Comhairle Laighean C.L.G. Tionólfar

COMHDHÁIL CINN BLIANA 2008 - 2009

in Hilamar Hotel, Kinnegad ar an Luan, 2ú Márta, 2009 6.00 pm

1 Brian McGrath, Mark Davoren, Fionnán Kennedy, Niall Corkery, Nicky McGrath, Barry O'Rorke, Joe Mooney, Karl Dias, Patrick Duggan, Declan Maher, Liam McBarron, Cian Liam McBarron, Declan Duggan, Karl Maher, Patrick Dias, Joe Mooney, NickyBarry O'Rorke, McGrath, Niall Corkery, Kennedy, Fionnán Mark Brian Davoren, McGrath, Brian Mark Kavanagh. Coughlan, Dromey, David O'Carroll, Ross Magee, Darren Ray Cosgrove, O'Sullivan, Griffin,Paul Liam Magee, Nolan, Jonny Óg Kevin O'Carroll, Ó Kevin hÉineachain, Morrissey, Adrian Burke, Pat McGuane, David Vaughan, Mark Shane Ryan, O'Rorke, Ronan Conor Lamb. Rory O'Carroll, Nestor, David

Front L-R: Front Kilmacud Crokes Kilmacud - Crokes Club Senior Champions Football 2008 Back L-R:

2 Clár

6.00pm Evening Meal

7.20pm Registration

7.30pm (1) Minutes of 2008 Convention

(2) Discussion of Report of Chief Executive

(3) Discussion of Sub-Committee Reports

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

8.30pm Election of P.R.O. (1st Ballot)

8.35pm Address by An Cathaoirleach

8.50pm Election of Officers

9.00pm Guest Speakers

9.15pm Na Rúin

9.30pm Tea/Coffee – Convention Closes.

Each 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, Portlaoise, Co. Laois.

3 Ainmniúcháin

CATHAOIRLEACH Sheamus O hUilin (Loch Garman)

LEAS-CATHAOIRLEACH Martin O Sceallaigh (Longphort)

CISTEOIR: Sean Mac Carthaigh (Cill Dara)

OIFIGEACH CAIDREAMH POIBLI Padraig O Ceallaigh (An Mhí) S.S. Breathnach (Cill Dara) Sean Napier (Cill Mhantain) Antóin Mac Roibin (Iarmhí) Na Rúin

1. That the Leinster Club Championship Finals (d) It shall have before it when necessary, in both and Football at Senior, the reports of other sub-committees for Intermediate and Junior grades be played at consideration and action. neutral venues (not a County Venue of (e) It shall nominate a Provincial Referees’ participating Clubs in Final) (An Mhí). Administrator to be sanctioned by 2. That the current Comhairle Laighean C.L.G. Comhairle Laighean C.L.G. (Riail 71 (f) bye-law in respect of the Management T.O. 2006). Committee of the Council be amended to (f) It shall manage and oversee all human read as follows: resources issues on behalf of Comhairle MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Laighean C.L.G. There shall be a Management Committee (g) Subject to overall ratification of which shall consist of the Officers and a Comhairle Laighean C.L.G. it shall have representative of (a) Coaching and Games the authority to appoint sub-committees Development Committee, (b) Development, to deal with delegated matters / Facilities, Health and Safety Committee, activities. (c) Club and County Planning Committee (h) It shall deal with discipline (non-games (d) Information Technology, Marketing and related) matters. Public Relations Committee and (e) the full time Chief Executive Officer of Coisde (i) All members of the Management Conndae Ath Cliath C.L.G. Committee must be current voting members of Comhairle Laighean C.L.G. (a) It shall implement matters pertaining to with the exception of the C.E.O. of Comhairle Laighean C.L.G. between Coisde Conndae Ath Cliath C.L.G. and meetings of the Council. the C.E.O. of Comhairle Laighean C.L.G. (b) It shall report on its deliberations to Comhairle Laighean C.L.G. (Comhairle Laighean C.L.G.) (c) It shall control financial aspects within policy guidelines of Comhairle Laighean C.L.G.

4 Miontuairiscí Chruinniu de'n Chomhdháil Bhliantúil 01/03/2008

Liam Uas. Ó Neill (Cathaoirleach) presided at the S. de Roiste, D. O hIceadha (Ath Cliath) Annual Convention of Comhairle Laighean C.L.G., M. O Colmain, D. O Burtuin (Cill Mhantain) held in the Talbot Hotel, . P. Uaiceam, L. Mac Fairligh (Loch Garman) S.S. Breathnach, M. O Fionnain (Cill Dara) Also in attendance were: L.V. O Conbhui, S. O Caimpin (Ceatharloch) S.O hEile, S. Breathnach (Cill Chainnigh) S. O hUilin (Leas-Cathaoirleach) S. O Daltuin, A. Breathnach (Laois) S. Mac Carthaigh (Cisteoir) A. O Gallchoir, E. O Floinn (Uibh Fhaili) T. O Fearghail (P.R.O.) A. Mac Roibin, S. O Mairtin (Iarmhi) G. O Maolthuille (Ard Oideachais) S. Mac an tSionnaigh, S. O Floinn (Longphort) P. O Cinnseallaigh (Cumann na mBunscol) M. O Dubhshlaine (Runai). S. O hOrain (Iarbhunscoileanna) P. Mac Mathuin, S. O Draighneain (Lu) An apology for inability to attend has been received P. O Ceallaigh, P. O Duibhir (An Mhi) from T. O Briain (Liathroid Laimhe).

The following delegates represented the counties: CILL CHAINNIGH P. Gawle, B. O hIci, P. Henderson, E. O Cuinn. LÚ P. Oilibhear, S. O Broin, P. O hAmaltuin, LAOIS E. Ni Ciaran, P. O Tomhnair. P. Mac Aodh Bhui, R. O Muilleoir, G. O Caomhanaigh, A. O Dubhshlaine, AN MHÍ B. O hAilin, T. Mac Seoin. B. O Coimin, B. O hAilin, U. Mac Giolla Phadraig, M. O Gallchoir, F. Mac Ginneartai, UIBH FHÁILÍ S. O Craobhain. P. O Teachain, B. Mac A Bhaird, T. O Cionnaigh, S. Mac Leannain, M.N. O Broin, S. O hOgain. ÁTH CLIATH S. Mac Coisdealbha, S. Mac Nioclas, IARMHÍ S. O Mathuna, A. O Coitil, S. O Fuarain, S. O Briain, A. O Leabhraigh, S. O Sioradain, L. Mac an Bheatha. M. Mac Aodh, D. O Cadhain.

CILL MHANTÁIN LONGPHORT A. O Briain, L. O Lochlainn, S. Napier, T.S. Mac A Bhaird, M. O Scealai, P. O Cathail, M. O Murchu, P. Mac Eochaidh, T. O Broin, E. O Cuaine, M. Mac Conncarraigi, S. O Cuinn. S. O Duinn. The following also attended Convention LOCH GARMAN D. O hUilin, S. O Cuirc, R. O Murchu, IAR OIFIGIGH M. O Coigligh, P. O Muireasa, S. de Faoite, S. O Beara, A. O Falluin, P. O Bogaigh, S. Aldridge, M. Ni Dhuill. S. de Grae, S. O Broin, P. O Flannagain.

CILL DARA SUB-COMMITTEE REPS A. O Suilleabhain, B. Mac Cionnaith, P. de Freine. M. O Fionnain, G. O Tiarnain, C. Ui Neill, S. O Mearain. GUEST Wexford Mayor, George Lalor. CEATHARLOCH T. O Murchu, T. O Neill, L. de Barra, ÁRAS LAIGHEAN STAFF G. O Lionnain, P. O Diring. S. Ni Chuinn, H. Ni hOrain, P. Ni Chleir, M. Mac Raghnaill, S. O Flannagain, S. Mac Coitir.

5 OSCAILT COISDE SCOR ACCOUNTS Convention was opened by Mairead Ui Dhuill, Formally adopted at Convention. Runai Coisde Co. Loch Garman C.L.G. She in turn introduced Mayor of Wexford, George Lalor and Cathaoirleach Coisde Co. Loch Garman C.L.G. CO LIATHROID LAIMHE LAIGHEAN ACCOUNTS Gearoid O Duill, both of whom addressed Noted by Convention. Convention.

APPOINTMENT OF TELLERS PRESENTATION The following were appointed as tellers: Gearoid O Duill then made a presentation of • Pol O Cinnseallaigh (C na mBunscoil Laighean) gifts to all delegates in attendance. • G. O Maolthuille (C.A.O.) • P. de Freine (Coisde na Reiteoiri) • M. O Cinnseallaigh (Loch Garman) BUIOCHAS Liam O Neill thanked both the Mayor and An Cathaoirleach Choisde Chonndae for their warm ELECTION OF LEAS-CATHAOIRLEACH welcome. He also thanked the organising With the withdrawal of P. O Ceallaigh (An Mhi) committee for their excellent arrangements for and P. O Tomhnair (Lu) there were two candidates Convention. for the post of Leas-Cathaoirleach. The ballot resulted as follows: Mairtin O Sceallaigh (Longphort) 48 MIONTUAIRISCI CHOMHDHAIL 2007 Sean O hOrain (Ath Cliath) 47 Adopted and signed by an Cathaoirleach on proposition of A. Mac Roibin, seconded by P. O An tUas. O Sceallaigh was declared elected. Tomhnair. Both candidates returned thanks to Convention.

TUAIRISC AN RUNAI CATHAOIRLEACH’S ADDRESS Opened for discussion and considered under its Liam O Neill outgoing Cathaoirleach, addressed various headings. Convention.

TUAIRISC NA FO CHOISDI AN CATHAOIRLEACH NUA ADDRESS Sub-Committee Reports, as follows, were adopted Seamus O hUilin then addressed Convention as and considered by Convention: per attached script. (a) Leinster Coaching and Games Development Report (b) Leinster Referees Administrators Report ELECTION OF OTHER OFFICERS (c) Leinster I.T., Marketing and P.R. Committee (a) SEAN MAC CARTHAIGH (CILL DARA) was Report formally declared re-elected as Cisteoir and (d) Leinster Grounds Facilities, Health & Safety he duly returned thanks. Report (e) Leinster Club and County Planning Report (b) TOMAS O FEARGHAIL (IARMHI) was (f) Coisde Scor Laighean formally declared re-elected as Oifigeach (g) Hearings Committee Report Caidreamh Poibli. In returning thanks An tUas. O Fearghail announced that – because of his election to the post of Cathaoirleach ANNUAL ACCOUNTS 2006 / 2007 Choisde Cho. Na hIarmhi - he would not be The Annual Accounts were presented by An seeking re-election at next year’s Leinster Cisteoir, Sean Mac Carthaigh, and were adopted Convention. on the proposition of A. Mac Roibin, seconded by S. Mac Coisdealbha.

6 ADDRESS BY C. DE PAOR, BUIOCHAS CHAIRMAN ST. MARTINS G.A.A. CLUB Liam O Neill thanked all associated with the Kevin Power, Chairman of St. Martins G.A.A. Club organisation of Convention, in particular Dermot then addressed Convention. He said it was a Howlin, Seamus O Byrne, Justin Browne, John great honour for his club to have a member Cotter and Paddy Flanagan. elevated to the post of Cathaoirleach Comhairle Laighean C.L.G. and he recalled the track record of An tUas. O hUilin at Club and County level. CONCLUSION Convention was closed with a rousing rendition of ‘Boolavogue’ by the Wexford Mayor, George PRESENTATION Lalor. Gearoid O Duill, Cathaoirleach Choisde Cho. Loch Garman, then made presentations to Liam O Neill and Sheamus O hUilin and also to their THE CONVENTION ENDED respective spouses.

7 Oráid an Cathaoirleach Nua most times to - so nothing new there I suppose. At County level I first got involved in the late 80s. Times were difficult then as most of you should remember and Wexford elected a new chairman called Joe O’Shaughnessy. Joe asked me to be part of his management team and I accepted, so the reason that I am standing here today is because of him. So any problems that you might have with me over the A Chairde Laighean next three years make sure and blame Joe. Ba mhaith liomsa failte Loch Garman agus failte go We had some great days and I must say I enjoyed Loch Garman a chuir romhaibh go leir. (FADAS) every day that I worked for Cumann Luthchleas Gael It is a great honour for me as your 31st Cathaoirleach in Wexford. I worked also under Paddy Wickham and to accept this high office. It is an honour for my Club can remember great days under his leadership, such St Martins, for Wexford and for my family – my wife as 1996/97. I was Vice Chairman to Paddy and Vera and our three boys Gavin, Donal and Derek. It is became Wexford Chairman in 2001. I would like for a an honour for my sister Eileen and my Father, who moment to mention one of many great Wexford due to illness cannot be with us here, but I know that Officers that I worked with over the years, that is the he is very proud today. late Fergie Duff. Fergie was taken from us after a short illness in 1998 and I know the time he spent with us I am, as has already been said, the 5th Wexford person inspired us all to be better people. I would like very to hold this high office, following in the foot-steps of much if he could be with us here today but I suppose 4 great Gaels – Patrick Breen, Micheal Kehoe, Jimmy God had other plans for Fergie. One of my roles Roche and Jim Berry and I am delighted Jim is with us working for Wexford was as Sponsorship Chairman here today. and we put in place Wexford Creamery who are still My involvement in the administrative side of Cumann our county sponsor and are the longest serving Luthchleas Gael, after my playing career, was with St. sponsor at the moment in the GAA. Martin’s when a group of young and enthusiastic I was first elected to Leinster Council in 1990 and people set about to re-invigorate the club and served on several Leinster committees over the years. establish facilities suitable for our members and I then got elected as the first ever Leinster PRO, a future generations. position I held for 5 very enjoyable years. I was What we have today in St. Martins is a testament to elected as Liam O’Neill’s vice chairman in 2005 and their youthful enthusiasm and dedication. Similar it was an honour to serve with him as his Vice facilities exist throughout Leinster and the rest of Chairman. and I salute all the clubs involved. All of these I have worked under 6 Leinster Chairmen all with facilities are as a result of committed and dedicated different qualities and styles, Albert Fallon, Jimmy people giving un-stingingly and freely of their time. Grey, Jim Berry, Seamus Aldridge, Nickey Brennan and This dedication reflects the unique position held by Liam O’Neill. So I realise today the challenge before Cumann Luthchleas Gael in Ireland and around the me to uphold the standards set by these great men. I world. want to extend a very special welcome to all the A number of people have guided me along the way former Chairmen attending here today. and I would like to mention a St. Martins man, the So here I am in the Talbot Hotel having just taken up late Jim Power, who had great influence on my life in this very important position. Micheal Delaney warned my youth. He was the person that we all looked up to me last night not to bore you all with a big long and he was the clubman that got us involved at a speech and as you all know our CEO has his finger on young age back in the early 70s. I held most positions the button most times. in St. Martins except chairman as I served as Vice Chair for many years to a good Kilkenny man called I can promise you all that I will give this job 100% of Jim O’Mahoney – We finish second unfortunately my time and energy and I am lucky that Vera has no problem with me saying that here today. Perhaps she

8 is glad to get rid of me out of the house so it might not our Province. We have approx 400,000 at the moment be a sacrifice for her at all. living in Ireland and in, say, 10 years time this number could reach almost 1 million as children are born into I know also that I cannot change the world of Gaelic these families. As the Council most affected by this Games in Leinster in three years but I can have realistic trend it is imperative that we encourage these people targets and dreams. So I would like to outline just to play our games. It is not going to be easy because some goals. they are more familiar with the international games of The first one is Infrastructure and Development. I am Rugby, Soccer, Basketball and Tennis. If we fail to get glad to report a lot of the hard work has already been them interested and playing our games we risk losing put in place over the last year under the guidance of a huge chunk of our new population to other sports. John Healy (Chairman), Micheal Reynolds and the I want to thank Wexford County Board and wish Grounds Facilities Committee. With half of Ireland’s Margaret Doyle well in her new roll as county secretary, population now living in Leinster (Approx 2.2 Million) Micheal Kinsella in his new position as head of we carried out a Leinster Provincial Demographic coaching, the Convention organising committee Survey, which outlined very clearly the population chaired by Dermot Howlin, John Cotter and Paddy trends in our providence. This report was presented to Flanagan, sponsors of the delegates gifts - Wexford our counties some weeks ago and was received very Creamery Ltd, Sam McCauley Chemists, Stable Diet well by those in attendance. We must continue to and the Wexford Board and how proud the develop and re-develop our county grounds on an girls made us all feel in 2007. I appreciate very much ongoing basis. For the first time ever in our history we all your support. have a large Capital Fund available in Croke Park and we must all move forward together to put in place all Thanks to all my fellow officers and I look forward to weather and floodlit facilities as quickly as possible. serving with our CEO Micheal Delaney and the staff Liam O’Neill taught me a great old Irish Farming and extended staff at Aras Laighean in the years saying. When you wish to sell your goods, position ahead. yourself ‘I Lar an Aonaigh’ (In the middle of the fair). Congratulations to Martin Skelly on his election as Vice We must look at promoting our games where our Chairman of the Council and I look forward to working people are living. closely with him. I commiserate with John Horan who The second one is to continue to promote Hurling. We has worked hard for Leinster as our Coaching and set about this when Liam became Chairman and we Games Development Chairman over the last three both made a promise that we set out plans and that it years. I know John will continue his solid work - beidh would be a six-year project. We are down the road two la eile aige. of those years now and I intend to review what we As Liam steps down today I want to thank him for all have achieved and continue to do all in my power to his good work and vision over the last three years. He help promote hurling in Leinster. We must examine has given leadership and brought the council along a closely what we have achieved over the last two years modern and progressive road. and put good solid structures in place and make whatever changes are necessary to deliver this plan. I want to wish Liam well now as he sets out on his We have done a lot of good work in Liam’s time and I endeavour to become the next President of CLG. I intend pushing the plan further in my three years as remember Liam making a statement as Nickey Brennan Chairman. set out on the same road - that Michael Delaney says that when Leinster unites behind a presidential Third is the extension of our premises at Aras Laighean. candidate Leinster wins. Our responsibility now as We have received planning permission for a major Leinster people is to unite behind Liam and make him re-development and when finished we hope to provide our next Uachtaran. a greater service to our counties and to Camogie and Ladies Football. Work is expected to start mid April and Today I am very aware that I represent the 12 counties it is hoped it will be completed by the end of January of Leinster, 12 counties of the proud province of 09. During 2008 I intend to hold our Management Leinster. Each county with its own successes, its own meetings around the province and I feel it will give our issues and its own ambitions and plans. I hope over the management committee and members of the council next 3 years I can assist you – each of you – in a better understanding and feel of the Counties of achieving these. I assure you I will be available to do Leinster. my utmost to help you all. This major project is expected cost in the region of Go ma fhada buan sibh go leir agus aris mo mile ?2.1m and will see to the needs of the council for the buiochas agus ar agaidh linn le cheile. (FADAS) next 15 to 20 years. Seamus O hUilin Fourth is the integration of the non-nationals living in Cathaoirleach Comhairle Laighean

9 Comhairle Laighean Clár na gCluichí 2009

PEIL SINSIR LEINSTER UNDER 21 H.C. 1 CILL DARA v UIBH FHAILI 1 ‘A’ WINNERS v ATH CLIATH 2 1 v LOCH GARMAN 2 1 v LOCH GARMAN 3 CEATHARLOCH v LU 3 CILL CHAINNIGH v LAOIS 4 3 v LAOIS 4 3 v UIBH FHAILI 5 LONGPHORT v CILL MHANTAIN 6 5 v IARMHI CRAOBH 2 V 4 7 AN MHI v ATH CLIATH LEINSTER JUNIOR FOOTBALL 8 2 v 4 PRELIM. RD WEXFORD v MEATH 9 6 v 7 CRAOBH 8 v 9 1 PRELIM. WINNERS v LONGFORD 2 WICKLOW v KILKENNY IOMÁINT SINSIR 3 LOUTH v CAVAN 1 LAOIS v GAILIMH 4 DUBLIN v KILDARE 2 UIBH FHAILI v LOCH GARMAN 3 ATH CLIATH v AONTROIM 5 1 V 2 6 3 V 4 In the Semi Finals there will be an Open Draw between winners of Games 1, 2 and 3 plus Kilkenny. CRAOBH 5 V 6 LEINSTER UNDER 21 F.C. 1 LONGPHORT v CILL MHANTAIN LEINSTER INTERMEDIATE HURLING 1 CILL CHAINNIGH v ATH CLIATH 2 1 v LAOIS 3 LOCH GARMAN v CILL DARA CRAOBH 1 v LOCH GARMAN 4 3 v CEATHARLOCH 5 LU v ATH CLIATH 6 5 v AN MHI LEINSTER M.H.C. 7 UIBH FHAILI v IARMHI Round 1 8 7 v CILL CHAINNIGH 1 IARMHI v CILL DARA 2 AN MHI v CILL MHANTAIN 9 2 v 4 Round 2 10 6 v 8 3 IARMHI/CILL DARA v CEATHARLOCH 4 AN MHI/CILL MH. v LAOIS CRAOBH 9 v 10 Round 3 7 WINNERS 3 v LOSERS 5 LEINSTER UNDER 21 H.C. ‘A’ 8 WINNERS 4 v LOSERS 6 1 IARMHI v AN MHI (a) In the Semi Finals the Winners of 5 and 6 will be drawn 2 LONGPHORT v CILL DARA in opposite Semi Finals against Winners of 7 and 8. 3 LU v CILL MHANTAIN (b) A Shield Competition shall be provided for Losers of 4 CEATHARLOCH games 1, 2, 3, 4, and Louth.

5 1 V 2 LEINSTER M.F.C. 6 3 V 4 1 CILL CHAINNIGH v LOCH GARMAN 2 CILL MHANTAIN v CILL DARA CRAOBH 5 V 6 3 AN MHI v UIBH FHAILI 4 CEATHARLOCH v IARMHI 5 LONGPHORT v LAOIS 6 LU v ATH CLIATH

10 Club Championships 2009

SENIOR CLUB HURLING JUNIOR CLUB HURLING SENIOR CHAMPIONS SENIOR CHAMPIONS Longford, Louth Kilkenny, Dublin, Offaly, Wexford, Westmeath, Laois INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONS Laois, Offaly, Dublin, Wicklow, 1 Wexford v Kilkenny 1.11.2009 Westmeath, Kildare, Meath, Carlow JUNIOR CHAMPIONS Kilkenny, Wexford 2 1 v Dublin 15.11.2009 1 Kildare v Louth 18.10.2009 3 Westmeath v Laois 1.11.2009 2 1 v Kilkenny 1.11.2009 4 3 v Offaly 15.11.2009 3 Carlow v Westmeath 18.10.2009 CRAOBH 2 v 4 29.11.2009 4 3 v Meath 1.11.2009 5 Wexford v Wicklow 18.10.2009 6 5 v Dublin 1.11.2009 SENIOR CLUB FOOTBALL 7 Laois v Offaly 18.10.2009 SENIOR CHAMPIONS 8 7 v Longford 1.11.2009 All counties except Kilkenny 9 2 v 4 15.11.2009 1 Louth v Laois 25.10.2009 10 6 v 8 15.11.2009 2 1 v Meath 8.11.2009 CRAOBH 9 v 10 19.11.2009 3 Kildare v Offaly 25.10.2009 4 3 v Carlow 8.11.2009 5 Longford v Wexford 25.10.2009 6 5 v Westmeath 8.11.2009 JUNIOR CLUB FOOTBALL INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONS Kilkenny 7 Dublin v Wicklow 25.10.2009 INTERMEDIATE RUNNERS-UP Carlow 8 2 v 4 22.11.2009 JUNIOR CHAMPIONS remaining 10 counties 9 6 v 7 22.11.2009 1 Wicklow v Kildare 25.10.2009 CRAOBH 8 v 9 6.12.2009 2 1 v Meath 8.11.2009 3 Wexford v Laois 25.10.2009 4 3 v Westmeath 8.11.2009 INTERMEDIATE CLUB HURLING 5 Dublin v Carlow 25.10.2009 INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONS Kilkenny, Wexford 6 5 v Longford 8.11.2009 SENIOR CHAMPIONS Wicklow, Kildare, Meath, Carlow 7 Louth v Offaly 25.10.2009 1 Kildare v Meath 25.10.2009 8 7 v Kilkenny 8.11.2009 2 1 v Carlow 8.11.2009 9 2 v 4 22.11.2009 3 Kilkenny v Wexford 25.10.2009 10 6 v 8 22.11.2009 4 3 v Wicklow 8.11.2009 CRAOBH 9 v 10 6.12.2009 CRAOBH 2 v 4 22.11.2009

INTERMEDIATE CLUB FOOTBALL SENIOR CHAMPIONS Kilkenny INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONS remaining 11 counties 1 Louth v Carlow 1.11.2009 2 1 v Kilkenny 8.11.2009 3 Longford v Meath 1.11.2009 4 3 v Kildare 8.11.2009 5 Wexford v Laois 1.11.2009 6 5 v Offaly 8.11.2009 7 Westmeath v Wicklow 1.11.2009 8 7 v Dublin 8.11.2009 9 2 v 4 23.11.2009 10 6 v 8 23.11.2009 CRAOBH 9 v 10 6.12.2009

11 Comhairle Laighean Clár na gCluichí 2009

Peil Sinsir DATE VENUE 1 KILDARE v OFFALY 24.5.2009 PORTLAOISE 2 1 v WEXFORD 13.6.2009 CARLOW/TULLAMORE 3 CARLOW v LOUTH 17.5.2009 4 3 v LAOIS 14.6.2009 CARLOW / PARNELL PARK 5 LONGFORD v WICKLOW 24.5.2009 PORTLAOISE 6 5 v WESTMEATH 14.6.2009 / TULLAMORE 7 MEATH v DUBLIN 07.6.2009 CROKE PARK

8 2 v 4 28.6.2009 CROKE PARK 9 6 v 7 28.6.2009 CROKE PARK

CRAOBH 8 v 9 12.7.2009 CROKE PARK

IOMÁINT SINSIR DATE VENUE 1 LAOIS v GALWAY 31.5.2009 PORTLAOISE 2 OFFALY v WEXFORD 30.5.2009 WEXFORD 3 DUBLIN v ANTRIM 7.6.2009 CROKE PARK

SEMI-FINAL 20.6.2009 T.B.A. SEMI-FINAL 21.6.2009 T.B.A. In the Semi Finals there will be an Open Draw between winners of Games 1, 2 and 3 plus Kilkenny

CRAOBH 05.7.2009 CROKE PARK

FÉ 21 BLIAIN PEIL DATE VENUE 1 LONGFORD v WICKLOW 08.2.2009 LONGFORD 2 1 v LAOIS 01.3.2009 LONGFORD / AUGHRIM 3 WEXFORD v KILDARE 08.2.2009 WEXFORD 4 3 v CARLOW 01.3.2009 WEXFORD / NEWBRIDGE 5 LOUTH v DUBLIN 08.2.2009 DROGHEDA 6 5 v MEATH 01.3.2009 DROGHEDA / PARNELL PARK 7 WESTMEATH v OFFALY 07.2.2009 TULLAMORE 8 7 v KILKENNY 28.2.2009 KILKENNY

9 2 v 4 17.3.2009 HOME VENUE 2 10 6 v 8 17.3.2009 HOME VENUE 6

CRAOBH 9 v 10 05.4.2009 HOME VENUE 9

12 PEIL SOISIR DATE VENUE PRELIM. RD WEXFORD v MEATH 13.5.2009 WEXFORD 1 PRELIM. WINNERS v LONGFORD 27.5.2009 WEXFORD / NAVAN 2 WICKLOW v KILKENNY 27.5.2009 AUGHRIM 3 LOUTH v CAVAN 27.5.2009 DUNDALK 4 DUBLIN v KILDARE 27.5.2009 PARNELL PARK

5 1 v 2 10.6.2009 HOME VENUE 1 6 3 v 4 10.6.2009 DROGHEDA / T.B.C. CRAOBH 5 v 6 25.6.2009 HOME VENUE 5

FÉ 21 ‘A’ IOMÁINT DATE VENUE 1 WESTMEATH v MEATH 04.4.2009 MULLINGAR 2 LONGFORD v KILDARE 04.4.2009 LONGFORD 3 LOUTH v WICKLOW 04.4.2009 DROGHEDA 4 CARLOW

5 1 v 2 18.4.2009 MULLINGAR / NAVAN 6 3 v 4 18.4.2009 DROGHEDA /

CRAOBH 5 v 6 06.5.2009 HOME VENUE 5

FÉ 21 IOMÁINT DATE VENUE 1 ‘A’ WINNERS v DUBLIN 27.5.2009 HOME VENUE ‘A’ WINNERS 2 1 v WEXFORD 10.6.2009 ‘A’ WINNERS / PARNELL PARK 3 KILKENNY v LAOIS 20.5.2009 KILKENNY 4 3 v OFFALY 10.6.2009 KILKENNY / PORTLAOISE CRAOBH 2 v 4 15.7.2009 HOME VENUE 2

IOMÁINT IDIRMHEANACH DATE VENUE 1 KILKENNY v DUBLIN 24.6.2009 KILKENNY CRAOBH 1 v WEXFORD 08.7.2009 KILKENNY / PARNELL PARK

13 PEIL MÍONÚIR DATE VENUE 1 KILKENNY v WEXFORD 18.4.2009 KILKENNY 2 WICKLOW v KILDARE 18.4.2009 AUGHRIM 3 MEATH v OFFALY 18.4.2009 NAVAN 4 CARLOW v WESTMEATH 18.4.2009 CARLOW 5 LONGFORD v LAOIS 18.4.2009 LONGFORD 6 LOUTH v DUBLIN 18.4.2009 DROGHEDA

LOSERS SECTION 7 Loser 2 v Loser 4 25.4.2009 HOME LOSER 2 8 7 v Loser 1 =A 09.5.2009 HOME 7 9 Loser 5 v Loser 3 25.4.2009 HOME LOSER 5 10 9 v Loser 6 =B 09.5.2009 HOME 9

11 3 v 4 23.5.2009 HOME 3 12 2 v 1 23.5.2009 HOME 2 13 B v A 23.5.2009 HOME B 14 6 v 5 23.5.2009 HOME 6

15 11 v 12 27.6.2009 HOME VENUE 11 16 13 v 14 27.6.2009 HOME VENUE 13

CRAOBH 15 v 16 12.7.2009 CROKE PARK

IOMÁINT MÍONÚIR DATE VENUE ROUND I 1 WESTMEATH v KILDARE 12.4.2009 MULLINGAR 2 MEATH v WICKLOW 12.4.2009 NAVAN

ROUND II 3 WESTMEATH / KILDARE v CARLOW 02.5.2009 MULLINGAR/NEWBRIDGE 4 MEATH / WICKLOW v LAOIS 02.5.2009 NAVAN/ARKLOW 5 KILKENNY v OFFALY 02.5.2009 KILKENNY 6 DUBLIN v WEXFORD 02.5.2009 PARNELL PARK

ROUND III 7 WINNERS 3 v LOSERS 5 16.5.2009 HOME VENUE 3 8 WINNERS 4 v LOSERS 6 16.5.2009 HOME VENUE 4

9 24.6.2009 10 24.6.2009

CRAOBH 9 v 10 05.7.2009 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.

14 Alan Cuddihy, Keith Nolan, M. P. Drennan, T.J. Reid, Paul Shefflin, , Eamon Walsh, James Connolly, Michael Dermody, Henry MichaelShefflin. Dermody, James Connolly, Walsh, Eamon Shefflin,Paul Colin Fennelly, Reid, T.J. Drennan, P. M. Keith Nolan, Alan Cuddihy, Holden. Aidan Padraig Cummins, Eoin (C), Reid, Aylward Bob James Fitzpatrick, jnr., Michael Fennelly Aylward, Mark Reid, Patrick Michael Donnachda Carroll, Fitzpatrick, Enda (inj.), Brendan (inj.). Costelloe Fitzpatrick Hoyne, David Liam Grant, Joseph Holden, John Dermody, Eoin Knox, Ger Fennelly jnr., James Walsh, Tom Coogan, Martin Healy. Coogan, Tom Walsh, James jnr., Eoin Ger Knox, Fennelly John Joseph Holden, Dermody,

Front L-R: Front Missing: Ballyhale Shamrocks Ballyhale – Leinster Senior Club Hurling Champions 2008 Back L-R: Middle L-R:

15 Cluichí Laighean 2008

O’BYRNE CUP S.F. 5/1 Dublin ...... 2-12 Wicklow ...... 0-09 Parnell Park 6/1 Offaly ...... 5-24 Athlone IT ...... 0-09 Tullamore 6/1 Wexford ...... 1-14 Laois ...... 0-14 6/1 Westmeath ...... 2-08 DIT ...... 0-12 Mullingar 6/1 Carlow ...... 3-13 Kilkenny ...... 1-06 Carlow 6/1 Longford ...... 0-09 Kildare ...... 0-07 Newbridge 9/1 Meath ...... 2-11 UCD ...... 0-15 Navan 10/1 DCU ...... 1-14 Louth ...... 0-11 Darver 12/1 Dublin ...... 1-15 Westmeath ...... 1-05 Parnell Park 13/1 Longford ...... 0-14 Meath ...... 1-06 Navan 13/1 DCU ...... 0-15 Offaly ...... 1-07 Tullamore 15/1 Carlow ...... 1-13 Wexford ...... 0-11 Horeswood 19/1 Dublin ...... 1-15 Carlow ...... 2-12 Parnell Park 20/1 Longford ...... 1-16 DCU ...... 0-10 Longford 27/1 Dublin ...... 1-15 Carlow ...... 1-07 Carlow 9/2 Dublin ...... 2-12 Longford ...... 1-14 Parnell Park O’BYRNE SHIELD S.F. 13/1 Louth ...... 1-12 Athlone IT ...... 1-10 Dundalk 13/1 Kildare ...... 0-14 UCD ...... 0-09 Newbridge 13/1 Laois ...... 5-23 Kilkenny ...... 1-04 Stradbally 20/1 Wicklow ...... 3-10 DIT ...... 1-09 Shillelagh 20/1 Kildare ...... 1-09 Louth ...... 0-07 Newbridge 27/1 Laois ...... 2-17 Wicklow ...... 2-12 Aughrim 13/4 Laois ...... 0-13 Kildare ...... 1-10 Portlaoise Laois ...... Kildare ...... S.H. 13/1 UCD ...... 2-15 Westmeath ...... 0-14 Mullingar 20/1 Dublin ...... 2-15 UCD ...... 0-13 Parnell Park 20/1 Antrim ...... 1-17 Kilkenny ...... 2-15 Freshford 20/1 Wexford ...... 1-15 Laois ...... 0-15 24/1 Offaly ...... 4-13 Down ...... 2-12 Darver 27/1 Antrim ...... 3-14 UCD ...... 1-17 Belfield 27/1 Offaly ...... 1-12 Wexford ...... 0-11 Tullamore 3/2 Antrim ...... 3-09 Offaly ...... 2-07 Casement Pk

WALSH CUP S.H. 3/2 Laois ...... 2-18 Down ...... 1-16 Portlaoise 2/3 Laois ...... 2-15 Westmeath ...... 2-11 Kinnegad S.H. 10/1 Trinity ...... 3-16 Louth ...... 1-17 Darver 13/1 DIT ...... 5-17 Mayo ...... 0-14 Ballymun 13/1 Meath ...... 1-16 Athlone IT ...... 0-03 Navan

16 13/1 Dublin/ ...... 3-12 Tallaght IT ...... 1-11 Fingallians 19/1 Carlow ...... 3-15 Longford ...... 0-05 Longford 19/1 Kildare ...... 9-12 DCU ...... 2-07 Newbridge 20/1 Wicklow ...... 1-16 Carlow IT ...... 2-09 Bray 20/1 Meath ...... 2-27 Trinity ...... 1-05 Navan 27/1 DIT ...... 1-21 Kildare ...... 1-16 Newbridge 27/1 Wicklow ...... 3-20 Roscommon ...... 3-13 Bray 27/1 Carlow ...... 1-13 Fingal ...... 1-10 Fingallians 3/2 Carlow ...... 1-14 DIT ...... 0-10 Carlow 3/2 Meath ...... 0-18 Wicklow ...... 0-12 Navan 15/6 Meath ...... 1-20 Carlow ...... 0-17 Portlaoise

CADBURYS LEINSTER UNDER 21 F.C. 23/2 Kildare ...... 1-14 Meath ...... 0-05 Navan 23/2 Westmeath ...... 1-15 Kilkenny ...... 1-06 Kilkenny 24/2 Laois ...... 2-13 Louth ...... 0-07 Portlaoise 24/2 Carlow ...... 1-07 Longford ...... 0-09 Carlow 9/3 Wexford ...... 1-10 Westmeath ...... 1-09 Mullingar 9/3 Wicklow ...... 1-11 Laois ...... 0-03 Portlaoise 15/3 Carlow ...... 1-11 Offaly ...... 0-13 Carlow 22/3 Kildare ...... 1-08 Dublin ...... 1-07 Newbridge 23/3 Wexford ...... 1-09 Wicklow ...... 0-10 Aughrim 29/3 Kildare ...... 0-14 Carlow ...... 1-04 Newbridge /4 Kildare ...... 0-10 Wexford ...... 0-06 Wexford

LEINSTER J.F. SHIELD 12/3 Wicklow ...... 1-13 Kilkenny ...... 0-08 Baltinglass 12/3 Meath ...... 0-12 Kildare ...... 2-04 Longwood 19/3 Meath ...... 2-09 Kilkenny ...... 1-08 Naas 19/3 Kildare ...... 2-06 Wicklow ...... 0-08 Athy 26/3 Kildare ...... 1-10 Kilkenny ...... 1-06 Ballyraggett 26/3 Wicklow ...... 1-11 Meath ...... 1-10 Moorefield 2/4 Kildare ...... 2-06 Wicklow ...... 0-08 Avondale 9/4 Meath ...... 3-14 Kildare ...... 3-12 Naas

LEINSTER J.F.C. 28/5 Wicklow ...... 4-09 Kilkenny ...... 1-08 Kilkenny 28/5 Dublin ...... 1-12 Cavan ...... 0-11 Parnell Park 28/5 Kildare ...... 1-17 Wexford ...... 2-08 Wexford 28/5 Meath ...... 1-14 Louth ...... 1-07 Dundalk 8/6 Dublin ...... 0-11 Kildare ...... 1-06 Croke Park 11/6 Meath ...... 1-15 Wicklow ...... 1-05 Aughrim 29/6 Dublin ...... 1-13 Meath ...... 1-09 Croke Park

LEINSTER U-21 'A' H.C. 5/4 Westmeath ...... 1-18 Wicklow ...... 1-11 Mullingar 26/4 Carlow ...... 3-12 Meath ...... 1-05 Carlow 26/4 Westmeath ...... 4-17 Kildare ...... 1-16 Mullingar 3/5 Carlow ...... 0-16 Westmeath ...... 0-11 St. Lomans

17 ESB LEINSTER M.H.C. 29/3 Carlow ...... 2-13 Offaly ...... 1-09 Carlow 6/4 Meath ...... 3-11 Westmeath ...... 0-07 Navan 6/4 Kildare ...... 2-19 Wicklow ...... 0-05 Arklow 6/4 Kilkenny ...... 3-12 Wexford ...... 0-15 Wexford 13/4 Kildare ...... 1-10 Meath ...... 0-10 Naas 13/4 Kilkenny ...... 6-18 Laois ...... 1-08 Freshford 13/4 Offaly ...... 1-10 Dublin ...... 1-10 Mount Bolus 13/4 Westmeath ...... 9-22 Wicklow ...... 0-00 Mullingar 19/4 Kildare ...... 0-13 Westmeath ...... 1-09 Mullingar 20/4 Meath ...... 3-13 Wicklow ...... 2-03 Dunboyne 20/4 Dublin ...... Carlow ...... Didn’t take place 20/4 Wexford ...... 5-19 Laois ...... 2-11 Rathdowney 3/5 Westmeath ...... 4-23 Wicklow ...... 0-06 St. Lomans (Shld Fl) 3/5 Meath ...... Laois ...... Navan (no game) 4/5 Offaly ...... 4-12 Kildare ...... 1-07 Naas 13/5 Meath ...... 0-13 Laois ...... 1-07 Clane 17/5 Carlow ...... 0-17 Meath ...... 1-10 Carlow 17/5 Wexford ...... 1-19 Offaly ...... 1-07 Wexford 21/6 Kilkenny ...... 1-16 Carlow ...... 0-07 Freshford 22/6 Wexford ...... 3-13 Dublin ...... 3-13 Croke Park 28/6 Wexford ...... 1-15 Dublin ...... 2-11 Wexford 6/7 Kilkenny ...... 1-19 Wexford ...... 0-12 Croke Park ESB LEINSTER M.F.C. 29/3 Wexford ...... 2-19 Kilkenny ...... 1-04 Kilkenny 5/4 Dublin ...... 0-13 Kildare ...... 0-06 Parnell Park 5/4 Wicklow ...... 3-11 Offaly ...... 1-07 Aughrim 5/4 Meath ...... 1-14 Louth ...... 1-09 Navan 5/4 Longford ...... 2-13 Laois ...... 2-11 Longford 12/4 Westmeath ...... 2-12 Carlow ...... 0-09 Carlow 19/4 Louth ...... 1-13 Laois ...... 0-10 Portlaoise 26/4 Offaly ...... 1-12 Carlow ...... 0-09 Carlow 26/4 Louth ...... 1-14 Kildare ...... 0-13 Drogheda 10/5 Longford ...... 1-13 Louth ...... 0-12 Longford 10/5 Offaly ...... 3-07 Westmeath ...... 1-11 Tullamore 10/5 Meath ...... 0-14 Dublin ...... 0-10 Parnell Park 10/5 Wexford ...... 1-08 Wicklow ...... 0-08 Aughrim 5/7 Meath ...... 3-10 Longford ...... 2-09 Navan 9/7 Offaly ...... 0-09 Wexford ...... 0-02 Wexford 20/7 Meath ...... 1-14 Offaly ...... 2-10 Croke Park LEINSTER CLUB HURLING LEAGUE 22/3 Cloughbawn ...... 0-13 Belmont ...... 1-07 Castleboro C'bawn 23/3 Turin ...... 3-12 Glenealy ...... 2-06 Turin 23/3 Adamstown ...... 2-12 Clan na Gael Fontenoy . 0-09 Adamstown 24/3 Knockbridge ...... 1-15 Navan O’Mahoneys . . . 3-11 Knockbridge 24/3 Camross ...... 2-11 St. Rynagh’s ...... 2-16 Camross 24/3 Buffers Alley ...... 0-16 Clonkill ...... 0-13 Monamolin 24/3 Rathdowney ...... 0-09 Tullaroan ...... 1-17 Rathdowney 24/3 St. Johns Volunteers . . .1-05 St. Kevins ...... 3-12 P Charman, St Johns 24/3 St.Mullins ...... 2-11 Mooncoin ...... 4-15 St. Mullins 24/3 Carlow Town ...... 2-14 Kilcoole ...... 1-09 Carlow Town H.C 24/3 Freshford (KK) . . . . .2-17 St. Judes ...... 1-09 Freshford

18 24/3 Nh Mearnog ...... 0-09 Black and Whites . . . . 0-11 Nh Mearnog 24/3 Glenealy (WW) . . . . .1-12 Nh Brid ...... 2-10 Glenealy 24/3 Shelmaliers (WX) . . . .1-14 Dunnamaggin (KK) . . . 1-11 Hollymount 24/3 St. Olivers Plunkett . . .2-07 Raparees (WX) . . . . . 3-14 St. Olivers Pliunkett 24/3 Tulloher/ . . .1-10 Confey ...... 2-10 Tulloher/Rosbercon 24/3 Ballypickas ...... 1-10 Newcastle ...... 1-11 Ballypickas 24/3 Colt ...... 2-10 Crookedwood . . . . . 1-07 Colt 24/3 Coolderry ...... 4-12 Oulart ...... 1-17 Coolderry 24/3 Faythe Harriers . . . . .1-13 Raharney ...... 1-12 Pairc Charman, Wex 24/3 Coill Dubh ...... 1-11 Shamrocks ...... 2-13 Coill Dubh 24/3 Commercials ...... 1-13 Naas ...... 1-09 Commercials, Dub 24/3 Lucan Sarfields . . . . .0-07 St. Annes ...... 0-11 Lucan 24/3 Davidstown/Courtnacuddy 2-09 St. John’s Ballinteer . . . 1-15 Boolabawn 24/3 Castleknock ...... 1-05 Tara Rocks ...... 0-11 Castleknock 24/3 Eire Óg ...... 1-09 Craanford ...... 1-12 Carragh, Kildare 24/3 The Harps ...... 0-11 Emmetts . . . . 1-07 Durrow,Laois 24/3 Shamrocks ...... 4-15 Ballinkillen ...... 1-09 Mucklagh 24/3 Wolfe Tones ...... 0-05 Clane ...... 3-13 W Tones, Drogheda 24/3 Carnew ...... 0-07 Shanahoe ...... 0-15 Carnew 24/3 Thomas Davis . . . . . 2-11 Carrig and Riverstown . 0-06 T Davis, Tallaght 24/3 Rathnure ...... 1-06 Castletown Geoghegan . . 1-05 Rathnure 24/3 Ballinakill ...... 2-07 Castlepollard ...... 0-15 Ballinkill 24/3 Dicksboro ...... 1-18 O’Tooles ...... 1-09 Dicksboro 24/3 Brownstown ...... 1-10 Bray Emmets ...... 1-06 Brownstown 24/3 Loughlene Gaels . . . . 2-09 Ferns ...... 2-18 Collinstown 24/3 St Peregrines ...... 2-16 Killavilla ...... 4-10 St Peregrines, Clonsilla 24/3 Clara (KK) ...... 1-16 St. Martins ...... 0-11 Clara,Kilkenny 24/3 Ringtown (WH) . . . . .1-08 Kiltale ...... 0-16 Ringtown 24/3 Nh Eanna (WX) . . . . .0-10 Celbridge ...... 0-13 24/3 Olyegate/Glenbrien . . .0-17 St. Brigid’s ...... 2-04 Olyegate 24/3 Clough/ Ballacolle . . . 1-13 Nh Eoin ...... 4-06 Clough/Ballacolle 24/3 Rathmolyn ...... 1-16 Ballinmere ...... 1-08 Rathmolyn 24/3 Delvin (WH) ...... 1-08 Arklow Rocks ...... 0-08 Delvin 24/3 Crumlin (D) ...... 0-17 Drumcullen ...... 1-11 Crumlin 24/3 Leixlip (KE) ...... 1-13 Avondale ...... 0-16 Leixlip 24/3 Setanta ...... 2-14 Slieve Bloom ...... 1-07 Popintree 24/3 Na Fianna ...... 3-08 Clonad ...... 0-10 Na Fianna, Glasnevin 24/3 Kilcotton ...... 0-12 Faughs ...... 1-07 Kilcotton, Laois 29/3 Crumlin ...... 3-10 Kiltale ...... 0-10 Kiltale 29/3 Carnew Emmetts . . . .1-11 St. Olivers Plunketts . . 0-07 Carnew 29/3 St.Annes ...... 3-07 St.Mullins ...... 2-06 Rathangan 29/3 Slieve Bloom ...... 1-12 Eire Óg Greystones . . . 2-02 Slieve Bloom 29/3 Tara Rocks ...... 0-11 Turin ...... 1-08 Tara Rocks 29/3 St. Judes ...... 2-10 Ballinkill ...... 1-13 St Judes, Tem'ogue 29/3 Navan, O’Mahoneys . . .1-11 Brownstown ...... 1-08 Navan O’Mahoneys 29/3 Castlepollard ...... 2-12 Freshford ...... 1-11 Castlepollard 29/3 Kilcoole ...... 4-07 Curtnacuddy ...... 3-11 Kilcoole, Wicklow 29/3 Castletown Geoghegan . Camross ...... Match postponed ...... field unplayable 29/3 Celbridge ...... 0-12 Gleanealy ...... 0-15 Celbridge 29/3 Castletown ...... 0-08 Buffers Alley ...... 0-08 Castletown 29/3 Mooncoin ...... 3-09 Lucan Sarfields . . . . . 0-03 Mooncoin 29/3 Oulart ...... 0-17 Rathdowney/Erril . . . . 1-09 Oulart 29/3 Bray Emmetts . . . . . 2-15 Knockbridge ...... 1-12 Bray Emmetts 29/3 Shanahoe ...... 2-07 Adamstown ...... 0-07 Shanahoe 29/3 Naas ...... 2-13 Delvin ...... 2-07 Naas

19 29/3 St.Martin’s ...... 1-14 Clough/ Ballacolla . . . 0-17 Piercestown 29/3 Confey ...... 0-08 Olyegate ...... 2-13 Confey, Leixlip 29/3 Shamrocks (WX) . . . . 1-12 Shamrocks (OY) . . . . 5-09 Enniscorthy 29/3 Newcastle ...... 2-04 Eire Óg ...... 2-10 Newcastle, Wicklow 29/3 Kinnity ...... 3-10 Shelmaliers ...... 1-14 Kinnity 29/3 Raharney ...... 1-13 Dickboros ...... 0-16 Raharney 29/3 Nh Eoin ...... 3-10 Clara (KK) ...... 2-14 Myshall 29/3 Black and Whites . . . .3-10 Rathmolyon ...... 3-08 Skeovghvosteen 29/3 Faughs ...... 0-13 O’Loughlene Gaels . . . 2-06 Faughs 29/3 Belmont ...... 2-19 Na Fianna ...... 3-07 Belmont 29/3 Ferns ...... 1-12 Kilcotton ...... 0-10 Ferns 29/3 St.Rynagh’s ...... 2-10 Rathnure ...... 2-09 St.Rynagh’s, 29/3 Glenealy ...... 0-12 Castleknock ...... 2-07 Glenealy 29/3 Tullaroan ...... 1-09 Coolderry ...... 1-11 Tullaroan 30/3 St.Patricks ...... 3-09 St. Peregrines . . . . . 2-09 Camolin 30/3 Clane ...... 3-16 Nh Fionnbarra . . . . . 0-09 Clane 1/4 Abhainn Dála ...... 0-14 Round Towers . . . . . 1-14 Abhainn Dála 2/4 Lady’s Island ...... 2-13 Leixlip ...... 2-13 Craanford 3/4 Raparees ...... 3-10 The Harps ...... 1-15 Raparees 5/4 Dun Lavin ...... 1-04 Setanta ...... 4-13 Dun Lavin 5/4 St. Brigid’s ...... 1-12 Tulagher/Rosbercon . . . 2-19 St. Brigid’s 5/4 Thomas Davis . . . . . 0-07 Crookedwood . . . . . 0-12 Thomas Davis 5/4 Craanford ...... 4-10 Ballypickas ...... 1-02 Craanford 6/4 Clane ...... 2-06 Kittegin ...... 0-16 Clane 6/4 Clonkill ...... 3-11 Kilmacud Crokes . . . . 2-07 Clonkill 9/4 /Glenbrien . . .1-16 Tullogher/Rosbercon . . 1-08 Tullogher/Rosbercon 9/4 Southern Gaels . . . . .1-06 St.Kevin’s ...... 0-15 Southern Gaels 9/4 Carrig & Riverstown . . .0-08 Crookedwood . . . . . 0-14 Carrig & Riverstown 9/4 Dicksboro ...... 1-20 Faythe Harriers . . . . . 2-11 Dicksboro 9/4 Kilcoole ...... 0-08 Ballinteer St. John’s . . . 3-15 Kilcoole 9/4 Barndarrig ...... 0-01 St. John’s ...... 5-18 Barndarrig 9/4 Kiltale ...... 3-08 Drumcullen ...... 3-10 Kiltale 9/4 Naomh Brid ...... 1-13 Celbridge ...... 0-11 Naomh Brid 9/4 Clara ...... 2-16 Clough Ballacolla . . . . 1-14 Clara 9/4 Ringtown ...... 1-20 Crumlin ...... 2-08 Ringtown 9/4 Camross ...... 2-12 Rathnure ...... 1-13 Camross 9/4 Shelmaleers ...... 4-15 Cuala ...... 2-11 Hollymount 9/4 Setanta ...... 3-21 Éire Óg ...... 3-08 Setanta 9/4 Craanford ...... 1-12 Newcastle ...... 2-08 Craanford 9/4 Clonad ...... Clobawn ...... Match Cancelled 9/4 Dunnamaggin . . . . . 2-19 Kinitty ...... 1-11 Dunnamaggin 9/4 Lough Lene Gaels . . . .3-08 Kilcotton ...... 6-20 Collinstown 9/4 Mooncoin ...... 3-11 St.Ann’s ...... 1-09 St. Anne’s 9/4 Glenealy ...... 3-11 Na hEánna ...... 1-13 Glenealy 9/4 St. Rynagh’s ...... 6-15 Castletown Geoghegan . . 1-01 St. Rynagh’s 9/4 Ballinkellen ...... 1-09 Shamrocks ...... 1-11 Ballinkellen 9/4 Carnew ...... 1-13 Raparees ...... 2-13 Carnew 9/4 Freshford ...... 2-13 Ballinakill ...... 2-08 Freshford 9/4 Thomas Davis . . . . . 5-07 Colt ...... 0-25 Thomas Davis 9/4 Kiltale ...... 3-08 Drumcullen ...... 3-10 Kiltale 9/4 St. Jude’s ...... 0-16 Castlepollard ...... 1-17 St. Jude’s 9/4 Rathdowney/Errill . . . .2-11 Coolderry ...... 0-13 Rathdowney/Errill 9/4 The Harps ...... 1-13 St. Oliver’s Plunkett’s . . 1-12 Durrow 10/4 St. Pat’s Comolin . . . . 4-14 Killavilla ...... 3-08 Ballyragget 10/4 Glenealy ...... 0-08 Tara Rocks ...... 5-14 Glenealy 10/4 Tullaroan ...... 0-10 Oulart ...... 0-09 Tullaroan

20 12/4 Kilmacud Crokes . . . . 1-12 Buffers Alley ...... 2-13 Buffers Alley 12/4 Na Fianna ...... 2-11 Cloughbawn ...... 2-14 Mobhi Road 13/4 Clonad ...... 2-09 St. Sarhen’s ...... 1-14 Clonad 13/4 Naomh Brid ...... 0-14 Naomh Éanna . . . . . 1-06 Naomh Bríd 14/4 Arklow Rocks ...... 2-05 Commercials ...... 1-08 Kilcoole 16/4 Commercials ...... Devlin- Didn’t show up 16/4 Brownstown ...... 1-08 Knockbridge ...... 2-05 Brownstown 16/4 Clonad ...... 2-05 Cloughbawn ...... 1-15 Clonad 18/4 Round Towers . . . . . 0-06 Leixlip ...... 3-12 Leixlip 20/4 Naomh Mearnog . . . .1-11 Rathmoylan ...... 0-10 20/4 Dunnamaggin . . . . . 0-17 Cuala ...... 0-05 Dunnamaggin 23/4 Craanford ...... 2-18 Slieve Bloom ...... 0-07 Carlow Town 23/4 Ferns ...... 3-13 Crumlin ...... 0-16 Kilcoole 23/4 Castlepollard ...... 0-07 Balcks & Whites . . . . 2-10 Mountmellick 23/4 Dicksboro ...... 1-21 Shalmoliens ...... 2-09 Carlow I.T. 24/4 Setanta ...... 3-19 Éire Óg ...... 0-06 Rathcoole 24/4 Tullaroan ...... 2-13 Buffers Alley ...... 0-18 Carlow I.T. 24/4 St. Pat’s, Camolin . . . .2-06 Shanahoe ...... 3-07 Carlow Town 25/4 Cloughbawn ...... 0-19 Olygate Glenbrien . . . 2-10 Cloughbawn 26/4 Mooncoin ...... 0-15 Clara ...... 0-10 Bennettsbridge 26/4 St. Kevin’s ...... 1-14 Turin ...... 2-08 Kinnegad 26/4 Tara Rocks ...... 3-13 Southern Gaels . . . . . 1-10 Confey 4/5 Leixlip ...... 2-18 Navan O’Mahoney’s . . 1-15 Lexlip 5/5 Naomh Fionbarra . . . 0-13 Shanahoe ...... 1-12 Clane 6/5 Shamrocks ...... 0-05 Glenealy ...... 2-13 Carlow Town 9/5 Coolderry ...... 4-16 St. Brigid’s ...... 0-00 11/5 St. Kevin’s ...... 3-17 Setanta ...... 3-12 Liffey Gaels 12/5 Commercials ...... 1-14 St. John’s Ballinteer . . . 2-09 Rathcoole 14/5 Dicksboro ...... 2-10 Raparees ...... 2-15 14/5 Glenealy ...... 1-07 Cloughbawn ...... 1-10 Arklow 14/5 Blacks & Whites . . . . 3-13 Ferns ...... 1-15 Ferns 15/5 Craanford ...... 0-13 Tara Rocks ...... 1-07 Gorey 18/5 Tullaroan ...... 0-14 Mooncoin ...... 0-12 Thomastown 28/5 Blacks & Whites . . . . 2-15 Cloughbawn ...... 1-18 New Ross 1/6 Tullaoran ...... 1-18 Raparees ...... 1-14 Carlow 4/6 Craanford ...... 1-14 St.Kevin’s ...... 2-02 Arklow 14/6 Commercials ...... 2-20 Shanahoe ...... 2-06 Kildare, venue 6/9 Black & Whites . . . . .0-14 Cloughbawn ...... 1-10 Graigenamanagh LEINSTER JUNIOR HURLING SHIELD 27/4 Lu ...... 0-22 Leitrim ...... 1-08 Dundalk 27/5 Wicklow got Walkover from Longford 10/5 Longford ...... 2-18 Warwickshire . . . . . 1-10 Newtownforbes 11/5 Wicklow ...... 2-10 Louth ...... 0-11 Dundalk 11/5 Down ...... 1-15 Leitrim ...... 2-08 Carrickonshannon 17/5 Wicklow ...... 1-10 Warwickshire . . . . . 0-09 Birmingham 18/5 Longford ...... 5-17 Leitrim ...... 1-07 Carrickonshannon 18/5 Down ...... 2-12 Louth ...... 1-09 Ballela 31/5 Louth ...... 5-13 Warwickshire . . . . . 0-07 Birmingham 1/6 Down ...... 4-19 Longford ...... 2-10 Longford 1/6 Wicklow ...... 4-24 Leitrim ...... 1-06 Aughrim 5/6 Louth ...... 3-10 Longford ...... 1-14 Edgesworthstown 7/6 Leitrim ...... 1-12 Warwickshire . . . . . 0-11 Carrickonshannon 8/6 Wicklow ...... 3-17 Down ...... 1-12 Ballela Down ...... 2-17 Warwickshire . . . . . 0-13 Warwickshire 21/6 Louth ...... 1-16 Wicklow ...... 1-08 Aughrim

21 LEINSTER U-21 H.C. 28/5 Dublin ...... 0-17 Laois ...... 1-13 Portlaoise 28/5 Offaly ...... 3-16 Carlow ...... 1-08 Carlow 25/6 Offaly ...... 2-16 Wexford ...... 1-11 Birr 26/6 Kilkenny ...... 1-20 Dublin ...... 1-04 Parnell Park 24/7 Kilkenny ...... 2-21 Offaly ...... 2-09 Tullamore BANK OF IRELAND LEINSTER S.F.C. 11/5 Westmeath ...... 2-10 Longford ...... 2-10 Longford 18/5 Meath ...... 1-25 Carlow ...... 1-08 Croke Park 18/5 Wicklow ...... 0-13 Kildare ...... 0-09 Croke Park 31/5 Laois ...... 0-15 Wicklow ...... 0-13 Carlow 1/6 Wexford ...... 2-14 Meath ...... 2-13 Carlow 7/6 Westmeath ...... 2-11 Offaly ...... 1-08 Tullamore 8/6 Dublin ...... 1-22 Louth ...... 0-12 Croke Park 22/6 Wexford ...... 0-18 Laois ...... 0-12 Croke Park 29/6 Dublin ...... 0-13 Westmeath ...... 1-08 Croke Park 20/7 Dublin ...... 3-23 Wexford ...... 0-09 Croke Park GUINNESS LEINSTER S.H.C. 24/5 Offaly ...... 4-22 Laois ...... 2-12 Portlaoise 24/5 Dublin ...... 3-21 Westmeath ...... 0-11 Portlaoise 14/6 Wexford ...... 2-13 Dublin ...... 0-19 Kilkenny 15/6 Kilkenny ...... 2-24 Offaly ...... 0-12 Portlaoise 22/6 Wexford ...... 2-15 Dublin ...... 1-15 Croke Park 1/7 Kilkenny ...... 5-21 Wexford ...... 0-17 Croke Park LEINSTER I.H.C. 28/6 Kilkenny ...... 0-19 Wexford ...... 0-12 Wexford 2/8 Kilkenny ...... 4-26 Dublin ...... 3-15 Kilkenny A.I.B. LEINSTER CLUB F.C. 2/11 Kilmacud Crokes . . . . 0-13 Celbridge ...... 0-08 Parnell Park 2/11 Eire Og ...... 3-10 Kiltegan ...... 1-12 Carlow 2/11 Killanerin ...... O’Mahonys ...... (got W/O) 9/11 Kilmacud Crokes . . . . 1-13 Newtown Blues . . . . 1-09 Parnell Park 9/11 O’ Mahonys ...... 1-17 Castledaly ...... 0-04 Navan 9/11 Rhode ...... 2-09 Portlaoise ...... 0-10 Tullamore 9/11 Eire Og ...... 2-04 Colmcilles ...... 0-10 Carlow 16/11 Eire Og ...... 0-09 Colmcilles ...... 0-08 Longford 23/11 Rhode ...... 3-09 Eire Og ...... 0-04 Carlow 23/11 Kilmacud Crokes . . . . 1-11 O'Mahonys ...... 0-07 Parnell Park 7/12 Kilmacud Crokes . . . . 2-07 Rhode ...... 1-07 Parnell Park LEINSTER INTERMEDIATE CLUB F.C. 2/11 Ballyroan Abbey . . . . 0-14 Camross . . . 1-05 Ballyroan 2/11 St. Brigids ...... 1-13 Kilbride ...... 0-08 Tullamore 2/11 St. Ultans ...... 2-11 Templeogue Synge St . . 1-10 Navan 2/11 James Stephens . . . . 2-11 Carnew ...... 2-07 Arklow 9/11 St. Ultans ...... 0-07 Dreadnots ...... 0-06 Navan 9/11 James Stephens . . . . 3-07 Cashel ...... 0-07 James Stephens 9/11 Ballyroan Abbey . . . . 0-09 Maryland ...... 1-00 Timahoe 16/11 St. Brigids ...... 1-08 St. Kevins ...... 0-06 Geashill

22 23/11 Ballyroan Abbey . . . . 2-07 St. Brigids ...... 0-07 Ballyroan 23/11 St. Ultans ...... 2-10 James Stephens . . . . 0-03 Kilkenny 30/11 Ballyroan Abbey . . . . 2-08 St. Ultans ...... 0-08 Abbeyleix

AIB LEINSTER CLUB H.C. 2/11 Ballyhale Shamrocks . . 1-18 Rathdowney Errill . . . . 1-11 Kilkenny 8/11 Birr ...... 1-17 Ballyboden St. Endas . . 0-08 Parnell Park 15/11 Ballyhale Shamrocks . . 0-26 Raharney ...... 0-09 Mullingar 16/11 Birr ...... 2-19 St. Martins ...... 2-15 Tullamore 30/11 Ballyhale Shamrocks . . 2-13 Birr ...... 1-11 Kilkenny

LEINSTER INTERMEDIATE CLUB H.C. 2/11 Erins Own ...... 2-12 Naomh Brid ...... 2-10 Kilkenny 9/11 Confey ...... 1-09 Glenealy ...... 0-09 Arklow 16/11 Kilmessan ...... 0-17 Confey ...... 1-09 St. Marys Leixlip 16/11 Erins Own ...... 0-14 Blackwater ...... 1-08 Kilkenny 23/11 Kilmessan ...... 1-07 Erins Own ...... 1-06 Kilkenny

LEINSTER JUNIOR CLUB H.C. 19/10 Gaeil Colmcille . . . . .1-06 Ballyskenagh ...... 4-05 Navan 19/10 Wolfe Tones ...... 3-07 Brownstown ...... 3-05 Edgeworthstown 1/11 Tullogher Rosbercon . . .2-15 Trinity Gaels ...... 2-09 O'Toole Park 2/11 Maynooth got W/O Palatine 2/11 Ballyskenagh ...... 2-11 Knockbridge ...... 1-09 Shinrone 2/11 Clongeen ...... 1-13 Wolfe Tones ...... 1-09 Edgeworthstown 9/11 Tullogher Rosbercon . . .1-09 Colt ...... 0-05 Tullogher 15/11 Tullogher Rosbercon . . .1-16 Ballyskenagh ...... 2-07 Shinrone 16/11 Clongeen ...... 1-10 Maynooth ...... 0-04 Clongeen 30/11 Tullogher Rosbercon . . .1-19 Clongeen ...... 3-08 Kilkenny

LEINSTER JUNIOR CLUB F.C. 26/10 St. Marys R/F/Bridge . . 1-11 St. Nicholas ...... 0-06 Rochfortbridge 26/10 Donabate ...... 2-12 Durrow ...... 1-07 Swords 26/10 Killeshin ...... 1-08 Newcastle ...... 0-07 Crettyard 9/11 Killeshin ...... 1-09 Clonmore ...... 0-05 Crettyard 9/11 Rochfortbridge . . . . .3-07 Milltown ...... 0-09 Rochfortbridge 9/11 Moynalvey ...... 3-11 Donabate ...... 0-07 Round Towers, Lusk 9/11 Mooncoin ...... 1-07 Shroid Slashers . . . . . 0-04 Mooncoin 23/11 Rochfortbridge . . . . .1-08 Killeshin ...... 1-04 Rochfortbridge 23/11 Moynalvey ...... 2-09 Mooncoin ...... 1-03 Navan 7/12 Moynalvey ...... 0-11 Rochfortbridge . . . . . 0-05 Rochfortbridge

LEINSTER SPECIAL CLUB J.H.C. 16/11 Fr. Daltons ...... 6-07 Mattock Rangers . . . . 2-05 Darver 16/11 Sarsfields ...... 1-09 Killeigh ...... 0-09 Sarsfields 16/11 Naomh Barrog ...... 3-16 Newcastle ...... 2-07 Pairc Barrog 16/11 Ratoath ...... 1-15 Timahoe ...... 2-04 Ratoath 23/11 Ratoath ...... 1-12 Sarsfields ...... 0-08 Ratoath 23/11 Naomh Barrog ...... 0-08 Fr. Daltons ...... 0-07 Ballymore 30/11 Naomh Barrog ...... 1-11 Ratoath ...... 0-08 Ratoath

23 , Enda Malone, Mark O'Dwyer, Sean Phelan, , Peter McCarthy, Alan Cuddihy, , Gary Delaney, Michael Walsh, David David Walsh, Michael Gary Joe Brennan, Delaney, Alan Cuddihy, Sean Peter McCarthy, Richie Phelan, Doyle, Enda Mark Malone, O'Dwyer, Walsh, Walter Ryan. Tom Danny Kenny, Healy, Martin Gaffney, , Eoin Breen (Capt.), Murphy, Tom Canice Maher, Rory Hickey, Cathal Kenny, Michael James Gannon, Danny Moloney, Purcell, Geoff Mark Fitzgerald. Brennan,

Front L-R: Front Kilkenny – Kilkenny ESB Leinster Minor Hurling Champions 2008 Back L-R:

24 Tuairisc an Rúnaí

ROLL OF HONOUR

PEIL BUATHOIRI NEASOIRI Sinsir Áth Cliath L Garman Soisir Áth Cliath An Mhí Mionuir An Mhí Uíbh Fhaílí Fe 21 Bliain Cill Dara L Garman Club Sinsir AIB Kilmacud Crokes Rhode A Cháirde, Club Idirmeanach Ballyroan Abbey St Ultans Tá bliain eile críochnaithe i gcursaí C.L.G. i Laighean agus tá sé in am duínn strac fheachaint Club Soisir Moynalvey St Mary’s, R'br' siar orthu agus, ag an am cheanna, súil a chur ar Corn Ui Bhroin Áth Cliath Longphort an bliain atá romhainn. Soisir (Sciath) An Mhí Cill Dara Craobh na hEireann, in Iomaint Sinsir, do Cill Corn Ui Bhroin Laois/Cill Dara Chainnigh don triú uair as a cheíle, an craobh (Sciath) doibh freisin i Mionuir, Fé 21 Bhliain agus Idirmheanach - sea b’iontach an bhliain é do na cait. Comh maíth les sin bhuaigh Conahy IOMAINT BUATHOIRI NEASOIRI Shamrocks an Craobh Soisir na gClub in Iomaint. Bhí bua eile ag an gcuige freisin nuair a ghlac Sinsir Cill Chainnigh L Garman Clonkill (Iarmhí) an Corn san Comórtas Iomana Idirmeanach Cill Chainnigh Áth Cliath Idirmheanach na gClub. Mionuir Cill Chainnigh L Garman Sa pheil ní raibh móran againn le caint faoi. Fé 21 Bliain Cill Chainnigh Uibh Fhaílí Cinnte bhí bua iontách ag St Vincents (Ath Cliath) i gComortas Sinsir na gClub ach sna Fé 21 Bliain “A” Ceatharloch Iarmhí Comortaisi idir-chomtaetha ni raibh an tadh linn Soisir (Sciath) Lú C Mhantaín ar chor ar bith, taobh amuigh de peileadoiri soisir Áth Cliath a bhuaigh Craobh na hEireann. Club Sinsir AIB Ballyhale S'cks Birr Club Idirmheanach Kilmessan Erins Own We had early signs of the recession in Leinster in 2008 as attendances were down considerably Club Soisir T'gher Rosbercon Clongeen especially in Hurling. Gate receipts suffered as a Club Soisir Speis. Naomh Barróg Ratoath consequence and this in turn has led to a serious round of belt-tightening exercises at all level of Corn Breathnach Aontroim Uibh Fhaílí activities in the Province. Corn Breathnach Laois Iarmhí (Sciath) As I present my report to Annual Convention I Corn Mac Eochaidh An Mhí Ceatharloch try to again reflect fairly on the last twelve months and try to present a balanced view on Club S.H. League how we go forward into the coming year. We Div. I Tullaroan Rapparees have serious challenges ahead of us but we also have the artillery, in terms of people, facilities Div. II Black & Whites Cloughbawn and our games to meet them head on. Ar aghaidh Div. III Commericials Shanahoe linn le cheíle. Div. IV Craanford St Kevins

25 Kildare - Leinster U-21 Football Champions 2008 Back L-R: Eoin O'Flatherty, Alan Smith, Ciaran Kelly, John Browne, Stephen Doyle, Niall Clynch. Middle L-R: Declan Kinahan, Mark Waters, Conor Brophy, Hugh McGrillan, John Fogarty, Chris Burke, Mark O'Sullivan, Declan McInerne,y Eoin O'Sullivan, Neil Higgins, Niall Lynch, Sean Murphy, Conor Canning, Nial McConnell. Front L-R: Conor Mellet, Gavin Smullen, Declan Brennan, Gary White (Capt), Tom Byrne, Joey Cocoman, David White, Sean Fahey.

Kilkenny - Leinster U-21 Hurling Champions 2008 Back L-R: Richie Dollard, David Langton, John Joe Farrell, , Niall Walsh, , Nicky Cleere, Colin McGrath, Neil Prendergast, Martin Walsh, , T.J. Reid, James Norris. Front L-R: , Kieran Mooney, Colin Fennelly, , James Dowling, Lester Ryan, Eoin O'Shea, Math Ruth, Joe Maher, , Paddy Nolan.

26 INTER COUNTY Dublin give an exhibition of point scoring but failing to put away a gritty Wexford team. In the CHAMPIONSHIPS replay, in Croke Park Wexford always seemed to have the upper hand but yet just had a goal to LEINSTER S.F.C. spare in the end. Our premier Football Championship failed to excite but yet led to one of the real fairytale Kilkenny easily accounted for Offaly in their stories of the year. Semi-Final while in the Final they had nineteen points to spare over Wexford. They both advanced Once again Dublin qualified rather easily from to the All Ireland Series and while Wexford were their side of the draw to gain a place in the Final. eliminated by their neighbours, Waterford in a The other half of the Championship produced Quarter-Final Kilkenny gloriously brushed aside the surprise packets of the year. On Sunday June all comers to capture that elusive three in a row 1st in Dr. Cullen Park, Meath appeared to be of All Ireland titles. cruising to a Leinster Senior Semi-Final against Wexford. However a second half display of sheer Dublin, Laois and Offaly floundered in the choppy class, pure grit and some breathtaking scores waters of the Qualifiers and failed to make any saw the model County emerge victorious with significant progress. the minimum winning margin.

This form continued into the Semi-Final again. LEINSTER UNDER 21 F.C. Despite being outsiders with most bookmakers, It was all change on the Under 21 Football scene they comfortably disposed of Laois. The Leinster in the Province in 2008. This time Kildare and Final itself was very evenly contested up to half Wexford qualified for the Provincial Final which time but in the second period the Dubs found at was played in . Despite a brave least two more gears and had twenty three showing by the home side it was the well points to spare at the long whistle. coached Lily Whites who prevailed by four points at the finish. Many thought that this experience would shatter the confidence of the Wexford lads but such did Kildare went on to qualify for the All Ireland not happen. Under shrewd management they Final in this grade but found Kerry to be seven regrouped for the qualifiers and not alone points better at the finish. restored lost pride but also gained many more kudos on the way. Eventually the fairytale ended at All Ireland Semi Final where they came up just LEINSTER UNDER 21 H.C. short of eventual All Ireland Champions Tyrone. Offaly again qualified for the Final in this grade and enjoyed home advantage in the Final against Despite winning their fourth Leinster Senior title Kilkenny. Despite the high expectations on the on the trot Dublin yet again found it difficult in home front it was the visitors who turned on a the All Ireland Series and they too bowed out to masterly display of all the skills of the caman Tyrone at the Quarter-Final stage. and they eventually had a winning margin of twelve points.

LEINSTER S.H.C. By the time the All Ireland Final of this grade There were shades of the previous years arrived Kilkenny had won the Finals of the other Championship when again, Wexford and Dublin three hurling grades. Despite the added pressure provided the competitive edge – with each other of going for the Grand Slam the young cats - and Kilkenny comfortably saw off all displayed a level of maturity and skill to challenges. comfortably overcome Tipperary in the Final.

The Wexford/Dublin Semi-Final went to two games. The drawn game in saw

27 Meath - Leinster Minor Football Champions 2008 Back L-R: David Ryan, Damien Carroll, Brian Menton, Michael Newman, Jamie Owens, Mark Collins, Padraig Curran, Andrew Tormey, Patrick Coakley, John Kelly, Sean Curran, Donnacha Tobin, Paddy Gilsenan, William Carry. Front L-R: Sean Dalton, Daire Smyth, Mark Collins, Enda Nulty, Mark Battersby, Tommy Johnson (Capt), Ciaran Lenehan, Stephen O'Brien, Brian McGrane, Jake Regan.

Carlow - Leinster Under-21 'A' Hurling Champions 2008 Back L-R: Declan Kelly, Martin Cummins, John Doran, John Gladney, Richard Kelly, Jack Kavanagh, Darren Whelan, John Rogers (Capt), James Kinsella, Richie Coady, Patrick Walsh, Micheál Ryan, Darragh Hickey, Craig Doyle. Front L-R: Jason Brennan, Joe Roberts, Padraigh Nolan, Brian Nolan, David Miley, James Kehoe, Eoin Minchin, Hugh Paddy O’Byrne, Cian Clancy, Derek Byrne, Cian Doyle, Darragh Walsh.

28 ESB LEINSTER MINOR while in the All Ireland Under 21 “B” Hurling FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP Championship they lost out to Kerry. As in the previous years the new format added considerably to this Championship. Meath went LEINSTER JUNIOR the orthodox route and won their three games to FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP reach the Final. On the other hand Offaly took Despite a number of Counties (including Cavan) the circuitous road of the Losers Group. They fielding their second best teams in this were hammered by Wicklow in their opening Championship it was the only two ‘pure’ Junior game but then regrouped and wins over Carlow, sides – Dublin and Meath – who reached the Westmeath and Wexford propelled them into the Leinster Final. In a keenly contested game, in Final. They just failed – by one point – to complete Croke Park, the Dubs had four points to spare in the good news story against Meath. In the All this Final. In the All Ireland series Dublin went Ireland Series Meath were eliminated by Tyrone on to win the Final. while Offaly lost out to Kerry. LEINSTER JUNIOR ESB LEINSTER MINOR FOOTBALL SHIELD HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP In a locally organized Competition Meath A new format but predictable outcome. As in defeated Kildare in the Final. Senior, the young hurlers of Dublin and Wexford provided the real competitive action in their grade. LEINSTER JUNIOR They met in the Semi-Final in Croke Park and a thriller ended at 3-13 each. The replay in Wexford HURLING SHIELD Park had its controversial moments but the home This Competition brings Counties to venues in side scraped through by the minimum margin. Leinster, , and Britain. However after a series of games it was two local Counties Despite high hopes of a close game the Final who qualified for the 2008 Final. Here Louth had proved to be yet another easy victory for a deserved victory over Wicklow in a game Kilkenny. In the Ireland Series Wexford restored a played in dreadful weather conditions. lot of prestige despite losing to Galway. On the other hand Kilkenny – perhaps a little fortuitously on this occasion – came with a typical late rally NATIONAL COMPETITIONS to take the All Ireland title. Mixed results in the three National Inter-County

Competitions. LEINSTER INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP In the Semi-Final of this three team Competition CUP Kilkenny defeated Wexford.The Final against Labelled as one of best hurling games of the Dublin proved to be a cracker. Some excellent year, the Christy Ring Final between Carlow and hurling by the metropolitans brought the game Westmeath was played in Tullamore. The to extra time. Here Kilkenny opened their Barrowsiders had a marvellous win, reaping the shoulders and eventually they took the reward for excellent preparation. Championship comfortably. NICKEY RACKARD CUP To keep their County’s grand slam hopes alive this Despite being pre-match favorites the hurlers of Kilkenny team reversed the trend of recent decades Louth found Sligo too strong in the Final of the and defeated Galway in the All Ireland Final. Competition.

LEINSTER UNDER 21 ‘A’ HURLING TOMMY MURPHY CUP CHAMPIONSHIP This was a repeat of the 2007 Final but on this Carlow recaptured this crown, defeating occasion Antrim got revenge on their conquerors Westmeath in the Final. They fell, to Offaly, in – Wicklow – of the previous year. the Under 21 Hurling Championship proper

29 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS Home advantage was probably a benefit to the Laois side and they eventually had a two goal AIB LEINSTER CLUB S.F.C. winning margin. We had little of the controversy or indiscipline of the previous year but, nevertheless, it was lacking LEINSTER CLUB I.H.C. in the famous cut and thrust of other years. This Championship stands out, uniquely in Sadly Wexford were unable to meet the deadline recalling the Leinster Hurling Championships to have their representatives involved. (Club and County) of 2008. It is the one and only competition where we do not record a The Final, played in Parnell Park, saw Kilmacud Kilkenny victory! Crokes pitted against Rhode. The Offaly Champions made all the early running and saw Here we hail the champions of Meath, Kilmessan their opponents lose a player in a sending off. who brought an historic victory to their County. They failed to capitalise on their superiority For the Final they travelled to Nowlan Park to however, and the champions of Dublin eventually take on the local Champions, Erins Own, and in a had three points to spare at the finish. nailbiting finish they survived by one point. AIB LEINSTER CLUB S.H.C. LEINSTER CLUB J.F.C. Defending Champions Birr, with wins over This is another fiercely contested Championship Ballyboden St Endas and St Martins qualified yet where pride of place and Club appears to be again for the Leinster Final. With victories over more exemplified that in any other. Rathdowey Errill and Raharney their opponents This year St Mary’s Rochfortbridge hosted the turned out to be Ballyhale Shamrocks. Final where their opponents were neighboring Moynalvey of Meath. The visitors spoiled the This Final, played in Kilkenny, was a good contest party by taking the title with six points to spare. but Birr always seemed to be playing catch up. The end result was a five point winning margin LEINSTER CLUB J.H.C. for the Kilkenny Champions. Our grading system ensured that games in this LEINSTER CLUB I.F.C. Championship were very competitive with no landslide results. In the end it was the only two This is always a tough Championship to win but pure Junior Clubs in the Competition who from the outset this year it always appeared that reached the Final – Wexford Champions Clongeen two Clubs stood out above the rest. These two and their near neighbours across the County – Ballyroan Abbey from Laois and St Ultan’s of Boundary in Kilkenny, Tullogher Rosbercon. Meath – duly qualified for the Final.

Ballyroan Abbey - Leinster Intermediate Club Football Champions 2008 Back L-R: Jonathon McMahon, John Madigon, Conor Maguire, Colm Lawlor, Ger Mulhall, Rory Dunne, Padraig McMahon, Mark McDonald, Jamie Whelan, John Murphy, Danny Donoghue, Alan Burnell, Eoin Kearns, Eoin O'Brien, Niall Kearns, Gerry Scully, John Lynch. Front L-R:  Ned Peacock, C'Man. Rody McEvoy, Adrian Burke, Ciaran Keegan, Niall Wallace, Scott Conroy, Tim Bergin, Enda McDonald, Gary Scully, James Keegan, Dara Phelan (Capt), Michael Tierney, Der Mulhall, Michael Brennan.

30 This game was played with the Club S.H.C. Final ALL IRELAND CLUB TITLES 2008 in Nowlan Park and proved to be a thriller. In the It is only proper and fitting that we congratulate end it was the extra little craft of the Kilkenny our representatives who won All Ireland titles Champions which prevailed and they won on a early in 2008. scoreline of 1-18 to 3.7. St Vincents (Dublin) built on their Leinster success with All Ireland honours in the AIB Club SFC LEINSTER SPECIAL JUNIOR CLUB HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP Conahy Shamrocks set the ball rolling for Kilkenny teams in 2008 when they captured the This was the second year of this Competition Club Junior Hurling Championship. which is confined to the Junior Hurling Champions The All Ireland Club Intermediate Hurling of Counties who do not qualify for the main Championship also came to the Province when Leinster Club Junior Hurling Championship. This the Iarmhí standard bearers, Clonkill, had a year we had Ratoath (Meath), Timahoe (Laois), marvellous success. Sarsfields (Kildare), Killeigh (Offaly), Naomh Barrog (Dublin), Newcastle (Wicklow), Fr Daltons (Westmeath) and Mattock Rangers (Louth) in the CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS 2008 – Competition – none of whom qualify for the title GENERAL ‘Home of Hurling’. Nevertheless the enthusiasm There were a few disappointing aspects to the displayed, not to mention the skills, were on a par Leinster Club Championship 2008. with their so called brethren of the higher grades. Firstly it was disappointing that a small number In the Final played at the hugely impressive of Counties failed to meet deadlines in order to Ratoath venue the home side were defeated by have their Champions participate in the Provincial Naomh Barrog by six points. It is planned that Championship – this despite the fact that they will play a European selection in mid March Competitions were deferred, in some instances, for the Continental title. from their scheduled date.

Naomh Barróg - Leinster Special Junior Club Hurling Champions 2008 Back L-R: Paul Garbutt, David Gaffney, Cathal Cannon(Capt), Alan Maher, Tony Manton, Eoghan Costello, , Peter Sheils, Emmet McCabe, Barry Hehir, Ritchie Timmons, David Byrne, Chris Manton, Colm Cleary. Front L-R: Stephen Manton, Ben McGinn, Diarmuid O'Donnell, Hugh McGirr, Niall Ring, Darren Flood, Simon Davis, Danny O'Sullivan, Eoin O'Connor, Simon Ryan.

31 Kilmessan - Leinster Intermediate Club Hurling Champions 2008 Back L-R: David Donnelly, Tony Donnelly, Paul Donnelly, Mark Munnelly, Joey Keena, Martin Horan, Stephen Clynch, Nicky Horan, Chris Curtis, Eddie O'Brien, Mark Reilly, Peter Farrell, Martin Curran, Anthony O'Neill. Front L-R: Patrick McGovern, Paul Grimes, Darren Reilly, Richie Donnelly, Malcolm Doyle, Ger O'Neill, Mark Brennan, Charlie Keena, Evan Clarke (mascot).

Moynalvey - Leinster Junior Club Football Champions 2008 Back L-R: William Mahady, Simon Courtney, Peter Durnin, William Harnan, Sean Carroll, Raymond Ryan, Brian Conneely, Cathal Sheridan, Ciaran Collins, Paul Weldon, Damien Dixon, Ger Fagan, John Donoghue, Anthony Brien, Shane Reilly, Donal Smith. Front L-R: Giles Drumm, PJ Walsh, Stephen White, Ciaran , Feidhlim Cunningham, David Durkan, Robbie Kiernan, Willie Byrne, Robbie Quinlan, Stephen Donoghue, Padraig Donoghue (Captain), Ollie Regan, David Kane, Brian Gilsenan, Mark O'Sullivan, Robert Donovan, David Donoghue.

32 Secondly the nomination of venues, by some In the matter of venues, Counties must nominate County Boards – especially in Junior and potential host venues at least four weeks in Intermediate Championships – left a lot to be advance of the Competitions commencing and, desired. Bowing to local pressures in situations where any doubt about suitability exists, the like this is not acting responsibly. facility will be inspected by the Leinster Health & Safety Committee. For this year’s Club Championships, therefore, we have taken what, we hope, will be remedial The Leinster CCC has already decided that this steps. The draws and dates for the Championships year’s Senior Club Finals will be played at neutral are already made and indeed, are contained venues while there is a motion in relation to the elsewhere in this Booklet. This has been done Finals of other grades on the agenda for this some months earlier than heretofore and means Convention. that Counties have nine months notice of individual fixtures.

Tullogher Rosbercon - Leinster Junior Club Hurling Champions 2008 Back L-R: Michael Grennan, Simon Kennedy, Peter Meggs, Martin Bookle, Shane Ryan, John Barron, Richard Dollard, Liam Barron, Eddie Conway, Robert Forristal, Donal Phelan and Peter Meggs. Middle L-R: Paddy Mullally, Tom Healy, Joe McCarthy, Mark O'Brien, Walter Walsh, Pat Hartley, James Mullally, Willie Ryan, Gary Heffernan, John Murphy, Amby Malone. Front L-R: Moling Cotterell, John Grennan, Kieran Barron, John Cotterell, Martin Roche, Eoin Mullally, John Hartley, Declan Grennan, Mark Malone, Ger Mullally.

33 Kilkenny - Walsh Cup Winners 2009 Back L-R: Kieran Joyce, , , , Richie Power, , Michael Grace, Bill Beckett, , Mathew Ruth, P.J. Ryan, , Paddy Hogan. Front L -R: , , Damien Fogarty, J.J. Delaney, , Richie Hogan, David Hertiy, Tommy Walsh, , John Mulhall.

Westmeath - Kehoe Cup Winners 2009 Back L-R: Shane Egan, Robbie Jackson, Brian Connaughton, Jimmy Greville, Pat Burke, Derek Mc Nicholas, Luke Folan, , Killian Cosgrove, Paul Greville, Ciaran Curley, Alan Aughey, Darren Mc Cormack. Front L-R: , Darren Quinn, Dan Carthy, Stephen Bardon, Dermot Curley, , Greg Gavin, Conor Jordon, Michael Geraghty, Niall Flanagan.

34 ACCIDENT O'BYRNE CUP S.F. 2009 Our twelve Counties were joined by four Third TOURNAMENT Level Colleges for this Competition. Despite the awful weather conditions all games were played COMPETITIONS to schedule. The winners of these Competitions in 2008: D.C.U. surprisingly perhaps won their way through to the Final. On the other side Louth put O’Byrne Cup S.F. Áth Cliath on a series of impressive displays, with huge Walsh Cup S.H. Aontroim scorelines, to earn a home venue for the Final. Kehoe Cup S.H. An Mhí Here again the Wee County ran in a big score and Walsh S.H. Shield Laois had seven points to spare at the finish. O’Byrne S.F. Shield Laois/Cill Dara (unplayed) WALSH CUP S.H. Our own Leinster Senior Championship contestants were joined by U.C.D., Antrim and – COMPETITIONS 2009 for the first time – Galway in this year’s Despite the closed activity period of November Competition. There were a number of fine games and December all Counties entered, and on the way, culminating in an exhilarating Final participated in, our various Competitions. Our between Kilkenny and Galway in Freshford. It friends from the Third Level Colleges joined us took extra time to separate the teams with the again as did a number of Counties from outside home side eventually taking the spoils. the Province. We would like to acknowledge and admire the The experimental Disciplinary proposals were gesture of Kilkenny County Board in opting to applied to all these Competitions. travel to Belfast for their Semi-Final against Antrim despite the fact that they were entitled to home venue themselves.

Louth - O'Byrne Cup Winners 2009 Back L-R: Kevin Rogers ,Michael Fanning, Richard Brennan, Derek Crilly, Dessie Finnegan, Ronan Carroll, Stuart Reynolds, Brian White, Conor McGuinness, John O'Brien, Brendan Nash, Derek Maguire, Peter Nixon, Paraic Smith. Front L-R: Colin Goss, Adrian Reid, Darren Clarke, JP Rooney, Padraig Rath, Gerard Hoey, Shane Lennon (C), David Reid, Benny McArdle, Aaron Hoey, Tomas Costelloe.

35 Laois - O'Byrne Shield Winners 2009 Back L-R: Stephen Lawlor, , Kevin Meaney, Ger Reddin, Darren Strong, , Paul Begley, Noel Gavan, Chris Bergin, Damien Murphy, Ross Munnelly, Peter McNulty, Padraig Clancy, . Front L -R: Peter O'Leary, Jason Horan, , Brian McCormack, Shane Conlon, Billy Sheehan, Rory Stapleton, , Brian McDonald, Niall Donoher.

Kildare - Kehoe Shield Winners 2009 Back L-R: David Ryan, Stephen Lyons, David Kennedy, David Harney, John Doran, Neill O'Muineachain, David Cafferty, Paudie Reidy. Front L-R: Richie Hoban, Oisín Lynch, Paul Dermody, Niall Goff, Tony Murphy, Daniel Horan, Lorcan Harvey.

36 KEHOE CUP S.H. WALSH S.H. SHIELD We had a glut of guests joining our regulars in This provided further welcome participation for this Competition viz. DIT, Trinity, Fingal, Down, the four losing first round teams. DCU, Mayo and Roscommon. However the Final turned out to be a repeat of the Dublin and Offaly reached the Final and the Final and here Westmeath had a small measure former, under new management, impressively of revenge when having seven points to spare took the honours. over Carlow. KEHOE S.H. SHIELD O’BYRNE S.F. SHIELD Introduced for the first time, this competition It was amazing to witness the appetite Counties also proved popular with the first round losers. showed for this Competition this year, given that we failed to complete it twelve months ago. Kildare comfortably accounted for Louth in the Final. Carlow qualified for this years Final against Laois but, despite home venue, they had to give best to their neighbours.

Dublin - Walsh Shield Winners 2009 Back L-R: Stuart Mullen, , Liam Ryan (Capt), , Stephen Hiney, , Finn Mc Garry, John Kelly, Cathal Billings. Front L -R: Derek O'Reilly, , David O'Callaghan, , Peader Carton, Maurice O'Brien, Ruairi Traynor, Alan McCrabbe.

37 , , , Ronan Fallon, Eddie Brennan, Ritchy Power, John O'Connor, John Dalton, , Richie Hogan, Brian Campion. Richie Hogan, John David Franks, Dalton, John O'Connor, Ritchy Power, Eddie Brennan, Fallon, Ronan Larkin, Eoin Brian Carroll, Joe Bergin, P.J. Ryan, Brian Hogan, Willy Dwyer, Aidan Fogarty, Rory Hanniffy, Jackie Tyrell, , , Michael Rice, Tommy Walsh, Diarmaid Walsh, Tommy Michael Rice, Coady, Brendan Edward Murtagh, Tyrell, Jackie Hanniffy, Rory Aidan Fogarty, Dwyer, Willy Brian Hogan, Ryan, P.J. David O'Connor. Fitzgerald, Tommy David Crimmins, Horan,

Leinster - Hurling Champions M 2008 Interprovincial Donnelly Back L-R: L-R: Front

38 M. DONNELLY INTERPROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

This year we report on a 50% success rate in PEIL these Competitions. In a disappointing display, our Footballers fell far short of Connacht in the Semi-Final also played IOMÁINT at the well-appointed Kiltoom venue. Our hurlers, though short of some marquee stars brought back this title to the Province. In the GENERAL Semi-Final in Kiltoom, they ground out a victory At the time of writing we are preparing for a over Connacht to qualify for a Final showdown Semi-Final in this year’s Hurling Competition. against Munster. Victory would bring us on an exciting trip to Abu Dhabi for the Final. This Final was played on a cold winter’s night under floodlights, in Portlaoise. Munster fielded The Football Competition is currently clouded in a strong outfit while we had a few rookies on mystery – it may happen in April or October. board. Nevertheless the Leinster boys proved the hungrier and prevailed, a little comfortably, at the end.

Meath - Leinster Junior Football Champions 2008 Back L-R: John Bruton, Jonathon Ginnity, Stephen Clynch, John Donoghue, Gerard Farrelly, Ciaran Lynch, Jamie Queeney, Eoin Reilly, Jamie Shaw, T.J. Garry, Michael Priest, Neil Burke, Glen Loughran. Front L-R: Thomas Dillon, Peter Carry, Martin Doran, Michael Burke, Colm O'Mealoid (Capt), Ian Dowd, Ger McCullagh, Shane McAlarney, Barry Kiernan, Alan Smyth, Joseph Carry and Rory Maguire.

39 In the 1967-68 league campaign he got his first big chance with Offaly in the game versus Kilkenny which he came through with flying colours. 1971 was a special year for Damien as he collected his first Railway Cup medal and lined out in the No.1 spot for St Rynagh’s in the inaugural All- Ireland Club final against Roscrea. He was also selected as the very first GAA All-Star that year. Damien Martin, then in what might be considered the twilight of his career, played a vital role, as on July 13th 1980, Offaly defeated Kilkenny 3-17 to 5-10 to lift the Bob O’Keeffe Cup for the first time. Damien's final appearance for Offaly was in the 1986 Leinster decider against Kilkenny. He was HALL OF FAME aged 39. Damien Martin was a truly outstanding goalkeeper AWARDS 2008 and sportsman supreme and we say thanks for the memories as we invclude Damien in Leinster’s Hall Presented at the Hurling and Football Finals of Fame.

IOMÁINT PEIL Damian Martin (Offaly) Seamus Aldridge (Kildare) St Rynagh’s Damien Martin had a long and Seamus Aldridge the player gave sterling service to distinguished career with Offaly spanning 3 his club, Round Towers, and to the football of his decades. native Kildare. He helped Towers to a senior title in As a teenager in the early Sixties, Damien was a 1954 and was on the club's panel for a glorious prominent figure in the emergence of the St decade that followed. Rynagh’s club. He wore the county jersey for the Wearing the "all white" jersey, Seamus helped his first time as a minor in 1963 and was soon his county in the Leinster Championships from the club’s regular senior ’keeper. Damien went on to mid-fifties to the early sixties and, of course, he win a record total of 13 Offaly Senior Hurling also figured in Kildare's league and O'Byrne Cup. Championship medals, including 5 in a row from 1971 to 1976. He also collected 3 Leinster Club As referee he officiated at the All-Ireland Football Championship medals in 1971, 1973 and 1982. Final in 1978 and he took charge of four All-Ireland

Damien Martin receives his memento from Seamus Aldridge with Cathaoirleach Co Laighean Cathaoirleach Co Laighean Sheamus Howlin on the Sheamus Howlin at the Leinster SFC Final to receive occasion of his induction in the Leinster Hall of Fame his Leinster Hall of Fame Award

40 semi-finals, five Leinster finals, the final, two Railway Cup finals, four All-Ireland Club finals, ten Kildare County finals, two National League finals as well as county finals in Carlow and Offaly and an American Board final. Next, we have Seamus Aldridge the administrator. In 1976, he was nominated for the position of Kildare County Secretary and his subsequent election as Secretary/Treasurer was to have a major impact on the GAA in Kildare. An immense appetite for work helped him to implement major changes in Kildare's affairs and the debt of gratitude owed by Kildare to Seamus Aldridge is, to say the least, considerable. Seamus went on to represent Kildare at Leinster COMHAIRLE LAIGHEAN Council level where his knowledge of the rules and his sense of fair play allied to his insight into the AWARDS 2008 most complex situations earmarked him for further The 2007 Comhairle Laighean Award for best recognition. County Final Match Programme was awarded to His worthy recognition came in 1999 when he Wexford PRO Mary Foley for her Hurling Final became the third Kildare man to be elected as production. This wide-ranging publication is not Chairman of the Leinster Council. He was at the over-burdened by advertisements and serves its helm of the provincial body for it's Centenary primary function of informing readers and celebrations in 2000 and when the Council decided spectators as well as providing an impressive to upgrade it's office accomodation it was the insight into the matches on that day's Clár and the business acumen of Seamus Aldridge that was competition as a whole. mainly responsible for acquiring the magnificent The 2007 Comhairle Laighean Award for best GAA premises that is Áras Laighean today. Club website was awarded to St Bridgid's GAA It is evident that Seamus Aldridge has made a huge Club. As well as portraying a hugely positive image contribution to the GAA, not only in his native for the club, the site also acts as the club nerve- Kildare, but in the province of Leinster and beyond. centre where numerous club forms can be accessed, He has given his time, energy and expertise an extensive and excellently maintained photo generously to serving and promoting Cumann gallery is provided, all in addition to a host of other Luthchleas Gael and so Comhairle Laighean is unrivalled features that help pull together the proud and privileged to have Seamus Aldridge in different strands that combine make up a club. it's Hall of Fame.

Sheamus Howlin, Cathaoirleach Comhairle Laighean and Tom Paddy Deavey, Chairman St. Brigid's and Chris Lynam, Club Farrell, P.R.O. present Mary Foley, Wexford with her Comhairle Webmaster St. Brigid's receive the Comhairle Laighean Award Laighean Award for Best County Final Programme 2008 from Sheamus Howlin, Cathaoirleach Comhairle Laighean and Tom Farrell, Leinster P.R.O.

41 STRATEGIC VISION AND The foregoing paragraphs might give the impression that the hard work has been done ACTION PLAN 2009-2015 and that the elements of the Plan will fall seamlessly into place. In fact, I detect this type Normally a Secretary’s Report, to any body, is of feeling at some levels already, especially at simply a review of what has happened in the County and Provincial level. Nothing could be past year and then, that person’s views on where further from the truth. Complacency will destroy the organisation should be heading in the year, this initiative if it is allowed to set in. The and years, ahead. These views can vary from challenges are huge and we must all play our person to person and the end result can often be part in taking them on. a series of pious platitudes but very little co-ordinated planning. Since Paraic Ó Dufaigh first mooted the idea of a Strategic Plan less than twelve months ago the With the recent launch of our Strategic Vision face of Ireland, Society, Local Communities and and Action Plan 2009-2015 those of us in the indeed, the wider world has changed dramatically. G.A.A. have had our planning done for us. Our By the day it changes even more and nobody can destinations, on a series of fronts, have been predict what will have happened in a week, clearly identified. The road maps have been month, or a year from now. These changes, and drawn. The forms of transport have been provided. this unpredictability, present huge challenges for The drivers have been identified for the various our Association. Essentially we are about People stages of the journey. It just remains for us to (our players) and Communities (our Clubs). This put the jigsaw together. Action Plan charts the way to re-develop the leadership role we have always had in our The unique and glorious thing about this plan is Society. the manner in which it was put together. This is not some edict handed down from above nor is There are those who say that the G.A.A. has an it one drawn up by a group of so called experts. aging team as it seeks to implement a Strategic Rather, it has come from within ourselves and Vision and Action Plan. This may be so, but those around us. Consultations were held with inherent in the Plan is a drive to bring fresh members and non-members, those who support young blood on board with us for the journey. us and those who don’t, players, mentors, match There is a vibrant energy among the young officials and supporters at all levels of the people of this Country and our mission is to tap Association. The results of this consultation into this. No single unit of the Association can process were professionally and painstakingly make the Plan work on its own. We must all pull analysed and from this exercise has emerged our together and feed off each others endeavours. I Action Plan for the next seven years. look forward to the voyage.

The eleven key focus areas for the G.A.A. have been identified in this plan. Clearly defined roles have been signposted for Clubs, Counties, Provinces and National level. Most importantly, so too have measures of success at the four levels been quantified.

42 125th CELEBRATIONS GAILLIMH AGUS IN LEINSTER AONTROIM – FÁILTE To mark the 125th year of Cumann Luthchleas ROMHAIMH Gael, we have developed a number of projects which represent various aspects of our activities The 2009 Leinster Senior Hurling Championship and which will involve young players, clubs, GAA will be different. That’s not a prophecy – it’s a historians and the GAA public. statement of fact. How different remains to be seen but, at this remove, it has exciting In June and July Games Development will run prospects. club events in Hurling and Football. These events will involve U-14 hurling and football squads The Special Congress in 2008 paved the way for from clubs around the province coming together Galway and Antrim Senior Hurlers to participate at various club venues to partake in a 125 day of in Leinster. Not surprisingly, there was opposition skills events and blitzes. This project will to the proposals – including from some of our compliment Feile as it will be focused on clubs established hurling Counties. I can understand not involved in Feile in the province. It has the their viewpoint but I now appeal to them to potential to become an annual event. accept the challenge and turn it into a positive approach. Democracy has always been at the To mark the 25 years since the Centenary, we are core of G.A.A. affairs in Leinster and, in this, we working on the publication of a book of record of will be no different. the 25 years which will record Senior Leinster Hurling and Football Championship winners and I formally, warmly and sincerely welcome Galway runners-up, using team photos and match and Antrim into our Senior Hurling Championship. reports, for the 25 years 1984 to 2008 inclusive. Antrim especially, has past experience of playing The publication will also detail Leinster Second in the Province while, earlier this year, Galway Level Schools and Leinster Club records for those has had a preliminary taste of the Leinster air 25 years. when they took part in the Walsh Cup.

We are also holding a competition to pick the Both Counties will be treated with respect but “Team of the 25 Years” in Hurling and Football. only the same as our own Counties. Just as for Our panel of experts has already selected three Leinster teams, there is now a challenge there senior players for each position in hurling and for Antrim and Galway. I know they will rise to football from the years 1984 to 2008 inclusive. this and I look forward to working with them in Entrants to the competition will pick their best their voyage. team from the initial selection. The winners will be VIP guests of Comhairle Laighean at this year’s Leinster Senior Finals

43 DISCIPLINARY RULES The next step is that the proposals will go before Annual Congress in April of this year. I understand Over a year ago the Uachtarán C.L.G., Nioclás Ó that, if passed, they will immediately come into Brónain, and his Coisde Bainistí came forward force for this year’s Inter County Senior with some initiatives in the area of disciplinary Championships but will not apply at Club and rules. In effect they put together a group of School level until 2010. people and challenged them to bring forward proposals to (a) Tidy up the manner in which As it gets closer to decision time it is essential discipline is handled on the field of play, (b) that everybody is clear on what is proposed. Devise a system whereby the skilful players are Therefore it is hoped that we will have a detailed better protected and (c) make our games more presentation, from members of the Sub- free flowing and entertaining. Committee, at our Convention. We need answers, too, on whether the new regulations – if passed The Sub-Committee in charge of this, headed up – will apply in Minor, Under 21, Junior, and by our Iar Cathaoirleach Liam O’Neill, spent a Intermediate Inter County this year. I’m sure all number of months putting their plans in place will be revealed. and then educating the Association at large about their proposals. Eventually the project got the green light to go ahead and so the regulations were introduced in January 2009 into the early season Provincial Competitions i.e. O’Byrne Cup, Walsh Cup, Kehoe Cup etc. They are currently being applied in the National Hurling and Football Leagues.

Kilkenny - Leinster Intermediate Hurling Champions 2008 Back L-R: Niall Doherty, David Prendergast, James Nolan, Eddie Brennan, Kieran Joyce, Pat Hartley, , , James Cahill, , Liam Tierney, Eoin Hennebry. Front L -R: Niall Kennedy, Anthony O'Hara, Alan Healy, Cathal Dunne, Bill Beckett, Noel Doherty, Philly Lonergan, Michael Grace, , Derek Brennan, Niall Walsh, Paddy Hogan.

44 LEINSTER COUNCIL GAA - FAMILY FRIENDLY PROVIDING VALUE FOR MONEY Leinster GAA is proud to have been the first to IN RECESSIONARY TIMES introduce the concept of the Family Ticket over eight years ago. The Family Ticket allows children (under-sixteen) entry to our senior championship 2009 has started badly, economically speaking, games for a maximum of €5 (a discount of up to and all indications are that the year will continue 86%) when accompanied by their parent. This is as it has begun. People are spending less and are a saving of €120 for a family with 4 children looking for greater value for the money they do attending a Leinster Senior Championship Final. spend. We have on many occasions filled six sections in Allow me to make the case for Leinster GAA as both the lower and upper Cusack Stand, as well a body which gives our patrons value for as a substantial portion of the Davin (Canal End) money. Stand, with patrons on family tickets. That's upwards of 25,000 supporters.

SHOP LOCAL CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN We have fixed the majority of our 10 senior football and 6 senior hurling championship Group passes entitle club groups of children games for local venues, thereby reducing match (under sixteen) to attend our senior championship € day costs for our patrons. games at the reduced rate of 3 (a discount of up to 91%), while entry for the supervising adults (1 adult per 10 children) is free. Make PRICES FROZEN application in advance to Aras Laighean. We have kept ticket prices fixed at 2007 levels for Croke Park and local venues for all our senior GIVING STUDENTS A DIG-OUT championship games, apart from the finals, which are at 2008 levels. No sporting or other Students, who show current, valid, photographic € event held in Croke Park costs as little to attend ID, receive a refund of 15 (a discount of up to as our Leinster Senior Championship games. 40%) on a full price ticket purchased.

TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE RESPECTING OUR SENIOR CITIZENS Our four days in Croke Park this Summer are, as Pensioners, who show a current, valid, € usual, all double-headers, giving great value to photographic ID, also receive a refund of 15 on our patrons. This Summer in Croke Park we a full priced ticket purchased. feature Dublin v Meath (Football) and Dublin v Antrim (Hurling) on June 7, the two Senior Football Semi-finals on June 28, the Hurling Finals (Senior and Minor) on July 5 and both Football Finals on July 12.

45 Louth - Leinster Junior Hurling Shield Winners 2008 Back L-R: Mark Kirwan, Johnny Carter, Sean Conroy, Ronan Byrne, Donnach Callan, David Dunne (C), Gerard Smyth, Shane Kerrigan, Shane Fennell, Paul Donohoe, Paul Dunne, Eddie McCarthy, Aiden Carter, Aidan Costelloe (Selector), Tony Teefy, Steven Smyth, Barry Duggan, Donal Rafferty, Stephen Ryan, Mick Martin, Collins Connolly. Front L-R: Trevor Hilliard, Mark Wallace, Shane Callan, David Mulholland, Diarmuid Murphy, Brian Hassett, Shane Darcy, Niall Byrne.

Dublin - Leinster Junior Football Champions 2008 Back L-R: Warren Finnegan, Darren Homan,Michael Fitzsimons, Joe Greene, Brian Sexton, Eoin O'Gara, Denis Bastic, Austin Dennis, Karl Conolly, David Herlihy, Colin Daly, Lar Sweetman, Chris Dorney, Colin Prenderville. Front L-R: Johnathan Cooper, Ciaran Norton, Michael Whyte, Niall Brogan, Colin Clarke, Niall Tormey, Darren Daly, Ronan Joyce, Keith Kavanagh, Adrian Darcy, David Hughes, Killian Burns.

46 TOMMY O’BRIEN R.I.P. variously served as President of the Irish Handball Council (his term spanned Centenary Year), There was an empty seat at last year’s Leinster Chairman of Feile na nGael (locally and G.A.A. Convention in Wexford. The Kilkenny lads nationally), Chairman of Lár Choisde Iomána brought word that Tommy O’Brien the Leinster (early 80’s), Secretary of Kilkenny Football Board, Handball representative, had been taken into P.R.O. of Kilkenny Camogie Board and P.R.O. of hospital during the week and would not be Kilkenny Supporters Club. present. The Chairman wished him well and expressed the hope that he’d soon be back with This was all in his spare time. By profession us. Tommy was a Primary School Teacher and worked his entire teaching life in Kilkenny C.B.S. In 1984 Alas it was not to be. Within a week came the he became the first ever lay principal of the word that Tommy had gone to the great ball school. He also became a well known match alley in the sky. The Leinster Council G.A.A. had commentator on local radio, played a good game lost the father of the house – its’ longest serving of golf and played many leading roles in the member – and Irish Sport had lost one of its productions of the Kilkenny Musical Society. great administrators. Bhí grá mór ag Tommy don Ghaeilge agus ar In my Report to the 2002 Leinster Convention I feadh roinnt mhaith bliain mhuín sé ar na cursaí mentioned that Tommy had just completed samhraidh í gColaíste na Rinne. Bhí ainm in airde thirty years as Leinster Handball Secretary and, air sa Cholaíste mor mhúinteoir agus mar in a small tribute, I recalled the many other posts dhuine. he had skilfully served in during that same period. He thanked me privately afterwards but We extend our sympathies once again to the made it clear that he was uncomfortable when O’Brien family, and indeed the Handball singled out for accolades of this sort. Community, on their sad loss. Tommy O’Brien represented the Leinster Go dtuga dia leaba I measc na naomh dá anam Handball Council on Comhairle Laighean C.L.G. uasal. from the early seventies. During that time he

Tommy O'Brien receiving his President's Award from Uachtarán Cumann Luthchleas Gael, Nickey Brennan

47 ÁRAS LAIGHEAN BUÍOCHAS For almost a year now the Leinster Council has It is my duty, as in every Annual Report, to thank been in temporary accommodation albeit one the units and individuals who have contributed with a familiar hue. During that time our to the smooth workings of the Leinster Council Headquarters has been undergoing a major in the last year. It’s been a pleasant task and let facelift and, thankfully, the end of that project is me stress that the sentiments are heartfelt. in sight. We hope to be back, in full swing, at our base in mid March. COUNTY COMMITTEES Many Counties fielded new teams in the past We regret that we have been unable to year – maybe not all new faces but certainly accommodate our various units with normal there were many positional switches! facilities during that period but I think all will agree that the changes will be for the better. Despite the changes, the loyalty and support to My staff has continued to give an excellent the Leinster Council remained in tact. Naturally service despite numerous hardships caused by not everybody saw things our way – nor did we the re-location and I thank them sincerely for see things their way – but in the end we usually that. ended up with the right decision.

I look forward to the re-opening of Áras Laighean. My personal thanks to the County Secretaries, a The traditional friendly welcome to all our loyal bunch of men and women, some fulltime Committees, National Committees, Sister and others voluntary. Without your co-operation Organisations and others will once again be on I cannot function efficiently and I record may display. So too will be the team’s commitment gratitude to you for your year’s contribution. to efficient and friendly service. PLAYERS We take them for granted but we do so at our UACHTARÁN C.L.G. peril. It’s such an obvious statement that without NICKEY BRENNAN players we would have no G.A.A. but do we say It only appears like last week that I bade farewell it a bit glibly at times! to Nickey Brennan in my Annual Report and wished him well in his role as Uactarán Cumann As we strive to improve the lot of the Inter Lúthchleas. Now suddenly, he is within a short County stars we must never forget our duty to few weeks of completing his term of office. the many thousands of Club Players, at home and abroad, who spread our gospel and values. I The history story of the G.A.A. will be kind to salute those unsung heroes and caution all in Nickey Brennan as it recognises his many authority, never to take their eyes off the ball of achievements as President. His dedication to the ‘player appreciation’. role, his skilful handling of situations, his insightful contributions, his enthusiasm and work ethic REFEREES AND MATCH OFFICIALS and his sense of fair play will all be put forward This group of people record their years activities as hallmarks of his Presidency. In his primary in the second half of this Booklet so I will avoid function as leader of the Association he has been duplication. Here I merely wish to record thanks remarkably successful. to:

On behalf of Comhairle Laighean C.L.G. I pay (A) Our Appointments Committee of John tribute to Nickey for a job well done. He has McCarthy, Pierce Freaney, Paddy O’Dwyer, been a credit to this Council but also to his Pat Casserly and John Healy. It’s easy to County, Club and family. I’m sure there will be get Referees for the big matches – the real much more for you to do but for now we simply work is filling the slots for midweek, league say ‘Well Done’. and lower profile fixtures.

48 (B) The Referees themselves. We all see their MEMBERS/OFFICERS work at the big Inter-County games but it OF COMHAIRLE LAIGHEAN is in midweek Schools fixtures, Club The Leinster Council team had a new Captain for Leagues etc. where those of us at the the last twelve months. His leadership style coalface see, and value, their real work. differed greatly to that of his predecessor but overall objectives were the same. I like to think LEINSTER SUB-COMMITTEES that the Council, and its Officers, got the big All of these bodies report into the second half of decisions right and I am confident that, as we this publication and so there is a record of their head into the choppy waters of a recessionary year’s work. Ireland, we have the team to lead, carry and drive us to more of the same. On behalf of the Council I thank these Sub- Committees for their work on our behalf and STAFF salute their dedication to the cause. This, often, The office staff had a difficult year as they had is not frontline stuff but it is so essential to the to forego the comforts of Áras Laighean. However smooth operation of Leinster Council. they coped efficiently and once again delivered a great service on behalf of the Council. We look ÁRD CHOMHAIRLE AND PCT forward to returning to home within a few weeks On behalf of Comhairle Laighean C.L.G. I want to and then seriously improving that same service sincerely thank the two teams at Headquarters to the Counties. As I write, one of the staff’s for their support during the year. Under the stalwarts, Julie Quinn, is recuperating from respective leaderships of Paraic Duffy and Peter serious surgery. I know I speak for many as I wish McKenna they have delivered a thoroughly her a speedy recovery and look forward to her professional service to the Association and we, in return to the squad in a couple of months. Leinster, have been primary beneficiaries of this. The staff in the field put in another good year’s MEDIA work. We have some changing faces on the team There are no new ways to record my thanks and also and I hope the selectors deliberations will that of Leinster Council G.A.A. to the various be vindicated. strands of the media for their coverage of our games during the last twelve months. I do Rath Dé Oraibh go Léir recognise, and appreciate, the attempts to improve the services to the reading, viewing and Micheál Ó Dubhshláine listening public and I would hope that we in the G.A.A. strive to keep in step with these efforts.

VOLUNTEERS This group have been recipients of lip service for many years. Now, I believe, with the arrival of the Strategic Vision and Action Plan their true worth will be recognised. Instead of being taken for granted our Volunteers will now be given a forum to express their views, concerns and needs. Furthermore they will be given due recognition and encouragement to enhance their own personal skills.

49

Sub-Committee Reports 2008

COACHING & Games Development REPORT

a Games Development Organisational Review b Hurling Development Administrators’ Report c Leinster Tutor Group Report d Cumann na mBunscoil Laighean Laighean e Comhairle Iarbhunscoileanna Laighean Report f Leinster Third Level Colleges Report g Leinster Handball Report

Referees Administrator’s Report and Recruitment & Training Officers Report

HEARINGS COMMITTEE REPORT

CLUB FIXTURES MONITORING COMMITTEE REPORT

I.T., MARKETING AND P.R. COMMITTEE REPORT

LEINSTER P.R.O. REPORT

GROUNDS & FACILITIES, HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT

LEINSTER CLUB & COUNTY PLANNING COMMITTEE REPORT

COISDE SCÓR LAIGHEAN REPORT

COISDE GAEILGE LAIGHEAN REPORT

52 Coaching & Games Development Committee Games Development Organisational Review

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)

The Review of our Games Development 1 Current Hurling Development Structure Operation concluded in October 2008. The should be discontinued. objective of this exercise was two fold: 2 New structures should be put in place in 1 Review the success of the Hurling each county with a full time designated Development Plan in Leinster and the person to be employed to manage all existing structures for the promotion of games development activity in each games in the province. county. 2 Recommend the most appropriate structure 3 Annual Games Development plan in each for the management of Games development County. Hurling / Football goals linked to within the province to ensure current funding. levels of funding for Hurling Development are secured for the next three years. 4 Responsibility for the implementation of the plan to be allocated to a designated The main recommendations passed by the person. Council included:

53 5 Funding for hurling and football must be this end Noel Delaney who had done an excellent integrated in each county. as HDA in Offaly/Westmeath has been appointed Games Manager in Westmeath where he can 6 Put in place the role of “Leinster Projects continue the important and challenging task of Officer” to drive cross provincial/ cross raising the status of hurling in the county county projects. further. 7 Put in place” Provincial Hurling Regeneration Regrettably the restructuring meant we lost two Officer” to focus on Urban areas with good people in Declan Power and Michael Neary. greatest potential. CLG Comhairle Laighean would like to take this 8 Third level officers linked to the County opportunity to thank them for their endeavours Board and Games Development Plan. over the past three years and wish them every success in the future. 9 New Organisational structure to be agreed for each county to ensure a continued On my own behalf I’d like to take this opportunity focus on games development to include to thank Peter Hanan of OKellySutton for his appointment of additional staff where work during this process. appropriate. GAA Strategic Vision & Action 10 Quarterly progress reviews with the Plan 2009-2015 Provincial Games Development Manager and the designated person responsible in In Games Development terms the GAA Strategic each county. This will be linked to Vision & Action Plan 2009-2015 will impact funding. provinces and counties in the following ways. 11 Three year plan to maintain current funding Games Development Merit Based Funding parameters with each county to be put in place to ensure stability and continuity. From 2009 onwards Games Development funding will be granted on a merit based system 12 New organisational structure in Aras aligned to the achievement of targets set out Laighean to be defined to facilitate the under games development in the GAA Strategic successful operation of the new Vision & Action Plan 2009-2015. The changes structures. will see 80% of funding available being fixed while the reamaining 20% of funding will be 13 Performance management process must variable, based on achievements of National & be put in place for each county and for Provincial targets. each individual employed in Games development. Reward based system to be Each province was presented with their National put in place for each Games development targets to be translated down to counties. There person based on achievement of goals and are seven (7) in total. They are: objectives. 1 Go Games Programmes to be established The implementation of these recommendations in Schools and Club/Communities U-8 to has begun. Lester Ryan is our new Leinster U-12 Projects Officer. George O'Connor was appointed Leinster Hurling Regeneration Officer. While 2 SuperTouch Programmes to be established Colm Clear was appointed Games Support in Schools and Clubs/Communities Officer with part of his role to develop BA in 3 Rollout of U Can Awards Exercise (GAA) in IT Carlow and supporting counties with development and delivery of their 4 Cul Camps games development plans. 5 Schools of Excellence & Development Nationally and Provincially Laois, Carlow and Squads Westmeath have been designated as areas of greatest potential growth in hurling terms. To 6 Coach Education

54 7 Planning – Co. Games Development Plan in We need to take into consideration the possibility place by end of February with Games of another bad summer when deciding our manager in place to deliver plan. choice of venue. CLG Comhairle Laighean games development This year Lester Ryan will be acting as a conduit committee are actively meeting with counties between Croke Park and the county coordinators. negotiating and agreeing appropriate Leinster Lester has massive experience in this area and targets (7) to compliment the above. should be of great support to the counties. GAA Vhi Cúl Camps I’d like to thank VHI for their sponsorship, Jimmy O'Dwyer, National Cul Camp Coordinator for all Despite the atrocious “summer” weather his hard work throughout the year and finally conditions numbers attending 2008 GAA VHI Cha Fitzpatrick for performing ambassadorial Cul Camps in Leinster increased by approximately duties to perfection once again. 250. In all 27,625, boys and girls, aged 7-13 years, attending camps throughout the province. Local Authority Partnerships In the circumstances huge praise must be heaped on the full-time games development team in the I’m happy to report that despite the downturn in counties on this achievement. the economic fortunes of the country – our contribution to community development is being We’re about to enter the third year of our recognized by Local Authorities. partnership with VHI. There’s no doubt the VHI/ GAA brand is now cemented in the public mind. Leinster GAA first engaged with Louth County While in the first year the re-branding may have two years agoculminating in the appointment of contributed to a fall off in numbers the efforts Donal McNally – who since then has done made nationally and provincially by John Cotter tremendous work increasing participation in the has certainly raised awareness. towns of Drogheda and Dundalk. In 2008 we’ve successfully entered partnerships with Perhaps one area that needs to be looked at Westmeath Co. Council where they’re contributing going forward is the format and structure of the to the employment of Eddie Bouabbse and camps to cater for the needs of all children. We James Devane. More recently we’ve heard good need to identify solution to the challenge of the news from Longford Co. Council and Wexford Co. fall off 11-13 year olds. We need to ensure that Council where new and proposed appointments 3% increase in numbers set out in Strategic Plan will be co-funded. is achieved yet maintaining the quality of service. To the Chairpersons and County Managers I say Provincial Vhi Cúl Camps Dividend thank you for your continued support and we look forward to incorporating your participation County Participants Provincial Div. in sport goals into our county games development E Carlow 1075 3,870 frameworks. Dublin 6650 E23,940 Kildare 3175 E11,430 Bursary Awards Kilkenny 1310 E4,716 2008 was the second year of the National Laois 1220 E4,392 Bursary Awards Scheme. However this year the Longford 1215 E4,374 criteria and eligibility was refined to ensure E highest possible calibre of student was selected. Louth 1500 5,400 From the application received 17 new recipients Meath 2600 E9,360 were awarded a Bursary to the value of €1000. Offaly 2430 E8,748 E The selection process was carried out by Gerry W'meath 1750 6,284 Tully and Martin Meagher, supported by Colm Wexford 2600 E9,360 Clear to all of whom I say thanks. Wicklow 2100 E7,560 I’d like to thank each and every one of the third TOTAL LEINSTER 27625 E99,434 level development officers for supporting the process also.

55 Leinster Underage Academy Squad Activity as liaising with counties to confirm venues for all underage football blitzes in 2008.,Furthermore I To enhance the process of talent identification would like to thank all HDA’s/GDA’s/GPO’s, and player development Leinster GAA provided a referees, host clubs/venues, Co. Officers, programmme of appropriate games for Co. Emergency Services and team mentors for their Schools of Excellence and Development Squads. work and cooperation throughout the year. The administration of the programme was coordinated from Leinster Council and the Underage County Squad Mentor Training Hurling Development Administrators. The tournaments were also an ideal outlet for the Comhairle Laighean has already commenced its Leinster Academy Referees to get some invaluable programme to assist academy squad mentors to refereeing experience. enhance their knowledge. A practical football in service training took place in NUI Maynooth on Leinster Underage Football 2008 the 31st of January. The focus of the day was practical real time match analysis followed by In the region of 200 football games were played session planning and its importance in player in blitz format over the year with approximately development. The two guest speakers on the day 1400 aspiring young players participating. were Sean Dempsey and Paul Early. The day was All games were run as per the regulations set coordinated by Lester Ryan who was ably supported down at national level. The blitz days were run to by county county games development staff. a format that at times required counties to This initial workshop will be followed up by the travel a little further than previous years however Provincial Football Development conference to this afforded each county the opportunity to take place on the 28th of March 2009. Further to play against different opponents at each blitz this there will be practical in service training for they attended. The aim for 2009 is to again offer hurling mentors taking place in April 2009 with players the opportunity to play against as many individual support sessions for both hurling and different opponents as possible, however based football mentors to be organised in each county on feedback from the counties it is also planned during the coming year to try and keep the 2 or 3 squads from each county at one venue for a minimum of two of Play & Stay in Croke Park the blitzes to reduce costs. The Leinster G.A.A. Go Games Play & Stay Leinster Underage Hurling 2008 activity days took place on the 10th and 12th of see Hurling Development Administrators Report July last year. During these two days over 1600 U8 boys and girls from 130 clubs throughout the This was the first year of the new regulations province got the opportunity to play hurling and and with this change has come the recognition football go games on the hallowed turf of Croke of the importance of maximising the impact of Park. The unforgettable experience of playing on academy squads on the pathway to elite the field was accompanied by the opportunity to performance of as many players as possible. change in the dressing rooms as well as have the Again as an operation Leinster GAA would like to opportunity to lift the Delaney Cup like so many offer assistance in 2009 to counties who want to of their heroes in the presentation area. use this change as an opportunity to develop a system for developing players in their counties. The events all inclusive theme was reinforced on the second day with the final group comprising For talent identification purposes counties again of participants from a special needs group from will be encouraged to consider entering at least Naomh Mearnog Club kicking points into the two or more teams if possible in blitzes designed famous Hill 16 end. for Schools of Excellence squads U-14/15 thereby broadening their base and exposing more players I would like to thank the Games Development to an environment where they’ll train and play section in Croke Park, Pairc an Chrocaigh Teoranta, at a higher level. resident Stewards in Croke Park and all others who were involved in delivering such memorable I would like to acknowledge in particular Pauline days to so many. Keating for her role in sourcing referees as well

56 IT Carlow – BA in Exercise & Fitness (GAA) foundation courses in Valencia, Zurich and Bretagne. The delivery of these courses highlights The BA in Exercise & Fitness (G.A.A.) has been the continued support of Comhairle Laighean to made possible by a joint effort between the promotion of throughout Comhairle Laighean and I.T. Carlow. The course Europe. proposal recently received HETAC Level 7 accreditation and is due to commence with the One highlight of the year was that Gaelic first intake of students in September 2009. Football from 2008 will be registered in the Students will be able to apply to do the course sports list of the "Baccalauréat" (One of the few through the CAO change of mind process in the specific sports that the region is allowed to coming months. Students will be required to propose in addition to general ones). This reach a minimum academic requirement, provide indicates how the clubs in the Brittany region are a G.A.A. portfolio and if selected attend for proactive regarding youth development and as interview. such would have benefited significantly from the Foundation Course held in the region last year. The programme will afford students the opportunity to pursue a career within the G.A.A. A special mention needs to be given to both if the opportunity should arise by equipping Tony Bass and Jerome Henry for there role in the them with tailored knowledge and tools to best promotion of Gaelic Games at all levels meet the requirements of the G.A.A. while also throughout Europe as well as to the GPO’s who affording the student the opportunity to pursue gave of their time to deliver the required a career in either Management or PR & foundation courses. Communications or other sports related disciplines if required. Acknowledgments I would like to acknowledge the contribution of I would like to thank Games Development all who have been involved in the development Administrators, Games Promotions Officers, of this course in particular Ruraí Neavyn and Third Level Officers, Co. Coaching Officers all of Martin Meagher who have been instrumental in whom were integral to implementation and developing this programme, furthermore I would delivery of programmes throughout the year. In also like to acknowledge the contribution of particular I’d like to pay special thanks to John Carmel Lynch, Noel Richardson and Paula Rankin Horan and John McCarthy and team in Aras in developing the programme. Laighean for their support. European Games Development Support Seaghan Ó Flannagáin Rúnaí During 2008 Comhairle Laighean in association with the European County Board delivered

57 Coaching & Games Development Committee Hurling Development Administrators’ Report D.J. Carey School of Hurling The D.J.Carey School of Hurling took place on the 7th -10th July (inclusive) and the 14th –17th July (inclusive) 2008, in St Kieran’s College, Kilkenny. Twenty U-14 players Leinster Club Hurling League and two mentors from each of the Leinster The Leinster Club Hurling League has proven Counties were invited to attend the School of very successful with 112 teams involved from Hurling on a residential basis, for four days. across the Province. The league was divided into The success of the 2008 School can be attributed four divisions – 32 Clubs in each of the top three to the attendance of high profile players, sections with 16 in Division Four – with each managers and guest speakers who visited the Club guaranteed at least three games and each School of Hurling each day also to the hard of those games against teams from outside their working full-time Leinster staff and guest helpers own County. who embraced the changes to the 2008 School The League started on March 24th with Division of Hurling in a totally professional and One reaching its conclusion on Sunday June 1st. enthusiastic manner. In total, approximately 180 games were and this The D.J.Carey School of Hurling received generous represents a very significant involvement from sponsorship, in the form of discounted products Clubs across Leinster. Also the competition from KC Sports, Mullingar (Polo Tops). produced some tremendous duels between clubs Glanbia generously supplied healthy drinks for which may never have competed against each the squads for the two weeks. other before. Ulster Coaches Teacher Summer Hurling Training The School of Hurling also afforded National & Coach Education Programme Hurling Coordinator Paudie Butler the opportunity to take twenty hurling coaches from Ulster (ten Leinster GAA and the Teacher Education Centre, each week), who observed and participated in Drumcondra teamed up this summer to provide various sessions. a comprehensive Hurling Training and Coach Education Programme as part of the Teacher Additional preparation for School of Hurling summer in-service/training courses 2008. 2008 The course content was wide and varied with the This year to further support the counties with focus on programme design from FUNdamental their preparation for the D.J. Carey 2008, the to specific Hurling skill development with the organising committee ran a skills/coaching/blitz/ emphasis on fun and learning. Each of the course information day (24th May) for the developmental modules were delivered by expert tutors with squads. The venues used were Carlow Town HC vast experience from coaching on the playing and Ashbourne GAA Club Co.Meath (see separate field to teaching in the class room. report). This proved very beneficial to the counties and also to the School of Hurling The overall programme was a success in terms of organisers in preparing squads for the upcoming content, tutor delivery and very well received by event. those in attendance.

58 Paudie Butler, listen on as D.J. makes a point at the eponymous Summer School last year

O’Neills/Leinster Leinster Indoor Hurling Blitz Hurling Conference 2008 The Leinster Indoor hurling blitz took place in ‘The SMART approach to Hurling Coaching & the National Basketball Arena, Tallaght on Player Development’ Wednesday, 27th February 2008. Eleven counties participated, Kildare, Wexford, Dublin, Wicklow, The O’ Neills/Leinster Hurling conference 2008 Laois, Meath, Kilkenny, Louth, Offaly, Westmeath ‘The SMART approach to Hurling Coaching & and Longford. A series of games were played Player Development’ took place in University throughout the day. College Dublin on February 23rd last. The conference was designed for coaches currently All players were given a lunch pack and managing Co. School of Excellence and refreshments and a hot meal was provided for Development squads as part of the Support team mentors. Network provided by the Hurling Development Kilkenny u-21 hurler Mark Bergin presented go Administrators at Leinster Council GAA. games sliotars to each of the participants at the The conference was attended by over 150 conclusion of the blitz. coaches from across the province that also included coaches from Derry and Warwickshire, Leinster Minor Hurling Programme while 100 players from various Dublin under age The Leinster minor hurling programme took hurling squads were put through their paces by place during February. This afforded the the Hurling experts. participating counties an excellent opportunity to prepare their respective teams for involvement All attendees at the conference as well as in the upcoming Leinster championship. knowledge and expertise also received a training Participating teams were Kildare, Meath, Laois top and bottoms and in addition an O’Neills/ and Westmeath. Leinster Hurling Conference 2008 - ‘The SMART approach to Hurling Coaching & Player The venues used were, Dunganny, St Brigid’s , Development’ follow up DVD that captured all Darvar, Ballymun Kickham’s, St Brigid’s and the drills, games, hints, tips, advice and condensed Thomas Davis. A total of twenty games were into a 2 hour coaching resource. organised and run.

59 Tullaroan - Leinster Club Hurling League Division 1 Champions 2008 Back L-R: Richard Cleere, Richard Butler, Ken Coogan, David Cleere, Paul Glennon, Paddy Campion, Chris Maher, (Capt), Michael Walsh, , Sam Holmes, Jimmy Cleere, Josh Moore, David Dowling, Eddie Campion, Mark Simpson. Front L-R: Richie Maher, Shane Hennessy, Tommy Walsh, Mark Walsh, Stephen Dowling, Tom Fitzgerald, David Walsh, Paul Doheny, Richie Holland, Padraig Walsh, Eamon Brennan, Martin Walsh, John

Black & Whites - Leinster Club Hurling League Division 2 Champions 2008 Back L-R: Jason Foley, Patrick Hayden, Charlie Ryan, Aidan O�Dowd, John Lawlor, Declan Fitzpatrick, Peter Cleere, Thomas Phelan, Brian Cleere, Joseph Murphy, Michael Doyle, Tommy Farrell, Sean Kealy. Front L-R: Niall Kennedy, Paul Whelan, Jimmy Whelan, John Murphy, James Brennan (Capt), James Doran, Paul Murphy, Denis Brennan, Michael Moloney, Tom Moloney.

60 M. DONNELLY/LEINSTER GAA Croke Park U-15 Hurling Exhibition POC FADA FINAL Friday, July 11th, was an important day for U-15 The 2008 M. Donnelly/Leinster GAA Poc Fada Schools of Excellence Hurling Squads as on this finals took place at the Curragh, with four date each of the twelve squads from Leinster competitions at U14 Hurling & Camogie and enjoyed a great day in Croke Park – the highlight Senior Hurling & Camogie. of which was playing a series of games on the pitch. This competition which has become one of the highlights of the Leinster Hurling calendar and Times were staggered in that Counties arrived at though based on individual skill level it gives the Stadium at different times with teams in every county in the province an opportunity to specific groupings and an allotted time of two compete on a level playing field whether from a hours on the pitch. This allowed Counties two traditional hurling county or not. forty minute games on the pitch and this combined with having access to the dressing The Senior Poc Fada Trophy which rooms/warm up area was huge for these young was introduced in 2007 was presented on the players. For players of this age to get this evening by Ollie’s daughter, Anne Walsh, to the opportunity is very significant and it provides a reigning champion, goalkeeper Shane O’ Connor great reward for players that commit to County from Co. Offaly. The Senior Camogie winner Squads. was Mags Darcy from Co. Wexford Despite the unpleasant weather on the day the standard After their games on the pitch each grouping shown by all was of an extremely high quality attended a session in the Ashe Suite with Paudie particularly by the U14 Hurling and Camogie Butler and Kilkenny Players Michael Fennelly and competitors who had record-breaking scores Richie Hogan. The session was very informative while completing during the worst of the with Players and Mentors alike finding it most downpours. The winner of the U-14 Hurling was beneficial. Charles Dwyer of Laois and the winner of the All involved thoroughly enjoyed their trip to U-14 Camogie was Aine Hayes of Wexford. Croke Park and before leaving the Stadium there Sincere thanks to Colonel John Courtney and his was a souvenir presentation to all players and team at Curragh Army Camp and the Department mentors courtesy of Leinster Council GAA. of Defence for allowing us to continue to stage this annual event on the Curragh plains.

Pictured at this year’s Croke Park Hurling Exhibition were Kilkenny Players Michael Fennelly and Richie Hogan with National Hurling Coordinator Paudie Butler and Leinster Hurling Development Administrators Noel Delaney, Tom O’Donnell, Declan Power and Michael Neary.

61 Commercials - Leinster Club Hurling League Division 3 Champions 2008 Back L-R: Ciaran Claffey, Robert Ryan, Gearoid Keogh, Gavin Dillon, Martin Byrne, Stephen Creighton, John Cullinane. Middle L-R: Ian Boran, Shane Cooke, Gavin Cooke, Eoin Power, David Murphy, Donnacha Corcoran, Neil Fleming, Ciaran Finn, Kieran Gregg, Michael Harney. Front L-R: Martin Boran, John Ryan, Joseph Delaney, Daniel Murphy, John Finnegan (c), Leonard Crokes, John Morris, Ciaran Kelly, Ciaran Dunne, Fionn MacAodhagán, Darren Delaney.

Craanford Fr O'Regan's - Leinster Club Hurling League Division 4 Champions 2008 Back L-R: William Doyle, Anthony Wadding, Stephen Greene, Ciaran Casey, Shane Greene, Des Kavanagh, John Byrne, Peter Shortall, James O'loughlin, James Byrne, Niall Berney, Pat Murray, Podge Doyle, Ger Doran, Mick Doyle, Jimmy Whitty, Mike Morrissey, Mick Sinnott, David Lyons. Front L-R: Mikie Doyle, Matthew Kenny, Shane Kavanagh, Richard Doyle, Michael Shortall, Jamsie Nolan, Garry Keating, Derek Finn, Bob Flynn, Michael O'loughlin, Laurence Doran, Joe Sinnott, Padraig Berney, Brendan Fox, Aidan Doyle(C).

62 Leinster U-15 Hurling League Projects which were run The U-15 Leinster Hurling League was organised at County Level by the Hurling Development Administrators to • Leinster U13 Mini Hurling Feile in Wicklow provide games for the County Development • Hurling Nursery Programmes squads. • ASH Programme - After School Hurling Competing Teams/Groupings • Planning 4 Success Programme Group A Meath, Kildare, Wicklow, Dublin North • Organised Volunteer Recruitment Workshop Group B Kilkenny North, Carlow, Laois, • 'Hurling 4 Fitness' Programme in Secondary Westmeath school - 1st years and Primary 3rd & 4th class Group C Wexford North, Dublin South, • Coordinated All Ireland Kilkenny South Group D Offaly, Wexford South, Dublin West • All-Ireland “C” U-14 hurling (Louth) and U-16 B All-Ireland (Westmeath) 36 games in total were organised and played. On • Supported the rejuvenation of juvenile completion there was a sports bag presented to hurling Clubs in the province all squads involved courtesy of Leinster Council. • Organised Hurling under lights Programme There was a very positive response from team throughout the Province mentors and Officials to the leagues. • Club coaching initiatives Leinster U-16 Hurling Blitz • Post Primary Schools – Managed, Coordinated and Administered competition at Juvenile, The Leinster u-16 hurling blitz took place on two Junior and Senior level for Leinster Schools dates and in venues as follows • Coordinated Leinster Hurley Subsidy Day 1 - Saturday, 10th May Scheme Venues Teams Dunganny Louth, Longford, Wicklow, Meath 2 • Development Squads – Managed, Coordinated Ferns Kilkenny Sth, Kildare, Carlow and Administered U14, U15 squads and U16 Wexford B squad Gorey Dublin A, Kilkenny North, Offaly, • Assisted with the participation of teams in Wexford A the various Leinster hurling projects Dublin B, Meath A, Laois, • Provision of Hurling Workshops with National Westmeath Hurling Coordinator Paudie Butler and other guest Coaches Day 2 - Saturday, 12th July • Transition Year Hurling Coaching Course Venues Teams • Hurling Foundation and Level One Coaching Thomastown Dublin A, Westmeath, Courses Kilkenny Nth, Wexford A • Underage Hurling Blitzes Dicksboro Offaly, Wexford B, Meath A, Dublin B • Organised and ran Cross Border/Cross County Portlaoise Kilkenny Sth, Kildare, Laois, Meath B Leagues Mountmellick Carlow, Wicklow, Louth, • Indoor hurling Programme Roscommon • Development of Post Primary Teams at The format of team groupings for the blitz on County Level the 12th July was decided on the basis of the results for the games played on the 10th May. A total of forty eight games, each of thirty minutes Conclusion duration, were played throughout the blitz. The Leinster HDAs would like to thank all who A lunch pack and refreshments were given to helped in any way throughout the three years of players and team mentors on each date. All the hurling programme. participating players received a Leinster Council gear bag at the conclusion of the second day of the blitz. There was a positive response from team mentors to the blitz.

63 Rachel Ruddy, Ger Brennan, Eoin Reilly, Colm Smyth, Eoin Mason, Mark Bergin, Peter Kelly, Andrew Andrew Collier Gearoid Davitt. Eoin Peter Kelly, Mark Mason, Colm Smyth, Bergin, Eoin Ger Reilly, Brennan, Rachel Ruddy, Patrick Byrne, Jon Joe Farrell, Neal Prendergast, John Horan, Seamus Howlin, Gerry Tully, Adam Price, Shane Kavanagh, Hazel Mulligan. Shane Price, Kavanagh, Adam Tully, Gerry Seamus Howlin, John Horan, Neal Prendergast, Jon Joe Byrne, Farrell, Patrick 

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

64 Coaching & Games Development Committee Leinster Tutor Group

Coaching Ireland (NCTC) and the GAA are rolling out new coaching programmes through all the provincial coaching groups. Workshops and meetings have been ongoing in the latter part of the year with the servicing officers of the National Coach Education work group. The Master Tutor group have attended tutor training workshops along with the other provinces and have graduated as Lead Tutors. Graduation The tutor group just completed a hectic schedule ceremony took place in Croke Park on the 13th in 2008 and face into 2009 knowing that their Oct 08. The current priority is the training of commitments to tutor training and coach tutors to implement the introductory coaching development will guarantee another bumper award and agreeing the necessary materials year of dedicated voluntary service in promoting needed. GAA activities around the province and indeed the country. Huge thanks are owed to many people who have contributed so much with their continuous In June the Leinster Tutor Strategy Document understanding, guidance and leadership. It is a (2008-2010) titled “Improving our Games pleasure to work along with the Master Tutor through Training and Development” was group of launched. The challenges to be faced include providing programmes in recruitment, mentoring, G. O’Connor (Secretary) retraining and continuous development along S. Kelly with supplying training materials and best C. Kevlihan practice tuition. N. O’Sullivan S. Dempsey Over the year large numbers of coaches have B. Harpur attended coach education programmes. Well J. Ryan motivated and knowledgeable coaches have a P. O’Neill vital role to play in the development of players A. O’Donoghue and coach education play an essential role in Paul Earley determining the quality of coaches. R. Smith S. O’Toole Level 1 courses were organised by the three B. Ladden serving officers (Dudley Farrell, Briain Ryan, John E. McCormack Leahy), within their regions. The counties included E. Barry in coach education programmes were: Our work continues to be made easier with the Meath (H + F) help and support of the full time staff at Laois (H) Comhairle Laighean, Leinster Games Managers Longford (F) and Games Promotion Officers. Wicklow (H + F) Dublin (H + F) Declan Smyth Westmeath (F) Cathaoirleach Offaly (F) Wexford (H + F) Kildare (H)

65 Coaching & Games Development Committee Cumann na mBunscol Laighean The rúnaí and cathaoirleach represented Leinster at National A.G.M. in Limerick in February 2008 Meeting with Coiste Náisiúnta in Croke Park on March 15th 2008.

Meeting with cisteoir on April 2nd to prepare Financial Statement.

Meeting with Cathaoirleach on April 7th to Administration prepare for A.G.M. 8 communications with counties by post. Communication by text, e mail and phone calls A.G.M. on April 14th 2008 in Keadeen Hotel. Preparations for Coiste Láir meetings. Reports for Coiste Náisiúnta / C.L.G. Laighin / Scoilsport Coiste Meeting May 3rd – Games Programme 2008. Details of ‘Games Programme’ prepared / 2008 plan. posted to counties. Mini Sevens Meeting Croke Park November Meetings Comhairle Meeting Croke Park January 2009 Meeting on September 1st report to Coiste Náisiúnta. A.G.M. Held in Hotel Keadeen on April 14th 2008. Meeting Croke Park on May 6th 2008 to discuss Edward O’ Riordan was re elected as Cathaoirleach. Interprovincials. Jim Fennelly replaced Paul Kinsella as our delegate to C.L.G. Laighean. Paul was wished Meeting with Coiste Náisiúnta in Croke Park on well on his new appointment as Cathaoirleach of January 5th 2008. Kilkenny County Board.

Scoilsport Games Programme 2008 Date Programme Venue Co-Ordinator February28th Indoor Hurling Tallaght Edward O’Riordan April 2nd Handball Carlow Liam Shinnors May 11th Go Games Football Longford Lisa Howley May 18th Go Games Football Croke Park Gerry O’Meara May 25th Go Games Hurling Portlaoise Gerry O’Meara June 8th GoGames Football Croke Park Gerry O’Meara June 15th Go Games Camogie Portlaoise Edel Parkinson June 18tth Lift & Strike Tournament Carlow Liam Shinnors 6 counties invited June 22nd Go Games Football Boys/Girls Croke Park Gerry O’Meara June 29th Go Games Football Boys/ Girls Croke Park Edward O’Riordan July 6th Go Games Hurling/Camogie Croke Park Gerry O’Meara July 20th Warwickshire Visit Croke Park Gerry O’Meara

66 National Awards 2008 The venue was Tinryland. A big thank you to Submission prepared for this scheme based on Liam Shinnors for his work. The winners went on our games programme. Attended Awards night in to the National Exhibition Days held in Croke Lyrath Hotel Kilkenny with Leister counties Park on April 5th/ April 12th. winning three categories. Fintan Walsh (Dublin and Laois) received the Pat Trainor Hall of Fame C.L.G. Laighean award The support from Comhairle Laighean this year was again excellent Our mini games on six Mini Sevens Sundays in Croke Park were very successful. A Attended the Mini Sevens again this year for 6 word of thanks to the officers and staff in Áras Sundays to. The 6 Sundays in Croke Park were Laighean. Games were also played in Longford very successful. A word of thanks to Pat Mc and Portlaoise. Givern for all his hard work.

Young Whistler Scheme County Units Cumann na mBunscol Laighean utilized the The co-operation with all county units is the key young referees of this scheme during the mini to success for Cumann na mBunscol Laighean. I games. Thanks to Jerry Grogan and Tom Fitzpatrick thank the secretaries in each county for their for their support. work.

Vhi Cúl Camps Publicity /P.R. 3 Meetings with National Director of Camps, Coverage of our Games Programme was Jimmy O’Dwyer in Croke Park. Facilitated the extensive. We featured in Scoilsport, Lár Páirce, launch of camps with two days in Portlaoise and The Star, Leinster Match Programmes, and many Croke Park (May 25th June 22nd) 180 children Provincial Newspapers. Coverage was also involved. available on Website of Cumann na mBunscol Náisiúnta and Leinter G.A.A. website. Great work Indoor Hurling Tournament 2008 by Ciarán Byrne P.R.O. Coiste Náisiúnta. Feb 28th The Annual event took place in National Buíochas Basketball Arena on February 27th 2008. All A special word of thanks to my fellow officers, in twelve county Cumann na mBunscol units were particular our Cathaoirleach, Edward O’Riordan, represented. Thanks to Leister Games Officers for his support and encouragement throughout for their work. the year.

Handball 2008 – April 2nd Gerry O’Meara Handball Day took place in Carlow on April 2nd Runaí 2008. Six counties participated. Boys and girls. Cumann na mBunscol Laighean January 28th, 2009

67 Coaching & Games Development Committee Comhairle Iarbhunscoileanna Laighean

Voc. Sch. SH “A” Col. Mhuire, Johnstown Borris V.S. Voc. Sch. SH “B” Bridgetown V.C. Col. Naomh Cormac

Schools SH “C” Oatlands College Grennan/Duiske Col.

Jun. H. “A” St. Peter’s, Wexford Good Counsel College Jun. H. “A” Shield St. Mary’s CBS, Enniscorthy Banagher Col ROLL OF HONOUR Jun. H. “B” Col. Eamann Ris, Callan Heywood C.S. BUATHOIRI AGUS NEASOIRI 2007/08 Voc. Sch Jun H “A” Borris V.S. Banagher College COMORTAS BUATHOIRI NEASOIRI Voc Sch Jun H “B” Abbey CC, Ferrybank Killina Pres Sec Sch PEIL Colleges S.F. “A” Athlone C.C. Franciscan Col, Gormanston Juv. H. “A” Dublin North St. Kieran’s, Kilkenny Voc. Sch. S.F. “A” Ashbourne C.S. Bridgetown V.C. Juv. H. “A” Shield St. Brendan’s, Birr Castlecomer C.S. Colleges S.F. “B” Col. Iosagain, Portarlington Ardscoil Ris Juv. H. “B” Colaiste Eoin Col. Mhuire, Johnstown Voc. Sch. S.F. “B” Col. Bhride, Carnew Maynooth P.P.

Schools S.F. “C” Sc. Chaitriona Killina Pres. Sec. Sch. ÁTH CLIATH Schools S.F. “D” Avondale CC, Rathdrum Templeogue Col Juv. H. “A” Colaiste Eoin Colaiste Eanna

Juv. H. “A” Shield St. Colmcille’s C.S. St. Declan’s C.B.S. Jun. F. “A” Good Counsel College St. Declan’s C.B.S. Juv. H. “B” St. Benildus Col. Castleknock C.C. Jun. F. “B” St. Mary’s, Edenderry Naas C.B.S. Juv. H. “C” St. Fintan’s H.S. Scoil Chaitriona Jun. F. “C” Bridgetown V.C. O’Carolan Col, Nobber Juv. H. “D” St. Paul’s Col., Raheny Old Bawn C.S. Jun. F. “D” Ballymahon Sec Sch Col Abbain, Adamstown Juv. H. “E” Terenure College

Juv. H. “E” Shield St. Aidan’s C.S. Ardscoil, Raheny Voc. Sch. Jun. F. “A” Dunshaughlin C.C. Bridgetown V.C. Voc. Sch. Jun. F. “B” O’Carolan Col., Nobber Skerries C.C. Tom Quinlan Cup Colaiste Eoin Colaiste Eanna Tom Quinlan Shield Old Bawn C.S. Moyle ParkCollege Juv. F. “A” Colaiste Eoin Knockbeg College Tom Quinlan Plate Terenure College Palmerstown C.S. Juv. F. “B” Col. Iosagain, Portarlington Moate C.S. Juv. F. “C” Ardsc. Rath Iomghain Dundalk D.L.S. Jun. H. “A” St. Mac Dara’s C.C. St. Declan’s C.B.S. Juv. F. “D” Ballymahon Sec Sch Col Mhuire, Johnstown Jun. H. “B” St. Benildus College Scoil Aodhain Jun. H. “C” St. Fintan’s H.S. Lucan C.B.S. Inter County “A” An Mhi Cill Dara Jun. H. “D” St. Paul’s College Colaiste Choilm Inter County “B” Loch Garman Laois

Sen. H. “A” St. Declan’s C.B.S. Colaiste Eoin IOMÁINT Sen. H. “A” Shield St. David’s C.B.S. v Col. Eanna Colleges SH “A” Dublin Colleges Kilkenny C.B.S. Sen. H. “B” Oatlands College Clonkeen College Colleges SH “A” Lge Good Counsel College Cistercian College Sen. H. “C” Scoil Chaitriona Old Bawn C.S. Colleges SH “B” Pres. DLS, Bagenalstown St. Declan’s C.B.S.

68 Juv. F. “A” Colaiste Eoin Castleknock C.C. PEIL Juv. F. “B” Malahide C.S. Col. Choilm Colleges S.F. “B” Scoil Dara, Kilcock St. Joseph’s, Drogheda Juv. F. “C” Moyle Park College Old Bawn C.S. Schools S.F. “C” Killina Pres. Sec. Sch. Ardee C.S. Juv. F. “D” St. Paul’s College St. Kevin’s C.B.S. Schools S.F. “D” Athboy C.S. Ardsc. Chiarain, Clara Juv. F. “E” Colaiste Dhulaigh St. Aidan’s C.S.

Sch. S.F. League “A” Athlone C.C. Franciscan Col., Gormanston Jun. F. “A” St. Declan’s C.B.S. Colaiste Eoin Sch. S.F. League “B” Asbhourne C.S. Col. Choilm, Tullamore Jun. F. “B” Portmarnock C.S. Old Bawn C.S. Jun. F. “A” Col. Mhuire, Mullingar Marist, Athlone Jun. F. “C” St. Mark’s C.S. St. Mac Dara’s C.C. Jun. F. “B” St. Mary’s, Edenderry St. Mary’s, Drogheda Jun. F. “D” St. Vincent’s C.B.S. St. Finian’s C.C. Jun. F. “C” O’Carolan Col., Nobber Dundalk D.L.S. Jun. F. “E” St. Joseph’s, Rush Colaiste Dhulaigh Jun. F. “D” Ballymahon Ssec. Sch. Mercy, Kilbeggan

Sen. F. “A” Portmarnock C.S. St. Benildus College Juv. F. “A” St. Pat’s, Navan Col. Mhuire, Mullingar Sen. F. “B” Ardscoil Ris Old Bawn C.S. Juv. F. “B” Moate C.S. St. Joseph’s, Drogheda Sen. F. “C” Scoil Chaitriona St. Joseph’s C.B.S. Juv. F. “C” Dundalk D.L.S. Col. Ris, Dundalk Sen. F. “D” Templeogue College St. Vincent’s C.B.S. Juv. F. “D1” Ballymahon Sec. Sch. Cnoc Mhuire, Granard

LAIGHEAN THEAS IOMÁINT Col. S.F. “B” Col. Iosagain, Portarlington F.C.J., Bunclody Sch. Sen. H. “C” Killina Pres. Sec. Sch. St. Joseph’s, R'bridge Sch. S.F. “C” Pres. D.L.S., Bagenalstown Scoil Aireagail Sch. S.F. “D” Avondale CC, R'drum Gaelcholaiste, C'loch Jun. H. “B” Heywood C.S. Col. Mhuire, Mullingar Sch. S.F. League Ardsc Na Trionoide, Athy Patrician, N'bridge Jun. H. “B1” Col. Naomh Cormac Col. Choilm, Tullamore Jun. H. “C” Mercy Sec. Sch., Kilbeggan St. Pat’s, Navan Jun. F. “A” Good Counsel College Patrician, Newbridge Jun. F. “B” Naas C.B.S. Juv. H. “B” Final Rest of Offaly Col. Mhuire, Mullingar Jun. F. “C” Bridgetown V.C. St. Farnan’s, Prosperous Juv. H. “B1” Final Killina Pres. Sec. Sch. Col. Naomh Cormac Jun. F. “D1” Col. Abbain, Adamstown St. Brendan’s, Bray Juv. H. “C” S/Finals Boyne C.S., Trim Athboy C.S. Jun. F. “D2” Clonaslee V.S. Abbey C.C., Ferrybank HANDBALL - BOYS Juv. F. “A” Knockbeg College St. Peter’s, Wexford COLLEGES - 60 X 30 Juv. F. “B” Col Iosagain, P'lington St. Kieran’s, Kilkenny U-19 Singles Kells C.S. Bridgetown V.C. Juv. F. “C” Ardsc. Rath Iomghain Heywood C.S. U-19 Doubles St. Kieran’s, Kilkenny St. Mary’s, Enniscorthy Juv. F. “D1” Col. Mhuire, J'stown St. Fergal’s, R'downey U-17 Singles Sc. Aireagail, Ballyhale Bridgetown V.C. U-17 Doubles Castlecomer CS St Mary’s CBS, E'corthy IOMÁINT U-15 Singles St. Peter’s Col., Wexford Confey College Sch. Sen. H. “C” Grennan/Duiske Col. Knockbeg College U-15 Doubles Col. Eamann Ris, Callan Good Counsel Col First Yr. Singles Col. Bhride, Carnew St. Kieran’s, Kilkenny Jun. H. “B” Col. Eamann Ris, Callan Bridgetown V.C. First Yr. Doubles Bridgetown V.C. Sc. Chaitriona Jun. H. “C1” Abbey C.C., Ferrybank Grennan/Duiske Col.

Jun. H. “C2” Naas C.B.S. Knockbeg College COLLEGES – 40 X 20 U-19 Singles Kilkenny C.B.S. Pres. D.L.S., Bagenalstown Juv. H. “B” Col Mhuire, J'stown Col Eamann Ris, Callan U-19 Doubles Sc Aireagail, B'hale St Marys CBS E'corthy Juv. H. “C1” Wicklow Schools Knockbeg College U-17 Singles Kells C.S. Cistercian, Roscrea Juv. H. “C2” Abbey C.C., Ferrybank Gorey C.S. U-17 Doubles St. Mary’s, Enniscorthy Kells C.S.

69 U-15 Singles Confey College Col. Eamann Ris, Callan Tuairisc an Rúnaí U-15 Doubles Kilkenny C.B.S. Wexford V.C. First Yr. Singles Col. Bhride, Carnew Scoil Chaitriona 2007-2008 was a year of change for Comhairle First Yr. Doubles St. Kieran’s, Kilkenny Bridgetown V.C. Iarbhunscoileanna Laighean. After serving the Schools for over 16 years Michael Reynolds has moved on to greater things and now holds the position of HANDBALL - GIRLS Assistant CEO for Comhairle Laighean CLG. COLLEGES – 60 X 30 U-19 Singles Col Bhride, C'new St Mary’s Sec Sch, N Ross In saying farewell and thanks to Michael, I know that his interest in Schools affairs will not disappear, U-19 Doubles NO COMPETITION I would also like to assure him that the Comhairle U-16 Singles Castlecomer C.S. Pres Col, Rockford Manor will not be found wanting in giving him any support U-16 Doubles St Mary’s Sec Sch, N Ross Dominican Col., Griffith Ave and co-operation that may be required. First Yr. Singles NO COMPETITION Congratulations to all our winners – Regional, First Yr. Doubles NO COMPETITION Provincial and All Ireland. At the time of writing (22.04.08) the All Ireland Series has come to a COLLEGES – 40 X 20 conclusion and Leinster Schools were represented as follows: U-19 Singles Col. Bhride, Carnew Gaelcholaiste, C'loch U-19 Doubles St. Mary’s Sec Sch, N Ross Kilkenny College • The All Ireland Voc. Sch. S.F. “B” Inter County U-16 Singles Mullingar C.C. Castlecomer C.S. title went to Loch Garman where they U-16 Doubles St. Mary’s Sec Sch, New Ross Maynooth PP overcame the challenge of Sligo on a scoreline of 1-11 to 0-06.

First Yr. Singles Loretto Sec. Sch. Maynooth P.P. • In the All Ireland Voc. Sch. S.F. “B” Final we First Yr. Doubles NO COMPETITION made history in that the fixture was an all Leinster one. Maynooth P.P. overcame Millstreet on a scoreline of 1-08 to 2-03 and Colaiste Bhride, Carnew overcame Achill V.S. ALL IRELAND SERIES – LEINSTER WINNERS by 5-15 to 0-04 to provide the all Leinster Col. S.F. “B” Col. Iosagain, P'lington Rice Col, Westport pairing. The Final was played in St. Conleth’s Park, Newbridge on Saturday, 12th April, 2008 Sch. S.F. “C” Final Scoil Chaitriona Pblsc., Kenmare and Col. Bhride, Carnew repeated their Leinster Col. S.H. “A” Col. Mhuire, Johnstown Borrisokane V.C. success by defeating Maynooth P.P. by a margin of 4 points. Voc. Sch. S.F. “B” Col. Bhride, Carnew Maynooth P.P. • The All Ireland Voc. Sch. S.H. “A” Final saw Voc Sch Inter-Co SF“B” Loch Garman Sligeach Colaiste Mhuire, Johnstown take on Borrisokane V.C. and defeat them on a score- ALL IRELAND SERIES – RUNNERS-UP line of 2-09 to 3-04. Voc Sch Jun F “A” Final Athenry V.S. Dunshaughlin C.C. • The All Ireland Colleges S.F. “B” saw Colaiste Voc Sch Jun H“A” Final Athenry V.S. Borris V.S. Iosagain, Portarlington, winning their first All Ireland title by defeating Rice College, Westport by 2 points.

• The All Ireland Schools S.F. “C” Final title rest with Scoil Chaitriona, Glasnevin v following their defeat of Pblsc., Kenmare on Saturday, 19th April, 2008.

• The All Ireland Voc. Sch. Jun. H. “A” Final saw Athenry V.S. retain the title by defeating Borris V.S. on a score-line of to 1-13 to 2-07.

70 • The All Ireland Voc. Sch. Jun. F. “A” Final saw In the last 12 months the All Weather Pitches Dunshaughlin C.C. take on Athenry V.S. in (Astro Turf and Sand Base) located at: Dunganny, Rath and were defeated by 5 points. Meath; Darver, Louth; Thomas Davis/St. Brigid’s, Blanchardstown/U.C.D., Dublin/Ballymun have On behalf of the Comhairle Iarbhunscoileanna been our saving grace on more than one occasion. Laighean and Leinster Council G.A.A. we extend our And within the next few years with the advent of congratulations to the winners and our more All Weather Pitches (Astro Turf and Sand commiserations to the defeated Finalists. Base) across the Province i.e. Laois – Portlaoise & Heywood C.S. Overall this year our Competitions were very much Wexford played to schedule with just a few minor hiccups Wicklow along the way and, with the continued co-operation Kildare (x2) and in some cases flexibility of all involved, we Mullingar hope to continue this trend for the coming year. bad weather should no longer be a factor for the LOOKING FORWARD non-playing of games. And on some occasions these For the 2008-2009 School year the All Ireland venues will host multiple games on the one day. Series must be completed before the second week- end in April which will mean some changes to our H.D.A.’S & POST PRIMARY SCHOOLS fixtures, i.e. some Competitions will have an earlier COUNTY COMMITTEES start. This year saw the Leinster H.D.A.’s (Hurling Development Officers) organise some of our We are also hoping to secure T.V. coverage for our Hurling Competitions. In the next year we hope to Senior “A” Finals for the coming year with the help streamline this even more and fixture dates will be of the Leinster Commercial Manager, John Cotter. set before September in an effort to provide more If this transpires, regardless of the pairings, a T.V. games for our Schools to improve standards and friendly venue irrespective of the distance for enjoyment. participants and one that will accommodate two Finals on the one day will be sought for the event. Following our workshop in September and the Hopefully this will be a runner more that a dream. introduction of Service Level Agreement with the Counties the intention is that the Post Primary VENUES Schools County Committee will be an integral part Again this year we had some heated discussions in of the County Coaching & Games Development relation to the location/availability of venues. The Structure within the next year. Furthermore from use of Home Venues for Regional Semi-Finals and the School Year 2009-2010 the format of Comhairle Finals are of great benefit to us but when venues Iarbhunscoileanna Laighean will be the same for Provincial Semi-Finals and Finals are being format as for Comhairle Laighean, i.e. the Counties sought things sometimes heat up. will forward a representative(s).

Where possible we try to get venues for our games DISCIPLINE mid-way between the Schools involved (this usually This was the first full School Year in which the new only applies to Provincial Semi-Finals and Finals) or discipline regime implemented at Congress 2006 because of excessive distance between two Schools. was in place. Despite our best efforts this is not always possible. Overall the system seems to have worked well and we had very few incidents in which the proposed National League/U-21/Minor/Club games and/or suspensions were not accepted. training also have a serious impact on availability of venues. This sometimes leads to games being For many of our games it is not practical to have held at venues which do not meet with everyone’s neutral umpires and linesmen so once again we approval. The old adage “you can please some of would ask that for the coming School Year Schools the people all of the time, you can please all of the would ensure that players and supporters adhere people some of the time but it’s impossible to to best code of conduct . We must all play our part please all of the people all of the time” applies. in ensuring that players and supporters stay within the rules and behave properly.

71 MEDIA • Tom Crotty and all the media both Local and Our thanks as always to Tom Crotty for all his work National. during the year . Once again Tom has found it difficult to gather results and or match reports • Members of Comhairle Iarbhunscoileanna from Schools to forward to the media, so for the Laighean and CCC, Comhairle Iarbhunscoileanna coming School Year all Schools are asked to ensure Laighean. that reports/results are forwarded in the hope that we can increase media coverage of our games. • Members of Comhairle Laighean.

Special thanks this year is extended to Ronan • Schools Officers: Flanagan and Shane Scanlon on their role in Tom O’Donnell producing the Second Level Schools Supplement Jim O’Donovan (Ath Cliath) printed in the Irish Independent in early January. (Laighean Theas) Once again their task was not an easy one with Fergal Giles (Laighean Thuaidh) information being difficult to get at times. Hopefully the Irish Independent will continue with • All my colleagues at Aras Laighean: the Supplement and Schools are asked to forward Michael Delaney information when requested. Michael Reynolds Patricia Clear Finally we extend our appreciation to Brendan John Cotter Larkin (Irish Examiner) and Colm Glynn (Aertel) for Julie Quinn their work in the coverage of our games. Shane Flanagan Aidan Fennelly BUIOCHAS Colm Clear I would like to thank everyone who has helped me Margaret Brennan to settle into my new role as Second Level Schools Jenny Duffy - thanks for all the tea-break Officer. advice.

• Players, Mentors, Teachers and School In conclusion on behalf of the Comhairle I wish to Managements. extend our condolences to all who have suffered bereavements during the year. • Referees, Linemen and Umpires. Wishing everyone a good Summer and looking • All who make their venues available for our forward to 2008-2009. games. Hannah Ní hÓrain

72 Coaching & Games Development Committee Leinster Third Level Colleges Report

Fresher B Championship (F) DCU Div. 1 League (F) DCU Div. 2 League (F) Carlow IT Div. 3 League (F) Mater Dei Ryan Cup (H) NUIM Fresher 2 Championship (H) DCU

In Ladies , GMIT hosted a successful championship weekend in March. UUJ captured the O’Connor Cup Division 1 championship and DIT won Comhairle Ard Oideachais Laighean has responsibility the Division 2 Lynch Cup. for the development of Gaelic games in twenty six 3rd Level institutions in Leinster. The support of In Camogie’s premier competition, the Ashbourne Comhairle Laighean is invaluable and has enabled a Cup, UCD captured the title. number of initiatives to be devised and implemented. ACCIDENT TOURNAMENTS Once again, Third Level Colleges UCD, DIT, Athlone IT Funding received from Comhairle Laighean was and DCU participated in the O Byrne Cup and Shield distributed to colleges in the form of vouchers from football competitions. O’Neill’s. These vouchers could be exchanged for jersies, footballs and/or sliothars In hurling, UCD participated again in the Walsh Cup, The total cost of this scheme was e18,700. while Athlone IT, Carlow IT, DCU, DIT & Trinity played in the Kehoe Cup. The following expenditure was incurred during the year: Playing in the Accident Tournaments exposes a 1 Medals & shields e2,187 broader range of players to this level of competition. 2 Referees expenses e200 It reduces the risk of player burnout to elite players. Participation in these competitions are very good for COMPETITION REVIEW the profile of students and it gives GAA in our The two premier competitions in the third level colleges very positive media coverage. sector are the Sigerson Cup football championship and the championship in hurling. BURSARIES The Comhairle Laighean Third Level Bursary Scheme Carlow IT hosted the Sigerson Cup. DIT participated has grown in strength and profile over the past seven in the last four of this competition for the first time years. The scheme also helps to raise the profile of losing to the eventual winners UUJ. 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 losing to MICL in the final. Laighean’s commitment to this sector. Fourteen Marino College emerged victorious in Corn na students received awards in recognition of their MacLeinn. commitment to Gaelic Games be it as players, coaches or administrators. CIT hosted the Fitzgibbon Cup competition with WIT winning a memorable final. There were no Leinster THE PAST YEAR representatives in the last four. However, NUIM won A number of challenges faced CA Laighean during the the Ryan Cup. past year. The restructuring of competitions at national level had an impact on how CA Laighean Leinster colleges achieved the following All-Ireland organised its competitions. Extra competitions were successes over the past year: organised to cater for non elite players. These competitions proved very popular with the Corn na MacLeinn (F) Marino “recreational” player. Being played on a provincial Fresher A Championship (F) DIT basis and often under floodlights these Junior Championship (F) AIT competitions:

73 • Reduced costs of running the clubs and BUIOCHAS • Reduced the time lost to college by students. The help and co-operation of the following greatly facilitated the organisation of Gaelic games activities The winners of these Leinster competitions 2007/08 during the past year: are as follows: Freshers Football – Div 1 DCU 2 (i) GAA Officers in the various colleges without Freshers Football – Div 2 St Pats T.C. whose support the organisation of the various Freshers Hurling – Div 1 DIT competitions would not be possible. Freshers Hurling – Div 2 NUIM Intermediate Hurling UCD (ii) Leinster Coaching and Games Development Intermediate Hurling Shield NUIM Committee and in particular its chairman, Intermediate Football Trinity John Horan & secretary Shane Flanagan. Senior B Football DCU (iii) Michael Delaney, Michael Reynolds, Colm CA Laighean organised for the very first time a Clear, Seamus Howlin and all the staff in Áras training day for Club Officers in Páirc an Chrócaigh. Laighean. Twenty eight students attended. A very informative and enjoyable day was had. I would like to thank my (iv) The new CA Laighean Committee including fellow officers for their presentations and we in CA national treasurer Ray O’Brien, national vice Laighean are deeply indebted to Seamus Howlin and chairman Michael McMahon and our three Shane Flanagan for their excellent contributions’ on student members Secretary Tommy Flynn the day. NUIM, Treasurer Niall Kelly DIT and PRO Gearóid Devitt DCU. THE FUTURE Other issues that might be considered by CA Laighean In conclusion, I would like to acknowledge the support into the future are: of Comhairle Laighean and the Leinster Coaching and • Maintenance of a website. Games Development Committee, for the third level • Circulation of an e-newsletter to highlight sector in Leinster. The support has been terrific and I developments etc in the various college clubs in have no doubt that this will continue into the future. Leinster. I wish the incoming officers and Comhairle every • Seeking commercial sponsorship for CA Laighean success in the 125th year ahead. and its competitions. • Re-structuring of the GAA bursary scheme to Gearóid Ó Maolthuile allow every student to be eligible to make an Cathaoirleach, application. CAO Laighean.

74 Coaching & Games Development Committee Leinster Handball Report

promoters in the province we are delighted to see the ladies game is growing from strength to strength with seven counties taking part to one degree or another.

Juvenile The juvenile board organised an intricate and While Leinster Handball can look back on a very demanding programme of games brilliantly for eventful year, the death of Tommy O’Brien early boys and girls with singles and doubles and nine in the year overshadows all the on court team events in both courts for all grades of successes. players ranging from Under 11 to Under 17. A full resume of winners follows this report. Tommy served as Leinster secretary for over 30 years, and as President of the Irish Handball Council from 1984 to1987, as well he served on Coisti many provincial and national committees during this time. Renowned for his quick wit and Sean O’Connor (Cill Dara) has completed his tremendous organisational skills, Tommy was first term as juvenile Chairman and has not let known the length and breadth of Ireland. His loss the standard of officialdom to drop, he was ably to Handball has left a huge void which will be assisted by joint secretaries Billy Love (Cill very difficult to fill, and at his removal, large Chainnigh) and Patsy Dowling (Laoise). The crowds attended on both days, with supporters Development Committee under the leadership of the Handball community travelling from all of Tom Walsh (Cill Mhantain) main focus during over Ireland to pay their last respects to a true the year was the completion of the Code of gentleman of the game. Ethics and administration courses for club and county officials. Richard Willoughby Coaching Officer and his committee have completed a Inter Club number of level one courses in the province and this was evident in the standard of skill shown This championship is the flagship for all clubs to in our juvenile championships. display their wares and we were not disappointed this year with the level of entries and standard of play in both the 60x30 & 40x20 Buiochás competitions. Sincere thanks to all the officials, players and to the people who opened courts and refereed Championships games and to anyone else who helped in the smooth running of Comhairle Liathróid Láimhe Our adult male championships were well Laighean. contested with plenty of vigour and no little skill. While not all counties were on the winner’s The sympathy of the Council goes to all families rostrum, it was heartening to see all 12 counties who have suffered bereavements during the enter both the 60x30 & 40x20. Four year. championships are run in each grade from Minor Go druga suainmheas siorai doibh. up to and including Ruby Masters (Over 65) and the ladies have 4 championships in each off the Liam Ó Mathúin five grades they take part in. As handball Rúnaí

75 40 x 20 Champions MinS Gary McConnell (Mh) Gary Donohue (Wicklow) MinD Patrick Funchion / Gerard McGrath (Kk) Mark O’Dwyer / Chris Dawson (Kk) U21S Jerome Willoughby (Ww) Jimmy (Stick) Goggins (Wx) U21D Ciaran Neary / Nicholas Anthony (Kk) Jerome Willoughby / Christopher Doyle(Ww) JBS Stephen Barcoe (Kk) Eugene Reilly (M) JBD David Redmond / Noel Holohan (Wex) John Morrissey / David Clifford (Kk) JS Michael O’Donnell (Kd) David Hope (Oy) JD David Hope / Noel Murphy(Oy) Dara Ward / Paul Moran (Kd) IS Gavin Buggy (Wex) Timmy Clifford (Kk) ID Frank & Brian Manogue (Kk) Timmy & Michael Clifford (Kk) MasAS Michael Walsh (Kk) Egin Jensen (D) MasAD Michael Walsh / Pat Maher(Kk) Egin Jensen / Frank Daly (Kk) MasBS Fergal O’Riain (Dublin) Eamon Rice (Wicklow) MasBD John Quinn / Eamon Rice (Ww) Joe Brennan / Mike Murphy (Ls) SMAS Billy Bourke (Kk) Michael Dowling (Kd) SMAD Martin Lalor / Philly Parsons (Kk) Billy Bourke / Billy Walsh (Kk) SMBS Pechelli English (Wexford) Paul Ruane (Kildare) SMBD Fintan Doyle / Declan Hart (Wex) Pechelli English / John Bail (Wex) GMAS Johnny Brennan (Kk) Tony Breen (Wx) GMAD Seamus Ahern / John Ward (D) Johnny Brennan / (Kk) GMBS John Kelly (Lh) Drew Keogh (Ww) GMBD Gerry Murphy / Jimmy Neary (Kk) John Kelly / Sean Devlin (Lh) EMAS Eugene Kennedy (D) Pat McGovern (M) EMAD Billy Mullins / Jim Guilfoyle (Oy) Richard Willoughby / Pat Doyle (Ww) EMBS John Barton (D) Paddy Clerkin (D) EMBD John Barton / Paddy Clerkin (D) Peter McTiernan / Joe McCahill (D) DMAS Andy Ryan (Cw) Paddy Reilly (Kk) DMAD Paddy Reilly / Seamus Reade (Kk) John Molloy / Pat Ryan (D) DMBS Des Lyons (Kd) Ger Williams (Wx) DMBD Henry Hayes / ptr (Wex) ------RMS Paddy Lennon (Ww) Martin Buggy (Wexford) RMD Ger McWilliams / John Somers (Wex) ------LMinS Shauna Hilley (Ww) Amanda Kelly (Wex) LMinD Shauna Hilley / Sandra Barnes (Ww) ------LJBS Martina Walsh (Wx) Una Byrne (Wx) LJBD Martina Walsh / Tanya O’Toole (Wx) ------LJS Patrica Doyle (Ww) Niamh Egan (Wm) LJD Patrica Doyle / Stacie Doyle (Ww) Niamh Egan / Leona Archibald (Wm) LIS Ciara Mullins (Cw) Miriam Ryan (Cw) LID Ciara Mullins / Miriam Ryan (Cw) ------Con Cup Eugene O’Reilly/Peter Flanagan (M) Jerome Willoughby / Keith Kavanagh (Ww) Del Cup

76 Gael Linn Kells, Kilkenny (Cait Broderick / Sean Tierney) Na Fianna, Dublin (Cliona McCullagh/Niall McKenna)

U-12/13 Team 6 Wexford: Galen O’Riardon, Sean Stafford, Dale Flynn, Rohan White, Ben O’Shea, Oisin Foley Carlow: Jim O’Leary, Adam Nolan, Martin Mullins, Josh Cooney, Joey Curtis, Michael Calvey Mark Brennan, Eoin Fields

BOYS 40 x 20 U-12S Carlow (Jim O’Leary) Kilkenny (Emmett Landy) U-12D Kilkenny (John Walsh / Conor Duggan) Meath (Dylan Sheridan / Matthew Farrelly) U-13S Wexford (Jalen O’Riordan) Kilkenny (Brendan Hyland) U-13D Kilkenny (Pauric Walsh / Sean Tierney) Dublin (Niall McKenna / Joseph Varley) U-14S Carlow (Daniel O’Leary) Kilkenny (Dylan Walsh) U-14D Kilkenny (Cillian Treacy / Stephen O’Dwyer) Dublin (Cian O’Dalaigh / Corey Fay) U-15S Kilkenny (Peter Funchion) Wicklow (Keith Kavanagh) U-15D Kilkenny (Keith Walsh / Michael Conville) Wexford (Ross Lynch / Walter Lawlor) U-16S Kilkenny (Eoghan Hennessy) Kildare (Niall O’Connor) U-16D Kilkenny (Luke Greene / Keith Clifford) Meath (Sam Needle / D J Carry) U-17S Kilkenny (Donal O’Farrell) Wexford (Alex Lynch) U-17D Kilkenny (Jason Delaney / Keith Bourke) Wicklow (Anthony Rohio / Craig Walsh) U-11D Kilkenny (Pauric Cooney / Mark Purcell) Carlow (Damien Jordan / Paddy Shanahan)

GIRLS 40 x 20 U-12S Kilkenny (Kirsty Maher) Wexford (Annie Stafford) U-12D Carlow (Michelle Nolan / Shannon Byrne) Kildare (Amy McGrane / Roisin Hayes) U-13S Kildare (Rachel Timmins) Kilkenny (Serena Doyle) U-13D Carlow (Kate Moran / Shannon Geoghegan) Wexford (Jackie Quigley / Shuna Murphy) U-14S Offaly (Nikita Corboy) ------U-14D Kilkenny (Ciara Mahon / Mary Phelan) Kildare (Hannah Stack / Louise Doran) U-15S Kilkenny (Hazel Cuddihy) Dublin (Dianaimh Greene) U-15D Kilkenny (Rachel Hogan / Maria Walsh) Dublin (Lisa McKenna / Susan Clinton) U-16S Westmeath (Aoife McCarthy) ------U-16D Kilkenny (Claire Grace / Laura Moore) Kildare (Elaine Egan / Aisling Wall) U-17S Wexford (Michelle Boland) Kilkenny (Nicola Moore) U-17D Kilkenny (Meghan Clifford / Denise Doyle) ------

U-14/15 Team 6 Kilkenny: Mason Clifford, Richard Dunphy, Pat & Niall Mulhearne, Dylan Walsh, Sean Butler Dublin: John Walsh, Corey Faye, Cian O’Dalaigh, Pierce Caulfield, Naoise Greene, Brian Trainor

U-16/17 Team 4 Wexford: Alex Murphy, Andy Cash, James O’Toole, Jason Stuart, John Walsh Carlow: David Townsend, Kevin Barrett, Martin Deane, James Murphy 77 B Championships U-13S Evan O’Carroll (Laois) U-13D Niall McKenna/Joesph Varley (Dublin) U-15S Michael Wall (Kildare) U-15D Robert Maguire/Emmett O’Keeffe (Kildare) U-17S Kevin Barrett (Carlow) U-17D Aaron Davitor/Damien Barcoe (Kilkenny)

60 x 30 Club Champions Open Club Kells, Meath (Brian Carroll, Tom Sheridan, Walter O'Connor, Carl Browne) Junior Club Clogh, Kilkenny (Brendan Hosey, Andrew Hosey, Sean Maher, Eoghan Hennessy) Junior B Club , Wexford (Darren O’Toole, Damien Kelly, Ned Connor, Peter McGrath, Jimmy O’Rourke)

60 x 30 Champions MinS Gary McConnell (Meath) Christy Dawson (Kilkenny) MinD Patrick Funchion / Gerard McGrath (Kk) Christy Dawson / Dylan Clifford (Kilkenny) U21S Mikey Berry (Wexford) Ciaran Neary (Kilkenny) U21D Ciaran Neary / Eamonn Foley (Kilkenny) Jerome Willoughby / Chris Doyle (Ww) JBS Ger Anthony (Kilkenny) Stephen Barcoe (Kilkenny) JBD Stephen Barcoe / Eamonn Holohan (Kk) David Redmond / Noel Holohan (Wexford) JS Pat O’Donnell (Wicklow) David Hope (Offaly) JD David Hope / Conor O’Brien (Offaly) William & Daniel Love (Kilkenny) IS Nicholas Anthony (Kilkenny) Cormac Smyth (Wexford) ID Ian Griffin / Kerry Hennessy (Dublin) Frank & Brian Manogue (Kilkenny) MasAS Michael Walsh (Kilkenny) Tom Sheridan (Meath) MasAD Michael Walsh / Pat Maher (Kilkenny) Tom Sheridan / John Leahy(Meath) MasBS Ricky Barron (Wexford) Richard Falsey (Kilklenny) MasBD Ricky Barron / Frank Maddock (Wexford) Paul Dowling / Chris Dunne (Kilkenny) SMAS Billy Bourke (Kilkenny) Eugene Downey (Kilkenny) SMAD Johnny Brennan / Billy Bourke (Kilkenny) Eugene Downey / Martin Lalor (Kilkenny) SMBS Eamonn Holohan (Kilkenny) Stephen Murphy (Wexford) SMBD Eamonn Purcell / John Ryan (Kilkenny) Kevin McKenna / Frank Kearns (Dublin) GMAS Johnny Brennan (Kilkenny) Tony Breen (Wexford) GMAD Sean & Andy Ryan (Carlow) Martin Clancy / Tom Kane (Carlow) GMBS Joe Hennessy (Kilkenny) John Kelly (Louth) GMBD Joe Hennessy / Con Moore (Kilkenny) Joe Anthony / Gerry Murphy (Kilkenny) EMAS Vinny Farrelly (Dublin) Paddy Murray (Dublin) EMAD Eugene Kennedy / Vinny Farrelly (Dublin) Richard Willoughby / Pat Doyle (Wicklow) EMBS Paddy Clerkin (Dublin) Con Moore (Kilkenny) EMBD ------DMAS Eugene Kennedy (Dublin) Paddy Reilly (Kilkenny) DMAD Paddy Reilly/ Seamus Reade (Kilkenny) John Molloy / Pat Ryan (Dublin) DMBS ------DMBD ------

78 RMS Mick O’Brien (Dublin) Paddy Lennon (Wicklow) RMD Paddy Lennon / Tom Walsh (Wicklow) Sean Moore / Ray Walsh (Dublin) LMinS Shauna Hilley (Wicklow) Amanda Kelly (Wexford) LMinD Claire & Rebecca Mulholland (Kilkenny) Amanda Kelly / Michelle Boland (Wexford) LJBS Sarah Merrigan (Wexford) Tanya O’Toole (Wexford) LJBD Sarah Merrigan / Tanya O’Toole (Wexford) Fiona Holohan / Niamh Murphy (Wexford) LJS Marie T O’Neill (Kilkenny) Claire Love (Kilkenny) LJD Marie T O’Neill / Claire Love (Kilkenny) Ann Boland / Sinead Cowman (Wexford) LIS Patrica Doyle (Wicklow) ------LID ------

Joe Maxwell (A) League Wexford Dean Corrigan, Cory Murphy, Galen O’Riordan, Dale Flynn, Oisin Foley, Ben O’Shea Kilkenny Pauric Cooney, Killian Dunphy, Sean Tierney, Brendan Hyland, Peter Funchion, Mason Clifford

Joe Maxwell (B) League Kilkenny Fergal Lalor, Enda O’Donoghue, Aidin Nolan, Ross Butler, Shane O’Brien, Robbie Fitzpatrick Laois Cormac Murphy, Aran Murphy, Dominic Buggy David Mulhall, Pauric Cooney, Mark Purcell

BOYS U-12S Kilkenny (John Walsh) Wicklow (Daniel Curry) U-12D Meath (Robert Fox / Dylan Sheridan) Kilkenny (Conor Duggan / Liam Fennelly) U-13S Wexford (Galen O’Riordan) Laois (Evan O’Carroll) U-13D Wexford (Dale Flynn / Padraig Foley) Kilkenny (Ronan Egan / Eoin Doyle) U-14S Carlow (Daniel O’Leary) Wexford (Richard Martin) U-14D Kilkenny (Dylan Walsh / Cillian Treacy) Dublin (Cian O’Dalaigh / Cory Fay) U-15S Kildare (Niall O’Connor) Wicklow (Keith Kavanagh) U-15D Kilkenny (Keith Walsh / Cian Ryan) Dublin (Naoise Greene / John Walsh) U-16S Kilkenny (Eoghan Hennessy) Wexford (Dean Corrigan) U-16D Kilkenny (Keith Clifford / Graham Clifford) Wexford (Andy Cash / Diarmuid Kelly) U-17S Wexford (Jason Murphy) Kilkenny (Jason Delaney) U-17D Wexford (Peter Hughes / Mark Maher) Kilkenny (Donal O’Farrell / David Lafford) U-11D Wicklow (Daniel Curry /Aaron Kinsella ) Kilkenny (Padraig Cooney /Killian Dunphy )

GIRLS U-12S Kilkenny (Kirsty Maher) Carlow (Marianne Quirke-Bolt) U-12D Carlow (Michelle Nolan / Shannon Byrne) Kilkenny (Jenny Clifford / Ashling Maher) U-13S Wexford (Eimear Nolan) Kilkenny (Cait Broderick) U-13D Carlow (Shannon Geoghegan / Kate Moran) Kilkenny (Mary Buggy / Emma Hogan) U-14S Carlow (Amy Byrne) Dublin (Nicola Fagan) U-14D Kilkenny (Ciara Mahon / Mary Phelan) Dublin (Siobhan Cahill / Eleanor Buggy) U-15S Kilkenny (Rachel Hogan) Dublin (Dinaimh Greene) U-15D Kilkenny (Marie Walshe / Demi Donovan) Dublin (Lisa McKenna / Susan Clinton) U-16S Westmeath (Aoife McCarthy) Dublin (Jane Griffin)

79 U-16D Wexford (Sandra Kelly / Mairead Elms) Kilkenny (Laura Moore / Claire Grace) U-17S Wicklow Caoimhe Barnes ------U-17D Kilkenny (Meghan Clifford / Denise Doyle) ------

U-12/13 Team 6 Wexford Galen O’ Riordan, Ben O’Shea, Padraig Foley, Brian Kehoe, Dale Flynn, Oisin Foley Kilkenny Ronan Egan, Emmett Landy, Sean Tierney, Brian Mahon, John Walsh, Eoin Doyle

U-14/15 Team 6 Kilkenny Michael Conville, Enda O’Donoghue, Andrew O’Dwyer, Niall Mulharne, Pat Mulhearne, Sean Butler Dublin Naoise Greene, Corey Fay, John Walsh, Cian O’Dalaigh, Brian Treanor, Joe Varley

U-16/17 Team 4 Wexford Andy Cash, Cory Murphy, Paddy Goggins, Jim Berry Kilkenny Ger Malone, Gary Law, David Cummins, Darren Walshe

B Championships U-13S David Mulhall (Laois) U-13D Patrick Brennan/Adrian Farrell (Kilkenny) U-15S P J Trant (Kilkenny) U-15D Philip Waters / Craig Wright (Wexford) U-17S Luke Carry (Meath) U-17D Wesley Smyth/Shay Power (Kilkenny)

40 x 20 Club Champions Open Club Kells Tom Sheridan, Gary McConnell, Brian Carroll, Eugene O’Reilly Junior Club Coolboy Jerome Willoughby, James Gregan, Keith Kavanagh, Richard Walsh, Jason Doyle Junior B Club Monavea Andrew Dowling, Pauric Buggy, Peter Whelan, Michael Donovan, Michael Murphy

Shay Reilly League Carlow Damien Jordan, Paddy Shanahan, Barry Power, Eoin Fields, Patrick Quirke-Bolt, Emmett Fennelly, Gavin Power, Conor O’Shea Kilkenny Pauric Cooney, Mark Purcell, Eoin & Ruairi Kennedy, Donal & Jason Shore

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

enjoying their day in the sun. The interest in the O’Byrne Cup is growing each year and indeed with the colleges now participating in this competition makes it extremely competitive and a very enjoyable early season competition.

Leinster Referees Administration Committee The referees administration committee met four times throughout the year. The role of the Chairman Pat Casserly (Westmeath) county referee administrator continues to be a Secretary Aidan Shiels (Dublin) very important position and it is essential that Recruitment Pierce Freaney (Kildare) all county boards give it the support it deserves. & Training Officer However it is vital that each administrator Committee Liam O Neill (Louth) attends our meetings on a regular basis and Jimmy Henry (Meath) continues to support all referees within each Aidan Shiels (Dublin) county and within the province. Tom Byrne (Wicklow) Tow Rowe (Wexford) Assessments Michael Fennin (Kildare) This continues on a regular basis at both national Ger Lennon (Carlow) and provincial level. This is the most important Tommy Duggan (Kilkenny) area in the training and support for referees. As I Pat O’Sullivan (Laois) have been involved nationally for the past three Timmy Grogan (Offaly) years assessments continue to be the area that Liam McDaniel (Westmeath) referees seek and help prepare them for their Eamon Higgins (Longford) future training. Comhairle Laighean continue to Referees Match Officials be one of the most progressive provinces in Appointments Committee relation to this area and indeed I would like to thank Pierce Freaney who is also involved at Cathaoirleach John McCarthy (Kildare) national level for the amount of support he gives Runai Pierce Freaney (Kildare) to this area. Committee Pat Casserly (Westmeath) John Healy (Kilkenny) Recruitment & Training Paddy Dwyer (Meath) The past year has been very busy on the recruitment training front. Pierce Freaney has 2008 was another very successful year in relation done great work at Coiste Na Reiteoiri with a to our games and I would like to acknowledge special brief of recruitment and training. He and the huge contribution the referees have made the committee launched a new training towards our games. Again we had a major programme for all 3.1 and 3.2 referees. This is a increase in the number of games played in much more scientific and progressive training competitions such as the Christy Ring, Nickey programme for all referees involved. It was Rackard and Tommy Murphy cups. The devised by Niall Moyna from DCU and the championships in our provinces in late Autumn referees diet, fitness levels and ongoing training for both the junior and intermediate clubs in are monitored regularly. Also within the province hurling and football both proved to be very we had training and exam for all development successful and it is great to see so many clubs referees last April. This was held in Carlow and it

81 Tony Carroll, David O'Donovan, Pat Casserely, Sheamus Howlin, , Con Costello, Eddie Kinsella. Con Costello, Fox, Pat Sheamus Howlin, Casserely, Pat O'Donovan, David Carroll, Tony Pierce Freaney. Smith, GaryFergus Damien Brazil, Whelan, McCormack, Anthony Sean Stapleton, 

Leinster Championship Finals' Referees Leinster 2008 Championship Finals' Referees Back L-R: L-R: Front

82 will be followed up also this year and hopefully Comhairle Laighean under the new fitness regime. I thank our The support for refereeing and referees at Chairman Seamus Howlin and Comhairle Leinster Council is excellent and is also much Laighean for its continued support to all our appreciated by all our referees. I wish to thank training and fitness programmes. our chairman Seamus Howlin for giving me the position and then allow me the space to get on Academy with the job. Since Seamus took up position he Unfortunately our Leinster Referee Academy has been very supportive, interested and kept which proved so successful during the years himself well briefed on all matters affecting 2005, 2007 and 2007 was unable to function in referees and refereeing at provincial and national 2008. This was due to a lack of numbers, a poor level. Also I would like to thank Julie, Hannah response and a lack of interest (hopefully I am and Patricia who deal so efficiently with all of wrong about this). It is vitally important that the refereeing correspondences on a regular proper structures ie. County Referee basis. I wish also to thank Michael Delaney, Administration Committees are in place in each Michael Reynolds and John Cotter for their county to ensure that all aspects of refereeing support throughout the past year. are both catered for and nurtured. If neglected we all will find it much more difficult to maintain Our referees play a huge part in the running of and improve standards and much more difficult all competitions from school and underage right to fulfil the number of games we have at up to senior level. I thank all most sincerely for present. what was another excellent year.

Development Referees Thanks The Leinster Development Referees play their Our Referee Match Official Appointments part at our early season competitions. Their Committee played a major part in helping our performances resulted in some promotions to referees during 2008. We met on 13 occasions the national level. Ongoing training for these and I wish to thank John, Pierce, Paddy and John referees will continue and as mentioned for the effort they made to attend the meetings. previously they will also complete a fitness and A special thanks to Aidan Shiels who is secretary rules test in Spring ’09. to the Administrators Committee and who does a huge amount of work in several areas within Umpire Training our organisation. Again many thanks to Pierce This was carried out at national level two years Freaney who I have worked with on a regular ago under the supervision of the National Referee basis at both national and provincial levels and tutors. This January ’09 it was also repeated in who has a wealth of knowledge to all aspects of each province. Up to 200 umpires completed refereeing the course and again it proved to be very successful. Hopefully the training will continue Pat Casserly to maintain standards in this area which have Chairman now become very high. Again I would like to thank Comhairle Laighean for its support to this Pierce Freaney venture. Recruitment & Training Officer

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

83 National Referee Panelists - Laighean (Iomáint)

Contae 3.2 3.1 Ath Cliath Eamon Morris David O’Donovan Loch Garman Sean Whelan Joseph Kelly Cill Chainnigh Pat Dunphy Dominic Connolly John Guinan Uibh Fhaili Ciaran Groome Tony Carroll Iarmhi James McGrath An Mhi Fergus Smith Martin Bartley Laois Anthony Stapleton Cill Dara Fergus Deveraux

National Referee Panelists - Laighean (Peile)

Contae 3.2 3.1 Ath Cliath Gary McCormack Loch Garman Syl Doyle Tomas Quigley Uibh Fhaili Con Costello Damien Brazil Iarmhi Pat Fox Peter Daly Sean Carroll An Mhi Cormac Reilly Joe Curley David Coldrick Laois Maurice Deegan Eddie Kinsella Longphort John Bannon Derek Fahy Cill Mhantain Eddie Craul Lu Paul Finnegan Paul Kneel

84 Hearings Committee Report

The Committee also defends its decisions when they are appealed to Central Appeals Committee or Disputes Resolution Authority. We have ruled approximately one quarter of all appeals received in 2008 out of order. Before lodging an appeal appellants should examine the rules in the official guide as carefully Committee as possible. John Byrne (Chairman) We have found that some appellants are not Andrew O’Sullivan (Secretary) fully aware of our options when an appeal is upheld due to a technicality. Our Committee can Seamus Flynn (Longford) decide that no further action to be taken, that Jim Thornton (Louth) the case can be re-heard or re-processed or we Tony Robinson (Westmeath) can substitute our own decision on the matter. John Dalton (Laois) The committee met on 17 occasions from last convention to end of January 2009. Sean Campion (Carlow) Buíochas Paddy Wickham (Wexford) To Andrew O’Sullivan for all the work behind the Michael Delaney (Appeals only) scenes as well as at meetings. The Leinster Hearings Committee has two To Michael Delaney for all his advice and functions: opinion. 1 It adjudicates on all disciplinary matters To Patricia Clear for her attention to detail and when requested relating to the enforcement willingness to get notification out so promptly of rules arising from matters under the and efficiently. jurisdiction of Comhairle Laighean except for senior inter county championships. To Committee Members for being available to attend at such short notice when necessary. Also 2 It shall hear all appeals against decisions for their valued contributions at meetings. made by county committees, county hearings committees and county competition control To all county representatives for the manner in committees. It adjudicates only on the rules which they conducted their business. infringed or misapplied. John Byrne Cathaoirleach

85 Club Fixtures Monitoring Committee Report

4 Counties in some cases were starting their championships in May and then a break for, June, July, and restarting in mid-August when their county teams were out of the championship. The counties raised a number of problems that were unhelpful to them in trying to run a fixtures programme; • The round robin system in the Leinster minor championships • The power of intercounty managers at all grades A motion was passed at the special congress in • The postponement of any fixture at national November 2007, that an audit committee would be level causes havoc to club fixtures set up by each provincial council to monitor club • The use of Referees as fourth official, can mean fixtures in their provinces, in particular the various leaving a county short of referees for local championships in hurling and football. games An Cathaoirleach, Comhairle Laighin appointed the • Leinster under 21 championship been run in following committee; early Spring, clashing with national league and Martin Skelly (Chairperson), J.J. Walsh. James Savage. colleges Micheal Foley, Pauric Boland, John Greene • 13 day rule not possible in dual counties, and (Secretary) this rule is now expected by minor managers The committee held five meetings during the year, The committee provided the cathaoirleach of each member of the committee was allocated two Comhairle Laighin with two reports for the Coiste counties to monitor and they were to keep in touch Bainisti at national level, one in mid- July and one in with them on an ongoing basis to see how their early October, these reports had the detail of each programmes were been run and to report to the full counties championship starting dates and their committee. progress to date in both hurling and football at The committee met with the chairpersons and senior, intermediate and junior level, the October secretaries of the C.C.C. of all the counties in report showed what counties had finished their Portlaoise, all of the counties had provided the respective championships and the the expected committee with a copy of their fixtures programme finishing dates of those that were still in progress. for the year. While the committee would not be totally happy At this meeting each county gave a summary of with the way the fixtures were run, by and large how they run their competitions in both league and counties did follow their yearly plan as submitted, championship and these varied quite a lot from but some adjustments would be needed for 2009. county to county. The committee ran a seminar for all the county 1 Resulting from the discussions at the meeting C.C.C., chairpersons and secretaries on Thursday the committee learned that leagues were February 19th, in the Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise. played for the most part without county At this seminar there were guest speakers and a players. workshop on the various topics to provide a well run 2 That practically all championships had some and beneficial fixture programme for our club form of a back door system. players in all Leinster counties 3 That clubs did not want the championship started until mid- June or early July, because Mairtín Ó Sceallaigh, Cathaoirleach when out of the championship they felt their Seán Ó hUaine, Rúnaí season was over.

86 Information Technology, Marketing & Public Relations Committee Report

of Dublin being chosen as the top Club Website and Wexford PRO Mary Foley acknowledged as having produced the best County Final Programme.

Games Marketing Amongst the initiatives taken to raise the profile An Blian Seo Chaite of our games were a Captains photos promotion The IT Marketing & PR Committee opended their with the Provincial trophies and Free Match activities with a meeting of all the county PRO’s tickets to the Local Media for competitions and wrapped them up with a review of the highlighting upcoming Senior championship National IT Strategy and a ground breaking games. conference call. Promoting the key aims of the group to support the Marketing of our Games Also covered by John Cotter were the basic and enhancing the use of IT at all levels, the requirements for County Final Programmes committee of (Cathoirleach) Pat Teehan, (Runaí) covering size, photo formats, player profiles, Jimmy Walsh, (P.R.O. Comhairle Laighean) Tom paths to the final and County News. Also Farrell, Jim Thornton, Paddy Flanagan, John recommended was maintaining a personal touch Cotter, Pat Doyle, Tara Rowan, P.J. Geraghty, John and providing value for money. Conran, Gerry Harrington, and Alan Milton worked across a wide range of projects. This Years Leinster Match Programmes included the New Artwork, Adverts and Logo’s representing County PRO’s the New Sponsorship deals and representations Very positive feedback was received from the led to the retention of the Leinster Logo on the County PRO’s, many of whom met for the first backdrops for after match interviews. time in April and discussed the different expectations and challenges they faced. Websites Review During the year a comprehensive Survey of each On the night Guest Speaker Martin Breheny County Website was carried out covering their outlined his role as a customer with space to fill Contents that included Fixtures, Results, Links to across Radio, TV and the Print Media. In it he Clubs, Support for Officials, Archive Material and highlighted the importance of receiving by email, Galleries. Following a review of the results, regular news items and positive stories to support support was provided to four counties and Links sponsors and special occasions. He also covered were standardised between County, Leinster and the necessity to build up good relationships with Croke Park sites. journalists, County Officers and the need to have regular release times for County Teams and the Elsewhere Alan Milton’s features promoted Club improved Presentation of results. This resulted in websites in match programs and the new Leinster a document on the role of the PRO being put Site www.cgl.ie was linked to together by Pat Teehan and Paddy Flanagan. County and Club Websites. Leinster Awards Tele Conferencing This years Awards focussed on Club Websites and Following approaches to Croke Park and the County Final Programmes and found an ever Service Providers it was decided to pilot Tele increasing standard. They resulted in St. Brighids Conferencing for Leinster and Nationally in

87 Kilkenny. After a thorough assessment of its Webmasters & IT Officers benefits the Tele Conferencing facility was A review of County Webmaster & IT Officers has extended to the County and Provincial shown that the positions are not all filled and are committees and is currently being rolled out often carried out by County Board Officers Nationally. resulting in increased workloads for the personnel involved. It is recommended that all Counties 125 Year Commemoration should have an IT Officer and the IT and PR A sub committee of Tom, Farrell, Paddy Flanagan, committee plan to promote improved liaison John Cotter and Alan Milton were set up to between the Webmasters, IT Officers and PRO’s organise ideas of celebrating and commemorating at Provincial level. This will help reduce the the event and to liase with the Coiste Naisiúnta demands on volunteers time, lessen the Fixtures and Results duplication of work and enhance the end product. This year the key requirement of supporters to access fixtures and results instantly is scheduled An Blian Seo Chugaimn to make great improvements with an automated The end of Year review of with Declan Fanning of text based system being provided for websites the National IT Strategy Committee that covered by both Croke Park IT and eSports. the imminent launch of new emails, websites and improved registrations, fixtures and results Online Registrations Systems will help satisfy the current insatiable Positive Feedback on the New Online Registrations demand for instant information. It too will System being piloted in Kilkenny and one club in provide us with the challenge to ensure all units Dublin has filled a serious gap in the recording of are brought quickly up to speed with the new the Association Membership. The rollout developments. continues with seven more counties Leinster in the coming year. The added facility to print Team Sincere thanks are extended to all who assisted Lists and a Text Massaging facility are among the the committee in any way and congratulations additional benefits supplied by the System with to committee members Alan Milton on his Registration Cards to be provided at a later appointment as Communications Officer in stage. Croke Park. Our thanks to Tom Farrell for his contribution during his two years as Leinster PRO.

Pat Teehan (Cathoirleach) Jimmy Walsh (Runaí)

88 Leinster P.R.O.

A novel and very time-consuming aspect of the championship promotion was organising photographs of the two team captains with the trophy, each week, prior to each fixture. I want to thank all the senior captains for their co-operation in travelling at strange hours to sometimes unusual venues to facilitate the promotion. In all, 2008 saw the introduction of the new GAA 15 different Captains’ photographs were taken. branding which was rolled out accross the The photos then became an integral part of the province for our Senior Championships. This local press promotion and also appeared in the exercise involved much work and cooperation on match programmes and finally became the the part of the county PROs and I thank them for content of two posters, one Hurling, one Football, that and complement the successful outcome of which became a record of the senior their efforts. championships, and which were circulated to the counties for distribution. A similar exercise in rebranding took place during the Leinster Club Championships. Our 125 subcommittee - Tom Farrell, Alan Milton, Paddy Flanagan and John Cotter - have A major element of the work of the PRO Function put together a package of events and publications in 2008 was the promotion of our senior to mark the 125 celebrations which will be rolled championships. This involved local radio, local out during the first half of 2009. These are press, free ticket competitions, primary school detailed elsewhere in this convention report. competitions and posters. As I am stepping down after two years as PRO I A generic Local Radio ad was generated for the would like to say the I have enjoyed the experience championship, into which a fixture specific and I hope i have enhanced the position through drop was inserted detailing the fixture, date, my efforts. My thanks to the members of the IT, time and venue. The costumised ad was then Marketing and Public Relations Committee and aired on the relevant local radio stations in the the officers and staff of Comhairle Laighean. I participating counties during the week prior to want particularly to pay thanks to John Cotter. the fixture. In all 30 different ads were aired We got a lot of work done over the two years across Leinster over a period of 12 weeks. and we performed well as a team.

Local Press promotion consisted of Free Ticket Finally, my best wishes to the incoming PRO of Competitions in the relevant local papers for the Comhairle Laighean. various fixtures. The competitions were linked to advertising which carried fixture details. Go raibh maith agaibh go leir. Tomas O Fearghail

89 Grounds, Facilities, Health & Safety Committee Report

the context of what is best and affordable. In this regard Health and Safety Standards must be an important ingredient when planning a development. In 2008 a Club Safety Statement was made a requirement when making Club Grant Applications. It is very much in the interest of the Club and C.L.G. as an organisation that the contents of the Safety Statement and adherence Committee to same is taken seriously by all Clubs. P.J. Murphy (Cathaoirleach) Michael Reynolds (Rúnaí) In particular it is imperative that the required Sean Sheridan (Coisde Bainisti) Statutory appointments are made by Clubs and Shane Flanagan (Comhairle Laighean) Counties when undertaking Construction Kieran Keenaghan projects. Martin Murray Earlier in the report reference was made that Brendan Ward there is advice available at Provincial level for John Costello Clubs. An important role in that service is that Dick Miller of the County Development Officer. The County Brendan Carthy Development Officer should be the first port of Joe Bedford call for Clubs proposing development work. This The trend of recent years continued in 2008 with Committee in conjunction with the Club and a further increase in the number of Clubs seeking County Planning Committee hope to develop Grant Allocation. the link in the coming year. 115 Clubs and 6 Units in the Educational Sector County Training Grounds continue to be topical. were Grant aided to the value of €1.6m (Ard It is with regret that only one County Training Chomhairle contributed €1.125m) Centre (Centre of Excellence) in the Province received funding from the Sports Capital While present indications suggest that there is a Programme in 2008. Nevertheless Training considerable amount of Club Development Centres are required and Counties in conjunction planned and in train in 2009 caution must be with Comhairle Laighean must plan long term observed by Clubs and County Committees in for their provision. the present economic circumstances. Presently 2 Counties are well on the road while We know of the absence of Sports Capital 4 others have started or about to start and the Funding for 2009, and possibly 2010 also. It is other 6 have either purchased or are seeking imperative then that Clubs act responsibly prior suitable sites. to undertaking significant physical development. It is noteworthy that in recent months a number In the context of 3G pitches and Centres of of Clubs sought assistance from the Committee Excellence, Counties with sufficient land for 5 to and the Finance Advisory Committee. Has the 6 pitches should install extra sand based pitches time arrived whereby any proposed Club or even natural grass pitches rather than a Development must have the approval of the synthetic pitch. relevant Committees and Sub-Committees at In the present economic climate Counties would both County and Provincial level prior to any be well advised to ensure that they remain contracts being entered into? within their means i.e. plan wisely. Presently Development for a Club and a County must be in many of the Senior Inter County games mid July

90 to end of September are destined for Pairc an played at headquarters. Therefore we do not Chrocaigh. Thus prudence is required when have the same issues with regards to stewarding consideration of further development of County etc. as our colleagues in the other Provinces may Grounds is contemplated. have. Nevertheless in today’s climate we must immediately address a number of issues with Regional Centres – The income from Rugby and regard to Stewarding, so as to ensure that: Soccer is being disbursed by way of €250K to each County with the remainder, of which a) Each County has an adequate number of Comhairle Laighean is allocated €7 million euro, trained Stewards. going to Regional centres. b) Comhairle Laighean has a cohort of trained Currently St Mary’s Leixlip and St Loman’s Stewards who are available to move from Mullingar are out to tender, while Darver, venue to venue. Rathcoole, Clontarf, and Heywood CS are the “Failing to plan is planning to fail” other centres where this money is ringfenced for. In conclusion I wish to record my thanks to Cathaoirleach Sheamus Howlin for his great Cost of Floodlighting for pitches has been support throughout the year, you the officers of mentioned on a regular basis over the past few Leinster Council, and the officers of the Counties years. As matters stand there is no further relief who made the visits by members of my via the Energy Regulator with regard to cost Committtee to their Clubs and Counties such a when supplied by E.S.B. Thus the Generator is a pleasant experience throughout 2008 .I thank very viable option. Leinster Council CEO Michael Delaney and the It must be stressed that floodlighting to match staff of Aras laighean for their assistance and standard should only be considered when the indeed the members of the Grounds Facilities, quality of the pitch surface is such to permit the Health and Safety Committee for being so ready playing of matches in the most inclement to respond to issues as they arose during the weather. year. Comhairle Laighean continues to have many of Buíochas our “bigger” Inter County Championship games P S Ó Murchú

91 Leinster Club and County Planning Committee

• Team managers • Referees • GAA staff • Newcomer groups from more than 20 countries • Schools • Media

During 2008 every county in Laighean made a The Club and County Planning Committee met significant contribution to development of “The to make a contribution to the National strategic GAA Strategic Vision and Action Plan 2009- thinking and planning process. It also reviewed 2015” which was launched in November. The its own terms of reference and the role the Steering Group which acted as an advisory provincial Committee will play in the team to the strategic planning process included implementation of The GAA Strategic Vision Nicolas O’Braonain, Brian O’Donnachain, Tomas and Action plan. Individual members of the O’Rian, Diarmuid de Paor and Seaghan Committee shared their understanding of the O’Flannagain of Laighean. role of the County Development Officer, how the role is perceived in each County and the As part of the strategy process more than 120 role the Officer can play in future. The feedback club members drawn from every county in from this work was important in the formulation Laighean took part in the Club Forum in Croke of the national strategic plan. Park. Later at the provincial convention in Wexford in March all delegates took part in a Some of the key inputs from the Committee highly productive workshop; this workshop into the national plan included: provided valuable inputs into the strategic planning process. The workshop focused on the • Redefining the role of the County strengths of the Association which should be Development Officer to ensure consistency protected and enhanced; the opportunities for of approach across the counties, and to the GAA to continue to grow and perform more ensure that the position makes the effectively and efficiently; the aspirations the maximum impact in each county. delegates have for the long term vision for the association; and the measures of success that • Training for County Development Officers the Association should use at national, provincial, county and club levels. • Clear targets for Provinces and Counties in completing Development Plans. Throughout Laighean, workshops, meetings and interviews were held with a wide range of • Introduction of a reward mechanism linked groups and individuals representing County with the performance of Counties and Boards, Clubs, members and non-members. Club in implementing their Development These included: Plans. • Volunteer administrators • Education of Clubs in appreciating and • Players recognising the role of the Volunteer • Non-traditional GAA communities • Club Officer training and promotion of • Club, County, school and college coaches improved club management

92 • Alignment of Structures and As requested by the Club and County Planning Subcommittees and Governance in all Committee the Roles and Responsibilities of Clubs the County Development Officer are being redefined by Croke Park. • Increased participation of newcomers in all aspects of GAA activities In March 2009 the Club and County Planning Committee will meet; by then each member • Promotion of increased club membership will have had the opportunity to study The GAA nationally. Strategic Vision and Action Plan in detail; Provincial meetings of all the Counties will • These recommendations are now part of have taken place; all the County Development the national plan. Officers nationally will have met in Croke Park. At the March meeting the Leinster Committee The Committee members stressed the will develop its plan for its role in implementing importance of engaging every County in the the National, Provincial, County and Club Provincial planning process. They also highlighted plans. the need for the active involvement of the entire County Executive in the County planning We would like to thank all the members for process. These recommendations are now being their contribution to the National planning acted on; in the first quarter of 2009 the process. The practical experience and insights Executive of every County is meeting with the of the members is important in ensuring the Ard Stiurtoir and his team to agree each plan is practical, outcomes focused, and specific County’s specific targets and key focus areas to Provinces, Counties and Clubs. Each member for 2009 and beyond. has been very active in their primary role with their own county and we are grateful for the Each Province will agree the number of Counties investment of time at Provincial level. that will complete Strategic Plans in 2009 and the date by which every County will have a 2009 and beyond will be challenging times for current Strategic Plan in place. The Strategic everyone in our communities. Over our 125 Plan for each County will be unique to the years the GAA has helped communities to grow ambitions, needs and circumstances of the and thrive and be vibrant with a strong sense of County and at the same time be fully aligned identity, even in the most difficult times. Part of with the Provincial and National Plans targets the role of the Club and County Planning and measures of success. Committee is to make sure that every Club and County in Laighean takes the time to reflect on In the first half of 2009 each County will agree its strengths, its positive role for members, the number of Clubs that will complete families and the community. The Committee Development Plans in 2009 and the date by will work to ensure that every unit has the which every Club will have a current resources and expertise and support it requires Development plan in place. to have a solid plan for the future in place.

Paul O'Kelly (Cathaoirleach)

93 Coiste Scór Laighean Report

willing and anxious to visit any county to advise and assist in the rejuvenation of Scór and our small committee is very willing to travel to all parts of the province, should the invitation be offered by our respective counties. The real success of Scór should lie with the internal competition which takes place within our clubs and in order for this to happen we need strong Scór committees in our counties. Surely, it cannot be that difficult to get between six to ten Tá sé phribléid agam an tuaráscail seo a chur faoi clubs in each county to participate in Scór. If bhraid na ndaoine ata bailithe anseo ó Cuige that were to happen, then Scór would have a Laighean. much better representation overall than we currently have. Scór celebrates its 40th Anniversary in 2009 and we in Leinster can be extremely proud of our To the officers of Leinster council, I would like to competitors and those who have administered thank Seamus Ó hUilin and Michéal Ó Scór over the past four decades. Scór is an Dubhshláine for their support and help during excellent social outlet for all who are associated the year. Sincere thanks to all the County Scór with Cumann Luthchleas Gael and holds a committees,adjudicators and all who helped in special place for those who keep the flag flying continuing to promote Scór within the province. in the relatively small amount of clubs within Congratulations to Coiste Scór na hIarmhí for our province who continue to participate in this the holding of the All Ireland Scór na nÓg final in fine event. We can feel reasonably satisfied that the Athlone Institute of Technology once again Scór na nÓg is holding up well throughout a core with great success. It is now the spiritual home area in the province and with a little marketing for Scór na nÓg All . it can be introduced to a larger cohort of clubs. Senior Scór is another matter. This portion of Finally, I would like to sincerely thank Dómhnall Scór has been in rapid decline for quite a few Ó hIcéadha, our long standing runaí for his great years and apart from a few core areas who dedication to Scór over the years and to the continue to support the competition, it has been members of the Leinster Scór committee for largely forgotten or perhaps ignored in a lot of their work over the duration of the current Scór counties. season. As stated in last year’s convention report by Mise le Meas Dómhnaill, the Leinster Scór committee are Aodhan Breathnach Cathaoirleach

94 Leinster Scór na nÓg Winners 2009 Leinster Senior Scór Winners 2008

RINCE FÓIRNE (Ceili Dancing) RINCE FÓIRNE (Ceili Dancing) Maynooth Kildare Mullingar Shamrocks Westmeath AMHRÁNAIOCHT AONAIR (Solo Song) AMHRÁNAIOCHT AONAIR (Solo Song) Katherine Nea St Malachy's, Westmeath Jenny McNamee The Downs-Westmeath CEOL UIRLISE (Instrumental Music) CEOL UIRLISE (Instrumental Music) -Ballymitty Wexford Shamrocks Offaly AITHRISEOIREACHT / SCEALAIOCHT AITHRISEOIREACHT / SCEALAIOCHT (Recitation / Storytelling) (Recitation / Storytelling) Bronagh Hogan Cloughbawn-Wexford Liam Butler Legan Sarsfield-Longford BAILÉAD GHRUPA (Ballad Groups) BAILÉAD GHRUPA (Ballad Groups) Shamrocks Offaly Moate All Whites Westmeath TRÁTH NA gCEIST (Question Time) TRÁTH NA gCEIST (Question Time) Allenwood Kildare Ferbane Offaly NUACHLEAS (Novelty Act) NUACHLEAS (Novelty Act) St Malacy's Westmeath Lucan Sarsfield Dublin RINCE SEIT (Set Dancing) RINCE SEIT (Set Dancing) St Vincents Longford Bunbrosna Westmeath

Meath - Kehoe Cup Winners 2008 Back L-R: David Crimmins, Stephen Donoghue, Brian Coughlan, Gary Mangan, Kevin Dowd, Niall Hackett, Andrew Snow, Nicky Horan, Noel Kirby, Martin Horan, Stephen Clynch (Capt), Enda Fitzgerald, Kieran Dunphy. Front L-R: Mark Brennan, Pauric Geoghegan, Mark Lynch, Jimmy Boyle, Ger O'Neill, Alan Ryan, Stephen Quinn, Michael Foley, Mick Cole, Paul Gannon.

95 Coisde Gaeilge Laighean Report

glossary pages, containing assistance in regard to Irish language content for match programmes, match announcements and other occasions, particularly useful. There has also been a positive reaction to the football and hurling skills sets, which can be printed off and used for skills- coaching as Gaeilge in schools and in clubs. The committee would like to see Cultural Officers cgl.ie – the language support website established on the county boards and in the clubs make by Coiste na Gaeilge – is going from strength to more use of the site, in terms of utilising the strength. Launched at last year’s Comhairle resources provided and letting us know what Laighean AGM, the site has recently been updated other material, if any, they would like to see on and developed, with the introduction of a new it. We would particularly like to receive material page based on Séamus Ó Faoláin’s match from players, who can write a short account programme articles. The committee is looking (maximum 500 words) as Gaeilge about their forward to a new development phase for the site club and what it means to them, and there’s no over the coming months, when it is hoped to need to worry about grammar – the committee expand on the material already there and will sort that out! introduce some more new pages. Vivian Uíbh Eachach, Feedback on the site has been promising and Rúnaí, Coiste na Gaeilge many officials in the organisation find the

96