1 - Senior Football Champions 2009

Back L-R: Pat Burke, , Ciaran Whelan, , Ross McConnell, Paul Casey, Barry Cahill, - Leinster Senior Champions 2009 Denis Bastic, Darren Magee, , , , , Back L-R: , P.J. Ryan, Richie O’Neill, , Michael Grace, Michael Fennelly, , Michael Savage, , Cian O‘Sullivan, . Willie O’Dwyer, Canice Hickey, Derek Lyng, , P.J. Delaney, , , Front L-R: Paul Conlon, Alan Hubbard, , , Paul Griffin, , , T.J. Reid. Paddy Andrews, David Henry, , Blaine Kelly, Shane Ryan, . Front L-R: Tommy Walsh, , Eoin McGrath, Eoin Reid, , , , Richie Power, J.J. Delaney, , , Sean Cummins.

Victorious Kilkenny Captain Michael Fennelly Jubilant Dublin Captain Paul Griffin raises the O’Keeffe Cup at Croke Park last July hoists the Delaney Cup at Croke Park last July 2 Comhairle Laighean C.L.G. Tionólfar

Comhdháil Cinn Bliana 2009 - 2010

in Court Hotel, Tullamore, Co. Offaly ar an Luan, 1ú Márta, 2010 6.00 pm Kilmacud Crokes - All- All-Ireland Kilmacud Senior Club - Crokes Football Champions 2009 pictured their before final clash with at Rangers Park Croke

4 Contents

5 Clár 6 Ainmniúchán Na Rúin 7 Miontuairiscí Chruinniu de'n Chomhdháil Bhliantúil 2009 10 Oráid an Chathaoirligh 15 Tuairisc an Rúnaí 38 Leinster Team 25 43 Games Development Report 59 Leinster Master Tutor Group 62 Cumann na mBunscol Laighean 64 Comhairle Iarbhunscoileanna Laighean 65 Leinster Third Level Colleges 67 Comhairle Liathróid Laighean 69 Leinster Referees Administrator's and Leinster Recruitment & Training Officers 72 Hearing Committee 73 Club Fixtures Committee 75 Leinster P.R.O. Report 76 Grounds, Facilities, Health & Safety Committee 79 Match Venue Requirements for Leinster Fixtures 80 Leinster Club & Planning 82 Coiste Scór 84 Coisde Gaeilge Laighean Website 85 GAA Volunteers' Awards - Leinster Roll of Honour 88 Clár na gCluichí 2010 93 Cluichí Laighean 2009 103 Cluichí Iarbhunscoileanna 2008-2009 105 Cluichí Liathróid Láimhe Laighean 2009

5 Henry Shefflin, David Hoyne, Mark Aylward, Eamonn Walsh (Capt), Bob Aylward, James Cha Fitzpatrick, Alan Cuddihy, , Donnchadh Fitzpatrick, Keith Keith Aidan Donnchadh Cummins, Fitzpatrick, Alan Cuddihy, James Cha Fitzpatrick, Aylward, Bob (Capt), Walsh Eamonn Aylward, Mark Henry David Hoyne, Shefflin, Michael Fennelly. Murphy, Liam Grant, Patrick Reid, Tom Coogan, Eoin Reid, James Connolly, , TJ Reid, Paul Shefflin, Keith Nolan, , Dermody. Keith Paul Shefflin, TJ Reid, Colin Fennelly, James Connolly, Reid, Eoin Coogan, Tom Patrick Reid, Liam Grant, Eoin Knox, Joseph Holden, Enda Fitzpatrick, Willie Coogan, Gavin Butler, James Walsh, Richard Deasy, Brendan Costelloe, Ger Fennelly, Padraig Holden. Padraig Ger Fennelly, Brendan Costelloe, Richard Deasy, Walsh, James Gavin Butler, Willie Coogan, Joseph Enda Holden, Fitzpatrick, Knox, Eoin

Front L-R: Front Middle L-R: Ballyhale Shamrocks - Leinster Senior Hurling Club Champions 2009 Back L-R:

6 Clár

6.00pm Evening Meal

7.20pm Registration

7.30pm (1) Opening of Convention (2) Minutes of 2009 Convention (3) Discussion of Report of Chief Executive (4) Discussion of Sub-Committee Reports

8.15pm Adoption/Review of Accounts of Comhairle Laighean C.L.G.

8.30pm Election of An Cisteoir Nua (Ballot)

8.40pm Address by An Cathaoirleach

9.00pm Formal Election of Officers

9.15pm Guest Speakers

9.30pm Na Rúin

9.40pm Tea/Coffee – Convention Closes

Each county is entitled to the following Delegate representation at Convention, in addition to its two representatives on the Provincial Council:

Ceatharloch 5 Cill Mhantain 6 Iarmhi 5 An Mhí 6 An Lú 5 Longphort 5 Cill Dara 6 Uibh Fháilí 6 Cill Chainnigh 5 Laois 6 Áth Cliath 6 Loch Garman 6

A brief meeting of the incoming Leinster Council will be held immediately after Convention, at which only urgent business to hand will be considered.

NOTE 1. Slip on Admission Card to be handed to Hotel Management for Evening Meal (6.00 pm) 2. Full Leinster Convention documentation has already been forwarded directly to each member of the outgoing Leinster Council. Micheál Ó Dubhshlaine (Rúnaí) Áras Laighean, , Co. Laois.

7 Ainmniúcháin

CATHAOIRLEACH Sheamus O hUilin (Loch Garman)

LEAS-CATHAOIRLEACH Martin O Sceallaigh (Longphort)

CISTEOIR: Brendán O Diomsaigh (An Mhi) Seán Ó hÉile (Cill Chainnigh) Padraig Ó Tomhnair (Lú)

OIFIGEACH CAIDREAMH POIBLI S.S. Breathnach (Cill Dara)

Na Rúin

That Leinster Council fix Inter County Hurling & from April to July. This principle to also apply to Football Championship games in all Grades for a concluding phases of the National Hurling & dual county on the same weekend i.e. Saturday Football Leagues. & Sunday up to and including Leinster Semi- (Loch Garman) Finals in order to provide free weekends for club championships in the county during the months

8 Miontuairiscí Chruinniu de'n Chomhdháil Bhliantúil 02/03/2009

Sheamus Uas O hUilin (Cathaoirleach) presided at Liam Ó Neill (Iar-Cathaoirleach) the Annual Convention of Leinster Council GAA, held P. Ó Tomhnair, S. Ó Droighneain (Lú) in Hilamar Hotel, Kinnegad on Monday, 2nd March P. Ó Duibhir, P. Ó Ceallaigh (An Mhi) 2009. D. Ó hIceadha, S. De Róiste (Ath Cliath) M. Ó Colmain (Cill Mhantain) The following members of Comhairle Laighean C.L.G. P. Uaiceam, P. O Duill (Loch Garman) were also present: S.S. Breathnach, M. O Fionnain (Cill Dara) G. O Maolthuille (Comhairle Ard Oideachais) S. O Caimpin (Ceatharloch) S. O hOrain (Iarbhunscoileanna) S. O hEile, S. Breathnach (Cill Chainnigh) S. O Fionnalaigh (Cumann na mBunscol) S. O Daltuin, R. O Muilleoir (Laois) Liam Ó Mathuin (Liathroid Láimhe) E. O Floinn, A. Ó Gallchoir (Uibh Fhaili) Maírtín Ó Sceallaigh (Leas Cathaoireach) S. O Sioradain, A. Mac Roibin (Iarmhi) Sean Mac Carthaigh (Cisteoir) S. O Floinn, M. O Carraige (Longphort) Tomas Ó Fearghail (P.R.O.) M. Ó Dubhshlaine (Rúnaí).

The following delegates represented the counties: UIBH FHÁILÍ LÚ P. O Teachain, M.N. O Broin, P. Ó Caíside, P. Oilibhear, P. Mac Mathúna, P. O hAmaltuin, M. Ní Chinncheíd, M. Ó Sioradaín. E. Ni Ciaran IARMHÍ AN MHÍ R. De Brún, A. Ó Leabhraigh, S. Ó Briain, B. O Coimin, B. O hAilin, P. Ó Loingsigh, M. Mac Aodha, L. Ó Gabhaín. B Ó Díomsaigh, S. O Craobhain, C. Seoige. LONGPHORT ÁTH CLIATH T.S. Mac A Bhaird, P. O Cathail, S. Ó hUaine, G. Ó hArrachtaín, S. Ó Fuaraín, A. Mac Coitil, S. O Cuinn, Seosamh Ó Fheuilin S. Mac Nioclaís, T. Ó Riain, S. O Mathuna. The following also attended Convention CILL MHANTÁIN A. O Briain, L. O Lochlainn, M. O Murchu, IAR OIFIGIGH P. Mac Eochaidh, M. Ó hAgaín, E. Ó Muirí. S. O Beara, S. Aldridge, S. O Broin, P. O Flannagain.

LOCH GARMAN SUB-COMMITTEE REPS G. Ó Duíll, M. Ni Dhuill, D. Ó hÚilín, A. Breathnach (Coisde Scór) S. Ó Seacnasaigh, D. Ó Nuallaín, M. Ní Fhoghlú. P. Ó Caisearlaigh (Coisde na Reiteoirí) M. Ní Cheallaigh (Coisde na Gaeilge) CILL DARA P.S. Ó Murchú (Development, Health & Safety) S. O Mearain, C. Ui Neill, P. Aghais, A. O Suilleabhain, B. O Cionnaith, S.Ó Tiarnaín. GUESTS Geraldine Giles, Uachtarán, Cumann Peile Gael na mBan CEATHARLOCH Joseph Whelan, Chairman, Westmeath Co. Co. T. O Murchu, T. O Neill, S. Ó Bolguidhir, Nioclás Ó Braonaín, Uachtarán C.L.G. G. O Lionnain, P. O Diring. Lisa Clancy / Declan Fanning, Pairc an Chrocaigh. Robert Baker, Baker Solutions CILL CHAINNIGH John Quirke, Quirke Photography. P. Cinnseallach, B. O hIci, P. Mac Aindreís, E. O Cuinn, E. Ó Bogaigh. ÁRAS LAIGHEAN STAFF M. Mac Raghnaill, S. Mac Coitir, S. Ó Flannagáin, LAOIS C. Ó Cleír, P. Ní Chleír, H. Ní hÓrain. A. Breathnach, P. Mac Aodh Bhuí, A. O Dubhshlaine, B. O hAilin, M. Ó Cearbhúill, T. Mac Seoin.

9 OSCAILT TUAIRISC NA FO CHOISDI Padraigh Uas Ó Laighneach, Rúnaí, Coisde Co. na The Convention adopted and considered the hÍarmhí C.L.G. formally opened Convention and, Reports of the following Leinster Council Sub- in turn, introduced (a) Tomás Ó Fearghail, Committees: Cathaoirleach Coisde Co. na hIarmhí C.L.G. and (b) Mr. Joseph Whelan, Chairman, Westmeath (1) Coaching and Games Development County Council. Both welcomed delegates to Committee. Westmeath and wished the Convention well in (2) Referee’s Administrators Report. its deliberations. (3) Hearings Committee. (4) Club Fixtures Monitoring Committee. PRESENTATION (5) I.T. Marketing and P.R. Committee. An tUas Ó Fearghail then presented the Officers (6) Leinster P.R.O. and delegates with presents – of Westmeath (7) Grounds & Facilities/Health and Safety origin – as a memento of the Leinster Council’s Committee. visit to the County. (8) Leinster Club and County Planning Committee. BUIOCHAS (9) Coisde Scór Laighean. Sheamus Ó hÚilin thanked both men for their (10) Coisde na nGaeilge. welcome and presentations. ANNUAL ACCOUNTS 2007 / 2008 COLIN DUNNE R.I.P. An Cisteoir, Seán Mac Carthaigh, presented the P. Uas Ó Teáchaín, Cathaoirleach Coisde Co. Uibh Annual Reports which were adopted and Fhaili C.L.G. addressed Convention. He recalled the discussed. recent tragic death of a young hurler and footballer from Shamrocks Club Uibh Fhaili (he died in At the outset of the discussion An tIar Barcelona whilst participating in a marathon to Chathaoirleach , Seamus Aldridge, questioned raise funds for an Offaly Charity Fund). the authenticity of the Accounts as he felt they did not comply with Riail 54 T.O. Colin Dunne was an outstanding with Club and County. He was also a great leader He asked that the matter be considered by of young people, on an off the field of play. Coisde Bainisti Laighean and Convention accepted this. Colin was also a former recipient of a Comhairle Laighean Bursary some short few years ago. COISDE SCÓR AND LIATHRÓID LÁIMHE ACCOUNTS Convention stood for a minutes silence as a Also adopted by Convention. mark of respect to the late Colin Dunne. UACHTARÁN C.L.G. MIONTUAIRISCI CHOMHDHAIL 2007 Convention was addressed by Uachtarán C.L.G., The minutes of the 2008 Convention were Nioclás Ó Braonaín. In a wide-ranging submission adopted and signed by An Cathaoirleach on An tUas Ó Braonaín recalled the history and proposition of A. Mac Roibín, seconded by S. Ó strength of the Association and proceeded to Sioradaín. outline the challenges and opportunities which lie ahead. TUAIRISC AN RUNAI The CEO’s Report was adopted and opened for APPOINTMENT OF TELLERS discussion under the various headings. The following were appointed as Tellers for In the course of this discussion: Convention:- Gearoíd Ó Maolthuille, Liam Ó (a) Tomás Ó Fearghail, P.R.O. outlined plans for Mathuín, Seamus Ó Fionnallaigh and Sean Ó Leinster’s celebration of the G.A.A. 125th hÓraín. Anniversary and (b) Liam Ó Néill made a presentation of the new proposed disciplinary procedures.

10 ELECTION OF P.R.O. (b) It shall report on its deliberations to Four candidates contested this position and Comhairle Laighean C.L.G. voting resulted as follows: (c) It shall control financial aspects within NAME 1st Ballot 2nd Ballot 3rd Ballot policy guidelines of Comhairle Laighean S.S. Breathnach (Cill Dara) 25 37 51 (Elected) C.L.G. P. O Ceallaigh (An Mhí) 24 32 41 S. Napier (Cill Mhantain) 22 23 (Elim) A. Mac Roibin (Iarmhi) 21 (Elim) (d) It shall have before it when necessary, the reports of other sub-committees for All candidates returned thanks to Convention. consideration and action.

ADDRESS OF AN CATHAOIRLEACH (e) It shall nominate a Provincial Referees’ Sheamus Ó hÚilín addressed Convention as per Administrator to be sanctioned by Comhairle the attached text. Laighean C.L.G. (Riail 71 (f) T.O. 2006).

ELECTION OF OFFICERS (f) It shall manage and oversee all human An Cathaoirleach declared Máirtín Ó Sceallaigh resources issues on behalf of Comhairle and Seán Mac Carthaigh to be re-elected as Leas Laighean C.L.G. Cathaoirleach and Cisteoir respectively. (g) Subject to overall ratification of Comhairle NA RÚIN Laighean C.L.G. it shall have the authority to A.  “That the Leinster Club Championship Finals appoint sub-committees to deal with in both Hurling and Football at Senior, delegated matters / activities. Intermediate and Junior grades be played at neutral venues (not a County Venue of It shall deal with discipline (non-games related) participating Clubs in Final)” (An Mhi) matters.

Proposer: P. Ó Duibhir (An Mhí) All members of the Management Committee Seconder: P. Aghais (Cill Dara) must be current voting members of Comhairle Laighean CLG with the exception Decision: For 33 - Against 42 of the CEO of Coisde Conndae Ath Cliath CLG Motion Lost and the CEO of Comhairle Laighean CLG (Comhairle Laighean C.L.G.) B. That the current Comhairle Laighean C.L.G. bye-law in respect of the Management Proposer: M. Ó Sceallaigh (Leas Cathaoirleach) Committee of the Council be amended to Seconder: M. Ó Colmain (Coisde Bainisti Laighean) read as follows: Decision: For 46 - Against 41 MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Motion lost as, in accordance with Riail 98 T.O., There shall be a Management Committee which it needed a two thirds majority. shall consist of the Officers and a representative of (a) Coaching and Games Development BUIOCHAS Committee, (b) Development, Facilities, Health An Cathaoirleach warmly thanked the following and Safety Committee, (c) Club and County for their part in the efficient organization of Planning Committee (d) Information Technology, Convention: Marketing and Public Relations Committee and (e) the full time Chief Executive Officer of (a) Paddy Flanagan, John Cotter, Kevin Flanagan Coisde Conndae Ath Cliath C.L.G. (b) Coralstown Kinnegad Club Members (c) Coisde Co. na hIarmhi Officers (a) It shall implement matters pertaining to (d) Management and Staff of Hilamar Hotel Comhairle Laighean C.L.G. between meetings of the Council. THE CONVENTION ENDED

11 Oráid an Chathaoirligh (2ú Márta 2009)

A Chairde Laighean, who contributed and helped to move the process forward. Ba mhaith liom fáilte a chuir roimh gach duine anseo anocht don cruiniú bliantúil seo. Local Authorities Another important development is the Local Authority I warmly welcome you all to our Annual Convention Partnership co-funded agreements. It is nice to see here in the Hilamar Hotel, Kinnegad and I thank our that our positive involvement in our communities is hosts Westmeath for their warm and friendly being recognised by our local councils. We have set up welcome. agreements with Louth (servicing the towns of Winners in 2008 Drogheda and Dundalk), Westmeath, and I think 2008 was another successful year for our 12 Co Councils. I wish to acknowledge and Counties and Comhairle Laighean. I wish to sincerely thank all the Chairpersons and County congratulate all our provincial Championship winners Managers who have engaged with us in setting up and a special well done to Kilkenny on winning four this partnership. of the Leinster Hurling titles (Senior, Intermediate, Áras Laighean Under 21 & Minor) and indeed their third All Ireland I mentioned in my few words last year about the Hurling title in a row. Congratulations also to St extension of our premises at Aras Laighean. I am glad Vincent’s (Dublin), Conahy Shamrocks (Kilkenny) and to report that the work is almost now completed, on Clonkill (Westmeath) on winning All Ireland Club time and on budget. We are moving in this week titles in 2008. There were some disappointing issues starting tomorrow morning. This new development to the Leinster Club Championship in that a small will serve the needs of the Council for the next 15 to number of Counties failed to meet deadlines in order 20 years. I would like to take this opportunity to to have their Champions participate in the Provincial thank all the staff at Aras Laighean for the efficient Championship even though we deferred from the way they all embraced the development and scheduled dates to try and facilitate the fixtures. With contributed so much to the planning and layout of that in mind we have brought forward the draws for the new building. 2009 and they are today listed in your Convention booklet. This means that Counties have eight/nine Meetings around the Province months clear notice of individual fixtures and the As promised last year during the redevelopment, we Leinster fixtures can be included in Counties fixture held our management meetings around the province plans for 2009. I expect that this change will ensure in 2008. I feel it was a success as it gave the members that none of our counties will miss the opportunity of Management a better understanding of the needs to play in Leinster in 2009. of the counties that we visited. Progress in 2008 The GAA Strategic Vision and Action Plan 2009 I feel we made a lot of progress in 2008 in several – 2015 areas and I wish to mention a few. One was in One of the most important things about this plan is Coaching and Games development. As Shane Flanagan that it is a plan more or less drawn up by our and John Horan have outlined in their report we members and to implement the plan no rules need to concluded a full review of all of our coaching and be changed. Consultations were held with games development areas in October 2008. Following approximately 7,000 people – members and non on from that review we are now setting up new members, supporters, players, mentors and match performance managed structures in each of our officials. The plan addresses eleven key areas and we counties with a full time designated person employed all have a clear roadmap to follow from club, county, to manage all games development activities. This province to national level. We will all have clear process is well advanced as I speak and I would like to measureable goals set out and it is all our thank all concerned, Shane, John and our Counties responsibilities to deliver on the plan over the next

12 seven years. No single unit of the association can make Sunday 1st June after playing 180 games. The positive the plan work on its own. We must all work together, feed back we have received from our clubs is very clubs, counties, provinces and at national level and encouraging and we will continue to try and improve strive to help each other to implement the objectives the league, however we will need full cooperation from of the plan. We intend to set up a small Provincial all our counties to ensure the success of this league Steering Group in the next few weeks to help the going forward. Great credit is due to all involved in counties and drive the plan on at Leinster level. organizing the competition and I wish to record my thanks. 125 year Celebrations I feel I must refer to our night of celebration in Croke & Ladies Football Park on 31/01/09 Dublin v Tyrone which paid tribute Good progress continues to be made towards increasing to the many great Gaels who worked so hard over the the co-operation between the GAA, the Camogie years to build our organisation to what it is today. It Association and the Ladies Football Association. We was a great occasion and I pay tribute to all who have offices for the Ladies included in our new office planned the amazing night. development which will help both organizations to We, at Leinster Council, have planned a number of grow and prosper in Leinster in the years ahead. projects which represent various aspects of our I would like to take this opportunity to thank Geraldine activities such as our players, clubs, historians and the Giles for the huge contribution that she made as public at large. Games Development intend to run club Uachtaran of the Ladies Football Association over the events during June and July in hurling and football, last six years. included will be skill events and blitzes. Economy We intend to publish a book of all records over the last During the year we have seen a significant, 25 years (1984 to 2008) which will record Senior unprecedented and unpredicted down turn in the Leinster Hurling and Football Championship winners national economy. This will have a serious impact on and runners up. The book will also include team photos our association both nationally and here in Leinster. and match reports. It will also have a section on We must face this challenge by looking at our cost Leinster Second Level Schools and Leinster Club base and be mindful that the general public will have records. We are also holding a competition to pick the less disposable income which may impact on our gate ‘’Team of the last 25 years’’ in Hurling and Football. I receipts. We must now, more than ever before, ensure am sure many a good argument will take place before that our supporters get good entertainment and value both teams are completed. for money. Each county must be mindful of this and be Lá na gClub – 10 May 2009 – will be a very important prepared to react to these changing circumstances. It day for our association and I wish clubs every success is the time to be careful and prudent in all our with whatever plans they have for the day. financial dealings and in all aspect of our work going forward for the next couple of years. Our association Fáilte - and Antrim – Championship 2009 have gone through many economic downturns in the Our 2009 Leinster Senior Hurling championship will past and have always come out the other end stronger mark a new milestone for Leinster Hurling. Following and more focused, I am sure that if we all work on from special congress in 2008 a decision was made together and run our affairs, going forward in a to include Galway and Antrim in our Leinster Hurling professional and structured manner we will be well Championship. Draws are made and we all now look placed as in the past, when the economy turns the forward to exciting games as all the teams battle it out corner. to win the Leinster title. I wish to put on record my sincere welcome to both counties and assure them I am glad to say that we are bringing a large number of that they will be treated with the utmost respect and our championship games to local venues in 2009 in the exact same manner as we have always treated whish should encourage more of our loyal supporters our own counties. Antrim have played in Leinster to attend our games. The GAA is more vital now and before but it will be a first for Galway. Best wishes to helps to give our people pride and spirit during these all our Leinster Hurling teams and I know that they will hard times of recession. What we offer to parishes, rise to the challenge that Galway and Antrim will communities and counties all over the country is more present. than our games, more than a sport, we offer a sense of belonging and a place where people are proud to call Leinster Hurling League their own. However we need to add to this by The Leinster Club hurling league has proven to be a extending an invitation to those that we know in our huge success story with 112 teams from all over the towns and parishes that are going through difficult province taking part last year. Each club was guaranteed times, perhaps unemployed at the moment, we must at least three games from teams outside their own encourage them to get involved at any level they feel county. We started on March 24th and finished on they can contribute. People can feel very disenfranchised

13 Brian McGovern, Conor Burke, Joey Keena, Kevin Fagan, Michael Kelly, James Boyle, Stephen Quinn, David Kirby, Michael Foley, Michael Cole, Sean Corrigan, Denis O'Neill, Sean Michael Corrigan, Cole, Michael Foley, Stephen David Kirby, Quinn, James Boyle, Michael Kelly, Fagan, Kevin Joey Keena, Conor Burke, Brian McGovern, Stephen Clynch. Fox, Tony Ger O'Neill, Paul Fagan, Derek Muldoon, Enda Fitzgerald, Peter Durnin, Philip Garvey, Nicky Horan, Ray Massey, Martin Horan, Neil Hackett (Capt), Kevin O'Rourke, Neil O'Rourke, Martin Kevin Hackett (Capt), Horan, Ray Massey, Nicky Horan, Philip Peter Durnin, Garvey, Enda Derek Muldoon, Fitzgerald, Ger Paul Fagan, O'Neill, Keogh. Padraig Dowd, Kevin Gary McNally, Brian Coughlan, Alan Ryan,

Front L-R: Front Meath - Cup Champions 2009 Back L-R:

14 and down during times like we have at present so it is Quinn who is recovering well, thank God, from her important that we watch out and encourage these recent illness. I extend my appreciation also to the people to join our association and get involved with Coaching Staff - Lester Ryan, Noel Delaney, George O our units. Connor, Ger O Connor, Michael Neary and Declan Power, Schools Officers Tom Fitzpatrick and Tom The GAA nationally, and here in Leinster, have come O'Donnell and all coaching personnel in our counties through hard times before but it is important to and third level schools. remember that we have built up excellent facilities over the last 20 years that will stand to our needs I want to thank the units and individuals who have going forward. Young people today could feel contributed to the smooth workings of the Leinster discouraged at what is happening with our economy; Council in the past year. It has been a pleasant task for many may emigrate to seek employment. We have a me and I wish you all to know that my words are vital role to play in leading and encouraging our youth heartfelt. to participate in our games and to get involved in Uachtaran Cumann Luthchleas Gael. The GAA has always adapted Uachtaran Nickey is a very welcome guest here today positively to a changing Ireland. Throughout these as he jumps the last few fences of the race. I was trying changing times we have managed to maintain the core to put a few words together to thank him for his values of the organization and pass them on from outstanding service to Cumann Luthchleas Gael when generation to generation. We have always adjusted and I received the annual report and read Micheal Delaney’s changed to ensure we continue to serve the needs of few words about Nickey. our members. During the hard times ahead we will continue to offer support to our units so that our No better man with the few words than Micheal so I members can be part of a proud, progressive and decided to read out what Micheal stated in the report forward thinking organization. about Nickey as I feel it sums up all his achievements very well: Retirements – Tommy Farrell and Liam O’Neill Tommy Farrell brings the curtain down tonight after “The history of the GAA will be kind to Nickey Brennan serving two years as PRO of Comhairle Laighean. I am as it recognizes his many achievements as President. almost sure that we joined the Leinster Council in the His dedication to the role, his skilful handling of same year and over that period of time we always had situations, his insightful contributions, his enthusiasm a good bit of honest banter. I wish to thank you and work ethic and his sense of fair play will all be put Tommy for all you have done for Leinster and wish you forward as hallmarks of his Presidency. In his primary well in your position as Cathaoirleach Coisde Co function as leader of the Association he has been Iarmhi. remarkably successful.” I wish to congratulate Tommy’s successor J.J. Walsh On behalf of Comhairle Laighean CLG I pay tribute to and look forward to serving with him in the years Nickey for a job well done. He has been a credit to this ahead. I have no doubt that J.J. will carry out his duties Council but also to his family, club and county. I’m sure for the Council in a professional manner. I offer my there will be much more for you to do, but for now we commiserations to the defeated candidates Tony simply say ‘Well done’. Robinson, Jackie Napier and who have Sympathy served the Council well over many years. I wish to extend the Council’s sympathy to all our GAA Today Liam O’Neill also departs the Leinster Council friends that passed away during the past year. scene. On your behalf I would like to thank him for his Conclusion contribution over a long number of years. I know Finally, I wish you all an enjoyable and successful 2009 during the past year he has put a lot of time and and thank you all for you valued support and advice energy into the new proposed rule changes and I wish during 2008 him well at Congress. Liam has made a major contribution to Comhairle Laighean and I thank him Go raibh míle maith agaibh agus ar aghaidh linn le sincerely and wish him well in the future. chéile Buiochas I would like to thank my fellow officers, members of Séamus Ó hÚilín Comhairle Laighean and the members of all sub- Cathaoirleach Comhairle Laighean committees for their support and hard work in 2008. It seems the work and demands of Comhairle Laighean continues to grow every year and on behalf of us all I wish to thank Michael Delaney and his hard working staff - Michael Reynolds, Shane Flanagan, Hannah Horan, Patricia Clear, John Cotter, Colm Clear and Julie

15 Michael Karrigy (Longford), Michael Fennin (Kildare), Syl Merins (Kildare), Gerry Tully (Third Level Colleges), Joe Martin (Westmeath), Jim Bolger Joe Martin Colleges), (Westmeath), Level (Third Tully Gerry Merins MichaelSyl (Kildare), Michael Karrigy (Kildare), Fennin (Longford), Johnny Dalton (Laois) (Offaly), Paul Kinsella (Kilkenny), (), James Seamus (Cumann Fennelly Flynn na (Longford), Sean Cathal Pat (Wexford), Eamon Doyle Campion Seoige (Meath), Flynn (Carlow), (Offaly), Donal (Dublin) mBunscol), Hickey (Louth), Managemnet, Toner, Pat Wickham (Wexford), Paddy Thornton (Louth), Des Jim O'Dwyer Paddy (Meath), Burton Jim (Dublin), Roche (Wicklow), Management Sean ,(Westmeath) Sheridan, Chairman, Sheamus Howlin, (Longford), Vice-Chairman Martin (Kildare), Skelly, Treasurer, John McCarthy, (Kilkenny), Management, Walsh, Jimmy (Wicklow) Management, Martin (Kildare), Coleman, PRO, Walsh, JJ (Laois), CEO, Michael Delaney, (Wexford), Leinster Council Officers and Delegates in photographed January 2010 Back L-R 3rd Row L-R 3rd Row L-R 2nd Row L-R Front

16 Tuairisc an Rúnaí

A Cháirde, As we have recorded so often in the past the Leinster Hurling Championship belonged to Bliain eile caite agus arís is cúis áthais dom Kilkenny - only, this time, more than ever. For the tuairisc gearr a chur romhaimh faoi cúrsaí an first time in history teams from Kilkenny won Chúige i 2009. Cé nach raibh bliain iontach every Leinster Championship title available to againn, ba bhliain stairiúil i slí eile - Antroim them in the one season i.e. four inter county and agus Gaillimh ag glacadh páirt in ár Craobh the three inter club. Is it a healthy situation? - Iomáint Sinsir. not if you are trying to promote hurling in the Gabhaim comhghairdeas do na fóirne ón chúige rest of the Province! a bhuaigh ar an staitse náisiúnta - Cill Chainnigh in Iomáint Sinsir, Ceatharloch sa , An Football honours are a little better distributed. Mhí sa Nicky Rachard, Cill Chainnigh, Uibh Fháilí Nevertheless, when Dublin won their fifth agus Cill Dara sa Sraith Náisiúnta Iomána agus Leinster Senior Football title in a row it meant Kilmacud Crokes sa Club Peil Sinsir. that they had captured three of the four 2009 Leinster Inter County Football Championships. Táim fior bhuíoch d’oifigigh agus baill an Only Louth’s victory in the Junior Football Chomhairle agus do oifigigh na Conntaethe as Championship prevented a clean sweep. ucht a gcabhair liomsa agus don fhoireann anseo in Áras Laighean. Listed hereunder, for record purposes, are the winners and runners-up in our various 2009 Comh maith le feachaint siar ar an bliain atá competitions. caite tá orainn feachaint chuig an todhchaí freisin. Tá alán obair le déanamh againn i ngach páirt den chumann agus tá súil agam go mbeimid ROLL OF HONOUR go léir le chéile ar an mbóthar sin. PEIL BUATHOIRI NEASOIRI Mar sin, seo chugaibh mo smaointe ar 2009, mo thuairimí ar chúrsaí áirithe agus m’adharc ar an Sinsir Ath Cliath Cill Dara bhliain atá romhainn. Sóisir Lú Longphort Mionúir Ath Cliath Cill Dara INTER COUNTY Fé 21 Bliain Ath Cliath Laois CHAMPIONSHIPS Club Sinsir Portlaoise Garrycastle The 2009 Leinster Championships have been Club Idirmhéanach Maynooth Tubberclair adequately reported upon by sports journalists at many levels and recorded for posterity in the Club Sóisir Longwood St. Mochtas various County Yearbooks. Thus it only remains for me to record the winners names in our Corn Uí Bhroin Lú DCU archives and, perhaps, to refer to some Sciath Uí Bhroin Laois Ceatharloch outstanding highlights.

17 Kilkenny - Leinster U-21 Hurling Champions 2009 Back L-R: Shane Maher, Martin Phelan, Keith Hogan, David Lyng, Michael Walsh, Nicky Cleere, Colin McGrath, Martin Walsh, David Langton, John Joe Farrell, , , Colin Fennelly, Peter McCarthy. Front L-R: Richie Hogan, Thomas Breen, , Paddy Nolan, Eoin Murphy, James Nolan, , Lester Ryan, , Liam Ryan.

Dublin - Leinster U-21 Football Champions 2009 Back L-R: Barry O’Rourke, Dean Rock, Dean Kelly, Colm Murphy, Kevin Nolan, Hugh Gill, Paddy Andrews Front L-R: Rory O’Carroll, Paddy O’Connor, Colin Moore, Cian O’Sullivan (Capt.), Dominic McDonnell, Niall Brogan, Johnny Cooper. Missing from photo: Luke Sweetman.

18 IOMAINT BUATHOIRI NEASOIRI ACCIDENT Sinsir Cill Chainnigh Ath Cliath TOURNAMENT Sóisir Cill Chainnigh Loch Garman COMPETITIONS Mionúir Cill Chainnigh Loch Garman Sciath Mionúir Cill Dara Ceatharloch The winners of the 2009 Competitions were as follows: Fé 21 Bliain Cill Chainnigh Ath Cliath Fé 21 Bliain ‘A’ Cill Dara Ceatharloch S.H. Kilkenny Sóisir Sciath Lú Warwickshire Walsh Shield S.H. Dublin Club Sinsir Ballyhale Sh'ocks Tullamore S.H. Westmeath Club Idirmhéanach St. Lachtains Mt Leinster Rgrs Kehoe Shield S.H. Kildare Club Sóisir Blacks & Whites Nh Fionnbarra O’Byrne Cup S.F. Louth Club Sóisir Speis. St. Sylvesters Edenderry Corn Breathnach Cill Chainnigh Gaillimh O’Byrne Shield S.F. Laois

Sciath Breathnach Ath Cliath Uibh Fhaili At the time of writing the 2010 Competitions Corn Mac Eochaidh Iarmhi Ceatharloch are nearing the final stages - the programme was interrupted by the bad weather of early January. Sciath Mac Eochaidh Cill Dara Lu Club S.H. League GENERAL Div. 1 Dunnamaggin Ferns Once again the inclusion of Third Level Colleges in our Competitions was the source of much Div. 2 Askamore Belmont comment and controversy. Div. 3 Oulart the Ballagh Knockbridge Div. 4 Killurin Eire Og/ Counties cited the closed season (November/ Corra Choill December) and the introduction of experimental rules as reasons why they should have first call Div. 5 Ratoath Fr. Daltons on their players for these Competitions.

Similarly they were opposed to the idea of adding players to their panels for O’Byrne, Walsh CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS and Kehoe Cup and then having to discard them for the National Leagues. HURLING As I mentioned elsewhere, the Leinster 2009 The fact that some Colleges could field up to Club Championships were dominated by clubs two teams at different stages of the Competitions from Kilkenny. The Senior, Intermediate and did little to refute the arguments of stressed out Junior titles were won by Ballyhale Shamrocks, County Board Officers and Team Managements. St. Lachtains and Blacks & Whites respectively. Now is the time, when the arguments and real The Special Junior Club Hurling Competition situations are fresh in the minds, to carry out a was, this year, won by St. Sylvesters (Dublin). serious review of these Competitions. FOOTBALL In the ultra competitive world of club football our three championship grades were won by the County Champions of three different counties. Senior honours went to Portlaoise, Intermediate to Maynooth while our Junior Champions are Longwood of Meath.

19 Jason Corcoran, James Gannon, Cathal Kenny, Liam lacey, Luke Harney,, , Willie Phelan, John Power, Paul Holden, Martin Gaffney, Danny Kenny, Danny Kenny, Martin Paul Holden, Gaffney, John Willie Phelan, Power, Richie Doyle, Walsh, Luke Harney,Walter Liam lacey, James Cathal Gannon, Kenny, Jason Corcoran, Gahan Sean Pauric Phelan, Geoff Duggin, Brennan Walsh,Ian Ollie Alyward, Ger Canice Maher Sean (Capt), Kehoe, Cillain Cathal James Joe Buckley, English, Cassin, Lyng,

Kilkenny - Kilkenny Leinster Minor Hurling Hurling Champions 2009 Back L-R: L-R: Front

20 Wicklow - Kehoe Shield winners 2010 Back L-R: Seán McGrath, Craig Smullen, Paul Sutton, Peter Keane, Ger White, Jonathan O'Neill, Eoin O'Neill, Billy Cuddihy, Andy O'Brien, Ted Kennedy, Enan Glynn, Jim Connors, Joe Murphy, Mark Collins, Philip Dunne, Colm O'Neill, Ciaran Doyle, Neil Heffernan, T. J. Hennessy, Front Row: Jack Tanner, Leon Browne, Jeffrey Bermingham, Tony Kinsella, Keith Barnes, Willy Collins, Michael A. O'Neill, Tommy Doyle, John Connors, Chris Kavanagh, Seanie Kinsella, Ray Nolan, Nick Skelton, Nigel Driver, Christy Moorehouse.

Westmeath - Kehoe Cup winners 2010

21 addy Kelly Team Liaison (Meath), Richie Power Snr Selector (Kilkenny), Eddie Brennan (Kilkenny), Alan McCrabbe (Dublin), Jackie Tyrrell (Kilkenny), (Kilkenny), Tyrrell Alan Jackie McCrabbe (Dublin), Liaison RichieEddie Brennan Snr (Kilkenny), (Meath), Power Selector (Kilkenny), Team  addy Kelly Henry Martin ShefflinBrendan Donnelly Murtagh(Competition Sponsor), (Kilkenny), Hanniffy Rory (Westmeath), (Offaly), Diarmuid (Wexford), Lynn Joe Stephen (Offaly) (Dublin), Bergin Hiney (Offaly), P Michael Captain Jacob (Kilkenny), JJ Delaney, (Kilkenny), Aidan Fogarty David O'Callaghan (Dublin), (Offaly), (Kilkenny), Walsh Tommy Stephen (Kilkenny PJ Clynch (Meath), Ryan (Offaly), MichaelDavid Franks (Dublin), Rice Colin Farrell (Kilkenny), (Wexford), The The Leinster Hurling squad which defeated in Hurling the Abu Championship M.Donnelly Dhabi Inter-provincial in 2009 Back L-R Front L-R Front Whelehan Selector (Offaly) Brian Absent John from (Wexford), photo: Conran

22 Leinster captain JJ Delaney introduces the local dignitaries to the Leinster players under the watchful eye of Uachtarán Christy Cooney M. DONNELLY INTERPROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2009 Our Provincial teams had very contrasting settings for their games in the 2009 Inter Provincial Championships. The footballers played in a cold, wet and windy Crossmaglen in the depths of Winter. Incidentally they lost, narrowly, to Ulster in this Semi Final. The fact that we fielded a couple of players yet to play Senior Championship with their counties must surely confirm that this Competition is no longer high on the priority list of County Senior Footballers. In sharp contrast the Leinster hurlers lined out in glorious weather, at a venue not famous for hosting hurling games viz., Abu Dhabi. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Etihad Airways our party had the experience of a lifetime. Adding further Cathaoirleach Comhairle Laighean, pleasure to the trip was the fact that we defeated Sheamus Howlin swinging in style Connacht in the game and so retained out title of under the Abu Dhabi sun! Inter Provincial Hurling Champions.

Leinster captain, JJ Delaney, taking part in the Poc Fada on the beach in Abu Dhabi

23 GALWAY AND ANTRIM fallout about the whole relegation issue was unfortunate at the time but, in a strange way, it Many events and happenings are loosely probably contributed greatly to the overall described as historic both in the GAA and the structure of the Senior Hurling Championship world at large. However we had a truly historic being reviewed in greater depth than might happening in Leinster GAA circles in 2009 with otherwise have happened. the participation of Antrim and Galway in our Senior Hurling Championship for the first time. Both counties proved to be excellent guests in It was a leap into the dark by both them and us our Province. I want to thank sincerely, the two and my first impression is that it was beneficial County Committees for their co-operation and to all sides. courtesy in all our dealings with them. Likewise I would pay tribute to their supporters for Galway, certainly, added a whole new dimension turning out in great numbers for these games. to our Senior Hurling Championship. Their game with Kilkenny, on a glorious June evening in While we welcome them again for the next two Tullamore, was surely one of the games of the years I can assure both that our counties will be year. While Antrim’s game with Dublin was more determined than ever to try preventing somewhat more low key it certainly also added them from winning the title. They would not, I’m to the status of the Championship. The later sure, expect it to be any different.

Antrim representatives photographed with the Bob O'Keeffe Cup at the Leinster GAA 2009 Championships Launch at Áras Laighean, Portlaoise, L-R: Aidan Mahon, Guinness and Beatrice Cosgrove, ETIHAD Airways (Sponsors). Dominic McKinley (Joint Manager), Sheamus Howlin, Cathaoirleach, Comhairle Laighean. Neil McGarry (Capt) and Frank Smith (Hurling Rep).

Galway representatives photographed with the Bob O'Keeffe Cup at the Leinster GAA 2009 Championships Launch at Aras Laighean, Portlaoise, L-R: Paul Byrnes, Editor, Sunday Game. John Moylan (Selector), (Capt) and John Fahy, (Hurling Secretary). 24 100 YEARS OF LEINSTER Down the years, the Leinster Colleges Council was serviced by the the Secretary of the COLLEGES Provincial Council. The Vocational Schools Council was serviced by its own voluntary The year 2010 marks the Centenary of the officers. Leinster Colleges GAA Council. The Council was formed at a meeting of Colleges Representatives, During the term of office of Jimmy Gray, as held in the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin, November Leinster Council Chairman, the Vocational 26th 1910. Schools applied to the Leinster Council for the appointment of a Servicing Officer. This led to The following Colleges were present at this one of the most significant decisions at any level meeting: St. Kierans College, Kilkenny; U.C.D.; of the Association by the aforementioned Mr. College of Science, Dublin; Trinity College; Gray. Instead of appointing a Servicing Officer Knockbeg College; St. Enda’s, Rathfarnham; St. for Vocational Schools he initiated - through Patrick’s Training College, Drumcondra; protracted and delicate negotiations - the Agricultural College, and Marlborough amalgamation of Leinster Colleges and Leinster Training College. Letters of support were read to Vocational Schools into one body known as the meeting from St. Josephs College, Roscrea; Comhairle Iarbhunscoileanna Laighean. Clondalkin College; St. Peters College, Wexford; Good Counsel College, New Ross; and Dominican The first Chairman of this new body was Albert College, Newbridge. Fallon (Longford) while the Leinster Council then appointed a fulltime Servicing Officer to this This meeting decided to introduce Senior and sector. That first appointee was a Leitrim native Junior Championships in hurling and football working in Portlaoise C.B.S. - Michael Reynolds. (entrance fee of 5 shillings per team) - the Junior Championships to be open to students under 18 Those significant decisions of 100 years ago, and years of age on following June 1st and Senior 50 years ago, have seen an unbelievable growth Championships to be opened with restrictions to of in second level schools in all members of Colleges (students and staff). Leinster. Many, many teachers have contributed, in a volunteer capacity, to this growth down the The following Officers were elected at this years and we owe them a great debt of gratitude. inaugural meeting: Chairman, Very Revd. John Doody, President, St. Kierans College, Kilkenny; Recent decisions - outside of GAA circles - have Vice-Chairman, Padraic Pearse, B.A., B.S., Principal, put enormous pressure on schools to keep up St. Enda’s College, Rathfarnham; Hon. Secretary their commitment to the promotion of gaelic and Treasurer, Mr. D.P. Burke M.A., Dublin. games but they are a resilient bunch. I have great faith that, with the help, encouragement and Vocational Schools co-operation of the parent Association our In the early / mid fifties some Vocational Schools games will continue to flourish in this vital bodies began to organise inter-county football sector. competitions. Eventually in 1960 - fifty years after the founding of the Colleges Councils - Cumann Luthchelas Gael na nGairmscoileanna was officially established and Provincial Councils were formed. The first Officers of the Leinster Vocational Schools Council were:

Chairman M. Finn Longford Vice Chairman D. O'Carroll Offaly Secretary Kieran Hunt Westmeath Treasurer P. Bunse Longford

25 Craig Rogers, Paul Cahillane, Kieran Lillis, Brian McCormack, Peter McNulty, Colm Byrne, Aidan Fennelly, Malachy McNulty, Brian Smith, Paul Cotter, Brian Seale, Ricky Brian Seale, Maher Paul Cotter, Brian Smith, Malachy McNulty, Aidan Fennelly, Colm Byrne, Peter McNulty, Brian McCormack, Kieran Lillis, Paul Cahillane, Craig Rogers, Shane McManus, Cahir Healy, Stuart Nerney, Mark Kavanagh, Brian Glynn, Adrian Kelly, Barry Fitzgerald, Eoin Bland, Brian Mulligan, Conor Boyle, Jack Fennell, Jack Fennell, Conor Boyle, Brian Mulligan, Bland, Eoin Barry Fitzgerald, Kelly, Adrian Brian Glynn, Mark Kavanagh, Stuart Nerney, Shane Cahir McManus, Healy, Michael Nolan. Paul Cotter, Danny O'Shea, Fitzpatrick, Kevin Christopher Higgins,

Portlaoise - Leinster Senior Club Champions Football 2009 Back L-R: L-R: Front

26 PLAYERS INJURY SCHEME LEINSTER STRATEGIC It is with no little concern that we continue to VISION AND ACTION PLAN hear that the Players Injury Scheme is, yet again, coming under pressure to survive. This has been The National Plan is up and running. A number of a trend in recent years. our counties have launched their plans and many more are in the pipeline. Next up will be People of the Association seem to forget, at the Leinster Council Strategic Plan which is times, or certainly don’t seem to understand scheduled to be launched in the next few weeks. that this is our own Scheme. We fund it, we administer it and, ultimately, we alone can This plan will be the culmination of months of damage it. focus groups meetings, consultations and deliberations. It will cover all the main themes Proposals have been put forward to tweak the outlined in the National Plan but it will also Scheme and, if implemented, will certainly help. address some other topics which are specific to However the biggest changes must come at Leinster. Likewise it will target a number of areas ground level - in other words, in the Clubs and where it will be necessary to make representations in the Counties. There is no doubt but that a to have rules changed at National Level and number of spurious claims are being presented changed practices adopted and supported by Ard and many of these get through the system. I am Chomhairle and PCT. very aware that I am treading on thin ice here but it’s time some hard calls were made on this This Plan is vital to the immediate and long term matter. Why do some Clubs seem to have good health of the GAA in Leinster. It is basic, players much more prone to injury than others? realistic, user friendly and accountable. It will Is it the training regime or creative form filling? plot the Leinster Council’s pathway in dealing Are all injuries incurred in the pursuit of hurling with its own provincial business while, at the and activities? Why do our players same time, ensure a support mechanism for the seem to have so little personal accident cover? County Committees and Clubs in the Province. The questions can go on and on. County and Club Officers must stand up and be counted in Devising and launching a Plan is one thing - this area. implementing it is a far more serious challenge. Consequently the plan, outlining the initiatives, Many things make us different from other will also clearly indicate who or which body is Associations - the care for our players through responsible for seeing they are implemented. the Players Injury Scheme is one outstanding Plans such as this have a chequered history in difference. We must protect this scheme. The Leinster and other places. The challenge, fact that it is, to some degree, self-policing may therefore, for us all is to make every effort to see be a weakness so that aspect may have to be that the Leinster Strategic Plan is put in place, examined. explained thoroughly, approached realistically I am aware that the National Workgroup is and implemented to the very best of our abilities. determined to protect the Players Injury Scheme. They cannot do this on their own. My appeal, In the Sub-Committees section of this therefore, is to the County Officers of Leinster to publication, some of our Leinster strategic show due diligence in ensuring that abuses are targets, relevant to the subcommittees, are stamped out in their counties. We must confirm outlined at the end of their reports. our ownership of the scheme and, in doing so, confirm that we really do care for the welfare of all of our players.

27 David Devenney, Declan Byrne, Eamon Carroll, Richie Brennan, Gareth Moran, , Sean Connor, Sean Connolly, Dean Matthews, Colin Goss (Capt.), James Fagan, Colin Goss James Dean (Capt.), Fagan, Matthews, Sean Connolly, Sean Connor, Moran, Kevin Gareth RichieMoran, Declan Eamon Brennan, Byrne, Carroll, David Devenney, Cian Matthews. Reilly, Wayne David Delaney. Rogers, Kevin Niall Conlon, JJ Hugh McGinn, Quigley, Conor Rafferty, , Shane Brennan, Nicky Peter Jason Nixon, Mackin, Clarke,

Louth - Leinster Champions Junior Football 2009 Back L-R: L-R: Front

28 BRIDGING THE GAP The most recent - still ongoing - controversy to get the headlines is the role of fulltime Some people claim it is a strength of our coaches as it pertains to Club and County. Association, others would say that it is our Perhaps by Convention time there will be another greatest weakness. I am referring to the constant subject, or two, which leads to a stand-off signs of disconnect between the different levels between the two blocks! of units in the GAA. For the purpose of this piece I am logging Club and County at one level and After this preamble you might reasonably expect Province / Central Council at another. Many that I would offer opinions on the various would argue that there are four distinct levels arguments. Come on - my middle name is not and that there is a serious divide between all Solomon! Anyway, I would be deemed to be four. Indeed if you count in players and the firmily entrenched in one of the groupings. paying public you could probably argue that However, I am glad to say that the Leinster there are six distinct layers in the GAA. However, Council has some proposals on how to bridge all that is for another place and another time the gap which seems to exist between the because I merely want to concentrate on the parties. apparent differences, and betimes the unseemly Firstly, as part of our Strategic Plan, we have spats, between Club / County and Province / decided to form an advisory group comprising National bodies. the twelve County Chairmen of the day. This Of course it has to be said at the outset that this group will be a sub-committee of our is not a new phenomenon. Many will recall the Management Committee. It is envisaged that robust debates on The Ban, Rule 23, etc. they will appraise the Leinster Council of the real Entrenched positions were adopted and the situations on the ground. The Council, in turn, exchanges, at times, were less than gentlemanly! will act on this information, where relevant at Eventually compromises were reached and provincial level, or convey the message up the decisions made - we all moved on to the next line to Central Council. On the other hand, it is issue. expected that the County Chairmen will bring back the messages on policy and other decisions, When looking back on 2009, I was struck by the to their County Board and Clubs, from the number of topics on which the two levels I Provincial and Central Councils. referred to appeared to be at loggerheads with each other. There appeared to be a monthly item Also included in our Strategic Plan is a proposal on which the diverse opinions were publicised that the senior fulltime Leinster Council Staff through some vehicle or other of the media. will hold regular meetings with the County Secretaries of the Province. Information and I recall vividly the heated exchanges on items ideas shared at these meetings should also be such as: beneficial to all concerned. (a) The closed season These proposals, and a few more in the Strategic (b) The GPA Plan, should go some way to narrowing the divide that seems to exist at the moment. May I (c) Pitch invasions after games stress that none of these plans are an attempt to (d) Championship format (remember the interfere with the democratic process in the arguments about relegation in the Senior Association. Rather, they should prove to be a Hurling Championship?) mechanism for educating the process. I look forward to their implementation. (e) Introduction of experimental rules (f) National League draws (g) Infrastructure policy (h) Fixtures scheduling and (i) Ticket allocation

29 Maynooth - Leinster Intermediate Club Football Champions 2009 Back L-R: Philip McCarron, Aidan Corkery, Brendan Broderick,Kevin Clarke, Mark Donnellan, David Comerford, Colin O'Neill, Damian O'Neill, Niall Naughton, Karl , Francis Farrell, Cillian Carr (Capt), Derek Fleming, Conor Canning, Niall Byrne, Hugh Purcell Front L-R: Pierre Ennis, John Comerford, Fergal Molloy, Paddy Comeford, Peter Warren, Adam Gunn, Micheal Fahey, Micheal Bennett, Sean Kennedy, . Mascot Ian Kelly.

St. Lachtain's - Leinster Intermediate Hurling Club Champions 2009 Back L-R: J. Fitzpatrick, M.McCarthy (Manager), T. Delaney, M. Hickey, L. Kennedy, M. Farrell, J. Kavanagh, J.P. Kavanagh, J. Delaney, N. Phelan, D. Brennan, P. Costelloe, J. Marnell, J. Costelloe, B. Beckett, N. McGree, S. Hayes, J. Costelloe, G. O’Reilly, M. Kavanagh, M. Cormack, J. Meagher, R. Costelloe, G. Ryan (Trainer/Coach). Front L-R: M. Power, B. Dalton, P. Mullan, P. Dermody, D. Deegan, T. Flynn, B. Hughes, P. Guinan, E. Guinan (capt.), R. Dowling, J. Fitzpatrick, N. Hickey, G. Dalton, M. Kavanagh, O. O’Connor, B. Kennedy, D. Martin (Selector).

St. Sylvester's - Leinster Special Junior Hurling Club Champions 2009

30 POINTS OF ORDER within our capabilities but we need all our players to be hitting the ball in the same Each playing season throws up its quota of direction. controversies, misunderstandings, sharp practices, causes for concern and poor judgment. This applies to both sides of the fence - those B. Movement of Players involved in playing and fostering our games and those involved in administering them. The season Down the years there has been movement of under review was no different. For obvious players from weak clubs to strong clubs and even reasons, I will reserve comment to such from weak counties to strong counties. Generally happenings in Leinster. speaking this was brought about by the personal ambition of individual players to play at a higher level and, so, challenge themselves to reach A. Infrastructure Matters higher levels of achievement. Occasionally, of course, the movement was encouraged by the When Croke Park was opened up to Rugby and stronger club or county in an effort to give them Soccer Internationals there was a windfall of the edge in their respective competitions. cash for the GAA. Coupled with this was generous lottery funding available to Clubs and County Nowadays, however, this trickle has become a Boards. In the prevailing economic boom there torrent. It’s happening within counties but was a sense then that we could change the because of local bye laws and / or strong whole infrastructural face of the Association. leadership it can be curtailed. Most worrying Plans were drawn up for an array of new playing though is the trafficking of promising players facilities and we in Leinster were to the forefront from clubs in one county to clubs in another in making these plans. county. This is becoming rampant in Leinster and must be a cause of great concern among county Then came the economic downturn. The lottery officials. funding dried up. Sponsorship dried up. We reached the end of the lucrative internationals in Rumours of inducements such as jobs or Croke Park. Result - our National Management accommodation abound but, of course, can Committee, wisely, ordered a review of all our never be proven. The suffering clubs, planned projects. This was carried out by the understandably in the present economic climate, NISC and resulted in new guidelines being set are reluctant to rock the boat. That, though, does down for all projects. Some of our units found not make the practice acceptable. this difficult to accept but the Leinster Council I do not have a solution to the problem but I do decided that it would abide by the new policy know that, unless it is addressed soon it will guidelines. become epidemic. Our smaller, weaker clubs are As we set out on a new season we find that entitled to expect leadership and protection in Leinster trails distantly behind the other this issue. I would welcome the views of county provinces in project development. Our share of officers gathered for our Convention. the funding is still ring-fenced but our perseverance with petty squabbles means that we are very slow to avail of it. C. Disciplinary Actions It’s now time for us in Leinster to kick on with In a season when Congress decided against necessary and feasible development. We can do implementing new disciplinary proposals, we this and still abide by the new national guidelines. were pleased to note that incidents were Many of our counties have projects in mind and minimal. However, as were about to allude to they will soon join the queue for finance. They this fact, in this report, we were hit with the will need our guidance and direction. This means unseemly fracas that was the O’Byrne Cup game that Leinster must devise a structured between Laois and Kildare. Seven players ordered development plan which must address necessity, off - headlines of predictable nature - blame financial viability, value for money and ability of - suspensions - fines - recriminations. When our counties to sustain the projects. All this is the dust settled it seemed that everybody was

31 Niall McCormack, , Mark Dowling, Liam Heffernan, Colin Herity, Canice Hickey, (Capt.), Kenny Moore, William Hughes, William Hughes, Moore, Kenny Noel (Capt.), Hickey Canice Hickey, Colin Herity, Mark Liam Dowling, Heffernan, David Herity, Niall McCormack, Michael Richard O'Shea. O'Neill, , Mark Heffernan, John Hickey, , Seaghain O'Neill, Aidan Donovan, Noel Lahart, Sean Connery, J J Dunphy, Andrew Hickey, Hickey, Andrew J J Dunphy, Noel Sean Lahart, Connery, Aidan Donovan, Seaghain O'Neill, Maher, Tommy John Mark Hickey, Heffernan, Kieran Bergin, Brian O'Shea,Brendan Moore

Dunamaggin - Leinster Club Hurling League Division 1 Champions 2009 Back L-R: L-R: Front

32 to blame except the players on the pitch. If any provision of separate League Competitions for players were to blame it certainly was not those those counties involved in the Nicky Rackard ordered off by the referee. and Lory Meaghar Cup Competitions. I don’t want to labour this case as it has already I honestly think we must seriously examine our received adequate notoriety. However, instead Inter County competitions schedule. While of blaming the referee, the CCC, the Leinster competitions are there counties will enter them, Hearings Committee, the Leinster Council etc. irrespective of the cost. We must address the wouldn’t it have been a pleasant change if the ways and means of preventing these counties two team managers and their County Boards from heading for the realms of insolvency. had come out in the aftermath of the game and apologised for the indiscipline of their players? Yes, I know this does not happen in the GAA but E. Rules And Their Interpretations why cannot somebody be the first to do it? It A former Chairman of Comhairle Laighean, and might not lessen the sanctions but it would indeed a former President of the GAA, always show a great sense of responsibility. Am I naïve argued that the GAA Rule Book was known as to hope that, next time round, the small headlines the Official Guide for a good reason. It was so might contain an apology either from a Player, named, he claimed, so that units of the Team Manager or County Board Officer? Association could use common sense, or good judgment, in interpreting and applying rules that are either ambiguous or lacking in clarity. He D. Cost of Inter County Teams also claimed that it gave bodies, like Provincial Councils, the latitude to allow local arrangements Each year most counties in the province provide if they were deemed to be for the overall good us with a copy of their Annual Accounts. It is either of players or the games. clear from the vast majority of these publications that our County Boards are finding it increasingly In Leinster we, historically, have allowed local difficult to make ends meet. We note reductions arrangements involving county boundaries. in sponsorship money and supporters club Among these was a concession of allowing an contributions, fundraising activities are isolated player in a county play either hurling or decreasing in return, local gate receipts are football with a club a neighbouring county while static, costs are rising and reserves are continuing to play the other code with his home diminishing. Jumping off the pages is the fact club. Unfortunately, one of our counties saw fit that inter-county teams are proving to be a to contest this arrangement this year and, financial millstone. because it fell outside the realms of a strict interpretation of the Rule Book, it can no longer We know that County Boards nowadays make be allowed. Unfortunate! serious efforts at budgeting and, for the most part, our counties in Leinster practise good Despite trojan efforts to tidy up our Rules we husbandry. Yet the role of County Treasurer is came upon two anomalies in recent times. becoming an increasingly stressful one. Firstly, in the first round of O’Byrne Cup two players – in separate games – were ordered off I accept that County Teams must be prepared on straight red cards for similar offences. On the properly, treated properly and turned out in an following Wednesday one of them was eligible appropriate fashion. This costs money and there to play in the while the other one are no shortcuts. was not. The second situation happened in the This brings me to an old hobby horse of mine. In Walsh Cup where in Round I a disciplinary case my opinion the only solution is to reduce inter had to be dealt with by the National CCCC. On county activity. For many years I have questioned the following weekend, in the same competition, the value of Junior and Intermediate County a disciplinary case involving the same team had Championships, Special Competitions, Shield to be dealt with by Leinster CCC. Surely it does Competitions and even the Under 21 grade. To not make sense to have two different disciplinary this mix I would now add my reservations about bodies dealing with the same competition. the value of the Qualifier Competitions and the Doctors differ etc.

33 Ryan Cup SF for Thomond College to Portarlington to play a HALL OF FAME Leinster Club SFC game for Portlaoise. Next day he palyed an NHL game against Galway in Salthill and rushed home to play AWARDS in the county basketball final. Pat is now involved in in coaching with Laois and Leinster GAA. 2009 A brilliant Sportsman, a true gentleman on and off the field, the author of “Hungry Hill”, and a worthy recipient of the Leinster Presented at the Hurling Hall of Fame. and Football Finals PEIL - Frank Lynch (Louth) Frank’s involvement with Louth GAA began at the age of 17 IOMÁINT - (Laois) when, in 1956, he first lined out for the county’s senior football team. In 1957 he was part of the victorious Louth All- One Life, Three Sports - Pat Critchley played football, basketball Ireland winning team which defeated . Over 14 seasons of and music. He also wrote a book, but he will be best inter-county action he never missed a championship match, remembered by most GAA followers as a true son of Laois playing his final game in June 1970 against Kildare - a total of Hurling. 115 competitive appearances.He played in 11 of the 14 Pat played on the last great Laois Hurling team of the 80’s, who outfield positions and captured a leinster medal in 1960 and an reached the Centenary Cup Final against Cork and who bridged O’brne cup medal in 1963. He won 2 Railway Cup medals with a 43-year gap to reach the Leinster Final in 1985. Pat made the Leinster and was awarded a Gael LinnAll-Star in 1964. midfield berth his own and he gave an outstanding display Retiring as a senior county player, Frank took on the against Wexford in the Semi-final, but had to give way to a management of the county U21 team and brought them to rampant Offaly in the provincial decider. Leinster honours. In 1975 Frank was elected Chairman of the Pat’s hurling ability was recognised that same year when he was GAA’s National Coaching Committee, where he revitalised the selected as Laois’ first and, to date, only Hurling All-Star, keeping national coaching structure that was successfully adopted by company with such greats as Cork’s , Pat Delaney of many counties, particularly in Ulster. He was elected , Tipp player Nickey English, Galway duo Brendan Lynskey Board Chairman in 1977 and again took over thw management and Sylvie Linnane and Kilkenny’s Liam Fennelly. He was also of the county U21 team. awarded the then coveted B&I Award and selected for the Senior Team management followed, with an O’Byrne Cup final Leinster Inter-provincial Team. victory over Dublin in 1980, and while still managing the In football Pat played for the Laois Minors and U-21s and for seniors he achieved a Leinster U21 Leinster title defeating the County Seniors for one season. With his club Portlaoise he Longford in the final. He returned to senior team management won eight county senior football titles, five county ‘doubles’ in in 1988, gaining League promotion and another O’Byrne cup football and hurloing, three Leinster club medals and in 1983 title for the Wee county. haveing defeated Kickhams in the leinster Final, went In all Frank managed Louth Seniors for a record 7 seasons and on to take an all-ireland club football medal in their victory 79 competitive games. Frank also gave sterling service to hi over Roscommon’s Clan na nGael. Pat’s last county final outing club, Geraldines, helping them to capture junior honours in was in 1993 against arch rivals Camross. 1966. Frank has also been a consistent and generous benefactor Pat spent some time coaching at club and county levels, of under-age football in Louth. including the Laois senior hurlers, James Stephens of Kilkenny, Frank Lynch has been a true servant to the GAA in General and Laois ladies’ Footballers and the local Presentation Convent Louth GAA in particular and a worthy recipient of the Leinster basketball team. Hall of Fame Award. His level of commitment to and involvement in sport can be measurd by one 48 hour period in 1981 when he went from a

Cathaoirleach Comhairle Laighean Seamus Howlin presents Pat Frank Lynch of Louth receives his Leinster Hall of Fame Award Critchley of Laois with his Leinster Hall of Fame Award before from Seamus Howlin, Cathaoirleach Comhairle Laighean, the Leinster Senior Hurling Final at Headquarters last July. prior to the Leinster SFC Final at Croke Park in July 2009.

34 This programme will be a valuable source of interesting material in future years.

COMHAIRLE LAIGHEAN CLUB WEBSITE AWARD 2009

www.parkratheniskagaa.com Brian Ramsbottom and David Kelly of Park Ratheniska GAA Club in Laois

Excellent example of a comprehensive, user friendly club website, easy to navigate, full of good material. COMHAIRLE LAIGHEAN Club pride really shows through in every section. AWARDS 2009 Everything is up to date - fixtures and results. Brilliant Video and Photo Gallery section presents COMHAIRLE LAIGHEAN COUNTY FINAL the information in an easy, attractive manner. PROGRAMME AWARD 2009 Wonderful use of the social networking sites, YouTube and Facebook to carry video and other 2009 Meath Senior Football info about the club. Very good links section. Extensive archive material - the local heroes Championship Final Programme section is particularly fascinating. Brendan Cummins, Meath Great example of what can be achieved by Former winner of the Comhairle Laighean Award in dedicated volunteer members in a vibrant rural 2006. Consistent producer of quality programmes. club.

Excellent use of archive material to promote the 125 year of celebration. 125 theme carried throughout the publication. Quality production, bright, colourful, user friendly. Full of statistics, interesting articles and great photographs Including a photo record of Meath’s footballing year.

Extract from the Leinster Strategic Vision and Action Plan • Expand the existing recognition and award programmes to recognise effort and success, and to motivate suitable volunteers to advance in the association

Seamus Howlin, Cathaoirleach, Comhairle Laighean, presents Seamus Howlin, Cathaoirleach, Comhairle Laighean, presents Brendan Cummins of Meath with the Comhairle Laighean Award David Kelly and Brian Romsbottom, Park Ratheniska GAA Club for Best County Final Programme 2009 with J.J. Walsh, PRO Website Administrators, with the Comhairle Laighean Award Leinster GAA. for Best Club Website 2009 with J.J. Walsh, PRO Leinster GAA.

35 Derek Brennan, Martin Boran, Paul Murphy, Conor Fogarty, Peter O’ Donovan, Tom Brophy, Martin Phelan, Eoin Guinan, John Martin Guinan, Joe Eoin Farrell. Phelan, Brophy, Tom Donovan, Peter O’ Conor Fogarty, Paul Murphy, Martin Derek Brennan, Boran, Nicky Cleere, Tony Woodcock, Ray Cody, Brian Lennon, John Cotteral, Eoin Kavanagh, Eddie Brennan. Kavanagh, Eoin John Brian Lennon, Cotteral, Ray Cody, Woodcock, Tony Nicky Cleere, Eddie Hickey, Rob O’ Keeffe, Garett Hickey, J.J. Kenny, Gavin Nolan, Michael Murphy, Michael Moran. Michael Gavin Nolan, Murphy, Kenny, J.J. Garett Hickey, Keeffe, O’ Rob Eddie Hickey,

Front L-R: Front Kilkenny - Kilkenny Leinster Intermediate Hurling Champions 2009 Back L-R: Middle L-R:

36 SYMPATHY A number of former members of our Council, former players and referees, and some former County Board Officers died in the year gone by. Similarly, a number of close family friends of our present Council also passed away. On behalf of the Leinster Council I extend sympathy to the families of the bereaved and a novena of masses has been offered for their intentions.

‘Go ndeana Dia trocaire ar a nanamacha.’

RETIRING MEMBERS The five year rule, as it is known, will have its first major impact on Comhairle Laighean after this year’s Convention. Almost half the outgoing Council members will end their membership of the Provincial body at this time. JOHN McCARTHY Our Treasurer, John McCarthy, completes his This turnover of membership will have a serious term of office at this year’s Convention. He can impact on the make up of our Sub-Committees. leave in the knowledge that he made a major Hopefully the changeover will not have a contribution to the administration of Comhairle negative impact on our administrative set up. I Laighean C.L.G. over the last three years. know many of the new members will bring a wealth of experience with them while I’m sure While always retaining a soft spot for his native the other newcomers will bring their own Tipperary, John was a constructive and effective strengths to the Council. delegate for Kildare before he stepped up to the finance portfolio three years ago. Apart from his I want to pay tribute to the retiring members, all diligence in the boardroom, and at match venues, of whom made a major contribution to the John also did a great job as host at various efficient workings of Leinster Council. We wish functions. He was also known to warble a song them well in whatever roles they take up, in the or two on such occasions. future, in the Association. On a personal note I would like to thank John for his assistance and courtesy to myself and the staff at Áras Laighean.

37 BUÍOCHAS However, I can categorically state that the It is a pleasant duty, at the end of every Annual Leinster Council is only as good as its Sub- Report, to record my own personal thanks - and Committees. It is a credit to them, therefore, that of Leinster Council – to the many individuals, that this Council is held in relatively high esteem units and teams who served us faithfully through throughout the GAA. the last twelve months. All are vital to our operation though, at times, the contribution of County Committees some may be unseen. To them all I extend the Despite some individual differences of opinion, Council’s gratitude. with one or two counties, we continue to get outstanding assistance and co-operation from Players our County Committees. We are dependent on Thankfully matters have been satisfactorily them to spread our gospel, and to collect our resolved between the GPA and the overall dues, while we like to think that we, in turn, Association. Hopefully all the news from this deliver a satisfactory service to them. In area will be positive in the future. particular I want to thank the twelve County Secretaries for their continued friendship, help However it is to the wider body of players that I and assistance above and beyond their calls of want to pay tribute in this piece. It is the duty. As mentioned elsewhere, we hope to underage, the Junior ‘B’, the lads who never make develop our working relationship to a greater County Squads, the diligent Club players - these degree in the year ahead. are the people who make the GAA what it is today. I thank them for their enthusiasm and Ard Chomhairle / dedication and promise them that we will Pairc an Chrocaigh Teo continue to strive towards a regular diet of I want to thank, most sincerely, Paraic Duffy and games, in reasonably goon playing conditions Peter McKenna, and their respective teams, for and under rules which are applied consistently. another year’s assistance, advice and general co-operation. It is always comforting to know Referees and Match Officials that there are sources of help at all times at the If players are the most vital element of our top our Association. Association, then the Referees and Match Officials are a close second. With the ever Media increasing programme of games at Provincial Our games in Leinster got more than their fair level we require more referees and match share of coverage in 2009 and for this I thank the officials than ever. In Leinster we are lucky to local and national radio correspondents, the have a great bunch of dedicated whistlers. television presenters and pundits and the writers Everybody is available to do the big match on in the national and provincial press. Likewise, Sundays but it is those who referee schools they presented a balanced - if at times critical games, midweek club league games and - view of our off the field workings. We look numerous other run of the mill games who forward to more of the same for the next twelve deserve most credit. months.

With these, I want to couple my thanks to the Schools Development Officers Assessors, Appointments Committee and Tutors. In increasingly difficult circumstances our games They all play a huge part in this vital part of our continue to flourish at all levels of our educational Association. institutions. Much credit is due to the voluntary work of teachers and the goodwill of principals Sub Committees and Boards of Management. In the second half of this booklet you can get an overall view of the amount of behind the scenes We have a very efficient team who co-ordinate work being done by our Sub-Committees. It all these activities and I thank them sincerely for rarely gets headlines except perhaps the their input. occasional controversial disciplinary decision.

38 Voluntary Officials / Workers Staff We are blessed in Leinster will a solid coterie of Our staff in the field continue to serve as well. voluntary workers. Many of these are in The role of Games Managers, Coaches and officerships at Club and County level while many Development Officers is more taxing than ever more carry out duties as event managers, so I thank them for their efforts. mentors, safety officers, stilesmen, stewards etc. At all times we must maintain an ethos in the To the team in Áras Laighean I say a sincere ‘well Association which encourages these people to done’ for another year’s diligent application to remain on our side. In the meantime I once again their duties. A special word of congratulations to thank them for their contribution and their our colleague Hannah who gave birth to the first loyalty. ever Áras Laighean baby during the year.

Officers / Rath Dé Oraibh go Léir Comhairle Laighean Members To the Council Officers, led by our Cathaoirleach Micheál Ó Dubhshláine Sheamus Ó hÚilin and the Council members I say well done on a fine year’s work. As stated previously, many members will bid farewell to us at this Convention. Our thanks to them for their contributions and our welcome to our new members.

Leinster GAA Officers 2009 Back L-R: Martin Skelly, Leas-Cathaoirleach, John McCarthy, Cisteoir, J.J. Walsh O.C.P. Front L-R: Seamus Howlin, Cathaoirleach. Michael Delaney, Rúnaí.

39 HURLING As part of the GAA 125 celebrations in 2009, Leinster GAA selected thirty players, Hurlers and Footballers, from the province, who have achieved greatness in their respective codes damien during the quarter century since the fitzhenry 1984 Centenary Year. DUFFRY ROVERS WEXFORD

michael noel martin kavanagh hickey hanamy ST. LACHTAIN’S DUNNAMAGGIN ST. RYNAGH’S KILKENNY KILKENNY OFFALY

brian liam j.j. whelehan dunne delaney BIRR OULART-THE-BALLAGH FENIANS OFFALY WEXFORD KILKENNY

george joachim o’connor kelly ST. MARTIN’S WEXFORD OFFALY

johnny henry tommy dooley shefflin walsh SEIR KIERAN BALLYHALE SHAMROCKS TULLAROAN OFFALY KILKENNY KILKENNY

eddie d.j. joe brennan carey dooley GRAIGUE BALLYCALLAN YOUNG SEIR KIERAN KILKENNY KILKENNY OFFALY

40 FOOTBALL Here are featured the players who were selected as outstanding proponents of their art and worthy recipients of the unique accolade of Leinster Team 25 members. john o’leary O’DWYER’S DUBLIN

robbie darren john o’malley fay keane ST. COLMCILLE’S TRIM ROSEMOUNT MEATH MEATH WESTMEATH

paul glenn martin curran ryan o’connell THOMAS DAVIS ROUND TOWERS ST. MICHAEL’S DUBLIN KILDARE MEATH

ciaran john whelan mcdermott RAHENY SKRYNE DUBLIN MEATH

barney trevor paul rock giles barden BALLYMUN KICKHAMS SKRYNE CLONGUISH DUBLIN MEATH LONGFORD

Pantone Ref:

- Amber (116c)

- Green (355c)

- Black

- Royal (Reflex Blue)

- Red (485c) colm kevin mattie o’rourke o’brien WICKLOW CREST forde SKRYNE BALTINGLASS KILANERIN MEATH WICKLOW WEXFORD

41

Shane Redmond, Carlow; James Mulrooney, Offaly; Paul Hudson, Dublin; Gerard Dennigan, Longford; , Wexford; Andrew Darmody, Westmeath; Westmeath; Darmody, Andrew Wexford; Paul Morris, Longford; Dennigan, Gerard Dublin; Paul Hudson, Offaly; James Mulrooney, Carlow; Shane Redmond, Eanna Kildare. O'Neill, Carlow; Des Shaw, Alan McAndrew, Kildare; Niamh Reid, Louth; Kevin Farrell, Longford; Siobhan Hurley, Kildare; P.J. Ryan, Kilkenny; Amy McGuinness, Dublin; Conor Dublin; Amy McGuinness, Kilkenny; Ryan, P.J. Kildare; Siobhan Hurley, Longford; Farrell, Kevin Louth; Niamh Reid, Kildare; Alan McAndrew, Meath. Kelly, Padraig Meath; Deveraux, Cathaoirleach John Leinster Laois; Horan, Coaching Seamus & Howlin, Games Committee; Development Meeney, Kevin Kilkenny; Thomas Breen, Carlow. Aaron Cox, Meath; Patrick CathaoirleachO'Rourke, Leinster Colleges; Tully, Cathaoirleach Gerry Comhairle Laighean;

Leinster Bursary Awards 2009 Awards Leinster Bursary Back L-R: L-R: Centre L-R: Front

44 Coaching & Games Development Committee Games Development Report

Coaching & Games Development Committee John Horan (Cathaoirleach) Shane Flanagan (Rúnaí) Paul Kinsella (Cumann na mBunscol) Michael Reynolds (Secondary Schools) Michael Farrell (Vocational Schools) Ger Tully (Third Level Colleges) Tom Walsh (Handball) Declan Smyth (Tutors) Dermot Howlin (Code of Ethics) Damien Roche (Lú) Brian Carberry (An Mhí) Brendan Harpur (Áth Cliath) Donal McGillycuddy (C Mhantáin) Justin Browne (Loch Garman) Pat Dunney (Cill Dara) John Dunphy (Ceatharloch) Val Malone (Cill Chainnigh) Tom Jones (Laois) Mary Dunne (Uibh Fháilí) Pat Casserly (Iarmhí) Gary Brady (Longphort)

Committee Structure subcommittees such as Cumann na mBunscol, The Leinster Games Development Committee Comhairle Ard Oideachais et al. When a specific met a total of 7 times in 2009/2010. To improve issue is on the agenda related to a subcommittee communication many of the meetings were the representative will be invited to attend. attended by both the County Coaching Officer and County Games Manager. This practice has Personnel Management proved very successful and has certainly The appointment of Fiona O Rourke as GAA HR enhanced teamwork both at county and Manager has certainly highlighted areas for provincial level. improvement in our current HR structure. I’m glad to report that Leinster Council has supported There has been a trend in recent times for the introduction of a HR Management System county games development operational issues using the VIP package. to dominate the meetings. It has been difficult therefore for representatives of subcommittees As objectives go this will be a primary area for to engage in the existing meeting structure. implementation in 2010. The system will support all facets of this area both at provincial and This issue was highlighted during the development county level. As is the case with all tools they’re of the Leinster Strategic Plan. Going forward it only as good as the information in them. In this has been decided that a Games Development regard its important proper procedures are Executive will be established to meet at regular applied – the responsibility for which rests with frequencies with representatives of County Games Managers.

45 National Games Development deficits - overall it was an excellent start Targets considering issues with the recording system and change in work practices. 2009 saw the introduction of a Merit Based system in respect Games Development funding. Note The National targets upon which counties were • The target for Coach Education was to measured were: complete an audit of active coaches. The • Go Games Programme final figure was 4,793 active coaches. • SuperTouch (Youth) Games Programme • Total attendance at VHI Cul Camps 26,721 • Cul Camps in Leinster

• Schools of Excellence & Development Squads Looking forward, only activity recorded in the • Coach Education MIS will be used to measure a county's performance against the 2010 targets (6). It is • Planning – Co. Games Development Plan in therefore critical that Games Managers and place County Coaching & Games Committees place As a province, Leinster collectively achieved the special importance on this vital piece of requisite targets and as a result received the full administration. allocation funding. While there were some

Primary School Primary School U8 Club U10 Club U12 Club Football Hurling Go Games Blitzes Go Games Blitzes Go Games Blitzes Go Games Blitzes Go Games Blitzes Provincial Target 252 175 238 190 142 Completed 283 243 292 271 162

Club SuperTouch Schools SuperTouch U-Can Awards U-Can Awards Blitzes Blitzes Hurling Football Provincial Target 48 40 175 252 Completed 97 56 190 254

Bursaries The third level bursary scheme continued in its The selection process was very difficult as there new format in 2009. Leinster Council have was many strong candidates and much thanks distributed bursaries in total to 50 recipients for must go to Martin Meagher and Gerry Tully for the academic year 2009/10.The selection process the time and effort they gave to this extensive was not just about playing performace but also selection process. to the overall role that each candidate has for his/her club, college and county. Within this A new venture in 2009 was Leinster Councils group there is 26 new recipients who were contribution to a Masters Programme being invited to Aras Laigheanon on the 8th of undertake by Brian Cullen in DCU. Brian is going Decemeber 2009. There was over 70 people to carry out research into the physical fitness present which served to highlight the significance norms for undearge players that will have a placed on recieveing such an award for the positive role in future Games Development recipeints, their families, clubs and counties Programmes.

44 Leinster GAA Croke Park number of clubs within the county. This will U8 Play & Stay Days mean that over a three year period all clubs should have been offered the opportunity to The Leinster GAA U8 Play & Stay days in Croke play U8 Go Games in Croke Park. Once the clubs Park allow the opportunity for U8 players as well were selected we then paired the teams off as mentors to utilise the facilities of Croke Park making sure that all games were between teams over a two day period. The approach taken by from different counties in order to help facilitate Leinster Council is to afford the opportunity to teams playing against opposition they would not as many clubs as is physically possible to play on normally meet. Further to this we have structured the hollowed turf of Croke Park. The day is a fun the selection process so that over a three year day out that allows each child and mentor the period all counties will have had the opportunity chance to involve themselves in the Croke Park to offer the chance to avail of this programme to experience, from visiting the dressing rooms, all their clubs. playing on the pitch as well as walking up the steps to lift a trophy in the presentation area of The refereeing over the two days was undertaken the Hogan Stand. by groups of young referees from both Laois and

Dublin who were coordinated prior to the event The overall coordination of each of the two days by Aileen Connolly from Dublin and Maurice was undertaken by the games development staff Deegan and John Flynn from Laois. On each day of Aras Laighean. The club selection process was the referees were coordinated by two stewards structured by Leinster but the individual selection from Leinster Council. Once the games were of clubs was managed by the games development completed each team made their way to the staff in each county. The Leinster structure for Hogan Stand presentation area where we had selection was calculated by affording each three stewards present to manage and coordinate county a percentage of the total number of the taking of team photographs. children who would be involved based on the

Players from Craobh Ciaráin, Donnycarney, Dublin with the Delaney Cup during their visit to Croke Park for the Leinster GAA Play And Stay Fun Do Games.

45 Also present at different times during the days Finally we would just like to reiterate our hope were inter county footballers and hurlers from that this will continue to be an annual event numerous counties throughout Leinster. Their within the Croke Park calendar as well as presence added to the sense of excitement highlight the continued need for advanced notice experienced by all the children who took part. for such events as our initial preparation for these days began approx four months prior to In total we had over 1,940 children take part the event. with 172 different clubs present over the two days. The feedback received by both text and Where the Go Games model is most successful e-mail has been very positive in relation to both it is apparent that there is no formal competitions the concept of the days as well as the organisation. and responsibility for their implementation and There was over 20 staff from Leinster Council provision of games is under the control of present on each of the two days which allowed Games Development. Perhaps this is something for both days to be run very efficiently.Overall for every county consider? I proposed this the feedback from the counties and clubs notion three years ago at the National Coaching involved has been very positive. Conference – but it’s difficult to implement when two or more bodies are providing games. We would like to thank all in Croke Park who With one group providing games it would facilitated the running of these two days. Special streamline things and provide a regular games thanks must also go to the Croke Park stewards programme. It may be more practical if there whose advice and assistance over the two days was less formal competitions. was invaluable. Also we would like to acknowledge the role from all present, from staff, to players, Where close cooperation exists already between mentors and parents in making such an occasion county coaching and games and Bord na nOgs so memorable. we find examples of best practice. For example in Longford they’ve proposed a model that The amount of support that teams brought with combines leagues and blitzes at Under 12. Clubs them along with other players from their club must play in staggered blitzes to gain points in just added to the whole sense of occasion league. experienced by all.

Guest speaker, Caroline Currid, sports personal coach and keynote speaker Conor O Shea, RTE rugby pundit and National Director of English institute of sport, at the O'NEILL'S.COM Leinster Football Coaching conference at the Marriott Hotel, Johnstownbridge, Co Kildare. 46 Coaching Conference the conference met and in many cases exceeded Each year Leinster Council have organised a their expectations. This would indicate that the Coaching Conference with the focus alternating interest in the current conference structure is between Hurling and Football each year. The reducing and perhaps this could be attributed to target audience for the conferences having been the number of conferences that have occured the academy squad mentors from the 12 over the last number of years at both national counties of Leinster. In 2009 it was the turn of and provincial and in some instances county the Football mentors again. level. It is for this reason that we propose that we should break from the current coaching The O’NEILLS.COM Leinster GAA Football conference structure in 2010 and look at Coaching Conference 2009 took place on alternative ideas. Saturday March 28th 2009 in The Johnstown Marriott Hotel in Enfield Co. Meath. The focus of During the consultation phase of the Leinster the day was to deliver both Practical and Theory Strategic Plan there was a strong interest from elements that were based on the theme people that we should take a more practical "Academy Squads –Building Awareness”. The day approach to coach education with many consisted of two main guest speakers ,Conor nostalgically extolling the value of the O'Shea speaking on the topic of "Academy Gormanstown coaching week that took place in Squads – Getting the Structure Right" the past. and Caroline Currid speaking on the topic of "Academy Squad Players – Who Are You". Both Coaches learn more effectively by doing and speakers were very well received by all present. Gormanstown offered that opportunity. While it will be difficult to organize an event on that The key note speakers were seperated by two scale in 2010 we are actively looking at how we practical sessions where by coaches were given can utilize the DJ Carey School of Hurling weeks the opportunity to view practical sessions in such a manner. delivered by the following: • Dudley Farrell "A Development Session to Our vision is to create an integrated Coach, Improve Kicking Skills and Player, and Referee development programme. In Shot Selection" this context new proposals being considered will • Noel Mooney "A Development Session to see greater coach participation and involvement Improve Support Play" incorporating elements of GAA Coach Education • Mickey O’Shea "A Development Session to Programmes. Access to players and games also Improve Goalkeepers" provides us with a great opportunity to create • Hugh Kenny "A Development Session to an environment to train Academy Referees. This Improve Support Play" has been a neglected part of our operation and • Paul Carthy "A Development Session to one that needs to be addressed. Improve Evasion Skills"

Upon conclusion of the days proceedings we BA. in Sport & Exercise (GAA) asked all present to complete and evaluation - IT Carlow form of their experience of the day. It must be The BA in Sport & Exercise (GAA) was made noted that all elements of the day scored highly possible by the partnership between the Leinster but in particular the practical sessions received Council and IT Carlow. After many months of particular recognition. Each of the presenters planning and design the course received formal produced very relevant and engaging sessions recognition in early 2009 and enrolled its first and further enhanced the day by students in September 2009.

One issue that needs to be noted was the The popularity of the course exceeded number in attendance. There was in the region of expectations with over 420 mentions on the 200 people invited to attend the conference CAO change of mind form. All applicants were with just over 100 in attendance. The review asked to submit a GAA Portfolio documenting sheets highlighted that for those in attendance their involvement in GAA activities at all levels,

47 from playing to coaching to administration. Leinster Underage Football & Based on the portfolios submitted 120 applicants Hurling Fixtures were shortlisted for interview. Upon completion To enhance the process of talent identification of the interviews all scores were sent to the CAO and player development Leinster GAA provided a who combined these scores with the applicants programmme of appropriate games for Co. leaving cert results. Based on this structure 32 Schools of Excellence and Development Squads. students were enrolled on the course. The administration of the programme was

coordinated from Leinster Council. In February The response from the students so for far has 2009 a booklet of all fixtures was distributed to been very good and they have all shown a very all counties in order to assist them with their positive engagement with the course. This has planning process. The fixtures were structured in been commented on by not only those delivering a way to maximise the opportunity to play as the GAA elements of the course but also the many teams as possible, while trying to minimise other lectures within the college. It must be the expense incurred re travel etc. Both of these noted that there has not being one single drop issues were to the forefront at the fixtures off from the course. All students that enrolled on planning stage. the course are still in attendance. It has also

being noted that having a balance between mature students and those just finished Football /Hurling secondary school has significantly added to the In 2009 there were 283 games played in Blitz course as the mature students are having a very format with approximately 2,100 players positive influence on the delivery of the involved. programme. The blitzes were coordinated by the host counties Overall Monitoring of the Programme is between who were required to appoint referees as well as the Institute and Comhairle Laighean CLG and have a first aid/physio present at the venue. The this takes place twice a year. While the Academic counties done great work in organising the Programme board will be monitoring the referees, however it was reported that at some programme on a day to day basis with Michael venues during the year there was no first aid/ Dempsey appointed as the course tutor with the physio present. This will need to be addressed in responsibility of monitoring the attendance and 2010 for the safety of all players and mentors academic performance of all students during the alike. Another issue that arose in 2009 was the year. withdrawl of some counties from certain blitz days. We would encourage all counties to take The initial feedback so far had been very positive part in each of the planned days, but more towards this partnership with the students and importantly we would ask that give significant staff all fully engaged in the programme. The notice if they are with drawing as there is a students have already being involved in out significant expenditure in relation to underage reach coaching programmes that will increase academies. over the coming weeks, having a significant impact on the promotion of Gaelic Games in the The 2010 planning process has already begun Locality of IT Carlow. The long term aim of the and the dates for the football blitzes this year course is that the students will carry their are as follows: knowledge and experience gained back to their own local areas. Football Fixtures U-14 & U-15 U-16 Many people have had a role in both the Sat 10th of April Sat 26th of June development and delivery of this course and it is for that reason we would like to thank them all Sat 26th of June Sat 24th of July as a group as there are too many to mention. Sat 24th of July Mon 25th of October

Mon 25th of October Sat 30th of October

50 Hurling Fixtures Diploma Course in GAA Strength Conditioning at U- 14 U-15/ U-16 IT Blanchardstown. Monday 3rd May Saturday 1st May The uptake was disappointing. It was an Saturday 28th August Saturday 15th May opportunity to build capacity and within counties Saturday 3rd July among our existing pool of coaches in this critical area. This is something we’ll be returning Saturday 28th August to again so hopefully counties will see the merit next time. Changes in national policy and an appetite at provincial level identified during the development of Leinster Strategic Plan means Leinster GAA Second Level School Blitzes will revert back to using the Halloween break for While the overall Second Level Schools an U-16 Football Tournament. This was very programme is covered in another section of this successful in the past and gave players and report the following blitzes were coordinated by mentors alike something to work towards each the Games Development section; year. • South Leinster Jun Hurling D - 19 teams We would like to thank all mentors, team • North Leinster Junior Hurling D - 13 Teams administrators, referees and club grounds staff • South Leinster Senior Hurling C1 - 14 Teams for their help in running these fixture. Furthermore we would hope that in 2010 all involved will • North Leinster Senior Hurling C1 and C2 - 15 continue to promote the ethos of "a player Teams centered approach" for Academy squads. • North Leinster Juvenile Football D - 8 teams

One of the objectives in Leinster Strategic Plan is • Soutrh Leinster Juvenile Football 1 12 Teams that we develop a best practice structure for • South Leinster Juvnile Hurling D - 18 Teams Academy Squads. 2010 will see the establishment of a group to start developing this model. The format for the Second Level Schools blitzes Considering how expenditure in this area is was one blitz day followed by quarter final, second to personnel and with project funding set semi-final and final. to decline it very important we take a smarter approach to this area by ensuring we’ve the best Overall the blitzes were very successful with coaches involved and inclusive approach to very positive feedback from the Schools player participation. participating. One concern would be the number of schools that pulled out of the competitions The aim proposed programme is to identify a without playing even one game. This would route for players to enter a player development mean that many young players would not have model by putting in place the most appropriate had the opportunity to play even one game for support structures that will assist in their their school in the year. technical and tactical development. The programme also provides the opportunity to For the overall sucess of the Second Level School identify and develop the best coaches. blitzes we would like to thank all the teachers, the referees and the clubs who provided the While it is encouraging that county development playing grounds. squads are now focusing on other components such as physical fitness, psychological focus and lifestyle. However, there appears to be a trend to bring in external expertise at some expense to cover these areas.

Last year Leinster GAA promoted the idea of games development personnel to enroll in a

51 Hurling For Bóthar Many of the Kilkenny Senior Hurlers also The Hurling for Bóthar workshop was run in attended on the day, including Tommy Walsh, St.Kierans College Kilkenny by Noel Hickey and Aidan Fogarty, J.J. Delaney, P.J (Kilkenny Hurling Selector) and a host of special Ryan to share their experiences. guests under the auspices of the Leinster Council. All proceeds from this workshop were donated The following topics were covered; to Bóthar. There was a very comprehensive • Strength / Conditioning work programme of activities organised for the day. Included amongst the Presenters were; • Goalkeeping and Free taking • , Kilkenny Senior Hurling Manager • Drills Galore –developing skill & utilising training equipment. • Michael Dempsey, Kilkenny Senior Hurling Trainer/Selector and former Kilkenny U-21 • Success! Club or County, Player or Mentor. Hurling Trainer How does it happen? • Martin Fogarty, Kilkenny Senior Hurling • Team Play – Attacking & Defending Selector and former Kilkenny U-21 Hurling • Video Analyses- Using video to reinforce Manager coaching advice. • , Former Kilkenny Star Hurler. • Healthy Living – Sensible Lifestyle, Diet & • Angela Downey, Former Kilkenny Camogie Nutrition Star. • Address from Brian Cody • George O Connor, Coaching Officer & Former Leinster & Wexford Hurler The day was a huge success with and attendance • James Meagher, Kilkenny U-21 Hurling of over one hundred and forty people the Trainer majority of these being School of Excellence/ • Pat Critchley, Coaching Officer & Former Development Squad mentors. Leinster & Laois Hurler The Leinster Council would like to acknowledge the • Brian Ryan, Kilkenny Minor Hurling Trainer work of Martin Fogarty and Brian Ryan in organising and Former Kilkenny U-21 Hurling Trainer this event. Also special thanks to the Kilkenny • Adrian Finan, Former Kilkenny U-21 Hurling County Board, the Kilkenny Senior Hurlers and the Manager and Club All-Ireland winning special guests who were in attendance. Manager with James Stephens.

Kilkenny Hurling selector Martin Fogarty coaches Dublin U-15 Camogie and Laois U-15 Hurling Teams at "Hurling for Bothar" charity fundraiser held in St Kieran's College, Kilkenny. 52 Poc Fada Kildare managed to prevent a clean sweep by The Martin Donnelly/Leinster GAA Poc Fáda defending champions by winning the U-14 competition took place in the Curragh Army Hurling Title. Camp on Thursday the 27th of June. The level of competitiveness between the participants was The Winners were: intense across all categories with only a slight U-14 Camogie Ciara Holden (Kilkenny) margin separating the winners. All though there U-14 Hurling Alex Birchill (Kildare) was many new competitors in this year’s Senior Camogie Mags Darcy (Wexford) competition, three of the defending champions Senior Hurling Shane O’Connor (Offaly) managed to retain their titles. Alex Birchill of

Back L-R:  Sheamus Howlin, Cathaoirleach, Comhairle Laighean; Alan Tobin, Wolfe Tones, Longford; Fintan O'Brien, Cuala, Dublin; James Connolly, Naomh Moninne, Louth; Niall Lanigan, Celbridge, Kildare; Patrick Mullaney, Castletown, Laois; John Gorman, Turin, Westmeath; Michael Walsh. Front L-R: James Walsh, Ballyhale Shamrocks, Kilkenny; Mark Ryan, St. Mullins, Carlow; Shane O'Connor, Coolderry, Offaly. Keith Barnes, A.R.P. Wicklow; Conor Byrne, Shelmaliers, Wexford.

Michael Walsh presenting the " Trophy" to Shane O'Connor, Coolderry, Co. Offaly and Sheamus Ray Quigley, Chairman, Leinster Camogie Howlin, Cathaoirleach Comhairle Laighean presenting presenting the 2009 Leinster Poc Fada Trophy the Leinster Poc Fada Trophy. to Mags Darcy, St. Martin's, Wexford.

53 MIS VHI Cúl Camps The Management Information System (MIS) is GAA VHI CUL Camps an online portal that allows all Games This was the third year of the VHI/GAA Development staff to record the activity levels partnership and the relationship that has been within their counties. The MIS was designed as developed over the previous two years was the tool to gather information relating to activity further strengthened after another extremely levels in a county which in turn could be successful year of summer camp activity. analysed and compared to the Games Development plan of each county. Furthermore For yet another year the organisers of the GAA it is used to measure a counties achievement in VHI Cul Camps had to contend with the weather meeting the targets set down at national level namely the "wettest July for over 50 years" and pertaining to the merit based funding. August just as wet. Once again the Leinster games development team came up trumps. The majority 2009 was the first full year of the MIS. It would of counties achieved their target of a 3% increase be fair to say that there was many teething (see figures below) over 2008 figures, some by a problems in relation to both the system and the significant margin. This was achieved while still data entry protocol, which was to be expected. maintaining the very high standards which have As the year progressed the games development been built up over many years. staff became more informed of data entry protocols and the developers enhanced the Participants userability of the system. There are further County Boys Girls Total changes planned for the coming year which again should improve the effectiveness of the Louth 1077 327 1404 MIS as a reporting tool in 2010 Wexford 1876 804 2680 Kilkenny 1014 544 1559 Overall the MIS has been a very positive tool for Meath 1896 414 2310 Games Development. The MIS will allow us to Westmeath 1270 543 1813 set realistic targets going forward and highlight Dublin 4356 2039 6395 the tremendous amount of work being carried out by both volunteers and full time staff in the Longford 663 274 937 area of Games Development in all Leinster Kildare 2260 1663 3923 Counties. Offaly 1062 727 1789 Wicklow 1485 707 2191 Analysis of the MIS identifies how and where Laois 688 402 1090 games development personnel are being Carlow 642 428 1070 deployed. One thing I noticed was that development officers interact most with club Totals 18049 6833 26721 coaches during the winter/spring while delivering coach education courses. Could we not change While there was issues which arose during the this approach – by carrying out this work during summer which need to be dealt with for future the summer while we’ve more of a captive camps, the planning for 2010 is well in progress and audience as clubs are in full flow? Especially in all areas will be reviewed in detail. We are confident the delivery of Foundation Award Courses! I that the Vhi GAA Cul camps of 2010 will be run to appreciate that this would mean redeploying the same higfh quality that we have come to expect. some personnel away from summer camps and Special mention must go to Jimmy Dwyer changes in work practices but I’d ask where will National Cul Camp Coordinator, who has worked we make the bigger difference be long term. tirelessly to ensure that the camps are run in a very professional manner. In particular his support to the Counties with the online registering is gradually taking a huge workload from the camp organisers and will be one of the most significant advances in development of the GAA summer camp initiative in recent years.

54 We would like to thank VHI for their sponsorship, Also The course were delivered by Al O'Donoghue, P.J Ryan for promoting camps throughout the year. George O'Connor and Paidi Butler. We would like to acknowledge the role the sports coordinators Despite the economic climate some counties in each of the colleges in assisting us with this most notably Kildare (700) showed huge programme and look forward to working with increases. I would be somewhat concerned by them in the coming year. the conservative approach being taken in some counties towards their 2010. Leinster U-14 125 Festivals The Leinster 125 U14 Hurling and Football Can we increase number of clubs in general as festivals were initially designed to coincide with the number has been static for a number of the Leinster 125 celebrations occurring throughout years now? Can we look at addressing decline in the province during the year. The aims of the numbers of 11-13 year olds attending by festivals were to facilitate club teams with the providing additional activity camps? Should we opportunity to play against teams from other look at advanced camps? And more urban based counties in a fun non competitive environment. camps? Why not organize blitzes involving camps from other towns external to the county? The process of running this event began by meeting with the county games managers and in consultation with them agreeing on the format Primary School Teacher Training for host counties as well as the procedures for In service registration. It was agreed that Wicklow, Kilkenny In 2009 Leinster Games Development organised and Meath would host the Hurling Festivals and and ran two teacher training in service weeks Laois, Westmeath and Louth would host the during the summer. The first course was held in Football Festival. Portlaoise and the second in St. Patricks College Drumcondra. The two courses were a huge success The application process was done centrally with 34 teacher involved between the two weeks. whereby all clubs looking to participate in the The courses also involved contributions from festivals were to complete an application form Ladies Football, Camogie and Handball, while and return it to Aras Laighean three weeks prior to and Pat Critchley delivered modules the Hurling Festival date. Once all applications relating to the Fundamentals of Hurling. There was a good variety in what was a very practical week with the reviews from all participants speaking very highly of the course, its content and the resourse made available to them.

We would like to thank all involved for their contribution to two very successful weeks and in particular to Michaél Martin for his assistance in the design, administration and delivery elements of the courses. The plan for the coming year is to run five courses at different venues during the summer of 2010.

Also in 2009 Comhairle Laighean have continued to deliver coaching courses in the teacher training colleges in the province. Vincent Wallace passes for O'Loughlin Gaels against Dean Collier, Ferns in the Leinster GAA U-14 Club Hurling Festival at O'Loughlin Gaels, Kilkenny.

55 were received the groupings were established. In and fixtures during an already busy time of year. order to try and keep the groups of a similar Also we would like to acknowledge all the host standard we utilised a similar grading system to clubs who done a great job in hosting their that of the National Feile na nGael coordinators. visiting teams. Lastly we would just like to thank all clubs who took part in this new initiative and In relation to the Hurling Festivals there were 43 played the games in the right spirit. participating teams that included 12 host clubs. If we were to take an average of 22 players per We feel that the concept of the festivals was very squad this would mean that 946 players took part good and the fact that over the two days there in the Hurling Festivals were approximately 1,900 players involved fun, non-competitive blitzes would have to be regarded In relation to the Football Festivals there were 40 as a success. participating teams with 10 host clubs. Again if we were to take an average of 22 players per Another area that deserves mention is that during squad this would mean that approximately 880 both the Hurling and Football Festivals there was players took part in the Football Festivals. a wide variety in grading with 28% of the clubs involved being from divison 1/A in their respective In respect to the hosting of the festivals each of counties with the other 72% clubs participating the host clubs took on the task of providing in lower competitions in the own counties. referees for all the games as well as providing refreshments for all visiting teams. In gratitude of This would indicate that our initial aim of providing this commitment Leinster Council provided a cross county matches for clubs for whom would contribution to all host clubs in the format of a not normally have the opportunity to play in the voucher for O’Neills Sports. National Feile Finals was achieved and there is further potential. A special mention must go to the host county games development staff as they had a key role in For 2010 we would hope to build on last years ensuring that these festivals ran smoothly and in success. We would hope that with one county certain instances as mentioned above put extra hosting the event combined with better marketing pressure on staff members to re organise groupings we’ll have more clubs participating.

O'Loughlin Gaels players Cian Loy and Shane White who took part in the Leinster GAA U-14 Club Hurling Festival at O'Loughlin Gaels, Kilkenny.

Ferns subs (from left) Dan O'Neill, Fergal Brickley and Ger Breen watch on against O'Loughlin Gaels in the Leinster GAA U-14 Club Hurling Festival at O'Loughlin Gaels, Kilkenny.

56 D.J. Carey School of The Counties that participated each week were Hurling as follows; Week 1: Offaly, Meath, Westmeath, Kilkenny, The D.J.Carey School of Carlow, Wicklow Hurling 2009 took place in Week 2: Dublin, Louth, Longford, Kildare, St. Kieran's College Kilkenny Wexford, Laois on Monday 6th July to Thursday 9th July and Each County was requested to send twenty Monday 13th July to players and two mentors. It was agreed that Thursday16th July. each County squad would attend the School of Hurling for four days.

Workshops were conducted by the following

special guests

Guest Areas Covered D. J. Carey Kilkenny Senior Hurler Guest Speaker and hurling skills demonstrations Brian Cody Kilkenny Senior Hurling manager What players need to concentrate on to succeed, from a Manager’s Perspective Paudie Butler National Hurling Coordinator Wall Drills, Mentor Coaching and Guest Speaker P. J.Ryan Kilkenny Senior Hurler Developing Goalkeeping Skills, Guest Speaker Tadhg Doran Laois Senior Hurler Developing Goalkeeping Skills Derek Lyng Kilkenny Senior Hurler Guest Speaker Henry Shefflin Kilkenny Senior Hurler Guest Speaker Tommy Walsh Kilkenny Senior Hurler Guest Speaker Tom Fitzpatrick Leinster Development Officer Rules of Hurling Teresa McGinn & Chartered Physiotherapists Stretching Techniques Rebecca Melliott Judy Ennis Sports Dieticians Diet and Nutrition & Aine Fox Liam Moggan Sports Psychologist Michael Scully Hurley Repairs

Additional activities during the School of Hurling Leinster Coaches included. Brendan Hayden, Noel Boyce, Noel Mooney, • Games Joe Kearns, Pat Critchley, George O'Connor, Inter County Games Michael Dempsey. County games against Kilkenny Development Squads and local Club teams. • Visit to the Kilkenny Senior Hurling Team training session in • Practical Skills Sessions The following Leinster and Guest Coaches • Quiz Competition were responsible for the coaching element The quiz was a huge success and very of the school of Hurling; enjoyable. It was prepared and run by Pat Delaney (Laois) and Joe Kearns. Guest Coaches Noel O'Sullivan, Shane Cadigan, Brian Cadigan, Mark Kelly, John Kavanagh,

57 Askamore - Leinster Club Hurling League Division 2 Champions 2009 Back L-R: Maurice Kinsella, Michael Murphy, Raymond Lancaster, Garry Doran, John Byrne. Middle L-R: Thomas Ruth, James Lancaster, Martin Hayden, Patrick Nolan, Billy Nolan, Frank Lancaster, Eoin Sheridan, Shane Tomkins, Thomas Devereux, Matthew Boggan, Patrick Boggan, Padraig Byrne. Front L-R: Muris Ruth, David Owens, Connor Levingstone, PJ Nolan, Tomas Hayden, Eoin Boggan, Colm Buttle, Frank Boggan, Brian Hayden, Michael Kavanagh, David Tobin.

Ratoath - Leinster Club Hurling League Division 5 Champions 2009 Back L-R: Tom Fitzmaurice, Karl Wardick, John Kirwan, Jim Flaherty, Darragh Dempsey, Stephen Cooper, Colin Gilhooley, Colm Kelly, Shane Vogler, Mark Reilly, Tommy Madden, Diarmuid Brennan, Paul Kirwan, Turlough O'Neill, Mick Brazil, Johnny Brady, Paul Flaherty, John Sheridan, Eoghan Mulcahy, Paddy Cummins, Paddy Cotter (selector), Martin McGuane, Larry Kirwan (manager), Andy Fahy, Paul McCann (selector) Front L-R: Larry McGowan, Gearoid Crowley, Vinny Collins, Barry Crowley, John Crehan, Padraig O'Donoghue, Keelan Fahy, Dave Moore, Damien O'Meara, Ken Fitzmaurice, Philip Lanigan, Steven Gorman, Richie Crehan (Children at right of picture are Tadgh McCann, Evan Cotter, Ruairi Coulter)

58 Promotional Material Leinster Club Hurling League Each Mentor and player was presented with the For a full round-up of the Leinster Club Hurling following gear that was specially designed for the League results for last year, see the results and D.J.Carey School of Hurling. fixtures section at the end of this Convention • Jersey, Sports Bag, Polo Top Report.

Sponsorship The Leinster Club Hurling League was designed to The D.J.Carey School of hurling received generous facilitate club teams with the opportunity to play sponsorship, in the form of discounted product additional games against teams from other counties from KC Sports . in a competition that was not overly competitive.

Personnel In 2009 the Leinster Club League was run mainly The overall success of the D.J. Carey School of over the months of April and May. The format of Hurling was mainly due to the personnel the competition was as follows; (voluntary and full time) who worked tirelessly and in a very professional manner throughout the Div 1 – 32 Teams two weeks. Div 2 – 32 Teams Div 3 - 32 Teams Ulster Coaches Div 4 - 16 Teams As last year the Leinster Council hosted coaches Div 5 - 12 Teams from Ulster during the two weeks of the School of Hurling. A total of eleven Coaches attended. A total of One hundred and eighteen Clubs entered, with a number entering two teams. The total Overall the D.J.Carey School of Hurling was number of teams in the competition was 124. extremely successful. The majority of the squads were well prepared, behaved themselves well and The Breakdown of teams per county was; Carlow were anxious to learn as much as possible during (4), Dublin (18), Kildare (8), Kilkenny (11), Laois their stay in St.Kierans. (11), Louth (4), Meath (7), Offaly (9), Westmeath (15), Wexford (23), Wicklow (14). Acknowledgements • D.J.Carey for his tremendous commitment The planning and organising for this competition, and support for the School of Hurling. was based on running one hundred and eight six games in the preliminary rounds and a further • County Mentors - The mentors who attended thirty one games in the final stages. the D.J. Carey School of Hurling must be

acknowledged and thanked for the commitment Feedback in relation to the competition from and dedication they displayed over the two Club personnel indicated that the various divisions weeks. Without these people it would not have were graded correctly and the large number of been possible to run this event. games which were separated by no more than • Clubs - A Special thanks to the Kilkenny four points would support this view. County Board and Clubs (Clara and James Stephens) who provided teams and grounds Another pleasing aspect was the extremely for the games. Also to Kilkenny County Board positive approach to the competition with which and the management of the Kilkenny Senior Club Officials and Players displayed both on and Hurling Team for the access to the Kilkenny off the field. Players enjoyed pitting their skills Senior Hurlers training session. against opposition and opponents that they had • Monsignor Kennedy and the Board of never played against before. Club Officials availed Management of St.Kieran’s College for providing of the opportunity to develop new contacts and access the excellent facilities of the College. create bonds of friendship which will continue • John Horan and the Leinster Coaching and long after the competition has been completed. Games Development Committee. • Management and Staff at Aras Laighean for their help and support.

59 County Referee Administrators County Participants No of Camps The County Referee Administrators were requested Louth 355 4 lend their support to the competition. This proved to be very successful, as the Administrators worked Wicklow 30 1 in a very efficient and professional manner. Kildare 99 2

Wexford 167 2 Referee Administrators - Liam O'Neill (An Lú), Westmeath 176 2 Jimmy Henry (An Mhi), Liam McDaniel (Iarmhi), Total 827 11 Aidan Shiells (Ath Cliath), Tom Byrne (Cill Mhantain), Tom Rowe (Loch Garman), Michael Fennin (Cill The Vodafone GAA Easter Camps, were very Dara), Martin Barry /Ger Lennon (Fixtures/ successful with tremendous feedback recveived Ceatharloch), Liam Duberry (Cill Chainnigh), Pat from parents and children. Based on this feedback O'Sullivan (Laois), Joe O’Brien (Uibh Fhaili). plans for 2010 camps are already in progress. We

would like to thank Vodafone, Jimmy Darcy, the Division Winners local RAPID coordinators and the host clubs for Division One Dunnamaggin (Kilkenny) the facilities provided, all of which contributed to Division Two Askamore (Wexford) the overall success of this pilot project. Division Three Oulart the Ballagh (Wexford) Division Four Killurin (Offaly) The success of the Vodafone GAA Easter Camps Division Five Ratoath (Meath) shows there is a market for activity camps during

school breaks outside of the summer. Camps are We would like to acknowledge and thank all who an important revenue resource and perhaps the supported the Leinster Club Hurling League in any Easter/Halloween period offers opportunities that way. Special thanks to the County Referee we haven’t utilized fully. Administrators, County Secretaries, Club Officials and to the staff in Aras Laighean. Acknowledgement What the Leinster Club Hurling league has proven is On my own behalf I would like to thank John there is an appetite from clubs for cross county Horan for his wise words and support, all personnel competition. In 2010 Leinster GAA will exploring the and provincial and county level and County option of running a Club Football League next Spring. Coaching Officers for their effort and commitment throughout the year. Vodafone GAA Easter Camps Regrettably, 2009 was a very sad year for one of In 2009 the decision was taken by the Leinster our games development officers Christine O'Brien Games Development Committee to run Pilot from Meath who lost her husband Keith, to illness. Easter Camps for designated RAPID areas. On behalf of Leinster Council I would like to pay Generous sponsorship was received from tribute to Christine O'Brien for her courage in the Vodaphone which enabled this project to take face of tragedy. We hope to see her back with us place. very soon.

The Vodafone GAA Easter camps were held in five Seaghan Ó Flannagáin Counties in 2009, Louth Wicklow Kildare Wexford Rúnaí and Westmeath. In all there was a total of 11 camps run with a total of 827 children attending. At County level the Games Managers and Games Development Administrors in conjuntion with the local RAPID GAA took responsibility for the organising and running of the Vodafone GAA Easter Camps. Extract from the Leinster Strategic Vision and Action Plan • Provide greater games opportunities for 13 to 18 year olds by organising provincial festivals in Hurling and Football and cross-county leagues • Develop a Games Development training and resource section on the Leinster GAA website

60 Coaching & Games Development Committee Leinster Master Tutor Group

Committee Progress to Date Declan Smyth (Cathaoirleach) Gerard O’Connor (Runai) Master Tutor Meetings Al O’Donoghue • 7 meetings Brendan Harpur Paul Earley • 1 Planning weekend to develop tutor strategy Cyril Kevlihan Brian Ladden NUIG Essential Trainer Skills Sean O’Toole Jim Ryan • Completed the Essential Trainer Skills course Ray Smith Eunan McCormack with full time staff (105 tutors) Paudi O’Neill Noel O’Sullivan • Planned and delivered three full courses to Sean Dempsey Leinster staff Dudley Farrell Briain Ryan • Submitted assignments to NUIG for all tutors Colm Clear • Planned graduation ceremony for all tutors Restructuring Coaching Ireland To maximise the time and effort of the group, • Planned tutor observations for 90 tutors over 9 days key projects were identified and tutors were • Coordinated the distribution of feedback to the assigned to each project. Benefits of this have tutors been ownership of the project, sharing of the Foundation Award workload and increased output. • Foundation award tutors have been trained and issued with the new course material (60 Dublin, Project Groups 45 Leinster) Project 1 - Retraining Foundation Tutors Award 1 Brian Ladden, Al O’Donoghue, Gerard O’Connor • Reviewed extensively the new award course Project 2 - Retraining and Assimilation Award1 syllabus by members of the tutor group. Tutors • Documented the changes and provided Sean O’Toole, Jim Ryan feedback to the tutor group. Project 3 - Code of Best Practice • Piloted two Award 1 Youth/Adult courses in the Cyril Kevlihan, Brendan Harpur province, delivered on the 17th/18th June in to full time Leinster staff. Project 4 - Coordination of Delivery of New • Feedback and course syllabus forwarded to Award1 Course Croke Park. Eunan McCormack, Eamonn Barry, Ray Smith, • Award 1 Youth/Adult course was organised and John Leahy, Dudley Farrell, Briain Ryan delivered through 3 workshops Project 5 - Recruitment and Training New • Delivered 5 Award 1 Youth/Adult course. Award 1 Tutors • Observed 46 tutors delivering the new Award1 Sean Kelly, Declan Smyth, Paudi O’Neill Youth/Adult courses and provided feedback to these tutors (Mentored) Project 6 - Mentoring Tutors • Organised and delivered 2 workshops for the Paul Earley, Noel O’Sullivan, Sean Dempsey Award 1 Child course • Planned and coordinated 5 Child courses

61 Gerard O'Connor, Declan Smyth, Sean O'Toole, Noel O'Sullivan, Sean Dempsey, John Leahy, Cyril Kevilhan, Brian Ryan Kevilhan, Cyril John Leahy, Sean Noel Dempsey, O'Sullivan, Sean Declan O'Toole, Smyth, O'Connor, Gerard Dudley Farrell Al O'Donoghue, Jim Ryan, Eamon Brian Ladden, Barry, Paul Early, Ray Smith,

Leinster Master Tutor Group Strategic Planning Weekend Group Planning Strategic Tutor Leinster Master Back L-R: L-R Front

62 Award 2 • The implications for the Master Tutor Group • Developed material for Award 2 pilot course in • Tutor Training Ulster • Tutor Mentoring • Attended 2 pilot football course in • Management of the programme • Delivered two modules of the award 2 course in • Venues Ulster • Tutor allocations • Administration Leinster Coach Education Servicing Officers • Arranged 3 meetings with servicing officers to The area of coaching and games continues to play plan and coordinate courses for the year. an important role in GAA activities within in the National Coach Education Work Group province. Acknowledgement must be given to the • 14 meetings were attended by members of the group of dedicated people in the Leinster Master Leinster Master Tutor Group Tutor Group who wholeheartedly commit themselves to the many tasks throughout the Others year. Many thanks to each and every one of them. • Attended a workshop on facilitation delivered by Hayley Harrison from Coaching Ireland. Thanks must also be expressed to Shane Flanagan • Delivered Foundation award to master tutors and staff in Portlaoise along with Peter Horgan and team in Croke Park for their continuing Strategic Planning support and encouragement. • Targets were discussed at the tutor planning weekend in January. On a personal level, I would to take this opportunity Medium Term 2010 on behalf of the group to thank Gerard O’Connor • Award 1 Child (2 Hurling and 3 Football) most sincerely for his commitment, • Award 1 Youth/Adult (2 Hurling and 5 Football) professionalism, enthusiasm and friendship. • Assimilation – Award 1 Child • Code of Best Practice Declan Smyth • Tutor Training Cathaoirleach Long Term 2010 – 2015 • A vision for what Coach Education will look like when the full model of 4 levels with 3 streams is fully developed in the Province.

Extract from the Leinster Strategic Vision and Action Plan • Develop a strategy for implementation of a practical accreditation-based Coach Education Programme • Create a high performance team of specialist coaches to support games development in counties and clubs

63 Coaching & Games Development Committee Cumann na mBunscol Laighean

A.G.M. Star Newspaper Sponsorship Our A.G.M. took place in Keadeen Hotel The Star are now sponsoring kits for teams Newbridge on March 25th 2009 with all playing, they also give a full page coverage counties present. Edward O’ Riordan was on Star on Sunday. Thanks to John Cotter elected as Cathaoirleach for the second year, and Paul Cooke for facilitating sponsorship. Gerry O’ Meara as rúnaí, Tom Fitzpatrick as cisteoir and Jim Fennelly as C.L.G. delegate. Grants Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Laighean issued Meeting our annual grant in early April 2009 (e Meetings took place in Dublin (Teachers’ 35,120) This grant was divided and then Club and Yellow House) 7pm on April 19th distributed to each county unit. The coiste and May 3rd to plan Games Programme held back a small amount to cover expenses 2009. Chairman, Treasurer and Cisteoir in for the year. We are grateful to C.L.G. attendance Laighean for this support.

Scoilsport Games Programme 2009 The coiste then met again on May 10th and the following Games Programme confirmed: Programme Date Venue Co-Ordinator Girls’ Handball Feb. 25th Tinryland Carlow Boys’ Handball M Mar. 4th Tinryland Carlow Boys’/Girls’ Football May 17th Parnell Park Dublin Boys’ Football May 24th O’ Moore Park Portlaoise Boys’ Hurling May 30th Wexford Hurling/Football June 7th Croke Park Dublin Hurling Blitz Day June 10th Carlow H.C. Carlow Boys’/Girls’ Football June14th Parnell Park Dublin Hurling June 21st Nowlan Park Kilkenny Girl’s Football June 28th Croke Park Dublin Hurling July 5th Croke Park Dublin Boys’Football July 12th Croke Park Dublin

• Over 320 children took part in above events • 8 different venues used • Young Referees used in all games • Children given food/ match programme • Parents got tickets for games • Jerseys sponsored on 3 ocassions • Counties involved Carlow, Wicklow Wexford, Dublin, Westmeath, Offaly, Kildare, Louth, Meath, Antrim, Laois and Kilkenny. • Warwickshire G.A.A. guests for Leinster Football Final Day.

64 C.L.G. Laighean Jim Fennelly gave report to Coiste at meeting To reintroduce our Annual Indoor Hurling in Portlaoise on July 13th 2009 covering our Festival in National Basketball Arena Tallaght Games Programme. involving all 12 counties. To initiate a new camogie day based on the Coiste Náisiúnta Cumann na mBunscol model above i.e. Annual Indoor Camogie During October the Cathaoirleach and rúnai Festival for all 12 counties. attended three meetings involved in review of Mini Sevens, The Constitution of Cumann To include Cumann na mBunscol na Gaillimhe na mBunscol and a General Meeting. in next year’s activities.

National Awards 2009 To develop our Sponsorship Deal with Star We entered two categories in the awards newspaper to include all our games in 2010 during September. We produced a ‘Games To forge closer links with our colleagues in Programme Presentation’ and a ‘125 Second Level schools in Leister Presentation’. The cathaoirleach and the rúnai attended the Awards night in Croke Rúnaí Laighean Park on Saturday 21st November Thanks to all the 12 hardworking secretaries in Leinster Cumann na mBunscol . Publicity /P.R. Coverage of our Games Programme was Buíochas extensive. We featured in Scoilsport, The To Patricia Clear in Áras Laighean for her Star, Leinster Match Programmes, and many great work and efficiency when dealing with Provincial Newspapers. Coverage was also ticket allocation. available on Website of Cumann na mBunscol Náisiúnta and Leinster G.A.A. website. Great To John Cotter for page in Match Programme. work by Ciarán Byrne P.R.O. Coiste Náisiúnta To all County Boards for facilitating our mini County Units games. The co-operation with all county units is the key to success for Cumann na mBunscol To Seamus Howlin and Michael Delaney for Laighean. I thank the secretaries in each their continued support county for their work. Cumann na mBunscol Náisiúnta Young Whistler Scheme Cumann na mBunscol Laighean utilized the Ciarán Byrne for his photography and young referees of this scheme during the website updates mini games. Thanks to Jerry Grogan And Coiste Áth Cliath for their support. Gerry O’Meara Runaí, Cumann na mBunscol Laighean Plans for the school year 2009/2010 December 16th 2009 To build on our Games Programme for 2010 and have some input at every inter county game in the province.

Extract from the Leinster Strategic Vision and Action Plan • Coach education in Teacher Training colleges • Teacher inservice courses

65 Coaching & Games Development Committee Comhairle Iarbhunscoileanna Laighean

Cathaoirleach Damien Fee (St Kevin’s College) Leas Cathaoirleach Richie O’Donoghue (St Mary’s, Mullingar) Rúnaí Hannah Horan (Áras Laighean) Cisteoir Michael Delaney & Michael Reynolds (Áras Laighean) P.R.O. Tom Crotty (St Finian’s C.C.)

COUNTY REPS Carlow Jim Conway (Carlow V.S.) Dublin Brendan Cahill (St Benildus College) Kildare Larry Curtin (Patrician College, Newbridge) Kilkenny Niall Connolly (St Kieran’s College, Kilkenny) Laois Peter Malone (Heywood C.S.) Longford Albert Fallon (Ballymahon Sec. School) Louth Joe Corcoran (Bush P.P.) Meath Ultan Fitzpatrick (St Oliver’s P.P.) Offaly Paddy Scales (Banager College) Westmeath Danny Reddin (St Joseph’s, Rochfortbridge) Wexford Brian Teigue (Good Counsel College) Wicklow Jim Murphy (Wicklow Schools Officer)

LEINSTER SCHOOLS OFFICERS Dublin & North Leinster Tom O’Donnell South Leinster

LEINSTER PROVINCIAL GAMES MANAGER Shane Flanagan (Áras Laighean) LEINSTER GAMES SUPPORT OFFICER Colm Clear (Áras Laighean) The Structure of Second Level Games has evolved over Time moves on! Since 2007 there is greater questioning the years. 2010 is the Centenary of Leinster Colleges. whether or not the present competition structure is the Leinster Vocational Schools not as long in existence - most appropriate. Coaching and Games Development is 50 years. The personnel involved in both sectors made nowadays very much at the heart of the Association’s an immense contribution to the welfare of our games. thinking and strategic planning 2009-2015. Until relatively recently most underage activity was It is in this context that in Leinster it is policy that within within the context of School activity. Increasing Club each County, Second Level schools are an integral part Competition, County Activity and Academic demands of Coaching and Games Development. It is essential that for players U-18 and downwards raise issues (some not working together at local level to increase activity to a of the positive variety) and challenges for all of us with maximum is embraced by all concerned. regard to the role of Second Level Schools in the This development undoubtedly will lead to change – continued promotion of our games. a change that may include a reduction of Provincial Comhairle Laighean under the Chairmanship of Jimmy and National Competition. Change should be Grey recognised the need for (a) closer ties between all embraced not feared. Second Level Schools (b) between Second Level and Hannah Ní hÓrain the Provincial and County structures. Jimmy appointed Rúnaí Albert Fallon (the then Leas-Cathaoirleach of Comhairle Laighean) the first Cathaoirleach of Leinster Schools For a full round-up of the 2nd Level Schools Council incorporating both the Colleges and Vocational competition results for last year, see the results Sectors. The new body set about its task of catering for and fixtures section at the end of this its constituency of two hundred schools. Convention Report. Extract from the Leinster Strategic Vision and Action Plan • Review the value of competitions on an on-going basis • Revisit the format of competitions in the context of school/club/county games scheduling • Establish a small-sided post-primary schools competition in Hurling and Football 66 Coaching & Games Development Committee Leinster Third Level Colleges Report

Comhairle Ard Oideachais Laighean has responsibility Senior B Championship (F) DCU for the development and promotion of Gaelic games Fresher Div. 1 League (H) DIT in all 3rd Level institutions in Leinster. The support of Fresher 2 Championship (H) DCU Comhairle Laighean is invaluable and has enabled a Senior B League (F) DCU number of initiatives to be devised and implemented. ACCIDENT TOURNAMENTS Funding received from Comhairle Laighean was Once again, Third Level Colleges UCD, DIT, IT distributed to colleges in the form of vouchers from and DCU participated in the O Byrne Cup and Shield O’Neill’s. These vouchers could be exchanged for football competitions. DCU contested the final of the jersies, footballs and/or sliothars O’Byrne Cup but were defeated by Louth. In hurling, The total cost of this scheme was E18,300. UCD participated again in the Walsh Cup & Shield while DCU, DIT & Trinity played in the Kehoe Cup & The following expenditure was incurred during the Shield. year: 1 Medals & shields E1,595 Playing in the Accident Tournaments exposes a 2 Referees expenses E300 broader range of players to this level of competition. It reduces the risk of player burnout to elite players. COMPETITION REVIEW Participation in these competitions is very good for The two premier competitions in the third level the profile of students and it gives GAA in our sector are the Sigerson Cup football championship colleges very positive media coverage. and the championship in hurling. BURSARIES Cork IT hosted the Sigerson Cup. DIT & UCD met The Comhairle Laighean Third Level Bursary Scheme each other in the semi final and for the first time ever has grown in strength and profile over the past eight DIT qualified for the final. However, the hosts years. The scheme also helps to raise the profile of prevailed in a keenly contested final. Trinity and St. Gaelic games in third level colleges throughout the Pats T.C. met in the semi final of the Trench Cup with province and is further evidence of Comhairle St. Pats T.C. eventually going on to bring the cup back Laighean’s commitment to this sector. Twenty one to Drumcondra. Marino College won the Corn na students received awards in recognition of their MacLeinn after defeating Blanchardstown IT in the commitment to Gaelic Games be it as players, final. Coláiste Íde were defeated in the Further coaches or administrators. Education final. THE PAST YEAR Trinity College were the excellent hosts of the As Comhairle Ardoideachais provides ample games Fitzgibbon Cup competition with UCC the ultimate for the elite player CA Laighean sees one of it’s roles winners. Unfortunately there were no Leinster as providing games for the more “recreational” player. representatives in the last four. NUIM reached the Extra competitions were organised to cater for non semi final of the Ryan Cup. elite players. These competitions proved very popular with the “recreational” player. Being played on a Leinster colleges achieved the following All-Ireland provincial basis and often under floodlights on a successes over the past year: Monday night these competitions: Corn na MacLeinn (F) Marino Fresher Div.1 Championship (F) DCU • Reduced costs of running the clubs and Fresher Div. 2 Championship (F) NUIM • Reduced the time lost to college by students. Fresher Div. 2 Championship (H) DCU

67 The winners of these Leinster competitions 2008/09 BUÍOCHAS are as follows: The help and co-operation of the following greatly Freshers Football DCU facilitated the organisation of Gaelic games activities Freshers Hurling DIT during the past year: Freshers Hurling – 7 a side DCU GAA Officers & GPOs in the various colleges without Intermediate Hurling NUIG whose support the organisation of the various Intermediate Hurling Shield St. Pats competitions would not be possible. Intermediate Football DIT Senior B Football DIT Leinster Coaching and Games Development Committee and in particular its chairman, John Horan TRAINING WORKSHOP & secretary Shane Flanagan. After the success of the previous years “Officer Our new support officer Colm Clear. Training Day” CA Laighean organised a Training Workshop for club officers. This format proved very Sheamus Howlin, the officers and members of popular with the thirty five students that attended Comhairle Laighean. this event in Páirc an Chrócaigh. A very informative Michael Delaney and all the staff in Áras Laighean. and enjoyable afternoon was had. I would like to thank my fellow officers for their presentations and The CA Laighean Committee including national assistance in making the workshop such a success. treasurer Ray O’Brien, national secretary Michael McMahon and our three student members Secretary LAUNCH OF WEBSITE Tommy Flynn NUIM, Treasurer Niall Kelly DIT and Tied in with the Training Workshop our very first CA PRO Gearóid Devitt DCU. Laighean website www.leinstercagaa.com was In conclusion, I would like to acknowledge the launched. My thanks goes to our student PRO Gearoid support of Comhairle Laighean and the Leinster Devitt for his work on this project. Coaching and Games Development Committee, for the third level sector in Leinster. The support has been THE FUTURE excellent and I have no doubt that this will continue Other issues that might be considered by CA Laighean into the future. I wish Comhairle Laighean every into the future are: success in it’s efforts to implement the Strategic Plan • Circulation of an e-newsletter to highlight for Leinster over the next five years. developments etc in the various college clubs in Leinster. Gearóid Ó Maolthuile Cathaoirleach, CAO Laighean. • Seeking commercial sponsorship for CA Laighean and its competitions. • Coaching courses for students. • Recruitment of student referees.

Extract from the Leinster Strategic Vision and Action Plan • Review bursary awards scheme annually

68 Comhairle Liathróid Láimhe Laighean

Scór Dublin’s Eoin Kennedy. The Leinster one-wall Táimíd an-bhródúil as uacht an comórtas championships were arranged for the spesialta Scór a ritheamar i gcóir Ceiliúradh O’Toole’s complex in early June, but 125. Mo bhoicheas do na contaetha a ghlac unfortunately the weather put paid to our páirt. Bhaineamar an taitneamh as imeachtaí outdoor one-wall plans. The games were na hoiche, go mór mhór, as an ceol, tráth na moved indoors to the handball centre in gceist agus an craic. Comhghairdeas do Chill Croke Park, never the less an excellent days Chainnigh agus Cill Mhantain, buaiteoirí na handball was had by all. priomh comórtais. In the English One Wall Open Fintan Creamer from the Abbeylara Club in Longford helped All Stars Awards Night to create a little piece of Irish sporting history The Awards took place in Croke Park in when he became the first Irish player to win December. The new format proved popular the Men’s Challenger English One-Wall title. with many, with each provincial winner in each category being invited to attend, Softball introduced to the attendance and presented Leinster players were dominate on both our with a memento. The overall winner was 60 x 30 show nights, with Eoin Kennedy then selected from each category. The continuing his good form in overcoming the rewards were in recognition of the players, up and coming Robert McCarthy (Westmeath) officials, clubs work during the year. Below in the singles final and partnered by the ever are the Leinster overall winners reliable Egin Jensen defeated Tom Sheridan/ Masters Player of the Year Brian Carroll (Meath) to be crowned doubles Michael Ducksy Walsh (Kilkenny) champions. Kilkenny dominated the intermediate grades with Brian Manogue Young Female Player of the Year taking the singles and Nicholas Anthony/Joe Shauna Hilley (Wicklow) Walsh annexing the doubles title. The Irish Hall of Fame Winner Handball Council in a nice gesture honoured Tom Walsh (Wicklow) the National Senior Handball Champions of Club of the Year 1984 Tom O’Rourke & Pius Winders (Kildare), Leixlip Handball Club (Kildare) & John Fleming (Wexford) were among the recipients. One Wall The Laurence O’Toole’s G.A.C. from Coolock World Handball Championships in Dublin officially opened their one-wall Irish players dominated the 2009 World outdoor courts on Friday January 16 last, Handball Championships in Portland, with a floodlit exhibition match between Oregon, with Leinster producing nine World World Champion Paul Brady from and Championship winners.

69 Dublin’s Eoin Kennedy, teamed up with Leinster’s World Michael Finnegan, the duo picked up their Handball Champions 2009 second World Open doubles championship medals. One of the most synonymous names Eoin Kennedy (DUBLIN) of Irish handball is Michael 'Ducksy' Walsh Mens Open Doubles and the Kilkenny maestro continued his Egin Jensen (DUBLIN) incredible success story with emphatic World Masters Doubles Masters Singles and Doubles championship Michael Ducksy Walsh (KILKENNY) successes, where he partnered Egin Jensen Masters Singles & Doubles (Dublin). Wexford’s Gavin Buggy had a huge victory in taking the over 35s singles title Ciaran Neary (KILKENNY) Mens C Doubles Kilkenny’s Ciaran Neary and Offaly’s Michael O’Brien also joined forces to take the Men’s Michael O'Brien (OFFALY) C title, while there were also great wins for Mens C Doubles Leinster players in the underage grades. Gavin Buggy (WEXFORD) Wicklow’s Shauna Hilley took the 19 and Mens 35+ Singles Under and Ladies B Singles titles, while fellow Coolboy clubman, Daniel Curry won Shauna Hilley (WICKLOW) the 11 and Under Four Wall and One-Wall Girls 19&U Singles/Ladies B Singles titles. Kildare’s Niall O’Connor topped off a Daniel Curry (WICKLOW) very successful tournament for the Irish Boys 11&U 40x20 & One-Wall Singles when he partnered Galway’s Martin Niall O'Connor (KILDARE) Mulkerrins in the 17 and Under Doubles Boys 17 & Under Doubles grade.

Buiochás Thanks to all the officials, players and to the people who opened courts and refereed games. To everyone who has helped Leinster handball during the year, I say thank you and well done. The sympathy of the Council goes to all families who have suffered bereavements during the year. Go druga suainmheas siorai doibh. Liam Ó Mathúin Rúnaí

For a full round-up of the Leinster Handball competition results for last year, see the results and fixtures section at the end of this Convention Report.

70 Leinster Referees Administrator’s Report and Leinster Recruitment & Training Officers Report

Leinster Referees Administration Committee position and it is essential that all county boards give it the support it deserves. However it is vital that Chairman Pat Casserly (Westmeath) each administrator attends our meetings on a regular Secretary Aidan Shiels (Dublin) basis and continues to support all referees within Recruitment Pierce Freaney (Kildare) each county and within the province. Support towards & Training Officer our referring in this area continues to be very Committee Liam O Neill (Louth) important. Jimmy Henry (Meath) Aidan Shiels (Dublin) Assessments Trevor Culbert (Wicklow) This continues on a regular basis at both national and Tow Rowe (Wexford) provincial level. This is the most important area in the Michael Fennin (Kildare) training and support for referees. As I continue to be Martin Barry (Carlow) involved nationally for the past number of years, Tommy Duggan (Kilkenny) assessments continue to be the area that referees Pat O’Sullivan (Laois) seek and help prepare them for their future training. Timmy Grogan (Offaly) Comhairle Laighean continue to be one of the most Liam McDaniel (Westmeath) progressive provinces in relation to this area and Joe O'Brien (Longford) indeed I would like to thank Pierce Freaney who is also involved at national level for the amount of Referees Match Officials support he gives to this area. Appointments Committee

Cathaoirleach John McCarthy (Kildare) Recruitment & Training Runai Pierce Freaney (Kildare) The past year has been very busy on the recruitment Committee Pat Casserly (Westmeath) training front. Pierce Freaney has done great work at Andy Gallagher (Offaly) Coiste Na Reiteoiri until recently with a special brief Paddy Dwyer (Meath) of recruitment and training. We have now Patrick Doherty working in this area and he will be working 2009 was another very successful year in relation to closely with each province for the betterment of our games and I would like to acknowledge the huge refereeing. It now looks as if there is going to be a contribution the referees have made towards our new grading for national referees and it is hoped to games. Again we had a major increase in the number have this in place prior to this years championship. of games played in competitions such as the Christy There continues to be a much more scientific and Ring, Nickey Rackard and Tommy Murphy cups. The progressive training programme for all referees championships in our provinces in late Autumn for involved. It was devised by Niall Moyna from DCU both the junior and intermediate clubs in hurling and and the referees diet, fitness levels and ongoing football both proved to be very successful and it is training are monitored regularly. Also within the great to see so many clubs enjoying their day in the province we had training and exam for all development sun. The interest in the O’Byrne Cup is growing each referees last April. This was held in Carlow and it will year and indeed with the colleges now participating be followed up also this year and hopefully under the in this competition makes it extremely competitive new fitness regime. I thank our Chairman Seamus and a very enjoyable early season competition. Howlin and Comhairle Laighean for its continued support to all our training and fitness programmes. The referees administration committee met five times throughout the year. The role of the county referee administrator continues to be a very important

71 Fergus Smith, Joe Curley, Garry McCormack, David Hughes, Damien Brazil, Eddie Craul, Paul Kneel, Tony Carroll, Brian Gavin. Carroll, Tony Paul Kneel, Eddie Craul, Damien Brazil, David Hughes, Garry McCormack, Joe Smith, Curley, Fergus Sheamus Comhairle Howlin Cathaoirleach, Administrators), Pat Casserly (Chairman Leinster Referees Johnny Ryan, Derek Fahy, Pat McEneaney. Eddie Kinsella, Laighean James CLG, Owens, 

Leinster Championship Finals' Referees Leinster 2009 Championship Finals' Referees Back L-R: L-R: Front

72 Academy Comhairle Laighean Again we seem to be finding it very difficult to get The support for refereeing and referees at Leinster new recruits for our academy, it is hoped that we will Council is excellent and is also much appreciated by have this up and running by Autumn 2010. This is due all our referees. I wish to thank our chairman Sheamus mainly to a lack of numbers, a poor response and a Howlin for giving me the position and then allowing lack of interest (hopefully I am wrong about this). It me the space to get on with the job. Since Sheamus is vitally important that proper structures ie. County took up position he has been very supportive, Referee Administration Committees are in place in interested and kept himself well briefed on all matters each county to ensure that all aspects of refereeing affecting referees and refereeing at provincial and are both catered for and nurtured. If neglected we all national level. Also I would like to thank Julie, Hannah will find it much more difficult to maintain and and Patricia who deal so efficiently with all of the improve standards and much more difficult to fulfil refereeing correspondences on a regular basis. I wish the number of games we have at present. also to thank Michael Delaney, Michael Reynolds and John Cotter for their support throughout the past Development Referees year. The Leinster Development Referees play their part at our early season competitions. Their performances Our referees play a huge part in the running of all resulted in some promotions to the national level. competitions from school and underage right up to Ongoing training for these referees will continue and senior level. I thank all most sincerely for what was as mentioned previously they will also complete a another excellent year. fitness and rules test in Spring ’10. As mentioned earlier in the report, the new grading system for Thanks referees will hope to include all referees who have Our Referee Match Official Appointments Committee been on developmental panels for the past number of played a major part in helping our referees during years. 2009. We met on 13 occasions and I wish to thank John, Pierce, Paddy and John for the effort they made Umpire Training to attend the meetings. A special thanks to Aidan This was carried out at national level three years ago Shiels who is secretary to the Administrators under the supervision of the National Referee tutors. Committee and who does a huge amount of work in This February ’10 it is hope to run one in our province. several areas within our organisation. Again many Hopefully the training will continue to maintain thanks to Pierce Freaney who I have worked with on standards in this area which have now become very a regular basis at both national and provincial levels high. Again I would like to thank Comhairle Laighean and who has a wealth of knowledge to all aspects of for its support to this venture. refereeing

Structures Pat Casserly It is vital that the proper structures ie. County Referee Chairman Administration Committees are in place in each county to look after all aspects of refereeing. Without Pierce Freaney dedicated people specifically charged to do this work, Recruitment & Training Officer both the standard and numbers will fall away making it much more difficult to fulfil the increasing games programme.

Extract from the Leinster Strategic Vision and Action Plan • Set criteria for the selection for appointment of county referee administrators • Carry out an audit of referees in the province • Use existing Games Development projects as practical training opportunities for academy referees

73 Hearings Committee Report

Committee together to build up their knowledge and share experiences on various scenarios. John Byrne (Chairman) We find there are many in our association who Andrew O’Sullivan (Secretary) will continue to fight cases on technicalities Seamus Flynn (Longford) knowing full well that one or more infractions Jim Thornton (Louth) occurred. Rule 7.11 (n) allows the Provincial Hearings Committee to decide to send back a Joe Martin (Westmeath) case for re-hearing or re-processing if an appeal John Dalton (Laois) is upheld more times than arriving at a different outcome. Why not spend the same amount of Sean Campion (Carlow) time and energy preventing these actions in the Paddy Wickham (Wexford) first place? Michael Delaney (Appeals only) This year we are losing four members due to the five year rule. Sean Campion, John Dalton, The Leinster Hearings Committee adjudicates on Seamus Flynn and Paddy Wickham have been hearings if requested relating to disciplinary very loyal to our committee and I wish them matters at all Leinster Competitions except well in their future involvement in the Association. Senior Inter County Championships and some Senior Competitions involving counties outside The committee met on 15 occasions since last the province. It also hears and adjudicates on Convention. appeals against decisions made at county and Buíochas schools levels. To Andrew O’Sullivan who worked tremendously The Committee defends its decisions when they at any hour between meetings and for his are appealed to Central Appeals Committee or valuable contributions during decision making. Disputes Resolution Authority. To Michael Delaney who contributed his va lued We find that there are still a significant number advice and opinion. of appeal requests reaching us that are not heard due to either being out of order or not directed To Patricia Clear who ran our committee’s to the right committee. County Competitions administration in an extremely efficient manner. Control Committee’s decisions or proposals To all Committee Members who attended should go to the County Hearings Committee meetings so well, often at short notice and also except where the CCC has decided on an for displaying great interest and dedication in objection and in that case should come to us. attempting to reach a correct decision. We urge all persons dealing with appeals and To all members of the committee who hearings to familiarise themselves on a regular represented us at Central and DRA level. basis with the Official Guide and disciplinary note books. We would encourage Comhairle To all parties involved at hearings and appeals Laighean to organise information nights where for the manner in which they conducted their officers of County Competition Control business. Committees and Hearings Committees could get John Byrne Cathaoirleach

74 Club Fixtures Committee Report

The Club Fixtures Committee is in existence since Having studied the fixtures programme for each 2007. The present members of the committee are; county the Club Fixtures Committee recommended Martin Skelly (Leas-Cathaoirleach, Comhairle the following; Laighean) James Savage (Westmeath), Padraig Ashe (Kildare), Michael Foley (Wexford), John Joe Walsh , • A streamlined programme of games for underage John Greene (Longford) and Lester Ryan (Secretary players must be provided. Counties must strive to the group). to provide underage players with at least three to four games per month over an eight month The committee held three meetings during the year period. This would help prevent leakage to other and in addition each member of the committee was sports. allocated two counties. Their role in relation to these counties was to monitor the implementation • Postponements of games or changes of fixtures of the County fixtures programme and to report any was an undesirable practice and should happen difficulties encountered to the overall committee. as per T.O. only.

Overall it was accepted that all Counties had • The Committee proposes that priority at for completed their fixtures programme. However the National Provincial and County fixtures planners committee members would not be happy that club must be to free additional weekends for Club players have got fair play in a number of Counties. activity. With the best will in the world Inter- County and Club Provincial competitions will Completing a Championship by playing two games always receive priority on a fixtures schedule in one week is not acceptable. It was also felt that a over local club competitions. Therefore a serious number of Counties started their competitions too effort must be made to tighten up the various late. inter county programmes. Various motions to do away with U-21 Junior, Intermediate have been The committee also felt that underage fixtures as knocked on the head by county committees at presented do not reflect the way the many of the recent congresses, Conventions and fixture competitions were run. Instances of competitions seminars. As a committee it is our strong feeling that were completed in one month or less and that if these competitions are to be retained, where no further games were provided for the they must be played midweek and under lights if remainder of the year were highlighted. necessary (the onus on each individual County

75 to ensure that the necessary facilities exist Our annual seminar workshop for County Fixture within their County and if not they must Planners took place on 18th Feb. The Chairman and nominate an alternative venue). This would also Secretary of the CCC and the two County Fixtures alleviate somewhat the problem of players planners were invited to attend. A comprehensive having to play two days in a row. i.e. Saturday programme took place for on the night. and Sunday. But more importantly it would free up Sundays, for inter County players to get This Committee will continue to work with County involved in Club activity. Where weekends are Fixture Planners and C.C.C.C.s to ensure that the made available players must be allowed play club Fixtures Programme will become more with their clubs. The mindset of County player streamlined, thus providing the club players of our only or Club player only must be changed. Province with a structured programme of games, over a definitive period. • From a financial viewpoint we would also feel that there is a demand for midweek games, as I would like to thank our Committee members and the weekend fixtures programme attempts to the Officers and Staff of Comhairle Laighean. In cram too many games into just two days, whilst addition I would like to thank the National Fixture competing with a glut of alternative sporting Workgroup under the Chairmanship of John Greene, activities on numerous television channels. for all their support and cooperation. The Club fixtures Committee has liaised very closely Martin Skelly with the National Fixtures Planning Committee Leas-Cathaoirleach, Comhairle Laighean (John Greene, Chairman) and has worked towards implementing the GAA Servasport fixtures planning Lester Ryan system. This system will hopefully be up and running Committee Secretarys in all twelve counties by the end of 2010. The impact of this should become very evident in a short period of time.

Extract from the Leinster Strategic Vision and Action Plan • Hold an annual Leinster Fixtures Planning Forum for Adult and Juvenile fixtures, made up of provincial and county representatives • Establish the Servasport fixtures planning system in all Leinster Counties

Longwood - Leinster Club Junior Football Champions 2009 Back L-R: Mairead Larkin, Colm Hackett, Padraig Bannon, P.J. Stenson, Christy O`Brien, Proinsias Stagg, Mark McDonagh, Wayne Leonard, Ger Ennis, Enda Dixon, David Fagan, Coran Byrne, Jarlaith Cully, Jim Dorran, Michael Weir, Karl Ennis, Alan Holton, Aaron Ennis, Jim Mahon, John Cullinane, Michael Stoney Burke, Sean Sheridan. Front L-R: Damien Stack, Ken Cleary, Vincent Byrne, Rory Maguire, James Colgan, Ciaran Greene, Eoghan Lynch, Chris Lynch, Michael Stoney Burke, Darragh Maguire, Ross Ennis, Brendan Hanna, George Stagg, Tony Sommers.

76 Leinster P.R.O. Report

County PRO Seminar Media A seminar for County PROs was held in Aras Laighean Leinster GAA enjoys a good realtionship with the in June 2009. GAA Director of Communications, Lisa national and local media. Long may it continue. Clancy attended as did Communications Manager, County and Club PROs can also take credit for the Alan Milton. The seminar focused on the National work they do in this regard. Strategic Vision and Action Plan targets in the area of communication and was of great value to those 125 Celebrations present. Leinster GAA selected a hurling and football team of the 25 years (1984 to 2009) to celebrate 125 Match Programmes anniversary of the GAA. A team of experts adjudicated Leinster match programme production was of the and the sporting public were invited to in take part usual high standard for our senior championship through a ‘Pick the Team’ competition. The selected games, thanks again to John Cotter and his team of 15 in each code were awarded their Leinster Team 25 contributers, and the excellent cooperation he medals at an Awards night in November. recieves from the counties. Match programmes at county level have also seen a hugh improvement in Leinster Championship Promotion standard of production and content. The 2009 Our 2009 Championship promotion got of to a Comhairle LaigheanAward for County Final glittering start with a major launch of our Senior programme has once again attracted entries of the Hurling and Football Championships in Áras Laighean, highest standard. The county football final programme attended by the team captains and management - by Brendan Cummins of Meath was a worthy winner. including Galway and Antrim - , officials, sponsors and the great and the good of Leinster GAA. As the games Club Website progressed the usual promotions of captains’ photos, The use of IT generally is a growing area in the GAA. radio advertisments, local press ticket competitions One of the ways it well serves our association is in and ticket consessions were rolled out to maintain the use of websites which promote our games and and boost attendances. raise our profile generally. The Club website is central to this and the 2009 Comhairle Laighean Club Finally Website Award winners, Park-Ratheniska are to be My thanks to all the staff in Aras Laighean who gave congratulated for the excellence of their site, managed me every help in my first year as Leinster PRO and a by David Kelly and Brian Ramsbottom. special thanks to JC fo his help and kindness.

Games Presentation JJ Walsh Our level of games presentation plays a big role in PRO, Leinster GAA establishing our public image. Counties and clubs are encouraged to continue their efforts in raising standards. Match day presentation is targeted specifically in the Leinster Strategic Plan.

Extract from the Leinster Strategic Vision and Action Plan • Create a fixtures promotion package for use at provincial and county levels • Identify pre-match, match and post-match media requirements and put in place at Leinster venues • Establish minimum standards and quality criteria for match programme production

77 Grounds, Facilities, Health & Safety Committee Report

Committee over the next few years. Cumann Luthchleas P.J. Murphy (Cathaoirleach) Gael cannot fill the void. Therefore it is of Michael Reynolds (Rúnaí) the utmost importance that clubs, counties Sean Sheridan (Coisde Bainisti) and the Provincial Council work as a unit in Shane Flanagan (Comhairle Laighean) ensuring that proposed projects and Kieran Keenaghan (Offaly) necessary and viable. It is important that Martin Murray (Meath) clubs and counties seek advice in advance of Brendan Ward (Offaly) undertaking development - such advice is John Costello (Dublin) readily available. Dick Miller (Laois) Comhairle Laighean has developed a grant Brendan Carthy (Louth) application procedure for 2010 to regulate Joe Bedford (Dublin) applications so as to ensure that units 2009 was a remarkable year for club undertaking development work can be development with 201 units seeking grant assured of a reasonable grant allocation on assistance, a 65% increase compared to the completion. previous year 2008. The County Development Officer should be As a consequence, grants were, of necessity, approached in the first instance by units reduced, however the quality of work and proposing projects. the scale of work amounting to almost e36 Presently, a number of clubs in the province million was outstanding and the committees are in financial difficulty to varying degrees. of the units concerned are to be commended The Association must with the parties for their achievements in bringing facilities involved explore means and ways outside for players and patrons to such a high the norm to ensure a positive resolution - standard. glass half full rather than half empty. Grants Funding 2009 In 'thinking outside the box' we can share Club Grants e1.072m Ard Chomhairle and utilise facilities to the further e465,448 Comhairle Laighean development of our games activity and our respective communities. To this end a e County Grants 700K Comhairle Laighean number of clubs have entered Lease / License For further comparison, in 2005, 79 clubs arrangements with Community Groups. A and schools were approved for Grant Aid number of such arrangements stand out: sharing e963,000, and, in 2007, 109 clubs • Edenderry / Primary School and schools were approved sharing e1.7m. The demise of Sports Capital Funding in • St Josephs OCB / DDDA - Club facilities 2009 will have an impact on physical at Seville Place, Dublin 1 development at both Club and County level

78 • Ballinteer St Johns / Ballinteer CS - Looking forward to the new Championship Department of Education & Science season we must also look at continuing to and Board of Management - 3G Pitch improve Health and Safety at all our venues. funded 90% by the club on school property for use by the club outside of The Provincial Strategic Plan will outline the school hours. proposed timetable in detail. The whole are of Health and Safety is of vital importance The Leinster Demographic Survey has given to every one of us. us the required information to continue to identify and develop locations / facilities Patrons are becoming more aware of personal strategically, particularly on the eastern part comfort when attending our games. To this of the province. We have the ability and the end, covered seating, safe access/egress, capability to deliver playing facilities in adequate sanitarty facilities, good signage areas where our remit currently is not strong. and an efficient public address system are essential minimum requirements at our At the end of 2009, nine counties are at grounds. varying stages of developing County Training Grounds a.k.a. Centres of Excellence. In time, In conclusion, I wish to acknowledge the hopefully, they will all be hives of activity. work of the Committee members throughout For the three remaining counties, purchase the year and thank the Cathaoirleach, should not be made for the sake of having Executive and Staff of Comhairle Laighean land. Other issues may come into play for their great support. leading to Strategic Decisions. Presently resources are scarce. A policy of "one cap fits P S Ó Murchú all" may not be the best strategy, and lateral Cathaoirleach thinking when scoping Centres of Excellence is recommended.

Extract from the Leinster Strategic Vision and Action Plan • Carry out a club audit in conjunction with county officers and categorise clubs on the suitability of their facilities for hosting games

Black And Whites - Leinster Junior Hurling Club Champions 2009

79 Feargal Duffy, Alan Carr, Daithí Ó Murchu, John Kelly, Fionn Carney, Feargal Breathnacht, Paul Hudson. Breathnacht, Feargal Fionn Carney, Daithí John Ó Kelly, Alan Murchu, Carr, Duffy, Feargal Gerry Seaver, Daragh Stapleton, Ciaran Reddin, Colm Carr (Capt), David Downey, Eoghan Keogh, Gary Sweeney, Kevin O'Brien. Kevin Gary Sweeney, Keogh, Eoghan Colm Carr David Downey, (Capt), Ciaran Reddin, Daragh Stapleton, Gerry Seaver,

Dublin - Leinster Minor Champions Football 2009 Back L-R: Front L-R: Front

80 Match Venue Requirements for Leinster Fixtures Leinster GAA Strategic Vision and Action Plan

As part of the Leinster Strategic Plan, in aim is to select venues for games based on 2010 Leinster GAA ,in 2010, will introduce a standards achieved. comprehensive Event Venue Management Programme, through which the council will An annual award for best presented venue work with match venues in Leinster to will recognise effort and achievement. achieve minimum match day standards The criteria which will be used are listed across a broad range of criteria. The eventual here.

Mandatory/Statutory Health and Safety

Required/Recommended Traffic Management Venue and Pitch Presentation Venue Costs Stewarding Stiles Player and Official Facilities Match Day Ticket Sales Programme Production and Sales Patron Comfort and Convenience Media Facilities Pre-Match Marketing and Promotion Pre-Match Ticket Sales Special Guest & Sponsor Arrangements

81 Leinster Club and County Planning Committee Report

In 2009 Leinster committed to implementing refined planning methodology is now the GAA Strategic Vision and Action Plan available from Kieran Leddy, Croke Park. 2009-2015 which was launched at the end To prepare the maximum number of clubs of the 2008. for their own planning process, and as part At Provincial, County and Club levels, parallel of the Provincial planning process, a Club planning processes, including large group Forum was held in every county in Leinster workshops, were initiated, cascading down during 2009. Many counties had in excess of from the Strategic Vision and Action Plan. 90% turnout at these workshops, made up Right throughout these planning workshops of groups of up to 250 people, and in total there were participants who had, or were, around 2,000 representatives from clubs engaging in planning at several levels. This attended. The response in the workshops means a greater understanding is being was very enthusiastic – it connected with developed by more people about the needs more breadth and depth in the association. of all our members, about how the The Strategic Vision and Action Plan set a Association is planning and executing at all target of having County Plan in every county levels. We are now engaged in a continuous by the end of 2011. Leinster will meet this process of building on our strengths, learning target during 2010. Longford already had is lessons, and taking action based on these County Plan completed and in 2009 Kilkenny, lessons. This greater understanding will lead Laois and Westmeath completed County to better communications, better performing Plans. Meath and Wexford have completed units, and a better experience for members, first drafts of their plans with the remainder volunteers and our supporters. of the counties at different stages of their At Club level, dozens of clubs in the province projects. developed plans in 2009; many more are in At provincial level, Cathaoirleach Comhairle the pipeline. Leinster is working with Croke Laighean, Seamus Howlin established a Park in refining the club planning steering committee under John Cotter to methodology, to make it even more practical, develop the Strategic Plan for Leinster. The to make the tools available online, to engage committee included Seamus Howlin, Michael significantly more members in the process, Delaney, Michael Reynolds and Shane and to include repeatable review and Flanagan. This group was joined by John refinement mechanisms so that the plans Horan Cathaoirleach of the Coaching and remain updated and focused on the local Games Development Committee and Martin priorities. Naomh Olaf in Dublin and Skelly, Leas-Cathaoirleach Comhairle Edenderry in Offaly took part in pilot Laighean. The committee consulted widely planning processes, where Kieran Leddy of and used workshop formats applied at Croke Park led members’ workshops. The National, County and Club levels which has

82 harnessed the experience, knowledge skills will need to train sufficient volunteers to and aspirations of 1,000’s of members. The facilitate the development of up to 567 plan has been reviewed and approved by plans. The first cycle of facilitator training Leinster Council Management and Leinster begins in spring 2010. It is very important Council. that each county finds suitable volunteers to One of the key challenges now is to maintain engage in the training and subsequent the momentum that has been created by facilitation projects. Counties should see this the work of so many people. The role of the as an excellent opportunity to recruit new Club and County Planning Committee in volunteers and give them a very satisfying 2010 will be to facilitate, enable and be a role in our Associations. Engaging in the catalyst for this momentum, through the facilitator training and the experience of County Development Officers. As there are working with a number of clubs will be very several new County Development Officers in attractive to some experienced, talented Leinster and since the Role and Responsibilities people. of County Development Officers has been The Club and County Planning Committee redefined, the first priority for 2010 is to thanks the fulltime team at Portlaoise for have the new role fully agreed within each their help and support during 2009 and County. Kieran Leddy at Croke Park for his continuing With the Leinster Provincial Plan now contribution to developing our capability in complete, and with the County Plan in each Leinster. County due to be complete in 2010, the next Paul O’Kelly priority is having an appropriate Club Plan in Cathaoirleach every club in Leinster. This means Leinster

Kildare - Leinster U-21 'A' Hurling Champions 2009

83 Coiste Scór Laighean Report

Tá sé phribléid agam an tuaráscail gearr seo a chur Scór through the medium of our language, song and faoi bhraid na ndaoine atá bailithe anseo ó Cuige dance in 2009. We should all make effort to promote Laighean. the gospel of Scór, whenever we can, particularly where Scór is not strong for 2010. 2009 was a very special year for Cumann Luthchleas Gael as it celebrated its 125th Anniversary and also To the Officers, of the Leinster Council Sheamus Ó the 40th birthday of Scór. Every effort was made to hUilín, Mártin Ó Sceallaí agus Michéal Ó Dubhshláine increase the number of new clubs and to welcome I would like to thank them for their support and help back clubs who had in the past taken an active part in during the past year. Scór in previous years. While we had some success, there is a long way to go to bring the numbers up in Finally, I would like to thank the members of the some counties. Leinster Scór Committee, particularly our Cathaoirleach Aodhan Ó Breathnach for his work over We now have eleven counties in Leinster taking part the year. in Scór and with an extra effort we hope to have all Leinster taking part. Ba mhaith liom mo míle bhuíochas a gabhail le gach éinne a chabhraigh liom i rith na bliana. On the positive side of Scór I am delighted to take this opportunity to thank all our Leinster counties, all Dómhnall ÓhIceadha participating clubs, their officials and committees for Rúnaí the endeavour they made in achieving the aims of

Leinster Scór na nÓg Winners 2009 Leinster Senior Scór Winners 2009

RINCE FÓIRNE (Ceili Dancing) RINCE FÓIRNE (Ceili Dancing) Máigh Nuad Cill Dara Máigh Nuad Cill Dara AMHRÁNAIOCHT AONAIR (Solo Song) AMHRÁNAIOCHT AONAIR (Solo Song) Caitríona Ní Nua (N Malachi) Iarmhí Pádraic Ó Cionnaith (Baile Mór) Iarmhí CEOL UIRLISE (Instrumental Music) CEOL UIRLISE (Instrumental Music) An Bainbh Baile Mhíota Loch Garman Killeigh Úibh Fháilí AITHRISEOIREACHT / SCEALAIOCHT AITHRISEOIREACHT / SCEALAIOCHT (Recitation / Storytelling) (Recitation / Storytelling) Cloch Bán Loch Garman Peadar Ó Dúlain (Moate All Whites) Iarmhí BAILÉAD GHRUPA (Ballad Groups) BAILÉAD GHRUPA (Ballad Groups) Na Seomrógaí Úibh Fháilí An Clárach Úibh Fháilí TRÁTH NA gCEIST (Question Time) TRÁTH NA gCEIST (Question Time) Fiodh Aluine Cill Dara Fiodh Aluine Cill Dara NUACHLEAS (Novelty Act) NUACHLEAS (Novelty Act) Naomh Malachi Iarmhí Castletown Geoghegan Iarmhí RINCE SEIT (Set Dancing) RINCE SEIT (Set Dancing) Naomh Uinsionn Longfort Na Dúnta Iarmhí 84 Mick Martin, Kevin McNally, Collins Connolly, Adrian Wallace, Diarmuid Murphy, Trevor Hillard, Mark Wallace, , Brian Corcoran, Wallace, Mark Hillard, Trevor Diarmuid Murphy, Wallace, Adrian Collins Connolly, MickMcNally, , . Morrisey, Wesley Shane Fennell, Ronan Byrne, Conor Kerrigan, Edward McCarty, Eddie MacArdle, Donnach Callan, Brian McCabe, Donnach Brian McCabe, Callan, Eddie MacArdle, McCarty, Edward Conor Kerrigan, Byrne, Ronan Shane Fennell, Darren Reid. Gavin Kerrigan, Gary Realis, Darren OHanrahan,

Louth - Leinster 2009 Winners Junior Hurling Shield Back L-R: Front L-R: Front

85 Coisde Gaeilge Laighean Website

cgl.ie – the language support website established which can be printed off and used for skills- by Coiste na Gaeilge – is going from strength to coaching as Gaeilge in schools and in clubs. strength. The committee would like to see Cultural Officers Feedback on the site has been promising and on the county boards and in the clubs make many officials in the organisation find the more use of the site, in terms of utilising the glossary pages, containing assistance in regard resources provided and letting us know what to content for match programmes, other material, if any, they would like to see on match announcements and other occasions, it. particularly useful. There has also been a positive Vivian Uíbh Eachach reaction to the football and hurling skills sets, Rúnaí, Coiste na Gaeilge

Extract from the Leinster Strategic Vision and Action Plan • establish links on all club and county websites to www.cgl.ie

86 GAA Volunteers' Awards Leinster Roll Of Honour Leinster Hall Of Fame 2003 Michael “Ducksie” Walsh (Kilkenny) Seán Óg Ó Ceallachán (Dublin) 2004 Leinster Camogie Team of the Century Paddy Flanagan (Westmeath) 2005 Brian Smith (Louth) Kevin Heffernan (Dublin) 2006 (Wexford) Sean Boylan (Westmeath) 2007 Pat Henderson (Kilkenny) Eugene McGee (Longford) 2008 (Offaly) Seamus Aldridge (Kildare) 2009 Pat Critchley (Laois) Frank Lynch (Louth)

Comhairle Laighean Comhairle Laighean Match Programme Award Website Award 2004 Alan Aherne (Wexford) 2007 Tara Rowan, Jeff Sheridan & 2005 Brendan Cummins ( Meath) Brendan Cummins (Meath GAA) 2006 John Duffy (Longford) 2008 Chris Lynam 2007 Mary Foley (Wexford) (St. Brigid’s GAA Club, Dublin) 2008 Mary Foley (Wexford) 2009 Brian Ramsbottom and David Kelly 2009 Brendan Cummins (Meath) (Park-Ratheniska GAA Club, Laois)

President's Award - Leinster Recipients

2004 2006 2008 Paddy Kelly (Meath) Martin Quigley (Wexford) John Ryan (Longford) Paddy Flanagan (Westmeath Kevin Heffernan (Dublin) Fr. Moling Lennon Kevin O’Brien (Wicklow) Tadhg de Brun (Dublin) (Carlow & Kildare) (Wexford) George Delaney (Wicklow) Michael Noel Byrne (Offaly) Con Ryan (Dublin) Margaret Delaney (Laois) Miriam Malone (Kildare) Donal Hickey (Dublin) 2009 Michael Walsh (Kilkenny) Marcus de Burca (Dublin) Fr. Michael Cremin (Westmeath) Jimmy Bergin (Kilkenny) L.V. Conway (Carlow) 2005 Peter Keogh (Wicklow) William Price (Dublin) 2007 Ned Quinn (Kilkenny) John Cullen (Wexford) Tommy O’Brien (Kilkenny) Bro. Denis Minihane (Offaly) Podge Butler (Kilkenny) Paddy Collins (Westmeath) Gerry Buckley (Westmeath) Patsy Kiernan (Dublin) Pat Holland (Louth) John Nevin (Carlow) Bro. Bosco Mulhare (Laois & Carlow) Lulu Carroll (Laois)

87 88 89 Comhairle Laighean Clár na gCluichí 2010 PEIL SINSIR LEINSTER JUNIOR FOOTBALL 1 LU v LONGPHORT PRELIM CILL MHANTAIN v AN MHI 2 1 v CILL DARA 1 PREL. WINNERS v CILL CHAINNIGH 3 CILL MHANTAIN v CEATHARLOCH 2 LOCH GARMAN v CABHAN 4 3 v IARMHI 3 LU v LONGPHORT 5 AN MHI v UIBH FHAILI 4 CILL DARA v ATH CLIATH 5 1 V 2 6 5 v LAOIS 6 3 V 4 7 LOCH GARMAN v ATH CLIATH CRAOBH 5 V 6 8 2 v 4 9 6 v 7 LEINSTER INTERMEDIATE HURLING CRAOBH 8 v 9 1 CILL CHAINNIGH v LOCH GARMAN CRAOBH 1 v ATH CLIATH IOMÁINT SINSIR LEINSTER M.H.C. PRELIM CEATHARLOCH v LAOIS Round 1 1 ATH CLIATH v CEATHARLOCH / LAOIS 1 CILL DARA v CILL MHANTAIN 2 LOCH GARMAN v GAILLIMH 2 IARMHI v AN MHI 3 AONTROIM v UIBH FHAILI Round 2 4 CILL CHAINNIGH 3 CEATHARLOCH v 1 5 1 v 4 4 2 v LAOIS 6 2 v 3 5 CILL CHAINNIGH v ATH CLIATH 6 UIBH FHAILI v LOCH GARMAN CRAOBH 5 v 6 Round 3 7 WINNERS 4 v LOSERS 6 LEINSTER UNDER 21 F.C. 8 WINNERS 3 v LOSERS 4 1 UIBH FHAILI v CEATHARLOCH Round 3 2 1 v CILL CHAINNIGH 9 8 v 5 3 LU v LOCH GARMAN 10 7 v 6 4 3 v ATH CLIATH Final 9 v 10 (a) In the Semi Finals the Winners of 5 and 6 will be drawn in opposite 5 IARMHI v CILL DARA Semi Finals against Winners of 7 and 8. 6 5 v AN MHI (b) A Shield Competition shall be provided for Losers of games 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 CILL MHANTAIN v LONGPHORT and Louth. 8 7 v LAOIS LEINSTER M.F.C. 9 2 v 4 Round 1 10 6 v 8 1 CILL MHANTAIN v LOCH GARMAN CRAOBH 9 v 10 2 CEATHARLOCH v IARMHI 3 LU v LAOIS LEINSTER UNDER 21 H.C. ‘A’ 4 CILL DARA v ATH CLIATH 1 AN MHI v CEATHARLOCH 5 UIBH FHAILI v LONGPHORT 2 CILL MHANTAIN v LONGPHORT 6 AN MHI v CILL CHAINNIGH 3 LU v IARMHI Losers Section 4 3 v CILL DARA 7 Loser 5 v Loser 1 5 1 v 2 8 7 v Loser 2 = A 9 Loser 4 v Loser 3 CRAOBH 4 v 5 10 9 v Loser 6 = B Quarter Finals LEINSTER UNDER 21 H.C. 11 6 v 5 1 CILL CHAINNIGH v UIBH FHAILI 12 3 v 1 2 1 v ATH CLIATH 13 A v 2 3 LOCH GARMAN v LAOIS 14 4 v B CRAOBH 2 v 3 Semi Finals 15 11 v 12 16 13 v 14 Final 15 v 16

90 Club Championships 2010

AIB SENIOR CLUB HURLING JUNIOR CLUB HURLING SENIOR CHAMPIONS from SENIOR CHAMPIONS from Longford, Louth Kilkenny, Dublin, Offaly, Wexford, Westmeath, Laois INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONS from Laois, Offaly, Dublin, 1 Laois v Kilkenny 31.10.2010 Wicklow, Westmeath, Kildare, Meath, Carlow JUNIOR CHAMPIONS from Kilkenny, Wexford 2 1 v Dublin 14.11.2010 1 Wicklow v Westmeath 17.10.2010 3 Westmeath v Offaly 31.10.2010 2 1 v Meath 31.10.2010 4 3 v Wexford 14.11.2010 3 Offaly v Dublin 17.10.2010 CRAOBH 2 v 4 28.11.2010 4 3 v Carlow 31.10.2010 5 Longford v Louth 17.10.2010 6 5 v Wexford 31.10.2010 AIB SENIOR CLUB FOOTBALL 7 Laois v Kildare 17.10.2010 SENIOR CHAMPIONS from 8 7 v Kilkenny 31.10.2010 All counties except Kilkenny 9 2 v 4 14.11.2010 1 Kildare v Laois 24.10.2010 10 6 v 8 14.11.2010 2 1 v Dublin 7.11.2010 CRAOBH 9 v 10 28.11.2010 3 Westmeath v Longford 24.10.2010 4 3 v Louth 7.11.2010 5 Meath v Wicklow 24.10.2010 6 5 v Wexford 7.11.2010 JUNIOR CLUB FOOTBALL INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONS from Kilkenny 7 Carlow v Offaly 24.10.2010 INTERMEDIATE RUNNERS-UP from Carlow 8 2 v 4 21.11.2010 JUNIOR CHAMPIONS from remaining 10 counties 9 6 v 7 21.11.2010 1 Carlow v Louth 24.10.2010 CRAOBH 8 v 9 5.12.2010 2 1 v Kildare 7.11.2010 3 Dublin v Wexford 24.10.2010 4 3 v Wicklow 7.11.2010 INTERMEDIATE CLUB HURLING 5 Meath v Longford 24.10.2010 INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONS from Kilkenny, Wexford 6 5 v Kilkenny 7.11.2010 SENIOR CHAMPIONS from Wicklow, Kildare, Meath, Carlow 7 Westmeath v Laois 24.10.2010 1 Kilkenny v Wexford 24.10.2010 8 7 v Offaly 7.11.2010 2 1 v Meath 7.11.2010 9 2 v 4 21.11.2010 3 Carlow v Wicklow 24.10.2010 10 6 v 8 21.11.2010 4 3 v Kildare 7.11.2010 CRAOBH 9 v 10 5.12.2010 CRAOBH 2 v 4 21.11.2010

INTERMEDIATE CLUB FOOTBALL SENIOR CHAMPIONS from Kilkenny INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONS from remaining 11 counties 1 Longford v Laois 31.10.2010 2 1 v Wicklow 7.11.2010 3 Louth v Kildare 31.10.2010 4 3 v Dublin 7.11.2010 5 Wexford v Carlow 31.10.2010 6 5 v Kilkenny 7.11.2010 7 Offaly v Westmeath 31.10.2010 8 7 v Meath 7.11.2010 9 2 v 4 21.11.2010 10 6 v 8 21.11.2010 CRAOBH 9 v 10 5.12.2010

91 Comhairle Laighean Clár na gCluichí 2010

Peil Sinsir DATE VENUE 1 LOUTH V LONGFORD 23.5.2010 PORTLAOISE 2 1 V KILDARE 5.6.2010 /TULLAMORE 3 WICKLOW V CARLOW 16.5.2010 PORTLAOISE 4 3 V WESTMEATH 6.6.2010 TULLAMORE/PORTLAOISE 5 MEATH V OFFALY 23.5.2010 PORTLAOISE 6 5 V LAOIS 13.6.2010 CROKE PARK 7 WEXFORD V DUBLIN CROKE PARK 8 2 v 4 26.6.2010 CROKE PARK (see note) 9 6 v 7 27.6.2010 CROKE PARK CRAOBH 8 v 9 12.7.2010 CROKE PARK NOTE 8. (a) if Louth v Wicklow PARNELL PARK Louth v Carlow TULLAMORE Louth v Westmeath NAVAN 8. (b) if Longford v Wicklow TULLAMORE Longford v Carlow TULLAMORE Longford v Westmeath MULLINGAR 8. (c) if Kildare v Wicklow PORTLAOISE Kildare v Carlow PORTLAOISE Kildare v Westmeath TULLAMORE IOMÁINT SINSIR DATE VENUE PRELIM RD CARLOW v LAOIS 22.5.2010 1 DUBLIN v CARLOW / LAOIS 6.6.2010 KILKENNY 2 WEXFORD v GALWAY 29.5.2010 KILKENNY 3 ANTRIM v OFFALY 30.5.2010 PARNELL PARK 4 KILKENNY 5 SEMI-FINAL 1 v 4 20.6.2010 T.B.A. 6 SEMI-FINAL 2 v 3 19.6.2010 T.B.A. CRAOBH 5 v 6 04.7.2010 CROKE PARK FÉ 21 BLIAIN PEIL DATE VENUE 1 OFFALY v CARLOW 6.3.2010 TULLAMORE 2 1 v KILKENNY 10.3.2010 PORTLAOISE 3 LOUTH v WEXFORD 20.2.2010 DROGHEDA 4 3 v DUBLIN 6.3.2010 DROGHEDA / WEXFORD 5 WESTMEATH v KILDARE 20.2.2010 MULLINGAR 6 5 v MEATH 6.3.2010 MULLINGAR / NEWBRIDGE 7 WICKLOW v LONGFORD 21.2.2010 AUGHRIM 8 7 v LAOIS 6.3.2010 AUGHRIM / LONGFORD 9 2 V 4 17.3.2010 HOME VENUE 2 10 6 v 8 17.3.2010 HOME VENUE 6 CRAOBH 9 v 10 04.4.2010 HOME VENUE 9

92 PEIL SOISIR DATE VENUE PRELIM. RD WICKLOW v MEATH 12.5.2010 AUGHRIM 1 PRELIM. WINNERS v KILKENNY 26.5.2010 AUGHRIM / NAVAN 2 WEXFORD v CAVAN 26.5.2010 WEXFORD 3 LOUTH v LONGFORD 26.5.2010 DROGHEDA 4 KILDARE v DUBLIN 26.5.2010 NEWBRIDGE 5 1 v 2 9.6.2010 HOME VENUE 1 6 3 v 4 9.6.2010 HOME VENUE 3 FINAL 5 v 6 27.6.2010 T.B.C.

FÉ 21 ‘A’ IOMÁINT DATE VENUE 1 MEATH 2 WICKLOW v LONGFORD 30.6.2010 ARKLOW 3 LOUTH v WESTMEATH 30.6.2010 DROGHEDA 4 KILDARE 5 1 v 2 14.7.2010 HOME VENUE 1 6 3 v 4 14.7.2010 HOME VENUE 3 CRAOBH 5 v 6 28.7.2010 HOME VENUE 5

FÉ 21 IOMÁINT DATE VENUE 1 KILKENNY v OFFALY 9.6.2010 KILKENNY 2 1 v DUBLIN 23.6.2010 KILKENNY / TULLAMORE 3 LAOIS v CARLOW 9.6.2010 PORTLAOISE 4 WEXFORD v 3 23.6.2010 WEXFORD CRAOBH 2 v 4 14.7.2010 HOME VENUE 2

IOMÁINT IDIRMHEANACH DATE VENUE 1 KILKENNY v WEXFORD 16.6.2010 WEXFORD CRAOBH 1 v DUBLIN 7.7.2010 HOME VENUE 1

PEIL SOISIR DATE VENUE PRELIM WICKLOW v MEATH 12.5.2010 AUGHRIM 1. PRELIM. WINNERS v KILKENNY 26.5.2010 AUGHRIM / NAVAN 2. WEXFORD v CAVAN 26.5.2010 WEXFORD 3. LOUTH v LONGFORD 26.5.2010 DROGHEDA 4. KILDARE v DUBLIN 26.5.2010 NEWBRIDGE 5. 1 v 2 9.6.2010 HOME VENUE 1 6. 3 v 4 9.6.2010 HOME VENUE 3 CRAOBH 5 v 6 27.6.2010 T.B.C.

93 PEIL MÍONÚIR DATE VENUE ROUND 1 1 WICKLOW v WEXFORD 17.4.2010 AUGHRIM 2 CARLOW v WESTMEATH 17.4.2010 CARLOW 3 LOUTH v LAOIS 17.4.2010 DROGHEDA 4 KILDARE v DUBLIN 17.4.2010 NEWBRIDGE 5 OFFALY v LONGFORD 17.4.2010 TULLAMORE 6 MEATH v KILKENNY 17.4.2010 NAVAN

LOSERS SECTION 7 LOSER 5 v LOSER 1 24.4.2010 HOME VENUE LOSER 5 8 7 v LOSER 2 = (A) 8.5.2010 HOME VENUE 7 9 LOSER 4 v LOSER 3 24.4.2010 HOME VENUE LOSER 4 10 9 v LOSER 6 = (B) 8.5.2010 HOME VENUE 9 QUARTER FINALS 11 6 v 5 22.5.2010 HOME VENUE 6 12 3 v 1 22.5.2010 HOME VENUE 3 13 A v 2 22.5.2010 HOME VENUE A 14 4 v B 22.5.2010 HOME VENUE 4 SEMI FINALS 15 11 v 12 26.6.2010 HOME VENUE 11 (30.6.2010) 16 13 v 14 26.6.2010 HOME VENUE 13 (30.6.2010) FINAL 15 v 16 12.7.2010 CROKE PARK

IOMÁINT MÍONÚIR DATE VENUE ROUND 1 1 KILDARE v WICKLOW 10.4.2010 NEWBRIDGE 2 WESTMEATH v MEATH 10.4.2010 MULLINGAR ROUND 2 3 CARLOW v 1 1.5.2010 CARLOW 4 2 v LAOIS 1.5.2010 MULLINGAR / NAVAN 5 KILKENNY v DUBLIN 1.5.2010 KILKENNY 6 OFFALY v WEXFORD 1.5.2010 TULLAMORE ROUND 3 7 WINNER 4 v LOSER 6 15.5.2010 HOME VENUE WINNERS 4 8 WINNER 3 v LOSER 5 15.5.2010 HOME VENUE WINNERS 3 SEMI FINALS 9 8 v 6 26.6.2010 HOME VENUE 8 10 7 v 5 26.6.2010 HOME VENUE 7 CRAOBH 9 v 10 04.7.2010 CROKE PARK

N.B. (a) In the Semi Finals the Winners of 5 and 6 will be drawn in opposite Semi Finals against Winners of 7 and 8. (b) A Shield Competition shall be provided for Losers of games 1, 2, 3, 4, and Louth.

94 Cluichí Laighean 2009 O’BYRNE CUP S.F. 4/1 Cill Dara ...... 1-12 Loch Garman . . . . . 0-09 Newbridge 4/1 DCU ...... 1-14 Laois ...... 1-13 Portarlington 4/1 Lu ...... 2-14 UCD ...... 1-02 Drogheda 4/1 An Mhi ...... 1-17 Iarmhi ...... 0-07 Navan 4/1 Ath Cliath ...... 0-15 Uibh Fhaili ...... 1-07 Tullamore 4/1 DIT ...... 0-18 Cill Chainnigh . . . . . 2-06 Freshford 4/1 Cill Mhantain ...... 2-10 Ceatharloch ...... 1-08 Blessington 4/1 Longphort ...... 2-12 Ath Luain IT ...... 1-07 Ballymahon 11/1 Lu ...... 4-12 Longphort ...... 0-05 Longford 11/1 Cill Mhantain ...... 0-09 Ath Cliath ...... 0-06 Parnell Park 1 1/1 Cill Dara ...... 1-10 An Mhi ...... 1-08 Newbridge 11/1 D.C.U...... 0-11 D.I.T...... 0-05 D.C.U. Sports Grnds. 18/1 Lu ...... 2-19 Cill Mhantain . . . . . 1-10 Drogheda 18/1 D.C.U...... 2-08 Cill Dara ...... 0-11 Newbridge 25/1 Lu ...... 1-17 D.C.U...... 1-10 Drogheda O’BYRNE SHIELD S.F. 11/1 Laois ...... 4-18 Cill Chainnigh . . . . . 1-04 Portarlington 11/1 U.C.D...... 0-12 Athlone I.T...... 0-08 Athlone IT Grounds 11/1 Ceatharloch ...... 2-11 Uibh Fhaili ...... 0-13 Tullamore 11/1 Iarmhi ...... 2-13 Loch Garman . . . . . 2-11 AET Monamolin (B. Alley) 18/1 Laois ...... 2-14 Iarmhi ...... 1-09 Mullingar 18/1 Ceatharloch ...... 1-17 U.C.D...... 0-13 Eire Og, Carlow 25/1 Laois ...... 1-13 Ceatharloch ...... 1-06 Carlow WALSH CUP S.H. 18/1 Loch Garman ...... 0-20 U.C.D...... 1-15 Ferns 18/1 Gailimh ...... 1-17 Uibh Fhaili ...... 2-10 Tullamore 18/1 Antroim ...... 1-13 Laois ...... 0-14 Rathdowney 18/1 Cill Chainnigh . . . . . 6-12 Ath Cliath ...... 0-12 Parnell Park 25/1 Cill Chainnigh . . . . . 1-20 Antroim ...... 2-12 Casement Park 25/1 Gailimh ...... 1-21 Loch Garman . . . . . 4-09 New Ross 1/2 Cill Chainnigh . . . . . 2-17 Gailimh ...... 1-18 AET Freshford WALSH SHIELD S.H. 25/1 Ath Cliath ...... 0-16 Laois ...... 1-08 Abbeyleix 25/1 Uibh Fhaili ...... 3-15 U.C.D...... 1-10 1/2 Ath Cliath ...... 1-20 Uibh Fhaili ...... 2-15 Banagher KEHOE CUP S.H. 11/1 D.I.T...... 2-13 Cill Dara ...... 2-06 Newbridge 11/1 Cill Mhantain ...... 1-19 Trinty ...... 2-05 Bray Emmetts 11/1 Fingal ...... 3-09 Lu ...... 1-08 Fingallians 11/1 An Dun ...... 2-16 An Mhi ...... 1-12 Navan 11/1 DCU ...... 1-13 Mhuigh Eo ...... 0-09 DCU Sports Grd 11/1 Ros Comain ...... 3-08 Longphort ...... 1-10 18/1 Iarmhi ...... 4-21 Cill Mhantain . . . . . 1-04 Bray Emmetts

95 18/1 D.C.U...... 0-14 Fingal ...... 1-06 Fingallians 18/1 D.I.T...... 3-18 An Dun ...... 3-13 AET Newry 18/1 Ceatharloch ...... 1-15 Ros Comain ...... 0-08 Carlow 25/1 Ceatharloch ...... 1-10 D.I.T...... 0-06 McGrath Pk, Bag/town 25/1 Iarmhi ...... 0-22 DCU ...... 1-07 Mullingar 1/2 Iarmhi ...... 0-16 Ceatharloch ...... 0-09 Kinnegad KEHOE SHIELD S.H. 18/1 Cill Dara ...... 1-12 An Mhi ...... 0-12 Navan 19/1 Lu ...... 3-11 Trinity ...... 0-03 Darver 25/1 Lu ...... 0-13 Mayo ...... 0-12 Darver 25/1 Cill Dara ...... 5-20 Longphort ...... 1-07 Newbridge 1/2 Cill Dara ...... 4-16 Lu ...... 1-02 Darver CADBURYS LEINSTER UNDER 21 F.C. 7/2 Iarmhi ...... 0-19 Uibh Fhaili ...... 0-08 Tullamore 14/2 Cill Mhantain ...... 1-11 Longphort ...... 2-06 Longford 14/2 Cill Dara ...... 0-17 Loch Garman . . . . . 0-04 Bunclody 22/2 Ath Cliath ...... 3-12 Lu ...... 2-08 Drogheda 28/2 Iarmhi ...... 2-18 Cill Chainnigh . . . . . 1-02 Kilkenny 1/3 Laois ...... 1-18 Cill Mhantain . . . . . 1-04 Aughrim 1/3 Cill Dara ...... 4-13 Ceatharloch ...... 0-06 Newbridge 7/3 Ath Cliath ...... 0-12 An Mhi ...... 2-05 Parnell Park 17/3 Laois ...... 3-11 Cill Dara ...... 0-11 Portlaoise 21/3 Ath Cliath ...... 1-10 Iarmhi ...... 0-09 Parnell Park 5/4 Ath Cliath ...... 0-12 Laois ...... 0-09 Portlaoise LEINSTER U-21 'A' H.C. 4/4 Iarmhi ...... 4-12 An Mhi ...... 1-09 Mullingar 4/4 An Lu ...... 2-14 Cill Mhantain . . . . . 0-09 Dundalk 4/4 Cill Dara ...... W/O Longphort ...... SCR 18/4 An Lu ...... 0-08 Ceatharloch ...... 4-16 Dundalk 18/4 Iarmhi ...... 0-15 Cill Dara ...... 1-13 Mullingar 6/5 Cill Dara ...... 2-14 Ceatharloach ...... 2-09 Clane ESB LEINSTER M.F.C. 18/4 Cearthlaroch ...... 1-06 Iarmhi ...... 1-15 Carlow 18/4 Cill Chainnigh . . . . . 0-05 Loch Garman . . . . . 3-19 Kilkenny 18/4 Longphort ...... 1-13 Laois ...... 3-10 Longford 18/4 An Lu ...... 0-05 Ath Cliath ...... 4-15 Drogheda 18/4 Cill Mhantain ...... 0-05 Cill Dara ...... 4-19 Aughrim 18/4 An Mhi ...... 0-18 Uibh Fhaili ...... 1-11 Navan 25/4 Uibh Fhaili ...... 4-12 Longphort ...... 1-06 Longford 25/4 Cill Mhantain ...... 2-12 Ceatharloch ...... 1-08 Aughrim 9/5 Uibh Fhaili ...... 1-15 Lu ...... 0-16 Tullamore 9/5 Cill Mhantain ...... 8-15 Cill Chainnigh . . . . . 1-01 Aughrim 23/5 Cill Dara ...... 3-15 Loch Garman . . . . . 2-04 Newbridge 23/5 Uibh Fhaili ...... 3-13 Cill Mhantain . . . . . 2-11 Tullamore 23/5 An Mhi ...... 0-18 Iarmhi ...... 0-09 Navan 23/5 Ath Cliath ...... 0-14 Laois ...... 1-10 Portmarnock 27/6 Cill Dara ...... 1-08 An Mhi ...... 0-10 Navan 27/6 Ath Cliath ...... 5-17 Uibh Fhaili ...... 1-15 Tullamore 12/7 Ath Cliath ...... 1-10 Cill Dara ...... 1-10 Croke Park 18/7 Ath Cliath ...... 1-15 Cill Dara ...... 1-10 Carlow

96 ESB LEINSTER M.H.C. 12/4 Iarmhi ...... 3-15 Cill Dara ...... 2-12 Mullingar 12/4 An Mhi ...... 7-20 Cill Mhantain . . . . . 1-08 Navan 2/5 Laois ...... 4-11 An Mhi ...... 1-11 Navan 2/5 Cill Chainnigh . . . . . 4-18 Uibh Fhaili ...... 1-08 Kilkenny 2/5 Loch Garman ...... 1-19 Ath Cliath ...... 1-09 Parnell Park 2/5 Iarmhi ...... 3-09 Ceatharloch ...... 2-06 Mullingar 16/5 Laois ...... 1-09 Ath Cliath ...... 1-06 Portlaoise 16/5 Iarmhi ...... 1-10 Uibh Fhaili ...... 1-07 Mullingar 24/6 Loch Garman ...... 2-21 Laois ...... 0-15 Portlaoise 24/6 Cill Chainnigh . . . . . 2-19 Iarmhi ...... 0-06 Mullingar 5/7 Cill Chainnigh . . . . . 1-19 Loch Garman . . . . . 0-11 Croke Park GUINNESS LEINSTER S.H.C. 30/5 Loch Garman ...... 2-17 Uibh Fhaili ...... 0-16 Wexford 31/5 Gaillimh ...... 5-29 Laois ...... 0-17 Portlaoise 7/6 Ath Cliath ...... 2-16 Aontroim ...... 0-12 Croke Park 20/6 Cill Chainnigh . . . . . 2-20 Gaillimh ...... 3-13 Tullamore 21/6 Ath Cliath ...... 0-18 Loch Garman . . . . . 1-13 Kilkenny 5/7 Cill Chainnigh . . . . . 2-18 Ath Cliath ...... 0-18 Croke Park LEINSTER S.F.C. 17/5 Lu ...... 1-13 Ceatharloch ...... 1-11 Parnell Park 24/5 CIll Dara ...... 1-16 Uibh Fhaili ...... 1-10 Portlaoise 24/5 Cill Mhantain ...... 2-12 Longphort ...... 1-13 Portlaoise 7/6 Ath Cliath ...... 0-14 An Mhi ...... 0-12 Croke Park 13/6 Cill Dara ...... 2-12 Loch Garman . . . . . 0-11 Carlow 14/6 Iarmhi ...... 0-16 Cill Mhantain . . . . . 1-10 Tullamore AET 14/6 Laois ...... 1-15 Lu ...... 1-11 Parnell Park 27/6 Cill Dara ...... 2-18 Laois ...... 0-09 Tullamore 28/6 Ath Cliath ...... 4-26 Iarmhi ...... 0-11 Croke Park 12/7 Ath Cliath ...... 2-15 Cill Dara ...... 0-18 Croke Park

LEINSTER J.F.C. 13/5 An Mhi ...... 2-15 Loch Garman . . . . . 1-10 Wexford 26/5 Longphort ...... 2-07 An Mhi ...... 1-09 Navan 27/5 Cill Mhantain ...... 0-13 Cill Chainnigh . . . . . 1-06 Aughrim 27/5 Ath Cliath ...... 0-13 Cill Dara ...... 0-12 Portmarnock 28/5 Lu ...... 3-15 An Cabhan ...... 3-05 Dundalk 10/6 Longphort ...... 0-08 Cill Mhantain . . . . . 0-07 E/W/Town 10/6 Lu ...... 1-13 Ath Cliath ...... 0-11 Dundalk 28/6 Lu ...... 1-08 Longphort ...... 0-11 Croke Park 8/7 Lu ...... 1-12 Longphort ...... 0-10 Longford LEINSTER JUNIOR HURLING SHIELD 9/5 Warwickshire ...... 5-19 Liatroim ...... 1-13 Birmingham 9/5 Lu ...... 3-12 An Dun ...... 0-12 Dundalk 16/5 An Dun ...... 5-11 Longphort ...... 2-07 Newry 23/5 Longphort ...... 0-13 Lu ...... 1-06 Edge/w/twn 23/5 Warwickshire ...... 3-10 Cill Mhantain . . . . . 2-11 Arklow 30/5 Lu ...... 2-12 Warwickshire . . . . . 0-09 Dundalk (FIN)

97 BORD GAIS ENERGY LEINSTER U-21 H.C. 20/5 Cill Chainnigh . . . . . 1-21 Laois ...... 1-10 Kilkenny 26/5 Ath Cliath ...... 1-10 Cill Dara ...... 1-02 Clane 10/6 Cill Chainnigh . . . . . 0-18 Uibh Fhaili ...... 0-15 Kilkenny 10/6 Ath Cliath ...... 1-24 Loch Garman . . . . . 0-08 Parnell Park 15/7 Cill Chainnigh . . . . . 2-20 Ath Cliath ...... 1-19 Parnell Park

LEINSTER I.H.C. 24/6 Cill Chainnigh . . . . . 1-13 Ath Cliath ...... 0-13 Kilkenny 19/7 Cill Chainnigh . . . . . 0-12 Loch Garman . . . . . 0-11 Kilkenny

LEINSTER MINOR HURLING SHIELD 8/7 Cill Mhantain ...... 2-17 Lu ...... 2-05 Drogheda 14/7 Cill Dara ...... 3-16 An Mhi ...... 2-08 Clane 15/7 Ceatharloch ...... 4-22 Cill Mhantain . . . . . 2-06 Arklow 22/7 Cill Dara ...... 1-12 Ceatharloch ...... 1-08 Carlow LEINSTER CLUB S.F.C. 25/10 Clonguish ...... 2-10 Horeswood ...... 0-05 Longford 25/10 Portlaoise ...... 2-21 Mattock Rangers . . . . 0-02 Drogheda 25/10 Clara ...... 1-12 St. Laurences ...... 2-08 Newbridge 8/11 Portlaoise ...... 3-21 Senchalstown . . . . . 1-06 Portlaoise 8/11 Clara ...... 0-14 Rathvilly ...... 1-08 Tullamore 8/11 Ballyboden St Endas . . . . . 1-10 Rathnew ...... 1-07 Parnell Park 8/11 Garrycastle ...... 1-14 Clonguish ...... 0-15 Longford (AET) 22/11 Clara ...... 1-05 Portlaoise ...... 0-07 Portlaoise (Abandoned) 22/11 Garrycastle ...... 1-08 Ballyboden St Endas . . 0-06 Mullingar 28/11 Portlaoise ...... 1-09 Clara ...... 0-03 Portlaoise 6/12 Portlaoise ...... 1-09 Garrycastle ...... 1-05 Tullamore LEINSTER CLUB S.H.C. 1/11 Clonkill ...... 1-21 Clough Ballacolla . . . . 2-12 Mullingar 1/11 Ballyhale Shamrocks . . 2-20 Oulart the Ballagh ...... 1-21 Wexford 15/11 Tullamore ...... 1-12 Clonkill ...... 1-09 Mullingar 15/11 Ballyhale Shamrocks . . 4-18 Ballyboden St Endas . . 0-18 Kilkenny 29/11 Ballyhale Shamrocks . . 1-16 Tullamore ...... 1-08 Tullamore LEINSTER CLUB I.F.C. 31/10 Glynn Barntown . . . . 1-10 St. Manmans ...... 0-07 Glynn 31/10 St. Malachys ...... 1-11 Ballon ...... 1-06 Nh. Malachys 7/11 Tubberclair ...... 1-13 Dunlavin ...... 2-07 Tubberclair 7/11 Oldcastle ...... 0-11 Cashel ...... 1-03 Newtowncashel 8/11 St. Malachys ...... 1-15 Glenmore ...... 1-09 St. Malachys 8/11 Walsh Island ...... 0-12 Glynn Barntown ...... 0-04 Glynn 15/11 Tubberclair ...... 0-10 St. Patricks ...... 0-07 Tubberclair 15/11 Maynooth ...... 1-07 Oldcastle ...... 0-06 Oldcastle 22/11 Tubberclair ...... 1-06 Walsh Island ...... 0-07 Walsh Island 22/11 Maynooth ...... 1-08 St. Malachys ...... 0-01 St. Malachys 5/12 Maynooth ...... 1-08 Tubberclair ...... 0-08 Maynooth

98 LEINSTER CLUB IHC 25/10 St. Lachtains ...... 2-12 Askamore ...... 0-15 Freshford 25/10 Celbridge ...... 1-11 Kildalkey ...... 1-10 Celbridge 8/11 St. Lachtains ...... 3-11 Carnew ...... 3-05 Freshford 8/11 Mt. Leinster Rangers . . 2-16 Celbridge ...... 1-08 Celbridge 22/11 St. Lachtains ...... 1-08 Mt. Leinster Rangers . . 0-07 Carlow LEINSTER CLUB JFC 25/10 Blackwater ...... 1-10 Ballyfin ...... 1-05 Blackwater 25/10 St. Mochtas ...... 2-11 Durrow ...... 1-05 Louth Village 26/10 Ballyboughal ...... 1-10 St. Andrews ...... 1-08 Balgriffin 8/11 St. Mochtas ...... 0-14 Kilmaganny ...... 2-16 Louth Village 8/11 Longwood ...... 2-08 Straffan ...... 0-08 Straffan 8/11 Ballyboughal ...... 3-19 St. Munis ...... 0-07 Balgriffin 8/11 Blackwater ...... 0-12 Caulry ...... 0-09 Blackwater 22/11 St. Mochtas ...... 2-08 Ballyboughal ...... 0-11 Balgriffin 22/11 Longwood ...... 1-15 Blackwater ...... 0-06 Longwood 6/12 Longwood ...... 2-13 St. Mochtas ...... 2-13 Longwood 13/12 Longwood ...... 0-11 St. Mochtas ...... 0-10 Louth Village LEINSTER CLUB JHC 17/10 Borris in Ossory . . . . 2-07 Brosna Gaels ...... 0-11 Borris in Ossory 18/10 Knockbridge ...... 2-14 Maynooth ...... 0-04 Maynooth 18/10 Nh. Brid (WH) . . . . . 3-15 St. Patricks, Tullow . . . 1-06 Tullow 18/10 Newcastle ...... 2-10 Craanford ...... 2-06 Gorey 1/11 Blacks & Whites . . . . 5-15 Knockbridge ...... 1-10 Knockbridge 1/11 Borris in Ossory . . . . 1-20 Wolfe Tones ...... 0-08 Borris in Ossory 1/11 Naomh Fionnbarra ...... 2-13 Newcastle ...... 0-06 Arklow 1/11 Longwood ...... 1-12 St. Brigids ...... 0-09 Rochfortbridge 15/11 Naomh Fionnbarra ...... 1-14 Borris in Ossory . . . . 1-13 Parnell Park 15/11 Blacks & Whites . . . . 3-24 Longwood ...... 0-05 Skeoughvosteen 29/11 Blacks & Whites . . . . 2-19 Nh. Fionnbarra . . . . . 1-07 Skeoughvosteen LEINSTER CLUB SPECIAL JH COMPETITION 15/11 Edenderry ...... 1-14 Kyle ...... 1-13 Park Ratheniska 15/11 Ratoath ...... 0-21 St. Sylvesters ...... 2-15 Ratoath 15/11 Sarsfields ...... 3-09 Pearse Og ...... 0-11 Sarsfields 22/11 St. Sylvesters ...... 2-11 Ratoath ...... 1-07 Ratoath 22/11 Edenderry ...... 2-14 Sarsfields ...... 3-07 Sarsfields 29/11 St. Sylvesters ...... 1-11 Greystones ...... 0-09 Russell Park 6/12 St. Sylvesters ...... 2-11 Edenderry ...... 1-08 Malahide LEINSTER CLUB HURLING LEAGUE 2009 ROUND 1 Division 1 Rathdowney ...... 1-13 Coolderry ...... 2-10 Faythe Harriers ...... 3-11 Dicksboro ...... 3-10 Castlecomer ...... 4-11 Rapperees ...... 2-11 Kilmacud Crookes ...... 3-15 Castletown Geoghegan . . 1-17 Ballinakill ...... 3-12 Cloughbawn ...... 0-18 Clonkill ...... 0-22 Kinnity ...... 2-11 Raharney ...... 2-15 Camross ...... 1-10 Mooncoin ...... W/O St. Brigids ...... SCR

99 St. Aidans ...... 3-16 Tullaroan ...... 1-13 Naomh Eoin ...... 1-16 Cuala ...... 0-14 ...... 3-09 Naomh Brid ...... 0-10 Shinrone ...... 3-14 Dunnamaggin . . . . . 1-17 Clara ...... 3-25 St. Rynaghs ...... 0-05 MLR ...... 2-13 Shelmaliers ...... 3-10 St. Martins ...... 2-14 The Harps ...... 0-11 B/Boden St.Endas ...... 5-18 Buffers Alley ...... 0-11 Division 2 Lough L. Gaels ...... 3-18 St. Annes ...... 2-11 Clough Ballacolla ...... 1-20 Na Fianna ...... 1-12 Kilmessan ...... 1-17 Ringtown ...... 0-09 Ballinameer ...... W/O Duffry Rovers . . . . . SCR Glenealy ...... W/O Cellbridge ...... SCR Lucan Sarsfields ...... 1-18 Blackwater ...... 1-13 Castlepollard ...... 1-17 Rathmolyon ...... 0-14 Askamore ...... 2 -12 Kilcotton ...... 1-10 Belmont ...... 2-18 Ardclough ...... 1-07 Ballinkillen ...... 1-14 Naomh Eanna Gorey . . . . 0-09 Carnew Emmets ...... W/O Confey ...... SCR Oylegate/G.Brien ...... 3-14 Oliver Plunketts . . . . 0-07 Naomh Fionnbarra ...... 1-19 St.Patricks Camolin . . . 2-13 Kiltale ...... 0-15 Colt ...... 1-12 Shamrocks ...... 3-13 Blacks And Whites . . . 1-15 Ballyfin ...... 2-17 Carrig & Riverstown . . 0-04 Division 3 St. Brigids ...... 0-20 Clane ...... 1-07 St. Marys Rosslare ...... 3-15 Raheny ...... 1-09 St.Marks ...... 1-11 Taghmon Camross . . . 1-09 Davidstown Court...... 4-18 Kilcoole ...... 0-08 Faughs ...... W/O Leixlip ...... SCR Delvin ...... 2-12 Bray Emmetts . . . . . 0-08 Crokedwood ...... 1-19 Avondale ...... 1-11 Clongeen ...... Whitehall Colmcilles . . Knockbridge ...... 2-15 Coill Dubh ...... 1-13 Clonad ...... 1-21 Setanta (3-08 St.Peregrines ...... 2-18 Naas ...... 2-11 Killavilla ...... 4-12 Brownstown ...... 1-08 Craanford ...... 3-14 Kiltegan ...... 2-11 Ballinteer St. Johns ...... W/O Trim ...... SCR Oulart the Ballagh ...... 1-14 Arklow Rocks ...... 1-13 Shanahoe ...... Naomh Olaf ...... Division 4 Cullion ...... 3-09 Mattock Rangers ...... 2-11 Cuala 2 ...... W/O Wolf Tones ...... SCR St.Kevins ...... 3-12 Newcastle ...... 2-08 Killurin ...... 4-09 Boardsmill ...... 1-10 Tara Rocks ...... 1-14 Glenealy ...... 2-06 Clann na nGeal ...... 1-18 Turin ...... 1-08 Southern Gael ...... 2-17 Slieve Bloom . . . . . 4-06 Eire og C/Choill ...... 5-14 Fergal Og Bray ...... 3-10 Division 5 Rathoath ...... 2-18 Thermonfeckin . . . . 2-09 Eire Óg Greystones ...... 2-14 Wild Geese . . . . . 0-04

100 Dunlavin ...... W/O Barndarrig ...... SCR Fr. Daltons ...... 4-11 Pearse Og ...... 2-16 Clara ...... Gorey ...... Carnew Emmetts 2 ...... 0-12 Setanta 2 ...... 1-05 ROUND 2 Division 1 Rathdowney ...... 4-12 Faythe Harriers . . . . 0-06 Coolderry ...... 2-16 Dicksboro ...... 2-10 C/Geoghegan ...... 2-10 Rapperees ...... 2-10 Castlecomer ...... 3-13 Kilmacud Croakes . . . . . 0-09 Clonkill ...... 2-09 Ballinakill ...... 2-04 Cloughbawn ...... W/O Kinnity ...... SCR Camross ...... 2-13 St. Brigids ...... 3-08 Raharney ...... 2-13 Mooncoin ...... 0-15 Tullaroan ...... 6-09 Naomh Eoin . . . . . 1-06 St.Aidans (Ferns) ...... 1-12 Cuala ...... 1-06 Dunnamaggin ...... 2-11 Rathnure ...... 0-09 Shinrone ...... 3-12 Naomh Brid . . . . . 0-14 Clara ...... 1-09 Shelmaliers . . . . . 0-11 Mt. Leinster Rangers . . . . . 2-17 St. Rynaghs . . . . . 0-15 St. Martins ...... 1-15 Buffers Alley . . . . . 2-09 B/Boden St.Endas ...... 3-16 The Harps ...... 1-12 Division 2 Lough L. Gaels ...... 2-09 Na Fianna ...... 2-06 Clough Ballacolla ...... 3-14 St. Annes ...... 1-08 Ballinamere ...... 0-17 Ringtown ...... 0-08 Kilmessan ...... W/O Duffry Rovers ...... SCR Blackwater ...... 1-14 Glenealy ...... 0-06 Lucan Sarsfields ...... W/O Cellbridge ...... SCR Kilcotton ...... 3-18 Rathmolyon . . . . . 0-13 Askamore ...... 1-11 Castlepollard . . . . . 1-05 Belmont ...... 0-13 Naomh Eanna Gore . . 1-02 Ballinkillen ...... 2-14 Ardclough ...... 1-08 Carnew Emmetts ...... 1-13 Oliver Plunketts . . . 0-06 Oylegate/Glenbrien ...... W/O Confey ...... SCR Colt ...... 2-17 Naomh Fionnbarra . . . . 0-05 St.Patricks Camolin ...... 3-06 Kiltale ...... 1-06 Shamrocks ...... 3-13 Carrig & Riverstown . . . 2-09 Blacks And Whites ...... 1-20 Ballyfin ...... 0-08 Division 3 St. Marys Rosslare ...... Off Clane ...... St. Brigids ...... 1-12 Raheney ...... 3-05 Davidstown Court ...... 1-15 St.Marks ...... 0-05 Kilcoole ...... W/O Taghmon Camross . . SCR Faughs ...... 8-17 Bray Emmetts . . . . 0-10 Delvin ...... W/O Leixlip ...... SCR W/hall Colmcilles ...... Off Crookedwood . . . . Avondale ...... 3-04 Clongeen ...... 0-03 Clonad ...... 2-05 Knockbridge . . . . . 0-08

101 Choill Dubh ...... W/O Setanta ...... SCR Brownstown ...... 1-06 St.Peregrines . . . . . 0-09 Naas ...... 2-11 Killavilla ...... 1-11 Craanford ...... W/O Trim ...... SCR Ballinteer St.Johns ...... 1-07 Kiltegan ...... 1-06 Naomh Olaf ...... 4-10 Arklow Rocks ...... 0-05 Oulart the Ballagh ...... Shanahoe ...... Division 4 Cullion ...... W/O Wolfe Tones . . . . . SCR Cuala 2 ...... 1-14 Mattock Rangers ...... 1-06 Boardsmill ...... OFF Newcastle ...... Kilurin ...... 5-07 St.Kevins ...... 0-05 Turin ...... 2-16 Glenealy 2 ...... 1-08 Clann na nGeal ...... 3-06 Tara Rocks ...... 1-11 Fergal Ogs ...... OFF Slieve Bloom . . . . . OFF Southern Gaels ...... Eire Og C/Choill . . . Division 5 Termonfeckin ...... 2-10 Wild Geese . . . . . 1-05 Rathoath ...... 2-07 Eire Og Greystones . . 1-10 Fr. Daltons ...... W/O Dunlavin ...... SCR Pearse Og ...... W/O Barndarrig ...... SCR Carnew Emmetts ...... 1-08 Clara 2 ...... 0-03 Gorey 2 ...... W/O Setanta 2 ...... SCR ROUND 3 Division 1 Rathdowney ...... W/O Dicksboro ...... SCR Coolderry ...... W/O Faythe Harriers . . . . SCR Castlecomer ...... 4-15 Castletown Geoghegan 2-12 Kilmacud Crokes ...... 1-15 Rapperees ...... 1-13 Ballinakill ...... W/O Kinnity ...... SCR Clonkill ...... 1-20 Cloughbawn . . . . . 1-09 Raharney ...... W/O St Brigids ...... SCR Camross ...... 2-15 Mooncoin ...... 1-18 Tullaroan ...... Cuala ...... St Aidans (Ferns) ...... 3-15 Naomh Eoin . . . . . 0-11 Rathnure ...... 1-22 Shinrone ...... 4-06 Dunnamaggain ...... W/O Naomh Brid . . . . . SCR Clara ...... Mt. Leinster Rangers . . . Shelmaliers ...... SCR St Rynaghs ...... SCR St Martins ...... 2-16 Ballyboden St Endas . . . 0-16 The Harps ...... W/O Buffers Alley . . . . . SCR Division 2 Lough Lene Gaels ...... 5-11 Clough Ballacolla . . . 2-13 St Annes ...... SCR Na Fianna ...... SCR Ringtown ...... W/O Duffry Rovers ...... SCR Ballinamere ...... 2-09 Kilmessan ...... 2-06 Lucan Sarsfields ...... 2-15 Glenealy ...... 1-15 Blackwater ...... W/O Celbridge ...... SCR Askamore ...... 4-14 Rathmolyon . . . . . 2-11

102 Castlepollard ...... 3-17 Kilcotton ...... 2-07 Belmont ...... 1-14 Ballinkillen ...... 1-11 Ardclough ...... SCR Naomh Eanna, Gorey . . SCR Carnew Emmetts ...... 1-10 Oylegate/Glenbrien . . SCR Oliver Plunketts ...... W/O Confey ...... SCR Naomh Fionnbara ...... SCR Kiltale ...... SCR St Patricks, Camolin ...... 2-14 Colt ...... 1-12 Blacks/Whites ...... W/O Carrig & Riverstown . . . SCR Shamrocks ...... W/O Ballyfin ...... SCR Division 3 St Brigids ...... SCR St Mary's, Rosslare . . SCR Raharney ...... SCR Clane ...... SCR St Marks ...... Kilcoole ...... Taghmon Camross ...... Davidstown Court . . . . . Faughs ...... 2-16 Delvin ...... 1-10 Leixlip ...... Bray Emmetts . . . . Crookedwood ...... Clongeen ...... Avondale ...... Whitehall Colmcilles . Knockbridge ...... W/O Setanta ...... SCR Choill Dubh ...... 3-09 Clonad ...... 2-10 St Peregrines ...... Killavilla ...... Brownstown ...... 2-10 Naas ...... 1-13 Craanford ...... Ballinteer St Johns . . Kiltegan ...... Trim ...... Arklow Rocks ...... 5-08 Shanahoe ...... 0-14 Oulart The Ballagh ...... Naomh Olaf . . . . . Division 4 Cullion ...... W/O Cuala 2 ...... SCR Mattock Rangers ...... Wolfe Tones . . . . . Newcastle ...... 2-13 Kilurin ...... 2-11 St Kevins ...... SCR Boardsmill ...... SCR Clann na Gael ...... 3-17 Glenealy 2 ...... 0-07 Tara Rocks ...... Turin ...... Slieve Bloom ...... Eire Og C/Choill . . . Fergal Ogs ...... 1-18 Southern Gaels . . . . 2-03 Division 5 Eire Og Greystones ...... 4-11 Termonfeckin ...... 1-06 Ratoath ...... Wild Geese . . . . . Dunlavin ...... Pearse Og ...... Barndarrig ...... Fr. Daltons ...... Clara 2 ...... Setanta 2 ...... Gorey 2 ...... 2-09 Carnew Emmetts . . . 1-12 QUARTER-FINALS Division 1 Castlecomer ...... 1-12 Coolderry ...... 1-10 Raharney ...... Ferns St Aidans . . . . Dunnammagain ...... St Martins ...... Mt Leinster Rangers ...... 1-14 Clonkill ...... 2-09

103 Division 2 Lucan Sarsfields ...... 4-08 Ballinamere . . . . . 2-09 Belmont ...... Oylegate/Glenbrien . . Askamore ...... Shamrocks ...... St Patricks Camolin ...... Lough Lene Gaels . . . Division 3 Davidstown ...... 2-08 Craanford ...... 2-07 Knockbridge ...... 1-14 St Peregrines . . . . . 1-06 Oulart The Ballagh ...... 0-13 Faughs ...... 1-06 St Brigids ...... 2-09 Crookedwood . . . . 0-05 Division 4 Fergal Og Bray ...... W/O Cullion ...... SCR Killurin ...... Cuala 2 ...... Clann na Gael ...... 1-12 Kevins ...... 1-05 Eire Og C/Choill ...... 3-11 Turin ...... 1-12 Division 5 Eire Og Greystones ...... 1-10 Clara 2 ...... 2-05 Ratoath ...... 2-15 Dunlavin ...... 0-03 SEMI-FINALS Division 1 Castlecomer ...... 2-10 Ferns, St Aidans ...... 1-14 Dunnamaggin ...... 0-17 Mt Leinster Rangers . . 0-13 Division 2 Askamore ...... 0-19 Lucan Sarsfields ...... 1-12 Belmont ...... 6-20 St Patricks, Camolin . . . 3-06 Division 3 Knockbridge ...... 3-13 Davidstown Court. . . 3-12 St Brigids ...... Oulart The Ballagh . . Division 4 Fergal Og, Bray ...... Killurin ...... Eire Og C/Choill ...... 4-08 Clann na Gael . . . . 2-09 Division 5 Fr Daltons ...... 1-10 Eire Og, Greystones . . 1-06 Carnew ...... Ratoath ......

DIVISION 1 FINAL Dunnamaggin ...... 1-16 Ferns ...... 1-10 DIVISION 2 FINAL Askamore ...... 2-22 Belmont ...... 1-06 DIVISION 3 FINAL Oulart the Ballagh ...... 1-13 Knockbridge . . . . . 0-11 DIVISION 4 FINAL Eire Óg C/Choill ...... 1-14 Killurin ...... 3-10 DIVISION 5 FINAL Fr Daltons ...... 1-06 Ratoath ...... 0-10

104 Cluichí Iarbhunscoileanna Laighean 2008-2009

COMORTAS BUATHOIRI NEASOIRI ÁTH CLIATH PEIL Juv. H. “A” Colaiste Eoin Ardscoil Ris Colleges S.F. “A” St. Mary’s Sec Sch Edenderry Good Counsel Juv. H. “B” Scoil Aodhain St. Mac Dara’s C.C. Voc. Sch. S.F. “A” Ashbourne C.S. Bridgetown V.C. Juv. H. “C” Clonkeen College Lucan C.C. Colleges S.F. “B” Maynooth P.P. Gorey C.S. Juv. H. “D” Portmarnock C.S. Col. Cois Life Voc. Sch. S.F. “B” Cnoc Mhuire, Granard Tullamore Juv. H. “E” St. Joseph’s, Rush James St. C.B.S. Schools S.F. “C” Cross & Passion, Kilcullan St. Mac Dara’s CC Schools S.F. “D” Gaelcholaiste, Ceatharloch St. Kevin’s Tom Quinlan Cup Castleknock C.C. St. David’s C.B.S. Tom Quinlan Shield Clonkeen College St. Mac Dara’s C.C. Jun. F. “A” Patrician, Newbridge Colaiste Eoin Tom Quinlan Plate Synge St. C.B.S. Balbriggan C.C. Jun. F. “B” Col. Iosagain, Portarlington Skerries C.C. Jun. F. “C” Heywood C.S. Scoil Chaitriona Jun. H. “A” St. Benildus College Colaiste Eanna Jun. F. “D” Tullamore College St. Finian’s C.C. Jun. H. “B” Salesian, Celbridge St. Fintan’s H.S. Jun. H. “C” Templeogue College St. Paul’s College Voc. Sch. Jun. F. “A” Dunshaughlin C.C. Gallen C.S. Jun. H. “D” Colaiste Chillian Marian College Voc. Sch. Jun. F. “B” Cnoc Mhuire, Granard Tullamore College Sen. H. “A” Colaiste Eoin Scoil Dheaglain Juv. F. “A” St. Peter’s, Wexford Ardscoil Ris Sen. H. “A” Shield St. Mac Dara’s C.C. Colaiste Eanna Juv. F. “B” Maynooth P.P. St. Mary’s CBS. Enniscorthy Sen. H. “B” Oatlands College Ardscoil Ris Juv. F. “C” Dunshaughlin C.C. Portmarnock C.S. Sen. H. “C” H.F.C.S., Rathcoole Old Bawn C.S. Juv. F. “D” Cnoc Mhuire, Granard St. Kevin’s C.B.S. Juv. F. “A” Ardscoil Ris Colaiste Eoin Inter County “A” An Mhi Cill Dara Juv. F. “B” Maynooth P.P. Colaiste Eanna Inter County “B” Loch Gorman Laois Juv. F. “C” Portmarnock C.S. Chanel College Juv. F. “D” St. Kevin’s C.B.S. Marian Colege IOMÁINT Juv. F. “E” St. Joseph’s, Rush St. Aidan’s C.S. Colleges S.H. “A” Good Counsel College Castlecomer C.S. Colleges SH “A” Lge Dublin South Kilkenny C.B.S. Jun. F. “A” Colaiste Eoin St. Benildus College Colleges S.H. “B” Colaiste Eoin Colaiste Eanna Jun. F. “B” Skerries C.C. Maynooth P.P. Jun. F. “C” Scoil Chaitriona Clonkeen College Voc. Sch. S.H. “A” Col. Mhuire, Johnstown Banagher College Jun. F. “D” St. Finian’s C.C. Marian College Voc. Sch. S.H. “B” Grennan Col/Duiske Col Col Nh Cormac Jun. F. “E” Fingal C.C. St. Aidan’s C.S. Schools S.H. “C” Naas C.B.S. Oatlands College Sen. F. “A” St. Benildus College St. Declan’s C.B.S. Jun. H. “A” St. Kieran’s, Kilkenny Castlecomer C.S. Sen. F. “B” Maynooth P.P. Scoil Chaitriona Jun. H. “A” Shield Good Counsel Col St. Brendan’s CS, Birr Sen. F. “C” St. Mac Dara’s C.C. Clonkeen College Jun. H. “B” Col Mhuire, Mullingar Col Eamann Ris, Callan Sen. F. “D” St. Kevin’s C.B.S. Marian College

Voc. Sch. Jun. H. “A” Banagher College Borris V.S. LAIGHEAN THEAS PEIL Juv.H “A” (Dr Barry Cup) St Kieran’s Col. Dublin South Col. S.F. “B” Gorey C.S. F.C.J., Bunclody Juv H“A” Shield (Dr Barry Cup) St. Brendan’s, Birr Castlecomer CS Sch. S.F. “C” Cross & Passion, Kilcullen Pres., Bray Juv H“A” (Power Cup) Good Counsel College St. Peter’s, Wexford Sch. S.F. “D” Gaelcol, Ceatharloch Col Abbain, Adamstown Juv. H. “B” Colaiste Eoin Portlaoise C.B.S. Sch. S.F. League Patrician, Newbridge Good Counsel Col

105 Jun. F. “A” Patrician, Newbridge Knockbeg College Jun. H. “B” Col. Mhuire, Mullingar Cistercian, Roscrea Jun. F. “B” Col Iosagain, Portarlington Ardsc Na Trionoide, Athy Jun. H. “B1” Col. Naomh Cormac Portlaoise C.B.S. Jun. F. “C” Heywood C.S. Col. Bhride, Carnew Jun. H. “C” St. Joseph’s, R'bridge Castlepollard C.C. Jun. F. “D1” Avondale C.C. St. Brendan’s, Bray Jun. H. “D” St. Fintina’s, Longwood Moate C.S. Jun. F. “D2” St. Fergal’s, Rathdowney Abbey CC, Ferrybank Juv. H. “B” Final Portlaoise C.B.S. Col. Mhuire, Mullingar Juv. F. “A” St. Peter’s, Wexford Good Counsel Col Juv. H. “C” Final St. Joseph’s, R'bridge Sc. Mhuire, Clane Juv. F. “B” St. Mary’s CBS, Enniscorthy St. Kieran’s, Kilkenny Juv. F. “C” Wicklow D.L.S. Heywood C.S. HANDBALL - BOYS Juv. F. “D” Kilkenny C.B.S. Abbey C.C., Ferrybank COLLEGES - 60 X 30 Juv. F. “D1” Gaelcholaiste na Meara St. Paul’s, Monasterevin U-19 Singles Kells C.S. Col. Eamann Ris, Callan U-19 Doubles Sc. Aireagail, Ballyhale Col. Bhride, Carnew IOMÁINT U-17 Singles Castlecomer C.S. Confey College Sch. Sen. H. “C” Naas C.B.S. Wexford C.B.S. U-17 Doubles St. Kieran’s, Kilkenny Wexford V.C. Sch Sen H “C1 & C2” Wexford V.C. Mountmellick C.S. U-15 Singles Col. Bhride, Carnew Kilkenny C.B.S. U-15 Doubles St. Kieran’s, Kilkenny Scoil Chaitriona Jun. H. “B” Col. Eamann Ris, Callan F.C.J., Bunclody First Yr. Singles Pres. DLS, Bagenalstown Col. Bhride, Carnew Jun. H. “C1” Col., Bhride, Carnew Grennan College First Yr. Doubles Tullow C.S. St. Peter’s, Wexford Jun. H. “C2” Naas C.B.S. Knockbeg College COLLEGES – 40 X 20 U-19 Singles Portlaoise C.B.S. Enniscorthy V.C. Juv. H. “B” Col. Mhuire, Johnstown U-19 Doubles Col. Eamann Ris, Callan Col. Bhride, Carnew Juv. H. “C1” Knockbeg College U-17 Singles Castlecomer C.S. Confey College Juv. H. “C2” Abbey CC, Ferrybank Sc Aireagail, Ballyhale U-17 Doubles St. Kieran’s, Kilkenny Bridgetown V.C. U-15 Singles Col. Bhride, Carnew Cistercian, Roscrea LAIGHEAN THUAIDH U-15 Doubles St. Kieran’s, Kilkenny Bridgetown V.C PEIL First Yr. Singles Pres DLS, Bagenalstown Col Bhride, Carnew Colleges S.F. “B” St. Joseph’s, Drogheda Sc. Mhuire, Clane First Yr. Doubles St. Peter’s, Wexford St. Kieran’s, Kilkenny Schools S.F. “C” Ardee C.S. Ballymahon V.S. Schools S.F. “D” Ardsc. Phadraig, Granard O’Fiaich College HANDBALL - GIRLS COLLEGES – 60 X 30 Sch SF League “A” St. Joseph’s, Rochforbridge Athlone C.C. U-19 Singles NO COMPETITION Sch. S.F. League “B” Sc. Mhuire, Clane Col. Choilm, Tullamore U-19 Doubles Kilkenny College Loretto Col., Dublin U-16 Singles Mullingar C.C. Castlecomer C.S. Jun. F. “A” St. Mel’s, Longford Col. Mhuire, Mullingar U-16 Doubles Gaelcholaiste, Ceatharloch Dominican Col Jun. F. “B” Dunshaughlin C.C. Sc. Dara, Kilcock First Yr. Singles Maryfield College Gaelcol., Ceatharloch Jun. F. “C” Cnoc Mhuire, Granard Col. Ris, Dundalk First Yr. Doubles NO COMPETITION Jun. F. “D” Tullamore College Athboy Schools COLLEGES – 40 X 20 Juv. F. “A” St. Pat’s, Navan St. Joseph’s, Rochforbridge U-19 Singles Col Bhride, Carnew St Mary’s Sec Sch, New Ross Juv. F. “B” Ashbourne CS St Mary’s Sec Sch, Edenderry U-19 Doubles Loretto Col, St. Stephen’s Green Kilkenny Col Juv. F. “C” Dunshaughlin C.C. Dundalk D.L.S. U-16 Singles Mullingar C.C. Rockford Manor Juv. F. “D” Cnoc Mhuire, Granard Ballymahon Sec Sch U-16 Doubles Loretto Sec Sch, Kilkenny Gaelcol., Ceatharloch Juv. F. “D1” Ard Phadraig, Granard St. Fintina’s, Longwood/ First Yr. Doubles NO COMPETITION Col. Pobal, Rathcairn First Yr. Singles Maryfield College Gaelcol., Ceatharloch

IOMÁINT ALL IRELAND SERIES – LEINSTER WINNERS Sch. Sen. H. “C” Killina Pres Sec Sch Col Choilm, Tullamore COLLEGES – 60 X 30 Sch Sen H “C1 & C2” St. Peter’s, Dunboyne Castlepollard CC U-19 Doubles Sc. Aireagail, Ballyhale U-17 Singles Castlecomer C.S. U-15 Singles Col. Bhride, Carnew

106 Cluichí Liathróid Láimhe Laighean 2009

40x20 MS. Gary McConnell (Meath) Patrick Funchion (Kk) MD. Patrick Funchion/Keith Bourke (Kk) Jason Delaney/Eoghan Hennessey (Kk) U12S. Padraig Townsend (Cw) David Donovan (Cw) U21D. Padraig Townsend/David Townsend (Cw) Ciaran Neary/James Hennessy (Kk) JBS. David Clifford (Kk) Matthew O’Toole (Wex) JBD. David Clifford/John Morrissey (Kk) Eugene O’Reilly/Peter Flanagan (M) JS. David Hope (Oy) Darragh Ward (Kd) JD. David Hope/Noel Murphy (Oy) James Lennon/Richard Walsh (Ww) IS. Brian Manogue (Kk) Eddie Burke (Kk) SS. Eoghan Kennedy (D) Michael Walsh (Kk) MAS. Michael Walsh (Kk) John Ryan (Cw) MAD. Tom Sheridan/John Leahy (M) Michael Walsh/Pat Maher (Kk) MBS. Michael O’Donnell (D) Canice Quigley (Kk) MBD. Michael O’Donnell/Ferghal O’Riain (D) Eamonn Rice/John Quinn (Ww) SMAS. Billy Bourke (Kk) Robert McCarthy (Wm) SMAD. Billly Walsh/Billy Bourke (Kk) Martin Lalor/Philly Parsons (Kk) SMBS. Pechelli English (Wex) Frank Maddock (Wex) SMBD. Frank Maddock/Donal Doyle (Wex) Pechelli English/John Bail (Wex) GMAS. Johnny Brennan (Kk) Joe Hennessey (Kk) GMAD. Johnny Brennan/Joe Hennessey (Kk) Nicky Curran/Tadgh Foran (Wexford) GMBS. John Kelly (Lh) Seamus O’Mahoney (D) GMBD. Gerry McGrath/Tom O’Malley (Ww) Joe Anthony/Gerry Murphy (Kk) EMAS. Billy Mullins (Oy) Tony Breen (Wex) EMAD. Billy Mullins/Jim Guilfoyle (Oy) Eugene Kennedy/Vinney Farrelly (D) EMBS. Jimmy Neary (Kk) Paddy Clerkin (D) EMBD. Jimmy Neary/Pat Savage (Kk) Paddy Clerkin/ Seamus O’Mahoney (D) DMAS. Eugene Kennedy (D) Andy Ryan (Cw) DMAD. Seamus Reade/Paddy Reilly (Kk) Pat Lacey/Jim Doyle ((Wex) DMBS. Des Lyons (Kd) ______DMBD. Ger McWilliams/Henry Hayes (Wex) ______RMS. Ned Flynn (D) Paddy Lennon (Ww) RMD. Ned Flynn/Pat Ryan (D) Paddy Lennon/Tom Walsh (Ww) LMS. Shauna Hilley (Ww) Aoife McCarthy (Wm) LMD. Shauna Hilley/Sandra Barnes (Ww) Rebecca & Claire Mulholland (Kk) LJBS. Aisling Behan (Ls) Aileen Quinn (Kd) LJBD. Aisling Behan / Ciara Dowling(Ls) Eilish Owley/Una Byrne (Wexford) LJS. Ciara Mahon (Kk) Margurita Byrne (Wex) LJD. Claire Love/Ciara Mahon (Kk) Tanya O’Toole/Margurita Byrne (Wex) LIS. Patricia Doyle (Ww) Ciara Mullins (Cw) LID. Patricia Doyle/Ptr (Ww) ______40x20 (Boys) U12S. Daniel Curry (Wicklow) Niall Walsh (Kilkenny) U12D. Seamus Sinnott / Oisin Foley (Wexford) Sean Carey/Pauric Cooney (Kilkenny) U13S. Emmett Landy (Kilkenny) Jack Roche (Wexford) U13D. Brian Mahon / Liam Fennelly (Kilkenny) Aran Murphy / David Mulhall (Laois) U14S. Martin Mullins (Carlow) Ronan Gorey (Kildare) U14D Dale Flynn / Sean Stafford (Wexford) Eoin Doyle / Adrian Farrell (Kilkenny) U15S. Dylan Walsh (Kilkenny) Richard Martin (Wexford) U15D. Cian O Dálaigh / Corey Fay (Dublin) Sean Butler/Enda O Donoghue(Kilkenny) U16S. Keith Kavanagh (Wicklow) Niall O’Connor (Kildare) U16D. Andrew O Dwyer / Peter Funchion (Kilkenny) Jamie Waters / Colm Kinsella (Wexford) U17S. Andy Cash (Wexford) David Lafford (Kilkenny) U17D. Graham Clifford / Pauric Maher (Kilkenny) Cory Murphy / Luke Connors (Wexford) 40x20 (Girls) U12S. Kirsty Maher (Kilkenny) Annie Stafford (Wexford) U12D. Áine O’Keeffe / Doireann McNamara (Kildare) Meádbh Ní Dhálaigh/ Ailbhe Clerkin (D) U13S. Marianne Quirke Bolt (Carlow) Áine McGrane (Kildare) U13D. Elaine McGrath / Niamh O Shea (Kilkenny) Emily Lacey / Andrea Keoghan (Dublin) U14S. Eimeár Nolan (Wexford) Catherine Foley (Kilkenny) U14D. Shannon Geoghegan / Michelle Nolan (Carlow) Maria Kinsella / Serena Doyle (Kilkenny) U15S. Demi Donovan (Kilkenny) Eleanor Buggy (Dublin) U15D. Katie O Neill / Amy Byrne (Carlow) Hannah Stack / Louise Doran (Kildare) U16S. Rachel Hogan (Kilkenny) Melanie Byrne (Carlow) U16D. Clare Grace / Mary Phelan (Kilkenny) Lisa McKenna / Susan Clinton (Dublin) U17S. Nicola Moore (Kilkenny) Jane Griffin (Dublin) U17D. Mairead Elmes / Sandra Kelly (Wexford) Denise Doyle / Megan Clifford (Kilkenny)

107 Under 12 / 13 Team 6 Kilkenny: Brian Mahon, Pauric Cooney, Emmett Landy, Niall (B) Championships Walsh, Conor Duggan, Sean Carey U13S. Darragh O’Shea (Kilkenny) Carlow: Jim O’Leary, Adam Nolan, Damien Jordan, Paddy U13D. John Roche / Stephen Lawlor (Wexford) Shanahan, Conal O’Shea, Gavin Power U15S. Gary Kelly (Louth) U17S. Gerard Malone (Kilkenny) Under 14 / 15 Team 6 U17D. Brian English / (Kilkenny) Wexford: Galen Riordan, Graham Parker, Richard Martin, Padraig Foley, Craig Wright, Philip Waters Junior (B) Inter Club: Barntown (Wexford) Kilkenny: Sean Foley, Ronan Egan, Eoin Doyle, Enda O’Donoghue, Junior Inter Club: Coolboy (Wicklow) Brendan Hyland, Niall Mulhearne Open Inter Club: Coolboy (Wicklow) Under 16 / 17 Team 4 Wexford: Cory Murphy, Dean Corrigan, Luke Connors, Colm Kinsella Kildare: Robert Maguire, Emmett O’Keeffe, Michael Wall, Eugene Mahon

60 x 30 MS Gary McConnell (Meath) Eoghan Hennessy (Kk) MD. Keith Bourke / Eoghan Hennessey (Kk) Patrick Funchion / KeithClifford (Kk U12S. Daniel Fenlon (Cw) Ciaran Neary (Kk) U21D. Ciaran Neary / Jerry Rowe (Kk) Eamonn Foley / Ger McGrath (Kk) JBS. Darren O’Toole (Wex) Sean Quigley (Kk) JBD. Darren O’Toole / David Redmond (Wex) J R Finn / Alan O’Neill (Wex) JS. William Love (Kk) David Hope (Oy) JD. William & Daniel Love (Kk) David Hope / Conor O’Brien (Oy) IS. Brian Manogue (Kk) Timmy Clifford (Kk) MAS. Michael Walsh (Kk) John Ryan (Cw) MAD. Michael Walsh / Pat Maher (Kk) Tom Sheridan/John Leahy (M) MBS. Canice Quigley (Kk) Ollie Falsey (Kk) MBD. Mick Armstrong / Phil Coleman (Wex) Canice Quigley/ Ollie Falsey (Kk) MAS. Billy Bourke (Kk) Eugene Downey (Kk) SMAD. Martin Lalor / Eugene Downey (Kk) Robert McCarthy / Liam Cassidy (Wm) SMBS. Frank Maddock (Wex) Stephen Murphy (Wex) SMBD. Stephen & (Wex) Eamonn & Jimmy Holohan (Kk) GMAS. Johnny Brennan (Kk) Joe Hennessey (Kk) GMAD. Martin Clancy / John Rossitor Eamonn Holohan / Joe Hennessey(Kk) GMBS. Frank Kerins (D) John Kelly (Lh) GMBD. Frank Kerins / Kevin McKenna(D) John & Charlie Kelly (Lh) EMAS. Tony Breen (Wex) Vinny Farrelly (D) EMAD. Andy & Sean Ryan (Cw) Eugene Kennedy / Vinney Farrelly (D) EMBS. Paddy Clerkin (D) John O’Donnell (Kd) EMBD. Des Lyons / John O’Donnell (Kd) Paddy Clerkin / John Barton (D) DMAS. Eugene Kennedy (D) Paddy Reilly (Kk) DMAD. Seamus Reade / Paddy Reilly (Kk) John Molloy / Marcus Henry (D) DMBS. Des Lyons (Kd) ______DMBD. ------RMS. Mick O’Brien (D) Pat Ryan (D) RMD. Mick O’Brien / Pat Ryan (D) Paddy Lennon / Pat O’Donnell (Ww)

LMS. Shauna Hilley (Ww) Aoife McCarthy (Wm) LMD. Shauna Hilley / Sandra Barnes (Ww) ------LJBS. Elizabeth Martin (D) Áine Gorman (D) LJBD. Elizabeth Martin / Áine Gorman (D) ------LJS. Martina Walsh (Wex) Claire Love (Wex) LJD. Claire Love / Maria T O’Neill (Kk) Tanya O’Toole / Martina Walsh (Wex)

Under 12 / 13 Team 6 U16/17 Team 4 Kilkenny: John Walsh, Sean Carey, Sean Morrissey, Emmett Landy, Wexford: Cory Murphy, , Luke Connors, Andy Cash, Brian Mahon, Padraig Cooney, Conor O’Dwyer Walter Lawlor, James Watters Wexford: Oisin Foley, Jamie Hall, Rowan White, Brian Kehoe, Ben Kilkenny: Ger Malone, Gary Law, P J Woods, Richard Dunphy O’Shea, Stephen Lawlor, Thomas Hall, Jack Roche Junior (B) Inter Club: St Canices (Kilkenny) U14/15 Team 6 Junior Inter Club: Coolboy (Wicklow) Wexford: Galen Riordan, Graham Parker, Padraig Foley, Richard Open Inter Club: Coolboy (Wicklow) Martin, Phillip Watters, Dale Flynn Kilkenny: Sean Butler, Enda O’Donohoe, Niall Mulhearn, Eoin Doyle, Adrian Farrell, Ronan Egan

108 60x30 (Boys) U12S. Daniel Curry (Wicklow) Sean Carey (Kilkenny) U12D. Damien Jordan/Paddy Shannahan (Cw) Damian Jordan/Paddy Shanahan (Carlow) U13S. Emmett Landy (Kilkenny) Evan Sheridan (Meath) U13D. Aaron Murphy/David Mulhall (Laois) Bryan Kehoe/Jamie Hall (Wexford) U14S. Galen Riordan (Wexford) Martin Mullins(Carlow) U14D Padraig Foley/ (Wexford) Evan O’Carroll/ Cormac Murphy(Laois) U15S. Richard Martin (Wexford) Sean Butler (Kilkenny) U15D. Cian O’Dallaigh/Cory Faye (Dublin) Enda O’ Donohoe/Fergus Lalor (Kk) U16S. Dean Corrigan (Wexford) Niall O’Connor (Kildare) U16D. Cillian Treacy/P J Trant (Kilkenny) John Walsh/BrianTranor (Dublin) U17S. Cory Murphy (Wexford) Ger Malone (Kilkenny) U17D. Andy Cash / Luke Connors (Wexford) Shane Walsh / Cian Ryan (Kilkenny) 60x30 (Girls) U12S. Kirsty Maher (Kilkenny) Emily Lacey (Dublin) U12D. Jenny Clifford / Karen Walshe (Kk) Meadhbh Ni Dhalaigh/Ailbhe Clerkin (D) U13S. Ashling Maher (Kilkenny) Rachel Malone (Dublin) U13D. Andrea Keoghan / Katelyn Finnigan (D) ______U14S. Emir Nolan (Wexford) Cliona McCullagh (Dublin) U14D. Katie Moran / Shannon Geoghegan (Cw) Nicole Fagan / ClaudinePerry (D) U15S. Rachel Hogan (Kilkenny) Eleanor Buggy (Dublin) U15D. Michelle Nolan / Katie O’Neill (Cw) Graine Sutcliffe / Aoife Goughan (D) U16S. Marie Walshe (Kilkenny) Dianamh Greene (Dublin) U16D. Mary Phelan / Ciara Mahon (Kk) Lisa McKenne / Susan Clinton (D) U17S. Denise Doyle (Kilkenny) Áine Goughan (Dublin) U17D. Claire Grace / Hazel Cuddihy (Kilkenny) Jane Griffin / Carly O’Neill (Dublin)

Joe Maxwell (A) League Wexford: Thomas Hall, Adam Hanrahan, Jamie Hall, Brian Kehoe, Richard Martin, Dean Furlong Kilkenny: Oisin Gough, Tadgh Purcell, John Walsh, Emmett Landy, Sean Butler, Cillian Treacy Joe Maxwell (B) League Kilkenny: Robrert Dowling, Dean Farrell, Mark Dowling, Jason Shore, Pat Brennan, Andy Farrell. Dublin: John McKenna, Nial Donnley, Tadgh Ronan, Ailbhe Clerkin, Nial McKenna, Joseph Varley (B) Championships U13S. Alan Funchion (Kilkenny) U13D. Evan Sheridan/Jonathan McGovern (Meath) U15S Gary Kelly (Louth) U15D. Eoin Doyle/Ronan Egan (Kilkenny) U17S. Gary Mahon (Kildare) U17D. Gary Law/Vincent Ryan (Kilkenny) Onewall Singles: Darren Flynn (Longford) Thomás Lennon (Laois) Doubles: Eugene O’Reilly/Peter Flanagan (M) Andrew Dowling / Thomás Lennon (Ls) Ladies singles: Niamh Egan (Westmeath) Elizabeth Martin (Dublin)

109 Ollie Bryant (Manager), Joey Keenaghan, John Paul Casey, Dwayne Dunne, Ryan Casey, Edward Casey, Leanne Leonard, Willie Grennan, Ava Grennan, Caitlin Dunne, Arron Arron Caitlin Dunne, Grennan, Ava Willie Grennan, Leanne Leonard, Casey, Edward Casey, Ryan Dunne, Dwayne John Joey Paul Keenaghan, Casey, Ollie (Manager), Bryant Pius Casey. Brian Keenaghan, Willie Casey, James Casey, Christopher Keenaghan, Jimmie Keenaghan, Keenaghan, Kevin Dunne, Sean Kinnarney, Adrian Leonard, Paddy Grennan, Owen Dillon, Daryll Kilroe, John Dunne, Alan Dunne, Gerard Dunne, Eamonn Dunne, John Monaghan, Cathal Leonard, Eamonn John Cathal Dunne, Dunne, Monaghan, Leonard, Alan Gerard Dunne, John Daryll Owen Dunne, Dillon, Kilroe, Grennan, Paddy Leonard, Adrian Sean Kinnarney, Pat Dunne. Kinnarney, P.J. Darren Leonard, Conroy, Kevin Eddie Kinahan, Kinnarney, Paraic Brian Gleeson, Thomas Brady, Gary Michael Dunne, Keegan,

Front L-R: Front Killurin Killurin - Leinster Club Hurling 2009 League Winners Division 4 Back L-R:

110 LGAA_Comhdha?il_Cvr_09:Conv Cover 07 18/02/2009 15:59 Page 3

Kilkenny - Leinster Senior Hurling Champions 2008 Dublin - Leinster Senior Football Champions 2008 Back L-R: John Tennyson, Donnacha Cody, T.J. Reid, Martin Comerford, Jackie Tyrrell, Derek Lyng, Back L-R: Darren Magee, Philip McMahon, John O'Brien, Paul Casey, Ross McConnell, Eamonn Fennell, P.J. Delaney, Brian Hogan, Richie Power, Michael Rice, Damien Fogarty, Richie Mullally, Paddy Andrews, Paul Griffin, Colin Moran, Barry Cahill, Kevin Bonner, Michael Savage, Willie O'Dwyer, James McGarry, Eddie Brennan. Bernard Brogan, Ciaran Whelan, Paul Flynn, . Front L-R: David Herity, Michael Kavanagh, P.J. Ryan, Canice Hickey, Cha Fitzpatrick, John Dalton, Front L-R: Jason Sherlock, Stephen O'Shaughnessy, Diarmuid Connolly, Conal Keaney, Kevin Nolan, Eoin Larkin, Tommy Walsh, J.J. Delaney, Aidan Fogarty, Eoin Reid, Richie Hogan, Sean Cummins, David Henry, Stephen Cluxton, Alan Brogan, Tomás Quinn, Shane Ryan, Bryan Cullen, Darragh O'Mahony. Derek Murray, Brendan McManamon, Niall O'Shea.

Lucky for some! Just like ‘Cha’! Dublin corner-forward Alan Brogan, Kilkenny Captain James Fitzpatrick lifts the Captain for the 2008 Championship, raises Bob O’Keeffe Cup in celebration of his the Delaney Cup as the Metropolitans took county’s retention of the Leinster Senior the Leinster Senior Football title for the Hurling Championship last summer. fourth year in succession. 111 112