Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall

Comhdháil Bhliantúil 2019 Óstán Jackson’s, Bealach Feich Dé Ceadaoin, 11ú Nollaig 2019 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

Comhdháil Bhliantúil CLG Dhún na nGall 2019 Clár an Leabhair

1. Glacadh le Buan-Orduithe 2 2. Miontuairiscí Chomhdháil Bhliantúil CLG Dhún na nGall 3 3. Tuarascáil an Rúnaí 2019 14 4. Tuarascáil an Chisteora & an Iniúchóra ar chuntaisí an Choiste Condae don bhliain dár críoch 31ú Meán Fómhair 2019 5. Tuarascáil Oifigeach Chultúrtha agus Teanga 2019 25 6. Tuarascail Runaí Coiste Cheannais na gComórtaisí 29 7. Tuarascáil an Oifigeach Chaidrimh Phoiblí 2019 31 8. Óráid an Chathaoirligh 9. Toghadh na nOifigeach don bhlain 2020 39 10. Rúin 40 11. Tuarascail Oifigeach Forbartha 41 12. Tuarascáil Rúnaí Choiste na Leanaí 44 13. Tuarascáil Choiste Liathróid Láimhe 48 14. Tuarascáil Choiste Iománaíochta 50 15. Tuarascáil Oifigeach Oiliúna 52 16. Tuarascáil Choiste na Réiteoirí 61 17. Tuarascáil Choiste Folláine agus Sláinte 64 18. Tuarascáil Rúnaí Choiste na hIar Bhunscoileanna 67 19. Tuarascáil Rúnaí Chumann na mBunscoil 69 20. Tuarascail Rúnaí an Choiste Éisteachta 71 21. Tuarscáil Comhairle Uladh 73 22. Tuarascáil Choiste Pleanáil Cluichí 74 23. Ballraíocht 76 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. Buan-orduithe don Chomhdhail Bhliantuil

Standing Orders for Annual Convention VOTING PROCEDURES

1. The proposer of a resolution or an amendment shall 1. Election Procedures formally propose the resolution or amendment. In accordance with Rule 3.11 (f), T.O. 2019, voting to fill Elective Positions at Annual 2. A resolution or amendment shall require a formal Convention shall be on the basis of the seconder in order to establish a live debate. Proportional Representation System. For such positions, delegates shall vote for the candidates 3. The proposer of a resolution or an amendment running, in the order of their choice. A quota will may speak for five minutes but not more than five be established based on the number of valid minutes. votes cast. The candidate who reaches this quota either though first preference votes or subsequent 4. A delegate speaking to a resolution or an transfers at a second or subsequent count will be amendment must not exceed three minutes. deemed elected. The quota for election is the next highest number to the total number of valid votes 5. The proposer of a resolution or amendment may divided by the number of vacancies plus one, e.g. speak a second time for three minutes before a in the case of one vacancy to be filled, where 300 vote is taken, but no delegate may speak a second valid votes have been cast, the quota would be time to the same resolution or amendment. 151.

6. The Chairman may, at any time he considers a 2. Voting when more than one position is to be matter may be fully discussed, call on the proposer filled for a reply and when that has been given a vote Under the Proportional Representation System, must be taken. the same overall process is followed where there are two or more positions to be filled. Again, 7. A delegate may, with the consent of the Chairman, delegates shall vote for the candidates running, move “that the question be now put” after when in the order of their choice. Similarly, the quota the proposer has spoken, a vote must be taken. for election is established based on the number of valid votes cast. In cases where two positions 8. Standing Orders shall not be suspended for the are to be filled, the quota for election is the next purpose of considering any matter not on the Clár, highest number to the total number of valid votes except by consent of a majority equal to two-thirds divided by the number of vacancies plus one, e.g. of those present and entitled to vote. where 300 valid votes have been cast, the quota would be 101. Candidates who reach this quota either though first preference votes or subsequent transfers at a second or subsequent count will be deemed elected.

2 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. Miontuairiscí Chomhdháil Bhliantúil CLG Dhún na nGall

6ú Nollaigh 2018 approx. e112k. Resulting in an overall loss of approx. e57k. An Cathoirleach Mick McGrath welcomed everyone to County Convention for 2018. Alan then went through the expenditure for the year overall- there was an underspend of approx. e16k on Fr. Danny Mc Brearty said the opening prayer. previous year. Match expenses were down approx. Chairperson of Club na gCeithre Máistír, Deborah e5k, significant change in Upkeep and Maintenance Lacey addressed County Convention, and welcomed of Grounds with e107k less spent, however all to Town and wished everyone a very administration expenses and Coaching & Games successful convention. Development incurred an increase spend. Standing Orders were adopted on the proposal of He then outlined the breakdown of the Commercial Maire Graham, Gaoth Dobhair and seconded by Seán Income whereby sponsorship was up by e20k, Mc Ginley, Cill Chearra. small increase in grants from Croke Park, Increase in e Minutes of County Convention held in Jackson’s hotel Royalties by 20k – royalties being that received from on 8th December were adopted on the O Neill’s for sale of jerseys. proposal of Gerry Rushe seconded by Denis Ellis. Schedule 2 – Fundraising activities way down by almost e80k

Tuarascail An Runai presented by Aidin Ui Ghiolláin Schedule 3 – much remains the same other than Fines e was adopted on the proposal of Pat Walsh, Realt na which were down by approx. 1500. Mara seconded by Eddie Crawford, Gleann tSuilí. Schedule 4 – Transfer Income overall up approx. e65k The Secretary, in her report welcomed everyone here on previous year. Grants from Council some e tonight and wished all a successful convention. She 35k less than 2017. thanked all the Officers and the sub Committees for Schedule 5 – Match expenses – overall down approx. their hard work during the year especially thanking e4,500 on previous. Noreen Doherty for her work during the year. Noreen Schedule 6 – Team Administration Expenses – Alan goes way above the call of duty by helping all the then went through this schedule outlining the over Officers. She also thanked Ed Byrne for his work for the and under spends in each category. Final outcome Association. Ed is stepping down today due to the five was increase of e55k on previous year with Catering, year rule. She also thanked all who assisted her during players travel, overnights and medical expenses being the year as it was a hard time with her father’s illness the main reasons for the increase, with Sports gear & and eventual death in August. laundry showing a decrease of approx. e40k. Schedule 7 – Maintenance of County Grounds – Tuarascáil an Chisteora was adopted on the proposal significant difference of e17,500 in 2018 as opposed of Eamon Mc Bride, Gaoth Dobhair and seconded by to e124k in 2017. Much of this was attributed to the Eddie Walsh Sean Mac Cumhaill. Centre of Excellence. The Treasurer stated that as he had just taken over Schedule 8 – Financial Expenses – on par with previous from 1st September he wanted to thank all those year who assisted him with all the works over the last few Schedule 9 – Administration Expenses – overall weeks. increase of approx. e13k where Printing & Stationery, He said that will go through the schedules and any Computer equipment, meeting expenses and queries I can’t answer Enda is here. Miscellaneous were the main contributors of this Start on page 4. – Income Schedule difference in increase. income and expenditure for 2017 & 2018. e1,419,206 Schedule 10 – Promotional Grants – Much the same for 2018 e1,492,224 for 2017. The biggest deficit as last year being returned from National League Shares and Schedule 11 – Coaching & Games Development – Fundraising Activities amounted to e182k approx. Increase of e29k on previous year. whilst Commercial income and Income from Associated Bodies returned a combined increase of Schedule 12 – Contra Payments – Dramatic increase of

3 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. e90k in our Public Liability and Property Insurance. owed to us and monies owed to suppliers, because of this there was e185,000 in the bank which is nearly This brings us onto the Balance sheet showing e100,000 extra. It’s just that Alan did not know who to Tangible Fixed Assets at around e2.5m. Current Assets pay at this stage but he had an extra e100.000 in the showing an increase of e95k this was mostly made Bank. Secondly, there were a lot of those creditors very up of increase in Debtors of approx. e75k and cash at slow being established, in actual fact, we do not know bank was increased by almost e100k. Amounts due yet some of them. That is the reason, but overall we from Provincial Council was reduced by approx. e80k spent e200,000 on the Bank Loans and e75,000 on Current Liabilities – significant change with an increase Convoy. We had no profit this year and that is another of e288k attributed to Creditors. reason the creditors built up. Total Assets less Liabilities shows an overall decrease Jim Mc Glynn – To understand the less spend in of around e3,000. Convoy this year of over e75k from e97k to e33k, - e The Naomh Bríd delegate, Matt Gallagher advised that REPLY was that Fixed assets has increase by 75k on he wanted to ask in relation to Schedule 9 meeting page 11. expenses e13,000 up from e6,000. He asked another question or two – Prior year e Alan advised that this would be made up of various adjustment of 10,368, is there any information on Committees, tea and biscuits, room hire. We had the that and is there any indication of Insurance costs for Youth Conference and the Ulster Convention this 2019 given the increase that the club had to carry this year. Our net position of e350,782. It’s manageable. year? This weekend it’s fundraising weekend. There will be Enda replied in that all premiums went up last year a lot more to come. We have to fund Convoy and we he couldn’t give any indication of what they are likely have the County Team. Every club has to do their bit to be this year. The prior year adjustment – there in collecting money through draws cards or whatever. was a surplus of money due to the amount that was Convoy will be hopefully finished in a year’s time provided to Mc Cumhaills for the electricity a few years but then we will have the running costs. Matt said ago. We provided e8k but only had to pay out e2k, so that every club is in the same position as the County, that was a e6k of a surplus. There was also a mistake trying to sell tickets, maintain our grounds, increase made in the Mc Cumhaills maintenance payment. We our capacity of fundraising and so forth. also wrote off e7k which had been accrued for years REPLY :The Auditor Enda Bonner advised that there under the Debtors. was current liabilities of e420,000 and this year’s Final question under Schedule 4 - Administration e708,000, so that’s e154,000 net current assets last Grant e30k – I presume that was for 2 years, because year, on e350,000 this year so the e200.000 extra there is no comparable figure for 2017 – Yes it was basically hasn’t shown any change in the assets and e20k & e10k. liabilities except for two things, the bank loan was Last one Coaching & Games Development Grants, reduced by e120,000 . We made no profit so therefore there is a significant downturn there in the income. we had to finance it out of our ongoing situation and I thought we would have been on a firm footing in we spent e75,000 net on Convoy last year without relation to the different components of the coaching having made any profit so those two together are the and games development. e200,000 difference between the net current assets and liabilities, so in other words the situation is the Enda said that last year the figures that we were given same as it was last year except we had no profit to were Cul Camps, e16k from Croke Park and e14k fund the bank loan for the money used in Convoy. from Ulster Council, this year we only got e8.5k from the two bodies a write off of e22k and there is e4k Matt said that in Schedule A under Sources of Income, that Mick Murphy told us that will be given to us next the National League Shares were down a e100,000 year because we have a surplus of gear left over. So which is a huge dip. Is that due to our relegation? basically that’s where the most of the difference is. The Auditor said that it was due to us not getting to Michael Mc Menamin – Just on the point on the the knock out stages . Alan said that he checked this sponsors who didn’t pay – 2 sponsors did their names with Croke Park within the last few days and they are appear on club jerseys, hoarding etc., did they get the checking it out and I will address this again. benefits without paying? Sean Mc Bride had one query in relation to the Yes they were, they have paid most of the bill however Creditors total under current liabilities for last year it is not beyond recovery for one of them as we are still was e315,518 and this year e603,299. He asked what in discussion with them. the reason was for this, why has there been such an increase in creditors. Mary Kelly– at our previous county committee meeting in November there was still a substantial amount The Auditor stated that the reason being, at the end of owing from the clubs, what I remember maybe over the year while we had a treasurer he was only new into e160k, at this present moment in time how much of the job, so I had to rely on the bookkeeper to determine this money has been clawed back? the liabilities and the assets, particularly the monies

4 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. e49K Outstanding so over e100k paid back. This time queries between this year and last year. He was more last year it was down to about e60k so much similar, than helpful to Enda. He wished to thank Noreen over e100k was paid back in the last 2 months which Doherty and Paddy Tinney for their assistance and paid a lot of bills, that’s the importance of the levies he thanked Alan who is only new to the job and was for cash flow and it important to get them in before very patient with him when Enda was trying to get the end of the year. There is still a few outstanding but this finished. He stated that he was a GAA man since we will get there. he was 12 years of age and he stated that one thing annoyed him deeply today that on one of the Radio Mary Coughlan - St Nauls – I appreciate that Alan is Stations when they talked about the County Board not long in the job however I have grave concerns that deficit. The County Board had no deficit. They made a there are small people out there that are owed money. profit last year and made a profit this year. Maybe the It can be a huge income burden on small suppliers that profit is down by 50k from the previous year which is can’t afford to be waiting. Is there a plan put together mainly due to a few things like - we are down 100,000 or some re-adjustments made to allow these people from the income from Croke Park, we are also down to be paid. Can’t expect people to continue to support on the fundraising that the Treasurer from last year us if we can’t pay them. had worked on because there was no trip to America. Yes we have a lot of creditors and they have been very These are the things that the Chairman now knows good once you talk to them and they realise we are are things we have to work on to get funding in to pay paying them bit by bit as per cash flow. First thing we our Creditors. There is no deficit in the accounts for have to do after convention is set out a budget for the the year that was being stated on the Radio Station. year and then the first tranche of money coming from With all due respect to the delegates from the Clubs, Croke Park will help with cash flow. It’s a good point the Auditor wanted to point out that this information we are getting there, yes we have to look at it and was incorrect. discuss it again, bigger organisations can withstand it, The Treasurer wished to thank, Eilis Rushe, Noreen but we have to look after the small suppliers. We have Doherty and Paddy Tinney for all their work since a plan there and we will prioritise these. he came on board. He also wished to thank the Mick Mc Grath County Chairman said Mary’s point Chairperson, Mick Mc Grath and The Auditor, Enda was a good point , I would like to add that with the Bonner. escalation of costs around the teams in the past number of years and the professionalism that has Tuarascáil Oifigeach Chúltúrtha agus Teanga- been brought in also has a cost to it, it has eroded into proposed by Eamon Mc Bride and seconded by our cash flow. So to meet the increase of our teams Deborah Lacey. we either cut back on our senior teams or increase our sponsorship and I am glad to report that we have Tuarascáil Coiste Cheannais na gComórtaisí - increased our sponsorship to meet some of these proposed by Gerry Breslin and seconded by Michael increased costs which will alleviate the financial aid to Mc Menamin. eroding our creditors which are there, some which are historic going back 3 or 4 years or longer. We haven’t Damien Dowds had a specific question in relation to identified them all yet but we are going through the Division 3 – accounts to identify every penny which is owed by Are our regulations sound? What will happen next this county board. As I can assure you as chairman I year - will the regulations and rules we have in place will do that. to cover promotion levels, are they sound or will we have to have them amended so that we do not have a Alan - The last point the chairman made there is repeat of this year. something we must be mindful of, while we have increased gates and getting levies in we can’t Declan Martin stated that they amended the regulation be haemorrhaging money. We have to cut costs. at the regulations meeting in November to include the Sometimes I feel the days of Volunteerism is gone, can regulation to match the three teams that are on a tie we not do some of this ourselves, Clubs, whoever is in all Donegal competitions as it was stated previously not on County Board Teams and just get out of pocket the exemption was only for Donegal Championship expenses, we can’t continue to pay for everything that matches so now we have included all Donegal Adult we do within the organisation or association it never Competitions including league matches so next year was in the past, Yes we are competing with other if three teams finish level in second place and if there counties, we want a senior team, we want to train at is a walk over from lower down division we will be able the highest but it has a cost to it. to have promotion based on round robin between these three teams. The Auditor, Enda Bonner wanted to thank those who assisted him, Eilish Rushe, The County Board Book Gerry Breslin referred to the number of matches played Keeper who does it on a part time basis and is an and walk overs and especially in relation to appeals. excellent book keeper. He wouldn’t be able to sort out The walk overs in the reserves is 12% in Division1 11% the Creditors without her help. He thanked the former in Division 2, 25% in Division 3 and 80% in Division Treasurer, Ciaran Kelly for his assistance with certain 4. We need to do something about it as we have

5 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. problem with Reserve Football. If we have too many I have over the last few months examined the areas walk overs, a club can be promoted from Division 3 to around our costs, suppliers, sponsors, and in particular Division 2 or from 2 to 1 while the reserve team can our Current Liabilities. This area in understandable be at the bottom of that Division they have to move English means what we owe, mostly historically. up and play games that they have not got a chance of It’s vital that we conduct our business in a manner winning, they cannot continue that way as people can where our Creditors are communicated with, and get disillusioned , we are doing teams no favours. The that a transparent method of business is available. CCC will have to have a look at this, this year at other Our accounts on income and expenditure are possibilities, I would think Regional Reserve Football, ever challenging, but I appeal to all delegates and League Reserve Football and there are plenty of other supporters to support our fundraising challenges. ideas and I would ask the CCC that they take a serious look at this. I’m delighted with the response I’ve received from a group from the Donegal Business community, and Tuarascáil an Oifigeach Chaidrimh Phoiblí was other great Donegal supporters in and London, adopted on the proposal of Sean Mc Ginley and who have agreed to assist with the area of fundraising. seconded by Pat Walsh. An asked Ed There are other overseas areas we are in contact with, to say a few words as he is finishing his 5 year term. and I would appreciate all indicators in that field. They Ed thanked all the Clubs who supported him over the have shown what it means to them; there is pride in last five years. He said that he served in a very exciting being associated with your county, when you believe time between All Finals, Ulster Finals, Mc Kenna in it. They have all indicated the requirement of unity, Cup, the Nicky Rackard and Ulster Clubs. He transparency, and accountability. This is something was very lucky to see them all. He really appreciated that we can, and will improve on. We must structure the help that Damien Carr gave him on match days active Finance and Fundraising Sub - Committees that with Social Media. He said that it is a pretty heavy meet and programme all our financial requirements. burden on match days and he will always be grateful We cannot allow positions to evolve that are non- for the help that Damien gave him. He picked up PRO manageable, over stressful, and not adhering to from Jim Quinn and it was in a healthy position when working budgets. he took over and he hopes that the next PRO whoever Much work took place with the conclusion of the new it may be will be able in twelve months’ time to say 3 Year Strategic Plan for our County. In acknowledging that he left it in a healthy position. the planning committee, it was designed in 6 areas that are manageable. An Cathaoirleach Mícheál Mac Craith then addressed County Convention. The areas that are strategically overviewed were Club Development, Financial Management, Administration, Fellow Officers, Club delegates to County Convention, Infrastructure, Games Development and Coaching it is indeed a great honour for me to address and A voice for Youth. In particular we have outlined, Convention here this evening after such a successful the objectives, specific actions, and the progress period in our County. indicators. I thank Anthony Doogan from Moville for I would firstly like to show appreciation to my fellow co- ordinating the plan. officers, in the commitment, dedication and support The first committee I met with last December was to me in my first year as Chairman of the County Board. the County Health and Wellbeing Committee. They To all the sub-Committees I would like to publicly without doubt excelled, with meetings, work ethics, acknowledge the important part you all contribute to the Youth Forum, which was something I asked them making the GAA the biggest and strongest sporting to deliver on. There is so much stress, and depression, organization in Donegal. I would further recognize the and bereavement within members of society, comprehensive and detailed reports that you have including our own members, it’s fantastic that we concluded and presented to all of Convention today. have developed a mechanism within our association I would congratulate our County Secretary Aideen to recognize and deal with areas of darkness and Gillen on her report which is detailed, informative, and loneliness, and sadness. Kevin Mills and Noreen factual to our workings on and off the field. You have Doherty and the committee are well structured, well also included many topics of discussion and debate, done. which is required in our vibrant association. Our Human Resources Committee were always The Financial report is always an area of discussion available when required, and their experience and and I’ve thrived this year to submit a transparency that expertise is invaluable when required. many of our delegates and members require. Thanks Scor strives for those that are aligned towards our to Alan Boyd who in his short period as Treasurer Culture and Language promotion; I thank Fergus Mc has, I believe, grasped the challenges that managing Gee for his enthusiasm towards its progress. Our PRO our accounts produce. I take this opportunity to Ed Byrne streamed the Scor Finals from Glenfin in acknowledge the time and work that Cieran Kelly put February in a test pilot case and it was subsequently into our association in his period as Treasurer. viewed by 11,000 people.

6 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

The Referees Committee and our new Referees Co- by them. I thank them for their work. Ordinator Michele Bennett have covered all our games Coaching under Conor Mc Dermott is an area that this year. I appeal to all clubs to recognize the effort is going to find some restructuring in 2019 and I and assist with the recruitment of new members. I look forward to its findings. I thank all the underage congratulate all the Referees who received County coaches and Managers, especially and Final appointments. his u16 cup winning team. The Hurling Committee under the chairmanship Our Minor and u20 Footballers put in a great effort of Jason Ewing and Secretary Elizabeth Doherty and commitment but it didn’t happen on the day, I continued the promotion of Hurling and its recognize their efforts. development. This required much hard work and dedication. I wish both of them the best as they Our Senior Football team under and his conclude their roles, and I wish Manus O Donnell all backroom squad left no stone unturned, you restored the best in 2019. The Development Squads at u14 to great pride in our County and winning the Ulster Final u16 were excellent in their grade this year, and I thank was a day of great joy. the coaches involved. We have made our voice heard at Ulster and National Senior Micky Mc Cann brought great level, where we feel we have a point to raise, and I success to the County in winning the Nicky Rackard thank PJ Mc Gowan and Liam Mc Elhinney at Ulster Cup, and it’s through hard work that success comes, I and Seamus O Domhnaill at Central Council for the congratulate all involved. workings at both levels. Our Competition Control Committee were asked to The area of Infrastructure is taking its largest step in meet our Clubs and County managers in January, work our County with the Development of our Training out a master plan inclusive of all eventualities. The Centre in Convoy. The next year is vital in its strength majority of our members involved in games activities and I encourage all in Donegal to get behind this have feedback to me that you delivered. Well done. project. Our Youth Board fulfilled a full programme of activities, Our Buy a Brick campaign requires support, your and I thank Liam Mc Elhinney and Jim Quinn for county needs you. their efforts. I’m aware that recruiting new members Well done to David Mc Loone and his team for getting to fill Divisional Boards is difficult and I ask clubs to this development started, . encourage your members to assist this area. In conclusion I thank Noreen Doherty, County The area around social media is beneficial towards our Administrator, for her call above her role of duty in administration and communication; we must educate many areas for our Association, inclusive of assistance and penalize those that use it for means of abuse. in my position as Chairman. Our PRO Ed Byrne leaves his office today after 5 years. I To all our patrons, sponsors, supporters and members, would like to acknowledge the dedication Ed put into thank you for a memorable year his role, he worked well with the press, and I let him manage that part of business on his own. I wish him I wish good luck to all clubs in 2019 and look forward well wherever he goes. to working with all in 2019. Mick Murphy, our Games Development Manager, also Paddy Doherty C.L.G Gleann Fhinne was appointed retires from his role. I recognize the changes that have returning Officer and outlined the PR voting system. evolved in the 12 years he held the position. I know he The following tellers were appointed:- won’t be lost to the GAA, and we shall be advertising his replacement next week. Thank you Mick. • East - Oliver Prunty • North West - Annmarie Kelly, There is without doubt more concern over child • South - Paul Timoney, awareness in today’s world than in the past, and I • South West - Eamon Ó Baoill welcome that. Our Children’s Officer Gary Duffy and his Child Awareness and Protection Committee have After the roll call and register crossed checked it was covered some very difficult cases this year, and I am confirmed that the total number of voting delegates indebted that they carry out this important role in a is 156 very confidential and professional manner. We should never underestimate this vital area. Our Hearings committee under the Chairmanship of Dan Hartnett have fulfilled their duties and have been fair in their deliberations. It isn’t always easy to adjudicate, but Rules are Rules, and we have to abide

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Tuarascáil Choiste Iomanaíochta - proposed by Election of Officers 2019 John Mc Dermott and seconded by Eilish Rush. The Cathaoirleach Mick Mc Grath Chairperson, Mick Mc Grath said that he would like Leas Chathaoirleach Frankie Doherty to thank Elizabeth Doherty who was Secretary of Rúnaí Aideen Gillen the Hurling Board for a long time. Mick said that he Leas Rúnaí Declan Martin would like to acknowledge the work that she had put Cisteoir Alan Boyd in especially to development of underage hurling. He Leas Chisteoir Paddy Tinney wished to thank Jason Ewing as well and he said that Oifigeach Caidrimh Poiblí seek nominations from we would be supporting them going forward. Clubs for next County Committee Meeting Tuarascáil Oifigeach Oiliúna - proposed by Fiona Oifigeach Cultúir Fergus Mc Gee Shiels and seconded by John Mc Dermott. Michael Oifigeach Oiliúna Conor Mc Dermott Mc Menamin said that he noticed recently that the Toscaire Ard Chomhairle Seamus O’ Donnell Chairperson said that he would be doing a review Toscaire Comhairle Uladh (2) P.J. Mc Gowan of coaching in the county all aspects of it. Michael Ed Byrne said that it was a good idea and well overdue. He Toscairí go Comhdháil Ed Byrne said that one aspect we should be looking at is the Bhliantúil Chomhairle Uladh amount of money coming down from Croke Park to Toscaire go Comhdháil David Mc Loone Donegal. When we look at the coaching and games Bhliantúil CLG development grants from 2007 to 2017, Dublin got Oifigeach Leanai Gary Duffy 16.6 million, Cork got 1.21million, Kerry got 1. 1 million. Donegal out of 32 counties came in at number 27 – a Tuarascail Oifigeach Forbartha Proposed by John large county like Donegal with a large number of clubs Travers and seconded by Denis Ellis . and players. It is interesting as well that of the last 6 counties in terms of funding, four of them are from David Mc Loone stated that all the delegates would be Ulster, Tyrone 560,000, Monaghan with 535,000 and well informed on what is going on as they are updated Fermanagh with 525,000. If you look at the funding at the County Committee meetings. You will have seen last year 2017 the position hasn’t. The increased some photographs on the way coming in in order are still coming in at 210,000 and Donegal 130,000. to get a feel of what is going on. We were delighted We can make the case that Derry has a city but for the to get the project started after a few attempts at it Northern Counties their coaches are getting paid by in years gone by. There was a huge push and I must the Department of Education they should have less acknowledge the former Cisteoir and Cathaoirleach funding rather than more. We should do an analysis Cieran Kelly and Sean Dunnion for their assistance in as suggested, draw a plan and make a submission to getting funding from Croke Park. The Funding Project Croke Park for more funding, if not it is our own fault. was a challenge. We spent a lot of time during the Are we getting a fair deal. There is no point in us making summer in getting the Financing Plan together for the a phone call to Croke Park seeking extra funding. We Training Centre with a number of income sources, the need to make a submission for more funding. We Croke Park money, The Sports Capital Programme , we must be able to justify what we are looking for. The got some money from , Bank Coaching Officer said that he could absolutely echo Borrowings and up front fundraising. It is with the up- what Michael was saying in terms of where we come front fundraising where we have to deliver. We are on from and where we would like to be. He said that he track for doing that but the initiatives that we have wanted, without letting today go by, acknowledge must be supported. Going back to the project itself, Mick Murphy’s role over the last number of years and it is going well, it is great to have a local Contractor, also that of Marty Mc Grath, not only with the Hurling Mc Dermott Trearty doing the work. It is very easy to but also the School Coaching deal with them. We are happy with the service we are getting from our professionals, HM Associates The Tuarascáil Choiste Réiteoirí – proposed by Pat Walsh Architects, who are the design team lead, with Kearney and seconded by Dermot Mc Colgan. & Associates, Pauric McDaid, and TUV-SUD providing design services. He wished to thank his fellow officers Tuarascáil Choiste Folláine agus Sláinte – proposed for their support. by Gerry Rushe and seconded by Pat Curley.

Tuarascail Rúnaí Choiste na Leanaí - proposed by Tuarascáil Choiste na hIar Bhunscoileanna – Tommy Mc Glinchey and seconded by Malin proposed by Chris Doherty and seconded by Gerry Breslin Tuarascáil Choiste Liathróid Láimhe - proposed by Michael Mc Mahon and seconded by Gerard Tuarascáil Rúnaí Chumann na mBhunscoileanna – Ferguson. proposed by Gerry Breslin and seconded by John Mc Dermott

8 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

Tuarascáil Rúnaí an Choiste Éisteachta – was drag their feet. It is just the decision of the Planners adopted on the proposal of Brendan Kelly and and the Executive to sign off. seconded by Gerry Breslin Pat Mc Laughlin said that he just noticed in the report Jim Mc Glynn advised that it was just a procedural that he favoured an U17 type of competition and the question around the operation of the Hearings introduction of an U19 Minor Championship which Committee. He said that he would like to acknowledge could run along with the later stages of the All-Ireland the work that the Hearings Committee do; it is a very Championship. Pat asked P.J. what the meaning of that responsible task that they are charged with. It is just would be and P.J. replied that all of these age groups in terms of the general processing of appeals that go are being looked at, at the minute and at National before the Hearings Committee, say in the case of a Level there has been some feedback and all Provinces transfer application, you have an outcome relayed to through the County survey in each Provence favour an the club; you have the appeal process that is open to even age competition with Championship at u13, u15, the Club or the applicant in the case of a transfer, that u17and so on. Clubs who have sufficient players in even goes to the Hearings Committee. In their previous age groups may enter teams in most competitions experience, the clubs concerned namely the home but these will be tournament competitions. There club of the player and the club involved in the transfer has been a major issue with regard to u17’s and the application would be notified of the date of the feeling is to play in front of large crowds of 80,000/ hearing and offered the opportunity to attend. That 82,000 is an unhealthy situation for them with the practice seems to have ceased, definitely ceased in result that is being seriously looked at in terms of their experience this year. He feels that this practice maybe using it like the Celtic Challenge. That gives should be restored and reasonable notification given rise to an u19 competition and that is being looked to the clubs of the hearing and an opportunity to at , at Club level and by extension onto inters county attend. The Chairperson requested the Chairperson level and this u19 competition would possibly replace of the Hearings Committee to reply however Dan Minor championship but all this is up in the air at the Hartnett felt it would not be appropriate for him to present time and there are major discussions going comment due to the fact that he is from the same club. on along with it. The Medical People and the Player The Chairman said that they would note and have the Welfare People have issues with regard to U17 and Secretary of the Hearings Committee reply. what they are being asked to play at and the format. Tuarascáil Ard Chomhairle - was adopted on the Pat then queried where this would leave the u20. proposal of Michael Mc Mahon and seconded by Would u19 replace u20? P.J. said that that would be Fiona Shiels. correct but this has not been decided yet. P.J. said that he himself could see a move back to U21. He can see Tuarascáil Chomhairle Uladh (1) – P.J. Mc Gowan’s U13,15,17,19 and U21 but it hasn’t got to that stage report was proposed by John Mc Dermott and yet but that is the thinking that is happening on it. seconded by Eddie Walsh. Michael Mc Menamin stated that P.J. in his report mentioned and I Ciarán Mac Cionnaith asked who was to blame for know it is an ongoing issue. P.J. states that it is a pity the condition Casement Park is in today and secondly, that Casement was allowed to sink into decline and should the Casement Park saga and the spending still become unusable in the interim. Michael said that continue, should Donegal still support the Planning he would disagree with P.J. on that, it wasn’t allowed Application. P.J. said that he felt that, that was a question to decline it was gutted overnight or within days of for Donegal. He said that he knew the expenditure at planning permission been given and it was stripped present and getting it to where we are, is in the region of any equipment and structures an those items can of e10 million, so with e77 million allocated for the be observed within many clubs throughout Ulster so project, there would need to be additional funding to a decision was taken to make it unusable practically cover that loss and of course we are looking at going overnight. That was the only comment he wished to to planning on two occasions and all the variable make on P.J.’s report. P.J. replied by stating that Michael associated costs have been considerable but Donegal was correct. P.J. was making the point that I felt that will need to take that decision if in the event of really until everything was clear in regard to the planning being refused, where do we go then, do we planning for the new Casement Park that they should look at a green field site. Donegal will have to make have continued to use the old one, that was the point I a decision, I will not be making it on their behalf but was making, but you were perfectly right and of course will carry whatever decision is made by the County the major problem that is being encountered at the to Ulster. Ciarán asked P.J. whose fault was it that present time is that the thing is on a go slow basically Casement is in the position it is in today. P.J. stated as there is no executive in the North to sign off on the that Michael Mc Menamin touched on it there as well, substantial amount of money in region of £77 million. the decision to use it or not to continue to use it was Nobody is prepared to make that decision, not just made very hastily by Antrim in particular. for Casement Park; there are other projects, not GAA Jim Quinn said that he brought this point up at the projects throughout and nobody last County Committee meeting about the proposed will sign off on those either. With all of that happening u20 Development League and it seemed to have or not happening it has also caused the Planners to been given the green light and he asked P.J. if he

9 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. had any clarification on that. P.J. said that he had from what is happening playing whoever they like, raised this up a few times and maybe Seamus could anyone from another catchment area. It is happening back him up on this. There seems to have been a as we know and I do not know where it is going to end major push at National Level for an u20 league and unless it is addressed tonight and that is exactly what the thinking behind it was that teams are putting our idea would be, just to tidy it up that clubs should in all this preparation for an u20 championship and know their catchment area. playing one game and it is all over for them and then Chris Doherty, Sean Mac Cumhaills said that the the idea of the U20 League came up and then there previous catchment area boundaries which were were problems with when they should stage it, should approved at County Committee in 1986, 1987 and it be staged in February/March and then it would be 2001 are adequate and these catchment areas need against the Universities and final stages of Colleges to be enforced and not redefined. Competitions and so it is now being looked at being played in the month of May at Ulster level with the Damien Dowds spoke on a point of order and asked Championship at U20 level starting at the end of June if either of these motions are actually in order tonight when the Leaving Certificate exams are finished. P.J. Rule 6.3 has catchment area will be determined by said that as a number of the delegates would know, County Committee and if this is right the acceptance Donegal find themselves in a difficult position this of club boundaries as the Official Guide lines out year with regard to the U20 Championship where is appropriate to County Committee not County games were staged right in the middle of the Leaving Convention. Damien said that he was quite surprised Certificate and two families had difficulty with this to see this motion on the Agenda as he said it is for as the players were wanting to play and the parents County Committee. stating that they had to concentrate on the Leaving The Chairperson Mick Mc Grath stated that the advice Certificate. P.J. said that he would prefer the backdoor we are getting from Croke Park the last few times that in the u20 championship similar to u17 competition anything has gone to Croke Park on Boundaries is that however it did not get a hearing. Jim felt that there it has to be decided at County Convention. should have been some discussion on this. Damien Dowds stated that according to Rule 6.3 Tuarascáil Chomhairle Uladh (2) Liam Mc Elhinney’s a Catchment Area is determined by the County report was adopted on the proposal of Michael Mc committee as representative of the hinterland of one Mahon and seconded by Pat Curley. or more clubs. Ed Byrne said that a letter which we received from Turascáil Choiste Pleanáil Cluichí was proposed by the Ard Stiurthoir referring back to a letter of the Pat Walsh and seconded by Eddie Crawford. 14th May 2015. The point we asked about regarding That concluded the Officer’s Reports. Law 10 at the time which dealt with Boundary Report from 1986 which is boundaries for clubs using Motions : Physical Landmarks rather than Parish boundaries. At Amend Byelaw 4.8 to read that time the official guide did not allow membership Attachment to First Club: In accordance with Rial of the Clubs to be confined because the County 6.4 T.O. 2018, a person shall only be entitled to join Committee adopted boundaries at that time on an a club within the confines of the Catchment Area of invalid basis. There is effectively no agreement on his permanent residence. Catchment areas shall be boundaries. It is necessary then for Donegal County determined by County Committee decisions in 1986, Committee to determine catchment areas for all clubs 1987 and 2001 in their jurisdiction with rule 6.3 of the Official Guide Naomh Ultan applicable. Ed said that he would concur with the Burt delegate that it is a matter for County Committee Amend Byelaw 4.8 County Byelaws 2018 to read and if County Convention were to vote on it tonight Attachment to First Club: In accordance with Rule County Convention would not hear the difficulties 6.4 T.O. 2018 a person shall only be entitled to join a between each club in a fair and open manner. It would club within the confines of the Catchment Area of his be voting on something that was ruled by Central permanent residence. Catchment areas are the areas Council and ultimately the Ard Stiúrthoir at the time, as determined and approved by County Committee in the Director General who advised us that we do not the boundary reports of 1986, 1987 and 2001 have boundaries or catchment areas in the County and Sean Mac Cumhaills that only County Committee would sort that decision, it is definitely not a matter for County Convention. Ed Terence Mc Ginley, Naomh Ultan proposed and Eddie said that he would say that they are definitely out of Walsh, Sean Mac Cumhaills seconded. order in line with rule 6.3. Terence Mc Ginley Naomh Ultan said it was just as was read out, that that is what should be done, that the The Chairperson read out the definition of Rule 6.3 attachment to first club is in accordance to the rule Catchment Areas and said that he was going to rule that the person can only join the club of its permanent on it and seek advice from Croke Park and go back to residence but we feel that it would prevent other clubs County Committee with it.

10 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

Jimmy Sharkey from CLG and Clochan Liath and Motion to National Congress Michael Mc Menamin, Muff spoke on the issue and Addition to Note Rule 6.28 A (iii) to read Terence Mc Ginley stating that he felt that if this Counties who qualify for the Football Inter County matter was not dealt with tonight about catchment Quarter Final Group Stage shall not be permitted to areas it is going to be a big problem. nominate Croke Park as their Home Venue Passed on the proposal of Eddie Walsh Proposed and The Chairperson said that the majority of delegates Kevin Tourish seconded. here tonight agreed to the proposal and he was moving on. Joe Mc Nulty said that he asked a question An Cathaoirleach, Mick Mc Grath thanked the Four at the first County Committee meeting in January and Masters Club for hosting Convention tonight in he was told that the Boundaries Sub Committee would conjunction with the Abbey Hotel. Mick requested give their report however they never received this Rachel Reid from the Four Masters Club to sing the report. The Chairperson stated that they would deal National Anthem to conclude 2018 Convention. with that at the next County Committee in January. That concluded the business of Convention.

House Draw

11 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. Honours List 2019

Michael Murphy Sports & Leisure

Craobh Buaiteoiri

Sinsear A Naomh Conail

Sinseair B Naomh Adhamhnain

Sinseair C Naomh Adhamhnain

Idirmheánach A Naomh Naille

Idirmheánach B Cloich Ceann Fhaola

Soisear A Buncrannaigh

Soisear B Iorras

Faoi 21 A

Faoi 21 B Naomh Naille

Faoi 21 C Beart

Iomanaiocht Sinsear Setanta

Iomanaiochta Soisear Aodh Ruadh B/S

Iomanaiocht 21

Sraith Buaiteoiri

Roinn 1 Cill Chartha

Roinn 1 Tacaiochta Naomh Adhamhnain

Roinn 2 Ard an Ratha

Roinn 2 Tacaiochta Gleann Fhinne

Roinn 3 Na Dunaibh

Roinn 3 Tacaiochta Aodh Rua K/G

Roinn 4 Gaeil Leitir Ceanainn

Roinn 4 Tacaiochta Gaeil Leitir Ceanainn

Roinn 5 Gleann Fhinne

12 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

NUMBER OF DELEGATES ENTITLED TO VOTE

In accordance with Rule 3.10, T.O. 2019, Annual committee, The referee’s Administrator, plus 1 delegate Convention shall consist of the Officers and members each from Handball Board, Bunscoil, Post Primary of the outgoing Committee and two delegates from Schools, Choiste Iomana the three Divisional Sub- each club which competed in a junior or higher Committees championship in the preceding year. Bye-laws No. And two representatives from each affiliated club. 2 County Bye-Laws define the County Committee The Maximum affiliation which can be accepted from as being comprised of the County Management one unit or group is four.

Club No. of Delegates Club No. of Delegates Aodh Ruadh 4 Bun Dobhráin 4 Ard an Rátha 4 Naomh Ultain 4 Conmhaigh 4 Gleann Fhinne 4 Naomh Columba 4 Na Ceithre Maistrí 4 Gaoth Dobhair 4 Na Rossa 4 Naomh Conaill 4 Na Cealla Beaga 4 Cill Chartha 4 Cloich Cheann Fhaola 4 Gaeil Fhánada 4 Roibeard Eiméid 4 An Clochán Liath 4 Sean Mhic Cumhaill 4 Naomh Adhamhnáin 4 Naomh Mícheáil 4 Beart 4 Bun Cranncha 4 Na Dúnaibh 4 An Tearmann 4 Naomh Náille 4 Naomh Muire 4 Aodh Rua (C. Mhic gCuirdin) 4 Carn Domhnach 4 Iorras 4 Naomh Pádraig 4 Gleann tSúilí 4 Málainn 4 Baile na nGallóglach 4 Setanta 4 Naomh Bríd 4 Paite Gabha 4 An Mháigh 4 Naomh Colmcille 4 Bun an Phobail 4 Gaeil Leitir Ceanainn 4 IOMLÁN: 160 Other County Chairman 1 County Secretary 1 County Treasurer 1 Ulster Council Delegates 2 County Asst. Treasurer 1 P.R.O. 1 County Vice Chairman 1 County Asst. Secretary 1 Co. Development Officer 1 Central Council Delegate 1 Oifigeach na Gaeilge 1 County Children’s officer 1 Vocational Schools Board 1 Cumann na mBunscoil 1 Handball Board 1 Coaching Officer 1 Northern Board 1 Southern Board 1 Board 1 Hurling Board 1 Referee’s Administrator 1 IOMLÁN: 182

13 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. Tuarascáil an Rúnaí 2019

Cuirim fáilte mhór romhaibh uilig go Comhdháil The preparation involved in putting county teams bhliantúil CLG Dhún na nGall 2019 in Óstán Jackson’s, on the field is increasing all the time with more Bealach Feich anocht, Is cúis áthais agus bróid dom finances needed and demands made on players mó chúigiú tuarascáil a chur os bhur gcomhair mar during the prime summer months at all levels to Rúnaí ar Choiste Condae CLG Dhún nan Gall. Seo give total commitment to the county thus depriving an tuarascáil dheireanach a chuirfidh mé os bhur clubs of their services. This is a problem that has to be gcomhair mar Rúnaí, mar go bhfuil tréimhse cúig addressed and I feel county players should be more bliana caite agam i mbun an phoist seo . Bhain readily available for club league games. Rule 6.22 mé pléisiúr agus sult as an chuid is mó de’n am seo. Official Guide only deals with club players’ availability for club championship games and it was only a short Bhí bliain iontach gnóthach againn i mbliana arís few years ago that Jim Mc Guinness correctly only agus caithfidh mé mo bhuíochas a ghabhail leis na had a problem with club championship games during hOifigigh ar fad as a gcuid oibre ar son CLG Dhún na the intercounty championship season. I feel that all nGall agus do na fóchumainn uilig as a gcomh oibriú players should be available for club league games a agus a dtacaíocht i rith na bliana. maximum of 13 days prior to county championship I wish to welcome you all to Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey fixtures and as per rule players who are not included for the Donegal GAA 2019 County Convention. This in the inter county panel of 26 should always be evening I step down from the post of Runai CLG Dhún available. Clubs and in particular supporters should na nGall having completed my 5 years and it is a be able to see the top players in the county in the club privilege to present to you my annual report. games throughout Donegal. In these times we now live in there are many challenges In the GAA we always prided ourselves as being facing us in C.L.G. at all levels whether it be at National, the community leader throughout the country. We Provincial, County, Club or to our members. were respected in the leadership and example we Nationally we are continually being scrutinised about set out for our members and particularly our youth. our games and in particular about the changes How often do we hear parents praise the work that needed to make football a better game. Calls are being the GAA club were doing. The challenges facing the made for changes to the structure of our provincial young of our country today are far greater than in the competitions. To compete at the top level our past. The scourge of drugs has spread out from the counties are being asked to invest more and more in cities to practically all parts of the country. I do believe the preparation of county teams in order to compete that an Association as widespread as CLG can play a with the top teams. Our clubs find themselves with little part in educating our young to the danger that is fewer volunteers and as an Association that always poised by alcohol and drug addiction and the lasting prided ourselves in looking after our youth we must affects this can have on people’s lives. Clubs are now ask ourselves are we giving the proper guidelines, coaching players at under 8 level and I believe even education and direction to our young members in the at this early age we should use the expertise of our ever changing environment that is Ireland today. County Health and Well Being Committee to educate all our members on the dangers that exist with drugs The highlight of the year on the playing field was the and drink. All clubs should ensure that there is an retaining of the Anglo Celt Cup and the Seamuis Mac active Health and Well Being Committee operating Fearáin Cup coming to the county after 43 years with within their unit. Gaoth Dobhair’s win late last year. Red Hugh’s victory last year in the Ulster Junior Football championship At the start of the year we had to deal with the issue brought a unique treble to the county. of the use of the pitch in Newtowncunningham being used for a purpose other than GAA activities. Only time will tell how successful the recent changes This received headlines from the local and national to the rules of football will be. What I fear is that more media. Unfortunately we were constrained by rules pressure will come to our referees and while the from the Official Guide and had to adhere by them. top inter county games will always be the best and The GAA at Croke Park has shown itself in the past to fittest referees with officials in contact with mikes and be open to offering its facilities to other events when earpieces the same might not be the case at our club the occasion arises. This was a fundraiser for a great under age and adult games who are asked to make cause and in hindsight if proper time was given we the big calls on their own. could have arranged to have a GAA activity organised

14 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. to aid the charity work being done at the time to Our new Training Centre will be available to clubs and assist a stalwart who played and was an active coach county teams shortly. This will be a testament to the of Naomh Colmcille, the late Paul “Diddler” Dillon. work that many have done throughout the years with this worthy project. With 5 pitches shortly available Our Club Fixtures continue to cause problems to some and completed dressing rooms we will have a facility with the tight timeframe allowed to complete our as good a facility as any in the country. David Mc Loone championship programme. This was an exceptional will give a more detailed report but I would ask all to year with the two replays of our senior championship support some of the many fund raising activities that final and also with the completion of the latter stages we have in order to defray the cost involved. of the Intermediate championship. We also had the unprecedented situation when a senior championship Senior County Football/ Peil Sinsear Condae match took place at the same time as the All-Ireland We were unfortunate to be relegated to Division 2 Football replay. Our CCC is doing great work in the last year however Donegal won the Allianz Division running of our competitions but we may have to make 2 League having defeated Meath in Croke Park and some changes in order that we do not have a repeat gained promotion to Division 1. We had to travel the of this year’s problems repeating in the future. We may long trip to Clare for our first league match of the have to look at commencing our club championship season on the 27th January. Donegal were made to earlier. Other solutions might be the introduction of fight to the finish to get a result against a good Clare a straight knock out. Should we consider in knock out side in , Ennis. We were host to Meath games that they be concluded on the day. I am sure in Mac Cumhaill Park on the following Saturday these problems will get debated fully at the fixtures evening and were very lucky to secure a win. Meath forum for next year’s programme. were a point in front, 0-8 to 0-7, at half-time and from The outcome of Brexit could have very serious there seemed to be going from strength to strength. implications for the island of Ireland and for the GAA. Caolan McGonagle’s got a goal and from then on, it Should we be faced with a “no deal” Brexit or the was almost all one-way traffic. Ciaran Thompson, with return of a hard border we will risk having a shock his fifth point levelled it at 1-11 to 0-14. Meath were to our economy which will seriously affect cross unable to score in the sixteen minutes that remained border trade and to our collective prosperity. We in or in the eight minutes of injury time and Donegal Donegal along with the other border counties want a took full advantage. With further points from Eoin Mc continuation of free movement for our communities, Hugh and Donegal held on to win. We clubs and people and for the rest of the people of our then travelled to where we took on island. The older amongst us only too well know of the Tipperary. Donegal only led by three points at half frustration and bother as well as harassment people time. The sides were level four times in the opening had in crossing the border for travel and in particular half but Donegal, backed by a strong breeze, went going to . in leading by 0-10 to 1-04 at the interval. Tipperary While the 1st County Board was established in goalkeeper Michael O’Reilly produced a great save Mountcharles in 1905 it lapsed after a few years and from a Jamie Brennan penalty three minutes from it was not until Joe Murray from Monaghan came the break. Unfortunately it was a different match in to in 1919 that the GAA was reformed in the second half when Tipperary got a brilliant start the county. That year Sean O Flaherty Castlefin was with a goal within two minutes. Tipperary registered elected Cathoirleach and John Curran a further goal when our backline got their calls wrong. was appointed Runai. I do believe that as this is the They were trailing by a point and with both teams Centenary Year since then we should remember these exchanging points and then a further exchange of founding fathers. During many troubled times since points before Tipperary scored a vital goal and a then we have had continually a county board to look further two points to gain victory on the day. after the affairs of CLG in Donegal. Our next match was against Fermanagh in O’ Donnell Earlier I mentioned about the increasing changes to our Park, Letterkenny. Fermanagh were four points rules that may make life more difficult for our referees. down at half time however they won by three at full With so many of our games now being broadcast, time. Fermanagh were unbeaten in Division Two. instant scrutiny is being offered on the decision of Fermanagh were much hungrier, Donegal were very our match officials. Recently national media reported poor, especially in the second half. Donegal played that our county final ended in controversy with an with 14 men for most of the match after Caolan Mc incorrect decision at the end of the game. While there Gonagle picked up a second yellow and Donegal had is very little we can do what this I would like to say that Stephen Mc Menamin black carded leaving Donegal our officials are volunteers. We would not have games to play with 13 players in the last ten minutes. without match officials. The Give Respect, Get Respect Donegal played Armagh the following Sunday in Sean Campaign should be observed not only by players, Mac Cumhaill Park. Michael Murphy came off the supporters and officials but by all who contribute to bench and finished off a pass from Michael Langan to our games. We must support the efforts being made edge his team into a slender 1-4 to 0-6 having only by our Referees Board in the recruitment and training been on the pitch seven minutes before scoring in first of referees.

15 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

– half injury time. They played this match in miserable Craobh Peile / Championship conditions. Michael Langan scored five points from First up for Donegal was Fermanagh in Brewster Park frees, however was involved in a clash on one of where Donegal had to work hard for their victory over the Armagh players and players from both teams Fermanagh with six points to spare. They struggled got involved and when the matter settled, match against Fermanagh’s defensive play, however they referee Martin McNally dismissed a player from each eventually pulled away in the final ten minutes It team with Jason Mc Gee seeing the line for Donegal. took Donegal until the 17th minute of the game to Armagh came with a late surge but Donegal held on register a score. Paddy McBrearty was making his for a valuable win. first championship appearance for Donegal since last year’s Ulster final against Fermanagh. He kicked We headed for the long journey to Cork for round 6 of a great score in the second half before pouncing the Allianz Football League Division 2. Cork led by 1-8 on a dropping ball to punch over his second and to 0-6 at half-time and moved six clear with a point then fisting a third to stretch Donegal’s lead to four. on resumption but they only scored four points for Donegal were increasingly frustrated throughout the the remainder of the game as Donegal took control first half as Fermanagh attempted to slow them down of proceedings. Daire Ó Baoill and Michael Murphy, at every opportunity. scored for Donegal while Cork scored from a free which left Cork five ahead again, but four in a row – With just a point between the side heading into the two from Murphy and one each for Ryan McHugh final ten minutes, Fermanagh missed a relatively and Jamie Brennan - left Declan Bonner’s side just easy free to level the game. Donegal pulled away to one behind, by the 52nd minute. Again Cork had a eventually win by six points score, but the home team had lost the momentum Next up for Donegal were Tyrone in Kingspan Breffni and Niall O’Donnell, Murphy and Hugh McFadden Park where they book their place in the Ulster SFC final had points as Donegal took the lead for the first time with a 1-16 to 0-15 win over Tyrone. Donegal went in since the opening quarter. Cork did level again, but at half time leading by 1-09 to 0-05. Jamie Brennan they wouldn’t score again and Donegal eased clear struck a major blow in the fourth minute when he with a pair of O’Donnell points. Dáire Ó Baoill pointed collected an Eoghan Ban Gallagher pass to smash before Caolán McGonagle forced a turnover deep in home a goal. Tyrone lost to a black card the Cork half and Jamie Brennan palmed for a goal. for a challenge on Ryan Mc Hugh after ten minutes. Ryan McHugh rounded off the scoring to leave them He was a big loss to Tyrone. Both sides kept pushing in with a shout for promotion going into the final forward particularly Donegal whose pressed hard in round of games. the central area which restricted the Tyrone long ball Next up for Donegal was a match in strategy. Twice Tyrone did break through, however, to against Kildare. Donegal had a great win against get shots at goal away, but keeper was Kildare and will make a return to Division 1 of the spot on and denied and, in stoppage Allianz Football League next year. It was a very one time, Richie Donnelly. This was always going to be sided first half after which they lead by 12 points Donegal’s day as they finally turned the tables on their 0-13 to 0-1. Donegal were in complete control. Eleven great rivals. minutes into the second half Jamie Brennan scored Donegal met Cavan in the Ulster Final where Donegal a goal. Donegal continued to rule and finished with once again dominated in the Ulster Senior Football 1-20 to Kildare’s 0-10. Championship. It has been a decade filled with success Donegal met Meath in the Allianz Football League and silverware for Donegal, who accumulated a fifth Division 2 Final in Croke Park. Donegal were the only provincial title since 2011 with Jamie Brennan very team to beat Meath in the League and were very much on form with a 58th minute goal just as Cavan hopeful of lifting the Division 2 title. Meath were very were threatening to launch a comeback. Cavan could impressive in the first half and went in at half time not cope with the power and pace of Donegal in the leading by 1-10 to 0-8. Donegal were in a lot of bother first half. Donegal went in at half time with an 0-13 to in that first half but they did not give up. Donegal did 0-5 advantage and it could have been much more if respond with four points without reply from Oisin Donegal had taken their goalscoring opportunities by Gallen, Jamie Brennan (2), and Niall O’Donnell.They Jamie Brennan and Paddy Mc Brearty. Jamie Brennan kept battling however Meath kept them at bay in that was causing all sorts of problems for Cavan. Michael first half. In the second half Michael Murphy was very Murphy hoisted the Anglo Celt Cup again. prominent and with the assistance of Oisin Gallen and Donegal played Meath in the first round of the Super Niall O’ Donnell the gap was down to one point 1-14 to 8’s at MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey. The spectators 0-16 Then came that splendid goal by Jamie Brennan were treated to a really good Super 8 match with with the assistance of Murphy and Gallen. Meath were Donegal going in at half time 1-09 to 0-08. Paddy now behind by two points and Donegal held on for McBrearty’s goal put Donegal in control but Meath, to victory and the silverware. their credit, worked hard to stay in touch and there are four points between the sides at the break. Final Score was 2-19 to 1-13.

16 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

Next up for Donegal was Kerry in Croke Park were Ulster Championship against them winning by 2-10 both teams ended with 1-20 each. This was possibly to 1-10 however they were unsuccessful in the Semi- the game of the championship so far with both teams final played in on the 17th November, giving us of their best. Galbally Pearses 1-22 Naomh Naille 0-11. Donegal had to head to Mayo for Round 3 match. The Junior Michael Murphy Stores Championship was Half time Mayo were leading by 1-07 to Donegal won by Buncrana who went on to beat the Collegland 0-04. Donegal were way off the pace, struggling with 0-09 to Buncrana 1-14 in the quarter final, however the intensity of the Mayo tackling and the slippery they were unsuccessful in the semi-final against Rock conditions. Donegal had the benefit of the wind in St. Patricks 2-11 to Buncrana 1-14. the second-half – but they had a lot of work to do. Unfortunately for Donegal this was their poorest Under 20 Team, Foireann Faoi 20 performance of the year, while it was Mayo’s best, I would like to thank Gary Mc Daid, Francie Friel and finishing with 1-14 to 1-10. A disappointing end to the Eamonn Mc Gee for their work with this team. The year for Donegal, as Mayo progress. U20 Team took part in the Philly Mc Guinness Football Development League. Donegal took on Mayo and Thank you to all our players, Our Manager Declan got onto a good start that saw them hit 1-4 in the Bonner, , Paul Mc Gonagle, Stephen first ten minutes, while the home side only registered Rocheford and Gary Boyle. Thanks also to Packie Mc a single point. Donegal lost out to Mayo on a 4-8 Dyre who was in charge of logistics. Thanks must also to 2-8 score-line in Ballina. Donegal 1-7, Mayo 1-5 go to their extended backroom team for their efforts was the half time score, however in the second half during the year. things went badly wrong for Donegal. A black card I wish to congratulate Michael Murphy who was for Peadar Mogan and two red left an uphill battle named in the 2019 GAA-GPA All Star Football team. for Donegal and the Donegal boys kept trying to pull The Donegal picked up his third GAA/GPA All back. Manager Gary McDaid commented afterwards Star when he was named in the team’s half-forward that he was proud of the way his young side kept line for the 2019 season. Michael, who picked up his going when the odds were stacked against them. Up first two All Star awards in 2012 and 2014 guided next for Donegal was Roscommon who they beat on a Donegal to another Ulster title this campaign. Ryan scoreline of 8-09 to 2-01. Donegal v Tyrone u-20 game Mc Hugh, Shaun Patton, Stephen Mc Menamin, Jamie shifted to Brewster as curtain raiser to Ulster Senior Brennan and Patrick Mc Brearty were also nominated. Championship tie between Donegal and Fermanagh. The Ulster Irish News All Star Awards were announced Unfortunately Tyrone beat Donegal on a scoreline of at a function in the Armagh City Hotel on the 13th 2-18 to Donegal’s 2-10. On the 28th June, Donegal September. Eight Donegal Players received awards played Fermanagh in Brewster Park, however this was Shaun Patton, Stephen McMenamin, Paddy McGrath, the end of their playing season for 2019 as Fermanagh Ryan McHugh, Eoghan Ban Gallagher, Michael Murphy, beat Donegal 0-14 to 0-12. Jamie Brennan and Paddy McBrearty. Michael Murphy received the Player of the Year Award. Hurling /Iomanaíocht Cieran Thompson received the 2019 Gradam Shéamuis Donegal 1-13 Kildare 2-16 Mhic Géidigh Award at our Annual Banquet on the Mickey McCann’s Donegal opened their Allianz 23rd November in the Abbey Hotel, Donegal Town. National Hurling League Division 2B 2019 campaign The selection committee for this award is made up with a defeat against Kildare at O’Donnell Park, of journalists. Cieran thoroughly deserved this award. Letterkenny. Michael Murphy received the Player of the Year award. Jack O Lochlainn received Hurler of the year award. Donegal started the match in impressive fashion, with Joe Boyle sending the between the Kildare post for the opening point after one minute. Donegal County Championships & Leagues / never had it all their own way and Kildare made sure Craobh & Sraith naCondae to respond immediately through Ryan Casey. The Congratulations to Naomh Conaill who won the Kildare man forced his way onto the scene in open Michael Murphy Sports Senior Championship after play before thumbing one over Paul Burns head three intense matches against Gaoth Dobhair, last to even the game. There were major positives and year’s winners. won the Senior League this year. spirited performances from several Donegal hurlers Naomh Conaill met Castlerahan, the Cavan Champions, standing out. On the other end, Kildare goalkeeper on the 3rd November and were successful and went Paddy McKenna had a busy opening few minutes, on to meet Clontibret on the 16th November. They with Donegal following with dangerous quick attacks. came out on top and ensured their place in the Ulster After FIVE minutes, Gavin Browne sent a long ball into Club Final against Kilcoo on 1st December. the danger area and it should have easily been dealt Naomh Naille won the Intermediate Championship, with by McKenna but, somehow he dropped the sliotar met Naomh Seamus in in the Quarter into his own net, a true gift for Donegal – who won’t Final and were successful in the first round of the score an easier goal all season. Declan Coulter added

17 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. another point for Donegal with a long-range free, Stephen Gillespie; Jack O Loughlin, Sean McVeigh, while Ciaran Matthewson also extended Donegal’s Gavin Browne; Ciaran Matthewson (0-1), Danny Cullen early lead. Declan Coulter added three points to his (0-1); Ronan McDermott, Lee Henderson (0-1), Dylan tally while Ronan McDermott also got his name on Duffy; Declan Coulter (0-9, 6fs), Oisin Rooney, Kevin the scoresheet. Kildare responded perfectly in turn, Kealy. Subs: Aedan Stokes for O Rooney h/t, Paddy leaving the score at 1-7 to 1-6 to Donegal before the Hannigan for R Duffy 44, Jamie de Ward for K Kealy 59, break. Dylan Lafferty for P Burns 69. In the second half, David Herity’s side really began to turn the screw. Four points, three from open play, in Donegal fell to their third defeat in-a-row in the Allianz three minutes, turned the game on its head and gave National League as they went down to Wicklow, in Kildare the lead for the first time. O’Donnell Park. Declan Coulter and Kevin Kealty tallied two more Donegal 0-15 Wicklow 2-13 points for Donegal at the start of the second period Two second half Wicklow goals were hammer blows but Kildare kept scoring, However, Donegal, who were for a Donegal side who started without ace marksman three behind, ensured there was going to be a close and top scorer Declan Coulter. The former Armagh finish when Coulter and Matthewson stepped up player, who scored 0-9 against Derry last time out, to narrow the game to two points. While McCann’s aggravated an old calf injury. In his absence Lee players continued the good fight, Kildare’s star man Henderson stepped into the breach and the Mac Byrne added a goal to kill any hope of a Donegal Cumhaills man did not let his side down as he ended revival. Donegal showed massive heart on the day the game with ten points to his name. and battled to the final whistle, Coulter adding a consolation point at the end. Their efforts were not Donegal led by three points at the end of a scrappy enough as they fell to a six-point deficit and hard fought opening 35 minutes. Lee Henderson was impeccable from placed balls as he converted DONEGAL: Paul Burns, Mark Callaghan (Conor Parke five frees and a 65. 10’), Stephen Gillespie, Pauric Doherty, Ciaran Finn, Gavin Browne (1-0), (Lee Henderson 65’), Jack O Donegal, to their credit refused to buckle and Cullen, Loughlin, Joe Boyle (0-1), Declan Coulter (0–7), Sean who had fine game in the middle of the field, and McVeigh, Danny Cullen, Ronan McDermott (0-1), Henderson added points. But a second Wicklow goal Dylan Dufy, Oisin Rooney (40’), Ciaran Mathewson in the middle of the second period opened up a three (0-3), Kevin Kealy ( 0-1). point lead for Wicklow. The defeat means Donegal with two games still to play, away to Down next weekend and at home to Donegal hurlers suffered their second defeat in-a-row Warwickshire the following weekend, have now as they went down to a superior Derry in Ballinascreen. been dragged into a relegation battle, most likely Derry …… 3-18 Donegal …0-12 Warwickshire. Derry goals in the space of a couple minutes at the DONEGAL: Paul Burns, Cormac Finn, Padraig Doherty, start of the second half were the big turning point Stephen Gillespie, Gavin Browne, Christopher after an evenly contested opening 35 plus minutes. McDermott, Jack O Loughlin, Joe Boyle, Danny Donegal, who suffered a six point defeat against Cullen (0-2), Ciaran Mathewson (0-1), Lee Henderson Kildare last Sunday, in O’Donnell Park, Letterkenny, (0-10,1’65’,9f), Conor O’Grady, Sean McVeigh (0-1), were more than a match for the locals in the opening Ronan McDermott, Dylan Duffy (0-1). Subs: half. With Declan Coulter in fine form, Donegal just trailed Donegal clocked up their first league win of the season by a point at half-time as Derry led 0-8 to 0-7 at the with a 16 point win over Warwickshire in O’Donnell end of a low scoring 35 minutes. Park. But it was a different story in the second half. Derry Donegal 5-18, Warwickshire 0-17. came out all guns blazing on the resumption with Kevin Kealy (two), Paddy Hannigan, Lee Henderson three points and a goal on the trot. That was on 40 and Ronan McDermott scored the Donegal goals in minutes and two minutes later Kildare had the green what was a dead game. flag raised again. Donegal struggled from then until the finish as Derry chalked up four points without The two sides will have to meet again next weekend response before Mathewson struck over Donegal’s in a relegation play-off to determine who will play in second of the half. In fairness to Donegal they kept Division 2B next season and who will make the drop plugging away with Danny Cullen and Coulter landing to Division 3A. With the play-off in mind, Donegal boss late points before Derry struck for their third goal. This Mickey McCann rested team captain Danny Cullen, first defeat makes it very difficult for Donegal to hold onto choice defenders Padraig Doherty, Stephen Gillespie their Division 2B status. and Gavin Browne. Donegal were also without the injured Declan Coulter. DONEGAL: Paul Burns; Padraig Doherty, Joe Boyle,

18 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

Donegal were 5-13 to 0-6 in front and cruising with a both Declan Coulter and Lee Henderson it was Danny little over a half an hour to play and as they sat back, Cullen who took over the free taking responsibilities Warwickshire had a good spell and knocked over six for Donegal and the Setanta man didn’t disappoint points without response. But the outcome was never with some fine scores. Donegal led by 1-07 to 0-05 in doubt. after 28 minutes and finished the half impressively to lead 1-12 to 0-07 at the break. Mickey McCann’s men DONEGAL: Paul Burns, Marty Callaghan, Christopher still led by a single point with two minutes of normal McDermott, Conor Parke, Jack O’Loughlin, P McCarron, time remaining 1-14 to 0-16, but O Doherty, Gerard Ciaran Mathewson (0-1), Ciaran Finn(0-1), Joe Boyle; Bradley, Brian Og McGilligan and Sean McGuigan all Dillon Duffy, Oisin Rooney (0-2), Ronan McDermott added late points to give Derry the win and send a (1-2); Lee Henderson (1-6,4f), Paddy Hannigan (1-3), gallant Donegal to their second defeat in the Group. Kevin Kealy (2-1). Subs: Gavin Browne for Dillon Duffy, Colm Flood for C Finn, h/t; Ryan Hilferty (0-1) for C Mathewson, Ciaran McDermott for J O’Loughlin both Down provided the opposition for Donegal at 43; Jamie De Ward (0-1) for K Kealy 54; O’Donnell Park in two weeks’ time.

Donegal chances, as remote and all as they were Donegal’s hurlers have been relegated from Division of making the knockout stages of the Christy Ring 2B of the Allianz Hurling League. Championship, were well and truly dashed by Down, Donegal 0-14 Warwickshire 2-10 in Donnell Park. Donegal 2-15 Down 7-22 Mickey McCann’s men were left to rue 15 wides and Donegal now face London in a Christy Ring the concession of two goals in Longford this afternoon Championship Cup relegation play-off. in the Division 2B relegation play-off. Donegal led by four at half-time, but it was Warwickshire who proved DONEGAL: Paul Burns; Conor Park, Christopher the more economical in the second half. Warwickshire McDermott, Stephen Gillespie; Jack O’Loughlin, Sean preserved their status and brought Donegal back to McVeigh, Colm Flood (0-1); Joe Boyle, Danny Cullen Division 3A after two seasons in Division 2B. (0-1); Ronan McDermott, Ciaran Matthewson (1-10, 1-0pen, 5f), Ciaran Finn (0-1); Gavin Browne (1-1), Niall Donegal: Paul Burns; Padraig Doherty, Christopher Cleary, Dillon Duffy. Subs: Lee Henderson (0-1) for McDermott, Mark Callaghan; Jack O’Loughlin (0-2), Cleary (half-time), PJ McCarron for D Cullen 55inj; Sean Gavin Browne, Stephen Gillespie; Danny Cullen, Joe Anderson for J O’Loughlin 58; Caolan McDermott for Boyle (0-1); Lee Henderson (0-3, 2f), Sean McVeigh D Duffy 58; Ryan Hilferty for S Gillespie 61. (01), Ronan McDermott; Kevin Kealy (0-1), Declan Coulter (0-4, 2f), Ciaran Mathewson (0-2). Sub used: Donegal’s long fight to retain their Christy Ring Ciaran Finn. Championship status was finally dashed by London in St Park, Crossmaglen on Saturday. London 2-18 Donegal 1-14 Donegal hurlers play well, but lose out against Wicklow The winning margin may have been rough justice on an understrength Donegal, who were in this tie up And Donegal were well worth their lead of 1-7 to 1-5 to the three quarter mark. London polished off the at the break. But, a lapse of concentration for about win and salvation with four points in the closing five five minutes on the resumption, was to cost them minutes when Donegal were out on their feet and dearly. down to 13 men.

Donegal: P Burns; C Parke, C McDermott, M Callaghan; Donegal were in this game and in a good position at J O’Loughlin (0-1), S McVeigh (0-1), S Gillespie; J Boyle, half-time as they went in on level terms, 1-8 to 2-5 after Danny Cullen; C Matthewson (0-51f), R McDermott, being the better side for most of the opening half and C Finn; G Browne (0-1), L Henderson (1-65f), D Duffy actually led by six points at one stage in the half. (0-1). C Flood for C Finn (40), R Hilferty for L Henderson (43) inj) This was a first win in either league or championship for London, the beaten Christy Ring finalists last year. Derry 0-20 V Donegal 1-14 Derry came back from a 8 point half-time deficit to Donegal will now play back down the Nicky Rackard beat Donegal by three points in this Christy Ring Cup Cup next season and after losing their three group clash at Owenbeg. Donegal led by 1-12 to 0-07 at the games and the play-off for a team in transition the break, Dylan Duffy getting the goal when he flicked Nicky Rackard Championship is probably where they Sean McVeigh’s long ball into the net for Donegal’s should be. opening score. However they could only add two We owe Mickey Mc Cann, Martin Mc Grath and their points to their tally in the second half as Derry came backroom team together with the players a big thank storming back to shoot 13 second-half points and you for their commitment to hurling in Donegal. take the victory by a three point margin. Without

19 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. Results 2019/Torthaí 2019 Allianz FL Division 2, Sunday 24th February 2019 O’ Donnell Park, Letterkenny Sean Mac Cumhaill Park, Ballybofey Donegal 0-10 Fermanagh 0-13 Mc Kenna Cup Round 1, Mark Anthony McGinley; Stephen McMenamin, Brendan Sunday 30th December 2018 McCole, Eoghan Bán Gallagher; , Eamonn Donegal 0-21 Queen’s University 0-11 Doherty, Ryan McHugh; Hugh McFadden, Jason McGee (0-02); Niall O’Donnell, Ciaran Thompson (0-01,f), Caolan Esler Park, Newry McGonagle; Oisin Gallen (0-01), Michael Langan (0-4,0- Mc Kenna Cup round 2, Sunday 6th January 2019 04f), Jamie Brennan (0-01) . Down 0-10 Donegal 1-17 Subs: Paul Brennan for J McGee 51; Eoin McHugh for E Donegal: MA McGinley; C Ward, McCole, C Morrison; E Doherty 56; Leo McLoone for O Gallen 62; Peadar Mogan McHugh, E Doherty, C McGonigle (1-1), H McFadden, M for Langan McElhinney (0-4), C Thompson (0-1), N O’Donnell (0-3 2Fs), P Mogan (0-1), J Brennan (0-2), M Langan (2fs), M Allianz FL Division 2, Saturday, 2nd March 2019 O’Reilly (0-1). Subs: J McGee for Thompson (41), P Brennan Sean Mac Cumhaill Park for McHugh inj (42), L Connors for Brennan (47), O Gallen Donegal 1-9 Armagh 0-11 (0-1) for O’Reilly (57), P Dolan for Mogan (64) S Patton, S McMenamin, B McCole, C Ward, R McHugh, L McLoone Eoghan Ban Gallagher, H McFadden, C Sean Mac Cumhaill Park, Ballybofey McGonagle, C Thompson (0-01 (f)), J McGee, M Langan Mc Kenna Cup Round 3, Wednesday 9th January, (0-5 (5f)), J Brennan, O Gallen, N O’Donnell (0-01) Donegal 1-20 Cavan 1-12 Subs: M Murphy (1.02) for Gallen (28), E McHugh for Thompson (47), P Brennan for McMenamin (55) Healey Park, Mc Kenna Cup, Semifinal. Sunday 13th January. Allianz FL Division 2, Saturday 16th March 2019 Donegal 1-10 Armagh 0-14 Páirc Uí Rinn Cork 1-12 Donegal 1-19 Allianz FL Division 2, Sunday 27th January 2019 Shaun Patton; , Stephen McMenamin, Cusack Park, Ennis Caolán Ward (0-01); Paul Brennan, Leo McLoone, Eoghan Clare 0 -13 Donegal 0-16 Bán Gallagher; Hugh McFaden (0-01), Caolán McGonagle; Shaun Patton; Conor Morrison, Brendan McCole, Caolan Niall O’Donnell (0-03), Ciarán Thompson (0-01), Ryan Ward; Paul Brennan, Eoghan Bán Gallagher (0-01), McHugh (0-02); Jamie Brennan (1-02), Michael Murphy Eamonn Doherty; Hugh McFadden (0-01), Jason McGee (0-06, 0-04 frees, 0-01 45), Oisín Gallen (0-01). (0-03); Ciaran Thompson (0-02), Ryan McHugh, Caolan Subs: Daire Ó Baoill (0-02) for Brennan (23), Paddy McGonagle (0-01, 0-01f); Niall O’Donnel (0-01), Michael McGrath for Ward (half-time), Eoin McHugh for Gallen, Langan (0-04, 0-04f) Jamie Brennan (0-03). Neil McGee for Doherty (both 70) Subs: Martin McElhinney for P Brennan 42; Leo McLoone for McGonagle 55; Stephen McMenamin for Bán Allianz FL Division 2, Sunday 24th March 2019 Gallagher 66; Peadar Mogan for Doherty 44 Fr. Tierney Park, Ballyshannon Donegal 1-20 Kildare 0-10 Allianz FL Division 2,Saturday 2nd February 2019 Shaun Patton; Paddy McGrath, Brendan McCole, Stephen Mac Cumhaill Park McMenamin; Daire Ó Baoill(0-1), Leo McLoone, Eoghan Donegal 1-13 Meath 0-14 Ban Gallagher; Hugh McFadden (0-1), Jason McGee Mark Anthony McGinley; Conor Morrison, Brendan (0-2) Niall O’Donnell (0-3), Ryan McHugh (0-3), Caolan McCole, Eoghan Ban Gallagher; Caolan Ward, Eamonn McGonagle (0-1); Oisin Gallen (0-4, 2fs,1,’45) Michael Doherty, Ryan McHugh; Hugh McFadden, Michael Langan; Murphy (0-4, 2fs,1,’45), Jamie Brennan (1-01). Niall O’Donnell, Ciaran Thompson, Caolan McGonagle; Subs: Neil McGee for McCole (57), Eoin McHugh for Ó Martin O’Reilly, Martin McElhinney, Jamie Brennan. Baoill (61), Paul Brennan for Gallen (63), Frank McGlynn Subs: Leo McLoone for Langan (half-time), Jason McGee for McLoone (67), Caolan Ward for R. McHugh (68). for McElhinney (45), Stephen McMenamin for O’Reilly (45), Eoin McHugh for Doherty (67), Paul Brennan for Allianz Football League Division 2 Final, Shaun O’Donnell (75). Saturday, 30th March 2019 Croke Park Allianz FL Division 2, Sunday,10th February 2019 Donegal 1-17 Meath 1-15 Semple Stadium Shaun Patton; Stephen McMenamin, Brendan McCole, Tipperary 3-09 Donegal 0-13 Paddy McGrath; Daire O’Baoill, Leo McLoone, Eoghan Sean Patton, Eoghan Bán Gallagher, Brendan McCole, Ban Gallagher; Hugh McFadden, Jason McGee 0-2; Niall Tony McCleneghan, Stephen McMenamin, Caolan Ward, O’Donnell 0-2, Ryan McHugh, Caolan McGonagle; Oisin Ryan McHugh, Hugh McFadden, Jason McGee, Ciaran Gallen 0-4, Michael Murphy 0-7 (5fs, 2ms), Jamie Brennan Thompson, Caolan McGonagle, Michael Langan, Niall 1-2. O’Donnell, Jamie Brennan, Oisín Gallen Subs: Neil McGee for McCole (14), Eamonn Doherty for Subs: Martin McElhinney for Gallen (65), Leo McLoone McLoone (HT), Michael Langan for McGonagle (44), Eoin for McGee (45), Paul Brennan for McMenamin (60) McHugh for O’Baoill (54), Frank McGlynn for Ryan Mc Hugh,

20 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

Alianz Football League Div 2 Thompson, Niall O’Donnell, Jamie Brennan; Patrick Team P W D L +/- P t s . McBrearty, Michael Murphy, Michael Langan

Meath 7 6 0 1 27 12 All Ireland Group 1 Round 3, 3rd August 2019 Donegal 7 5 0 2 18 10 Mac Hale Park Fermanagh 7 3 2 2 -5 8 Mayo 1-14 Donegal 1-10 Kildare 7 3 1 3 -6 7 Shaun Patton; Paddy McGrath, Eamonn Doherty, Stephen Armagh 7 2 2 3 4 6 McMenamin; Ryan McHugh, Daire Ó Baoill (0-2), Odhrán Clare 7 2 1 4 -6 5 McFadden Ferry; Hugh McFadden, Jason McGee; Ciaran Cork 7 2 1 4 -21 5 Thompson, Niall O’Donell (0-2), Jamie Brennan; Patrick McBrearty (0-2), Michael Murphy (1-4, 2f, 1 pen), Michael Tipperary 7 1 1 5 -11 3 Langan. Ulster SFC, Sunday 26th May 2019, Quarter Final Subs: Leo McLoone for McGee (10 mins), Paul Brennan for Brewster Park Doherty (31), Caolan Ward for McGrath (41), Oisín Gallen Fermanagh 0-9 Donegal 0-15 for Thompson (55), Eoin McHugh for Paul Brennan (63, S Patton; P McGrath, N McGee, S McMenamin, EB BC), Eoin McGettigan for Langan (72) Gallagher, D O’Baoill, R McHugh; H McFadden, J McGee 0-01; C Thompson 0-01, M Langan 0-1, L McLoone 0-01; P McBrearty 0-05 (2fs), M Murphy 0-02, J Brennan 0-04. Insurance Schemes Subs: F McGlynn for O Baoill (49), N O’Donnell for Players’ injury Scheme McLoone (55), E McHugh for McGrath (61), E Doherty for Property & Public Liability R McHugh inj (71), P Brennan for Thompson (73) Players Injury Scheme Ulster SFC, Sunday 8th June 2019, Semi Final Total amount paid out to the county in 2019 was Kingspan e195,045,281. Donegal 1-16 Tyrone 0-15 S Patton; P McGrath, N McGee, S McMenamin (0-01); There was a slight decrease in the amount paid out R McHugh (0-01), N O’Donnell, E Ban Gallagher; H to the County this year; however as in previous years McFadden (0-01), J McGee; E McHugh (0-01), L McLoone, an amount of claims would still be pending final J Brennan (1-03); P McBrearty (0-03, 1f), M Murphy (0-05, settlement. 2d, 1 ’45), M Langan (0-01). Subs: C Thompson for McGee (15), D O Baoill for E New Claims Administrators: McHugh (39), F McGlynn for McLoone (47), O Gallen for O’Donnell (53), P Brennan for J Brennan (64) As all clubs are now aware DWF Claims have been appointed as the new claims administrators for the Ulster SFC, Sunday 23rd June 2019, Final GAA Injury Benefit Fund with effect from December Tierney Park, Clones 1 2019. DWF Claims will take over the handling of Donegal 1-24 Cavan 2-16 existing claims and newly reported claims. This is Shaun Patton; Paddy McGrath, Neil McGee, Stephen a significant and important change to the Fund McMenamin; Ryan McHugh 0-1, Odhran McFadden- given that Willis Towers Watson have always been Ferry, Eoghan Ban Gallagher 0-1; Hugh McFadden 0-1, the appointed administrators. Please note that Willis Jason McGee 0-2 ; Ciaran Thompson 0-2, Michael Langan Towers Watson will no longer be dealing with any 0-1, Niall O’Donnell 0-1; Paddy McBrearty 0-5(1f), Michael queries on the GAA Injury Benefit Fund. Murphy 0-4 (3fs), Jamie Brennan 1-4. I have listed the main benefits of this new Claim Subs: Daire O’Baoill 0-1 for O’Donnell (43), Frank McGlynn Administrator and a detailed document will be for N McGee (53), Paul Brennan for McFadden Ferry (61), circulated to all delegates at the county convention. Oisin Gallen for Thompson (64), Leo McLoone for Langan • The new reporting portal will have the capabilities (70), Caolan Ward for McMenamin (70+4). to accept the required documentation via scanned copies scanned receipts, wage slips, medical, All Ireland Group1 Round 1 14th July 2019 declaration sections etc. will be acceptable without Sean Mac Cumhaill, Ballybofey the requirement to post in originals. DWF Claims will Donegal 2-19 Meath 1-13 assess the claims as the documents are uploaded Shaun Patton; Paul Brennan, Neil McGee, Stephen and in turn update the portal as to what other McMenamin; Ryan McHugh, Odhran McFadden-Ferry, Eoghan Ban Gallagher, Hugh McFadden, Jason McGee, documentation may be required to finalise a claim Ciaran Thompson, Niall O’Donnell, Jamie Brennan, Paddy or details of claim payments. No letters will be issued McBrearty, Michael Murphy, Michael Langan. requesting documentation/details of payments. Dependent on what officer as in the Club secretary/ All Ireland Group 1 Round 2, 21st July 2019 designated Injury Fund administrator registers for Croke Park the portal; they will receive a prompt via email when Donegal 1-20 Kerry 1-20 they have to action something on the portal. Spot Shaun Patton; Odhrán McFadden Ferry, Eamonn Doherty, checks will be made and originals requested from Stephen McMenamin; Ryan McHugh, Caolan Ward, time to time as part of annual audit checks under Eoin McHugh; Hugh McFadden, Jason McGee; Ciarán the Fund.

21 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

• You all can appreciate this change in claims Public Liability Insurance administrators is significant and has been made with the best intentions for the future of the Fund Incident Reports but also to try and alleviate the work on our Club/ It is important to remember that any incident which County Officers. may give rise to a claim must be reported immediately • County Board will no longer be required to sign to ensure policy indemnity is available to the club. In off on the County Board declaration – The County the event an indemnity is not provided in respect of a Secretary/administrator has always been required claim, the club will be responsible for appointing their to sign off the county declaration on the paper own legal advisors and for the entire associated claim form. You will no longer be required to do this. The costs. declaration section is changing and it will require the signature of the claimant, the team manager As you can see the issue around insurances for players and the club secretary or designated Injury Fund and Property & Public Liability is a continued challenge Administrator. You will be required to sign the for the association and it is imperative that all units declaration for players whose injuries are sustained remain diligent in ensuring that they are operating on playing/training for the County. Whilst, you will not the strictest of basis in the use of their facilities and be asked to sign the declaration section, you will still have a Risk Assessment/Management system in place be asked to approve the claims on the on-line portal and updated regularly. so you will know what cases are been reported. If you see a claim notified for a particular incident Sponsorship/ Urraíocht that you are concerned over, it should be flagged to We thank our main Sponsor, the KN Group who’s croke park. Managing Director is Donagh Kelly for his continued • Direct payment of Injury Fund benefits to the support. affiliated unit – currently all Injury Fund payments Our close links with the Abbey Hotel continue. The are issued to the County Board for which you Abbey Hotel are our Tier Two sponsors and we receive letters for and in turn you have to forward thank Liam Clancy for his support. We also thank those payments on to the club. DWF Claims will be our Kit suppliers and sponsors O’Neills. We are issuing payment directly to the affiliated unit and delighted to have all our other sponsors on board this again will reduce work at a County Board level also – Michael Murphy Sports and Leisure who which will lead to a faster turnaround on affiliated sponsor our Championships, Evolve, Yes Chef, LYIT, units receiving payments and having to send them. Affidea, Letterkenny Diagnostic Centre and all other You will of course receive the payments directly in individuals and business people who continue to relation to claims registered against your County support our Donegal Teams. teams and notification of it will be on the portal. You will receive a report each month of all of the ClárúBaill / Membership Registration payments issued for units within your County and There was a further decrease of 586 in the number also a report on all claims registered for units within of registered members for 2019. At the 31st March your County. 19,922 members had registered with our forty clubs. A total of 10,677 were full adult members, a decrease Claims Validation from 11,2581 from 2018. The Insurance renewal year runs from January 1st – December 31st. So it is important that clubs ensure 31st March 2019 31st March 2018 that they have their playing members registered Total Membership 19,922 20,508 before they commence training or playing. If a claim is notified and the claimant is not in the Full Members 10,677 11,258 membership system at the date of his claim or is Youth Members 9,132 9,132 registered after the injury date, the claim will be Honorary Members 52 60 declined and no appeals will be considered. Social Members 61 58 Clubs must also be aware if a preliminary notification is submitted on behalf of a player and in the interim Adult Players 2,581 2,914 he goes back playing or training then a new claim U21 Players 1,079 1,073 must be submitted. Minor Players 913 2,809 Juvenile Players 7,219 3,225 Property Insurance At the time of writing my report, we have not received * In 2014, there were 11,189 full members and 9,026 the county premium for Property and Public Liability youth members registered in Donegal, a total of but it is hoped that there is no substantial increase in 20,215 these premiums. * In 2015, there were 14,290 full members and 8,862 Our premium is calculated on a 5-year previous claims youth members registered in Donegal, a total of experience and I expect this will continue. This is going 23,152 to be the trend for the coming year/years unless claims * In 2016, there were 13,400 full members and 9,577 are substantially reduced. 22 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

youth members registered in Donegal, a total of 22,977 Number of incoming transfers per club during * In 2017 there were 12,171 full members and 9,228 2019 youth members registered in Donegal a total of 6 Four Masters, Aodh Ruadh 21,399 4 St. Michaels, * In 2018 there were 11,258 full members and 9,132 3 Ardara, Killybegs, St. Nauls youth members registered in Donegal a total of 20,390 2 Buncrana, Bundoran, Burt, Cloughaneely, * In 2019 there were 10,677 full members and 9,132 Glenfin, St. Eunans, Termon, Setanta youth members registered in Donegal a total of 1 Downings, Dungloe, Gaoth Dobhair, Glenswilly, 19,809 , Malin, Moville, Naomh Brid, Naomh Columba, Naomh Mhuire Convoy, Transfers / Aistrithe Naomh Ultan, Sean Mc Cools, St. Patrick’s Lifford Inter ICT ICT Sanction/ Club Outgoing Incoming J1’s Our outgoing transfers have risen this year and Eanáir - 2 - - hopefully this trend will not continue. The incoming transfers are higher than last year, which clubs will be Feabhra - 15 - - happy with together with the fact that Sanctions and Márta 1 15 8 - J1 Visas were lower than in other years which will be a Aibreán 4 27 10 2 bonus for our clubs. Bealtaine - 23 11 3 Meitheamh 4 15 5 8 Donegal Representatives on Ulster Council Committees in 2019 Iúil 2 8 3 6 Comhairle Uladh P.J. Mc Gowan Lúnasa - 5 5 - Ed Byrne Meán Fómhair - 7 10 - Coiste Bainistíochta P.J. Mc Gowan Deaireadh - 3 1 - (Management Committee) Fómhair Coiste Éisteachta Ed Byrne (Hearings Committee) Samhain - 1 1 - Coiste Páirceanna & Tom Daly Iomlán 11 121 54 19 Sábháilteachta (Parks & Safety Committee) ICT ICT Sanction/ Grúpa Oibre IT, Margaíochta & John Mc Eniff Bliain Inter Club Outgoing Incoming J1’s Caidrimh Poiblí (IT, Marketing & Public Relations) 2015 4 106 50 50 Coiste Airgeadais Alan Boyd 2016 18 125 41 35 (Finance Committee) 2017 15 121 65 31 Coiste Forbartha Iomána Paddy Lennon 2018 10 107 40 23 Coiste Forbarth an ag Cluichí & Conor Mc Dermott 2019 11 121 54 19 Oiliúna (Games Development & Coaching) Iomlán 58 580 250 158 Coiste Gaeilge agus Fearghas Mac Aoidh Oidhreachta (Irish and Heritage Number of outgoing transfers per club during Committee) (Rúnaí ) 2019 Coiste Scór agus Cultúir Fearghas Mac Aoidh 9 Four Masters, (Scór and Culture) Grúpa Oibre Chúrsa Shéamuis Fearghas Mac Aoidh, 8 Dungloe de Faoite Na Dunaibh Naul Mc Cole, 7 Cloughaneely, Sean Mc Cools (Seamus de Faoite Course Work Pat Conaghan 5 Ardara, Buncrana, Gaoth Dobhair, Group (Cathaoirleach) Naomh Mhuire Convoy, St. Eunans, Coiste Riarachán Réiteoirí Michelle Bennett (Ulster Referees’ Administration 4 Bundoran, Burt, Downings, Moville, Committee) 3 Glenswilly, Glenties, Kilcar, Malin, Coiste Sláinte & Sábháilteachta Terence Mc Shea Naomh Brid, Naomh Muire, St. Nauls Grúpa Thar Lear Tom Daly 2 Carndonagh, Gaels, Killybegs, Coiste Sláinte &Folláine Kevin Mills Letterkenny Gaels, Muff, Naomh Colmcille, Naomh Columba, St. Michaels 1 Aodh Ruadh, Glenfin, Milford, Na Rossa, St. Patrick’s Lifford, Urris, Setanta

23 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

I wish to thank all our local and regional papers, radio Ionadaithe as Dún na nGall ar choistí náisiúnta stations, local and National T.V. and our local online in 2018/ Donegal representatives on national and social media platforms for their assistance during committees in 2019 the year. Coiste Iniúchóireachta Grace Boyle (Audit Committee) Last but not least, I wish to thank Noreen Doherty, Coiste Airgeadais Niall Erskine County Administrator for her continued support (Financial Management Committee) during the year. Noreen puts in tremendous hours Forbairt ar Chluichí P.J. Mc Gowan outside normal working hours and is always available (Games Development) to assist myself and my fellow Officers. Coiste na Gaeilge Aodh Mairtín Ó (Irish Committee) Fhearraigh As you all know I had to answer to Croke Park for my Coiste Náisiúntana gClubanna Séamus Ó Domhnaill involvement in sending a letter to CCCC asking and (National Club Committee) supporting for the reduction of a suspension to a Leigheas Eolaíoch agus Leas Kevin Moran member from this county that was imposed in 2018. (Medical Scientific & Welfare) This suspension caused great distress to me and GAA Domhanda Niall Erskine, my family when I as Runai signed the letter in good (World GAA) Laurence Mc Grath faith to help a member from the county. Most of the Coiste Theicneolaíochta na Sean Dunnion interaction was done on my phone when at a charity Fáisnéise (IT) (Cathaoirleach) fund raiser in Dungloe on a Friday night. At the time Sláinte agus Folláine Kevin Mills I did not know what body imposed the suspension (Health & Wellbeing Committee) and I regret that I got the Chairman of the Hearings involved. There are many lessons to be learnt from the Aitheantas / Acknowledgments episode and I feel that minutes of all sub committees My sincere thanks to all officers of An Coiste should be forwarded to Runaí Bord na Condae after Bainistíochta for their help, assistance and co- each meeting. I do not wish to comment further on operation on behalf of CLG Dhún na nGall during the matter. 2019. Thanks also to all our sub-committees who have worked to promote our games and our activities. They work long hours in a voluntary capacity to ensure Na Mairbh the smooth running of the Association. Our County Guím Suaimhneas Síoraí ar bhaill a fuair bas le linn na Chairman Mick Mc Grath has completed a very busy bliana seo agus ar dhaoine muintireacha baill a fuair year in the post and I thank Mick for his support and bas I rith na bliana. assistance during the year. Mick has put in a vast amount of hours looking to retain our sponsorship with Ar dheis Láimh Dé go raibh said uilig . a view to keeping our finances in order and striving to I wish to acknowledge the support I received on the have the Training Centre Building completed. I wish passing of my husband Martin recently. to thank David Mc Loone, the Development Officer, for the enormous amount of work that he has put in to ensure that the work on the Training Centre keeps Críoch progressing according to plan. Alan Boyd took on the Guím beannachtaí na Nollag agus Áth-Bhliain onerous task of Treasurer and I wish to thank Alan for faoi shéan agus faoi mhaise ar ár mbaill go léir. Go all the work he has put in over the last year especially raibh maith agaibh as bhur dtacaíocht agus bhur his assistance in getting the House Draw up and gcomhoibriú le linn 2019. running. I wish to thank Joanne Dawson for coming on board and taking charge of this big project which we hope will be a big success. Aidín Uí Ghiolláin Rúnaí Choiste Condae CLG Dhún na nGall I wish to express my thanks to Declan Bonner, Mickey Mc Cann, Gary Mc Daid, Gary Duffy, Daithi Roberts, Doctors, Physios and all the backroom personnel for their work on behalf of our Senior and Underage County Teams during 2019. I wish to thank all our players from Underage to Seniors, both footballers and hurlers. Great praise must go to these young people who go out week after week and give so much of their time to the GAA.

I wish to thank the Ulster Council and Croke Park Officials for their help during the year when I contacted them on a regular basis.

24 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. Tuarascáil Oifigeach Chultúrtha agus Teanga 2019

Indiaidh ceithre bhliain sa phost mar Oifigeach visible through increased signage. Most of the cultural Chultúrtha agus Teanga, tá mé sásta go bhfuil dul officers in the county are active but unfortunately chun cinn maith déanta againn maidir le cúrsaí there are a few clubs who have not taken part in Teanga agus Scór. Tá méadú mór ar an méid clubanna any cultural activity at all this year. This is usually atá ag glacadh páirt i Scór Sinsir agus Scór na nÓg due to a lack of interest on the part of the appointed agus i gcúrsaí eile, mar shampla, Tráth na gCeist Bord, cultural officer within the club and for this reason it is Bailiúchán na Teanga agus tá níos mó clubanna anois important that clubs ensure that their cultural officers páirteach i léithid Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic are taking part in the promotion of culture and/or Dhonncha. language and giving their young people and adults within these clubs an opportunity to take part in at Ar dtús ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil le na least some of the events that are organised annually daoine go léir agus na clubanna a chuidigh liom i rith within the GAA in Donegal. na bliana. Gan an cuidiú luachmhar seo, bheadh sé iontach deacar morán a dhéanadh ó thaobh cultúr Scór na nÓg: Comhghairdeas le achán duine agus agus teanga. Chomh maith le sin, tá mé fíor bhuíoch achán chlub a ghlac páirt i Scór na nÓg anuraidh. do’n chathaoirleach a bhfuil suim mhór aige i gcúrsaí Congratulations to all who took part in Scór na nÓg as ceoil, an rúnaí, an chisteoir, oifigeach caidrimh phoiblí, well as the host clubs for the three semi-finals in Beart, riarthóir agus na baill eile de choiste feidhmiúcháin Droim a’ Róín and Rath Mealtán. Gaoth Dobhair’s CLG Dhún na nGall. Bhí siad go léir i gcónaí sásta organising committee and Amharclann Ghaoth tacaíoct a thabhairt dom. Tá buíochas spesialta tuillte Dobhair deserve congratulations and míle buíochas ag comhaltaí choiste Scór Dhún na nGall agus tá meas for their level of preparation and presentation for the mór agam ar gach uile dhuine acu. Mar an gceanna, bhí county final. All three semi-finals were well attended coiste oibre den chead scoth ag obair liom ar chúrsa and well run as was the final. A total of 30 clubs Cuimhneacháin Shéamuis de Faoite sna Dúnaibh agus took part last year in Scór na nÓg in Donegal in the fuair muid an-tacaíocht ó CLG na nDúnaibh. 2018/2019 season and this was the same number of clubs that took part in 2017/2018 season. The county The majoraty of clubs in Donegal are taking part in champions are listed below. some aspect of culture and/or language. We have achieved approx. 90% overall participation in scór when we take participation over the past four years. • Rince Foirne: Gaeil Leitir Ceanainn Typically we have 75% participation in Scór na nÓg • Amhránaíocht Naomh Adhamhnáin and approx 50% participation in Scór Sinsir. We have Aonair: (Katie Coyle) approx 40% participation in Bailiúchán na Teanga and • Aithriseoireacht/ Gaeil Leitir Ceanainn 15 – 25% participation in Tráth na gCeist Bord. We had Scéalaíocht: (Michael Sweeney) applications for the full amount permitted to take • Bailéad Ghrúpa: Roibeard Eiméid part in the Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha Bronze and Silver medal grades this year. The total • Léiriú Stáitse: Gleann tSúilí amount allowed to enter is 12 and we are hopeful of • Ceol Uirlise: Bun a’ Phobail most clubs achieving their goal in this initiative which • Tráth na gCeist: Naomh Adhamhnáin is jointly funded by Páirc an Chrócaigh and Glór na (Naomh Columba attended nGael and is aimed at increasing the amount of Irish All Ireland finals) used in GAA clubs and the being more The Donegal competitors acquitted themselves well at the Ulster semi-final in Silverbridge on Saturday 1st December with two acts getting through to the Ulster final. Comhghairdeas le Gleann tSúilí sa leiriú agus Bun a’ Phobail sa cheol uirlise a fuair fríd go babhta ceannais Uladh i mBéal Átha an Airgid ar an 12ú Eanair 2019. Míle buíochas to all those who took part in Scór na nÓg, their cultural officers, mentors and clubs for keeping Scór alive and well in Donegal. Míle buíochas also to all who adjudicated and acted

25 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

as Máistir/Máistreas na gCeist and Fear/Bean a’ Tí at gCeist but will also have to try again to recapture their the various semi-finals and finals. past glory at National level.

Below is an overview of participation in Donegal in CLG Dhún na nGall 50th Celebration Scór Concert in Scór na nÓg in 2018/2019 association with Donegal County Council on 29th • Rince Foirne 4 September in the Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny. • Amhránaíocht Aonair 26 This concert went off well with many positive • Aithriseoireacht/Scéalaíocht 14 comments coming back to us from those in • Bailéad Ghrúpa 10 attendance. Míle buíochas to the Cultural Officers who attended and helped out on the night and a • Léiriú Stáite 6 special word of thanks to all those who participated • Ceol Uirlise 17 in the concert. Thanks also to Donegal County Council • Tráth na gCeisteanna 20 who covered the cost of the Theatre as part of their Donegal Connect initiative which was a tremendous success with over 60 events during the week and it Buíochas: Míle buíochas to all who assisted in was an honour for Scór CLG Dhún na nGall to be part promoting Scór na nÓg in Donegal. This included of this event. Sincere thanks also to Geraldine Diver the local radio stations, local press and local who attended the event, put it out live on facebook photographers. and took photos on the night. The local press and radio stations also deserve special mention for their Scór Sinsir: The county final of Scór Sinsir was held help with advertising the event and our county PRO in Gleann Fhinne on the 8th February following the John McEniff did great work also by including the two semi-finals in Muff on the 25th January and concert in all the match programmes and on the Burtonport on the 1st February. 20 clubs took part in Donegal GAA website. Scór Sinsir this year with a total of 39 stage acts and 17 quiz teams. Scór Seminar in Páirc an Chrócaigh: Míle buíochas to Helen McMenamin of Roibeard Eiméid who Outlined below are the winners of the county final in accompanied me to attend the senior meeting and the various categories. Conor Ó Gallchóir – Cloich Cheann Fhaola and Mark Comórtas Club Ainm McGinty – Gleann tSúilí who attended the youth forum. This was a tremendous opportunity for Scór delegates Amhránaíocht Naomh Sinéad Ní Aonair Adhamhnáin Dhomhnaill from the 32 counties to discuss Scór and it was great that we (Dún na nGall) had the full complement of Aithriseoireacht/ An Clochán Liath Noreen Scéalaíocht McGarvey delegates in attendance for the whole day. Bailéad Ghrúpa Roibeard Eiméid Tráth na gCeist Bord: A total of eleven clubs took Léiriú Stáitse Gaeil Leitir part in Tráth na gCeist Bord in the Mount Errigal Hotel Ceanainn on Friday 22nd February. The clubs who took part Ceol Uirlise An Clochán Liath are as follows: Naomh Adhamhnáin, Gaeil Fhánada, Tráth na gCeist Gaeil Fhánada Gleann Fhinne, Aodh Ruadh BAS, Naomh Columba, Carn Domhnach, Naomh Conaill, Cloich Cheann The winners went on to represent Donegal in the Fhaola, An Clochán Liath, Na Ceithre Maistrí agus Bun Ulster semi-final in Banbridge, Co. Down on Sunday a’ Phobail. Ag deireadh bhí an bua ag Gaeil Fhánada le 10th March. Four acts (Solo Singing, Recitation, Ballad Aodh Ruadh BAS sa dara áít agus Carn Domhnach sa Group and the Léiriú) got through to the Ulster final tríú áit. Bhí babhta ceannais Uladh in Ard Mhacha ar agus comhghairdeas le Gaeil Leitir Ceanainn a bhain an 1ú Márta agus rinne an trí chlub seo ionadaíocht babhta ceannais Uladh sa Léiriú Stáitse. Letterkenny ar son Dún na nGall. Comhghairdeas le Aodh Rua Gaels gave a tremendous performance at the All- BAS a fuair fríd go babhta ceannais Tráth na gCeist Ireland finals of Scór Sinsir in Castlebar but the winners Bord na hÉireann atá anois athbhunaithe i bPáirc an on the day were the Munster champions. Gaeil Chrócaigh mar pháirt de Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Fhánada took part in the All-Ireland finals of Tráth na Mhic Dhonncha i mí na Nollaig.

26 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

Bailiúchán na Teanga 2019 duine a bhí i láthair. Oliver talked about the importance Míle buíochas to all the clubs who took part in of the GAA ensuring that all aspects of the association Bailiúchán na Teanga on St. Patrick’s Day. Below is a are catered for and he expressed his pride in the fact summary of cheques received from the clubs who that Comhairle Uladh CLG continues to promote took part in this collection which is beneficial to the our National language by sponsoring the course in promotion of the language through scholarships to Downings. Labhair Mick McGrath, cathaoirleach CLG the Gaeltacht. Dhún na nGall ag an oscailt oifigiúil agus bhí Aideen Gillen, rúnaí CLG Dhún nan Gall ansin chomh maith Gaoth Dobhair e1,020.00 Ceisteanna agus Freagraí: Bhí Fergus Mac Aoidh mar Na Cealla Beaga e800.00 chathaoirleach agus ar an bpaineal do na ceisteanna Na Ceithre Máistrí e723.00 agus freagraí bhí Brian McAvoy Rúnaí Comhairle Carn Domhnach e703.00 Uladh CLG, Edel Ní Chuireáin, Bainisteoir Réigiúin RTÉ Gaeil Leitir Ceanainn e691.00 Raidió na Gaeltachta agus Seán Ó Daimhín, Oifigeach e Seirbhísí Gaeilge le Comhairle Contae Dhún na nGall. Naomh Conaill 540.80 Bhain an slua mór a bhí i láthair sult as an ocáid seo Naomh Pádraig Uisce Chaoin e500.00 Ranganna – Classes: All five teachers worked hard Naomh Columba e450.00 throughout the week with classes each day from e An Clochán Liath 449.20 10.30am – 3.00pm. This year there was one Bun Rang, Na Dúnaibh e445.00 one Ard Rang and three Meán Ranganna. This catered Bun a’ Phobail e412.00 for all levels and the feedback on the quality of the classes was generally very positive. Naomh Adhamhnáin e341.23 Gleann Fhinne e223.00 Ag freastal ar an chúrsa – Attendance: Bhí 125 Gleann tSúilí e115.00 cláraithe ar an chúrsa. Naomh Naille e100.00 Ceolcoirm – Dé Máirt bhí slua an mhór i láthair ag an Iomlán e7,513.23 cheolchoirm a bhí chomh mór mhór i nGaeilge agus ag leath ama sheol Comhairle Chontae Dhún na nGall Scoláireachtaí Gaeltachta - Gaeltacht Scholarships an Chumainn Ghaelaigh. Seo an chead Comhairle List of successful applicants for Gaeltacht Contae in Éirinn chun a leithid seo a dhéanadh agus Scholarships in 2019: ba mhór an onóir dúinn gur ag an chúrsa a rinne 6 x e250 from CLG Dhún na nGall siad seo. I measc na daoine ó’n chomhairle chontae Michael Dolan - Naomh Micheál, Aaron McLaughlin a bhí i láthair bhí Róise Nic Laifeartaigh Oifigeach na – Na Cealla Beaga, Seán Gallagher Gleann tSúilí, Áine Gaeilge, Liam Mac a’ Bhaird, Stiúrthóir Seirbhíse. An McGing – Na Cealla Beaga, Conor Gallagher – Na Comhairleoir Contae, Noreen McGarvey agus rinne Ceithre Máistrí, Hannah Mulcahy – Roibeard Eiméid Niall Comer, Uachtárán Chonradh na Gaeilge agus leachtóir Gaeilge in Ollscoil Uladh an seoadh. 4 x e200 from Comhaltas Uladh Leacht: Jamie Ó Tuama – Oifigeach Teanga Cultúr Eoin McMenamin – Roibeard Eiméid, Órla McDaid agus Oidhreachta as Páirc an Chrócaigh gave the – Gleann tSúilí, Oscar Simmons – Carn Domhnach, lecture on the Wednesday night and this generated Eoghan MacDhónaill – Bun Cranncha a great deal of interaction during the Questions & Answers session. Máire de Faoite presented Jamie Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha: with Corn Cuimhneacháin Shéamuis de Faoite at the Ghlac 12 club as Dún na nGall páirt i 2019 agus tá seo end of the night. ag cuir feabhas mór ar chúrsaí Gaeilge ins na clubanna atá páirteach le trí bliain anuas. Diardaoin bhí Aifreann agus Céilí Mór: Aifreann: The Mass on the Friday which was celebrated Cúrsa Cuimhneacháin Shéamuis de Faoite ó’n 15ú by Fr. Charlie was offered in memory of those who go dtí an 19ú Iúil 2019 were former attendees of the course who have passed Fáiltiú - Welcome: Le cois an choiste, i láthair ag an on. Bhí slua mór ag an céilí indiaidh an aifreann agus fáiltiú ar maidin Dé Luain bhí iar Uachtarán Comhairle bhain achán duine sult as an oíche. Uladh Michael Hasson. The former President of Comhairle Uladh CLG was in attendance on the Na Fáinní: Bhí Réamonn Ó Ciaráin – Gael Linn i láthair Monday morning to welcome all those taking part in tráthnóna Dé hAoine chun scrúdú a dhéanadh orthú this year’s course. siúd a chuir a gcuid ainmneacha chun tosaigh do’n fáinne ór agus rinne na múinteoirí agallamh orthú Oscailt Oifigiúil – Official Opening: Uactarán siúd a chuir iad féin chun tosaigh do’n fáinne Airgid Comhairle Uladh CLG officially opened the course agus suaitheantais cúpla focal. Go hiomlán bronnadh on Monday evening and the Blessing of the course ocht suaitheantas cúpla focal, Naoi fáinne airgid agus was carried out by Fr. Charlie Byrne and the Rev. Brian cúig fáinne óir. Smeaton. Chuir Oliver Galligan failte roimh achán

27 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

Bronnadh – Presentations: At the banquet and Mná Naomh Muire 5-11 Naomh night of music, song and recitation at Ostán na Trá in Idirmheannach Náille 2-6 Downings on the Friday night Corn Cuimhneacháin Mná Soisear Naomh 6-18 C. Cheann 1-6 Paddy McFlynn was presented to the person who Columba Fhaola showed the greatest improvement in the language Cailín Gaelach Joanne Ní Cheallaigh, CLG Ghaoth during the course of the week (Teresa McCabe – Fear Dhún na nGall Dobhair Manach) while Corn Cuimhneacháin Thomás Ó Cuilinn was presented to the person who has contributed to Comórtas Náisiunta Peile na Gaeltachta the course over the years (Gerry McElwee – Doire) Cluichí Ceannais 2019. Coiste an Chúrsa – Committee: The committee for Sinsir: An 0-11 Cill Chartha 0-10 Ghaeltacht (indiaidh this year’s course were Cathaoirleach – Fergus McGee, am breise) Cisteoir – Naul McCole, Cláraitheoir – Séamus Mac Soisear: Ná Dúnaibh 2-12 Béal an 1-4 Giolla Phádraig, Pat Connaghan, Peter Murphy & Ghaorthaigh Margaret McDaid I gComórtas na mBán bhí an buadh ag Gaeil an Deisceart Na Múinteoirí: Micheál McClafferty, Paddy Cutliffe, ar Gleann Fhinne agus bhí an buadh ag Maigh Cuilinn ar Rosemary Herraghty, Caoimhín Mac a’ Bháird agus Naomh Muire Tricia Ní Chearra Béidh na Comórtaisi Náisiunta a rith ag Club Naomh Mhuire i 2021 i gCill Chartha i 2024. Comhairle Uladh Attendees: Uachtarán – Oliver Galligan, Iar Uachtarán – Michael Hasson, Rúnaí Brian Gradaim Chultúrtha 2019 McAvoy • Gradam Chultúrtha - club Naomh Columba Buíochas: Míle buíochas to the local club, CLG na Gaeltachta 2019 – Cultural nDúnaibh who ensured that everything ran smoothly Award for Gaeltacht Club 2019 and particular thanks to the ladies who provided tea • Gradam Chultúrtha - club Gaeil Leitir soup and sandwiches throughout the week. lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht Ceanainn 2019 – Cultural Award for Non Comórtas Peil na Gaeltachta: Bhí Comórtas Peile na Gaeltacht Club Gaeltachta i nGaoth Dobhair i 2019. Thíos tá na príomh • Gradam Aonartha Cultúrtha Eoghan Mac Giolla phointí. Mo bhuíochas le Charlie O’Donnell 2019 – Individual Cultural Bhríghde (Gaoth Award 2019: Dobhair agus Leitir Ceanainn) Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta Thír Chonaill Cluichí Ceannais 2019 Is mise le meas Sinsir Cill Chartha 1-9 Gaoth 0-9 Fergus MacAoidh Dobhair Oifigeach Chultúrtha & Teanga CLG Dhún na nGall Soisear Ná Dúnaibh 1-9 Gaoth 1-6 Dobhair Faoi 14 (gasúr) Naomh 6-6 Gleann 3-7 Chonaill tSuilí Mná Sinsir An Tearmann 2-11 Gleann 0-9 Fhinne

28 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. Tuarascail Runaí Coiste Cheannais na gComórtaisí

A Chairde it is an honour to present my fifth and final Convention report on behalf of Coiste Cheannais na gComórtaisí 2019.

LEAGUES The Master Fixture Schedule was presented by the CCC at the February County Committee meeting. It was proposed to commence Championships on the 7th of September this year, and complete them on the 20th of October with the Michael Murphy Senior Football Championship Final. This was achieved within the time frame; however the final went to two replays, which affects club preparation for Provincial Championships. The CCC would like to thank all the clubs for their co-operation through-out the year in order for us We proposed to start the County Leagues on 7th of to complete our own fixture schedule, this was April, and to have them completed by the 31st of hindered by the introduction of the U20 Inter County August. This was achieved in all divisions. Development League.

LEAGUES The following is the breakdown of the 2019 leagues: League Games W/O’s Winners Promoted Relegated Played Division 1 87 3 Chill Chartha Baile Na nGalloglach and Sean MacCumhaills Division 2 89 1 Ard an Ratha Sean Na Ceithre Maistír and MacCumhaills Bun Cranncha Division 3 89 1 Na Dunaibh Naomh Mhuire Naomh Muire and Conmhaigh Naomh Ultan Division 4 66 6 Gaeil Leiter Ceannain Bun an Phobail Division 1 Reserve 77 13 Naomh Adhamhnáin Division 2 Reserve 79 11 Gleann Fhinne Division 3 Reserve 1 0 Aodh Rua, Cul Na gCurridín Division 4 Reserve 1 0 Gaeil Leiter Ceannain Division 5 1 0 Gleann Fhinne Regional League 1 66 6 Regional League 2 42 14 Senior Hurling League 10 10 Setanta Junior Hurling League 18 2 Carndomhnaigh Total 626 67

29 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

This means that a total of just less than 11% of all for Hearings and I would like to thank Aodh Mairtín Leagues matches were not played, this is up from 10% Ó Fearraigh and his Committee for making sure in 2018. In relation to Reserve and Third team games, they carried out the Hearings as quickly as possible. a total of 17% were not played, which is a reduction I would also like to thank Fidelma Doherty for her of 13% from 2018. The Senior Hurling League had the communication and making sure all parties were biggest percentage of games not played with 50% of aware of the procedures and decisions. games not played. I would also like to thank Brendan Kelly and Jim Quinn CHAMPIONSHIP of the CCC for attending the Hearings, sometimes at The Championships ran off well, all of the Michael short notice on behalf of the CCC. Murphy Sports and Leisure Championships will have been completed before convention. CONCLUSION This is my fifth and final year in position of Assistant Congratulations to Naomh Conaill on winning the secretary of Donegal GAA Board. It has been a very Senior Football Championship. Congratulations interesting and challenging role as Secretary of the also to Naomh Naille on winning the Intermediate CCC. I believe that we have a good working CCC in Championship. Congratulations to Bun Cranncha on place and improvements have been made in each of the winning of the Junior A Championship. the five years. We wish all three teams the best of luck in their Ulster There are still a number of issues that will have to be Championships. looked at in the coming years. With the National CCCC looking at playing all Championship Games Winners Relegated played competitions in the Calendar year in 2020, we will Senior Football 36 Naomh Conaill Malainn need to look at starting our Championships a few Senior Hurling 13 Setanta weeks earlier. This may mean playing a number of Senior B 31 Naomh Adhamhnáin rounds of League games midweek in July or August. Senior C 7 Naomh Adhamhnáin We will also have to look at the scheduling of the U21 Intermediate 28 Naomh Naille Bun Championships. Cranncha Over the five years, I would like to thank all the Club Intermediate B 21 Cloich Ceann Fhaola secretaries for their assistance and communications Junior A 19 Bun Cranncha which leads to getting the schedule played on time. Junior B 7 Iorras The CCC would especially thank all clubs who provided Junior Hurling 8 Aodh Ruadh, Beal the Club Grounds for the Neutral knockout games at Atha Seannaidh the end of the year. U21 A 10 I would like to thank Pat Walsh for organizing Match U21 B 12 Naomh Naille Monitors this year, as we need to continue to try U21 C 7 Beart and control the number of Officials on the sidelines U21 Hurling 2 during games, due to the arrival of live TV Club Championship. HURLING Thanks also to Fiona Shiels for undertaking the swift I would like to thank Paddy Lennon for his help return of all cups during the year. with the Hurling competitions. The Senior Hurling Thanks to Paddy Tinney who looks after the admission Championship and League were won by Setanta. on all our Neutral games. We introduced a new Junior Hurling League and Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Championship in 2019. The Junior Championship County Committee for giving me the chance to was won by Aodh Ruadh, Beal Atha Seannaidh and represent them on County Executive over the last five the League was won by Carn Domhnaigh. The U21 years. Hurling Championship is ongoing and will be finished I wish to thank all members of the Executive that I in early December. have worked alongside, for their help, especially my travel companion Aideen Gillen, for her assistance DISCIPLINE and company over the 5 years. I would like to thank clubs for their patience on I also would like to compliment all the members of the disciplinary issues. This year again for the second year CCC that I have worked with. The Committee is doing in a row saw an increase in the number of Straight a very time consuming role within the County, and red cards, from 135 to 145, this is something that they are trying to complete the Fixture and Discipline clubs need to take a look at and try to improve player workload as efficiently as possible for the clubs of the discipline. A larger number of these sending offs County. are for abuse of match officials by both players and I would like to especially thank Frankie Doherty for his management. leadership and non-stop dedication and commitment Total number of cards issued; Double yellow or to his role as Cathaoirleach of the CCC. Yellow/Black = 46 Straight Reds = 145 Míle Buíochas, Throughout the year there were a number of requests Declan Ó Mairtí 30 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. Tuarascáil an Oifigeach Chaidrimh Phoiblí 2019

Introduction updates, some key changes were made over the year, A chairde, 2019 was my first year as OCP following in notably three new sections: the very daunting wake of 5 years of excellent work by my predecessor Ed Byrne who took this role to new 1. Coaching: currently the page contains galleries of levels of excellence. I took up the post in January this photos from the 2019 Cúl camps, information on year, following a request from County Chairman Mick Cúl camps and a description and schedule for the McGrath, as there were no nominations at Convention. 2019/2020 workshops and coaching courses; I was subsequently ratified by County Committee at 2. A Cultúr section which provides information on end-Jan. I am humbled they placed their faith in me Scór and other cultural activities and galleries of and honoured to hold the position. In the absence of photographs; any other nominated candidates for this role I have 3. A Gallery that has photos from county football and allowed my name to go forward to continue in this hurling games, club finals and social events. It is post for another year. planned to include a video section including the highlight reels from all the county finals but this It has been a year of ups and downs, including has not been completed yet. winning the Ulster Senior Championship and the National League Division 2. Much the lowest point for Within the adult section the Club pages have also me was very soon after my appointment when four been extensively updated - the pages of around a young men, three of them involved as players with dozen clubs are updated weekly with their club notes our clubs Cloich Cheann Fhaola and Gaoth Dobhair, – and the Administration section has been updated lost their lives in a car accident. High points such as and extended. Looking to next year, the coaching and the Ulster Championship final fade in comparison to Cultúr section still have room for improvement and this tragedy. Health and Wellness section badly needs a revamp.

Communications is the core role of the PRO – with The “News” section of the site is the central channel both the general public and with the 40 clubs in for communicating with the public. News items are Donegal. With the plethora of channels now available posted on an almost daily basis and communicated for communication from social media, the press, more widely through links on Twitter, Facebook, broadcasters and e-mails this is a time-consuming Instagram and LinkedIn. Site statistics suggest this role and I am highly indebted to many, many people slightly different format than use last year as click- who have helped this novice perform it with any through from other social media sites are much degree of success. There have been some mistakes increased from 2018. Total visits via other Channels in and omissions, all of my own making. Additional the last 12 months were 164,000 compared to 33,000 roles have including liaising with the Ulster Council, in 2018 – Facebook (97K v 21K), Twitter (67K v 12K), with GAA HQ in Croke Park, working as a team with LinkedIn (311 v 1) and Instagram (187 v 2). my colleagues on the County Board and keeping records for historical purposes. In the remainder of Since my first on January 24th, there have been 740 this report, I will try and outline how these functions new items posted. The content varies depending on were performed throughout the year. the time of the year but mostly cover our club and inter-county games although there are also postings about events, cultural activities, health and wellness, Social Media coaching and administrative issues. The topics covered DonegalGAA.ie are detailed in the PRO monthly reports. The official Donegal website at www.DonegalGAA. ie provides the central fulchrum for the bulk of Over the course of the 12 months from Nov 26 2018 to communications with the general public. It is available Nov 26 2019 there were over 3 million page views on in two versions, for mobile devices and for desktop DonegalGAA.ie, about 50% more than the previous computers. The vast majority of visitors use mobiles year, across 556,000 Sessions. This is consistent with the – a third of all visitors use Apple I-Phones. number of new visitors (35%). On average each visitor visits 5 to 6 pages and stay for about 2 minutes. The site structure is ideal but there are still many modifications I intend making but finding time isa major constraint. Nevertheless, apart from ongoing

31 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

32 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

The most popular pages on the website are those Of the Irish visitors well over 50% (269,000) are from relating to fixtures and results – it is a testament to Dublin with next highest non-Donegal county being the excitement of Marley Travel Division 2 this year with 9,000. Visitor numbers generally peak on that it has more visits than any other individual results Sundays during the season as fans seek results but as page. Results and fixtures are not updated by the PRO can be seen from the graph below there was a massive – through the wonders of modern technology results peak on the last Wednesday in October during the are updated automatically by referees via text and the second replay of the County final. pages are managed and amended by Declan Martin (Secretary of the CCC), Jim Quinn (Secretary of the The website was created by Aidan Spence. I am very Minor Board), Sharon McGinty (Northern Divisional indebted to Aidan not alone for regularly maintaining Board) Elaine Steele (Southern Divisional Board), and extending the site, but also for his patience in Sharlene McGroarty (Southern Divisional Board), teaching me the basics of web design and maintenance Michelle Bennett (Referees Administrator), Jim Gillen and promptly answering queries (and rescuing me (Inishowen Board) and Ed Byrne. when I am in deep techno-waters). Of 3 mn odd page views, the monthly peak was well over 420,000 during DonegalGAA.ie Most Popular Pages September at the height of the club championship. Top Page Views Av Time Bounce (seconds) Rate Twitter Landing Page 413,880 17 0% The @0fficialDonegal Twitter account currently has Competitions Page (All) 384,320 17 0% 52,000 followers, up about 4,500 since the start of Latest Fixtures 276,380 36 0% the year. The table below shows 4,045 new followers Latest Results 268,210 43 0% across ten months - an additional 473 added in All Adult Competitions 235,570 13 0% January 2019. Twitter is probably our most important All Juvenile Competitions 81,250 14 0% source of communication with Donegal supporters, with the press and with the wider public. The top Profiles of the Donegal 50,920 17 0% Senior Team tweet for the year was in October, namely notification that the second replay of the County final between Marley Travel Division 2 50,750 58 0% Results Gaoth Dobhair and Naomh Conaill would be streamed live. Despite being live streamed that game had a Brian McCormick Division 44,030 48 1% 1 Results substantial Twitter following as many “in-game” and “post-game” tweets had over 30,000 views - the highest News Items Landing Page 37,990 18 1% was Ethan O’Donnell’s MotD award with 48,000 views. The majority of sessions on the website are from Irish The next highest was Michael Murphy’s performance visitors – 479,000 YTD Nov 26, 2019, about 86% of the against Tyrone in June (80,800) and news of Frank total. Next is the UK with 55,000 and the US with 16,000. McGlynn’s retirement in November (73,500). 33 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

Twitter Account @Official Top Tweets Finally, special thanks to Damian Carr from Naomh Feb - Nov 2019 Columba who tweets in-match from most Donegal New Top Tweet Views County games and club championship matches. Go Followers raibh míle maith agat Damien. Thanks also to Padraic February 446 Dl 0-10 Fermanagh 28,500 Doherty of the Carndomhnaigh who provided in- 0-13 match tweets for many County hurling games. Ed March 416 Neil McGee 174 88,100 Byrne, too still helps in this regard and covered for me Appearances on a number of times on match days. Thanks, Ed. April 61 Help for Rosses Wild 51,300 Fire Facebook May 326 Jamie Brennan MotM 30,300 The official Donegal Facebook page currently has v Fermanagh almost 28,000 followers, up about 3,000 since the June 661 Michael Murphy 80,800 start of the year. Not surprisingly, the majority of these Performance Tyrone are Irish (69%), followed by the UK (20%), the US and July 774 Donegal v Meath 56,600 Canada (5%), Australasia (3%) and the rest of the world Result (3%, headed by the United Arab Emirates). Unlike the August 260 Michael Murphy July 33,000 website, where over 50% of sessions were from Dublin, PotM Facebook fans are predominantly from Donegal with September 306 Quarter-finals 17,500 just 10% of Irish fans from the capital city. Preview October 478 Notice that 2nd 105,000 Unfortunately, Facebook statistics are only available for Replay will be the last six months during which time there were just Streamed under 750,000 (suggesting about 1.5 mn per annum) November 317 Frank McGlynn 73,500 views of our posts and 4,630 direct engagements with Retirement these posts. While just over half of website sessions are 4,045 male visitors, the opposite is the case for Facebook, ie slightly more females. For the ten months I have statistics (Nov, 25 days) Donegal GAA posted over 3,000 tweets, our account There are generally three types of post – pictures or was mentioned by others on 10,000 occasions and our photo galleries (usually uploaded by Geraldine Diver tweets were viewed close to 20 mn times. but also by the PRO), video clips (mostly by either Geraldine or Bradas O’Donelll) and articles with links to our website, always the PRO. Again statistics for the Twitter Account @Official Donegal Stats entire year are unavailable but the breakdown of the Feb - Nov 2019 95 posts over the last six weeks were 12 videos, 22 Tweets Tweet Profile Mentions Impressions Visits pictures/galleries and 61 were link articles,. (mn) February 386 2.17 200 12 The twelve videos uploaded in the last month give a March 326 2.29 137,000 1,382 flavour of what is generally posted and included: April 116 0.64 18,400 474 • A road safety message from Jamie Brennan in May 363 1.64 73,800 814 association with Ulster GAA and the Road Safety June 416 2.51 106,000 1,946 Authority (posted by PRO); • A promotional video from O’Neill’s for the launch of July 227 2.01 126,000 1,637 the new jersey (posted by PRO); August 260 1.46 83,200 1,027 • Streamed content from the Jersey Launch event in September 306 1.38 56,700 528 the Abbey Hotel, the House draw launch in the Villa October 478 3.52 211,000 1,186 Rose, the Senior Final Preview in the Abbey Hotel (all November 197 1.73 107,000 1,021 posted by Bradas O’Donnell); 3,075 19.35 919,300 10,027 • A promotional video for the House Draw with Michael Murphy and Declan Bonner conducting Communication via Twitter is not simply a matter a walk-around of the Centre at Convoy (posted by of Donegal GAA tweeting information or links. Just Bradas O’Donnell); as important are re-tweets by @OfficialDonegal. In • Highlights reels from the County Football and particular, I am heavily reliant on HT updates and full- Hurling finals (all posted by Bradas O’Donnell). time results, of club matches tweeted by the PRO’s of Donegal clubs to keep fans informed. This applies to Overall there were 44 video clips posted and other underage as well as adult games. Thus, the more clubs key content included a moving video on “belonging” that have Twitter accounts – a few don’t and some to Donegal (created by Bradas) to encourage fans to others are dormant - and the more regularly they travel to the Ulster final, live streaming of championship use them the easier it is to communicate up-to-date draws, Scór events and other launches and events information.

34 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

such as the Golf Classic in . Promoting interact with the player squads and fans than other and reporting on events be they launches, fundraisers, channels and they are delighted this Instagram page Scór concerts or coaching workshops is one of the is in operation and with the unbelievable work been more important aspects of the PRO role and there carried out by Geraldine. have been many such events in Donegal, Dublin and overseas during the year. LinkedIn LinkedIn has been substantially under-utilised both Instagram as a medium of communication and as an instrument At the start of 2019, Donegal GAA had virtually no to promote our key sponsors. The number of presence on Instagram but thanks to a lot of hard work connections for the Donegal LinkedIn account was by Geraldine Diver this has changed over the course targeted for growth early in the year and increased of year and it has become a very powerful visual tool very substantially. It now stands at 662 - my initial in promoting everything positive about Donegal GAA. target had been 500 by year end. However, I have It now has a total of 6,470 followers, and increasing, been remiss in posting to it, with only about a dozen compared to less than 100 at the start of the year. over the course of the year, although these have been Over the last ten months Geraldine has completed among the more pertinent posts and have had a high 1,095 posts from photos that contained promotion of level of engagement. This is an area I am targeting for events, sponsors, games, presentations and fundraisers improvement next year. including the on-going winahousedraw. YouTube Official GAA Croke Park content of events e.g. YouTube is a social media site which is not extensively recent Bloody Sunday burials were also posted on utilised or promoted by Donegal GAA at present. We our Instagram and were gladly approved by the have been posting videos there from time to time Communications Department in Croke Park. Clubs but currently use Facebook as the core channel for and players have contacted the Instagram page on video-content. Most of the videos produced over the different occasions to obtain content free of charge. year are eventually loaded onto YouTube – and there As the bulk of the material is supplied by Geraldine is a link from our website. This is a channel I hope to Diver we have full copyright, to use were needed. develop further in 2020.

The age range of our Instagram followers is Traditional Media predominantly in the 25-34 bracket. The highest Press and Broadcast Media Relations view content was on stories during the Donegal Donegal fans rely substantially on traditional media Championship, approximately 2,000. Feedback from outlets for their news, although it should be noted the Donegal Players and supporters has been very that traditional media are no longer just hard copy positive – as a media Instagram is used extensively to newspapers or radio/TV broadcasts – they also make 35 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. heavy use of social media to distribute text, audio and quite a lot of GAA activity was streamed for free visual content. Most interactions are with the locally- during 2019 on our Facebook page. This included based media – , , Scór concerts, parts of the Youth Conference in LYIT, , Donegal SportsHub/, and draws for juvenile and senior competitions. In , , , addition, as a prelude to pay per view and to test for Ocean FM, Radio na Gaeltachta and Tir Conaill any bugs the Senior Hurling final between Setanta Tribune. This largely involves the provision of advance and Naomh Ádhamhnáin was streamed for free on information before important games – including press Facebook. conferences, ensuring media are facilitated at County and key championship ties and controlled access to Three games were streamed on a PPV basis. The first team managers and players after games, as well as was the Gleann Fhinne v Naomh Conaill quarterfinal promotion of other events – in the last month for in Glenswilly where the charge was just e1, followed example these have included the launch of the House by the Naomh Conaill v Naomh Ádhamhnáin semi- Draw, the launch of the new jersey, the opening of the final (e3) and the second final replay between Naomh upgraded gym facilities at Abbey VS and the Awards Conaill and Gaoth Dobhair (e5). Interest was way Banquet in the Abbey Hotel. above expectations for the last of these which caught the “Stream Team” slightly on the hop, a problem Media relations are not a one-way street. It is obvious hugely exacerbated by a temporary loss of power in that good communication between CLG Dhún na the press box which seen the game go off-line for 15 nGall is strongly dependant on traditional media minutes. While this generated some bad publicity (and and their co-operation in this regard throughout refunds), the majority of the almost 1,800 who viewed 2019 has been excellent and they have been a the game live were very happy with the opportunity. pleasure to deal with (with a few slight hiccups, mea The matches have been viewed another 2,500 times culpa). Beyond this, however, the local journalists are since they were shown live. very accommodating in providing content for our publications most notably match programmes and The stats for the viewing public indicate quite a lot the forthcoming Donegal Yearbook as well as jpegs of the subscribers were from outside of Donegal and, for our website and other social media. I am reluctant alongside other social media, streaming provides a to name all those who have been helpful in this regard very powerful tool for keeping the Donegal diaspora for fear of forgetting someone but here goes – Alan both overseas (and elsewhere in Ireland) plugged into Foley, Austin Callaghan, Brendan O’Donnell, Cahair local GAA – as I said at the outset, a core objective for O’Kane, Charlie Collins, Chris McNulty, Damian Dowds, a PRO. I would he hopeful to stream more important Damien O’Donaill, Evan Logan, Frank Craig, Geraldine games in 2020 but restrictions in the Broadcasting Diver, Geraldine Foy, Gerard McLaughlin, Gerry Agreement between Croke Park and the TV channels McLaughlin, Jason Byrne, Michael Clifford, Michael is a significant constraint. Many thanks to the “Stream Jack Gallagher, Michael McHugh, Oisin Kelly, Paddy Team” of Bradas O’Donnelll, Aidan Spence and Joe McGill, Peter Campbell, Ryan Ferry, Thomas Gallagher Brennan and to Oisin Kelly and his team at Highland and Tom Comack. Radio who provided the live commentary for our streamed games. Thanks also to Colm Regan from HQ in Croke Park who provided an article on Health and Wellness for Four of our club championship games were also the Yearbook. Siobhan Brady, Niamh Gately and Aidan broadcast by our national media. RTE2 covered Carroll in Croke Park have also been very helpful in two quarterfinals in MacCumhaill Park on Saturday providing graphic content for use in our match day September 28th – Naomh Ádhamhnáin v Baile and other promotions and similarly Declan Woods na nGallóglach and Cill Chartha v Na Cellla Beaga. and and Claire Collender in the TG4 broadcast the Senior championship semi-final Ulster Council have worked hand-in-hand with me in between Cill Chartha and Gaoth Dobhair and the providing information and graphical content. Finally, County final between Gaoth Dobhair and Naomh thanks from myself and numerous Club PROs to Tomás Conaill. Television audiences for these games Meehan in Croke Park for his timely interventions to were in excess of 100,000. I am indebted to Decaln sort out technical problems. McBennett of RTE2 and Fintan Walsh of Nemeton (TG4) for agreeing to broadcast these games and their Broadcasting and Streaming subsequent help as well as Noel Quinn in the Croke While communication is at the core of the PRO’s Park for his advice in how to entice the TV channells work one of the major objectives is to promote our on board. Association and its games and good works to the public at large. As the considerable social media Finally, CNN offshoot “CNN Big Stories” travelled to activity associated with our streaming of the in May and June to shoot a film on Donegal Final second replay demonstrates this channel has a hurling. The short film was published during August major role to play in such promotion. While our pay- on their YouTube channel and we provided links via per-view streams have generated the most publicity, our Social Media channels.

36 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

(Games Development), Fergus McGee (Culture), Gary Publications Duffy (Child Safety), David McLoone (Development Programmes for County fixtures are mostly designed, Officer, particularly re the Convoy Centre of Excellence) compiled and competed by the Aodh Ruadh (Kildare and Alan Boyd and Paddy Tinnery, in dealing with game), Naomh Ádhamhnáin (Fermanagh game) sponsors, have all worked hand in glove with me and and Sean MacCumhaill (Armagh and Meath games) I hope to build on this further in 2020. Help, guidance PROs. Thank you to Aodh Ruadh’s Tom Daly and John and content from Aideen Gillen, Noreen and Mick Hughes, to Johnny Foley in Naomh Ádhamhnáin and have also been invaluable. Thanks also to the members Chris Doherty of Sean MacCumhaill. Go raibh maith of the PR and Marketing Committee – Ruth Lennon agat freisin to Administrator Noreen Doherty who (Hurling), Bradas O’Donnell, Sharlene McGrory, Sharon completes the programmes for the home County McGinty, Aidan Spence, Alan Boyd, Geraldine Diver, Ed Hurling fixtures. Byrne and Aideen Gillen.

There were eight club championship programmes The input of the Donegal squad and management has over the course of the last few months of varying sizes been integral to the success of CLG Dhún na nGall’s and complexities. None of these would have seen the communications with the public. Declan Bonner has light of day without considerable input from club been exceptionally easy to deal with from a PRO secretaries and PROs. The quarterfinal programme, perspective, always available for pre-match press in particular, required teams to be submitted by 32 events, post-match interviews, launches, fund-raisers different clubs. Finally, thanks to CLG Dhún na nGall etc. Similarly, squad members have followed suit and leas-cathaoirleach Frankie Doherty for collecting and my sincere thanks to them all for their availability, distributing all the programmes, particularly in the affability and the comfortably efficiency that each and case of the quarter-final booklet where there were 20 every one has dealt with the media and the general games to be covered. public. Thanks too to the hurling fraternity, particularly Frankie Doherty, Paddy and Ruth Lennon, for their Other publications included the Banquet booklet co-operation in preparing for hurling match days honouring Brian McEniff back in February, put in O’Donnell Park and information for the Website, together by acting PRO Ed Byrne, the Leabhrán Eolais particularly on underage inter-County hurling. in March, the Awards booklet in November and the Donegal Yearbook in December. As already noted, the work of club PROs and Secretaries and their inter-action with me is vital to The Donegal Yearbook has been revived having ensuring the Donegal brief is fulfilled. The @gaa.ie been missing for the last two years. In addition to based communications system is a massive help in reviewing 2019, it also provides a partial retrospective making communicative teamwork more efficient. of the decade just past. Among the reasons for the All secretaries use their @gaa.ie addresses but there retrospective is it has been much the most successful is still a significant number of club PROs not using decade “on the pitch” in Donegal’s GAA history and this address. This makes electronic communication partially because of the absence of a Yearbook in more difficult and it also means they cannot access 2017 and 2018. The Yearbook also contains a Senior the information folders which I have set up using Football team of the decade, 50% decided by a public the One Drive cloud computing facility. I would urge vote and 50% by five experts – thanks to Anthony those PROs not using this system to please sign on for Molloy, Brian McEniff, Cahair O’Kane, Jason Quigley and 2020. Oisin McConville for their help. The Hurling Board and Donegal LGFA also supplied Teams of the Decade. Teamwork on match days of vital importance and The publication of the Yearbook, timed to co-incide considerable thanks to the ground staff and stewards with Convention, is a little late but still in time for the at MacCumhaill Park in particular but also at O’Donnell Christmas. Nevertheless, it should more than cover the Park, Aodh Ruadh and Glenswilly when we streamed costs of production and helps fulfil an important PRO the Championship quarterfinal. Working closely objective of a written (and softcopy) record of the CLG with Fergus McGee on match days to communicate Dhún na nGall’s activities during 2019. with fans is always pleasure. Most clubs are very co- operative in providing any changes to their official Miscellaneous team sheets before games but there are some who Working as a Team have not. This is a major dis-service to the paying public A recurring feature of this report is thanking the many who deserve accuracy re who is playing and who is people who have been of considerable help over the not paying and dis-respectful to these spectators, to course of the year. Working as part of a team is integral the media and to both Fergus and myself. I see no to the work of a PRO. The help of the County Board advantage for these teams in this subterfuge and it is and the timely co-operation of the clubs in the early something I would hope to get resolved for next year. months of my tenure as PRO were essential in putting together the Leabrán Eolais. Kevin Mills (Health and Co-operation with our hard-working fund-raisers has Wellness), Conor McDermot (Coaching), Aaron Kyles been an easy, bur essential, part of my work. The PRO

37 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. is not directly involved in the Club Donegal House his help in designing not just graphics for promoting Draw committee but liaises closely with Joanne our sponsors-competitions but also for other events Dawson, Aidan Spence and Siobhan Sheerin in Club and promotions. Donegal to make sure the public, and the clubs, are fully informed and to enlist the power and reach of Competitions Donegal GAA’s social media to help promote this With the exception of the Michael Murphy Sports and fund-raising initiative, vital as it is to the development Leisure U21A and U21 Hurling and the minor league of our Centre of Excellence at Convoy and the future Division 1, all competitions are now completed. I would of Donegal GAA. Thanks also to Joanne and Eddie like to congratulate the many clubs who have won Boyle who I have worked with on fund-raisers by our Silverware this year. By the time this has gone to print Dublin Supporters Branch and to Brian Connaghan in I hope this includes another major trophy for Naomh London. Conaill, namely the Ulster Club Championship. Ádh mór. Also congratulations to all who have triumphed Finally, we have worked well with the LGFA throughout in other events, Scór, Poc Fada etc., and gone on to the year, always supporting each other’s promotions represent Donegal with distinction. Finally, well done and other communication methods as well as more not just to our County seniors in winning the Ulster overt co-operation – e.g. the joint fixtures and Championship and National League Division 2, but accompanying promotion during the league, the to our Ladies on their Ulster success, to our Hurlers Banquet booklet and the Yearbook. in competing gallantly and who will hopefully have better luck next year in the Nicky Rackard and to all Sponsors our other County representative teams. Sponsors are increasingly important in providing the funding for the activities of CLG Dhun na nGall. Conclusion The logos of key Senior team sponsors – kn group, In conclusion, during 2019 I hope I have lived up to the Abbey Hotel, Kelly’s Toyota, O’Neill’s Sport and Leisure, faith placed in me by County Committee in January Evolve Menswear, Yes Chef Catering, Affidea and LYIT and, if it is the decision at Convention, I look forward are all on the landing page of Donegal GAA with to serving CLG Dhún na nGall again in 2020. Thanks links through to their own websites. Competition once again to everyone who has helped me over the sponsors – Michael Murphy Sports and Leisure, Brain course of the year and apologies if I have left anyone McCormick Sports, Marley Travel, YesChef Catering, out – the omission was not intentional. Go raibh mile Jimmy McGlynn Catering and Go Power Energy maith agaibh, are mentioned as often as possible whenever the relevant competitions are discussed. In particular, Sean MacCondubh special graphics were designed in-house to assist with John McEniff promotion. Considerable thanks to Aidan Spence for

38 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. Toghadh na nOifigeach don bhlain 2020

Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Coiste Chondae Dhún na nGall

Toghadh na nOifigeach don bhlain 2020

Cathaoirleach (Chairman) Mick McGrath,

Leas Chathaoirleach (Vice Chairman) Frankie Doherty

Runai (Secretary) Declan Martin

Rúnaí Cunta (Ass. Secretary)

Cisteoir (Treasurer) Alan Boyd

Leas Chisteoir (Ass. Treasurer) Paddy Tinney,

Oifigeach Caidrimh Phoiblí (P.R.O. ) John McEniff

Oifigeach Forbartha (Development Officer) David Mcloone

Oifigeach leanaí

Oifigeach Gaeilge agus Cultúir Fergus MacAoidh

Oifigeach Oiliúna (Coaching Officer) Conor McDermott, David Kelch,

Ionadaí ar ard Chomhairle (1) P.J McGowan Ed Byrne, (Central Council Representative) Gary Duffy Sean Dunnion Liam McElhinney

Ionadaí ar Comhairle Uladh (2) P.J McGowan Eamon O Baoill (Ulster Council representatives) Liam McElhinney David Kelch Brendan Kelly Seamus O Donail

Teachtaí go Comhdháil Bhliantúil Chomhairle John Travers Pat Conaghan Uladh Brendan Kelly Eamon O Baoill (Delegates to Ulster Convention) (1) P.J. McGowan Sean Dunnion

Teachtaí go Comhdháil Bhliantúil C.L.G David McLoone Frankie Doherty (Delegates to National Congress) (1) Pat Conaghan P.J McGowan Ed Byrne

39 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. Rúin

1 Amend Bye/Law 4.7 Transfers to read members the Competition and Control Transfers shall be in accordance with R. 6.5 and 6.7, Committee shall have regard to the Ethos of the T.O. 2019. association as set out in Rule 6.1 T.O 2019, the a) All applications for inter club transfers within current Permanent Residence of the applicant, the County shall be made on official application and any other relevant connections (as defined form. in Bye/Law 4.8) the member may have with the b) A transfer shall not be granted unless the player club to which he wishes to transfer. satisfies the Competitions Control Committee C.L.G Na Cealla Beaga that his new address is or has been his/her prime sole residence, for a period of three (3) months, prior to the date of receipt of application, within 2 Amend Bye/Law 4.8 to read the club Catchment Area, as approved by the Attachment to First Club: In accordance with Rule County Committee, of the club he/she wishes to 6.4 T.O transfer to 2019, a person shall only be entitled to join a club within the confines of the catchment area of his Applications for adult player inter-club transfer permanent residence. within the county shall be submitted to An Runai A person seeking to become a member of the Chontae on or before 1st June each year. association shall be restricted to joining a club in 1. In deciding on Inter Club transfers for adult the catchment area of his permanent residence or a players the Competition & Control Committee club with which he has “Other” relevant connections should only consider the request if the relevant (as defined in Bye/Law 4.8). Permanent residence for player demonstrates that he has moved the purposes of these bye/laws shall be as defined permanent residence to the catchment area in rule 6.3 TO 2019. of the club which he wishes to transfer to or demonstrated that he has any other relevant Other relevant connections: connection with the club. (as defined in Bye/Law A member shall be regarded as having an “Other 4.8. relevant Connection” with a Catchment area if (a) A sibling of the player in question is already 2. The Competitions and control committee registered and is currently eligible to play in shall also have discretion, depending on the official competitions for the club with which the circumstance, to grant a transfer if the club player wishes to become a member. the player is leaving has no objection not (b) That either parent were previously resident in withstanding any other provisions of these bye/ the catchment area of the club. laws. C.L.G Na Cealla Beaga

3. Applications for youth members Inter club transfers within the county shall be submitted 3 Amend Bye/Law 4.9 to read to An Runai Chontae on or before January 31st Grading of clubs and players each year. 1) All grading shall be effected in compliance with (a) Exception Where An coiste Bainsti, on the Rule 6.19 & 6.20 TO 2019. recommendation of the County Children’s 2) The adult championship Grades shall be know as officer supported by the National Children’s Senior (A B &C) officer authorises the Competition and control Intermediate (A & B) committee to consider an application received Junior (A & B) at a later date. Under 21 (A & B) (B) where the member can provide evidence that 3) Applications for regarding by clubs and players he/she has moved permanent residence for a must be made in writing to the county secretary period of three (3) months prior to the date of not later that 30th April each year. receipt of application, within the club catchment 4) In exceptional circumstances due to injury or area as approved by the County Committee, of otherwise, clubs may request regarding after April the club he/she wishes to transfer to. 30th decline. In deciding on Inter Club transfers for Youth C.L.G Na Cealla Beaga

40 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. Tuarascail Oifigeach Forbartha

A chairde, it is with great pleasure that I present my 13,700 sq ft). There were some minor changes made to fourth report to County Convention as development the accommodation layout which were presented to officer. This year saw the introduction of changed County Committee during 2019. The accommodation requirements of the development officer role as defined now being provided in the new building includes:- by Croke Park, to move the focus to non-physical club Ground Floor planning and to club officer development initiatives. - 6 No. team changing rooms (reduced from 7 to create I continued to serve as chair of the Planning and 2 large rooms for senior county teams plus 4 regular Physical Development Committee (PPDC) for 2019, sized rooms) so the workings of the PPD are discussed within this - 1 Referees changing room report, including the construction of the Donegal GAA - 1 Caretakers room Centre at Convoy. - Physio / Medical Room The highlight of the year again is the ongoing works at - Public toilets the Donegal GAA Centre main building at Convoy, which - Plant Room/ Switch Room/ Stores has again also dominated the role. That said, I have very much enjoyed the engagement with clubs carrying out First Floor development works and with those focused on the off - Gymnasium the field activities including club planning, participating - Dining Room in club officer training and pitch maintenance. - Administration area and Offices - Meeting/ presentation/ video analysis room - Food serving area / kitchenette Construction of Donegal GAA Centre at Convoy – - Toilets Phase 2 After finally breaking ground on the main building This phase of development works also includes the at the GAA Centre in 2018, construction continued following works: steadily throughout 2019. The building works are now - Enclosure fence to Pitch 1 completed with just some minor finishes and outside - Machinery and maintenance equipment shed works to be completed. We are on the brink of moving - Site lighting around building and at car park in. I have to again this year, acknowledge the support - Covered seated stand for 200 people overlooking and drive of my fellow officers and also the Planning Pitch 1 & Physical Development Committee in progressing this major infrastructure project. The major milestones Financing the County Training Centre achieved on the construction stage of this project:- This Phase of development is budgeted to cost e2.17m. • July 2018: The contract was awarded to McDermott The project requires a very substantial investment and Trearty Ltd at the end of July. by CLG Dhún na nGall, particularly during the main • August 2018: Official Sod-turning ceremony was held construction phase in 2019. Almost e1m is being on August 6th 2018 and works commenced later that funded through borrowings that will be repaid over a month. 15 year period. We have e875,000 of grant available • October 2018 - Piled foundations and ground beams between Croke Park and e300,000 of Sports Capital complete Grant, both of which are now substantially drawn • December 2018 – Steel Portal Frame erected down. The balance is being raised by CLG Dhún Na • March 2019 – Floor slabs placed and Roof on nGall through fundraising. Some funding has also been • August 2019 - Building sealed (windows and doors received from Donegal Co. Co. completed) • November 2019 – building works substantially A number of fundraising initiatives were completed completed - heating and lighting turned on to meet our obligations for up-front self-financing, • December 2019 - Finishing works being completed. including banquets, lunch events, the ‘Buy-a-Brick’ Completion date imminent. campaign and others as outlined by the Treasurer. MH Associates of Letterkenny are the Architects The success of the house draw to Win a House in leading the design team. The design team includes Dublin which was recently launched, will determine Kearney Associates (Quantity Surveyors), Pauric how much work we do at the GAA Centre in 2020 and McDaid (Structural Engineer), TUV SUD Wallace Whittle 2021. It is essential that all clubs support and promote (Mechanical & Electrical Engineers). all fundraising drives, both within and outside the county. This phase is the final ‘big push’ to get a fully 2 The new building will be a total of 1,270m (approx. functioning and quality training centre for use by all

41 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. county teams and to relieve demands that clubs have service. on their facilities. Mac Cumhaill Park Future Works at the County Training Centre Draft plans are prepared for further development works The works not included in the current phase of at Mac Cumhaill Park, most notably the construction of development which are part of the overall masterplan up to three new toilet blocks, a further shop, plus egress are: improvements from the east stand. As with the last two - Construction of Pitch 5 - (Grass pitch preferred over year, these are on hold due to budgetary constraints. 3G) and floodlighting The timing of submission of planning applications will 2 - Indoor Sports hall (approx. 1200-1400m ) be based on when the works need to be delivered and - Hurling wall incorporating 35 x 35m 3G training area when the budget is available. – floodlit The new all-Ireland quarter final format has restarted - Car Park surfacing a conversation on the capacity of the stadium and - Complete perimeter fence why the safe holding capacity is less than the official - Site finishing works capacity. The Club Planning & Development Committee will be looking at this during 2019/2020 and will set out CLG Dhún Na nGall applied for further funding under some recommendations. the 2018 Sports Capital Programme. At the time of this Convention booklet going to print unfortunately, As always, the MacCumhaills club have been a pleasure not all allocations have been announced. If successful, to work with. it is hoped that a new grant will be available towards the construction of Pitch 5, the warm up training area, Club Pitch Maintenance equipment for the gym and pitch maintenance, plus The GAA National Field Committee has developed further works on the site boundary. pitch some maintenance programmes and a guidance document targeted at GAA clubs. Unfortunately the Liaison with Croke Parks NIHSC committee continues only course put on in 2019 was only available to regarding all aspects of the development at Convoy County Ground groundsmen, held in Abbotstown in through the engineering overseer, Denis Rocks, the November. National Infrastructure Committee and the National Finance Committee. Clubs are urged to have in place pitch maintenance programmes specific to their pitches and a budget The work of the planning and development committee ring-fenced to do work. It is worth engaging with a on this project, particularly Charlie Kerr and Bryan professional who can advise on what work should be Cannon in the administration of the contract over the done and can identify soil nutrient deficiencies to be course of the year, has again to be acknowledged. addressed during fertilising. It is acknowledged that pitch maintenance is expensive which often prohibits Donegal GAA Centre - Pitches and Maintenance the necessary work being carried out. However, there The very high level of activity at the training centre is an increasing expectation of players and supporters continued in 2019. The demand for winter training in terms of pitch quality, which directly impacts player under floodlights was again relentless. We endeavour safety, which is paramount, so there will always be need to have the floodlit pitches (pitches 1 & 2) in the best to improve. The demand is increasing in all clubs for possible condition for winter use. To that end, an pitch time, particularly in the late winter/ early spring, intensive rejuvenation programme was completed and is compounded with the continued growth on the on Pitch 1 (following successful rejuvenation of Pitch game at underage level and with ladies games. There is 2 in 2018), which was fully aerated (shateraked), large more pressure than ever on pitches. stones removed from the topsoil layer, top dressed and fully reseeded, followed by an 8 week rest period. The aeration of pitches is critical to maximising their playing time across the year. Methods such as verti- Pitch maintenance works at the centre was carried out draining or slitting are most common. The grant for during the year by Pitch Dimensions Ltd (William Coyle), verti-draining is now e500 per pitch per annum, which who are a pleasure to work with. The maintenance almost fully covers the cost of verti-draining a pitch. It programme was agreed with the contractor based on is recommended for most pitches that they are verti- advice and consultation with Terrence McShea. Other drained at least twice a year, but if clubs could see to maintenance works carried out included a 3 round it even once a year and avail of the grant, it would be a fertilising programme over the course of the year, plus great start. To put it in perspective, only 17 clubs applied 2 rounds of verti-draining. We wish to acknowledge for verti-draining grants in 2019 (a drop from 22 2018) Terrance for his work and advice during the year which so is less than half of the clubs in the county. It is a very again has been invaluable to both clubs and to county. low cost to the club so we would urge all clubs to see to Throughout 2019 we continued to operate using verti-draining during 2020. The Planning and Physical temporary changing rooms, toilets and showers, Development committee are happy to offer advice to provided as a combination of prefabricated units clubs in this regard. and modified containers. Our thanks go to Rodger McElhinney and Seamus Catterson for their ongoing Club Development Works work on the upkeep and general maintenance around Well done goes to all clubs currently involved in the centre and in keeping these temporary facilities in developing their facilities. This year was naturally quieter

42 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. on the club development front as the 2016 sports has been linked with the eligibility of clubs for securing capital projects were mostly completed in 2017/2018. capital grants but there is no steadfast rule affecting Naomh Padraig Leifear are nearing the end of a huge clubs in Donegal as of yet. undertaking with both a large clubhouse extension and a complete pitch rebuild. Naomh Mhuire Íochtar Stewards Training Na Rosann continue to develop their facilities and have The number of active stewards with valid training done good work on extending the building to provide certification has reduced further in 2019 and has a new medical room and referees room, extended the become a cause for concern for us hosting big matches. viewing balcony and improved disability access. Naomh All clubs are again asked to identify suitable people Mhuire Conmhaigh completed their new scoreboard, who would be interested and willing to becoming while Gaeil Fhánada have put in place a new multiuse stewards and put them forward for training. Our thanks building. again to the County Chief Steward, Edward Molloy, and Event Controller, Terence McShea, in organising the All other clubs involved in development works are stewarding arrangements for games, and of course wished well in their endeavours. Clubs are reminded thank you goes to each of the stewards who volunteer that they must consult with the Planning and Physical their time for the safety and enjoyment of supporters Development Committee before starting development of our games. works and to confirm the finances are in place and to establish the applicable level of GAA capital grant aid. GAA Club Planning Programme Ulster Council has advised us that the grant scales for The GAA continue to promote the GAA Club Planning various types of development. This will be circulated Programme and have updated the template and once we receive notification. guidance documents. Club Planning is essentially the development of a club development plan, typically for Sports Capital Grants durations of 3 – 5 years. The plan works through five The 2018 Sports Capital Programme allocations were main focus areas: announced on November. Well done to the nine - Coaching and Games Development GAA clubs in Donegal who were successful in their - Communications and PR applications under the 2018 programme, with total - Club Structures and Administration grants of e264,000 coming into the nine clubs. - Finance and Fundraising As with previous programmes, the application period - Facilities and Development was short and clubs found they hadn’t enough A number of clubs in Donegal have completed or are in background and planning work done. Clubs should the process of preparing a club plan. We are encouraging recognise that they have to be doing the preparatory clubs to avail of the tools and templates available from works to be ready for when the next programme opens the GAA to develop clubs plans, which when complete in 2020, such as submitting planning applications, should clearly outline the goals and objects of the obtaining contractors quotes, updating Deeds of Trust, club in a coherent and collaborative manner. We have and so on. trained facilitators in the county. Interested clubs should The Planning & Development sub-committee will contact the county development officer. continue to liaise with clubs on options available including availing of the corporate trustee route. Health & Safety Whilst Health and Safety standards are continuously Club Leadership and Training improving across the county, there will always be work Ulster GAA and national GAA have continued their to be done. The GAA have a Safety Audit checklist work on the consolidation of training for club officers which was circulate to clubs prior to the inspection during 2019. The GAA Club Leadership Development for the Club Grounds awards in September. Clubs are Programme 2019 focused training for the four principle reminded that they must have a current Health & Safety club officer roles of Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer Statement and must conduct regular risk assessments and PRO. of all activities, both match and non-match day for on and off the field activities. Officer Training for the Club AGM module was held November 20th 2019. It was disappointing that only Finally, my thanks go to all my fellow officers and 6 clubs availed of the training opportunity. A parallel of course Noreen for all their help and guidance workshop for club treasurers was better attended. throughout the year. I also thank the Planning and The 2020 club officer training will take place in late Physical Development committee members, Charlie January. We will be strongly encouraging clubs to avail Kerr, Bryan Cannon, Oliver Prunty, Terrence McShea and of this training which is most beneficial in terms of Paddy Mullen, for their work and assistance throughout understanding the full requirements of the key roles, the year. providing useful tools to help with fulfilling the role and creates networking opportunities with other clubs and Daithi MacGiolla Eoin GAA structures. Ulster Council also wish to see more engagement for clubs in their Club Maith initiative, all details can be found at www.ulster.gaa.ie/club-maith. This initiative

43 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. Tuarascáil Rúnaí Choiste na Leanaí

Tá áthas orm mar Oifigeach Choiste na Leanai don Chumann Lúthchleas Gael i nDún na nGall an tuairisc Child Safeguarding Workshops seo a chur i bhur láthair. Tá sé ríthábhachtach na Once again in 2019 I want to acknowledge our child daoine óga atá mar bhaill dár gclubanna a choinneáil awareness tutors Michael Mc Menamin, Edel Flynn, slán James Keaney, Pauric Daly and Donal Sharkey for the huge effort and commitment in delivering our It has been an extremely busy year in our clubs and child awareness programme. This year seen one of the hard work in Child safeguarding has no doubt the largest number of clubs and coaches receiving been at the fore. I commend Clubs on applying the Child Safeguarding Workshop. A special word of code of behaviour and ensuring we are compliant thanks to Noreen Doherty for organising and liaising to Children First Act 2015, so our young players can with clubs to host the child awareness programs and enjoy and participate in a safe environment of our indeed assisting me in my role throughout 2019. national games. I encourage Clubs and their Children Officers to continue to host child awareness programmes so we Children First ACT 2015 can ensure the welfare of a child is paramount. On 11th December 2017 the remaining provisions of the Children First Act 2015 commenced in full. New Online Child Safeguarding Programme Most notably for the GAA Clubs the immediate As part of our joint approach to Child Safeguarding requirements include adopting all provisions in within Gaelic Games, a new On-Line Child relation to mandatory reporting of child abuse, Safeguarding Programme was recently launched by ensuring the appointment of what can be termed key the National Child Safeguarding Committee. child safeguarding officers within clubs, which include Designated Liaison Persons and Children’s Officers The On-Line Safeguarding Programme addresses at Club also appointing the Association’s Mandated a long-standing request that we introduce easy to Person, Clubs also had to provide child safeguarding access training as a repeat or refresher programme for training programmes and commence the process those who have previously attended face to face child to agree a Child Safeguarding and risk assessments. safeguarding training. I commend the work of our Clubs Children Officers who are leading the way and are adhering to Children To participate and complete the on-line training a First 2015 legalisation. This was no doubt a huge participant, i.e. a coach or a person working in a role of undertaken with all clubs taken the safeguarding of responsibility with or for children, must have fulfilled our children seriously. Go raibh míle maith agaibh. one of the following requirements 1. They must within the last three years have New Child Safeguarding Statement: attended a Gaelic Games Child Protection in Sport All Clubs have now received the new updated Child Awareness Workshop (Safeguarding 1) if they Safeguarding Statement for 2019 to May 2021. This now wish to avail of the on-line programme in Statement has been approved by our county executive preference to attend another face to face repeat on 23rd of September 2019 and all club executives workshop, or must do the same. 2. The participant having attended a non-Gaelic Games Child Protection Safeguarding 1 Workshop The purpose of this statement is to indicate the with another Sports Association or a Local Sports practices and procedures we observe in our Partnership (LSP) must then also undertake the Association that ensure, as far as practicable, that new on-line Child Safeguarding Programme children are safe from harm. Once signed by your so as to familiarise themselves with our agreed Club Children’s Officer it should be put on display in safeguarding policies, a prominent position within Club property and made available as required. Please insert the Club logo on The new on-line training programme is available free this statement but please note it is not permitted of charge by accessing to add the name or logo of a sponsor on to this https://learning.gaa.ie/safeguarding statement.

44 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

GAA email addresses for all Club Children’s GAA Code of Behaviour Officers The Code of Best Practice in Youth Sport for the GAA November seen the introduction GAA email address includes the Anti-Bullying Policy, which aims to adopt a for all Club Children’s Officers. Similar to other existing whole organisational approach to addressing bullying addresses within the GAA. it will reflect the name of and provides advice and support to clubs in the area the Club, the name of the County and will carry the of Safeguarding. We remind all clubs to implement @gaa.ie identity as well. the Code with all relevant personnel in your club including players/coaches/committee members/ For example the Children’s Officer email in Buncrana parents/referees and supporters at the start of each will be [email protected] season. It is also appropriate at this time of year to and the Glenswilly GAA Club Children’s Officer may remind you to make sure that all those working with be contacted at childrensofficer.glenswilly.donegal@ children and young people in your club have been gaa.ie. appropriately trained and adequately vetted prior to commencing work in the club. I welcome this most valuable form of communication for Club Children’s Officers which will offer a great “CLG Dun Na Gall promotes Zero Tolerance approach deal of confidentiality and security while they carry towards bullying behaviour” out their duties. The GAA Tackling Bullying Programme Concussion Management This resource developed by the GAA to provide Awareness and education campaign will be rolled assistance to members to help them deal with out in early 2020 relating to updated Concussion incidents of Bullying. The two-hour training Management Guidelines for Gaelic games. 2019 seen workshop is suitable for Coaches, Parents, committee for the first time common guidelines adopted by the members and other Club personnel and also includes GAA, LGFA and Association which will help a range of publicity materials for Clubs. The workshop with awareness and promotion of the key messages aims to equip participants with tools and skills that will and recommendations in relation to concussion enable them to identify, prevent and resolve incidents identification, treatment and return to play protocols. of Bullying that may occur in their clubs. Bullying is an The guidelines, including other complimentary issue that causes many problems within our clubs and resources are also available on www.learning.gaa.ie/ communities, and we encourage all clubs to consider Concussion these top 5 tips:

Social Media • Support the campaign by displaying the promotional All GAA members are subject to the GAA Code of materials and attending the workshop. Conduct when online, even when they are not acting on behalf of the GAA. • Formally adopt the Anti Bullying Policy at Club Executive level & inform members. The GAA expects the following standards to be adhered to by its members when posting material • Create a culture within the club where children and online: young people are encouraged to raise concerns • Do not post or share material which is violent, and tell a trusted adult if they are on the receiving sexually explicit, obscene, hateful, or defamatory. end of this type of behaviour or have witnessed it • Do not post or share inappropriate behaviour happening to others in the club. relating to underage players. • Do not suggest or encourage illegal activity. • First response by coaches/mentors when they see • Do not engage in trolling, bullying, or abusive unacceptable behaviour happening is vital. activity • Do not falsely claim the GAA endorses or is • Adopt a zero-tolerance approach to this type of associated with any product or promotion. behaviour where it is regarded as a serious breach • Do not disclose confidential information in respect of the Code of Behaviour and shall be dealt with of the GAA. accordingly. • Do not engage in the disparagement of any race, ethnicity or religion. • Always respect the GAA’s values. • Always use your common sense.

If you become aware of any member or official breaching any of the above social media guidelines, please contact your Club or County PRO. Alternatively concerns in relation to children can be reported to [email protected]

45 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

Cyber Bullying – This is bullying behaviour that takes E vetting place via mobile phone or through the internet via E vetting has been excellent in 2019 with clubs very email/instant messaging/social networking sites/ active in processing the huge volume of Garda vetting. Texts/messages or images that are sent or posted Clubs Children Officers must be aware it’s a statutory on sites, which hurt, intimidate or embarrass another obligation to be Garda vetted while engaging with person. Cyber Bullying is no different from any other young people. The National Vetting Bureau (Children forms of bullying in that the behaviour is the same and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 provide a and the impact no less devastating, and therefore statutory basis for the vetting of persons carrying out incidents of cyber bullying should be treated as relevant work with children or vulnerable persons. The though they happened in real time. If you are aware Act also creates offences and penalties for persons of someone being cyberbullied, please consider the who fail to comply with its provisions. following: The Act stipulates that a relevant organisation shall • Listen and learn about what has been going on, for not permit any person to undertake relevant work how long, where it has been taking place and what or activities on behalf of the organisation, unless the exactly has been happening. If you are not their organisation receives a vetting disclosure from the parent/guardian ensure you make them aware of National Vetting Bureau in respect of that person. the situation. 2020 will see another massive effort with Donegal • Suggest that they do not open messages from the one of the host counties of Feile addresses/numbers but allow you/parent/guardian to open them instead. Electronic Devices • Consider changing their mobile number and restrict The banning of the use of mobile phones & electronic access to the number. devices with photographic or video capabilities • Changing online profile log in and passwords within changing room areas in our clubs, was and using the ‘reporting’ feature that is available approved by county committee at our June meeting. on most social media sites asking for offending Clubs have successfully supported this initiative, and messages and photos to be removed. Ensure that displaying posters on their changing room doors and online profiles are made private and only shared ensuring this initiative was adhered to. Well done and with friends. Restrict what can be posted to your I encourage to keep this initiative ongoing through profile until after you have given permission. 2020. • Involve other agencies if necessary, including Gardai/Childline or TUSLA. YOUTH MATTERS Conference 2019 Comhghairdeas once again to Kevin Mills and Donegal • Support the young person, your initial reaction is Health & Wellbeing committee for all their hard work vital – Listen, Learn, Involve and Resolve. and also keeping our young member very much on

46 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. their action plans. I was delighted to see another very Conclusion successful Youth Conference. “YOUTH MATTERS” on I would like to thank all Child Safeguarding tutors for Saturday 12th October in LYIT in Letterkenny. Over 100 the roll out of the programme. youth delegates from a number of clubs in the county Our GDM Aaron Kyles ensuring we are meeting the attended. The conference highlighted the challenges safeguarding standards at development squads and facing our youth members in the organisation. coaching courses and of course our schools. Youth Matters 2019 The club Children’s Officers who worked tirelessly on Safeguarding Audit safeguarding of our young players, your support and I encourage all Clubs to Carry out internal efforts haven’t gone unnoticed and I thank you and Safeguarding Audit early in 2020. This gives us a base praise for your efforts and commitment all year. to work towards safeguarding of young people and Our referees Committee notably Michelle Bennett to comply with all current legislation in line with and Frank Dooley on the massive effort in overseeing Children First Act 2015. An updated list of all coaches Garda vetting in all our referees Thank You. and personnel within your clubs that are Garda vetted Noreen Doherty, County Administrator for her advice and that have completed Child Safeguarding Training and comprehensive support throughout the year. has been forward to your club Children’s Officers in recent weeks. In addition, this year it’s highlighted the A special word of acknowledgement to Kevin Mills personnel/coaches who needs to be re Garda vetted Health and Wellbeing Chairperson for his support and and those who’s Child Safeguarding training needs to commitment in 2019 most notable his professionalism be updated, An Mhaith on this and lets all continue to around critical incidents and manner and support set the standards in safeguarding our young players. given to clubs at difficult times. To Ulster GAA Child Protection Manager Bernie Fox Restorative Practices for her advice and support along with Gearóid Ó Throughout the year, we’ve seen Restorative Practices Maoilmhichíl National Child Welfare and Safeguarding introduced throughout the county with the aim of Manager and Michelle Harte National Child Welfare dealing with internal issues within clubs, Based on Office for her continuous support. mutual respect – ‘Give Respect, Get Respect’ with Belief in people’s ability to resolve their own problems Mar fhocal scoir, Nollaig shona daoibh uilig agus go given time and support. Myself and Kevin Mills raibh bliain rathúil agaibh ar pháirc na himeartha worked closely leading this process and with positive agus sa i gcoitinne. outcomes, am confident this process can had value to our association. Go raibh maith agat Gearoid O Dufaigh

47 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. Tuarascáil Choiste Liathróid Láimhe

A chara The rise of one-wall handball (literally, just a single 20x16 feet wall and 34 feet of playing floor space 2019 was been a year of transition on the Donegal length required) around the country is something handball front, with the game beginning to flourish in that we have been slow to capitalise on as it is the previously weaker areas and, conversely, to demise in easiest and most cost effective way to build courts the area that has long been the handball core. and, likewise, to introduce people to the game.

Sean MacCumahills handball club has been the main Ulster Coaching and Games development have also driving force in the past quarter of a century, but been working with handball in the , and, while emigration and a relatively unsuccessful changing still in its infancy really, there are coaching initiatives of the administrative guard means that the club has available and additional advice and help is available fallen by the wayside. from the agency.

In contrast, handball in the Glenfin, Ballyshannon, I appreciate that all club secretaries are busy, and it’s and the /Cloughaneely areas has enjoyed by and large a thankless task, but if you can take the something of a revival in recent years and work is time to reply to emails regarding the sport, then the underway to ensure the continued rise of these clubs long-term benefits of an active handball club will be and to reignite the game in the Twin Towns. clear to see.

We are currently in the process of drawing up a On the playing front, the highlight of the year was strategic plan for handball around the county in the Odhran McGlynn’s victory in the Ulster Schools U-19 hope that we can get the right people back involved Singles Championship. The U-19 is an exceptionally in the game and to offer the support and driving force difficult grade and was an incredibly good achievement needed to promote and facilitate growth all over the for the Glenfin man, and was a worthy recipient of the county. Donegal GAA All-Star award for handball.

I will be contacting the secretary of every GAA club in The other main successes were the third annual the county over the next few months in an effort to running of the Paul Kelly Memorial Tournament by assess the current situation and the scope for growth CLG Chloich Cheann Fhaola and the Edward Guilfoyle of the game. Handball Tournament in Ballyshannon.

Handball will forever be the poorer relative of football Paul Larkin’s report on the Paul Kelly Memorial and hurling (we have to accept that in order to set Tournament can be found on the next page. realistic targets) but there is no reason that the game can’t be an outlet for and to support the GAA’s Is mise le meas. strongest and most popular codes. Mark McGowan Donegal Handball Secretary Handball can be played year-round, can be played by children as young as five or six and by adults into their 80s, requiring and improving hand-eye coordination and deft footwork. If nothing else, many GAA clubs could benefit from having their footballers, hurlers or camogie players engage in handball in the off- season.

48 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

Report from 3rd Kelly Memorial Handball Tournament – Larkin to almost snatch an unlikely victory from clear CLG Chloich Cheann Fhaola - Falcarragh favourites Aidan Devine and Dean Fox for Antrim.

Venue: The Donegal Gaeltacht men were 2-15 down at Pinniúr Liathróid Láimhe Cloich Cheann Fhaola CLG one point, only to fight back to within five points Cloughaneely GAA Handball alley - Tír Chonaill of an unlikely victory. The strong performance of Cloughaneely newcomer Peadar Ó Domhnaill also Donegal find silver linings in heavy defeat at Kelly gave grounds for future optimism. And to cap it all, Memorial Tournament former Falcarragh handball stalwart John McCallion made a welcome return to the handball scene by The last minute withdrawal of Ballybofey handballers refereeing the U-21s challenge game, which saw and an injury to vastly experienced Glenties man visiting handballer Sam Dunning from County Dave Mulhearn left a Donegal select handball team Cork take the spoils. Dunning was also awarded the with an almost impossible task in trying to retain ‘Sár-Imreoir an Chomórtais’ prize – player of the Cloughaneely GAA’s Kelly Memorial trophy, held in tournament - for a brilliant display. The attendance August every year. of handballers from Conna handball club, close to the The Kelly trophy - Comórtas Chuimhneacháin Uí Waterford border in County Cork, was another boost Cheallaigh – is played at the alley which the Kelly for Cloughaneely handball. The whole point of the family built at the Cloughaneely grounds and is now O’Kelly tournament was to get Falcarragh handball in its third year. Cumann Naomh Pól of Antrim won back on the handball map and, after three successful the inaugural trophy in 2017 and Donegal claimed tournaments, it can be safely said that the initial it back last year. Donegal failed to win any of their objective has been achieved. Attention will now turn three doubles and two singles games this time round. to much needed renovation of this famous alley, so However there were some big positives for Donegal that a modern, self-contained alley and facilities can on the day. With all games fought over 25 points, be ready for next year’s tournament. rising handball star Odhrán McGlynn of CLG Ghleann Fhinne (Glenfin) teamed up with Cloughaneely’s Paul

49 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. Tuarascáil Choiste Iománaíochta

Is onóir mór dom tuarairisc na bliana seo a chur os bhur gcomhair, it is a great honour for me to present this years ‘Hurling Report’. In 2019, tremendous progress has been made in the development and promotion of hurling. Our Senior County hurlers played at their highest level ever, competing in Division 2B of the National Hurling League and The Christy Ring Cup. The retirement of key players and the non-availability of others meant that we were going to struggle to retain Division 2B status for 2020, the Senior County players showed great commitment during 2019 and all of them gained valuable experience competing at a ‘higher level’. Once again, Mickey Mc Cann and his management team have agreed to stay on for 2020, we thank them for their dedication and hard work during 2019 and wish them continued success in 2020. Congratulations to Jack O’Loughlin of CLG Bun Cranncha, on his selection as Donegal ‘Senior County Hurler of the Year’ for 2019. To Danny Cullen of Setanta, who received another Hurling/Shinty Cap for Ireland in 2019 and gained further honours, by being named as ‘Captain’ of the team, Maith Thú Danny. Congratulations also to Declan Coulter of Setanta on his selection for the 2019 All Star Tour to Dubai. during the summer and they qualified for the Shield The Under 21 Hurlers competed in the U21B Semi-finals in their respective sections, many thanks Championship, losing out to a strong Down team, to all concerned, players, parents, coaches and team thanks to the players and to Tom Hennessy and his management. management team for their commitment during the year. The County also hosted its annual ‘Hurling Coaching The Under 17 team competed in the Connaught section Academy’, for 3 days in Mid-August, over 90 players of the Celtic Challenge Competition and played teams were in attendance, special thanks to Kevin Hinphey from , Sligo, Roscommon, Mayo and Leitrim, and Declan Sherlock of Ulster Council and Marty they then lost to Antrim in their Quarter Final. Míle McGrath and all who organised the camp. A number Buíochas to Eunan O’Donnell, his panel of players and of Under 15 players were selected to travel to his management team, for all of their commitment in Jordanstown to take part in the Ulster Councils Under 2019. At the moment the management team for 2020 15 Elite Training Camp and also played for Ulster is in the process of being selected and Donegal may against Dublin in August. enter two teams in the Celtic Challenge Competition in 2020, to give all players at Under 16 and Under 17 At adult level we had the following clubs competing age the opportunity to play County Hurling. in the Senior Championship in 2019, Setanta, Buncrana, Burt, Sean MacCumaills and Saint Eunan’s. In 2019, the format of competitions changed for Setanta played Saint Eunan’s in the County Final and the Under 14, Under 15 and Under 16 Development congratulations to Setanta on their victory and on Squads, with no official competitions being organised the adding the Senior Hurling Championship title, nationally at Under 14 and Under 16 age groups. to the Senior Hurling League title which they had won earlier in the season. The reintroduction of the The County entered both the Under 14 and Under 15 Junior League and Championship was a welcome Development Squads in the 2019 Hibernian Cup and development, with Aodh Ruadh, Carndonagh, Sean both squads showed great commitment, by attending MacCumhaills, Letterkenny Gaels and Saint Eunan’s weekly training sessions at the Centre of Excellence competing, it was great to see the return of Aodh in Convoy. The two teams played a number of games Ruadh and Carndonagh to County Final Day and after 50 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. a very exciting game, Aodh Ruadh were crowned County Junior Champions for 2019. A special mention Ray Durack organised the County Poc Fada to Letterkenny Gaels, as they fielded an adult hurling Competition in 2019, the Senior Competition was team, for the first time ever in 2019. Congratulations won by Paul Burns of Burt and Oisin Marley of Setanta to Carndonagh on winning the Junior Hurling League won the Under 16 Title, a big thanks to Ray and all title in 2019. who helped on the day. Paul and Oisin both players qualified for the Ulster Finals and Oisin won his Ulster The following clubs fielded teams in various age Title and was narrowly beaten in the All-Ireland Final. groups at underage, Aodh Ruadh, Buncrana, Burt, Carndonagh, Dungloe, Four Masters, , At primary schools level, Cumann na mBunscol Letterkenny Gaels, Saint Eunan’s, Sean MacCumhaills continues to play a vital and important role in the and Setanta. promotion and development of hurling. Míle Buíochas do na muinteoirí. Players from all of our schools are The winning teams in underage competitions for selected each year for Mini Games, which are played 2019 were: at local and at national level. At Secondary Schools • Setanta - Minor A and Under 16 A Championships level our schools are competing in Ulster Schools and the Under 16 B and Under 14 B League Titles Competitions and Congratulations to Saint Columba’s • Saint Eunan’s - Minor 18 B Championship, Under 18 of Stranorlar on winning an Ulster Title in 2019. A League and Under 14 Feile B Titles • Aodh Ruadh – Minor B League and Under 16 On behalf of the Hurling Committee, I would like to A League Titles, Ulster and Donegal Óg Sport thank Mick Murphy our former Games Development Champions, Under 14 A Championship and Féile A Manager for all his help over the years and wish him Winners well in his retirement. I would also like to welcome • Carndonagh – Under 16 B Championship, Under Aaron Kyles to his post of Games Development 14 A League and All Ireland National Féile Shield Manager and we look forward to working with him in Winners the development and promotion of hurling. I would • Letterkenny Gaels – Under 14 B Championship. also like to welcome Declan Sherlock Ulster Councils • Seven clubs from the county participated in the Regional Development Officer to the County, he will Under 13 North West Competition in September/ be of great help to us all and it is great to have Marty October for teams from Donegal, Tyrone and Derry. McGrath back in his role as Games Development The following Donegal teams were winners in their Officer. sections, Buncrana, Burt and Sean MacCumhaills. I would like to thank the referees for their help and The Under 12 Mini League was a tremendous success support in 2019, it was a great to a number of new in 2019, a lot of hurling was played with five finals taking referees being recruited and trained during the year. place in September. The Under 12 Skills Competition was held in the Convoy Centre of Excellence with over I wish, on behalf of the Hurling Committee to a pay 50 players competing. It was won by Conal Herron of special tribute to two of our former officers, who Saint Eunan’s. In September 36 Under 12 hurlers took stepped down last year from our Committee, after part in the Croke Park Activity Day. Kevin O’Rourke of many years of commitment to the promotion and Buncrana won the Féile na nGael Skills Competition development of hurling in the County, namely and represented the county at the National Féile na our former chairperson Jason Ewing and Eilis Ní nGael Skills Competition Final in Abbotstown. Dhochartaigh our former secretary.

The County Board and all its officers have been of great support to the Hurling Committee in 2019, many thanks to all concerned and especially the County Chairperson, County Treasurer, County Assistant Treasurer, County Coaching Officer and Games Development Manager.

I would like to thank all my fellow officers on the Hurling Committee, namely Paddy and Ruth Lennon, Denis Daly, Clare Campbell for all their help during 2019.

Manus O’Domhnaill Cathaoirleach

51 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. Tuarascáil Oifigeach Oiliúna

It is a pleasure to submit this report outlining the 2019 Conor O’Neill Malin Coaching activities to Convention. It has been an active Eoghan Mc Laughlin Moville year on all fronts. Starting in the clubs, there were 14 Drew Mc Kinney N.Padraig Muff Easter camps followed in the Summer with 37 Cul Oisin Crawford Buncrana Camps. Our primary and secondary schools coaches Robbie Mc Donnell Glenties continue to promote inclusion and participation by Dermot Slevin Four Masters giving thousands of children exposure to Gaelic games Jack Boyle Naomh Ultan in our schools. 12 development academies were Christopher Mulligan Killybegs assembled during the year. 2019 saw the continued Dylan Murphy Killybegs development and progression of the LYIT partnership. Kyle Murray Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon We continued the Athlete Development program for Cian Rooney Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon our U16s & U17s squads and extended it to introduce Senan Quinn Four Masters U15 and U14 squad to Fundamental movements. On the Coaching development front over 200 coaches DONEGAL UNDER 15 (F) DEVELOPMENT SQUAD, went through 12 courses at Foundation, Award 1, 2019. Award 2 & Award 3 levels. U15 NORTH (FOOTBALL) SQUAD, 2019. Name Club ACADEMIES, 2019. Adam Mc Geever Gweedore Football Andrew Murray Sean Mc Cumhaills DONEGAL UNDER 16 (F) DEVELOPMENT SQUAD, Anthony Curran Milford 2019. Brendan O Hagan Naomh Colmcille PERIOD GAMES COACHES LEVEL Brian Lafferty Robert Emmets January – Buncrana Luke Barrett L/3 Cain Doherty Bushe Carndonagh May, 2019. Cup Caolan Glackin Glenswilly Runners-up Raymond McLaughlin L/1 Caolan Reid Termon John O’Malley F/ level Cathal De Burca Gweedore Damien Laird F/Level Cormac Gallagher Peter McGeehin L/3 Cormac Mc Colgan Naomh Padraig, Muff Gary McNamee L/3 Daniel Marley Glenfin Darragh Ferry Gweedore DONEGAL UNDER 16 (F) DEVELOPMENT SQUAD, 2019. Darragh Harkin Urris Name Club David Doherty Malin Liam McGrenaghan Fanad Gaels Ethan Friel Cloughaneely Tiarnan McBride Downings Evan Gallager Robert Emmetts Peadar McGeehin St Eunans Fabian Flood Naomh Colmcille Stephen McFadden Gweedore Jack Mc Glynn Glenswilly Cian McEntee Gweedore Jacob Mc Daid Naomh Colmcille Blake McGarvey Cloughaneely James Doherty Red Hughs Eoin O’Donnell Milford Johnny O Donnell Gweedore Shane Black Milford Kevin Mc Cormick Sean Mc Cumhaills Shea McBride Milford Lorcan Harvey St Eunans Kevin McGettigan Termon Lucas Mc Sorley Sean Mc Cumhaills Mark Toye Termon Matthew Winters Letterkenny Gaels David Boyle St Eunans Neil Mulcahy Robert Emmetts Gerard Shiels Glenswilly Niall Sweeney St. Mary’s Convoy Oisin McDaid Glenswilly Oisin Harkin Termon Oran Patterson St Marys Convoy Oisin Mc Glinchey Sean Mc Cumhaills Mark Gordon St Marys Convoy Oisin Ward Glenswilly Caolan Mc Clintock Aodh Ruadh Killygordan Oran Craig Cloughaneely Dylan McNamee Robert Emmets Patrick Mc Daid Termon Sean MacCumhaills Patrick Mc Elwee Downings Daragh McGeoghegan Malin Pauric Gordon St. Mary’s Convoy

52 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

Rory Mc Grenra Termon DONEGAL UNDER 14 FOOTBALL ACADEMY, 2019. Sean Breen Sean Mc Cumhaills INISHOWEN DIVISION U14 SQUAD, 2019. Sean Coffey Milford Name Club Sean Gallagher St Eunans Rian Gallagher Naomh Padraig Uisce Chaoin Sean Ward Glenfin Kevin Lynch Naomh Padraig Uisce Chaoin Shane Cannon Milford Cormac Kelly Naomh Padraig Uisce Chaoin Thomas Cannon Termon Oisin McIntyre Naomh Padraig Uisce Chaoin Ultan Mc Guinness St Eunans Shaun Daly Buncrana Anthony Brosnan Buncrana Coaches Conor Gramham Buncrana Barry O’Hagan Award 3 Sean Mc Laughlin Buncrana Ryan McKinley Award 3 Ruaire Scott Buncrana Hugh Harkin Award 1 Jamie Friel Buncrana Tom Gillespie Award 1 Kevin O Rourke Buncrana Camillus Mulcahy Award 2 Aron Donnell Naomh Colmcille Kevin Dolan Naomh Colmcille U15 SOUTH (FOOTBALL) SQUAD, 2019. Shay Mc Cole Naomh Colmcille Name Club Emmet Rodgers Naomh Colmcille Aaron Neylon Aodh Rua Roan Doherty Moville Adam Burr Naomh Brid Oisin Doherty Urris Alex Mc Brearty Killybegs Shane Gallagher Burt Charlie Bennett Ard An Rátha Darragh Doughlas Malin Cian Boyle Ard An Rátha Ryan Mc Laughlin Malin Cillain Bonner Na Rossa Patrick Mc Laughlin Malin Damian Mc Gowan An Clochan Liath Ryan Mc Geoghegan Malin Damin Webber Aodh Rua Niall Hegarty Malin Danny Breen Aodh Rua Owen Kelly Malin Darragh Cunningham Naomh Columba Taylor Bonner Malin Darragh Gallagher Naomh Ultan Zack Conlon Malin Dean Timoney An Clochan Liath Calvin White Malin Dylan Barrett Realt Na Marra Liam Mc Sweeney Carndonagh Dylan Wallace An Clochan Liath Davin Mc Laughlin Carndonagh James Mc Eniff An Clochan Liath John O Callaghan Carndonagh Jamie Elliott Ard An Rátha Danny Diver Carndonagh Jamie Mc Cready Naomh Muire Odhran O Donnoll Carndonagh Karl Magee An Clochan Liath Michael Noone Carndonagh Kieran Mc Devitt Naomh Conaill Ben Mc Daid Carndonagh Kieran O Doherty Realt Na Marra Ben Clarke Carndonagh Kyle Mc Nulty Realt Na Marra Brendan O Carroll Carndonagh Liam Gallagher Naomh Brid Jamie T Doherty Carndonagh Luke Gallagher Naomh Ultan Mathew Boyle Na Rossa Coaches Mathew Comiskey An Clochan Liath Kevin Lynch L/2 Matthew San Pedro Realt Na Marra Denis Kennedy L/1 Micheal Callaghan Naomh Columba Danny Lafferty L/1 Michéal Trimble Naomh Conaill Michelle McKenna F/A Niall Mc Hugh Ard An Rátha Oisin Caulfield Na Rossa NORTH/WEST DIVISION U14 SQUAD, 2019. Pauric Daly Aodh Rua Finnian Coll Milford Proinsias Molloy Ard An Rátha Diarmuid Coyle Milford Ruairí Mc Hugh Ard An Rátha Peter McCleary Milford Ryan Brennan An Clochan Liath Corey LeeMcConigley Milford Ryan Keenaghan Aodh Rua Daithi McGinley Milford Sean Hardy Naomh Columba Shaun Carr Fanad Gaels Seosamh Doohan Naomh Muire Brian Gallagher Fanad Gaels Shane Ellis Naomh Columba Calum McAteer Fanad Gaels Cormac Brady Termon Coaches Patrick Fegan Termon Dessie Gallagher Award 1 Martin McShane Award 2 Gareth Gallagher Termon Neily Beirne F/Award Gary McGettigan Termon Corey Gallagher Award 1 Cian McMenamin Termon Max Roarty St Michaels

53 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

Padraig Coyle Cloughaneely SOUTH WEST DIVISION U14 SQUAD, 2019 Ryan McCallion Cloughaneely RYAN JONES KILCAR Callum McFadden Cloughaneely CONOR JONES KILCAR Daniel Mulhern Cloughaneely AMDROSE MC GEE KILLYBEGS Donal O’Canainn Cloughaneely BEN CONNEELY KILLYBEGS James Boyle Gaoth Dobhair EDWARD MC HUGH KILLYBEGS Cian Gallagher Gaoth Dobhair MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM KILLYBEGS Caolan Laux Gaoth Dobhair SHANE BYRNE KILLYBEGS Joey McFadden Gaoth Dobhair DEAN BRESLIN KILLYBEGS David Prebianca Gaoth Dobhair ADAM O NEIL KILLYBEGS

DÁIRE BRENNAN KILLYBEGS Management KYLE MC HUGH ARDARA Paddy McMenamin L/2 Termon CIAN SWEENEY ARDARA Christopher Barrett L/1 Milford KIERAN MC NELIS ARDARA Stephen Doohan L/2 Cloughaneely BEN MC KEOWN ARDARA CONOR SWEENEY ARDARA EAST DIVISION U14 SQUAD, 2019. ORAN GALLAGHER DUNGLOE Marc Bonner Glenswilly DARRAGH DOHERTY NAOMH MUIRE Oran Canning Glenswilly OWEN BONNER NAOMH MUIRE Chris Diver Glenswilly JACK DOHERTY NAOMH MUIRE Michael Doherty Glenswilly MICHAEL MULREANY ARDARA Daithi Gallagher Glenswilly LUKE SHOVLIN ARDARA Mandy Kelly Glenswilly Jamie McCauley Glenswilly ACADEMIES (Hurling) 2019. Oisin McGrenra Glenswilly DONEGAL U17 CELTIC CHALLENGE (HURLNG) John Quinn Glenswilly SQUAD, 2019. Sam Harvey St Eunans Name Club Caolan Plumb St Eunans Aidan Breathnach Gweedore Neil O’Baoghill L/Kenny Gaels Calvin Aidoo St Eunans Ross Bradley Glenfin Caolan O Neill Buncrana Jack Long Glenfin Ciaran Curran Burt Conor Mac Menamin Glenfin Ciaran McLaughlin Buncrana Odhran O’Connor Glenfin Conor Gartland Burt Charlie Byrne Sean Mac Cumhaills Darius McColgan Burt Ruairi Callaghan Sean Mac Cumhaills David Carey Buncrana Sean Martin Sean Mac Cumhaills Dean Harvey Setanta Conor McGinty Sean Mac Cumhaills Frank Duffy Four Masters Daithi McMahon Sean Mac Cumhaills Gavin Forde St Eunans Fionn McNulty Sean Mac Cumhaills Jason McDaid Setanta Cathair Browne Red Hughs Kevin Curran Burt Ronan Carlin Red Hughs Liam Doherty Buncrana Oisin Duffy Red Hughs Mark Cannon St Eunans Bryan Irwin Red Hughs Mark Mulholland St Eunans Ronan McDaid Robert Emmetts Matthew Noonan St Eunans Rossa McDaid Robert Emmetts Michael Greene Dungloe Kynan Roe Robert Emmetts Oran Duffy Dungloe Noah O’Donnell Naomh Padraig Paraic Curran Burt Patrick Sweeney Naomh Padraig Paul O Donnell St Eunans Peter Campbell Burt Management Team. Peter Grant Buncrana Mick Murphy L/3 Glenswilly Ronan Kelly St Eunans Gerard McGrenra L/1 Glenswilly Ruairi Campbell Setanta Alan Martin F/A Sean McCumhaills Russel Forde St Eunans Sean Doherty Buncrana Sean O Donnell Dungloe Tommie Lee Scully Setanta Yarin McNeil Dungloe

Coaches Eunan O’Donnell Award 2 Tommy O’Neill F/Award

54 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

Paddy Lennon Award 2 Daithi Roberts Award 2

DONEGAL U15 HURLNG SQUAD, 2019. Ainm Club Aed McLaughlin Setanta Anthony Brosnan Buncrana Ben Clarke Carndonagh Ben McDaid Carndonagh Ben Winters Letterkenny Gaels Cian McKenna Aodh Rua Colm Toner Burt Conor Dunne St Eunans Danny Diver Carndonagh David Horgan St Eunans Matt O’Hanlon (Wexford Senior Hurling Captain) at Donegal Celtic Challenge event in Letterkenny on October 12th David McLaughlin Carndonagh Declan Dooher Setanta Primary Schools Coaching Rota. Donal Farley Letterkenny Gaels January/February, 2019. Eoin O Donnell Buncrana Sean McVeigh (Hurling). Eoin Strain Burt Monday 07/01/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm Carndonagh Eunan Gallagher Letterkenny Gaels Boys N.S. Flynn Gallagher Setanta Monday 07/01/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Craigtown N.S. Franz Durant Letterkenny Gaels Tuesday 08/01/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm Gaoth Dobhair James Gallagher Aodh Rua Tuesday 08/01/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Gaoth Dobhair Joe Patton Letterkenny Gaels Wednesday 09/01/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm Illistrin N.S. Kensie Ayers Aodh Rua Wednesday 09/01/2019 01.00 pm – Gael Scoil, Kevin O Rourke Buncrana 12.30pm Letterkenny Liam McCarron Buncrana Thursday 10/01/2019 09.30am – 12.30 pm Educate Together Matthew Callaghan Letterkenny Gaels Thursday 10/01/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Scoil Colmcille Michael Doogan Aodh Rua Friday 11/01/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm Dromore N.S Michael Noone Carndonagh Friday 11/01/2018 01.00pm – 03.00pm St Mary’s, N.S, Niall Ó Baoill Letterkenny Gaels Stranorlar Oran O Donnell Carndonagh Owen Walsh An Clothan Liath Continued as follows. Pauraic Gallagher Setanta Week 2 Monday, 14/01/2019 to Friday, 18/01/2019, same as above. Week 3 Monday, 21/01/2019 to Friday, 25/01/2019, same as above. Philip Devlin Carndonagh Week 4 Monday, 28/01/2019 to Friday, 01/02/2019, same as above. Rory Scott Buncrana Week 5 Monday, 04/01/2019 to Friday, 08/02/2019, same as above. Ryan Kane Aodh Rua Week 6 Monday, 11/01/2019 to Friday, 15/02/2019, same as above. Tommy Winters Aodh Rua Week 7 Monday, 18/01/2019 to Friday, 22/02/2019, same as above.

Coaches January/February, 2019. Dáithi Roberts Gaoth Dobhair Award 2 COREY GALLAGHER. Ronan McGrory Buncrana Monday 07/01/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm St Mary’s N.S, Stranorlar. Ray Winters Letterkenny Gaels F/Award Monday 07/01/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm St Mary’s N.S, Ciaran Toner Burt F/Award Stranorlar. Tuesday 08/01/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm Sessiaghoneill N.S. Tuesday 08/01/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Dooish N.S. Celtic Challenge Workshop Wednesday 09/01/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm Glencovitt N.S. The Celtic Challenge Hurling squad had a very Wednesday 09/01/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Dooish N.S. successful series of workshops on October 12th in Thursday 10/01/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm Glenswilly N.S. Letterkenny. Special guest for the day was Matthew Thursday 10/01/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Glendowan N.S. O’Hanlon, captain of 2019 Champions Wexford. Friday 11/01/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm St Mary’s N.S, Well done to coach Martin McGrath and Ulster Coach Castlefin Declan Sherlock who lead out on the event. Many thanks Friday 11/01/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm St Safans N.S, to Matt for his generosity and enthusiasm in making the Castlefin journey north to be part of the day. Continued as follows. Week 2 Monday, 14/01/2019 to Friday, 18/01/2019, same as above. Ulster Coaching conference Week 3 Monday, 21/01/2019 to Friday, 25/01/2019, same as above. The 16th O’Neill’s Ulster GAA Coaching and Games Week 4 Monday, 28/01/2019 to Friday, 01/02/2019, same as above. Week 5 Monday, 04/02/2019 to Friday, 08/02/2019, same as above. Development Conference will take place on Saturday Week 6 Monday, 11/02/2019 to Friday, 15/02/2019, same as above. 9th November at the Derry GAA Centre, Owenbeg. Week 7 Monday, 18/02/2019 to Friday, 22/02/2019, same as above.

55 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

January/February, 2019. Continued as follows. MANUS FRIEL. Week 2 Monday, 14/01/2019 to Friday, 18/01/2019, same as above. Monday 07/01/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm Coach not Week 3 Monday, 21/01/2019 to Friday, 25/01/2019, same as above. Monday 07/01/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm available for Week 4 Monday, 28/01/2019 to Friday, 01/02/2019, same as above. Tuesday 08/01/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm January, 2019. Week 5 Monday, 04/02/2019 to Friday, 08/02/2019, same as above. Tuesday 08/01/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Week 6 Monday, 11/02/2019 to Friday, 15/02/2019, same as above. Wednesday 09/01/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm Week 7 Monday, 18/02/2019 to Friday, 22/02/2019, same as above. Wednesday 09/01/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Thursday 10/01/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm January/February, 2019. Thursday 10/01/2019 01.00pm - 03.00pm BRIAN ROPER Friday 11/01/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm Monday 07/01/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm St Eunans N.S, Friday 11/01/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Laghey Monday 07/01/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Robinson P.S, Continued as follows. Ballintra Week 2 Monday, 14/01/2019 to Friday, 18/01/2019, same as above. Tuesday 08/01/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm Pettigo N.S. Week 3 Monday, 21/01/2019 to Friday, 25/01/2019, same as above. Tuesday 08/01/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Rockfield N. S. Week 4 Monday, 28/01/2019 to Friday, 01/02/2019, same as above. Wednesday 09/01/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm Kilbarron N.S. Week 5 Monday, 04/02/2019 to Friday, 08/02/2019, same as above. Wednesday 09/01/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Gael Scoil S. N., Week 6 Monday, 11/02/2019 to Friday, 15/02/2019, same as above. Ballyshannon. Week 7 Monday, 18/02/2019 to Friday, 22/02/2019, same as above. Thursday 10/01/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm St McCartans N.S, Bundoran Thursday 10/01/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm St McCartans January/February, 2019. N.S, Bundoran JOHN WARD Friday 11/01/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm Dungloe N.S. Monday 07/01/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm Acres N.S (Hurling). Monday 07/01/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Dore N.S. Friday 11/01/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Dungloe N.S. Tuesday 08/01/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm Belcruit N.S. (Hurling). Tuesday 08/01/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Cashelnagor N.S. Continued as follows. Wednesday 09/01/2019 09.30am – 10.45am Doochary N.S. Week 2 Monday, 14/01/2019 to Friday, 18/01/2019, same as above. Wednesday 09/01/2019 11.00am – 12.30pm Meenagowan N.S. Week 3 Monday, 21/01/2019 to Friday, 25/01/2019, same as above. Wednesday 09/01/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Lettermacaward Week 4 Monday, 28/01/2019 to Friday, 01/02/2019, same as above. N.S. Week 5 Monday, 04/02/2019 to Friday, 08/02/2019, same as above. Thursday 10/01/2019 09.30am – 12. 30pm Gortahork N.S. Week 6 Monday, 11/02/2019 to Friday, 15/02/2019, same as above. Thursday 10/01/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Bunbeg N.S. Week 7 Monday, 18/02/2019 to Friday, 22/02/2019, same as above. Friday 11/01/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm Falcarragh N.S. Friday 11/01/2019 01.00pm -03.00pm Falcarragh N.S. MARCH/APRIL, 2019. JOHN WARD. Continued as follows. DAY DATE FROM – TO PRIMARY SCHOOL Week 2 Monday, 14/01/2019 to Friday, 18/01/2019, same as above. Monday 25/02/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm Acres N.S Week 3 Monday, 21/01/2019 to Friday, 25/01/2019, same as above. Monday 25/02/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Doochary N.S. Week 4 Monday, 28/01/2019 to Friday, 01/02/2019, same as above. Tuesday 26/02/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm Holy Cross N.S. Week 5 Monday, 04/02/2019 to Friday, 08/02/2019, same as above. Tuesday 26/02/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Faugher N.S. Week 6 Monday, 11/02/2019 to Friday, 15/02/2019, same as above. Wednesday 27/02/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm Holy Trinity N.S Week 7 Monday, 18/02/2019 to Friday, 22/02/2019, same as above Wednesday 27/02/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Ballymore N.S. . Thursday 28/02/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm Derryconner January/February, 2019. N.S. DONIE McCOLE. Thursday 28/02/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Magheraroarty Monday 07/01/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm St. Mary’s N.S, N.S. Glenties Friday 01/03/2019 09.30am – 03.00pm Falcarragh N.S. Monday 07/01/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm St. Mary’s N.S, Glenties Continued as follows. Tuesday 08/01/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm Fintown n.S. Week 2 Monday, 04/03/2019 to Friday, 08/03/2019, same as above. Tuesday 08/01/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Drumnacrois Week 3 Monday, 11/03/2019 to Friday, 15/03/2019, same as above. N.S. Week 4 Monday, 18/03/2019 to Friday, 22/03/2019, same as above. Wednesday 09/01/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm Fintra N.S. Week 5 Monday, 25/03/2019 to Friday, 29/03/2019, same as above. Wednesday 09/01/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Killaghatee Week 6 Monday, 01/04/2019 to Friday, 05/04/2019, same as above. N.S. Week 7 Monday, 08/04/2019 to Friday, 12/04/2019, same as above. Thursday 10/01/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm Niall Mor, N.S. Thursday 10/01/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Niall Mor, N.S. MARCH/APRIL, 2019. Friday 11/01/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm Mintinadea DONIE McCOLE. N.S. DAY DATE FROM – TO PRIMARY Friday 11/01/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm St Mary’s, N.S, SCHOOL. Ardara Monday 25/02/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm Killian N.S. Monday 25/02/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Frosses N.S. Tuesday 26/02/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm The Commons N.S. Tuesday 26/02/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm The Point N.S. Wednesday 27/02/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm St Peters N.S

56 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

Wednesday 27/02/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Inver N.S. Thursday 28/02/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm Dunkineely N.S LEO GILL Thursday 28/02/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Bruckless N.S. WEEK 1 DATE TIME-FROM-TO P/SCHOOL Friday 01/03/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm Gortnacart N.S. Monday 25/02/2019 09.30am – 10.30am St Egney’s N.S. Friday 01/03/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Keeloggs N.S Monday 25/02/2019 11.15am – 12.15pm Cockhill N.S. Monday 25/02/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Drumfries N.S. Continued as follows. Tuesday 26/02/2019 09.30am – 11.00am Whitecastle N.S. Week 1 Monday, 04/03/2019 to Friday, 08/03/2019, same as above. Tuesday 26/02/2019 11.30am – 12.30pm Muff N.S. Week 2 Monday, 11/03/2019 to Friday, 15/03/2019, same as above. Tuesday 26/02/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Bridgend N.S. Week 3 Monday, 18/03/2019 to Friday, 22/03/2019, same as above. Wednesday 27/02/2019 09.45am – 11.00am Glengad N.S. Week 4 Monday, 25/03/2019 to Friday, 29/03/2019, same as above. Wednesday 27/02/2019 11.30am – 12.30pm Culdaff N.S. Week 5 Monday, 01/04/2019 to Friday, 05/04/2019, same as above. Wednesday 27/02/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Malin Town N.S. Week 6 Monday, 08/04/2019 to Friday, 12/04/2019, same as above. Thursday 28/02/2019 09.30am – 10.30am Illies N.S. Week 7 Monday, 15/04/2019 to Friday, 19/04/2019, same as above. Thursday 01/03/3018 11.30am – 12.30pm St Muras P.S. Thursday 28/02/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Tooban N.S. MARCH/APRIL, 2019. Friday 01/03/2019 10.00am – 11.00am Carndonagh BRIAN ROPER. Girls N.S. DAY DATE FROM – TO PRIMARY Friday 01/03/2019 11.30am – 12.30pm Craigtown N.S. SCHOOL Friday 01/03/2019 01.15pm – 02.15pm Gael Scoil S.N. Monday 25/02/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm Gael Scoil N.S, Donegal Town Continued as follows. Monday 25/02/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm The Glebe N.S. Week 2 Monday, 04/03/2019 to Friday, 08/03/2019, same as above. Tuesday 26/02/2019 09.30am – 03.00pm Creevy N.S. Week 3 Monday, 11/03/2019 to Friday, 15/03/2019, same as above. Wednesday 27/02/2019 09.30am – 03.00pm Killymard N.S Week 4 Monday, 18/03/2019 to Friday, 22/03/2019, same as above. (Hurling) Week 5 Monday, 25/03/2019 to Friday, 29/03/2019, same as above. Thursday 28/02/2019 09.30am – 03.00pm St Ernans N.S. Week 6 Monday, 01/04/2019 to Friday, 05/04/2019, same as above. Friday 01/03/2019 09.30am – 12.30pm Holy Family N.S. Week 7 Monday, 08/04/2019 to Friday, 12/04/2019, same as above. Friday 01/03/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Rockfield N.S. Week 8 Monday, 15/04/2019 to Friday, 19/04/2019, same as above.

Continued as follows. Month: May / June Week 2 Monday, 04/03/2019 to Friday, 08/03/2019, same as above. Coach: Donie McCole Week 3 Monday, 11/03/2019 to Friday, 15/03/2019, same as above. Week Date Day School Week 4 Monday, 18/03/2019 to Friday, 22/03/2019, same as above. Week 1 6th May 2019 Monday Killaghtee NS Week 5 Monday, 25/03/2019 to Friday, 29/03/2019, same as above. Week 1 6th May 2019 Monday Brackey NS Week 6 Monday, 01/04/2019 to Friday, 05/04/2019, same as above. Week 7 Monday, 08/04/2019 to Friday, 12/04/2019, same as above. Week 1 7th May 2019 Tuesday Carrick NS Week 1 7th May 2019 Tuesday Kilcar MARCH/APRIL, 2019. Week 1 8th May 2019 Wednesday Cashel NS JOHN GIBBONS Week 1 8th May 2019 Wednesday Meananeary NS WEEK 1 DATE TIME-FROM-TO P/SCHOOL Week 1 9th May 2019 Thursday St Conals Portnoo Monday 25/02/2019 09.30am – 10.30am St Columbs N.S. Week 1 9th May 2019 Thursday St Conals Portnoo Monday 25/02/2019 11.15am – 12.15pm Donagh N.S. Week 1 10th May 2019 Friday Ardara NS Monday 25/02/2019 01.00pm – 02.00pm Carndonagh Week 1 10th May 2019 Friday Kilkenny NS Boys N.S. Week 1 10th May 2019 Friday Edaninfagh NS Tuesday 26/02/2019 09.30am – 10.30am Cloontagh N.S. Tuesday 26/02/2019 11.10am – 12.30pm Malin Head N.S. The schedule for week 2 beginning on Monday 13th the May runs through to week 7 which begins on Monday 17th of June Tuesday 26/02/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Carndonagh Boys N.S. Wednesday 27/02/2019 09.30am – 10.30am Clonmany N.S. Month: May / June Wednesday 27/02/2019 11.15am – 12.15pm Tiernasligo N.S. Coach: Corey Gallagher Wednesday 27/02/2019 01.00pm – 03.00pm Cloontagh N.S. Week Date Day School Thursday 28/02/2019 09.20am – 10.50am Rasheney N.S. Week 1 6th May 2019 Monday Tieveog NS Thursday 28/02/2019 11.10am – 12.10pm Urblereagh N.S. Week 1 6th May 2019 Monday Commeen NS Thursday 28/02/2019 01.00pm – 02.00pm Glenmakee N.S. Week 1 7th May 2019 Tuesday Sessiaghoneil NS Friday 01/03/2019 09.30am – 10.30am Greencastle N.S. Week 1 7th May 2019 Tuesday Dooish NS Friday 01/03/2019 11.15am – 12.15pm Gael Scoil S.N. Week 1 8th May 2019 Wednesday Glen Covitt NS Friday 01/03/2019 01.00pm – 02.00pm Gleneely N.S. Week 1 8th May 2019 Wednesday Dooish NS Week 1 9th May 2019 Thursday Glenswilly NS Continued as follows. Week 2 Monday, 04/03/2019 to Friday, 08/03/2019, same as above. Week 1 9th May 2019 Thursday Glendowan NS Week 3 Monday, 11/03/2019 to Friday, 15/03/2019, same as above. Week 1 10th May 2019 Friday Cloughfin NS Week 4 Monday, 18/03/2019 to Friday, 22/03/2019, same as above. Week 1 10th May 2019 Friday Lifford NS Week 5 Monday, 25/03/2019 to Friday, 29/03/2019, same as above. Week 1 10th May 2019 Friday Murlog NS Week 6 Monday, 01/04/2019 to Friday, 05/04/2019, same as above. The schedule for week 2 beginning on Monday 13th the May Week 7 Monday, 08/04/2019 to Friday, 12/04/2019, same as above. runs through to week 7 which begins on Monday 17th of June Week 8 Monday, 15/04/2019 to Friday, 19/04/2019, same as above.

57 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

Month: May / June Month: May / June Coach: Brian Roper Coach: Leo Gill Week Date Day School Week Date Day School Week 1 6th May 2019 Monday St.Eunans Lahey NS Week 1 6th May 2019 Monday St Egney’s N.S. Week 1 6th May 2019 Monday Roberston NS Week 1 6th May 2019 Monday Cockhill N.S. Week 1 7th May 2019 Tuesday Pettigo NS Week 1 6th May 2019 Monday Drumfries N.S. Week 1 7th May 2019 Tuesday Ballyshann NS Week 1 7th May 2019 Tuesday Whitecastle N.S. Week 1 8th May 2019 Wednesday Scoil Aodh Rua & Week 1 7th May 2019 Tuesday Muff N.S. Nuala NS Week 1 7th May 2019 Tuesday Bridgend N.S. Week 1 8th May 2019 Wednesday Scoil Aodh Rua & Week 1 8th May 2019 Wednesday Glengad N.S. Nuala NS Week 1 8th May 2019 Wednesday Culdaff N.S. Week 1 9th May 2019 Thursday Bundoran NS Week 1 8th May 2019 Wednesday Malin Town N.S. Week 1 9th May 2019 Thursday Bundoran NS Week 1 9th May 2019 Thursday Illies N.S. Week 1 10th May 2019 Friday St. Conans NS Week 1 9th May 2019 Thursday St Muras P.S. Week 1 10th May 2019 Friday St. Conans NS Week 1 9th May 2019 Thursday Tooban N.S. The Schedule for week 2 beginning on Monday 13th the May runs through to week 7 which begins on Monday 17th of June Week 1 10th May 2019 Friday Carndonagh Girls N.S. Week 1 10th May 2019 Friday Craigtown N.S. Month: May / June Week 1 10th May 2019 Friday Gael Scoil S.N. Coach: John Gibbons The schedule for week 2 beginning on Monday 13th the May Week Date Day School runs through to week 7 which begins on Monday 17th of June Week 1 6th May 2019 Monday St.Columbas , Moville NS Week 1 13th May 2019 Monday Tamney N.S Week 1 6th May 2019 Monday Carndonagh Boys NS Week 1 13th May 2019 Monday Ballyheevin N.S Week 1 7th May 2019 Tuesday Glassalts, Week 1 13th May 2019 Monday Cashel N.S Carndonagh NS Week 1 14th May 2019 Tuesday Trentagh N.S Week 1 7th May 2019 Tuesday Malin NS Week 1 14th May 2019 Tuesday Gartan N.S Week 1 7th May 2019 Tuesday Donagh Ns Week 1 14th May 2019 Tuesday Rathdonnell N.S Week 1 8th May 2019 Wednesday Clonmany NS Week 1 15th May 2019 Wednesday Kilmacrennan N.S Week 1 8th May 2019 Wednesday Tiernasligo NS Week 1 15th May 2019 Wednesday Termon N.S Week 1 8th May 2019 Wednesday Cloontagh NS Week 1 16th May 2019 Thursday Carraigait N.S Week 1 9th May 2019 Thursday Rasheney NS Week 1 16th May 2019 Thursday Downings N.S Week 1 9th May 2019 Thursday Urblereagh NS Week 1 17th May 2019 Friday Kerrykeel N.S Week 1 9th May 2019 Thursday Scoil Eoghain NS Week 1 17th May 2019 Friday Drumhalla N.S Week 1 10th May 2019 Friday Gleneely NS Week 2 20th May 2019 Monday Drumfad N.S Week 1 10th May 2019 Friday Greencastle NS Week 2 20th May 2019 Monday Doaghbeg N.S Week 1 10th May 2019 Friday Gaelscoil Cois Week 2 20th May 2019 Monday Croaghross N.s Feabhail NS Week 2 21st May 2019 Tuesday Trentagh N.S The schedule for week 2 beginning on Monday 13th the May runs through to week 7 which begins on Monday 17th of June Week 2 21st May 2019 Tuesday Gartan N.S Week 2 21st May 2019 Tuesday Rathdonnell N.S Month: May / June Week 2 22nd May 2019 Wednesday Kilmacrennan N.S Coach: Marty McGrath Week 2 22nd May 2019 Wednesday Termon N.S Week Date Day School Week 2 23rd May 2019 Thursday Devlinreagh N.S Week 1 6th May 2019 Monday St.Marys Stranorlar Week 2 23rd May 2019 Thursday Cranford N.S NS Week 2 24th May 2019 Friday Kerrykeel N.S Week 1 6th May 2019 Monday St.Marys Stranorlar Week 2 24th May 2019 Friday Drumhalla N.S NS The schedule for week 3 beginning on Monday 27th the May Week 1 7th May 2019 Tuesday St.Aengus NS runs through to week 7 which begins on Monday 17th of June, bridgend The schedule alternate every second week like shown above Week 1 7th May 2019 Tuesday St.Muras Ns Tooban Week 1 8th May 2019 Wednesday Woodlands NS, Letter Kenny Week 1 8th May 2019 Wednesday NS, Letterkenny Week 1 9th May 2019 Thursday Scoil Losigain NS Buncrana Week 1 9th May 2019 Thursday Gaelscoil NS Buncrana Week 1 10th May 2019 Friday Gaelscoil NS Letterkenny Week 1 10th May 2019 Friday Illistrin Letterkenny The schedule for week 2 beginning on Monday 13th the May runs through to week 7 which begins on Monday 17th of June

58 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

AURIVO DONEGAL GAA PRIMARY SCHOOL SKILLS, 2019. PRIMARY SCHOOL/AURIVO SKILLS, 2019. Aurivo All County Primary Schools Skill competition took place on Friday June 21st in MacCumhaill Park.

The winners were: Shane Callaghan Naomh Columba Ronan Maher Pettigo Shane Tinney Glenswilly Oisin Doherty Four Masters Oran Gallagher Termon

GAA 5 Star Centres Congratulations to St. Peters NS, Mountcharles and Gortnacart NS, Ardara who were the first Donegal schools to raise the Flag for the 5 Star Centres. 40 schools have signed up for 2019/2020.

2019/2020 5 Star GAA Centre: Donegal Schools School: School: School: 1 Scoil Naomh Padraig 14 Scoil an Chaisil 28 Scoil Naomh Iósaf, Illies, 2 St.Patrick’s GNS 15 St Mura’s N.S. Ballymagan, Buncrana 3 Gaelscoil Bhun Chranncha 16 Scoil Cholmcille Greencastle 29 Dunkineely National School 4 Woodland N.S 17 Scoil Mhuire Gleneely 30 Killian National School 5 St. Naul’s N.S. 18 St Brigid’s National School 31 St. Ernan’s NS 6 Scoil Iosagain 19 Buncranna National School 32 Scoil Eoghain 7 Faugher National School 20 St Patrick’s BNS 33 S.N. Èadan Fhionnfhraoich 8 Scoil Mhuire NS 21 Niall Mor NS 34 Tiernasligo NS 9 Holy Family NS 22 Scoil Cholmcille 35 Scoil na Carraige 10 Urblereagh NS 23 St. Patrick’s N.S. Drumkeen 36 Sn. Chill Choinnigh 11 Scoil Phádraig Rashenny 24 Br Mícheál Ó Cléirigh NS 37 St. Columb’s N.S. 12 Cloontagh NS 25 Donagh NS 38 Scoil Naomh Fionan 13 Scoil an Aingil 26 St. Peter’s NS 39 Scoil Mhuire Derrybeg Choimheádaí,Céideadh 27 Gortnacart National School 40 Scoil Cholmcille Acres

59 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

Coaching Courses Schedule, 2019. Level 3 Thurs. 08, 15, 29 -11/2018 Diploma in Performance Management LYIT Sat. 10, 17/11/2018, 08,10-12/2018. 20 Places filled on Course. Region Venue Dates Type Attendance County McCumhaill Park 11-12-20/01/2019 Award 1 (H) 8 Club L/Kenny Gaels 18-19/01/2019 F/Award (F) 20 Inishowen Carndonagh 18-19/01/2019 F/Award (F) 31 South/West Ardara 18-19/01/2019 F/Award (F) 20 East St Eunans 25-26/01/2019 F/Award (F) 20 South Aodh Ruaidh 25-26/01/2019 F/award (F) 20 North/West Termon 01-02/02/2019 F/Award (F) 17 Club Naomh Naille 08-09/02/2019 F/Award (F) 14 County Glenswilly 08-09/02/2019 F/Award (F) 16 Back to Work Glenswilly 06-07/02/2019 F/Award (F) 10 North Glenswilly 15-16/02/2019 & 23/03/2019 Award 1 (Football) 21 County Glenswilly 01-02/03/2019 & 08-09/03/2019 Award 2 (Football) 12

Easter Camp 2019 2019 Cul Camps Club The summers saw over four thousand boys and girls Aodh Ruadh attend the Cul camps. This was a 5% increase on Buncrana 2018. Muff Camp 2019 2018 2017 Naomh Naille Convoy 91 83 89 Naomh Brid Dungloe 140 159 158 Milford Naomh Columba 90 88 107 Four Masters Naomh Muire 78 61 53 Gael Fhanada N/Padraig, Muff 179 162 170 Na Cealla Beaga St. Eunans (H) 41 33 24 Naomh Muire Carndonagh 181 175 206 Na Cealla Beaga Glenswilly 132 107 132 Sean MacCumhaills Killybegs 102 99 105 Moville Sean McCumhaills 147 175 145 Malin Moville 125 120 114 Burt Naomh Colmcille 109 107 107 Carndonagh Gaoth Dobhair 26 56 25 Naomh Columba Beart 105 105 131 Naomh Colmcille Ardara 150 133 155 Kilcar 86 69 61 Malin 160 190 172 Milford 115 53 72 Naomh Ultan 50 31 46 Buncrana 90 42 50 Bundoran 185 174 131 Cloughaneely 109 121 101 L/Kenny Gaels 147 156 133 Naomh Brid 86 97 88 Naomh Conaill 54 40 60 Urris 163 170 164 57 43 38 Fanad Gaels 65 73 71 Four Masters 164 146 115 Lifford 55 57 70 St. Michaels 150 145 125 St. Eunans (F) 190 160 143 Na Dunaibh 120 141 126 Red Hughs 70 73 85 Termon 120 107 132 St. Nauls 86 87 95 Carndonagh (H) 87 76 84 4105 3914 3897

60 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. Tuarascáil Choiste na Réiteoirí

I am delighted to present my second report on behalf Ard an Rátha and Gaeil Leitir Ceanainn for use of their of the Referees Administration Committee (RAC) here Facilities. today at County Convention. Only nine of the seventeen trainee referees have Our RAC Committee comprises Marc Brown, James since taken up the whistle, six of whom have received Connors, Frank Dooley, Jim Gillen, Martin Mc Kinley, monitoring by RAC members. All of these six all are Thomas McBrearty, Hugh Shovlin, Jimmy White, and making progress. myself Michelle Bennett, the Referees’ Administrator, Declan Martin, Rúnaí CCC and Frankie Doherty, Chairperson CCC are ex-officio members. The 2020 Recruitment Campaign A new recruitment campaign has started for 2020. During the year our team have worked together in an Lessons have been learned in 2019 and improvements effort to further improve the quality and availability of will be made in the recruitment, training and referees in all aspects of our games here in Donegal. monitoring of new recruits 2020.

Key aspects of our three year Action Plan have been May I list a number of issues? focused on during the year. These included: (i) We will start the training earlier (ii) We will only train members who have been GAA • New Referee Recruitment, Training and Mentoring Vetted • Continuous Training and Development of the (iii) all divisional boards will have details of the new Existing Referee Group. referees and of their mentor before the start of • Developing a Structured Club Referee Progression the season and will be expected to place them in process. fixtures from the start of the season • Active engagement with the adult CCC and Minor (iv) reports of verbal abuse by team officials etc. will Board CCC be pursued to the bitter end (v) the mentor and the RAC will be the judge of the As you will note below, I have had some success, progress of the referee. however it was often tinged with disappointment in (vi) all newly trained referees will be brought together some specifics aspects of what my RAC attempt to again in mid-season to have a group review of do. progress and fitness testing. I should state here that there are some key features In the month of January the RAC will, of course, re- that contribute to the success of any project or plan. engage with all of the 2019 recruits and their clubs These are (i) a shared vision, (ii) ownership of the with the aim of getting all the 17 trainees refereeing plan by all stakeholders; (iii) expert knowledge based at under-age in 2020. On a happy note a number of actions (iv) buy in by all participants and (v) good this year’s recruits are now ready for officiating in leadership from the very top of our association. adult games. Can I make a special appeal to those seven clubs who New Referee Recruitment, Training and have no referee to make a special effort to recruit for Participation 2020. Should these clubs not provide a referee in 2020; Croke Park launched a new Referee Foundation Course I think the County Board must have to look at what in 2019. It was late in starting and was only ready to can be done regarding this problem. go in March. Seventeen new recruits were trained - 14 Football, 2 Dual and 1 Hurling. All were then invited Under–age Refereeing to Croke Park on the 6 April. There they had their final This year the RAC has had a deeper engagement session and each was presented with New Gear by with the minor Board CCC and its Divisions. I wish Uchtarán CLG John Horan. It was an enjoyable day for to thank Martin Mc Kinley for leading this out. I also the New Referees. wish to acknowledge the contribution of Marc Brown I wish to thank all clubs that presented a new referee (Southern Board), Jim Gillen (Inishowen Board), for training this year. I also want to thank both referee Michael McBride (Northern Board) and Jim Quinn, tutors Jimmy White and Seamus McGonigle, and CLG Cathaoirleach Bord na Mionuir CCC for their co- operative contribution during the year.

61 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

We believe that referee administration at under- (iii) A workable plan for progressing each referee to age should have specific regulations including child the best they can do safeguarding reporting and were happy to make a (iv) Buy-in by the CCC when it comes to appointing submission to the Minor Board Regulation Review referees to officiate at the “important” fixtures Group in the recent past. whether it be linesman, side-line official or referee. There are a significant number of referees who wish to (v) An appropriate expense regime for Advisors who referee at under age alone. This year all such referees are required to travel to assess the referee. were brought together for training and development. Advisements/assessments act as an encouragement We have made a start here but there is much work tool to help the referee see what s/he is doing well to be done as all members who volunteer to take and also to understand what areas that they need to on the indispensable and onerous task of refereeing improve. However they are only part of the progression deserve appropriate recognition and support via (i) process. This year we have developed a draft referee annual in-service training, (ii) ongoing active advice classification process however we require lead advice and (iii) welfare provision (appropriate gear and from Croke Park and buy-in from all stakeholders representation). I wish to thank those referees for before it can be put in place. their service.

Unfortunately we still do not have enough referees for Our Referees under-age games. As the year went on we struggled I wish to thank all 68 referees who officiated at our at times as underage games were often set in the games this year. This comprises 50 who take adult morning of adult fixtures. It is a fact that the Adult games, 6 of which are dual referees. There is one lone Club Referees still take the majority of the under- hurling referee and there are 18 referees who only age games. To resolve this ongoing issue there must take underage games, 2 of which are hurling referees. be buy in by all clubs and cooperation between the I cannot thank them enough for their commitment all minor board CCC and the adult CCC when it comes year. to fixtures planning. I cannot state it more clearly - respect for the referee in GAA games and successful I know it’s not easy to commit every weekend, having recruiting of a new corps of referees go hand in hand. family commitments and work commitments and not talking at all about the underage games that you also do, so I thank you all again. Referee Development It is now set in Rule and Regulation that only those Referees, all of whom are volunteers, give of their referees who complete their annual in-service and time in this valued service. It should be the case that fitness test and have current GAA Vetting confirmation at the commencement of each season; each referee, can be recommended to officiate at any game in the adult and under age should be equipped with all county. appropriate gear and requisites just like the club or county players. I thank an Cisteoir and Croke Park for Much work has been put into these areas in the past supplying jersey, socks shorts and kit bags this year. number of years by the RAC. We have extended our focus in 2019 to assist referees with vetting and We have a request in for wet gear for all referees at in child safe guarding. We believe that we here in present and expect that each referee will be presented Donegal are to the forefront in our programme of with his/her set of wet gear upon completion of the referee development. We not only have our start of Spring in-service. The referee will then be fully out year referee workshop programme, we also have a fitted for all weather. pre-championship training workshop. These together with an Advisement/Assessment programme will, in There have been quite a few situations in 2019 when time, lead to a transparent progression process for referees arrived to officiate at games only to find that each referee. The classification of referees must be the game was postponed or changed for some reason based on best practice where the value of those with unknown to him/her. Why games cannot be played experience and expertise in assessing is recognised on the notified day at the notified time is beyond my when the competency of each referee to officiate at comprehension. There has been way too much late a given fixture is recognised and acted upon by the changes to times and dates in 2019 and most often the CCCs. appointed referee is never asked if the change suits This is a work in progress. It requires: him/her. It is important that the referee expense claim (i) Trained referee Advisors/Assessors. Our aim is to in such instances be administered upon receipt. have each referee formally advised twice a year. Every referee goes out at each fixture to apply the We currently have seven active Referee Advisers Rules of Fair Play. If it so happens that the referee is in in the field. A good start was made here in 2018 receipt of abuse from players, team officials or others but we have regressed in 2019 due to some perceived hurtful decision against their (ii) Clear lead advice and guidance from Croke club during the game, the referee will report it in the Park on best practice when rolling out referee proper manner. The GAA community and its leaders classification – we are awaiting this advice 62 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. should never be seen to be disinterested in the To Conclude welfare of the referee or to be upbraiding the referee 2019 is my second year in charge and I am still learning. for reporting aggressive unfair play or poor child Progress has been more difficult and slower than I had safeguarding. hoped but the RAC and Referees - the referee group are moving in the right direction in helping to make It’s an honour we have 4 intercounty referees flying our games enjoyable to play and respectful of all the flag for Donegal; James Connors is a National Panel participants. hurling referee, having refereed the Ulster Hurling Club final and Aiden McAleer is in the Hurling Ulster I want to thank CLG Gaoth Dobhair Club for looking Academy. They are joined by Enda Mc Feely and Mark after myself and all the Referee Officials for the Dorrian in the Ulster Academy. Comortas Peil Na Gaeltachta weekend. You are a credit to your Club and County for all the hard work Well done to four for keeping Donegal on the map you have put into hosting this national completion. and for the effort and commitment you have put into continuing to improve on your competence in Can I extend a thank you to Fergus Mc Gee for your refereeing. help doing all the games as MC and keeping everyone informed and finally to Frank for your advice and ongoing assistance. Hosting Referees at our Inter-County Games. I wish to thank the various clubs who host inter-county I want to thank Frankie, Chairperson of the CCC and fixtures for the manner in which they look after the especially Declan for all his help during the year and referee team (Referee, linesmen, Sideline Official and been at the end of the phone when needed you Umpires). have been a great help to me. I want to also thank Cathaoirleach an Condae, Mick McGrath for his input However I require a new set of Radio Equipment. I into the referee and securing gear for them. see that most counties have two to three sets of radio equipment. Our County is so large that it is impossible Michilín Nic Beinéid to have the one set available at the venue without Referees Administrator CLG Dhún na nGall using a volunteer courier system which sometimes fails. I would like to thank Fermanagh County Board for its help in lending us Radio equipment during the year

63 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. Tuarascáil Choiste Folláine agus Sláinte

Introduction proved to be a resounding success and we extend our In its sixth year, the Donegal GAA Health and thanks to our county executive, clubs and Health and Wellbeing Committee aims to ensure that the health Wellbeing Committee for the hard work in making and wellbeing of members, clubs, and communities these happen. is at the core of all GAA activity. This is achieved by providing clubs, its members and non-members with access to appropriate information, guidance and Priority Action 1 Continued development of support to develop and lead out on the health and Objectives: County Health & Wellbeing wellbeing agenda. The delivery of the national health (CHWC) and structures and wellbeing vision is achieved through consultation Progress: and collaboration with your clubs and their respective How many people sit on the CHWC? 10 health and wellbeing officers. Provide names, role and contact details This year our committee organised two significant below. events. In March 2019 Donegal GAA hosted TILDA is How many meetings of the County HWC 9 the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, led by Trinity have taken place between November 2018 College Dublin. It is the most comprehensive adult and November 2019 study ever conducted in Ireland. Over 8,500 people Is the official GAA email used for all formal yes aged 50 and older were randomly selected and communications from the CHWC? continue to be repeatedly interviewed and examined regarding many aspects of their lives including How many of the provincial HWC meetings 2 happiness, physical and mental health, financial were attended by your CHWC rep? circumstances, quality of life, and perceptions of Is a representative of the CHWC invited yes ageing. The data delivered at launch formed a rich to attend and report at County Board tapestry of what it is like to be an older adult in Ireland meetings? and this important and fascinating research is now Did the CHWC submit a report to the last yes coming to a county near you thanks to the GAA. county convention? In Oct 2019 the Health & Wellbeing committee • Mick Mc Grath – County Chairperson. hosted their second Youth Matters conference which • Noreen Doherty – County Administrator. delivered a simple message about the issues our youth • Kevin Mills –Chairperson. have to deal with in everyday life – the ups and downs, • Gary Duffy. when we feel confident, capable and able to cope in • Oisin Cannon. these situations we feel that we can live our life to • Alisha Mc Brearty. the full and take on the challenges that we face on a • Linda Mc Guniness regular basis. From time to time events in our life will • Rosin Doherty. cause us stress which may result in us feeling down. • Kathy Kelly. Ladies Board Rep. Stress is a natural reaction to difficult experiences • Donnacha Gallagher. such as disappointment, the loss of someone close, being bullied or experiencing a setback in some part • Hosted Tilda Launch in Donegal of our life, sport, exams and career. However through • Organised Youth Conference talking, seeking support from our family, friends, team • Provided safeTALK Training to Clubs mates, club and community we can do a lot of things • Attended Club Health & Wellbeing Events to get us through these difficult times. We are better • Supported Clubs during Critical Incidents able to cope with stress if we are physically healthy • Healthy Club Officer Training. so our mental health can be improved by taking a number of practical steps, such as taking care of our diet, keeping physically fit, taking time out for ourselves, giving time to a goal, interest or hobby and spending time with people who make us feel good, be alert to the dangers and impact of alcohol, drugs and gambling. Based on feedback both these events

64 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

Action 2 Contacting clubs directly, offering support, inviting Priority Action Facilitate training delivery for them to county events e.g. Tilda Launch and Youth 2 Objectives: all Healthy Club Officers (HCO) Conference, alerting clubs to Phase 4 Healthy Clubs. in your county Progress: Action 4 How many clubs have appointed 40_ clubs out of Priority Action Critical Incident Response Plan HCO’s in the county? _40 total clubs in 4 Objectives: (CIRP): Support interested county clubs in adopting their own How many sessions of the HCO 1 CIRP and provide support to training were delivered in 2019? clubs during and after a CI How many people attended the 16 Progress: trainings? Has the county adopted the GAA Critical Yes How many clubs were 14 Incident Response Plan? represented at the trainings? Please submit to the Community & Health Is the CIRP present on the county website? Yes Department, any HCO, CIRP, and Gambling Awareness How many Clubs in the county have adopted TBC training delivery records you have, so as the national the GAA Critical Incident Response Plan? database can be updated. CIRP delivered as part of Did you keep a log of any incidences the yes HCO county supported between November 2018 A list of county’s Tutors trained in HCO, CIRP & and November 2019? Gambling Awareness have been forwarded to the official GAA email account if any amendments are • Support and responding to club as part of CIRP required enter them below. Kevin Mills, Roisin Doherty training, visiting clubs and families during and post incidents. • Supporting HCO during the year, taking calls, attending events. ACTION 5 Optional Action Social Initiative – Promote Priority Action Support Phase 3 of the Healthy 5 Objectives: the Social Initiative in your 3 Objectives: Club Project (HCP) County. Progress: Is there a good flow of Yes, but could Progress: communication between Healthy always be Did your CHWC facilitate a Social Tilda Launch Clubs in your county and your improved from Initiative activity in 2019? If yes CHWC? clubs to CHWC outline details below. Were Healthy Clubs invited to Yes contribute to any CHWC meetings TILDA is the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, led by or HCO training sessions? Trinity College Dublin. It is the most comprehensive adult study ever conducted in Ireland. Over 8,500

65 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. people aged 50 and older were randomly selected and Question 7 continue to be repeatedly interviewed and examined Optional Gambling Awareness - Promote regarding many aspects of their lives including Action 7 the new gambling awareness happiness, physical and mental health, financial Objectives: training in your county circumstances, quality of life, and perceptions of Progress: ageing. The data forms a rich tapestry of what it is like to be an older adult in Ireland and this important and Did the CHWC work with the yes fascinating research is now coming to a county near County Board to distribute the you thanks to the GAA. Gambling Awareness Posters to all clubs in the county? The launch took take place in Donegal March 22nd 2019. The content highlighted themes including the Did the CHWC have send a tutor yes importance of exercise, diet, social connectedness, to the Gambling Awareness purpose and location. training in Abbotstown? Has the CHWC delivered/ One Club This partnership was made possible through the hard planned any Gambling availed of the work and volunteerism of the Donegal GAA’s County Awareness Workshops? If yes, Training Health and Wellbeing Committee, Letterkenny Institute please give details below. of Technology who provided the local knowledge and support to the Community & Health department in Attended Gambling awareness training at Ulster and Croke Park in organising the events. The partnership National Level is an extension of the GAA’s long-standing Social

Initiative which promotes positive aging and the Planning for 2020 delivery of age friendly activities throughout the GAA • Maintain and develop existing actions. club network. • More focus and awareness on Alcohol and other The free seminar was open to all interested members drug use and misuse. of the public. Prof Kenny stresses that the content isn’t • Greater support to clubs who are struggling to only relevant to older people – we age every day and develop the HCO role. this information can help everyone age positively for • Maintain and develop the Health & Wellbeing years to come. Agenda across all clubs. • The Donegal Choir of Ages (Ceol le Cheile) closed Conclusion the event with a magnificent recital of well-known On behalf of the health and wellbeing committee songs. I wish acknowledge the work of the clubs who have • 10 Voluntary and Statutory organisations and groups had to deal with critical incidents throughout-out hosted information Stands the year often at a time of extreme sadness, tragedy • An SCOR Youth groups from the St Eunans and and loss for individuals, family, clubs and community. Letterkenny Gaels GAA Clubs entertained the guests Our sympathies and thoughts are extended to those at registration and break time. families who have had bereavement in 2019. ACTION 6 The Health and Wellbeing Committee would like to Optional Grow the number of people thank our County Chairperson, County Executive, clubs, Action 6 trained in safeTALK in your health and well-being officers and all the statutory Objectives: county and voluntary agencies who supported the work of Progress: the committee in 2019. I want to take this opportunity Who is the county’s safeTALK Health Services to thank committee members for their support and partner? Executive finally a special word of thanks to County Administrator, Noreen Doherty for her support and guidance. How many county safeTALKs Available to clubs training sessions were in and communities. Kevin Mills 2018/19? Chair Health & Well-being Committee How many attended the 70 safeTALKs? How many clubs in the county 5 held safeTALK trainings in the last 12 months (to your knowledge)?

Supporting clubs with Health & Wellbeing events that included mental health awareness.

66 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. Tuarascáil Rúnaí Choiste na hIar Bhunscoileanna

I am delighted to have the opportunity to report today successfully defended the Arthurs Cup, defeating St on behalf of Choiste na hIar-Bhunscoileanna Co. Dhún Joseph’s Donaghmore 11-8 in the final in Owenbeg. It na nGall. was a strong year for Loreto Milford in Ulster as their under 14s also went on a remarkable run to the Ulster This is the third year in which all schools in Donegal and final but lost out in the final of the McDevitt Cup to St across Ulster competed under the one organisation, Joseph’s, Coalisland on a score of 4-10 to 4-9. Abbey Ulster Schools, and it is worth repeating the role of this VS also had a strong showing in Ulster last tear. Their organisation. This group now has overall responsibility under 13.5 team won the Faul Cup for the second year for the organisation and management of games and in a row whilst their senior team lost on a score of competitions at second level in Ulster. The Ulster 2-11 to 3- 5 to a very strong St Colomb’s Derry in the Vocational and Colleges boards are no more. The Markey Cup decider. St Eunan’s College got to the final new structures at Ulster level leave very little leeway of the Loch an Uir Cup , under 13.5, but lost out in the for when Donegal Post Primary GAA can schedule final to St Ronan’s Lurgan 2-10 to 2-3. our games. Ulster Schools organise all under 14 and under 16 competitions so that they commence in late This year, 2019/20 there are 2 Donegal teams entered September and finish in the first week of December. into the MacRory Cup, Ulster Senior A, and 4 others The senior competitions start in late October and run entered into the MacLarnon Cup, Ulster Senior B. through to March each year. Last year the All-Ireland This will expose these players to a higher level of Post Primary Schools voted to increase the senior age competition and we wish them well for the season limit from under 18.5 to under 19. With the County ahead. Under 20 competition being moved to February and March for 2020 this could be problematic as This is the third year in which we had a coach, Paddy undoubtedly there will be fixtures clashes between Hegarty, working with students in our post primary county and school matches. schools. This is a great initiative and on behalf of Donegal Post Primary GAA I would like to express our In Donegal we continue to organise our own county thanks to the County Board for providing this. Having competitions but this is the exception rather than rule this resource allows us to promote Gaelic football in in the province. In the school year 2018/19 a large our schools for a larger part of the year and include number of Donegal schools were included in groups students from right across our school community. with schools from other counties. This can make it Feedback from schools has been overwhelmingly quite difficult to fit these competitions in but we positive and demand is high. Towards the end of the believe that it is important that we make every effort year regional blitzes were organised by Paddy and to continue to run our own competitions as success these were thoroughly enjoyed by all participants. in Ulster can be rare and having the achievement of Paddy has also helped with our annual 1st Year Blitz. winning a school county title is a source of pride for This year our 1st year blitz took place in three different schools and players. locations in the county.

At county level Glenties won the under 14 In Hurling the number of schools taking part in Ulster championship, defeating Rosses Community School and Donegal schools competitions is increasing after extra time in a thrilling match. At under 14 B level and schools are striving to improve their level of Magh Ene College, Bundoran defeated Deele College performance. In 2018-2019, Rosses CS, Coláistí Leitir Raphoe in the decider. At under 16 A level Loreto Ceanainn and Scoil Mhuire Buncrana have played in Milford defeated Abbey Vs in the final by 2-14 to 4-7. the Casement Cup or Shield (U19). These schools along At under 16 B level St Catherine’s Killybegs defeated with Carndonagh CS, Crana College, St. Columba’s Moville 14-8 in the final. At Senior A level Abbey VS College and Coláiste Cholmcille Ballyshannon have had their revenge over Loreto Milford and came out participated in the Noone Cup (U15.5). Schools all on top 4-7 to 2-6. In the Senior B level Coláiste Ailligh over Donegal are very grateful to county coach Marty defeated Moville 2-8 to 1-5. McGrath for his fantastic work during his years with us. Obviously no hurling could happen in schools At the provincial level Donegal schools were not as without the support of teachers and we thank them successful as the previous year but a number of schools for their work to give students the chance to play. still won Ulster titles. At under 16 level Loreto Milford

67 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

This year has also seen schools continuing to engage ongoing work in our schools. in the GAA Future Leaders Programme. There are now thirteen schools taking part. This is a joint initiative from Coaching Officer, Conor McDermott, for his work in the GAA and the Professional Development Service promoting the Future Leaders initiative in schools. for Teachers (PDST). It is a cross-curricular programme The media for providing excellent coverage of schools comprising of a series of modules designed to football in their publications. It is wonderful to see the encourage maturity, initiative, responsibility and achievements of young footballers being recognised leadership skills in pupils. The Programme gives pupils in this way. the knowledge and skills to support all roles required in the effective staging of Gaelic Games. Our county competitions sponsor, Michael Murphy Sports & Leisure. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the following for their continued help and assistance: I would like to thank fellow members of Coiste na hIar-Bhunscoileanna Co. Dhún na nGall, Noel Ward Our clubs for providing schools with pitches, coaches – Cathaoirleach; Éanna Ó Mainín – Cisteoir; John Joe and other ongoing forms of assistance. A special O’Shea – Mino Board Delegate, Paddy Flood – Hurling thank you to clubs who provide pitches for playoffs, Officer and Sean McKenna – PRO. semi-finals and finals during the year, often when conditions weren’t favourable in terms of weather. Seamus Woods and the Ulster Schools Committee. Having the Centre of Excellence available to us in November, December and January is both invaluable This year sees the retirement of John Joe O’Shea from St and imperative. Catherine’s Killybegs. John Joe has been synonymous with schools football in the county and has managed Our teachers who involve themselves in GAA in our and coached the Donegal Vocational Schools team schools. to multiple Ulster and All-Ireland successes. He also served in many roles for the Donegal Vocational County Development Officer, David McCloone, for Schools Board. We would like to take this opportunity his help in facilitating matches at the Centre of to wish John Joe, and all other GAA teachers who have Excellence. retired this year, a happy and healthy retirement. The referees, who ensured that games passed off as smoothly as possible and in a sporting manner. Thanks Go raibh maith agaibh uilig also to referees administrator, Michelle Bennett who Gearóid Ó Dochartaigh has been very helpful again this year. Rúnaí Coiste na hIar-Bhunscoileanna, Dhún na nGall Our post primary coach, Paddy Hegarty, for his

68 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. Tuarascáil Rúnaí Chumann na mBunscoil

Tá bliain eile curtha isteach ag Cumann na mBunscol. Rounders 97 schools were affiliated and to the committee’s This is one of the sports that the children really credit all competitions were completed. I say to ‘the enjoy but is in danger of falling victim to the lack of committee’s credit’ because we are small but very a Rounders Officer to co-ordinate the competitions. hard working with a number of committee members They are run off in May/June for Small, Medium and not only doubling up, but in some cases doing 4 jobs! Large schools. Only for them some of our games would have fallen to We need to address this issue quickly or, in my opinion, the side and not been played. competitions might not run smoothly in 2020, but the committee will do its best to make sure Rounders Michael Weed and Colm Davis have retired from their continue as one of our activities. daily teaching jobs but are still available to help out, however we need new blood onto our committee. Small Schools Athletics This is a very popular event and is well organized by Donegal, Ulster and National Committees Frank McGlynn and Laura Gallagher who put a lot Members of our committee continue to promote of effort into this with the help of the small schools. Donegal schools on a provincial and national level. Upwards of 400 children can take part in this event for Manus O Donnell is Ulster secretary and narrowly lost 1-4 teacher schools. out on gaining a place on the National Committee. Maria Doherty and Dáithi Roberts also attend Ulster Football meetings on a regular basis. This involves attending The standard in boys and girls football continues to meetings in their own personal time to promote improve throughout the county. I have the pleasure of Gaelic games in our schools and this input should not co-ordinating the division 6 event and this gives the 2 be underestimated. teacher schools a chance to play blitzes and develop their own individual skills. I witnessed a great Scoil Manas O’Donnell is our representative on the Mhuire Pettigoe team lift the county title back in June Children’s Board and Dáithi Roberts is on the Coaching and their style of 5 a side football was a joy to watch. Committee. Dáithí Roberts presented the secretary’s Likewise the girl’s county title was won by Scoil Mhín report at the County Convention which was held in Tine Dé, Ardara and again the skill levels were as good the Abbey Hotel, Donegal Town as any other team. From division 1 to division 6 we saw great games, blitzes and county finals. Congratulations Hurling and Camogie to all our winners, and to all the schools who took part These sports continue to develop but the schools and made our competitions a great success. coaching scheme was badly interrupted with Marty McGrath moving on. He has since resumed his role in Roll of Honour 2019. schools coaching (Hurling) and working closely with Declan Sherlock (Ulster) and our committee a new Competition Winners Runners Up Indoor Hurling Scoil Iosagáin Tooban NS plan has been introduced for the 2020 year. Camogie Tooban NS Bridgend NS Highlight of the year in Camogie was the girls of Boys Indoor Killymard NS Glenswilly NS Tooban NS who won the Ulster Indoor championship Football in , a great achievement indeed. Girls Indoor Scoil Iosagáin Cashel NS Football The hurling/camogie roll of honour can be seen at the Hurling Roinn 1 St Patrick’s Carndonagh Woodlands NS end of my report. Roinn 2 Scoil Iosagáin Dromore NS Roinn 3 Bridgend NS Tooban NS Handball Roinn 4 Scoil Mhuire Doiri Scoil Roishine Played in January and February, this is enjoyed by the Beaga schools taking part. Thanks to Frank McGlynn and Camogie Roinn 1 Carndonagh GNS Woodlands NS Manus O Donnell for organizing the competitions. Roinn 2 Tooban NS Whitecastle NS Congratulations to Oisin McGlynn on winning his Roinn 3 Bridgend NS Dromore NS Ulster title at u13. BOYS FOOTBALL 1 Scoil Iosagáin St Patrick’s Carn Shield Stranorlar NS Lurgybrack NS

69 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

2 Glenswilly NS Creevey NS Representitive Games 3 Barnesmore NS Na Doiri Beaga These games took place at half time of the Ulster 4 Glenties NS Cloontagh NS Championship game in Fermanagh and the Christy 5 Scoil an Chaisil Mountcharles Ring game in hurling. NS These children were chosen on a rota basis in football. 6 Pettigoe NS Drimnachrois The breakdown this year was: NW 3, Inisheoin 3, South NS 4, South West 4 and East 4. In total 18 children made Girls Football their way to Brewster Park and were accompanied by 1 Scoil Iosagáin Stranorlar NS Dáithí and Manus. Shield Lurgybrack NS Gaelscoil Ádhamhnán In the hurling game at O’Donnell Park all clubs involved 2 Bundoran NS Glenswilly NS in u12 leagues were represented through their local 3 Sessioghneill NS Convoy NS school as was the case for camogie. Maria, Daithí and 4 Glenties NS Gleneely, Manus were the teachers who attended. Killygordon 5 Scoil an Chaisil Brackey NS Tom Mc Brearty Memorial Cup 6 Mín Tine Dé NS Keadue NS Cumann na mBunscol is pleased to give continued Large School Scoil Iosagáin Aodh Rua/ support to this competition for boys in the Inisheoin Rounders Nuala area. 8 schools took part and the medals were supplied Medium Size by our committee. Small School Tabhóg NS Devlinreagh NS Winners: Scoil Naomh Bríd, Muff QUIZ Scoil An Chaisil Glenmakee NS Runners Up: St Patrick’s Carndonagh

Croke Park Trials Conclusion Our allocation for the Croke Park Halftime games It has been a busy year with many positives on the series was as follows: development of Gaelic sport within the county and Boys Football 2, Hurling 2, Girls Football 1, Camogie 1. in Ulster. Our committee has worked hard and I thank them for all their hard work. (1 extra boys place came from Ulster) Ulster Final allocation- 4 boys. I wish to thank all the clubs who allow us to use their facilities for our games. I’m sure every club pitch was All affiliated schools were asked to send pupils for used during our competitions this year. Special thanks trials. The children were assessed on their level of skill, to all the clubs who opened their grounds for our execution of skills in games and attitude. The following county finals. It is great to have great facilities open is a breakdown of numbers who attended the trials. to us Boys Football- 43 Girls Football-35 Burt- Division 1 Finals Hurling- 20 Tír Chonaill Park- Division 2 Finals Camogie- 12 Glenswilly – Division 3 Finals Convoy- Div 3 girls The following children were chosen O’Donnell Park- Division 4 Finals Sport Name School Girls Football Amy Dorrian Scoil an Choimín Glenfin- Division 5 Finals Camogie Kate Sarsfield Scoil Iosagáin Ardara- Division 6 Finals Catriona McKinney Tooban NS Football Seaghan MacCormaic Scoil Tabhóg To all our referees, a big thanks. We criticise them but Elliot Friel Scoil Iosagáin without them our games would be impossible to Turlough Carr Barnesmore NS play. Hurling Ross Doherty Scoil Iosagáin Go raibh mile maith agaibh uilig. Thanks to everyone Ulster Final Players in our schools who are involved in promoting our Name School great games. Shane Tinney Glenswilly NS When you are watching your county players in Max Campbell Drimnachrois NS Ballybofey, Clones or Croke Park, remember their first Oisin Gillespie Scoil na Carraige taste of Gaelic games was in National School. Andrew Walker Tooban NS Long may this continue.

Dáithí Mac Roibeaird. Rúnaí Chumann na mBunscol, Dún na nGall

70 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. Tuarascail Rúnaí an Choiste Éisteachta

A Chairde Gaeil, Senior CCC From April 1st 2019: Cuireann sé athás mhór orm mar Rúnaí an Coiste Twenty five Notices of Disciplinary Actions issued by Éisteachta an tuarascáil bliantúil seo a chur os bhur the CCC resulted in requests for Hearings. gcóir don bhliain 2019. • One request was withdrawn before the hearing In relation to the working of the Hearing Committee, took place. the standard set out in the Official Guide for use in • Three requests for a Hearing were deemed Out of all decisions is that the Hearings Committee must Order be satisfied that the infraction is ‘more likely to have • In nine cases, sanctions ranging from a one occurred than not to have occurred. ‘ In instances, match ban to a forty-eight week suspension were some cases may entail difficult decision making but imposed. an Coiste Éisteachta aims to reach a fair and honest • Nine cases resulted in the proposed penalty being conclusion at all times. Each case is unique and treated set aside. It is interesting to note that six or 66% by all members with the respect and confidentiality it of those cases had submitted video evidence to deserves. On occasions this duty had to be met at short support their case. notice. Working within a time frame brings pressure • One case was not adjudicated as the CCC was not on all involved and I cannot emphasis enough the represented. importance of Referee’s reports being submitted in a • An Coiste Éisteachta executed their plenary powers timely manner. in one case and reduced the proposed penalty. It is always the policy of an Coiste Éisteachta that if any • One Appeal against a Transfer being disallowed – individual member of the committee has any conflict the CCC’s decision was upheld of interest whatsoever that they step down for that There was a slight decrease on the number of cases particular hearing. All parties who seek a hearing also brought to An Coiste Éisteachta in comparison to are given the right to object to any sitting member of 2018 where An Coiste deliberated on 28 cases. the Coiste before a hearing commences. Bord na Mionúir: When any member / unit feels our decision is incorrect, From April 1st 2019: they then have the right of appeal to the Ulster An Coiste Éisteachta received seven requests for Hearings Committee. We fully respect this, irrespective Hearings relating to Bord na Mionúir disciplinary of the outcome of any appeal. This year none of the actions. Of those: decisions taken by the Committee was the subject of • Decision was upheld in Two Cases. an appeal to the Ulster Council Hearings Committee. • Five cases resulted in sanctions ranging from a two-match ban to a twelve-week suspension being imposed. Hearings arising from Notice of Disciplinary Action There was an increase in requests for Hearings During the course of the year, An Coiste Éisteachta met arising from proposed penalties by Bord na Mionúir on 13 occasions, adjudicating on thirty two cases in in comparison to 2018 where there were only two total. Under the astute direction of An Cathaoirleach requests received. Aodh Máirtín Ó Fearraigh, the workings of the committee were carried out in a timely, transparent Acknowledgements and impartial manner. This being the first year as Rúnaí of An Coiste Éisteachta, I would like to thank all the members of An Coiste A breakdown of the various matters that came before Éisteachta for their advice and support during the year the committee is shown below. As I compile my especially An Cathaoirleach, Aodh Máirtín Ó Fearraigh. report, there is one case pending - an appeal against Their time and patience in ensuring that Appellants the validity of a club AGM. get a fair hearing and their willingness to attend meetings at short notice has to be commended.

71 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

2019 Baill an Choiste Éisteachta: Guím Beannachtaí na Nollag agus na Bliana Úire ar ár Aodh Máirtín Ó Fearraigh, Cathaoirleach, Fidelma Ní mbaill go léir, agus míle buíochas as bhur dtacaíocht Dhochartaigh, Rúnaí, Seamus O’Donnell, Dan Hartnett, agus comhoibriú le linn 2019. Michael McMenamin, Sean McGinley, Diarmuid Keown, Paddy Mullen. On behalf of An Coiste Éisteachta I wish all parties associated with CLG Dhún na nGall a successful 2020. I wish to thank Deagláín Ó Máirtín, Rúnaí, CCC and Seamus Ó Cuinn, Rúnaí, Bord na Mionúir for their cooperation and courtesy to me as Rúnaí of the Mise le meas committee over the past year. It was a pleasure dealing with you. I also wish to thank the representatives of Fidelma Ní Dhochartaigh, the CCC who attended meetings throughout the year Rúnaí, An Coiste Éisteachta and to officers of the various clubs across the county that I have had dealings with in carrying out this duty.

72 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. Tuarscáil Comhairle Uladh

Donegal have been proudly crowned Ulster Ulster but especially for the gaels of Antrim who have Champions for the second year in a row and look been without a county ground for several years. Ulster forward to competing for an historic three in a row in Rugby had their development at Kingspan Ravenhill 2020 as we welcome Tyrone to Mc Cool Park in May completed and the IFA have had Windsor Park which will be a massive occasion. We also have home developed but the GAA have not been treated with the draws against Monaghan at U20 level and Down at same degree of fairness even though the GAA is the Minor so the draw has been fortunate for us. Gweedore largest organisation in the province and has by far the did us proud at provincial level last year and Naomh largest attendances. The GAA in Ulster can rightly feel Conall have done the same in 2019. Commiserations aggrieved and of course the cost of the development to Buncrana and St. Nauls who gave a good account has escalated. It is hoped that these additional costs of themselves in football and Setanta who came up will not be imposed on the GAA. A redevelopment at against a very strong Keady side in hurling. this time would tie in very nicely and give additional impetus to the Gaelfast project in and Antrim The Ulster CCC did not have too many disciplinary which is providing coaching to schools and clubs on a issues to deal with in 2019 and the biggest headache scale never before encountered in areas where Gaelic was in deciding venues for matches. In years gone past games declined during the troubles and never really we were not so fortunate. Indeed the Ulster Senior recovered. Football Championship in 2019 was an exciting event with the emergence of Cavan and Armagh and some The screening of Gaelic games in our province has very good matches. As a matter of fact it is the only greatly improved over the past year with the showing provincial championship where our spectators can of club games on television a welcome advancement. watch a match without the result being a foregone Furthermore, the opportunity to purchase tickets for conclusion and then Ulster counties being very a combination of games over a weekend at reduced competitive through the back door. prices is also welcome. We hope for more advances in this area in the future with availability of family tickets The Casement Park redevelopment continues to be on a wide scale. a disaster. It’s now over 1000 days since planning permission was sought for the second time and still no P.J. Mc Gowan decision. It is very frustrating for the whole province of

73 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. Tuarascáil Choiste Pleanáil Cluichí

It gives me great pleasure to present this report as the • What type of Football and Hurling games will be County Fixtures Analyst to County Convention today. played in the “May & June” Window? After many years in the wilderness National Congress • Has your County tried anything different to provide decided that all counties include their Fixture Analyst a fixture program to club players during the “May as part of their CCC as full members. This is a welcome & June” Window when Inter-County Players are not change for some of the Analysts because approx. available? half of the counties representatives were already on • Availability of Inter-County Players their committee. While the timing of joining the CCC • Summary of Inter-County players’ availability to midway through the season was bad it never the less the Club League Fixtures gave me a better insight of what is involved at this level. • Please select the Age Grades of Competitions that After over a decade away from fixtures I soon learned are provided by the County Board that while the system is better organised a lot of the problems with clubs seeking postponements and the Much of this was discussed at the Analysts Seminar changing of fixtures still exists. With this involvement on June 15th along with a lengthy debate on the I got access to all the emails which was an eye opener timing of the new under 20 league which almost all as it made me aware of the amount of communication present agreed that the timing was unsuitable and a that takes place on a daily basic between clubs and major handicap in getting club fixtures played in the the CCC mainly through the secretary Declan Martin, counties. I’m glad to report that not only this league I seen at first-hand how crazy it became at times and but the timing of the championship has also changed made me wonder how any secretary or the Referees which will lessen the disruption of arranging fixtures. Appointments person could keep control of what was Our committee each year have agreed a set of twenty occurring with the administration of fixtures within Quality Statements which would form the basics on the county. While I accept that clubs have difficulties guidelines for the implementing of fixtures in each fielding at times we must try and keep changes to a county. I am happy to report that most of this twenty minimum and do our utmost to adhere to the schedule point document has been the normal practise in this agreed at meetings earlier in Feb/March between and county for a number of years and by and large was the clubs and the committee in charge of fixtures in carried out by the CCC. Indeed it is refreshing to report the county. from attending these National seminars that we have one of the best organised fixtures schedule in the As outlined in reports to previous conventions the whole country. While we may have some problems we involvement of the Fixtures Planner/Analyst is getting still have a better system than most counties which bigger year on year and while we were only asked to marvel at the way our clubs are getting a continuous monitor adult games this year the plan in future is programmes of matches especially in the summer to have a second person in counties to cover under months. age fixtures. This would be a welcome addition as the monitoring of underage fixtures would be a great At the year end the Fixture Analyst is required to carry asset to keep a watching brief on the structures in out the following tasks, measure the Fixture Program the county. Again this year in January at national level against the Quality Statements set out, hold a Fixture we had to complete a 35 point survey online on the Forum with Players, Club Officials County Officials and fixtures programme set out for the county. A brief finally make recommendations to CCC on the Fixture outline of some of the questions were Programme for the following year. As a county we • The number of Adult clubs football and hurling in hold this yearly forum/regulations meeting where the county club and players get their opportunity to express their • Were changes made to the County Competition views on fixtures and make the necessary changes. Structures in 2019 based on a review of 2018? The hope is to expand this year on year to get more • What date was the Master Fixture Plan circulated players engaged as to how the structures might be to the Clubs? improved to improve and reflect the issues they may • What type of Football and Hurling games were have on a weekly basic. played in the April Window? • Give a summary of how the “April Window” is It is the function of the Fixture Analyst to get the perceived within your County? (From the view of feedback from their county over the current three the clubs and County Board) year trial period and report back annually to the 74 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G.

National Committee. It is only then when this period this in future. I firmly believe that all stages must be has elapsed will a picture of the fixtures calendar finished after a replay and think the fairest method is become much clearer. sudden death in the form of the next score wins. This would be a better system than free kicks which places Looking at National figures it is interesting to note the too much responsibility on any one individual. different formats which counties use to run off their championships, from groups of three teams up to I thank all my colleagues in the CCC for their help all eight teams groups in other counties which has meant year and pay a special mention to secretary Declan getting a balanced format throughout the country is Martin for his tremendous work and his help in not an easy task. suppling me with the information to analyse the fixtures programme. Also thanks to PRO John McEniff This year we again seen a decline in the number of for his highly efficient work in ensuring the results and matches not played which is encouraging and could forthcoming fixtures were up to date on the website be attributed to the introduction of the new regional at the earliest opportunity. leagues. The CCC have done tremendous work as usual this year in getting nearly all the fixtures played I look forward with renewed interest to the year as per schedule. At the time of writing all but a couple ahead in the hope as a member of the CCC I can make of under 21 matches remain to be played which is a a worthwhile contribution to the organising of the credit to all. The policy of finishing the leagues before fixtures schedule for the year ahead. Let us embrace it the commencement of the championships has been and move forward to end our misgivings that fixtures good giving the clubs and players a better opportunity are a problem issue that can never be solved. Thanks of organising their season. However despite the best to everyone that helped to play our National games of planning we seen that the concluding stages of the during the year and hope you continue the good two biggest championships ran into problems which work in the year ahead. wasn’t satisfactory for everyone from the CCC, clubs involved and the county at large. I think that it’s very Go raith mile buiochais go gach duine important that our guidelines cover all eventualities to Eamonn O Ludhog avoid this in future and that the regulations meeting will have put the proper procedures in place to avoid

75 Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. Ballraíocht

Ainm an Chlub 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 An Clochan Liath 533 480 400 382 390 An Tearmainn 318 292 275 194 204 Aodh Rua K/G 401 361 261 186 371 Aodh Ruadh B/S 425 425 575 376 321 Ard an Ratha 390 331 290 321 385 Baile na nGalloghlach 284 242 251 280 242 Beart 253 253 212 203 222 Bun a Phobail 401 276 342 307 359 Bun Dobhran 209 259 194 209 213 Buncrannaigh 416 400 357 363 394 Carn Domhnaigh 340 322 283 244 242 Chloich Ceann Fhaola 569 421 405 463 429 Cill Chartha 388 372 315 310 305 Comhnaigh 260 231 212 169 160 Gael Fhanada 297 254 202 150 211 Gael Leitir Ceannain 369 362 305 302 340 Gaoth Dobhair 447 419 301 337 363 Gleann Fhinne 416 391 368 319 236 Gleann Sulai 382 332 318 333 307 Iorras 369 395 409 353 154 Malain 597 687 286 238 266 Na Cealla Beaga 404 394 512 415 404 Na Dunaibh 290 234 262 381 484 Na Ceithre Maistri 406 400 363 326 353 Na Rossa 306 304 316 331 337 Naomh Adhamhain 772 738 699 669 689 Naomh Brid 238 255 264 267 296 Naomh Colmcille 154 159 112 116 149 Naomh Naille 373 396 435 286 282 Naomh Columba 554 504 469 390 485 Naomh Conail 286 265 250 233 246 Naomh Muire 378 382 182 135 151 Naomh Michael 399 325 325 306 244 Naomh Padraig 227 212 153 227 117 Naomh Ultan 182 175 170 142 138 Paite Gabha 119 57 75 64 118 Robert Emmetts 276 239 228 262 163 Sean McCumhaills 491 461 418 241 395 Setanta 53 66 96 117 151 Naomh Padraig (Uisce Chaoin) 318 329 281 211 207 Total Registration 14290 13400 12171 11158 11523

76 Donegal Printing Company. t. (074) 9121710 Termain Minor 2019 Champions Termain Buncrana-Junior Champions 2019 Champions Buncrana-Junior Naomh Naille Intermediate Champions 2019 Champions Intermediate Naille Naomh