This week the presitigious BT Ulster Colleges Football and Hurling All-stars were announced.

Pictured is Conor McNally (St Patrick’s Armagh) who completed a personal double.  He was selected at corner-forward in both the Hurling team announced on Tuesday and the Football team announced today.  Conor was also at corner-forward in last year’s elite Hurling team.  Conor joins Peter Morris, Consumer Director, BT left and Paddy Linden, Vice-chairman Ulster Colleges Council.

2010/11 BT Colleges’ Football All-stars

1.   Matthew McNeice (St Colman’s Newry)

2.   Niall Donnelly (St Colman’s Newry)

3.   Ciaran Cannon (St Eunan’s Letterkenny)

4.   Peter Quinn (St Mary’s Magherafelt)

5.   Aidan Breen (St Michael’s Enniskillen)

6.   Conall McNulty (St Joseph’s Donaghmore)

7.   Caolán Mooney (St Colman’s Newry)

8.   Richard Donnelly (St Michael’s Enniskillen)

9.   Harry Óg Conlan (St Patrick’s Dungannon)

10.  Ronan McGrady (Our Lady’s and St Patrick’s Knock)

11.  Ruairí Corrigan (St Michael’s Enniskillen)

12.  Emmet Bradley (St Patrick’s Maghera)

13.  Ryan Mayse (Omagh CBS)

14.  John McCullagh (Omagh CBS)

15.  Conor McNally (St Patrick’s Armagh)

• These All-stars are known as the 2010/11 Football All-stars and this is the 24^th year of the Ulster Colleges’ All-star scheme.

• Players are selected over the course of two trial games, after being initially nominated by their own school to attend the trials.
  The scheme rewards excellence in skill and in sportsmanship and a player who has been sent off in any game between September 1^st and the dates of the trials is ineligible for selection.

• St Michael’s Enniskillen defeated St Patrick’s Dungannon in the BT MacCormack Cup final 1-10 to 2-3 last week.

• 3 St Michael’s Enniskillen players make the team, while only Harry Óg Conlan is selected from St Patrick’s Dungannon.

• 3 players from current Hogan champions St Colman’s Newry are included – all in defence – while there are 2 Omagh CBS forwards and 1 each from a further 6 schools.  Overall 10 schools are represented in the selection.

• Conall McNulty is the first player from St Joseph’s Donaghmore to be awarded an Ulster Colleges’ All-star.  St Joseph’s becomes the 31^st school to be included in the scheme.

• Ronan McGrady’s inclusion is only the third time that Our Lady’s and St Patrick’s Knock has had a footballer recognised.  Marcus Miskelly (2002) and Seán Molloy (2006) were like Ronan selected in attack.

• 6 of the 9 teams still involved in the BT MacRory Cup have players in the line-out – St Macartan’s Monaghn, Abbey CBS and St Michael’s Lurgan are the exceptions.

• Ciaran Cannon (St Eunan’s Letterkenny), Conall McNulty (St Joseph’s Donaghmore) and Ronan McGrady (Our Lady’s and St Patrick’s Knock) are in the BT O’Doherty /MacLarnon Cup draw, while Emmet Bradley’s St Patrick’s Maghera were knocked out of the BT MacRory in a play-off last week.

• Seven of the nine counties are represented, with 5 All-stars for Tyrone players, 2 each for Derry, Down, Armagh and Fermanagh, and 1 each for Antrim and Donegal.

• None of last year’s team are winning a second Football All-star, although corner-forward Conor McNally is receiving his third, having gained back to back hurling All-stars as a corner-forward last year and this year.

• Caolán Mooney has signed professional terms with Aussie Rules’ club Collingwood and will join them in summer 2011 when he completes his A Levels.

• Richard Donnelly, Harry óg Conlan and John McCullagh were all in the Tyrone team that won the All-Ireland Minor title in September, Harry scoring a goal and John picking up the Player of the Match Award and the Ulster GAA Writers’ Award for September.

• Richard Donnelly has repeated his brother Matthew’s feat of winning Ulster and All-Ireland Minor medals in 2008 and the following year picking up a BT Ulster Colleges’ All-star.

• Ruairí Corrigan’s brother Tomás was corner-forward in the 2009 All-star team and is now on the Fermanagh Senior squad.  Tomás and Ruairí are sons of Dominic, who has taken St Michael’s to the MacRory title on a couple of occasions and also managed both Fermanagh and Sligo at senior level.

• In overall terms, St. Patrick’s Maghera stay ahead of Abbey CBS with 44 football awards and they are joint-tops in the Hurling winners’ list with St Mary’s Belfast with 73 awards.

—

2010/11 BT Ulster Colleges’ Hurling All Stars

1. Conor McAlister (St Killian’s Garron Tower)

2. Christopher Convery (St Patrick’s Maghera)

3. Stephen Rooney (St Mary’s CBS)

4. Aaron McAufield (La Salle)

5. Karl McKaigue (St Patrick’s Maghera)

6. Conal Morgan (La Salle)

7. Conor McCann (St Mary’s Magherafelt)

8. James Black (Cross & Passion, Ballycastle)

9. Andrew McGowan (La Salle)

10. Damian Casey (St Patrick’s Dungannon)

11. Ciaran Clarke (Cross & Passion, Ballycasle)

12. Shea Gaffney (St Patrick’s Keady)

13. Conor McNally (St Patrick’s Armagh)

14. Shane Farren (St Patrick’s Maghera)

15. Danny Toner (St Patrick’s Downpatrick)

• These All-stars are known as the 2010/11 Hurling All-stars and this is the 24^th year of the Ulster Colleges’ All-star scheme.

• Players are selected over the course of two trial games, after being initially nominated by their own school to attend the trials.
  The scheme rewards excellence in skill and in sportsmanship and a player who has been sent off in any game between September 1^st and the dates of the trials is ineligible for selection.

• St Patrick’s Maghera defeated St Mary’s Belfast in the BT Mageean Cup final at Halloween by 1-12 to 1-11. St Patrick’s were captained by Karl McKaigue who is selected at right half-back today.

• Player of the Match in the BT Mageean Cup final was Shane Farren (St Patrick’s Maghera) who is selected today at full-forward.  Shane scored 9 points in the final.

• In the All-star team St Patrick’s pick up a total of 3 All-stars as do La Salle Belfast, while there are 2 awards for Cross & Passion Ballycastle.  7 other schools have one player each named.

• Danny Toner’s award is the first ever for his school St Patrick’s Downpatrick and rewards their entry into the BT Mageean Cup for the first time in over 30 seasons.  Danny’s scoring returns brought them to within 2 points of Maghera in the semi-final.  Danny has already played his part in Ballygalget winning the Down senior title and he has recently joined the Down Senior squad.

• Also picking up a school’s first ever award is Conor McCann from St Mary’s Magherafelt.  Conor, from the Creggan club has played at minor level for Antrim in both hurling and football.

• The addition of these two schools means that hurling awards have now been earned by players from 26 different schools from across the province.

• Last year Sean Kelly picked up a first ever hurling All-star for St Patrick’s Dungannon.  Damian Casey this year made it a second, following some fine displays that saw the Academy reach the semi-final of the BT Casement Cup.

• Only St Partick’s Armagh forward Conor McNally has retained his jersey from last year’s selection.  In both years he has been selected at right corner-forward.

• Centre half-forward Ciaran Clarke from Cross & Passion Ballycastle is also receiving his second award.  Two years ago he was selected at corner-forward.

• St Patrick’s Maghera’s 3 awards means that they are now tied with St Mary’s Belfast at the top of the board with a total of 73 hurling All-stars over the past 24 seasons.  Last year’s team was the first announced in which there wasn’t a player from Maghera.

• Just last week, Shea Gaffney’s brothers Barry and Paul were awarded All-stars for their performances when Armagh won the Nicky Rackard Cup in Croke Park during the summer.  Barry was selected in the Colleges’ All-star team of 2000.

• Corner-back Christopher Convery is also the second in his family to win a hurling All-star.  Older brother Ruairi was full-forward in 2002, won an All-Ireland Minor football medal a year later and has since represented Derry in both football and hurling.

• Karl McKaigue also has an older brother who received All-star awards.  Christopher won a hurling award 3 years ago and back to back football awards in 2007-8.  All of these awards were in the half-back line – Karl is also selected in the half-back line.  Christopher is now plying his trade as a profession Aussie Rules’ player.

• 10 of the team competed with their school side for the BT Mageean Cup, while 4 more were in competition for the BT Casement Cup (won by St Killian’s Garron Tower and their goalie Conor McAlister), while Conor McCann’s St Mary’s Magherafelt did not enter Senior competition – although two years ago Conor captained St Mary’s to the BT Kirk Cup.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010 at 12:12 pm and is filed under Homepage News.

A Special Christmas themed coaching session was organised for the Year 2 – 6 classes in the Erne School.  Ulster Council Coach Teresa McGirr delivers the DENI Minister’s ‘Primary Schools Curriculum Sports’ Programme, in the Erne School weekly.

The Christmas session was enjoyed by all children, teachers and classroom assistants; they played various games such as Snowman Knockdown, Find Rudolph Nose, and Santa’s Little Helpers.  While playing and enjoying all the games immensely, the children were also refining their striking skills using Hurls and bats.

At the end of the session each child received a GAA School bag, GAA football kit and medal kindly donated by Fermanagh County Office, a special thanks to GDM Peter McGinnity and also Seamus McMahon.  The children furthermore received different toys and fun stuff such as Action figures, footballs, pencils cases and Santa hats; these were all very kindly donated by Tesco – Community Champion Enniskillen store and a special thank you to Myrtle Woodhouse Community Manager Tesco for her kind help in donating.

Thank you, to Erne School principal Mrs Noreen McElory and teachers Mrs Pugh, Mrs Morton and Mrs Rooney along with classroom assistants who fully entered into the spirit of the festive season.

Ulster Council Coach Teresa McGirr fully enjoyed organising and coordinating the unique Christmas session for all these fantastic children and to see their excitement and joy was the icing on the Christmas cake.

This entry was posted on Monday, December 20th, 2010 at 12:47 pm and is filed under Blog.

The Ulster GAA DENI Coaches from County Derry ran a Christmas Sports Fun Day in Kilrea Sports Complex.  They invited children from 4 Schools in the Kilrea area, two Maintained and two Controlled .  These included St Columba’s PS Kilrea, Kilrea PS, Crossroads PS and Drumard PS.  The day was a huge success, with all the 60 Children and Teachers thoroughly enjoying themselves.  Many thanks to all the Schools that participated, to St Columba’s who provided Primary 7′s to help with the games, as well as a music system to play festive songs, and to Brian in the Kilrea Sports Complex for helping us.  Please find attached Pictures from the Day.

The Ulster GAA DENI Coaches from County Derry (Ben McGuckin, Ruairi Convery, Clare Leahy, Colum Tracey and Grainne McGale), along with Derry GPO’s Diarmuid Scullion and Emmett Stewart also ran a Christmas Sports Fun Day at Lavey GAC’s Indoor Complex.  The coaches invited children from the Schools in the local area; these included St Brigid’s PS Mayogall, St Mary’s PS Bellaghy, St Mary’s PS Glenview and St Patrick’s PS Glen.  The day was a huge success, with all 150 Children and Teachers enjoying themselves despite the chilly conditions inside the hall.  Many thanks to all the Schools that participated.

This entry was posted on Monday, December 20th, 2010 at 12:44 pm and is filed under Blog.

The GAA clubs of South Armagh recently received an introduction to Recreational Gaelic Football at the excellent floodlit facilities at Silverbridge GAC. This initiative has been promoted at various regions and areas over the last year or so, but this time it was the turn of the Gaels of south Armagh to try their luck. The event was organised by Diarmaid Marsden (Ulster GAA) and Denis Hollywood (Armagh Coaching and Games)

Representatives from 6 local clubs turned up in perfect conditions to play this adapted form of Gaelic Football and two official referees were on hand to look after the games.

The main focus of the evening was taking part and no one was really too bothered about the results of the games. The teams were 9 a side and in some instances were made up of a mixture of players from different clubs. This concept actually worked really well in that it removed a lot of the natural club rivalry and competitiveness and ensured that the games were played in the right spirit.

In this form of Gaelic Games the risk of injury is further reduced in that the game is essentially non contact and players are restricted to two touches before playing the ball.

The feedback from all players taking part was that they would like the opportunity to meet up with past players and opponents, in this environment, on a more frequent basis. Recreational GAA can be a great opportunity for past players to keep active and involved in Gaelic Games at a friendly, social level and it is the intention to run more frequent events in the New Year. It can also be an effective way for past players to become reacquainted with their clubs and as a result some have actually got involved in coaching underage teams through Recreational GAA.

The participating clubs on the night were Silverbridge, St Patricks Cullyhanna, Derrynoose, Newtownhamilton, Mullaghbawn and Culloville.

Keep an eye on the Ulster Council VDP calendar of events and national press for details of future events.

Alternatively contact Diarmaid Marsden on 07920 528792

This entry was posted on Monday, December 20th, 2010 at 12:40 pm and is filed under Blog.

The Ulster Council Coach Education Programme continues to evolve as we move into autumn/spring 2010/11. In Ulster we have over one hundred tutors who are trained to run courses up to and including level 1. Additionally we have 10 Tutors Trainers who can deliver Tutor Training courses as well as Level 2 Award at Children, Youth and Adult level.

Coaching Ireland (CI)

• CI is the accrediting body for the GAA Awards and Tutors.
• It is also responsible for the training of tutor trainers
• CI carries out the role of Quality Assurance of all courses. This includes all aspects from course registration, approval, certification and training of tutor trainers. All courses must be approved in advance and receive a course code from Coaching Ireland.

Ulster GAA Coaching & Games

Ulster Council Coaching & Games have re-organised the delivery of Level 2 Coaching Courses into 3 regions throughout the Province.  Tutor Trainers have been allocated to each region with responsibilities to run out level 2 courses as well as to mentor the tutors in their respective regions. We have just completed 3 Level 2 Youth/Adult Courses at venues in each of the 3 regions.

This entry was posted on Monday, December 20th, 2010 at 12:37 pm and is filed under Blog.

Thursday 25^th November witnessed Ulster GAA’s High Performance Forum in the Glenavon House Hotel, Cookstown. The event was aimed at those working at the elite level of our games within Ulster. It aimed to provide an opportunity to discuss and debate best practice across a range of issues such as, drug testing guidelines, sports science provision and player management, among others.

Among the presenters were staff from Sports Institute Northern Ireland who offered a snapshot of their knowledge and experience within elite sports provision. There was also a presentation by Randox International highlighting their capacity to undertake detailed player blood profiling as well as providing a brief insight into results gained from a pilot study carried out in conjunction with the Down Senior football team and Ulster GAA in 2010. Ulster GAA then detailed the findings and conclusions from the study into manager heart rates during games.  Finally, Stephen Browne (Croke Park) summarised issues surrounding drug testing procedures and protocol that are encountered by senior inter-county teams.

The event was well attended, in particular by medical personnel working with county teams. There were several senior managers in attendance also each of whom believed there was great merit in attending the forum. Most, if not all in attendance will have picked up several useful tips for the coming year.

This entry was posted on Monday, December 20th, 2010 at 12:34 pm and is filed under Blog.

GAA President Christy Cooney has praised the University of Ulster Gaelic Games Academy, saying the initiative should act as a sporting model for universities across Ireland.

Mr Cooney was speaking today at the announcement of a new five-year sponsorship deal between the Gaelic Games Academy and the Bank of Ireland.

“This is a momentous day for the University of Ulster and our association as it sends a clear message that everyone interested in Gaelic Games has a place,” he said.

“This Academy is crucial to the development of our players irrespective of the level they play at and this initiative is groundbreaking and a path I would like to see all universities going down for Gaelic games.

“The University of Ulster Gaelic Games Academy is a flagship for sport at third level institutions and can strengthen the GAA’s future development.”

The Gaelic Games Academy, based at the University of Ulster’s Jordanstown campus has been established to develop and promote Gaelic games at all stages of the development across all of the University campuses. The Academy includes residential accommodation, access to world-class facilities and equipment along with physiotherapy, lifestyle management and nutrition provision.

All Gaelic sports including camogie, hurling, handball and Gaelic football, ladies and men’s, are covered by the Academy, which aims to provide an environment for Gaelic players at the University to maximise their sporting potential while pursuing their academic career.

The Academy will also aim to make the sports facilities at the University of Ulster available to schools, clubs and youth groups as part of a community outreach programme.

Players from 22 counties are represented in the Academy and it today received the backing of one former University of Ulster player, the Minister for Regional Development Conor Murphy MP.

“In a time when there is understandably a sense of great despair I would praise the Bank of Ireland for their financial support to the GAA club at the University,” the Minister said.

“The GAA continues to deliver a positive messages in a time when positive messages are needed. I am very proud to be a member of the GAA and very proud of the young people who play out national sports.

“The increasing feel of professionalism of the clubs at the University is what impresses me with the world-class facilities and world-class support around the players.”

This entry was posted on Monday, December 20th, 2010 at 12:30 pm and is filed under Blog.

Ulster GAA have organised nine Training Days for all Club officers from across Ulster Counties.

First up is County Tyrone on Saturday 8th January 2011 in Loreto Convent in Omagh, followed by Monaghan Club Officer Training on Saturday 15^th January in St Macartan’s College.  Saturday 22^nd January will be the turn of County Down when the training will be held in St Malachy’s School, Castlewellan.

These half-day session will kick off with registration at 9am and will conclude with a complimentary lunch at 12 noon.  The training session is FREE and all clubs are asked to ensure that their club officers are in attendance – even those who attended last year’s programme.

Speaking ahead of the event Ulster GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail said, “The Club Officer Training Programme has become a key event for club officers across all counties.  A lot of resources have been invested in this programme both by Ulster GAA and individual County Boards and it is essential that all clubs take up this free training so that our clubs can be the best in Ireland.

“This training session is specific for club officers and will include two key plenary sessions on ‘building a stronger club’ and an overview of Ulster GAA’s Road Safety Campaign ‘Live to Play’.  While workshops will be interactive so that club officers can explore key issues facing clubs in 2011 including: raising funds during recessionary times, applying for Club Maith accreditation, finalising club development plans and implementing child protection requirements.

“This Programme is a continuation of last year’s training and I urge all officers from all clubs in Tyrone to make a special effort to attend.  Ulster GAA Representatives will be available on the day to advise clubs on all these important issues and it’s a brilliant opportunity for clubs to explore key issues with Ulster GAA Representatives.

“We thank our club volunteers for giving their time and experience freely to the betterment of the Association and we are very aware of the increasing pressures put on our volunteers.  That is why this day has been planned to ensure that club volunteers receive all the necessary information which will be required to carry out their tasks as club officers in 2011.  We don’t want to be bringing clubs out to events several times a year so this is really the one-stop-session for club officers.”

Anyone wishing to attend this training should register ASAP with Sharon Haughey at Ulster GAA by phoning 028 37517180 or emailing sharon.haughey.ulster@gaa.ie

This entry was posted on Monday, December 20th, 2010 at 12:26 pm and is filed under Blog.

Tesco All Ireland Junior Club Football Final:
Caltra Cuans (Galway) 0-7 St. Enda’s, Omagh (Tyrone) 0-7

St. Enda’s Omagh and Caltra Cuan’s will meet again next weekend after the sides drew 0-7 each in Mullahoran on Saturday. This game was played at the fourth time of asking and when the sides arrived at the Cavan venue there was severe fog however just before throw in the fog lifted and the teams served up an exciting if not tight encounter.

With the first attack of the game Caltra hit the crossbar through Niamh Kilkenny however as so often happens St. Enda’s cleared their lines, charged up field and forced a free which Cara Mc Crossan fired over. St. Enda’s should have extended their lead a few minutes later but Emma Collins sent a 13m free wide of the post. In the 9th minute Mc Crossan did doubled their lead when she sent over from a tight angle.

As the game progressed Caltra settled however solid defending from St. Enda’s prevented any scores until the 13th minute when half forward Niamh Kilkenny pointed. Four minutes later and full forward Orlaith Hannon levelled matters when sent over a free. Towards the end of the half Omagh really got going. Terri Mc Cullagh scored two nice points, the first from a free after she chased down a lost cause and was fouled and the second after some good work from the roving wing back Christianne Hunter. With just a few seconds left on the clock Cara Mc Crossan sent over her third point to leave the midway score 0-5 to 0-2 in favour of the Tyrone and Ulster champions St. Enda’s.

Caltra opened the second half scoring when Orlaith Hannon pounced on a rare St. Enda’s defensive mistake and fired over. Another score from Hannon in the 40th minute left just a single point between the sides. St. Enda’s now introduced the experienced Michaela O Neill however within 2 minutes of her introduction the Omagh side were reduced to fourteen players when Terri Mc Cullagh was sin binned. To make matters worse Mc Cullagh had barely left the field when Caltra substitute Theresa Loughnane fired over to equalise.

Omagh to their credit showed some fighting spirit and with just seven minute s left midfielder Coleen Mc Cullagh put them back in front as she pointed from thirty meters. The lead however didn’t last long as with the next attack Galway county player Sarah Noone blasted over to level the game for the third time. With two minutes of injury time gone Michaela O Neill was fouled and Omagh appeared to have a chance to win it. O Neill took the free herself but it drifted to the right and wide. This didn’t stop the veteran player as she drove forward again and forced another free. This time sixteen year old Cara Mc Crossan took the kick and slotted over for her fourth score but more importantly to put Omagh back in front. At that stage you would have put your mortgage on an Omagh win however Caltra launched one more attack and wing forward Emma Naughton who barely touched the ball all day popped up to send over an equalising point.

Speaking after the final whistle St. Enda’s manager Vinny Mc Cullagh felt the Galway side were lucky to get to draw. “To be quite honest Caltra Cuans got out of jail today. We had to play the last seventeen minutes with just fourteen players in heavy conditions. I’m eager for the girls to get back out next week. I will take plenty of positives from the game and no negatives”, said Mc Cullagh.

The replay will take place in Mullahoran at 2pm on Saturday 15^th December.

This entry was posted on Monday, December 20th, 2010 at 12:22 pm and is filed under Blog.

** Please note that the Conference is now SOLD OUT! **

The 7^th Ulster GAA Coaching and Games Development Conference will take place on Saturday 29^th January in the Glenavon House Hotel, Cookstown.

Ulster GAA’s flagship coaching event will once again be sponsored by O’Neills Sportswear, and this year’s conference will target coaches who are working with adult players from 17+ years. It builds on 2008 and 2009 when we targeted children and youth coaches.

The conference consolidates the coach education work that is ongoing within the County and Provincial and National Coach Development programmes.

The challenge is to constantly refocus our coaching practice and the speakers will again reinforce good practice and present new challenges.

Further information on the keynote speakers and workshops can be found in the booking form below.

Guest Speaker at the Conference will be EBU European light welterweight Boxing Champion Paul McCloskey, who will give a short talk on his sporting experiences followed by an interview with former Derry All Star and All Ireland winning footballer, Tony Scullion.

Places are open to all coaches at a cost of £20 / €25.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

For further information or to register, please contact:
028 (048) 3751 7180 or Email: conference.ulster@gaa.ie

Related:

- 2011 O’Neills Ulster GAA Coaching and Games Development Conference Booking Form

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 15th, 2010 at 12:23 pm and is filed under Events.

Ulster GAA have organised a Training Day for all Club officers from across County Tyrone on Saturday 8th January 2011 in Loreto Convent in Omagh.

The half-day session will throw in with registration at 9am and will conclude with a complimentary lunch at 12 noon. The training session is FREE and all clubs are asked to ensure that their club officers are in attendance – even those who attended last year’s programme.

Speaking ahead of the event Ulster GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail said, “The Club Officer Training Programme has become a key event for club officers across all counties. A lot of resources have been invested in this programme both by Ulster GAA and individual County Boards and it is essential that all clubs take up this free training so that our clubs can be the best in Ireland.

“This training session is specific for Tyrone club officers and will include two key plenary sessions on ‘building a stronger club’ and an overview of Ulster GAA’s Road Safety Campaign ‘Live to Play’. While workshops will be interactive so that club officers can explore key issues facing clubs in 2011 including: raising funds during recessionary times, applying for Club Maith accreditation, finalising club development plans and implementing child protection requirements.

“This Programme is a continuation of last year’s training and I urge all officers from all clubs in Tyrone to make a special effort to attend. Ulster GAA Representatives will be available on the day to advise clubs on all these important issues and it’s a brilliant opportunity for clubs to explore key issues with Ulster GAA Representatives.

“We thank our club volunteers for giving their time and experience freely to the betterment of the Association and we are very aware of the increasing pressures put on our volunteers. That is why this day has been planned to ensure that club volunteers receive all the necessary information which will be required to carry out their tasks as club officers in 2011. We don’t want to be bringing clubs out to events several times a year so this is really the one-stop-session for club officers.”

Anyone wishing to attend this training should register ASAP with Sharon Haughey at Ulster GAA by phoning 028 37517180 or emailing sharon.haughey.ulster@gaa.ie

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 15th, 2010 at 11:06 am and is filed under News.

The details for the 2011 Barrett Sports Lighting Dr McKenna Cup were released today following a photo-call at the Ulster GAA Headquarters, Armagh.

The 2011 competition will be sponsored again by Barrett Sports Lighting and Managing Director, Martin Barrett stated:

“Barrett Sports Lighting is delighted to once again sponsor the Dr McKenna Cup. This is a competition where the future county stars can challenge themselves against current county stars in competitive action. It provides Counties with meaningful preparation for the National Football League, and we are eagerly looking forward to the action getting underway on 8^th January next year.”

Ulster GAA President Aogan O Fearghail paid tribute to Barrett Sports Lighting for their second year as title sponsors:

“The Ulster GAA is absolutely delighted to once again be working with Barrett Sports Lighting in the promotion of our Dr McKenna Cup for 2011. The Dr McKenna cup is historically very significant in this Province and we are very proud of the status it enjoys today with Team Managers, Players and Administrators in Ulster. The provision of television standard floodlighting in our Main County Grounds is now absolutely necessary to ensure that all games can be played in January and we have Barrett’s to thank for many of those systems”.

“2011 will provide more history for the Ulster GAA when we will for the first time host an Inter County fixture on the new state of the art third generation synthetic pitch in Breffni Park, Cavan. The game between Cavan and Queens will take place on Saturday 8^th January.”

“Given the fact that we have five new Inter County Football Managers the competition will give them their first competitive experience in their new jobs and we wish them well for the Dr McKenna Cup and the year ahead. Given Donegal are defending their title and Tyrone are our Ulster Champions we are particularly looking forward to the clash in Omagh on the opening weekend. We hope that supporters come out in big numbers to support their teams and enjoy our first GAA action of 2011 and get a glimpse of the new talent in County and University sides ahead of Sigerson Cups, Leagues and Championships”.

The following groups and fixtures have emerged:
All Sunday games at 2.00 p.m.: All midweek games at 7.30 p.m unless otherwise stated (Extra time to be played in Semi Finals & Final)

Section A: UUJ, Fear Manach, Tír Eoghain, Dún na nGall
Section B: QUB, An Cabhán, Doíre, Muineachán
Section C: Naomh Mhuire, An Dún, Ard Mhacha, Aontroim

Saturday 8^th Jan: Round 1
Section A (7.00pm)
UUJ v Fermanagh at Brewster Park

Section B (7.00pm)
QUB v Cavan at Kingspan Breffni Park 3G

Section C (7.00pm)
St. Mary’s v Down at Pairc Esler

Sunday 9^th Jan: Round 1:
Section A
Tyrone v Donegal at Healy Park

Section B
Derry v Monaghan at Celtic Park

Section C
Armagh v Antrim at Athletic Grounds

Saturday 15^th Jan: Round 2:
Section A (7.00pm)
Donegal v UUJ at MacCumhaill Park

Section B (7.00pm)
Cavan v Derry at Kingspan Breffni Park

Section C (7.00pm)
Down v Armagh at Pairc Esler
Antrim v St. Mary’s at Casement Park

Sunday 16^th Jan: Round 2:
Section A
Fermanagh v Tyrone at Brewster Park

Section B
Monaghan v QUB at Clones

Wednesday 19^th Jan: Round 3:
Section A
UUJ v Tyrone at Healy Park
Donegal v Fermanagh at MacCumhaill Park (8.00pm)

Section B
Monaghan v Cavan at Inniskeen
Derry v QUB at Celtic Park

Section C
Antrim v Down at Casement Park
Armagh v St. Mary’s at Athletic Grounds

22^nd / 23^rd Jan: Semi Finals:
(1) Winner of Section C v Winner of Section B
(2) Winner of Section A v 4^th Placed Team

29^th Jan: Final: 1 v 2

This entry was posted on Monday, December 13th, 2010 at 5:34 pm and is filed under Homepage News.

The Ulster Council are now accepting applications for entry to the 2011 Ulster Club Football League.

The 2011 Ulster Club Football League will again consist of two divisions, Senior and Intermediate.

The closing date for applications is 12.00pm on Monday 10th January 2011. Applications must be signed by the County Secretary and the appropriate fee must accompany the application, which should be sent to:

Ulster Club Football League
c/o Stephen Donnelly
Ulster GAA
8-10 Market Street
Armagh
BT61 7BX

The league commences on Sunday 6th February and the group games will run for five consecutive weekends.

Please note all matches are fixed for the Sunday at 2.00pm.

The schedule is as follows:

Round 1:  Sunday 6^th February
Round 2:  Sunday 13^th February
Round 3:  Sunday 20^th February
Round 4:  Sunday 27^th February
Round 5:  Sunday 6^th March
Playoffs :  Sunday 13^th March
Semi Finals :  Sunday 20^th March
Finals :  Sunday 27^th March

Related:

- Ulster Club Football League Application Form 2011

This entry was posted on Monday, December 13th, 2010 at 2:01 pm and is filed under Homepage News.

The 7^th Ulster GAA Coaching and Games Development Conference will take place on Saturday 29^th January in the Glenavon House Hotel, Cookstown.

Ulster GAA’s flagship coaching event will once again be sponsored by O’Neills Sportswear, and this year’s conference will target coaches who are working with adult players from 17+ years. It builds on 2008 and 2009 when we targeted children and youth coaches.

The conference consolidates the coach education work that is ongoing within the County and Provincial and National Coach Development programmes.

The challenge is to constantly refocus our coaching practice and the speakers will again reinforce good practice and present new challenges.

Further information on the keynote speakers and workshops can be found in the booking form below.

Places are open to all coaches at a cost of £20 / €25.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

For further information or to register, please contact:
028 (048) 3751 7180 or Email: conference.ulster@gaa.ie

Related:

- 2011 O’Neills Ulster GAA Coaching and Games Development Conference Booking Form

This entry was posted on Monday, December 13th, 2010 at 1:30 pm and is filed under Homepage News.

AIB Ulster Club Senior Football Championship Final:
Crossmaglen (Armagh) 2-9 Naomh Conaill (Donegal) 0-10

Crossmaglen claimed the AIB Ulster GAA Football Senior Club Championship title following a 2-9 to 0-10 defeat of Donegal’s Naomh Conaill at Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan on Sunday afternoon.

Cross’, the 38-times Armagh champions, trailed by 0-7 to 1-3 to the Glenties outfit at the break, with Jamie Clarke netting the only goal of the half in the 15th minute.

Former inter-county star Oisín McConville then added a second goal on the resumption of play to secure an eighth provincial title for the Orchard County kingpins.

“It was no more than a half-an-hour display,” said Crossmaglen joint manager Tony McEntee. “Half-time triggered us, it gave us a chance to get restructured.

“I thought in the first half our defence was poor — we were lacklustre marking our men. It was causing us trouble. That’s why Francie (Bellew) had to go on. Our midfield struggled, we were very poor with no ball going into the forward line.”

McConville, 35, finished with 1-3 to his name, and his tally was key to a hard-earned success. Remarkably, McConville has featured in each of Crossmaglen’s eight Ulster titles wins since 1996.

Naomh Conaill, the Donegal champions for just the second time in 2010, started brightly and dominated the opening exchanges with Anthony Thompson superb at centre-back.

However, somewhat against the run of play, Clarke’s goal on the quarter hour mark gave Crossmaglen an undeserved early lead.

The Glenties men responded impressively to outscore their opponents by four pints to one over the remainder of the first half, with Dermot Gallagher supplying two points from play.

Immediately after the break, Crossmaglen were reduced to 14 men when Tony Kernan was sent off for a second yellow card offence.

The Armagh men are renowned for their battling qualities, and they showed real quality to make light of their numerical disadvantage, as McConville slipped home a crucial goal a minute later after a clever Clarke pass.

McConville then added a further score from play and Aaron Kernan chipped in with a point from a placed ball to kill off the Naomh Conaill challenge.

CROSSMAGLEN RANGERS: P Hearty; P McKeown, P Kernan, KJ Morgan; A Kernan (0-1 free) , D O’Callaghan, S Finnegan; J Hanratty, D McKenna; J Clarke (1-2) , S Kernan, F Hanratty; T Kernan (0-1), M McNamee (0-1), O McConville (1-5, 0-4 frees).

Subs: F Bellew for M McNamee (27 mins), A Cunningham for S Kernan (39 mins), M Aherne for S Finnegan (39 mins), K Carragher for F Hanratty (50 mins), J McEntee for D McKenna (54 mins).

NAOMH CONAILL: S McGrath; T Donoghue, J Bonner C Boyle, M Boyle; A Thompson (c) E Wade, M Regan; J McLoone, B McDyre (0-2); L McCloone (0-1), D Gallagher (0-3, 0-2 frees) ; J O’Malley, D Molloy (0-4, frees) , L Thompson.

Subs: S Corcoran for L Thompson (50 mins), J McKenna for J O Malley (57 mins).

Referee: J McQuillan (Cavan).

This entry was posted on Monday, December 13th, 2010 at 12:16 pm and is filed under Homepage News.