Ulster Ladies pick up 6 All Stars

ulsters-ladies-football-allstars-2008.jpgUlster picked up a total of 6 Ladies Football All-Stars at the gala banquet at CityWest Hotel on Saturday night.

All-Ireland Champions Cork and Ulster champions Monaghan dominated the nominations for this year’s Ladies Football All-Stars with 20 nominations between the two senior finalists but it was the four in a row champions who collected the most All Stars on the night.

Cork, who have dominated the senior grade over the past four years, deservedly picked up the majority of the honours on the night with new Cork captain Angela Walsh collecting her fourth award to match her four All-Ireland medals.

Monaghan were rewarded for their outstanding displays this year with four All Stars.

Intermediate champions Tipperary picked up one All Star in the form of Edel Hanley while Michaela Downey landed her first award for Down.

Senior counties Mayo and Tyrone also picked up a single All Star on the night.

Cumann Peil Gael na mBán also announced that in January 2008 the Ladies Football All Stars would travel to Dubai to play an exhibition match.  The last Ladies Football All Stars tour was to Singapore in 2006.

Uactaran na hEireann, Mary McAleese was the guest of honour at the prestigious event which was filmed live for deferred airing on TG4.

Entertainment was provided on the night by Brian Kennedy, while Marty Morrissey and Dathi O’Se led proceedings.

The Young Players of the Year Awards went to Dora Gorman (Salthill/Knocknacarra, Galway – Connacht), Alice Malone (Kileen, Laois -Leinster), Aine O’Leary (Cil Min, Cork – Munster) and Jane Ward (Beragh Red Knights, Tyrone – Ulster)

Helen O’Rourke, Chief Executive of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, said “The All Stars would not be possible but for the contribution of our sponsors TG4 and O’Neills. I would like to take this opportunity to thank most sincerely the Managing Director of O’Neill’s Tony Towell and an Ceannasai TG4 Pól O’Gallchóir for their commitment to the sponsorship of our sport and their continued support of the Association.”

O’Neills/TG4 Ladies Gaelic Football All Star Team 2008: Elaine Harte(Cork); Sharon Courtney (Monaghan), Angela Walsh (Cork), Linda Barrett (Cork); Briege Corkery(Cork), Brid Stack (Cork), Neamh Woods (Tyrone); Amanda Casey (Monaghan), Juliet Murphy (Cork); Michela Downey (Down), Niamh Kindlon (Monaghan), Nollaig Cleary(Cork); Edel Hanley (Tipperary), Cora Staunton (Mayo), Edel Byrne (Monaghan).

Over 500 attend Club Conference

club-conf-2008-europa.jpgThe Ulster Council’s second Club and Community Development conference organised in partnership with the Irish News took place in the Europa Hotel, Belfast, on Saturday 15th November.

Over 500 delegates attended including club, county and provincial level GAA officials, central and local government officials, and four government ministers including Tánaiste Mary Coughlan TD, Minister for Social Development Margaret Ritchie MLA, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Eamon Ó Cuiv, TD and Minister for Education, Catriona Ruane MLA who deputised for deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness who had to attend to urgent business at the last minute.

The focus of this year’s conference was “Enhancing Community Cohesion through the development of GAA club and volunteers”

GAA President, Nickey Brennan, and President-Elect, Christy Cooney were also present with Cooney outlining the key initiates from the new National GAA Strategy which will be launched on November 25th.  This year the master of ceremonies was BBC presenter Lynnette Fay.

There where seven conference workshops this year, that included

  • Pitch and Club House Development: This workshop hosted by Stephen McGeehan Operations Manager, Ulster GAA and Helen Donnelly Development Officer in Sport NI focused on the development of facilities at clubs. Sport NI recently announced that 14 GAA clubs have benefited from capital funding which will see the development of second pitches on their groups, the bids for funding were completed with the support from officials in Ulster GAA.
  • Volunteer and Community Leadership: This workshop hosted by Ulster GAA Strategic Adviser Mark Conway and consultant John O’Neill from the Venture I Network looked at the important role that volunteer GAA officials play in the development of community capacity building. The workshop gave an overview of the job roles of club executive officers and will highlighted the importance of club planning and community consultation.
  • Urban Club Development: This workshop hosted by Ulster GAA Community Development Manager Ryan Feeney reviewed the new development initiatives that the GAA are establishing to support urban clubs in their ongoing development. The workshop gave case studies on successful urban GAA clubs and included testaments and ideas urban club officers.
  • Child Protection at Club Level: Hosted by Geraldine McKavanagh, Child Protection Officer Ulster GAA. This workshop reviewed the recent changes to legislation that resulted in a review of the Child Protection procedures required by GAA clubs. This workshop also gave an overview of the important measures that each club must take to ensure that the GAA is compliant in this vital are of association business.
  • Celebrating 125th Anniversary of the GAA at Club Level: Hosted by Ulster GAA 125 Committee member Donal McAnallen, this workshop suggested initiatives that clubs can “roll-out” as part of the anniversary celebrations.
  • Women in the GAA: Hosted by Ulster GAA Health and Wellbeing Manager Aileen Tohill, this workshop highlighted the important role that women play in the association, it focused on the integration process that has been taking place in Ulster over the past three years and suggested club level initiatives that could increase female involvement in the GAA.
  • Club Communication: Irish News “Against the breeze” columnist and reporter Paddy Heaney hosted this workshop which gave club volunteers advice on how to deal with the press and media, and suggested tips and pointers on how to better promote the club develop improve sponsorship coverage.  The workshop also reviewed the development of the new national GAA brand as explained by David O’Connor from The Brand Union, which has resulted in new crests and branding for the entire association. This workshop gave clubs an overview of the new branding procedures and their relevance at club level.

The conference also held a one hour workshop as part of the consultation process for the new Ulster GAA strategy 2009-2015 were delegates could contribute to the development of the new strategy.

The conference also saw the launch of the new Ulster GAA Community Development Unit, which has been established to provide dedicated support for capacity building at club level, the new unit also, has responsibility for Community Outreach initiatives and strategic development across the province. The unit will be employing two new community development officers as part of a cross-jurisdictional initiative supported by the Department of Social Development and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

Ulster GAA President Tom Daly highlighted the success of the conference “This years conference was an outstanding success  and I am thankful to all the 500  plus delegates for attending the event and, I am confident that those present all got something from the day that will assist them in making the GAA better in both their club and community. I am also thankful to the government representatives including the Tánaiste, both Community Ministers and the Minister of Education for lending their support to the day. I would also thank the Irish News for their support in the organisation of the conference, they are an excellent corporate partner and I look forward to launch of the Irish News Club and Volunteer Awards in March”

Irish News editor Noel Doran said,“We are delighted to show our support for the conference as it is a major event for the GAA in Ulster. The conference objectives fit perfectly with the aspirations of the Irish News to create a healthy future for the GAA in Ulster.”

Éamon Ó Cuív TD, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, who is also President of his local GAA club Naomh Pádraig CLG An Fhairche (Clonbur) Co. Galway said: “As a Minister with responsibility for community development I often use the G.A.A. at local level in particular, as one of the best examples of volunteering and community development across the island of Ireland. As a sporting organisation that is inclusive of all age groups and of both women and men, the G.A.A. can play an increasingly key role in integrating all of our communities and in the integration of new residents to our shores.”

Commenting on the new initiatives Minister for Social Development Margaret Ritchie MLA said: “The GAA in Ireland occupies a special place in the social and community life of many towns and villages.  It is Ireland’s largest amateur sporting, community and cultural organisation. I am committed to the ‘shared future’ and ‘good relations’ agenda sitting at the heart of all social policy. Segregation and polarisation has cost us dearly in economic, but more importantly, in social terms. Today, I am thankful to say that the binds of division are dissolving. I want to take this opportunity to encourage you in the work you are taking forward to strengthen community cohesion.  The GAA has always shown leadership at community level and long may this continue.”

 

Conference presentations and resources are available on the Ulster GAA Club Maith web-site www.ulster.gaa.ie/club-maith

Additionally photos and video reports on the conference are available on the Irish News web-site www.irishnews.com/gaaconference

Rossa claim first Camogie All-Ireland

rossa-ai-camogie-2008.jpgJane Adams capped a superb week for Antrim camogie as her 2-9 haul inspired O’Donovan Rossa to All-Ireland senior club camogie glory on Sunday.

O’Donovan Rossa became the first Ulster outfit to capture the Bill Carroll trophy in the 44-year history of the competition as they recorded a 2-15 to 1-12 victory against Tipperary and Munster champions Drom & Inch.

A huge crowd witnessed a splendid game played on a fine pitch at Donaghmore, Asbourne and Adams was the undoubted star turn as two first half goals helped to establish a 2-7 to 0-8 interval lead for O’Donovan Rossa.

Adams collected Antrim’s very first camogie Allstar award eight days before this historic club final and she found the net twice in the final ten minutes of the first half to set 2006 runners-up O’Donovan Rossa on their way to a famous win.

With 20 minutes on the watch, Adams collected a fine ball from Seaneen Daykin to open up a 1-4 to 0-4 advantage and after Joanne Ryan responded with a point for Drom & Inch, Adams struck a second goal in the 25th minute.

Drom & Inch hit back with a free from their top scorer Therese Shortt but the lethal Adams hit three frees before the end of the first half to open up a five-point interval lead.

O’Donovan Rossa opened the second half with points from Maorisa McGourty and Grainne Connolly to put more daylight between the sides before Shortt opened Drom’s second half account with a free.

Three minutes from the end, Mary Looby scored a consolation goal with a fin= e handpassed effort to the net but it proved too little too late for Drom & Inch as O’Donovan Rossa secured a six-point win.

Adams, Daykin and Kerrie O’Neill were O’Donovan Rossa’s leading players while Shortt, Looby, Joanne Ryan and Geraldine Kinnane showed well for Drom & Inch.
Scorers for O’Donovan Rossa: Jane Adams 2-9, Grainne Connolly 0-2, Mariosa McGourty 0-2, Kerrie O’Neill & Maureen Stewart 0-1 each.
Scorers for Drom & Inch: Therese Shortt 0-7, Joanne Ryan 0-3, Mary Looby 1-2.

Ulster GAA lift Interfirms Title

interfirms-sfc-winners-2008.jpgUlster Interfirms Senior Football Championship Final:
Ulster GAA (Armagh) 3-8  McAleer & Rushe (Tyrone) 1-8

Ulster GAA continued their rich success in the Inter-Firms competition last night by adding the Ulster SFC Cup to their trophy cabinet.

In 2006 the Armagh based firm won the Ulster Junior title, before going on to beat Limerick Garda in the All-Ireland Junior Final.

Goals proved to be the key in what was a keenly contested affair at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena Cookstown.  Ulster GAA won the toss, and elected to play with the breeze in the first half.  This proved to be a wise decision, and early goals from Ruairi Convery and Paul Rouse gave the Armagh side a lead they would never relinquish.

McAleer and Rushe competed strongly for the remainder of the second half, particularly around midfield where Mick McCann and Paul Marlow were to the fore.  The Tyrone man responded with a few well taken points, but Paul Rouse toe-poked his second goal to leave the score 3-2 to 0-3 at half time.

The second half was again played at high intensity, with McAleer & Rushe chasing the deficit.  There was a lot of pressure put on the Ulster GAA defence early in the second half, and they weathered the storm well, restricting McAleer & Rushe to shooting from long range.  With 10 minutes remaining, McAleer & Rushe were given a lifeline, as the referee awarded them a penalty following a foul on Mick McCann, who had now moved into full forward.  McCann stepped up to take the penalty himself, but only to see it excellently saved by Paul Callaghan.

The penalty save seemed to spur on the Armagh men, and with Stephen Beattie and Ryan Mellon beginning to dominate in midfield, they were able to hold on for a great victory.

On acceptance of the Cup, Ulster GAA captain Stephen Donnelly paid tribute to McAleer & Rushe for a great final, and assured them that his team would do their utmost to proudly represent the Province in the All-Ireland series.

Ulster GAA will now enter the All-Ireland semi-finals with the 3 other Provincial winners.  Fixtures, dates and venues are yet to be confirmed.

2009 Dr McKenna Cup Draw

mckenna-launch-2009.jpgReigning Dr McKenna Cup Champions Down have been drawn against All Ireland SFC Champions Tyrone in the group stages of the 2009 Gaelic Life Dr McKenna Cup.  Monaghan and St Mary’s make up the other teams in Group B.

In Group A, reigning NFL Champions Derry will square up against last year’s beaten Ulster finalists Fermanagh along with Donegal and UUJ.

In Group C, new Antrim manager Liam Bradley, who was present at the draw, will have to pit his wits against Ulster Champions Armagh, as well as Cavan and QUB.

In the semi-finals, the winners of Groups B and C will face each other, while the winners of Group A will take on the best placed Runners Up.

The dates and venues for all the fixtures will be confirmed at the next meeting on the Ulster Council’s Competition Control Committee.

Full Draw:

Group A:
Fermanagh, Derry, Jordanstown, Donegal

Group B:
Tyrone, Monaghan, Down, St Mary’s

Group C:
Armagh, Queen’s, Cavan, Antrim.

Semi-finals:
Group A Winners v Best Runners Up
Group B Winners v Group C Winners.

400 Volunteers set for Conference

club-conf-2008-launch.jpgThe second Ulster GAA Club and Community Development conference will take place on Saturday 15th November in the Europa Hotel. Ulster GAA’s conference partner for the 2008 event is the Irish News. The conference has become the Ulster Council’s flagship non-games event focused at supporting club and community development right across Ulster GAA, which services over 250,000 volunteers working in 580 constituent GAA clubs and 600 constituent educational units across the nine counties of Ulster. This year’s conference is focused on improving the capacity of clubs and volunteers across the province as the theme of this year’s conference “Strengthening community cohesion though the development of the GAA clubs and volunteers” highlights.

The event is the second of its kind following the outstanding success of the 2007 conference in Stormont when over 450 GAA members attended. The conference will include a range of workshops, keynotes and discussion forums facilitated by leading GAA officials, Civil servants, business leaders and government Ministers. Last year’s keynotes included the then Minister for Culture Arts and Leisure Edwin Poots MLA, Minister for Education Catriona Ruane MLA and Margaret Riche MLA, Minister for Social Development. This year’s significant figures from the public sector have confirmed their attendance. Also attending will be GAA President, Nickey Brennan, and President-Elect, Christy Cooney. This year the master of ceremonies is BBC Championship presenter Austin O’Callaghan.

As part of the consultation process for the new Ulster GAA strategy 2009-2015 a specific part of the conference has been set aside where participants will take part in a one-hour club feedback forum were club officials can make their voice heard on the issues currently facing the GAA in the province of Ulster.

There will be seven conference workshops this year, they include:

  • Pitch and Club House Development: This workshop will focus on the development of facilities at clubs. Representatives from both Sports Councils will be present to provide funding advice and guidance to clubs planning new facility projects. Ulster GAA officials will also be present to advise on pitch development, planning, floodlighting and club house development, and to give an overview of the support that the Ulster Council can provide to club level officials in project management.
  • Volunteer and Community Leadership: This workshop will look at the important role that volunteer GAA officials play in the development of community capacity building. The workshop will give an overview of the job roles of club executive officers and will highlight the importance of club planning and community consultation.
  • Urban Club Development: This workshop will review the new development initiatives that the GAA are establishing to support urban clubs in their ongoing development. The workshop will have case studies on successful urban GAA clubs and testaments from urban club officers.  Officials from the GAA Council of Britain will also be present to give an overview of how they develop Gaelic Games in urban settings in Britain.
  • Child Protection at Club Level: A recent change in legislation has resulted in a review of the Child Protection procedures required by GAA clubs. This workshop will give an overview of the important measures that each club must take to ensure that the GAA is compliant in this vital are of association business.
  • Celebrating 125th Anniversary of the GAA at Club Level: The 125th Anniversary of the GAA in 2009 will be milestone in the history of the Association. Both the Central Council and Ulster Council are planning a range of events across Ireland and this workshop will suggest initiatives that clubs can “roll-out” at club level at part of the anniversary celebrations.
  • Women in the GAA: This workshop will highlight the important role that women play in the association, highlighting the integration process that has been taking place in Ulster over the past three years and suggesting club level initiatives that will increase female involvement in the GAA.
  • Club Branding, PR and Communication: As part of the development of the new National GAA Strategy, the GAA commission a brand review which has resulted in new crests and branding for the entire association. This workshop will give clubs an overview of the new branding procedures and their relevance at club level. The workshop will also look at the development of club crests and promotional material and will also give advice of dealing with the media and press.

Keynotes at this year’s conference include addresses from Ulster GAA President Tom Daly, GAA President Nickey Brennan, Noel Doran, Editor of the Irish News and Danny Murphy Provincial Director of Ulster GAA.

President Elect of the GAA Christy Cooney will give a keynote presentation on the new National GAA Strategy, which will be launched on 25th November while Ulster GAA Director of Games Dr. Eugene Young will give a keynote presentation on proposed Ulster GAA diversity initiatives, which will be developed over 2009.   The conference will also have stalls and representatives from companies and organisations who may have services relevant to GAA clubs.

This year’s conference will also see the launch of the new Ulster GAA Community Development Unit, which has been established to provide dedicated support for capacity building at club level, the new unit also, has responsibility for Community Outreach initiatives and strategic development across the province. The unit will be employing two new community development officers as part of a cross-jurisdictional initiative supported by the Department of Social Development and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The new unit will continue the development of the Club Maith support programme which includes a dedicated web-site that offers advice notes, information booklets and draft policies and procedures for clubs. The Club Maith accreditation programme is now also completed and ready to be rolled out over 2009.

Ulster GAA President Tom Daly highlighted the significance of the conference “The success of our first community conference highlighted the need for this event on annual basis, the Ulster Council is committed to supporting clubs in all areas of their development, and the establishment of the new Community Development Unit will help the Council do that. I am looking forward to seeing many of our club officials present at the conference and I confident that all present will benefit from the day. I would also highlight the important role of our conference partner the Irish News, I am grateful for their ongoing support in a range of matters and I look forward to strengthening our relationship over the next year.” 

Irish News editor Noel Doran said, “We are delighted to show our support for the conference as it is a major event for the GAA in Ulster. The conference objectives fit perfectly with the aspirations of the Irish News to create a healthy future for the GAA in Ulster.”

8.30am Registration
9.10am Welcome Austin O’Callaghan
9.20am Ulster President’s Address Tom Daly
9.30am GAA President’s Address Nickey Brennan
9.40am Sponsor Address Noel Doran (Editor, Irish News)
9.50am Special Guest Address  TBC
10.10am WORKSHOPS- 1

 

1. Pitch and Club House Development Stephen McGeehan

Helen Donnelly (Sport NI)
Irish Sports Council Rep

2. Volunteer and Community Leadership John O’Neill

Mark Conway

3. Urban Club Development Ryan Feeney

Council of Britain GAA

4. Child Protection at Club Level Geraldine McKavanagh
11.10am National GAA Strategy Christy Cooney
11.25am Club Maith Roll Out Ryan Feeney
11.35am WORKSHOPS-2

 

1. Pitch and Club House Development Stephen McGeehan

Helen Donnelly (SINI)
Irish Sports Council

2. Celebrating 125 at Club Level Donal McAnallen

Bernie McGlinchey

3. Women in the GAA Aileen Tohill

Mark Conway

4. Club Branding, PR and Communication Paddy Heaney

Niall Laird

Austin O’Callaghan

12.35pm LUNCH

 

1.25pm The Belfast Cuchullians Presentation and GAA Outreach Work Eugene Young

Jimmy Darragh

1.45pm Ulster Strategic Plan Danny Murphy

Mark Conway

1.55pm Round Table Forums

 

Feedback Forum 1

Coaching and Games

Chair: Oliver Galligan

Facilitator: Dr. Eugene Young

Feedback Forum 2- Governance Chair: Danny Murphy

Facilitator: Michelle McAleer

Feedback Forum 3- Physical Development Chair: Martin McAviney

Facilitator: Stephen McGeehan

Feedback Forum-4 Community Development and Culture and Heritage Chair: Michael Hasson

Facilitator: Ryan Feeney

3.00pm Irish News Club & Volunteer Awards John Brolly

Marketing Director Irish News

3.20pm Launch of the Ulster GAA Community Development Unit Special Guests TBC
3.50pm-4.05pm

4.05pm

Closing Address

Closing Remarks

Special Guest TBC

Aogan Farrell

Vice President Ulster GAA

Ulster Club Round-Up

cavan-gaels-st-galls-2008.jpgCavan Gaels, St Eunan’s and Ballinderry all made their way into the Ulster Club SFC semi-finals.

Cavan Gaels emerged the victors from their clash with Antrim’s St Galls on a score of 1-7 to 0-7.

The first half finished with the sides level, despite Michael Lyng’s Gaels goal.

Seanie Johnston then took centre stage as he scored a couple of quick points to help the Cavan side into a lead of three. Eamonn Reilly, Niall Murray and Johnston then all struck late on to ensure a provincial semi-final against Ballinderry.

Ballinderry booked their place in that November 16th encounter thanks to a 1-11 to 0-10 win over Monaghan side Latton.

The Derry champions had a second half goal from Raymond Wilkinson largely to thank for their win against stubborn opposition, though Conleith Gilligan also played an important role as four early points from him saw Ballinderry open up a bit of a lead.

Latton hit back though and were level at the break, in no small part due to Bernard O’Brien who fired over three points as the half wore on.

Wilkinson nabbed his goal just three minutes after the resumption and Gilligan added further scores to see the men from the Oak Leaf County home.

Donegal side St Eunan’s will play in the other semi-final after they overcame Tyrone’s Clonoe 2-10 to 1-8 at Coalisland.

Ryan O’Neill and David McGinley traded goals in the first-half, after which Clonoe were 1-6 to 1-5 clear, but the crucial score came after the break when Ciaran Sharkey buried a 54th-minute penalty for the men from the North-West.

Sharkey and Ross Wherrity added scores late on to seal the win and St Eunan’s will now take their place in the last four where they will play either St Patrick’s or Crossmaglen.

Below is the full round-up of the Ulster Club Championships to date:

ULSTER SENIOR HURLING CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

Oct 12 Ballygalget        4-13                 Keady                                      0-12     Casement Park

Oct 12 Cushendall        3-11                 Kevin Lynch’s                          2-08     Casement Park

Oct 19 Cushendall        1-14                 Ballygalget                                1-13     Casement Park

 

ULSTER INTERMEDIATE HURLING CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

Oct 05 Eire Og            1-17                 Eoghan Rua                              1-05     Omagh

Oct 05 Gort na Mona   1-25                 Cuchullains                               0-11     Casement Park

Oct 12 Castleblayney   2-09                 Liatroim                                    1-15     Dungannon

Oct 12 Gort na Mona   2-08                 Eire Og                                    1-09     Lurgan

ULSTER JUNIOR HURLING CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

Sept 28 Ballela 6-13                 Naomh Colum Cille                  2-07     Pairc Esler

Oct 05             Ballela              1-19                 St Malachy’s Portadown          2-08     Lurgan

Oct 05 Lisbellaw          2-12                 Monaghan Harps                      0-11     Irvinestown

Oct 05 Na Magha        1-08                 Mullahoran                               1-11     Ballinascreen

Oct 05 St Teresas        1-13                 Setanta                                     3-11     Casement Park

Oct 12 Lisbellaw          1-08                 Mullahoran                               0-11     Ballybay

Oct 12 Setanta             4-16                 Ballela                                      3-11     Dungannon

Oct 19 Lisbellaw          0-09                 Mullahoran                               0-06     Clones

Nov 02            Lisbellaw          4-15                 Setanta                                     4-06     Ballyshannon

 

ULSTER SENIOR FOOTBALL CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

Oct 19 St Galls            0-12                 Mayobridge                              2-05     Pairc Esler

Nov 02            Clonoe             1-08                 St Eunans                                 2-10     Coalisland

Nov 02 St Galls            0-07                 Cavan Gaels                             1-07     Casement Park

Nov 02 Ballinderry       1-11                 Latton                                      0-10     Ballinascreen

ULSTER INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

Nov 02            Annaclone        1-10                 MacCumhaills                           1-08     Pairc Esler

Nov 02            All Saints          2-10                 Erne Gaels                                3-14     Casement Park

 

ULSTER JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

Oct 26 Coa                  2-11                 Augher                                     0-07     Enniskillen

Oct 31 St Johns            2-13                 Coa                                          2-07     Pairc Esler

Nov 02 Middletown      1-06                 MacDermotts                           2-04     Armagh

Nov 02 Drung 0-08                 Lissan                                       1-11     Cavan

Nov 02 Drumhowan      0-11                 Carndonagh                              0-06     Clones

GAA / IFA Schools Coaches Training

gaa-ifa-coaches-training-day.jpg58 Department of Education Primary School Coaches had their first in service training day together at the Meadowbank Sports Complex in Magherafelt on Thursday 30th October.

This was the first occasion for the coaches from the GAA and the IFA to come together since the Minister’s Sport in School’s Project started in November 2007. The coaches were introduced by Eugene Young, Director of Coaching for the Ulster GAA. He welcomed everyone to this historic day where the two biggest sporting bodies had come together to share their experience and knowledge. He then introduced Mr Roy Miller, Director of the IFA, who stated how important this innovative project was to the youth with regards to obesity and getting children involved in sport at an early age.

Tom Daly, Ulster GAA President then spoke about the importance of the project and hoped it could be extended to the other three Ulster Counties because of its value.

The Minister for Education, Catriona Ruane commented how delighted she was to meet all the coaches for the first time and said how the feedback from schools and teachers had been fantastic. She went on to give an inspiration talk about the importance of sport for young people. She said this was one of the projects that excited her most because of its importance to all our children’s self esteem and helping to give them a great start in life.

Later in the day, Terence McWilliams the Primary School’s Project Coordinator for the GAA along with Tony Scullion, GAA Football Development Officer and the IFA coordinator Lee Carroll, took the coaches through a series of tasks involving Physical Literacy skills in the morning session and ‘The Family of Games’ (a series of progressively challenging games for P.1 to P.4 children in the afternoon. The feedback from all the coaches was excellent with the result that the IFA hope to run a similar day in the near future.