FEBRUARY 2016

NUACHTLITIRFEABHRA 2016

FOR NEWS, VIDEOS AND FIXTURES www.gaa.ie Football Club General

CLUBS INVITED TO TAKE PART IN CROKE PARK’S 1916 COMMEMORATION

very GAA club in Ireland is to be floodlights at Croke Park – an event which invited to play a role in the official saw Croke Park crammed for the Dublin v 1916 Commemoration which will Tyrone Allianz football league clash in 2009 Ebe held in Croke Park this April. (pictured). Sunday, April 24, 2016 will be 100 years to This year will also see the return of Lá na the day since the first shots were fired in gClubanna which will take place on May 8. the Easter Rising. The inaugural Lá na gClubanna was held in And this year it will also be the date of the 2009 as part of the GAA’s national events Allianz football league Division 1 and 2 to mark our 125th Anniversary. finals at Croke Park. A decision has been taken to reintroduce The GAA has decided to use this date as this festival into the national calendar the official GAA involvement in the national as a day when Clubs will take centre celebrations around the Rising Centenary. stage and afford them the opportunity to And it is planned to issue a rallying call to celebrate their existence and impact in give clubs all over Ireland an invitation to their community and reconnect with their be a part in the ceremony. locality.

Exact details of the event are still being Clubs are being encouraged to keep this finalised but it is envisaged that clubs will date free and to plan events to fittingly be invited as part of a plan to fill Croke mark the role they play in their community. Park to capacity and take part in a scripted ceremony – the first of its kind since the Further details and an information pack 2003 Special Olympics opening ceremony detailing ideas on how clubs can utilise was held at Croke Park in 2003. this occasion will be made available in the coming weeks. A similar rallying call was issued to Clubs to attend Croke Park for the turning on of the More details at this link here

THE ALLIANZ LEAGUES ARE BACK. BE THERE. Buy before match day and get €5 off adult tickets* (* Division 1 & 2 football and Division 1 hurling) ALL THE WAY. Your tickets are waiting now at gaa.ie, selected SuperValu and Centra stores and usual outlets. Football Hurling Club General

LÁ NA gCLUBANNA CONCUSSION

CLICK TO VIEW Football Hurling Club General Football Hurling Club General

MAJOR NEW TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR CLUB OFFICERS

Programme Overview Programme Structure In attendance at the launch of the Club Leadership Development Programme is, from left, Waterford hurler Noel Connors, Uachtarán The Club Leadership Development The programme will have several core Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Aogán Ó Fearghail and Paddy Flood, Chairman of the National Officer Development Programme. Programme is designed to provide GAA modules which will be delivered on a county Club Officers with the basic knowledge and basis and a selection of optional modules core leadership skills required to fulfil their which will be delivered on a provincial basis roles effectively. once the core modules have been delivered.

Officers will learn from trained Leadership Core Modules Associates who have experience of being PROGRAMME: OFFICER INDUCTION a Club Officer and of facilitating training The aim of this module is to introduce sessions for adults. Learning will take the principal club officers – Chairperson, place in a relaxed training environment Secretary, Treasurer, PRO - to the Club in appropriate venues in the participating Leadership Development Programme counties. All courses run for two hours and the importance of their role as a club and involve a lot of learning activities officer. to encourage problem solving and idea sharing with fellow club officers. Officers MODULE: OFFICER INDUCTION who complete the programme will: PROGRAMME: CHAIRPERSON - Gain a better understanding of what The Chairperson is the principal officer their role involves of a GAA Club. As well as chairing Club - Develop basic leadership, management Executive Committee and other Club and communication skills meetings, the Chairperson has prime - Experience increased role satisfaction responsibility for ensuring that the Club is a - Have an awareness of where to access well organised, well managed and an active resources and supports unit. The Chairperson should be dedicated - Be able to share ideas and solve to the job, have good communication skills, problems with fellow officers have the ability to delegate key tasks and - Be better prepared for future roles in above all, be a person of integrity in the the Association community. The contribution of the Club Chairperson to the effective working of All training sessions will be organised a Club can never be underestimated. The by County Development Officers in programme for Chairpersons involves three conjunction with the Provincial Councils. specific modules:

Football Hurling Club General

MODULE 1: ROLE OF THE CHAIRPERSON contains one specific module: Development Portal (learning.gaa.ie), - Role of the Club Treasurer MODULE 2: EFFECTIVE MEETINGS & club officers will have an opportunity to - Role of the Public Relations Officer COMMUNICATION * MODULE 1: ROLE OF THE TREASURER take online learning courses and achieve - Other Club Officer Roles MODULE 3: GAMES DEVELOPMENT & certification for their learning. By the end - Property Ownership – Vesting of FINANCE * PROGRAMME: PRO of March 2016, one course will be available Property and the Appointment of Communications is one of the most for the following officer roles: Chairperson, Trustees PROGRAMME: SECRETARY important activities in the Association. Secretary, Treasurer, PRO. - Effective Club Meetings The Secretary is the chief administrator in The success of all units depends to some - The Club Annual General Meeting – the Club. The duties are many and varied degree on the national and local image Getting involved AGM and call for a high degree of dedication. of the Association. Everyone in the GAA All training sessions will be organised - Coaching and Games Development in The Secretary has more to do with the who has a role in their Club, no matter by County Development Officers in the Club practical running of the Club than any how small, has a part to play in effective conjunction with the Provincial Councils. - Communication in the Club other officer. He/she should be a good communication. There is always a need for The participating counties in 2016 are: - Membership and Registration organiser, be methodical and above all, a proper flow of information in the Club so - Financial Matters in the Club be reliable. The duties dovetail with those that everyone understands how the Club Ulster: Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Donegal, - Insurance and the GAA Injury Benefit of the Chairperson and it is essential that operates. The main function of the Club Down, Monaghan, Tyrone Fund both officers work as a team of which the PRO is to communicate with the general Munster: Cork, Kerry, Tipperary, Limerick - Culture and Heritage in the GAA Club Secretary will very often be the more active public on behalf of the Club, presenting Leinster: Carlow, Dublin, Kilkenny, Laois, - The Inclusive GAA Club person. The programme for Secretaries a positive image of the Club and Cumann Louth, Westmeath, Wicklow, Wexford - Volunteer Recruitment Toolkit involves three specific modules: Lúthchleas Gael in the local community and Connacht: Roscommon, Galway - GAA Fundraising Toolkit beyond. The programme for PROs contains MODULE 1: ROLE OF THE SECRETARY one specific module: There is no cost for officers who wish to To access it, visit - learning.gaa.ie/ MODULE 2: EFFECTIVE MEETINGS & attend any of the courses. The dates, times clubmanagement COMMUNICATION * MODULE 1: ROLE OF THE PRO and venues will be communicated to Clubs MODULE 3: GAMES DEVELOPMENT & by the Development Officer in each County. IT Resources FINANCE * Optional Modules A central library of supports and resources Optional modules will be run in Provinces For more information, visit learning.gaa.ie/ for the GAA’s IT systems is available online. PROGRAMME: TREASURER on a first come, first served basis. Topics clubleadership Resources are available for: The Club Treasurer has responsibility for will include: - Office365 the safe-keeping of the funds of the Club. Online Resources for Clubs - GAA Management System He/she is responsible for recording all - Insurance & the Injury Benefit Fund Club Advice Manual - Yendo – The official GAA Club income and expenditure and for reporting - Capital Projects & Club Property The Club Advice Manual is a resource for Accountancy Software on the financial position of the Club to - Disciplinary Procedures all Club officers. It contains information - Injury Benefit Fund Claims System the Club Executive Comittee on an on- - GAA IT Solutions on many aspects of Club activity and going basis. It is important to note that administration, such as: To access these resources, visit - learning. the Treasurer does not have to be an The availability of these courses will be gaa.ie/itresources accountant to perform this role. However, promoted by the participating counties - Mission, Vision and Values of the GAA he/she must have the ability to record all after the core modules have been - Introduction to the Club Manual Member and Player Registration financial transactions, control expenditure completed. - Club Activity Checklist Clubs must register their players and in the Club, plan and assist in fundraising - Club Committee Structure members for the 2016 season on the and provide regular reports to the Club Online Learning - Role of the Club Chairman GAA Management System which can be Executive. The programme for Treasurers Through the GAA’s Learning and - Role of the Club Secretary accessed by visiting people.gaa.ie/admin. Football Hurling Club General

When logged on, the designated Club - Add, view and register members and County Officer Development Conference Administrator (Secretary or Registrar) players 2016 should go to the ‘Register Members’ page - Set-up teams, groups, committees and complete the necessary steps. and families for reporting and Over 200 people from all 32 counties communication purposes attended the GAA County Officer This page will contain the details of all of - Communicate with these groups via Development Conference on Saturday, those people who have been registered bulk text message and e-mail 9 January 2016, in Croke Park. Keynote with the Club in previous years. To add new - Generate team sheets in Irish and speeches were given to attendees by members to the Club, go to ‘Add and View English Aogán Ó Fearghail (Uachtarán CLG), Paddy Members’, click on the ‘Add’ button, select - Generate registration reports Flood (Chairperson of the National Officer ‘Member’ and complete the necessary - Pay and record fees Development Committee) & Declan Coyle steps. - Affiliate teams and pay Injury Fund (Director of Andec Communications). subscriptions Please note that anyone whose name is in - Request membership cards The training and development of club red on either the ‘register’ page or the ‘add - Create amalgamations and county officers is currently the top and view member page’, is unregistered for - Access resources and supports strategic priority for the Association and the current year. the hosting of the conference represents A number of helpful online forums are the first part of a new training programme Please ensure that all members, including available where you will find User Guides for county officers in 2016. Throughout the all players, are registered. The deadline for and FAQs for these sections. Please visit day, a total of fifteen one-hour workshops registration to allow voting rights is March here or google ‘GAA Help Desk.’ took place on topics relating to the key 31 2016. roles and responsibilities of Chairpersons, Online Training Documents Secretaries, Treasurers, PROs and E-mail and Telephone Support The GAA Learning and Development Portal Development Officers. Each Club will have access to the system contains a GAA Membership Training either through their Secretary or Registrar. Manual and videos explaining the system. For any queries on access to the system, or To access this information, visit - learning. on the system functionality, please e-mail gaa.ie/gaamanagementsystem or call the Servasport Helpdesk on: Email: [email protected] Phone: ROI: 04890 313 845 NI: 02890 313 845 International: +44 2890 313 845

Support hours until 31 March are as follows: Monday to Friday – 9am to 10pm Saturday to Saturday – 10am to 6pm

User Forums The GAA Management System provides Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Aogán Ó Fearghail speaking during the Clubs with functionality to: GAA County Officer Development Conference 2016 Football Hurling Club General

CLUB DRAW - NEW CLUB SPECIFIC DRAW

his year, the GAA is introducing IMPORTANT DATE a specific draw for all clubs who All tickets should be returned to your NCD record, account for and sell a County Liaison Officer byMonday February minimum of 200 tickets. The 15th. Tprizes will be provided by the Central Council and will not impact on the Each County has assigned a designated G.A.A. value of the prizes which is limited by National Club Draw County Liaison Officer who legislation. will coordinate the collection of tickets from Croke Park, the distribution of tickets to each For clubs to qualify for the draw they must club and the reconciliation of tickets returned by have: each club.

1. Sold a minimum of 200 tickets. Tickets should not be sent directly to Croke Park. 2. Recorded all sold tickets on the new online ticket recording system. IMPORTANT INFORMATION 3. Accounted for all funds raised in their All sold tickets should be registered on the online club accounts - i.e. the amount shown ticket recording system before they are returned in club income should correspond to your NCD County Liaison Officer. Please note with the total amount of ticket sales that there is a new online system in place this recorded. year. 4. Adhered to the terms and conditions of the Draw. Full information, terms and conditions, in relation to the Draw including the link to the new The Prizes: online ticket recording system and the relevant A draw will be done for all Clubs whereby 3 support contact details can be found at www. Clubs will receive a prize of €5,000. gaa.ie/nationalclubdraw

A draw will be done per County whereby 1 Please remember that club’s are not permitted Club in each County will receive a prize of to purchase tickets in their own club name or to €1,000. give away free tickets for any purposes.

The Club with the highest ticket sales in We wish your club the very best of luck in this each Province will receive a prize of €1,000. year’s Draw!

Football Hurling Club General

GAA FINANCE: WORKING FOR YOU!

GAA FINANCE – IN NUMBERS

€56M – This is the total amount in revenue for Central Council in 2015 and made up of Gate Receipts (48%), Commercial Revenue (33%), Other Income (14%) and Sports Council Grants (5%).

€9.5M – The operating cost for Central Council to run the Association

€12.5M – Distributed to counties to assist in their operating costs

€10.3M – Games Development investment, an increase of €1M on 2014

€6M – Funding used for the more than 200 full time coaches employed nation wide

€3.9M – Spent on Player Welfare initiatives in 2015

€2.8M – Spent on developing county grounds and training centres

€2M – Spent on Club Development Projects

€2.7M – Spent on County administration and sister organisations and educational bodies

339 – The number of matches run by Central Council across all levels

48 – The number of matches out of the 339 that made a profit Football Hurling Club General

PLAYER WELFARE – PROTECTING OUR PLAYERS, PROTECTING OUR GAMES

head of the new playing season, 2. Introduction of Blood Testing Safety Equipment please circulate the following From January 1st 2016, Blood Testing will information in relation to Anti- be introduced in Gaelic Game’s as part of Hurling Helmets Doping and Safety Equipment to all the Association’s Anti-Doping programme The GAA would like to remind all players at Amembers of your club. in conjunction with Sport Ireland (formerly all levels in all Hurling Games and Hurling the Irish Sports Council). Practice Sessions it is mandatory for, and Anti-Doping the responsibility of, each individual player Blood testing is not a replacement for urine to wear a helmet with a facial guard that 1. Applicability of Anti-Doping Rules testing. Players may be required to give meets the standards set out in IS:335 or All GAA players and members are subject to the both blood and urine on occasion. other replacement standard as determined Irish Anti-Doping Rules as adopted by the Irish Further information on the Introduction of by the National Safety Authority of Ireland Sports Council. Blood Testing for Players is available here (NSAI).

Link to the current Irish Anti-Doping Rules here 3. Reporting Doping All players are advised that in the event Please be advised there is now a “Report of a head injury occurring, if the helmet It is important to note that all coaches Doping” form that has been launched being worn does not meet the standard and mentors of teams can potentially face recently by the Irish Sports Council to or is modified or altered from the original suspensions of up to four years for breaching help fight against doping in sport. Anyone manufactured state, they are not covered any of the Anti-Doping Rule Violations such reporting via this encrypted form can do so under the terms of the GAA Player Injury as possession, trafficking or administration anonymously if they wish.The form can be Fund. of a prohibited substance or assisting, aiding, found at www.irishsportscouncil.ie/report abetting,covering up or any other type of Mouthguards for complicity in an Anti-Doping Rule Violation. The GAA Anti-Doping Booklet has been Mouthguards are mandatory for players in updated to include the above information all age grades, in all Gaelic football practice It is recommended that all members of the and is attached for your reference. sessions and games. This rule has been association complete the following E-Learning mandatory for players in grades up to Minor course which takes around 30 minutes to Further resources are available on: since 2013 and applies to all age grades complete. since January 1st 2014. Official GAA website GAA Anti-Doping Awareness E-Learning Course E-Learning and Development Portal

Further Information & Resources If you require any further information or have any queries in relation to the above WADA Prohibited List 2016 please do not hesitate to e-mail Football Hurling Club General

INSURANCE AND INJURY FUND

GAA INJURY FUND USE OF GAA GROUNDS Cover under the GAA Injury Fund is provided on All Clubs are reminded that Third Parties a calendar year basis from Jan 1 to Dec 31. All cannot be permitted use of GAA Grounds There is teams that will compete in competition 2016 must unless a proof of valid insurance is provided. be registered via the GAA Management System This insurance must contain a specific €3.5m in Teams not Seravsport immediately. indemnity to the GAA club. Clubs who do not have their User ID or password can Minimum requirements for use of GAA open claims contact Servasport as follows Tel: 048 90313845 or Property are €6.5m Public / Products and €13m registered Email: [email protected] Employers. Insurance details can be forwarded to [email protected] and / or sinead.leavy@ against by March Clubs must be registered and subscriptions paid in gaa.ie with full details of the proposed activity full before competitions commence. for review. GAA clubs

31 will not Payment in full should be submitted to Croke Park. There are a number of activities which cannot In order to ensure teams are covered from Jan 1, be permitted on GAA grounds and clubs are from people be covered 2016 the latest date for payment to reach Croke reminded to seek advice in advance. Park is on or before March 31, 2016. injured at Existing Liability Insurance will null and void if by the Teams who are not registered or paid by March 31 clubs do not have adequate controls in place will not be covered by the Injury Fund and clubs will and valid insurance with specific indemnity is events on injury fund be responsible for meeting claims costs without not in place from the Third Party User. This reimbursement from the Injury Fund. means that no indemnity will be provided our property from the Insurance fund and the GAA unit Willis are the appointed administrators of the fund will have to meet the cost of the defence of on behalf of the GAA. Willis will not process any claims and any award from their own funds. that are not claim with a date of Injury in 2016 until registration is completed and subscriptions paid in full. GAA related Your county may require payment in full at a date earlier than March 31 and you should check this with your county board. incidents

Football Hurling Club General

NEW ONLINE PLAYER TRANSFER SYSTEM

pplication for an Inter-County transfer may be made online as part of a pilot scheme by Central Council. If a player wishes to apply online, he should contact the Secretary of the Club he wishes to join and refer him/her to the transfers Asection of the official GAA website for information on the process.

Benefits of using the new system include:

Quicker processing of applications.

Less chance of incorrect information being submitted.

Ability to check status of applications.

Easy access to transfer history.

Less administration work.

Answers to frequently asked questions in addition to step-by-step user guides for players, Club Secretaries and County Secretaries can be accessed by visiting here.

Please note the new online transfer system can only be used at present for transfer which are cross-provincial (i.e. approved by Central Council).

Accessing the Player Transfer System (Club and County Secretaries only)

A Club or County Secretary can access the Player Transfer System by visiting pts.gaa.ie and entering his/her 7 digit Membership Number and Password.

For more information, please refer to the user guides on the GAA website here. Football Hurling Club General

SEE GAA LIKE NEVER BEFORE - WELCOME TO THE NEW GAA.IE

he new GAA.ie brings our Games to you like never before. We have taken our digital presence to a new level with the aim of Tbringing our audience, at home and abroad, a website experience that will leave them coming back for more.

To really give you what you want, the site has been split into three separate portals. The main home of GAA.ie offers our most sought after content; fixtures and results, tickets, news and video. It’s also where you will find our live match centre.

MyGAA is the hub for those involved in our games at all levels; players, coaches, referees, administrators, etc. If you’re looking for information that supports you in your day-to-day role, this is the place you will find it.

TheGAA is the home of all of information regarding the Association as a governing body, its history and its structures.

This website redevelopment is step one on a journey to creating a digital sporting experience that will see the GAA on par with world leaders in digital sport.

We look forward to bringing you on this journey. Football Hurling Club General

MY CLUB: DAVID MORAN - KERINS O’RAHILLY’S

n this issue of the My Club feature, very supportive given what I went through we talk to Kerry midfielder David with injuries, they were tough times and Moran about his club Kerins they were always very supportive. I’ll always IO’Rahillys. be grateful for that. Q: What’s the GAA scene like in Tralee? Q: Do you have any siblings involved with the club? A: We’re right in the middle of the town, on Strand Road. There are three main clubs A: My brother Brian played with Kerry and in the town - John Mitchells, Austin Stacks he was a very strong player for our club up and Kerins O’Rahillys and then there’s Na until a couple of years ago. He’s older than Gaeil there just outside the town, they play me so he’s not playing at the moment but in the rural section. I’ve been at Kerins he was a big player for us. O’Rahillys since I could walk. The great John Dowling was heavily involved in recruiting Q: Has your father’s expertise been called us, because we lived so close, along with upon? the Walshs and the Listons! So they used to organise a bus to come around and bring us A: It has! He was manager there when we all together. got to the Munster club championship final against Kilmurry-Ibrickane after the county Q: Your father Denis actually comes from final defeat a few years ago. He also would a different club originally though? have done a good bit of coaching underage at the club along with Tommy’s father. It A: Yes, he’s from Ballybunion. He was never would possibly have been easier for me at involved with Kerins O’Rahillys as a player. the time not having him involved but when He did train us though and we lived only a you get older and more mature it gets a lot half a mile from the Strand Road field, and easier. a half an hour from Ballybunion so it was never an issue for anyone that we would Q: Is your clubmate Tommy Walsh the play for Kerins when we were young. Having exact same age group as you? said that, I have a lot of fond memories from summer camps out in Ballybunion A: Yeah, we were on the same Féile team, and things like that but I’ve been a Strand exact same age. I have known Tommy as Road man from day one. I have great long as I can remember, given that our memories with the club. They have been fathers were playing together as well. He Football Hurling Club General

lives half a mile away from me, just on the exactly what it means, I don’t know - I other side of the field. We are the same age suppose there’d be a few knacky corner group within the club, the same school and forwards nipping around or something like so on. that. But I’m very proud of it all, I wouldn’t change it for the world. Q: Did you both play in midfield growing up? Q: What facilities do the club have?

A: Actually, Tommy was always in at full A: At Strand Road, there’s our main field, forward, certainly with the club. I was and then the clubhouse. Then about 300 always midfield. But football or not, we’d David Moran and Tommy Walsh back in 2009 yards up the road we have another senior be best friends pretty much all our lives. field and two juvenile fields as well. Then Tommy has a brother two years younger him for years and years so it was brilliant for you’re 14 and you see that, it pushes you. there’s a porta-cabin there for changing. than me and I have a brother two years everyone to have him back. There were a lot of fellas who played with In terms of gym facilities, there was a older than me so the four of us would be Kerry on that team too, Barry O’Shea, Mike great community project there that came very tight. Q: How was your Kerry Senior Football Quirke, Declan Quill, Ronan O’Shea. All together probably about four or five years Championship campaign in 2015? those guys inspire you to make senior with ago when times were hard. The guys Q: You must have been a hard side to your club and to try and make the Kerry with trades all came together and built it beat underage then? A: We had a rusty start against Rathmore team as well. themselves. The blocklayers laid the blocks but we got to the quarter-finals in the end in the gym, the carpenters did the roof and A: We were. We lost the Féile above in although we conceded four goals to Legion Q: With Stacks, your biggest rivals, having so on, and all the club had to pay for was Carlow, I think that was the only age and you’re never going to win a game when won the Kerry and Munster titles in 2014, the raw materials. All the labour was free. group we didn’t win in Kerry. We won all they happens. We only lost by three points that must seriously drive you on? It was a great community project and it the county championships when our time to Legion in the end but still. We beat East shows what can be done when people put came, all the way up to minor. We had a few Kerry and we beat Milltown to get that A: Of course. But although we obviously their mind to it. more guys beyond me and Tommy as well, far so it was an improvement on the year would have preferred to have won it Danny Sullivan who captained the Kerry before. It still wasn’t as far as we would ourselves, it was good to see them do it Q: Who are some of the Kerins O’Rahillys minors in 2008, Barry as well. have liked. It’s disappointing but hopefully and have football coming back strongly in club legends? So we had a pretty strong team. there’s enough done to build on. Tralee. With Killarney so strong in the last few years with Crokes and Legion, it’s great A: John Dowling is a big one - he captained Q: It must have been a big deal for you Q: It’s been quite a while since Kerins to have the Tralee teams doing well so the Kerry to All-Irelands in the 1950s. Then and Kerins O’Rahillys when Tommy came O’Rahillys won the Kerry title... kids of the town see that and want to have there’s Seánie Walsh, Tommy’s father. Then back from the AFL? it for themselves and to play with Kerry. So there’s Dan O’Keeffe as well, the goalkeeper A: Yeah, in 2008 we lost after a replay to we’re trying to wrestle the power back from from the Team of the Millennium. In more A: Apart from me on a personal level, it was Mid Kerry. We were two points up but lost Killarney. recent years, we had Barry O’Shea who was huge for the club. It gave everyone a lift, a out to a penalty in the last minute. That was full-back on the 1997 Kerry team. There’s lift that we really needed because the club obviously very disappointing. Then back to Q: Would your club be classed as a Morgan O’Shea also from 1997, then after had two or three years where we weren’t the last title we won in 2002, I was only 14 ‘townie’ team and what does that that we had Declan Quill, Mike Quirke, achieving things on the field as we would so I was only the water boy. Bomber Liston classification mean to you? they come to mind straight away. There’s have liked. Tommy coming back in was a was manager and I was the water boy! They plenty of others as well but I suppose the huge lift for everyone. All the guys from our were great times for the club and memories A: I suppose we would from outside the household names are the ones who won the age group at the club had all played with like that drive you on, no doubt. When town anyway! I suppose we would. As for All-Irelands with Kerry. Football Hurling Club General

UACHTARAN’S BLOG – AOGÁN Ó FEARGHAIL THE CLUB IS WHERE WE ARE AT OUR BEST IN THE GAA

ince taking office almost one every county of Ireland yet since becoming year ago, the policy direction of President – I’ve been to every province- but my presidency has very definitely I hope to have visited every county sooner been based around the club. What rather than later. Swe intend - myself, the Ard Stiúrthóir and Central Council - is that everything we do My first club visit of 2016 was on January always has a focus on how we can make 2 to the Cloughaneely club in north Co things better and easier for the clubs all Donegal. They are a small club, based in around Ireland and beyond. a Gaeltacht area, but they are proud, well organised and ambitious. They have ladies’ The absolute importance of the club to teams, mens’ teams, they look after their the GAA is something I see and am made juveniles well, they have a very strong link keenly aware of in my regular visits to with their schools and they have a strong clubs around the country and abroad. Most Irish language focus. evenings and certainly every weekend, I will be at a club or in a county at some event. These things are all important to us and if the visit of a President can help a club like We get many requests from clubs to attend this in any way, even simply to re-affirm the events every week, and my executive excellent work they are doing, it’s well worth secretary Joan handles them and makes me it. The event was simply an annual gathering aware of them every Monday morning. We and a wonderful way to start the year, being get about three times as many requests as in the company of such ambitious club we can accede to, and unfortunately, given volunteers, the kind which we will find in my commitments at Croke Park where I abundance in every club in Ireland. chair various committees and have many daily meetings and duties, we simply can’t I’m delighted to say that I also visited my accommodate every request. That said, own club in January, Drumgoon Ėire Óg wherever my diary permits, I will visit a club, in Cavan, and that was a lovely occasion. or indeed a school, which is another very Our ladies’ team recently won the Junior important aspect of this job. Championship, which was a great moment for the club. Being with Drumgoon on this I must say, there are parts of the country happy occasion once again highlighted more active than others, or maybe it’s to me the meaning of the ‘Gaelic Games just that they are more active in seeking a family’, something I have discussed on many visit from the President! I haven’t been to occasions before. Football Hurling Club General

It’s important to have a ‘one club policy’. of events; it shows the GAA at its best. They have camogie and hurling Men and women, boys and girls, we are More recently I attended the Centenary for every single level of their club all Gaels and we should all be working celebrations of the great Glen Rovers right the way through and their together as one. In Drumgoon, we all club in Cork. celebration on the night was play on the same pitch and wear the phenomenal in terms of the energy same colours, like in many clubs around Glen Rovers have showed me what an and excitement. the country. In many ways, many clubs urban-based club in a working class area are ahead of the counties in this respect have achieved. They were formed 100 Their fantastic facilities are equally and dare I say it, they are ahead of what years ago in 1916 and I attended their impressive. It is actually a Glen and happens at national level too. My wife and Centenary banquet which was incredible. they are well named from the Irish I have two sons and two daughters and Of course good fortune did smile on An Gleann and their pitch was on it makes no difference to us who we are them because as well as being their the side of a hill. But since that they cheering on when they are playing. Centenary year, they won the Cork senior have developed a field above and Championship so that was incredible. below. It reflects their expansion Another very enjoyable aspect of my visit over the years and they have a to my home club was that the first ever It was nice to see a club where their fantastic network of coaches. juvenile team from the club, from way back manager, chairman, coach - everybody in 1982, was reunited for the evening. I involved is from Glen Rovers. They are They have a strong tradition of founded the juvenile club in Drumgoon totally self-sustainable and I thought that teachers working in the schools, all those years ago so it was wonderful to was a lovely feature and even their MC and the club and it is a complete renew acquaintances again with those on the night was none other than Tomás community club. The club house young men who I first met as children. Mulcahy, a wonderful two-time all-star is very much a part of it and the Sadly, two members of that original group who captained Cork in 1990. Of course births, the marriages and the are no longer with us, and they were the famous played with the deaths all go back to Glen Rovers certainly in our thoughts when we all met Glen so, history echoes around the club. clubhouse. again. They had 550 people there and it is a Visiting these clubs and meeting so The following weekend I visited the strong and vibrant club with an excellent many selfless volunteers at these Coolmeen club in Clare. Again, they are a camogie section also. events convinces me of something small, junior club but what an incredible hugely important. It’s that when the club they are and what incredible I really loved their jersey. They were Ard Stiúrthóir and I and our various achievements they have had recently. It’s formed in 1916 in a very Republican committees are working on policy a very small area, with just a three or four part of Cork and they immediately took at Croke Park, we have to always teacher primary school base, yet last year the new national flag of green white keep the likes of Cloughaneely, their men and women both managed to win and gold as their colours . But after Coolmeen, Drumgoon and Glen junior titles in the county. the assassinations and the deaths of Rovers in our thoughts and ask 1916 they decided to add a black bar ourselves, how will this or that I had the pleasure to be at a very enjoyable in memory and in sadness of what had decision affect them? We always celebration of these achievements and it happened and that remains their jersey need to remember that’s where we seemed to me that everyone in the parish to this day and they wear green, black are at our best in the GAA - in the Aogán Ó Fearghail was there, all working actively for the club, and gold and it is a nice tradition they clubs. My role as President is about Uachtarán all enjoying the occasion. I love those types have kept alive. re-affirming that. Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Football Hurling Club General

CROKE PARK MUSEUM LECTURE SERIES

AA President Aogán Ó Fearghail will join a group of leading historians Gto deliver a special series of lectures on Revolutionary Ireland that will take place in the GAA Museum at Croke Park in the coming weeks.

The GAA Museum is delighted to launch this new Spring Lecture Series, which commences on 8th February.

Distinguished historians will present a series of engaging lectures over six consecutive weeks, looking at various facets of the revolutionary period in Ireland. These lectures, taking place in Croke Park, are sure to appeal to anybody with an interest in Irish history.

All lectures will take place in the GAA Museum auditorium and will commence at 7pm. Tickets for each lecture are €10 or a package for all six lectures can be purchased for Eamon de Valera and Michael Collins at Croke Park in 1919 €50 from www.crokepark.ie. Football Hurling Club General

8 FEBRUARY 2016: Notes on the Lecturers his audience with a detailed history of Dr William Murphy lectures in Irish Studies Aogán Ó Fearghail, ‘Gaelic Sunday 1918’. the various engagements that took place at the Mater Dei Institute of Education, Aogán Ó Fearghail, ‘Gaelic Sunday 1918’. during Easter Week, 1916. Dublin City University. He is co-editor of The Gaelic Athletic Association 1884- 15 FEBRUARY 2016: Aogán Ó Fearghail, Uachtarán Chumann Paul O’Brien holds an M.A. in Irish History 2009 (2009) and the author of Political Tim Pat Coogan, ‘The 1916 Rising’. Lúthchleas Gael, will give a talk on the and has conducted detailed research for Imprisonment and the Irish, 1912-1921 fascinating events of Gaelic Sunday 1918 a number of projects. Paul’s publications (2014). when GAA clubs throughout Ireland played include Battleground, The Battle for 22 FEBRUARY 2016: a series of co-ordinated games in defiance the General Post Office, 1916 (2015), A Liz Gillis, ‘What Did the Women Do Paul O’Brien, ‘The 1916 Rising of the British government’s attempts to Question of Duty – The Curragh Incident, Anyway?’ interfere in the running of the GAA. Ó 1914 (2014) and Shootout, The Battle for Battlefields’. Fearghail, from Maudabawn in Cavan, is the St. Stephens Green, 1916 (2013). Liz will discuss the role that women played current GAA President. in the Irish Revolution. Although often 29 FEBRUARY 2016: Professor Diarmaid Ferriter, ‘A Nation overlooked, the women were indeed Tim Pat Coogan, ‘The 1916 Rising’. and Not a Rabble: The Irish Revolution, the invisible army of the Revolutionary Professor Diarmaid Ferriter, ‘A Nation 1913-1923’. movement and without their dedication, and Not a Rabble: The Irish Revolution, Noted historian Tim Pat Coogan will give resolve and often their ingenuity, the 1913-1923’ an account of the events, personalities Professor Diarmaid Ferriter explore new Revolution simply would not have and repercussions of the 1916 Rising. Tim perspectives on and new sources for the succeeded. Focusing on many of the lesser Pat will highlight the impact the utilisation key historical events that took place in known women the talk will show that the 7 MARCH 2016: of the Orange Card by the English Ireland during the period 1913 – 1923. women were vital Revolutionaries who gave Dr. William Murphy, ‘Repression and Conservatives had on setting the scene for Diarmaid will talk about the emergence of their all in the hope of a better future for Resistance: the uses of prison during the the Rising, while also introducing the major the Ulster Volunteers, the Irish Volunteers, their country. players, themes and outcomes of a drama the rise of Sinn Féin and the Irish War of Irish revolution, 1915-1923’. that would profoundly affect twentieth- Independence. Liz Gillis has a Degree in Irish History and century Irish history. worked as a guide in Kilmainham Gaol. 14 MARCH 2016: Diarmaid Ferriter is Professor of Modern She now works as a Curatorial Assistant in Tim Pat Coogan is Ireland’s best known Irish History at University College, RTÉ. Liz’s previous works include The Fall of Liz Gillis, ‘What Did the Women Do historical writer. His first book, Ireland Dublin. His published works include The Dublin (2011), Revolution in Dublin (2013) Anyway?’ Since The Rising (1966) was a pioneering Transformation of Ireland 1900-2000 and Women of the Irish Revolution (2014) work, the first history of the fifty years (2004), Judging Dev (2007), Ambiguous with two books due to be published in 2016 that followed the 1916 Rising. Subsequent Republic: Ireland in the 1970s (2012) - We Were There: 77 Women of the Easter publications include biographies of both and A Nation and Not A Rabble: The Irish Rising and The Hales Brothers and The Irish Michael Collins (1990) and Eamon de Revolutions, 1913-1923 (2015). Revolution. Valera (1993); a study of the Irish diaspora LECTURE Wherever Green is Worn (2012) and 1916: Dr. William Murphy, ‘Repression and The Mornings After (2015). Resistance: the uses of prison during the Irish revolution, 1915-1923’. Paul O’Brien, ‘The 1916 Rising SERIES Battlefields’. Dr. William Murphy will explore the use of imprisonment as a weapon during the Military historian Paul O’Brien will engage period 1915-1923. Football Hurling Club General

CLUB HEALTH AND WELLBEING OFFICER TRAINING

ver the last number Club HWO’s throughout February, of years significant March and April of this year. developments have occurred within the This training will be delivered by OHealth & Wellbeing Section of a network of over 50 specifically the GAA. In the initial months, trained Tutors, from 25 different the establishment of the national counties, who received their training Health & Wellbeing Committee at the beginning of 2016. The entire was the first major milestone, Training package, including the followed then by County Health Tutor training, has been developed & Wellbeing Committees which by a working group involving created a structure similar to other members of the National Health sections of the Association. & Wellbeing Committee as well as interested members from our In order to fully emulate parallel clubs who were invited to become sections however, and to achieve the involved. Now in the final stages of ultimate goal of the National Health development, it is envisaged that & Wellbeing Committee - make the the training will start being made Association a healthier place for available to clubs in early February. everyone to enjoy - the next and perhaps most important component If you would like to find out more of the Health & Wellbeing structure information about Club Health & is being developed. Wellbeing Officer Training in your county, please contact your County As of this year, all clubs should Health & Wellbeing Committee at: have appointed a Club Health chair.hwc.[county name]@gaa.ie & Wellbeing Officer who will be tasked to help ensure their club is a More general information healthier place for everyone to enjoy. relating to the role of Club This position, which has evolved Health & Wellbeing Officer from the former ASAP Officer Role and the development and will be supported by their Club provision of training may also Executive and their County Health & be found at gaa.ie/community Wellbeing Committee, the latter of or by emailing: which will be offering training to all [email protected] Football Hurling Club General

CROKE PARK AT WORK IN THE COMMUNITY CROKE PARK ALLOCATES €100,000 IN FUNDING TO 53 LOCAL GROUPS IN 2015

roke Park recently welcomed representatives from 53 community groups, schools, resident associations & sports Cclubs to a special reception hosted by GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail.

Over 100 guests were in attendance at the event which celebrates the work of local groups who received financial support from the stadium’s annual community fund of €100,000. Established in 2009, the Croke Park Community Fund has now allocated over €675,000 in support to community projects based within 1.5km of the stadium.

Pictured talking to President Ó Fearghail at the reception were John Fitzgerald, The HAY Justice Project. Sitting at front: Tricia Skelly & Rita Lynch from the Ardilaun Square Residents Group Football Hurling Club General

Sin é bun agus barr Chumann Lúthchleas A, in aghaidh Bhóthar na Trá, an chéad Gael. Pobail bheaga i ngach coirnéal den tír uair riamh acu an chraobh sin a thabhairt ag glacadh páirte, agus corr uair, tagann lá leo. Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí a CUIMHNÍ CHONAMARA an Phaoraigh. Tuige nach dtiocfadh, agus deirtear, agus dhá réir, tá plean 5 bhliana Seán Og de Paor ar an bhfoireann. leagtha amach chun cur le áiseanna an le Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh (RTÉ) pharósite agus leis an imirt, féachaint le Bhí ré iontach peile ag an gCeathrú Rua sa sár-pheileadóirí, agus daoine cumasacha, mhuintir Chonamara, a as a leasainm agus d’oscail sé bialann tréimhse sin. Ghnóthaigh siad Comórtas Gaelacha a mhúnlú. ‘ mhuintir na Ceathrún Rua. Ní mhearbhia ar an gCeathrú Rua, áit darbh Peile na Gaeltachta, sa mbaile, ar Pháirc an dheachaigh an cupán seo garr ainm Tí Learaí Ramhar. Is iomaí mála Cháthanaigh i 1997. An bhliain dár gcionn, Mar aon le gach cumann CLG sa tír, is breá do Chonamara ó 1938, 58 bliain. sceallóga a d’ith mé ann. Ar aon chuma, bhí Seán O Domhnaill, agus a chomharsa linn na laethanta maithe agus na coirn, ATá súil agam nach mbeidh sé chomh fada chaithfeadh sé nár ith fir na Ceathrún Seán Og de Paor, ar fhoireann na Gaillimhe ach ní hé sin amháin a thugann aitheantas arís.’ Rua mórán sceallóga ná burgair i 1996, a bhuail Cill Dara i gcluiche ceannais peile agus láidreacht don phobal. Leanfar, leis na nó ní bheadh an cluiche ceannais bainte na hEireann. Chuadar chomh fada le Páirc h-éachtaí ar an bpáirc imeartha, ach níos Sin a dúirt Mícheál Chóilín O Domhnaill, amach acu. Agus an t-am ag sleamhnú an Chrócaigh arís i 2000, ach fuair an tábhachtaí ná sin, leanfaidh an cumann ar an lá sin i 1996, nuair a ghnóthaigh uainn, bhí an chosúlacht air go mbeadh Ríocht an ceann ab fhearr orthu an uair sin. ag cur le fás agus forbairt ár mbaile álainn, peileadóirí na Ceathrún Rua, craobh sinsir an corn ag fanacht ar an taobh thoir den Leigheasadh é sin an bhliain dár gcionn, i speisialta, dearg agus dubh na Ceathrún peile an chontae don chéad uair riamh. Choirib. Sin go dtí go bhfuair Garry Mac 2001, agus rinne Sam an bealach siar arís. Rua i gcuisle an cheantair. Dhá bhliain déag d’aois a bhí mé nuair Donncha, fear a bhfuil neart taithí aige ar rinne mé mo chéad turas soir ó thuaidh cur síos ar éachtaí éagsúla spóirt agus é ag Níor fhill craobh an chontae ar an gCeathrú go dtí Páirc Naomh Iarfhlaith, i dTuaim. Lá tráchtaireacht ar TG4 agus ar RTE, greim Rua ó shin, in ainneoin iarrachtaí. I 1999, speisialta don pharóiste. An Cheathrú Rua ar an liathróid. Bhronn sé an gaisce ba theastaigh ath-imirt le solas an lae a chuir ag tabhairt aghaidh ar Orán Mór Meáraí, i mhó riamh ar an bparóiste an tráthnóna eadarthu agus Cill Fhir Iarainn, foireann gcluiche ceannais sinsir peile na Gaillimhe. sin. Pháraic Joyce, i gcluiche ceannais an B’fhéidir nach raibh mórán d’aistear bóthair chontae. An uair seo, áfach, ní raibh sciorta ann, soir le farraige agus suas an N17, ach Uimhir a 13 a bhí ar a dhroim, geansaí nár den ádh ag fir Chonamara. fiú den chuid againn a raibh an chiogríoch thug mórán den ádh d’Orán Mór. Bhuail sé siúlta againn, oscalaíodh doras nua an lá an eangach le urchar. Chaithfeadh sé gur Sa lá atá inniu ann, cuireann An Cheathrú sin. cloiseadh i gConamara an bhúir a tháinig Rua 15 fhoireann chun páirce, idir ón slua. Faitíos nach raibh dóthain déanta cailíní agus buachaillí, fir agus mná. Bhí cupla babhta gur mhothaigh muid ag Garry, fuair sé cúilín eile in sna nóiméid D’imir mé féin, fadó an lá, ar an gcéad nach raibh an bua i ndán dúinn. Ní raibh ár deireanacha. Cinnte anois. Bhí corn fhoireann a bunaíodh do mhná. Cosúil gcaiptín, Pádraig Stephen Mac Donnacha, Frank Fox ag dul siar. Nuair a séideadh an le foirne Gaeltachta eile, déantar gach in ann a dhul chun páirce mar go raibh sé fheadóg, bhí sé ina raebadh, ceiliúradh de rud i nGaeilge. Tá An Cheathrú Rua fós criogaithe ag aipindic. Ansin ní raibh 5 chineál nach bhfaca mé riamh. Is cuimhin ag réiteach imreoirí don chontae, agus nóiméad imrithe nuair a chuir an réiteoir an liom gur chaith an corn sin an chuid is mó leithéidí Paudie Mac Cormaic ag imirt ar ruaig ar Learaí Ramhar. Sea, d’imir Anthony den bhliain leagtha ar an gcuntar ag an fhoireann mhionúr na Gaillimhe, agus Finnerty, an fear a bhí in sna tosaithe ag mbúistéar i siopa Tomás Breathnach Teo. Jeaic O Gaoithín, ar fhoireann faoi 21 na Contae Mhaigh Eo, don Cheathrú Rua tráth Níor tháinig sé siar ó shin, ach chaon uair Gaillimhe. Tá na buaicphoinntí stairiúla den tsaol. a chonaic mé é á chrochadh in airde ag fós ag tarlú. Ag tús na bliana, rinne caiptín buacach éigin, chuir sé an lá sin i foireann faoi 21 na Ceathrún Rua éacht Seán Óg de Paor Dála an scéil, bhain Anthony Finnerty ‘leas’ gcuimhne dom. nuair a bhuaigh siad craobh an iarthair Football Hurling Club General

CAMOGIE DEVELOPMENT DATES FOR 2016

Camogie4Teens girls aged 7 to aged 10 years. A national Dublin on Saturday the 12th September. Camogie4Teens is a new project for 2016 participation day will be held on 25th June 51 teams from 29 counties took part in the for the Camogie Association that will in Dublin for all clubs taking part in the competition across 5 divisions. The date for specifically target the teenage age group. programme. On this day both parents/ this year’s event is the Saturday September The project will have 5 main elements that guardians and their daughters will take part 10th. the teenage girl can take part in. These in a fun day of blitzes/games. include participation blitzes, coaching Under 15 National Blitz Dates: courses, referee course and administration Provincial Blitz dates - Last year, 2 phases of the under 15 Blitz course with focus on public relations and Under 12 blitz days for clubs will be run took place with 20 counties and 23 teams social media. There will also be a lifestyle in each province again this year. Last year taking part in the event in total. The dates and health day as part of the programme these events took place in Pearse Stadium- for Phase 1 Counties this year is August for the participating teenagers. Clubs will Galway (24 clubs), Newry, Down (35 clubs), 13th. be clustered together for the roll out of this O Connor Park,-Tullamore (43 clubs) and programme with a target of 100 clubs in Semple Stadium- Tipperary (48 clubs) with For more information on any of the total. 150 clubs from 27 counties taking part over development projects listed above contact: the four locations. 3750 girls took part in Caroline Murray, Project & Initiatives Co Hurl Smart Week – 6th-12th June this initiative in total. Provincial days will be Ordinator with the Camogie Association 59 clubs took part in this initiative in 2015. run again this year before Camán to Croker [email protected] Granagh Balingarry, Limerick Hurl Smart Week aims to increase activity Day (8th Aug) with draw to decide who levels at all ages in the community by participates. providing a programme of events in the local Camogie club for the week. Clubs Camán to Croker- 8th August will be able to register to take part in Hurl Last year 64 under 12 club teams took Smart Week this year and will be put into a part in this one day event in Croke Park draw for a chance to take part in the Camán sponsored by Torpey Hurleys. The date for to Croker day on 8th August. this year’s event is the 8th August. Teams who apply to attend their provincial dates Hurl with Me Programme National Day: will be put in a draw to go to Croke Park. Saturday 25th June Also any club that runs a Hurl Smart Week This programme is for girls in your club this year will also be put in the draw to aged 7 to aged 10 years and their parents/ attend the Camán to Croker event. guardians. The programme will be for 6 weeks and held in 24 clubs around the U14 National Blitz Date: country. A tutor will coach the basic skills Last year over 1200 girls participated in of Camogie to the parents/guardians and the national under 14 Blitz Competition in Athenry Hurl with me Football Hurling Club General

HANDBALL HEROES HONOURED AT ÁRAS

he hugely successful GAA Handball Team Ireland that competed in last year’s World Championships and took home T20 medals have been honoured by Uachtarán na hÉireann Michael D Higgins at a reception in Áras an Uachtarán.

The Uachtarán addressed the Team and management and spoke of his experiecnce in Handball as a young boy growing up in county Clare. In his speech President Higgins paid tribute to the 16 players who represented Ireland in August in Calgary and complimented them on their medal haul of 20 medals from the games.

Read more here. Football Hurling Club General

RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE IN THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL MEDIA COVERAGE OF OUR GAMES

he winners of the to laud the examples of best practice that 2015 MacNamee Awards are being honoured this evening and I have been confirmed by the congratulate all within the organisation GAA. who give this the attention it not only T deserves but requires.” These awards, the GAA National Communication and Media Awards, are The winners of the 2015 McNamee Awards named after the late Pádraig MacNamee, are as follows: former President of the GAA, Chairman of the GAA Commission (1969-1971) PROVINCIAL MEDIA AWARD and member of RTÉ authority. They Meath Chronicle are presented annually in recognition programmes has resulted in well designed factors including the level of research of outstanding contributions made by The award acknowledges Fergal Lynch’s and crisp templates. The content is concise, conducted, using a variety of sources, into individuals and Association units in the article based on the cancer battle of reader-friendly and consistently accurate the club itself, the quality of writing and the area of media and communications. former Meath player, Alan Nestor. It throughout. Intelligent styling of the cover overall presentation, including the liberal provides insight and details of the illness and within the body of the publication use of interesting photographs. The awards will be presented by Uachtarán and the recovery of the player and his permitted excellent use of imagery. Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Aogán Ó determination to play Gaelic football. 2015 NATIONAL MEDIA AWARD Fearghail, at a function in Croke Park 2015 BEST GAA PUBLICATION Marie Crowe (article on the Austin Stack tonight, Friday, February 5th. BEST WEBSITE North Kerry – A Hurling History by journey) Monaghan GAA (www.monaghangaa.ie) Tommy O’Connor The GAA President offered his This article captures the very essence of congratulations: “The importance of This site is vibrant and aesthetically This publication was chosen as the best the GAA in a poignant yet beautiful piece communicating the GAA message has pleasing to the eye, the ease with which the GAA publication on account of the author’s that encompasses untold grief, community never been greater given the clamour user can navigate and locate information meticulous research and engaging spirit and indomitable sporting courage. to be heard in an era of simplified is testament to the developer and it shines presentation of a lesser known aspect of The role that the Association can play at communications. a positive light of GAA activity within the Kerry’s rich GAA tradition. grassroots level in times of adversity has county both through its content and its lay long been recognised and in this respect “The GAA story is an extremely positive out. 2015 BEST GAA CLUB PUBLICATION the author paints a vivid picture of the one and one that needs to be told and I am The Story of the GAA In Killeavey by support, comfort and encouragement it pleased to acknowledge those who have 2015 BEST PROGRAMME Oliver McDonald has to offer. The strong focus, too, on how excelled in this regard this evening. Kildare GAA Football Final tragedy and triumph can often walk hand in This publication was chosen as the best hand is portrayed in a manner that is both “As methods of communication and The effort that Kildare GAA has put into GAA Club publication for a number of sensitive and beguiling. journalism continue to evolve I am pleased the planning process of their match Football Hurling Club General

2015 BEST GAA RELATED RADIO standard in each of the programmes in the PROGRAMME series is to be highly praised. WLR FM 2015 BEST PHOTOGRAPH In the winning production by Kevin Casey Martin Rowe from WLR, Waterford hurler Maurice Shanahan reveals his battle with depression Taken by Martin Rowe this photograph which forced him to give up the game in captures the combined timing of the the beginning of last season, only to return photographer and the skill of the Kilkenny and win an All Star before 2015 ended. player, TJ Reid, into a moment that is only a Shanahan’s open and honest account of moment but is recorded for posterity. his struggle and of the help he received from family, friends, club-mates and the GAA family at large, makes for compelling listening and must be a source of strength for others who find themselves in similar circumstances. The programme is enhanced by the compassionate and sensitive style of interviewer Kevin Casey.

2015 GRADAM GAEILGE (IRISH Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Aogán Ó Fearghail presents Weeshie Fogarty, Radio Kerry, LANGUAGE AWARD) with the GAA Hall of Fame Award GAA USA (Sónta Films for TG4)

Tá an gradam seo tuillte go maith ag an 2015 HALL OF FAME AWARD Weeshie also played senior football for Kerry sraith faisnéise ‘GAA USA’. Tugann sé Weeshie Fogarty, Radio Kerry and when his playing career was over, he léargas iontach faoin ról lárnach atá ag turned to refereeing and became one of the an gCumann Lúthchleas Gael i saol na Weeshie Fogarty started work in St Finan’s leading inter-county referees in the country, hÉireannaigh atá lonnaithe i Meirceá, Hospital in Killarney in 1962 and worked taking charge of three all All-Ireland football agus tá cur síos déanta ag an scéal ar stair there as a psychiatric nurse for 38 years. He semi-finals. na hÉireann chomh maith. Tugaimid ard played for the hospital team and when the mholadh don taighde, don chur i láthair club were no longer able to field a team, he However, for younger GAA supporters agus don ardchaighdeán ginerálta atá le returned to the Legion club in the town. ‘Weeshie’ as he is popularly known is probably feiceáil sna gcláracha sa tsraith ar fad. best known for his insightful analysis on Radio He won Kerry County Championship medals Kerry and his engaging Monday evening This award is fully deserving of the with divisional team East Kerry and was in ‘Terrace Talk’ programme on the same station. television documentary series, ‘GAA USA.’ the East Kerry panel that beat Bryansford He has interviewed all the Kerry legends and It gives fantastic insight to us all about the of Down to win the first All-Ireland club many GAA stars from outside the county also. key role that the GAA plays in the lives of football final, here at Croke Park in the Irish based in America, while the story November 1971. (After that final it was Weeshie also published his life story in a book also intertwines with the history of Ireland. decided that divisional teams would not be appropriately named ‘My Beautiful Obsession, The great research, presentation and allowed to play in the club championship). Chasing the Kerry Dream.’ Football Hurling Club General

THE STORY BEHIND…

ll GAA clubs aim for the stars – but for crowds of over 20,000 travelled to Ranelagh to witness We are looking to get your interesting stories – tales about many outfits such lofty aspirations end the event. your founding members perhaps or about your club crest, up being little more than blowing hot your club history, or the cups that you play for. air. The remainder of the club crest incorporates two A distinctive lush green trees – which represent the old Send entries to [email protected] Ranelagh woods. However, the Ranelagh Gaels club on Dublin’s This month we have the Ranelagh Gaels club from Dublin Southside are so determined to fly high that they And beneath the football and hurls is a triangle, which 6 in the Capital and surely an exclusive GAA club crest in have even commemorated Ireland’s first ever symbolises the well-known junction that remains the that it features a hot air balloon. Gordon Manning fills us manned flight on their crest. heartbeat and focal point of Ranelagh life to this very in… day. In what is one of the most unique GAA club crests anywhere in the world, a vivid red and white basket The crest was designed in 2010 and worn by Ranelagh balloon floats high against a light blue sky and Gaels players for the first time in 2011. between a set of pearly white goalposts. Today, Crosbie ‘the first Irishman to fly’ is memorialised It is not a homage to Phileas Fogg – but rather with a statue in Ranelagh Gardens. Ireland’s first aeronaut, Richard Crosbie. And his unshakable belief that nothing is impossible In 1785 Crosbie flew a hydrogen air balloon from continues to inspire the Ranelagh Gaels club to reach Ranelagh Gardens to Clontarf on the Northside of new heights on and off the field. the city.

It was the first time a manned flight had taken FEEDBACK place in Ireland – and occurred just 14 months after We want to hear from you. the world’s first ever manned balloon flight had taken place in France. Please email [email protected] with your comments. Such was the clamour at the time to witness the historic event in Ranelagh that police had to Newsletter design and production close several roads and advise patrons to ‘park DBA Publishing, Blackrock Co Dublin their carriages in an orderly manner at the rear of Ranelagh House.’ Edited by Cian Murphy, GAA Communications, Croke Park Newspaper records from the time reported that