to our situation but the thorough overview and analysis of our affairs found many strengths, particularly in relation to participation, governance, talent identification and player support. The areas identified as needing specific development were largely in the context of the GAA not being on the Olympic pathway and not having a meaningful international outlet. It was a thorough exercise and one which will benefit Ulster GAA, particularly when it benchmarks itself against other sporting organisations.

SAFEGUARDING 2020 has challenged everyone in which they gave to clubs during our on-going dealings with both the many ways and this was no different the process. As well as providing a voluntary and public sectors, as well to the area of Safeguarding. The wealth of key data to Ulster GAA, the as with our own units. global pandemic caused upheaval in survey has also provided counties all aspects of our daily lives including with key information specific to their I wish to place on record my sincere our roles as volunteers in our clubs. own clubs and this will undoubtedly gratitude to the clubs and counties With our usual GAA games and prove to be a valuable portal of of Ulster for their ‘buy-in’ to this activities temporarily suspended information when it comes to their process and the aforementioned during ‘lockdown’ it was inevitable own forward planning. All told, it is staff without whose help we would that greater emphasis would be an exercise that we can be proud not have achieved such high-level placed on the use of online platforms of and one which provides us with returns. I thank also Dr Dave Barrett to ensure the safety of our members. concrete evidence to support us in for his interrogation of the data,

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Safeguarding courses were moved to our youth, elderly and vulnerable is The aims of the Programme are as a secure online interactive platform important to us and we must strive to follows; to allow our volunteers to be trained continue this in everything we do. as required and ready for when club • Provide guidance and resources activity resumed. The Safeguarding GREEN CLUB PROGRAMME to clubs to support sustainable Team at Ulster GAA work tirelessly The Green Club Programme is a development to ensure all vetting applications partnership between the GAA, LGFA, • Reduce costs associated with are processed in a timely manner as Camogie Association and the local energy, water, waste and transport these two components are essential government sector. It is an all- management for anyone working with children in island based project with additional • Improve opportunities for the Association. I thank Bernie Fox, involvement in the north from DAREA, increasing biodiversity in GAA Shane McCann and Conn Stevenson Sustainable NI, the Northern Ireland grounds for their commitment and dedication Environment Agency and Derry City & • Support access to relevant grants to this vital area of work and I also Strabane District Council. and funding sources thank Ulster Safeguarding Committee Chair Anne Fortune and her There are five thematic areas namely; Sustainability and a cleaner operating committee members for their efforts. Energy, Water, Waste, Biodiversity environment will become increasingly I take this opportunity to and Travel & Transport and an expert familiar in GAA parlance in the acknowledge the hard work, partner has been identified for each coming years. We are a community dedication and time committed by theme. Some 45 clubs throughout based organisation and protection our Club and County Chairpersons/ Ireland are participating in the first of our environment needs to play Designated Liaison Persons’ (DLP), phase of the Green Club Programme, a greater role in our thinking as an Secretaries and Children’s Officers in and within the province there is a Association. This is a positive start relation to all safeguarding matters. specific North West Cross Border Hub and I trust that it will be an initiative I thank them for their continued incorporating five clubs from two that all our clubs will be able to commitment. jurisdictions - Derry City and Strabane embrace and champion in due course. and Donegal County Council areas. In In the meantime we can all do our bit It is imperative that Club and County addition, there are a further five Ulster - COVID-19 has effectively banished Chairpersons’ and Children’s Officers clubs from different council areas the use of single use plastic bottles continue to implement best practice participating in the pilot. from our sidelines. The next step is procedures to ensure we create and for us to work to a position where maintain a safe environment for all activities and indeed remain fully compliant with legal requirements. The role of the DLP is vital within all of our clubs and Counties and we encourage all those appointed to complete the Safeguarding Three workshop tailored to support those fulfilling the DLP role and overseeing safeguarding measures.

Remote coaching, virtual class rooms, protective bubbles, shielding, isolating, sanitising, face coverings to name but a few, have been to the forefront of daily discussions. It is clear from the collective effort within our communities that safeguarding

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every member of every team panel WOMEN’S AID WHITE RIBBON delivering modules to participants has their own personal water bottle. CAMPAIGN from Belfast and Carrickfergus. Surely, it can’t be too difficult! Ulster GAA are one of the latest organisations to lend support to the CLUB MAITH CLUB AND COMMUNITY White Ribbon Campaign. This campaign Club Maith continues to be the DEVELOPMENT is a global movement to end male recognised brand for club excellence The Club and Community violence against women. The White among GAA clubs in Ulster. With Development Department is Ribbon campaign aims to create a no activity on the field during responsible for Club and Volunteer society where all women can live in the initial lockdown, a number support, Irish Language and safety, free from violence and abuse. of clubs were able to achieve Culture, Health and Wellbeing of our success off the field with Club Maith members, and Community Outreach. Ulster GAA has teamed-up with accreditation. 11 clubs in total have The Department plays a role in Women’s Aid ABCLN to sign the been awarded in 2020; Thomas Davis public affairs and contributes to White Ribbon Charter which makes Corrinshego, Peadar O’Doirnin’s relevant engagements with public a personal pledge to never commit, Forkhill (Armagh), Killygarry (Cavan), representatives and external condone or remain silent about Henry Joy McCracken’s, Moneymore agencies and organisations. The violence against women. (Derry), Milford, Burt (Donegal), Club and Community Development Loughinisland (Down), Devenish Department is a point of contact The partnership was formally St Mary’s (Fermanagh), Clonoe for all clubs to receive guidance launched during Women’s Aid ‘16 days O’Rahilly’s, Dungannon Clarke’s and on club matters and volunteer of Action’ which is an international Stewartstown Harps (Tyrone). development. The Department deals campaign of activism against gender- A Club Maith Twinning Award was with queries directly or can signpost based violence and ran from 25th introduced in May for clubs in to professional bodies as necessary. November until 10th December Britain; to date Glasgow Gaels, Cean The impact of COVID-19 has affected Creige (Scotland) and St Jude’s the normal delivery of work across FRESH START THROUGH SPORT (Gloucestershire) have registered and all areas but in conjunction with This initiative is funded by are completing the process. the funders, staff have been able to Department for Communities in An online webinar ‘The Club Maith adapt and find alternative methods association with the Department Pathway’ was held in June to highlight of delivery. I thank all the staff in of Justice. It is a diversionary the accreditation process as well as the Department, led by Diarmaid programme where Ulster GAA, providing support and guidance to Marsden, for their diligence and Ulster Rugby, Irish FA and Belfast those already engaged. hard work in particularly difficult Giants work in partnership to deliver circumstances. workshops and practical sporting CLUB AND COUNTY PLANNING and volunteer experiences to young With club efforts focused on people from areas of high social supporting their communities and deprivation. Ulster GAA are currently returning to play, The Club Planning

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Programme was paused during Award of Excellence for 200 hours attended the Level 1: Club Officer lockdown. The process was restarted volunteering. Development Programme, with 102 again in October with clubs utilising clubs represented from across the online meetings and online surveys GAISCE /JOINT AWARD / province’s nine counties. to consult with their members to DUKE OF EDINBURGH help inform their future plans. The Ulster GAA have had their license DFC PROGRAMME National Club and County Committee extended to deliver the Joint Award; “Sport - A Home for Lifelong have produced a County Planning offering our young volunteers the Volunteering” continues to be the Guide and Toolkit to help support opportunity to achieve Bronze, primary programme through which counties develop their own strategy. Silver, Gold in either Gaisce – the club and volunteer development is A number of Ulster counties’ strategic President’s Award, Duke of Edinburgh delivered through Ulster GAA. This plans have now expired and it is or Duke of Edinburgh International programme is jointly delivered with hoped that they engage with the Award; through the Joint Award the Irish FA and Ulster Rugby, and committee in 2021 for guidance in the Initiative. Young volunteers from our is funded by the Department for process. Ulster GAA also continues to pilot programme continue to work Communities. There are a number of work closely with the National Officer towards their award. To date 11 young Ulster GAA specific initiatives as well Development Committee (NODC) people have completed each of the as Joint initiatives. chaired by Paddy Flood (Monaghan). volunteering, skills development and This close link has enabled the Ulster physical fitness sections. • Volunteer Charter: Ulster GAA clubs GAA Volunteer Development Pathway Plans are being put in place to continue to sign up to the multi- and National Club Leadership open this award out to our clubs sport volunteer charter Development Programme to work and a number of clubs have already • Inclusion Charter: Ulster GAA clubs alongside each other ensuring a confirmed interest for 2021. continue to sign up to the multi- more joined up process rather than sport inclusion charter duplication of events across the VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT Province. PATHWAY A Multisport Youth Forum took place Ulster GAA has an established prior to the Tyrone vs Dublin NFL GOLDMARK Volunteer Development Pathway match at Healy Park in February. An Ulster GAA is a delivery partner for which includes three key steps: online Multisport Youth Forum took the Millennium Volunteers GoldMark Club Officer Induction, Club Officer place in July 2020. Young volunteers Programme, which promotes and Development Programme and the from the three sports explored key encourages young people aged Elevate Club Leadership Award. issues facing volunteer in sport. 14-24 years old to volunteer in The Club Officer Induction is Multi-Sport Volunteer Forum: A forum sport. Ulster GAA works with clubs role specific training for all new took place in Kingspan Stadium to manage this programme though club officers across Ulster for focusing on funding, marketing and club co-ordinators. In 2020, a further Chairpersons, Secretaries, Treasurers, volunteering. An online forum took 111 young people registered for the PROs, Development Officers, place in April discussing the various GoldMark Programme. This means Children’s Officers, Coaching Officers, funding supports available to clubs over 2000 young people are currently Cultural Officers. In 2020, Ulster Lifelong Learning Volunteer volunteering in their club and working GAA ran this induction programme Workshops: Club Planning, Club towards GoldMark accreditation for in association with National GAA Fundraising and Club Funding their efforts. to complement the National Club Webinars took place in October, Leadership Development Programme. November and December Despite the difficulties that this year 327 Club officers participated in this brought, 100 young people achieved induction across 147 Clubs. HEALTH & WELLBEING awards in 2020 for their volunteering The Club Officer Development 2020 has been a difficult year efforts, 46 achieved 50 hours, 32 Programme delivered training for for everyone given the COVID-19 achieved 100 hours and 22 young club officers across priority issues pandemic. As a result of lockdown club members were awarded the facing clubs. In total 217 club officers and cessation of GAA activities for

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long periods of the year some staff 77 clubs involved, including one which enables work in the area of were put on Furlough leave, including overseas unit, Montreal Shamrocks. health improvement and emotional the Community & Health Manager, The Ulster Orientation Forum for new wellbeing. The programme continues from 1st May, returning to working and existing clubs was held online to be built around the ‘Take 5 Steps part-time from August onwards. Many in November 2020. Despite COVID-19 to Wellbeing’ campaign. Thankfully, of the usual health and wellbeing restrictions many clubs are making the PHA were appreciative of the activities were overtaken by COVID-19 great strides with their HCP activities. need to be flexible this year, while activities and many of the health and acknowledging the growing role the wellbeing activities planned for 2020 CHARITY PARTNER GAA played in supporting people’s could not take place. Ulster GAA has supported Prostate wellbeing throughout the pandemic. Cancer Research through Queens Ulster GAA’s Health & Wellbeing University Belfast, and the Patrick G A portion of the budget went Committee which normally meets Johnston Centre for Cancer Research. towards development of the Ulster quarterly, met twice via Microsoft Many of the plans that had been GAA COVID-19 Microsite, which was Teams in 2020. The Committee worked on prior to COVID-19 were extremely effective in supporting continues to provide an essential scuppered with the lockdown. clubs and members throughout the function in enabling counties to However, a Just Giving page has ‘lockdown’, particularly in relation report back on activities ongoing, been set-up for 2020, and the to relaying important public health and any issues encountered. Ulster partnership promoted through-out messages. This funding also enabled and National Health & Wellbeing the Ulster Championship. The “Show Ulster GAA to work with ‘Inspire’ updates are provided. Although Your Colours” fundraising initiative to create an online mental health only having met twice in 2020 the from the Ulster SFC Final was set- awareness campaign throughout the meetings served as a valuable up to support the partnership and winter of 2020-2021. The campaign platform to take stock of COVID-19 certainly added a bit of ‘colour’ to an was aimed specifically at volunteers related issues, while also providing a Ulster Final that was played with no who have been engaged in the support network for County Health & spectators present. COVID-19 Community Response, and Wellbeing Committee Chairpersons in safe return to GAA activity throughout a difficult year. IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH the summer. The programme took WITH PHA AND OTHER cognisance of the fact that many of HEALTHY CLUB PROGRAMME PARTNERS our volunteers had worked extremely 2020 witnessed the beginning of the I welcome the financial support hard in what has been a difficult and Phase 4 of the HCP with Ulster having from the Public Health Agency (PHA) stressful year.

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A series of short online awareness injuries. 2021 will see more milestones thanks to all those who continue to workshops were also made available being reached in this regard. provide support. to staff for three weeks in the lead-up to World Mental Health Day which Ulster GAA has also been engaging COMMUNITY OUTREACH took place on 10th October. They with Omagh GP Dr. Eugene Haigney in Ulster GAA has been involved in included information on looking relation to a ‘Hands Down’ initiative numerous outreach events and after our own mental health during which he has developed after his activities over the last 12 months. COVID-19, active listening skills, and son Daniel sustained a serious facial These have included a lecture on suicide awareness. Action Mental injury as the result of an ‘off-the- Sport Uniting Communities as part Health delivered a free Mindset ball’ incident in a club game in July. of the Croke Park Museum summer workshop to staff on 23rd October His presentation, which easily sits programme. This coincided with 2020. alongside the ‘One Punch Campaign’ - the launch of the Bloody Sunday and could potentially be incorporated commemorations. A presentation LIVE TO PLAY as part of it – illustrates the physical, was also delivered at the T-BUC A ‘Live To Play’ social media campaign emotional and financial cost of such engagement forum in February as was promoted in November 2020. injuries. In particular it emphasises the well as representation at T-BUC’s Important road safety messages impact of strikes which happen ‘off- online conference as part of Good were relayed by our nine county the-ball’ which can have devastating Relations Week in September. Ambassadors in the week leading consequences, given that the victim is Community outreach work is primarily up to the Ulster SFC Final which unprepared for such an action. delivered as part of our ‘Sport Uniting corresponded with Road Safety Week Communities’, Peace IV programme. 2020. I appreciate the involvement Daniel’s case is one of a small number This is a joint project between Ulster of our ‘Live To Play’ Ambassadors; which have prompted a potential rule GAA, Ulster Rugby & the IFA and is Neil McManus (Antrim), Niall change which will come before the funded through European Regional Grimley (Armagh), Killian Clarke GAA Congress. Development Funding from SEUPB. (Cavan), Chrissy McKaigue (Derry), The programme is designed to Jamie Brennan (Donegal), Darren CRITICAL INCIDENT RESPONSE support peace and reconciliation O’Hagan (Down), James McMahon PLANS (CIRP) within the nine counties of Ulster, (Fermanagh), Conor McManus This programme continues to be with a clear cross community and (Monaghan) and Neamh Woods promoted to clubs and counties. cross border focus. This year many (Tyrone). Unfortunately, 2020 has seen activities have had to be cancelled significant number of critical due to COVID-19 restrictions but staff ONE PUNCH CAMPAIGN / USE incidents which have affected our have discovered alternative methods YOUR BRAIN NOT YOUR FISTS clubs and counties. Thankfully of delivering some of the targets as (UYBNYF) many of our units affected had set out. ‘Use Your Brain Not Your Fists’ was their CIRP in place and were best delivered to members of CLG An placed to deal with the serious and The Cúchulainn Initiative aims to Tearmainn in October 2020 via extraordinary position in which they afford young people from different Microsoft Teams, with help from An found themselves. A special word backgrounds the opportunity to Garda Síochana and Leitrim County of mention must go to our County engage with one another and to Council. Although completed, it has HWC members who played a vital educate people not traditionally raised reservations about the suitability supporting role to our members involved with the GAA more about the of delivering hard-hitting messages who experienced extremely difficult Association. through an online medium. situations. It cannot be emphasised enough the importance of clubs, The programme had commenced There has been progress made counties and Ulster GAA in having in February with Getting to Know in evaluation the ‘One Punch’ their CIRP in place. My sympathy goes the GAA presentations delivered to presentation to include more focus out to all those affected by critical participating schools which helped to on pitch violence and facial and head incidents this year, and my heartfelt promote greater understanding and

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respect for other cultures, a key aim Halves events delivered in 2020 as involved the creation of youth forums of the Cúchulainn Initiative. part of the ‘Peace IV Sport Uniting where participants engaged in A number of taster sessions had been Communities’ programme involving training in volunteering and personal provided in Football and Hurling almost 413 participants. development, gaining a Level 1 before the programme was halted in Qualification in Sports Leadership. March with the COVID-19 pandemic. CSDO’s from Ulster GAA, Ulster Rugby Taking part in the boys’ section for and The Irish Football Association GETTING TO KNOW THE GAA the first time were Bangor along work together to deliver ‘values- ‘Getting to Know the GAA’ is a single with Cavan, Limavady and Lisburn. based’ coaching at our ‘Have a Go’ led activity ran by Ulster GAA’s three In the girls’ section Cave Hill, Antrim events. These events are based in Community Sport Development and Limavady were involved for the areas where opportunities to take Officers. Groups from various first time, alongside the returning part in certain sports are minimal, communities and backgrounds Ballymoney. and it also provides an opportunity receive a presentation and are for participants to engage with involved in discussion about the JOINT INITIATIVES others from a different community history of Ulster GAA, its methods Club ‘Sport for Peace’ days are or religious background. In 2020, 195 and its work within the community. activity-based events that are ran people took part in ‘Have a Go’ days. Feedback from these events has as joint projects between the three The Volunteer Development been very positive, with many organisations. These allow children Programme involves a series of five highlighting that they were unaware and young adults from various workshops, which are attended by of the work done by the GAA outside backgrounds to come together volunteers from each sport to discuss of sport within the local community. through sports participation. important aspects of their clubs 220 Participants took part in this including the definition of different deliverable during 2020. Participating clubs host the event and roles and responsibilities within in turn promote their commitment to clubs, volunteer recruitment and IRISH LANUGAGE & CULTURAL becoming an open and welcoming retention, succession planning and DEVELOPMENT organisation to all. Due to the becoming an inclusive club. Due to This provincial committee is headed imposed restrictions many Sport the pandemic, only one workshop by Cathaoirleach Jarlath Burns and is for Peace days had to be cancelled was completed in person however compiled of Oifigigh Cultúrtha from in 2020. However, there were four workshops were then completed each county. The coiste supports and events that successfully went ahead online with 65 participants from 39 promotes the initiatives of Oifigeach throughout the province within the clubs taking part. Gaeilge na Comhairle, the provincial project and engaged around 166 Irish Language Officer, and is a vital young people. The Youth Leadership Programme link in the communication process

The Game of Three Halves events are joint events involving coaching sessions from each of the three sporting bodies. This allows participants to try sports they may not have tried before whilst also working and learning with people from different communities and backgrounds. The events promote the learning of skills as well as games- based scenarios whilst promoting team work and other attributes that are important for all three sports. There were seven Game of Three

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of promoting Gaeilge agus cultúr I ndiaidh dúinn scéim phíolótach a throughout the GAA in Ulster. bheith againn in Uladh, beidh fáilte An early campaign in 2020 saw a roimh iomlán na gclubanna sa tír ‘Foghlaim Gaeilge’ / ‘Learn Irish’ Tá baill an choiste seo ag croílár na úsáid a bhaint as an acmhainn. playlist, with young CLG members Gaeilge in Uladh agus iad mar ghuth from across the province reciting na Gaeilge ina gcontaetha féin. AN GHAEILGE LE FEICEÁIL / useful phrases each week, uploaded Déantar gach iarracht tionscadail VISIBILITY OF IRISH to CLG Uladh social media platforms. agus feachtais na Gaeilge a chumadh Irish is visible in all programmes CLG Uladh staff also seized the sa choiste seo agus a chur chun cinn throughout the year, with particular opportunity to learn Gaeilge online ó cheann ceann na bliana. effort to ensure the Ulster Final during the summer of 2020, and over programme 2020 employed a 70 students across the province ACMHAINN TEAGAISC / bilingual format. Tá an Ghaeilge le availed of an online classroom TEACHING RESOURCE feiceáil sna cláir le linn na mbliana, directed at both GCSE/Junior Cert Rinneadh iniúchadh ar chlubanna agus foirm dátheangach curtha i and A Level / Leaving Cert student in Uladh in 2019, agus as sin a d’eascair bhfeidhm don chraobhchomórtas the autumn. The winter of 2020 saw an Plean Teagaisc. Tá CLG Uladh agus in 2020. a school profile campaign focused Foras na Gaeilge ag obair le hOllscoil on the link between Gaeilge and Uladh ar an tionscadal seo, agus is é Ulster GAA has a ’Gaeilge agus GAA games in our Ulster schools, an aidhm atá againn ná go gcuirfear Cultúr’ microsite, and this is available particularly those of the acmhainn ar fáil a bheas ina chuidiú bilingually, as well as the Irish that is Irish-medium. dár n-oibrithe deonacha a bhíonn ag seen across the Ulster GAA website. teagasc na Gaeilge ag leibhéal an Tá suíomh CLG Uladh dátheangach LÍONRÚ POBAIL / COMMUNITY chlub, agus go mbeidh deis ag gach ar shuíomh na Gaeilge ar líne, agus NETWORKING club sa Chúige ardchaighdeán teanga tá Gaeilge chruinn le léamh áiteanna An important part of promoting a chur ar fáil. eile ar shuíomh na Comhairle. Irish is ensuring that we, as an Ulster GAA ensures that Gaeilge organisation, interact with and As a need for assistance with the is used on all our social media support community-based Irish teaching of Gaeilge at club level was platforms, as well as the voice of language groups. Ulster GAA identified by our clubs in 2019, in April Ulster GAA to be heard through the has created links with Glór na 2020, Ulster GAA and Foras na Gaeilge medium of Irish on all topics on Irish nGael as they continue to provide partnered with Ulster University media and radio. Tá Gaeilge le feiceáil their outstanding Joe McDonagh to develop a teaching plan with ar na meáin shóisialta de chuid CLG Foundation service, a project that resources for Ulster clubs to both Uladh, agus cloistear Gaeilge ó CLG successfully guides GAA clubs alleviate pressure on club volunteers Uladh sna meáin trí mheán na Gaeilge through a process of language teaching Irish classes, and to ensure ar ábhair éagsúla. acquisition and promotion in order a high standard of Irish is available to to achieve a high standard of Irish clubs across the province. FEACHTAIS AGUS OIDEACHAS within their club. Ulster GAA’s AR LÍNE / CAMPAIGNS AND Oifigeach Gaeilge works closely with The teaching resource is compiled of EDUCATION ONLINE Glór na nGael as an assessor for modules, each module has 12 weeks’ During the COVID-19 outbreak, CLG clubs going through the Foundation worth of lessons with informative Uladh made every effort to provide process, and assessed a high notes for both student and teacher, learning opportunities online, and to standard of clubs in 2020 across all as well as support audio material. remain creative in the promotion and four provinces. We have also forged Module one has been developed by use of Gaeilge at a time when it was links with Irish Language media a team from Ulster University, Ulster not possible to gather our members. outlets, such as BBC Gaeilge and GAA and contributing clubs, and Rinneadh gach iarracht le linn na Raidió na Gaeltachta. Ulster GAA has module two, a GAA focused lesson paindéime an Ghaeilge a chur ar fáil formed a strong partnership with plan, created by Ulster University ar líne agus deiseanna foghlama a funders Foras na Gaeilge and all their students as part of their studies. chruthú dár mball. umbrella organisations. Ulster GAA

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will continue to connect and work Digital media played an even greater to provide live streamed coverage with the Irish language community role in delivering communications of the delayed Electric Ireland Ulster both in and out of the GAA family and and news sources during the Minor Football Championship games encourage such organisations to pandemic and it is appropriate that and we were very pleased that our contact us to strengthen these links. enhancing our capabilities in this partnership with Páirc TV allowed us to field is a key focus area for our new deliver this successfully for all of the SEACHTAIN NA GAEILGE 2020 Strategic Plan for the next three selected games. Bhí CLG Uladh rannpháirteach in years. The various online platforms Seachtain na Gaeilge 2020. This year allowed our communities to keep In the modern communications saw the ‘Club Spotlight’ campaign, connected at the height of the environment, it is imperative to focused on the efforts of Ulster clubs ‘lockdown’ and it also allowed the have a strong team of suppliers to to promote Gaeilge between 1-17ú great work of our clubs on the ground help deliver the objectives of Ulster Márta. Each day saw a new club to be showcased around the province GAA and I thank all those who have video uploaded to our social media and beyond. The past year has again supported us during the year. Kaizen sites, showing clubs training sessions witnessed an increase in our digital Brand Evolution, our new design and youth clubs being held through media output and the number of agency have been very easy to the medium of Irish, as well as our followers continues to grow - Ulster work with since their appointment Gaeilge sa Chlub recipients at their GAA now has over 81k followers at the end of 2019 and will be of Ulster GAA workshop. on Twitter, over 52k followers on great benefit as we move through Facebook and over 21k followers on communications aspects of the new CLG Uladh encouraged all clubs Instagram. With the power of digital Strategic Plan. I also acknowledge to promote Gaeilge throughout media literally at our fingertips, it the important services of Celebration Seachtain na Gaeilge, and provided is essential that all our members Events (Videography), John Merry recommendations on our website take responsibility when using these (Photography) and Graeme Campbell with the haischlib #SnaG20 agus platforms to not do anything online (Telecoms). #GAAGaeilge, in order to follow the that might tarnish the GAA’s image efforts of Ulster clubs in the and reputation or bring the GAA Our Corporate Partners span a wide 2020 campaign. into disrepute. range of industries and they too have felt the impact on the pandemic COMMUNICATIONS & Live streaming of games by our on their business and normal ways MARKETING units reached unparalleled levels of working so I thank them all for Whilst we always strive for more and as a result of so many fixtures being their continued commitment and improved media coverage, I would ‘behind closed doors’ during the understanding through the last like to acknowledge the valuable year and indeed the opportunity to twelve months, when a lot of plans contributions of those broadcast, see their teams back in action was could not be realised for various print and digital media personnel widely welcomed by many Gaels reasons. 2020 saw our current who have continued to attend and across the country. The temporary agreement with Bank of Ireland reach promote our games and events during relaxing of central GAA broadcast its conclusion and whilst the Dr. the challenging times of 2020. We agreements to allow for the increase McKenna Cup could unfortunately not have had to adapt to the changing in this coverage must be applauded, form part of a new proposal, I look requirements ourselves via online despite another two years left to run, forward to retaining a long-standing media launch events and effectively until 2022. Some clubs and counties relationship with them in other ways. moving press facilities into the stand unfortunately found that delivery at games but we believe that this has of live coverage can be a difficult I wish to place on record a special worked highly effectively and safely to achieve with many stumbling thanks to O’Neill’s International for all. I thank Michael McGoldrick in blocks along the path but, to their Sportswear with whom we’ve had a particular for his work in providing credit, their knowledge base and long a special relationship. When excellent temporary media facilities internal abilities have now been well GAA and other sports activity came at venues across the province for the enhanced for future endeavours. to an abrupt halt in the spring they Ulster Senior Football Championship. Ulster GAA also made a commitment

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turned their attention immediately to There was recognition for Ulster at Joseph’s, Ballycran (Down) winning the manufacture of PPE equipment the annual GAA Presidents’ Awards the ‘Best Club Website’ Category with for healthcare workers. They did a in February with the renowned the judging panel in their citation great service to the wider community. McGovern family from Burren being stating that it was “informative and I thank them for their sterling service honoured with the Dermot Earley engaging, clearly laid out and simple and for their continued backing to Family Award. Three generations of to navigate.” Eglish Clubman and Ulster GAA. the family have represented Burren, former Ulster GAA employee Donal Down and Ulster on the playing McAnallen secured the ‘Best GAA With the support of PRO Declan fields and there was widespread Publication Award’ for his fascinating Woods, the PR & Marketing team acclaim for such worthy recipients. book “Forgotten Gaelic Volunteers.” led by Paul McGurk have risen to James McElhatton has given over The publication, which was a true the challenge. New methods of half a century of service to the labour of love for Donal, tells the working have been explored and new St. Colmcille’s, Carrickmore club previously untold story of GAA partnerships have been developed. as a player, coach, referee and members from Ulster who fought in These are exciting times digitally administrator, although he is probably World War One and, as the winning and I thank the entire team for their best known as the groundman at St. citation states, is ‘a worthy addition efforts. Colmcille’s Park. A number of years to the history of the Association.’ ago James was honoured by being For those members with an interest BREXIT elected Club President and this award in history it is well worth reading. In recent Reports to the Ulster is due recognition on a national level. There was a third success for Ulster Convention I highlighted my concerns There was further success for Ulster when Ballyshannon native and about the Brexit decision and with Maggie Skelton from Aghyaran ‘Irish Times’ journalist Keith Duggan particular the potential ramifications collecting the Ladies Award while picked up the ‘National Media Award’ of a ‘No-Deal’ Brexit. While it is a Con Ó Dónall from Bun an Phobail for his brilliantly crafted feature on positive development that this has in Moville was a popular recipient the winning Antrim All-Ireland U-21 been averted we still don’t know the of the Gradaim Gaeilge Award. Football campaign of 1969 and the full ramifications of Brexit and what Congratulations to all. subsequent life journey of those who it will men for all on the island of featured in that famous success. Ireland. We can only but hope that The annual McNamee Awards All-Ireland Club Football finalists the impact will be minimal but only recognise excellence in Kilcoo were rewarded with four AIB time will tell. communication and the 2019 winners GAA Club Player Awards with the were announced in April 2020. There Branagan brothers Darryl and Aaron, CONGRATULATIONS was success for Ulster with the St. Paul Devlin and Conor Laverty being Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic there was no All-Ireland (or indeed) provincial Scór Sinsir Finals held in 2020 but the Scór na nÓg All- Ireland finals were able to go ahead on 1 February in Killarney. There was double success for Donegal and the town of Letterkenny with Siofra Ní Airmhí from the St. Eunan’s Club winning the Recitation and Letterkenny Gaels taking the honours in the Novelty Act. The great tradition of quizzing in the Cornafean (Cavan) Club was maintained with success in Tráth na gCeist.

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the successful recipients and the end of October our Ulster Camogie brother of Armagh Central Council Slaughtneil duo of Chrissy McKaigue colleague Julie O’Neill said farewell delegate and GAA Management and Brendan Rogers being honoured to her father Joe. As I conclude my Committee member Paul Duggan. with the hurling equivalent. Indeed, report, we also learn of the sad news Two of our regular gatemen Sean Chrissy made history by becoming on the morning of 4th January 2021 McCullough and Sean Devlin lost their the first player to receive Club Player of the death of Amy Mallon, beloved wives Eilish and Colette in April and Awards in both hurling and football, mother of our Head of Finance Brian, September respectively. having won a football award in 2018. after a short illness. The year began with the death of In our sister codes there was In January Ulster Scór Chairperson former Deputy First Minister Seamus tremendous success for Ulster Paula Magee said farewell to her Mallon. Seamus was a political counties with Down winning the father Pat Pyers. Former Council heavyweight who constantly All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie member Ed Byrne sadly lost his championed the cause of peace title, Armagh winning the All-Ireland daughter Karen, while Brendan Casey, and he did so much to promoted a Premier Junior Camogie title and the also a recent Council member, said shared society, famously calling the Cavan camogs winning the Nancy farewell to his mother. Tyrone County Good Friday Agreement “Sunningdale Murray Cup. In Ladies Football Secretary Dominic McCaughey and for slow learners.” A lifelong GAA Fermanagh were crowned All-Ireland County Chair Michael Kerr lost their supporter Seamus won a MacRory Junior champions. fathers’ on consecutive days in mid- Cup medal with the Abbey CBS, Newry May. Tyrone delegate Benny Hurl said in 1954 and was President of his local OBITUARIES farewell to his sister Mary in early Mullabrack GAA Club in Co. Armagh. The COVID-19 pandemic has swept May, while at the end of June Sean On 1st December 2019 Sonia Kinsella across the globe with devastating McCashin (Down delegate) said his from the St. Patrick’s GAA Club consequences and at the time of last goodbye to his beloved mother in Saul was presented with her writing over 3,800 people confirmed Betty. Damian McHugh, the Chair Translink Ulster GAA Coach of The with the disease have died on the of the Ulster Health & Wellbeing Year Accolade. Less than two months island of Ireland since the first Committee, lost his brother Sean, later Sonia was taken from us and all COVID-19 death here was reported while the Chair of our Integration too soon. She battled her illness with on 11th March. The true figure is Committee and lifelong friend of great courage and was an inspiration undoubtedly higher. To everyone Ulster GAA Eamonn McMahon lost to all who knew her. who has lost a loved one due to this his son Conor in October. Also in dreaded virus I send my deepest October, we were saddened to learn January also witnessed the death of sympathies. Unfortunately, it is a of the death in London of Pat Duggan, former Down goalkeeper John Harte figure that will continue to rise in the time ahead.

I wish to express my condolences and those of the Ulster Council to all our GAA members who lost loved ones in what was a year that we’ll always remember.

Our much loved and valued colleague Maura McMenamin said farewell to her father Brian in February following a tragic accident at work, Paul Sanders lost his mother Mary at the end of January and Proinsias O’Kane lost his father Michael in April. At the

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and the month ended with the death Day. The proud native of Caltra in of young Donegal footballer Callum Co. Galway spent a lifetime in Britain Friel who was a member of the St. and served as both Secretary and Michael’s Club. Callum played in the Treasurer of the Provincial Council of 2018 Buncrana Cup (U-16) and had a Britain, a twinning partner of Ulster. promising career before him but was tragically taken from us after a In mid-March our colleague in Croke short illness. Park Teresa Rehill lost her father Joe following a tragic accident. Joe was Former Bryansford and Down a regular attender at our games. On manager Sean Smith passed away in 25th March we said farewell to Toni early February. A coach before his Carragher from the Silverbridge Club. time Sean had two spells as manager Toni was a great friend of Ulster GAA of the Mourne County, bringing them and regularly assisted at our games to three Ulster final appearances, over the years. their Club President Pat McAtasney though the Anglo-Celt eluded him on and groundsman Julian Arthurs. each occasion. A native of Maghery, Former Ulster GAA President Phil Sean won an All-Ireland minor medal Smyth was called to his eternal The great St. Gall’s gael Gerry Higgins, with Armagh in 1949. That great Derry reward on 2nd April. The Cavan native who had the honour of captaining the and Dungiven stalwart Francie Brolly served for many years on the Ulster West Belfast side to their first Ulster also died in February. While better Council and was President from 1983- Club title in 1982, passed away on known for his involvement in the 85 inclusive, having previously held 17th May. Gerry also represented ‘The folk and traditional music scene he the roles of both Vice-President and Saffrons’ with distinction and was and his entire family are steeped in Treasurer. Quiet spoken, Phil always part of P.J. O’Hare’s management team the GAA tradition and he was an avid acted with the greatest integrity and with the Antrim senior footballers. follower of the games. his word was his bond. On the same date the GAA world said goodbye to Tom Maguire, a great GAA Also in February lifelong gael Barney Tragedy struck two clubs in Cavan gael from the Derrylin O’Connell’s Treanor was called to his eternal within a matter of days in the latter Club. Tom served as groundsman for reward following a period of illness. part of April. Teenager Shane Halton the club years but was best known For many years Barney served as from the Cornafean Club was a for his stewarding role both at Croke an Ulster Council steward and the promising and talented player with a Park and at Ulster GAA Championship genial Burren man made a massive bright future and Lewis Fay-Cooper, games over many years. contribution to the Association as who played for Cavan against Derry in a player, referee, administrator and the 2015 Ulster Minor Football Final, There was great sadness throughout coach. A strong advocate for the captained his beloved Killinkere to a Co. Down and much further beyond cause of refereeing, he refereed Cavan Junior Football title in 2019. on the morning of 21st May when the 1971 Down Senior Football news broke of the passing of John Championship Final and later served There was further tragedy in early Murphy after a short illness. John as both Vice-Chairman of the County May with the death of teenager Carl was a talented footballer who first Committee and Chairman of the South Mooney, a promising footballer with came to prominence with the Down Down Board. Known the length and Ardoyne Kickhams and a student at minor team which reached the All- breadth of the country, Barney was a St. Malachy’s College. Weeks later Ireland Final in 1966 and two years selector of both the Down All-Ireland there was further tragedy for St. later, helped in no small measure Senior winning team of 1991 and the Malachy’s with the tragic death of by his first half goal, he was part of Minor winning team of 1987. young Noah Donohoe. the famed Red ‘n’ Black team that brought Sam Maguire to the Mourne Ulster GAA lost a great friend with the The Edendork Club suffered a series of county for a third time. Although his death of Tadhg Meehan on Valentine’s deaths over a short period including playing career ended prematurely

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after a car crash John continued to be While Gaelic Games may not have a great servant of Down football and Shock, sadness and sorrow greeted been his first love as a sport, John was he played an integral part in Down’s the sudden and untimely death in a frequent attendee at our games and All-Ireland winning teams of 1991 and July of young Eoghan Rua, Coleraine any time you were in his company you 1994, when he worked as a selector dual player Michael McQuillan. knew that you were in the presence alongside Peter McGrath. Affectionately known as ‘Smicko’ to of a very special person. John gave his friends, the talented Coleraine hope to many when hope was in short The GAA community, and in particular player, who also hurled with the supply and we are all so thankful to the hurling community, in Armagh Ulster University at Magee, was an him - he was a firm believer in the art and further afield were saddened to integral part of the Eoghan Rua side of the possible! He has been referred learn of the death of Jimmy Carlisle which won the Derry and Ulster Junior to as ‘Ireland’s Martin Luther King’ on Sunday 31st May 2020. Jimmy Hurling Championship titles in 2019. - and not without good reason. For was unquestionably Armagh’s He will be sorely missed by all who many years he was seen alongside his “Mr Hurling.” On the playing field had the pleasure of knowing him. party colleague and friend Seamus he represented his club, county Mallon, when they served as leader and province with distinction and Last year I had the honour of and deputy leader of the SDLP. It is captained Armagh to an Ulster Junior attending a very special 60th almost fitting that these two great Hurling title in 1965. Two years earlier anniversary of Queen’s University Irish statesmen, who were born within he had the unenviable task of marking Belfast’s breakthrough Sigerson Cup five months of each other in the mid the legendry Eddie Keher in a Railway win of 1959. The victory over the 1930’s, should also die within months Cup semi-final. He also managed the mighty UCD in Ballybay is regarded of each other in 2020. United in life Armagh hurlers to All-Ireland Junior by many as a breakthrough moment and united in death. In many respects success in 1978 – a title they retained for gaelic games in the north and these two great men of Irish politics the following year. Jimmy was Chair the man who led Queen’s to victory led parallel lives. of the Armagh Hurling Board for many that day was the Eire Og, Derriaghy years and also served as Chair of Clubman Hugh O’Kane, who had There was a widespread sense of Ulster Hurling Committee. He was a previously won a MacRory Cup medal shock when news of the death of former member of the GAA’s National with St. Patrick’s, Armagh. Hugh, Hugh McWilliams, another great Derry Hurling Committee and while he who became a distinguished cardiac man, filtered through on the evening served as Chairman of his beloved surgeon, was in tremendous form that of 14th August. A lifelong GAA fan, Cuchulainn’s for a long period, he evening as he and his team-mates Hugh, the Managing Director of the was always the first in the queue to of 60 years earlier recalled that highly successful H & A Mechanical lend a helping hand to any club in the famous win but, unfortunately, after Services, was a proud sponsor of county wishing to develop hurling. A a short illness Hugh was called to his Derry GAA teams and his home club great gael, he is fondly remembered eternal reward in July. Incidentally, St. Colm’s of Ballinacreen and he and has made a fitting and lasting among the UCD players who opposed will be missed by GAA followers contribution to the ‘small ball’ game Queen’s on that historic February day everywhere and especially in his in the province. was none other than former Ulster native Derry. GAA President John Vesey. On June 6th we heard of the tragic At the end of August we were deeply death of former Leinster GAA On the morning of 3rd August 2020 saddened to learn of the death of Coaching Officer and Kilkenny hurler we learned of the death of the Nobel Jim Curran. The jovial Ardboe man, Lester Ryan in a road accident close Laureate John Hume. The visionary a former Club Chairman, was best to his home in Gowran. A popular Derry man was a champion of the known as a referee of some stature figure Lester was liked by all and peace process and it can be said that and among his many accolades was his death was all the more poignant unquestionably were it not for John the Ulster Senior Football final of 1998 given that his older brother Johnny Hume there are many people alive and the All-Ireland Club Football Final had tragically died in a farming today that would have been long of 1993. In more recent times he was accident five years earlier. since gone were it not for John Hume. an integral part of the Tyrone Senior

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Football backroom team and he was Armagh lost a great stalwart with well known in GAA circles across the On 12th October we were saddened the death of Marian McStay, who had entire country. to learn of the death of Enda Hamill, done so much to promote Camogie a player with the St. Mary’s, Killeeshil in her native county. A former player We were all saddened and shocked Club. Enda lost his battle with cancer for the Orchard County, Marian to learn on the evening of 2nd and was taken from this world at the later served as Chair of the Armagh September of the untimely death all too early age of 29. He had been Camogie Board and she was President of Gerard Devlin. The Armagh due to be married earlier in 2020 but of the Board at the time of her death. Cúchullainn’s clubman, who also the wedding was postponed due to She picked up many awards for her had a close association with the COVID-19. devoted service to the game she Pearse Og’s Club, was an ever-present loved, including the 2016 Sighle Nic steward at games in the Athletic It was with utter disbelief that we An Ultaigh Award and an Ulster GAA Grounds and he was a member of the woke up on the morning of 18th President’s Award in 2019. Field Committee for the ground. A October to the shocking news that much-valued volunteer, Gerard was a Jonny Curran had died during the At the end of October Limavady highly respected referee of the small night, at the young age of 33. The Wolfhounds lost a great stalwart of ball game and his proudest moment as Coalisland man was part of many Seamus McCloskey. He had been a referee came when he was selected Tyrone squads winning an All-Ireland involved with the club since its to take charge of the 1998 All-Ireland Senior Football medal in 2008, a foundation in 1980, serving two terms Minor Hurling Final between Cork and minor All-Ireland in 2004 and he as Chair, and also served as Chair of Kilkenny. He also refereed many other was the proud holder of three Ulster the North Derry GAA Board. A tireless prominent games at club and county Senior Football Championship worker for the GAA, Seamus did much level and carried out tireless work in medals. A highly rated and respected good work for the promotion of our the field of referees mentoring. goalkeeper Jonny, who retired from national games. playing in 2017, also won a Tyrone Burren and the GAA lost a great Senior Football Championship medal All Saints’ Day saw the passing of stalwart with the death of Noel Mussen with his beloved Na Fianna in 2010. Sean Broderick, a man who had given after a period of illness. The former Jonny unfortunately joins a list of a lifetime of service to Down GAA club chairman was especially well young Tyrone Gaelic Footballers who and the South Down GAA Board in known for his dedication to Scór at have been called to their eternal particular. The annual South Down county level and he was a dedicated reward much too soon. Awards Night was ‘Sean’s Night’ worker for the GAA and numerous other and his other great passion was community groups. Also in September, On 22nd October Clan na Gael and refereeing. As Referee’s Co-Ordinator Corduff said farewell to Michael he spent many an evening by the McEnaney, a member of that well phone (in a pre-mobile era ensuring known family which are totally steeped games across the county were in the GAA tradition. covered when there was a late referee withdrawal. A great servant who will A well-known stalwart at Ulster Club be badly missed. Championship games in recent times was Michael Patrick Cassidy (known Coronavirus has taken many lives, to all as Patsy) from the Slaughtneil all of them a tragedy but the deaths Club. In the weeks and indeed days of husband-and-wife Owen and before his death on 11th October Patsy Bredge Ward within 12 hours of each had the privilege of supporting the other on 16 November brought a camogs, hurlers and footballers of the tear to all our cheeks. Owen was famous South Derry club to another a great GAA stalwart who made a three county senior titles and he will be great contribution to the Strabane missed at such games going forward. Sigerson’s Club in Tyrone.

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Those of us who have attended Micheál, who recovered from serious games in New York’s Gaelic park illness almost 20 years ago, was also would have no doubt met Seamus a distinguished author in the Irish Dooley. Seamus held numerous posts language. in New York GAA, including President, and also served on Central Council. A Long time Ulster GAA gateman Patsy larger-than-life figure Seamus always Bannon passed away on the morning had a special bond with visiting teams of the 2020 All-Ireland Football from the province when they played Final. One of the ‘Liatroim men’ who in ‘The Big Apple.’ Although born in assisted at Ulster Championship Teelin in Donegal, Seamus spent most games over many years, Patsy was a of his early years in Monaghan where dedicated and reliable Gael. he won a Junior Championship medal with Killaney and he also played for All of us at Ulster GAA were the county at Minor and U-21 levels. devastated to learn of the death of APPRECIATION In New York he became a member of our former colleague James McVeigh This evening we say good-bye to six the Monaghan Club and gave many on St. Stephen’s Day. At the time of members of the Provincial Council years of service to the GAA in the his death James was the Secretary and I thank them sincerely for their city. He sadly passed away on 13th of the South West Antrim GAA Board outstanding contribution to our work. November 2020. and just a couple of months before Alex McQuillan, John Connolly and P.J. his untimely passing he had been McGowan have completed their five- In December we said farewell to part of the management team which year terms (John’s was served in two Dr Pat McEniff, brother of former delivered a first Antrim Intermediate phases) and each of them have left Donegal and Ulster manager Brian Hurling Championship title to his an indelible mark on the Council. Joe and we also learned of the tragic beloved Tir na nOg, Randalstown. A Edwards also served on the Council death of former Fermanagh and Erne passionate and hard-working gael, he with distinction, with his knowledge Gaels footballer Shane O’Brien in a made a lasting impression on all who of rules and disciplinary procedures road accident in Pretoria. Shane, a met him. proving particularly beneficial. I’ve MacRory Cup winner in 2002, had no doubt each of you will continue been working in South Africa for the Just before my report went to print, I to make a valuable contribution to United Nations Refugee Agency. was saddened to learn of the death GAA life. Seamus O Domhnaill and of James McLean after a short illness. Benny Hurl served just one year on It was with deep regret that we James was a lifelong gael who was the Council and I found their support learned on 11th December of the the current Chairperson of his beloved invaluable. They are now moving to death of Micheál Mac Giolla Easbuic Dunloy Cuchullains, a club he served in different posts on their respective (Gillespie). The jovial Kilcar man was numerous capacities over many years. County Committees’, Seamus as Vice- one of the GAA’s most respected A former Chair of the North Antrim GAA Chair in Donegal and Benny as Ard administrators and he was well Board, James also served on the Ulster Comhairle delegate in Tyrone. I wish known far and beyond his native GAA Council in recent times. His loss them well in their new roles. Donegal. He served as Donegal is a great one for the GAA family and I also welcome and look forward County Chairman from 1980-86 nowhere more will this be felt than in to working with our new Council inclusive before becoming Central his native Antrim. members’, namely Sean Kelly, Seamus Council delegate for the North-West McMullan (both Antrim), Fergus County. Widely known as ‘The Chief’ To those and all the GAA members McGee, Brendan Kelly (both Donegal), Micheál was a strong advocate of the who died during the past year, may Marion Donnelly (Monaghan) and Irish Language and all things Irish you Rest In Peace! Also, on behalf Conor Sally (Tyrone). and he was acclaimed by fellow gaels of Ulster GAA, may I extend my throughout the Association when he condolences to all members of the was elected a GAA trustee in 1991. GAA family who have lost loved ones in the last twelve months.

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THANKS and stronger workforce. The senior friendship, courtesy and advice. I Given the events of the past year we staff team of Eugene Young, Stephen thank also our colleagues in our sister owe a debt of gratitude and thanks McGeehan, Diarmaid Marsden and organisations’, Ulster Camogie and like never before to our members Brian Mallon have been close at Ulster Ladies Gaelic Football. everywhere. More than ever your my side and have been a source of commitment has shone through. confidence and inspiration during I thank also our twinning partners I am indebted to all the members of these unusual times. in Britain and Canada for your the Ulster Council – it is disappointing continued loyalty and support. It has that we never got to meet as a group Ultimately, we are a games-led been a particularly difficult year for since last year’s Ulster Convention organisation and getting games our members abroad but you have but hopefully circumstances will played in 2020 was a challenge in valiantly kept the GAA flame burning. change at some stage during 2021 itself. My thanks go out to Stephen We can only but hope that 2021 will and we will be able to come together Donnelly, Niall Muldoon, Michael bring better cheer. as a collective in person once McGoldrick and Jim O’Rourke for the more. In particular I am indebted roles they have played in helping Finally, I thank the team at home to the officers of the Council who to brighten up the lives of so many and especially my wife Deirdre. I have gone well and above the call people during the past year. thank them for their patience, of duty in these difficult times and It has been a particularly busy year understanding (especially when I who earnestly give of their time for for our HR Office Kathy Kelly who asked them to limit their wi-fi usage the betterment of the GAA in the plays a vital role in dealing with staff during those many hours of MS province. To Oliver Galligan, Ciaran related issues and I commend her Teams and Zoom meetings!) and total McLaughlin, Michael Geoghegan for her efforts and I extend a special support. It’s a great comfort to know and Declan Woods I say a big thank thanks to by Personal Secretary that you are behind me all the way. you. Your support for me is always Geraldine McKavanagh for her loyalty appreciated and whatever duties you and for ‘keeping me right’ on things. are asked to perform on behalf of the Geraldine, I’m truly appreciative of all Council you do so with efficiency and your work. enthusiasm. I thank the Ard Stiurthoir Tom Ryan On a personal level, it is important to and all the staff at Croke Park for state how delighted I was that Oliver their valued advice and courtesy. I Galligan was the person who had the especially thanks the senior staff with privilege of presenting the Anglo-Celt whom I work closely. I thank also GAA Cup when it returned to his beloved President John Horan for his guidance Cavan for the first time since 1997. and support during his Presidency. I thank also the members of all I know he will continue to do great our sub-committees and the GAA things for the Association – I wish members from the province who him well for the future and extend my sit on national committees. To the best wishes to his successor Larry staff of Ulster GAA, I thank you for McCarthy. your help and support during a most challenging year. You have been a I thank my fellow provincial support and comfort to me. Many Secretaries for their support and of you have been furloughed for guidance and I commend the much of 2020 and everyone saw a dedication and loyalty of the County salary reduction. You have always Board officers in each of uro counties, recognised the bigger picture and particularly the County Secretaries it is our steadfast hope that we will and Chairs with whom I have BRIAN MAC FHÍOBHUÍ emerge from this pandemic as a wiser most dealings. I value highly your RÚNAÍ CHOMHAIRLE ULADH CLG

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