Muineachán v Aontroim
Sunday 27th May
Ulster Senior Football Championship Quarter Final
Monaghan v Antrim, Throw In 3.30pm at St Tiernachs Park, Clones
Ulster Minor Championship Quarter Final
Monaghan v Antrim, Throw In 1.45pm at St Tiernachs Park, Clones
Nothing Beats Being There!
Ticketing:
Terrace:
U16′s FREE
OAP – €10/£9
Student – €10/£9
Adult – €15/£12
Stand & Unreserved Seating:
U16 – €5/£5 (Available through County Boards)
Senior Citizen – €15/£12
Adult – €25/£20
Tickets are available through Clubs, County Boards & tickets.ie
Travel Info:
Turnstiles will open at 12.30pm.
Patrons are advised to lock their cars and not leave valuables in sight.
Patrons should respect the residents in the area in respect of parking and litter.
Patrons are asked to co-operate with stewards at all times and to adhere to the ground regulations, which will be printed in the match programme.
Donegal ease past Cavan
Ulster GAA Senior Football Championship Preliminary Round:
Cavan 1-10 Donegal 1-16
A confident performance from Donegal saw them record a comfortable six-point victory over Cavan in the Ulster GAA Football Championship preliminary round on Sunday at Kingspan Breffni Park.
Colm McFadden top-scored with 1-6 for Donegal, and his penalty at the end of the first half effectively killed the game off as Cavan never looked like being able to claw back the six-point deficit that score established.
Although Cavan kept fighting, with full-forward Eugene Keating hitting 0-5 from play and Niall McDermott hitting a second-half penalty, Donegal were always in control and fully deserved their win.
Donegal went in 1-7 to 0-4 ahead at half-time after dominating the last 20 minutes of the first period, and they cemented their lead with McFadden’s penalty just before the interval.
Cavan started very well, and were 0-3 to 0-1 ahead within 8 minutes. Jack Brady, David Givney and the excellent Keating hit the Breffni side’s first points in response to Rory Kavanagh’s opener for Donegal, and the home side were flying.
Donegal got back level through points from McFadden and Mark McHugh but another fine score from Keating put Cavan back in front at 0-4 to 0-3 after 11 minutes. That was to be Cavan’s last score for half an hour though as Donegal took charge of the game and pulled away.
Their surge began when Neil McGee came all the way up from full-back to flash over an equaliser, and when three quick points followed from McFadden (free), Kavanagh and Leo McLoone, Donegal were three clear after 26 minutes.
Cavan were struggling to get the ball into their forwards, and Donegal were looking very assured in possession as the half went on. Then, just before half-time, the visitors won a penalty when Patrick McBrearty was fouled by Killian Clarke after a long ball was flown in towards the Cavan goal.
McFadden buried the penalty to the top left hand corner, and that was the last score of the half as Donegal went in coasting
Their dominance continued after the restart, with McFadden smashing over a beautiful score from distance before an equally classy effort from Mark McHugh left Donegal eight ahead.
Cavan finally ended their scoring drought shortly after this brace though, substitute McDermott and midfielder Givney knocking over scores either side of an effort from Donegal corner-back Frank McGlynn.
Donegal continued to knock over points and when McLoone fired over his second of the day on 57 minutes, the Ulster champions led 1-13 to 0-7. Cavan however, were handed a lifeline shortly afterwards when McDermott successfully converted a penalty.
However two quick frees from McFadden reaffirmed Donegal’s dominance, and although Cavan continued to fight and hit a few more scores through the outstanding Keating, Donegal had their work done and were good value in the end for their six-point win.
Cavan: J Reilly; P O’Reilly, D Reilly, R Flanagan; K Meehan, K Clarke, R Mahony-Derham; D Givney (0-2), G McKiernan (0-1); F Flanagan, M McKeever, J McLoughlin; J Brady (0-1), E Keating (0-5), B Fitzpatrick.
Subs: T Corr for R Maloney-Derham (HT), N McDermott (1-1, 0-1f) for B Fitzpatrick (HT), N Smith for F Flanagan (37), K Tierney for M McKeever (56), R Galligan for J Brady (67).
Donegal: P Durcan, P McGrath, N McGee (0-1), F McGlynn (0-1), L McLoone (0-2), K Lacey, A Thompson, R Kavanagh (0-3), N Gallagher (0-1), Declan Walsh, M McHugh (0-2), R Bradley, P McBrearty, C McFadden (1-6, 1 penalty, 0-5f), David Walsh.
Subs: M O’Reilly for R Bradley (24), M McElhinney for D Walsh (67). D Molloy for N Gallagher (69).
Referee: Cormac Reilly (Meath).
Related:
- Cavan v Donegal Gallery
Ulster GAA Phoenix Elite Academy
Ulster GAA has announced the 2012 Phoenix Elite Academy for promising young Gaelic Footballers and Hurlers.
The Phoenix Ulster GAA Elite Academy will bring together Ulster’s most promising young GAA athletes for a two day residential at the University of Ulster’s Jordanstown campus on the 2nd and 3rd July. The Academy aims to recognise and develop the skills and abilities of 90 young players who have impressed playing for their club, school or county underage teams in both Gaelic Football and Hurling.
The Phoenix Elite Academy will encourage the young players to look after their health and wellbeing while developing their skills in Gaelic Games. Areas such as nutrition and hydration, fitness testing, functional movement analysis, skill development and flexibility will be some of issues tackled at the academies.
One of the key highlights of the Phoenix Academy will be the opportunity for the lucky 90 players to be mentored by a high profiled player, who will have the experience of coming through an Ulster GAA Elite Program.
Ulster GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail stated, “We are delighted to announce the 2012 Phoenix Elite Academy which will put the spotlight on the stars of the future. Through the Academy these players, 45 Gaelic Footballers and 45 Hurlers, will develop their skills and abilities working with Ulster’s finest coaches and mentors. The selected players will be treated like professional players over the 2 day camp which will help them explore the important factors that impact on their playing abilities – such as skill development, nutrition and hydration and fitness testing.
“We hope through the Phoenix Elite Academy that the stars of the future, from all nine counties in Ulster, will be inspired to achieve the highest they possibly can with their club, schools, universities and county.
“The players will also have the opportunity to pull on the Ulster Jersey as they will represent their Province in an inter-Provincial game.”
Alastair Pollock, Business Development Director of Phoenix Natural Gas, said: “Phoenix take its corporate social responsibility very seriously and we have a long history of supporting young people. We feel that our young people need all the help they can get to help them reach their full potential, whether that be through the arts, education or on the sports field. We are delighted that our award-winning community programme now includes a partnership with the GAA”.
Past Academy participants include Michael Murphy (Donegal), Peter Harte (Tyrone), and hurler Neil McManus (Antrim), to name but a few.
For further information Contact:
Tony Scullion: 02837517180
Photo Caption: Ulster GAA launches 2012 Phoenix Elite Camp with Tony Scullion (Ulster GAA Coach), GAA Director General Pauric Duffy, Ulster GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail and upcoming Derry stars.
GaelGo App to Promote Cultural Events
Ulster GAA and Comhaltas have launched a new mobile phone app to promote their cultural games, events and activities. The ‘GaelGo’ app is now available to download for free on all smart devices from www.gaelgoapp.com
GaelGo has been funded by DCAL as part of a project to promote the creative industries in Northern Ireland, which included the development of two apps one for Ulster GAA and Comhaltas and the second for the Ulster Historical Foundation.
The GaelGo app keeps locals and tourists alike up to date with Irish culture and its music and sporting communities. The bi-lingual resource uses an interactive map to profile upcoming games, concerts, and Fleadhanna. Users can find Irish traditional music sessions near to them and watch videos from the latest GAA and Comhaltas events.The Ulster-Scots Experience app includes information on 200 locations which demonstrate the strong historic and cultural links that unite Scotland and Ulster. The sites include towns and villages, castles and churches, graveyards and monuments, and archives and industries.
Welcoming the development of the apps Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said: “Ireland is renowned internationally for its culture, art and heritage. This rich cultural tapestry can inspire people to visit our shores to discover our stories and traditions. Increasingly people also come from across the world to explore their roots in this part of our island. More and more people access information through their smart phones. These apps are therefore making information more accessible to everyone promoting events and places of interest. I am also hope they can be used to encourage our local digital and creative industries to seek inspiration and commercial success through partnership with the culture, arts and leisure sectors”.
Ian Graham, Chief Executive of Momentum, said: “The digital content sector can help to transform our tourism offering and bring our stories and history to life. Our local digital companies can carve out a global reputation for innovation in combining technology, tourism and culture.”
Ulster GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail said: “As Ireland’s largest sporting, cultural and community organisation, the GAA is committed to promoting Irish culture home and abroad. The Ulster Council GAA is delighted to be helping to lead efforts in using technology to achieve these goals.”
Seamus McCormack of Comhaltas, said: “Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is a global movement to preserve and promote Irish culture and traditional music. The Gaelgo Cultural Event Finder further extends that global reach but can also inspire people living in Ireland to connect with their culture and rich traditions.”
Fintan Mullan of the Ulster Historical Foundation said: “With over 50 years of experience helping people trace Irish and Scots-Irish ancestors, the launch of the Ulster-Scots Experience will help the Foundation to increase interest in the history of the province of Ulster and inspire pride in Irish and Ulster heritage and culture”
GaelGo is now available for download from the App Store for free – it includes all up-to-date information on GAA games, events and activities. The app was developed by Derry based company, BT48.com
For further information Contact:
Sharon Haughey: 02837517180
Photo Caption: Comhaltas President Seamus McCormack and Ulster GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail launch the new GaelGo app which is culture at your fingertips, along with developers from BT48.com Fearghal O’Kane and James Cunningham.
Related:
- GaelGo App Launch Gallery
Social Media Campaign Launched
Ulster GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail has this evening launched an exciting new communications campaign to promote the 2012 Ulster Championship, which includes a new Ulster GAA online TV Channel and a cultural mobile app ‘GaelGo’.
Ulster GAA, in partnership with Comhaltas, and with the support of DCAL, have launched GaelGo will promote all events and activities taking place in Ulster to include our traditional games, scór, Irish language, song and dance. GaelGo is communications on the move and can be downloaded for free at www.GaelGoApp.com
Ulster GAA has also announced two new Ulster GAA 2012 Championship TV Preview Programmes, which will be launched this week by on www.ulster.gaa.ie or by viewing the Ulster GAA Facebook page www.facebook.com/UlsterGAA or Youtube channel www.youtube.com/UlsterGAA
Presented by Adrian Logan and Emma Canavan the magazine programme looks at the build up to the 2012 Championship and reviews some of the action and excitement from 2011. Episode 1 which is now online gets the thoughts of the Managers and sees niece vs uncle when Emma Canavan interviews Uncle Peter about this new role as Fermanagh Manager. Also giving their thoughts on Ulster GAA 2012 are: John Brennan, James McCartan, Mickey Harte, Liam Bradley, Jimmy McGuinness, Terry Hyland and Eamonn McEneaney. Monaghan fan and GAA Director General Paraic Duffy, Antrim Fan and Sports Minister Caral Ni Chuilin and Cavan Fan and Ulster GAA President Aogan O’Fearghail also share their thoughts. Episode 2 gets the thoughts of the players in advance of Ulster 2012 Championship and looks at the exciting games ahead this season and will go live later in the week. Produced by MXB and the Ulster GAA Communications and Marketing Team Ulster GAA 2012 Championship Preview episode 1 is online now.
Facebook users are also asked to support their County team by downloading their free Championship 2012 cover image by logging on to the Ulster GAA facebook page or www.ulster.gaa.ie and placing their County crest as their backdrop. Finally a new ‘Tag Me’ Facebook competition has been put in place with winners who tag the new Ulster GAA match branding winning two tickets to each match, a print of the match programme cover signed by the County Managers and also being placed into a competition to win £2500 worth of playing gear for their Club at the Ulster Final in association with McKeever’s Sports and the www.thegaastore.com
Ulster GAA President Aogàn Ó Fearghail strongly encouraged Ulster GAA fans to access the social media channels: “We have free ticket competitions, TV Shows and tonnes of information on our Facebook, Twitter and Youtube channels. This is where everything is at now for our supporters young and old so I encourage everyone to get online and this summer, support your County team and everyone should remember nothing beats being there!
“We hope the GaelGo app will help to promote all our games and cultural activities, and I have no doubt that Gaels across Ulster will be downloading GaelGo onto their smart phones and mobile devices, and will find it a really useful resource to keep updated on all that’s going on. “
O’Neills Ulster GAA Poc Fada
Attention all ‘Big Hitters’! Are you up for a challenge? Do you think you can strike a sliothar further than Ulster Champion Ruairi Convery or All Ireland Champion Graham Clarke? Then here is your big chance!
The 2012 O’Neills Ulster Poc Fada will take place on Divis Mountain on Thursday 21st June, commencing at 7.00pm and all challengers are welcome to come along and do battle with Ulster’s Provincial and All Ireland Champions.
Competition Categories:
Hurling: Senior*, Under 16*, Over 40
Camogie: Senior*, Over 35
Football: Senior
* Winner qualifies for National Poc Fada Championships.
The main events of the evening will be for Senior & Under16 Hurling and Senior Camogie, with the winners qualifying to compete in the National finals, which are held each year at Ardnaverna in the Cooley Mountains, Co Louth.
Other fun events will also be held for Over 40 Hurlers, Over 35 Camogs and Senior Footballers, who will compete in an inaugural invitational ‘Cic Fada’ event.
To apply to compete in the O’Neills Ulster Poc Fada 2012 please contact:
Hurling: Jimmy Darragh
Email: jimmy.darragh.ulster@gaa.ie
Mobile: 0044 7920429204
Work: 028 375 17187
Camogie: Ciaran Kearney
Email: ckearney@camogie.ie
Mobile: 0044 7825855718
Work: 028 357 17180
An Cabhán v Dún na nGall
Sunday 20th May
Ulster Senior Football Championship Preliminary Round
Cavan v Donegal, Throw In 3.30pm at Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan
Ulster Minor Championship Preliminary Round
Cavan v Donegal, Throw In 1.45pm at Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan
Nothing Beats Being There!
Ticketing:
Terrace:
U16′s FREE
OAP – €10/£9
Student – €10/£9
Adult – €15/£12
Stand & Unreserved Seating:
U16 – €5/£5 (Available through County Boards)
Senior Citizen – €15/£12
Adult – €25/£20
Tickets are available through Clubs, County Boards & tickets.ie
Tickets can also be purchased from the following stores:
Cavan:
Tarpey’s SuperValu, Cavan Town, Co Cavan
McEvoy’s SuperValu, Virginia, Co Cavan
Donegal:
Kavanagh’s SuperValu, Donegal Town, Co Donegal
Kavanagh’s SuperValu, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal
Rooney’s SuperValu, Killybegs, Co Donegal
Cosgrove’s SuperValu, Bundoran, Co Donegal
Kelly’s Centra, Mountain Top, Co. Donegal
Travel Info:
Turnstiles will open at 12.30pm.
Patrons are advised to lock their cars and not leave valuables in sight.
Patrons should respect the residents in the area in respect of parking and litter.
Patrons are asked to co-operate with stewards at all times and to adhere to the ground regulations, which will be printed in the match programme.
Ulster Hurling Championship Launch
Ulster GAA and Ulster Camogie have launched their respective Championships together at the new Queen’s Pavilion in Belfast.
Players and Managers from both codes were in high demand at the media launch which announced the fixtures and new reduced pricing structures for Ulster Championships 2012.
Speaking at the launch Ulster GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail said, “The hurlers of Armagh and Derry will open the Ulster Hurling Championship on Sunday 17th June at the Morgan Athletic Grounds, and it’s sure to be a game of passion and glory, and the start of an exciting Championship.
“None of us can deny that Antrim is the side to beat as they go for their 11-in-a-row Ulster title, however I am confident that the other three competing counties are up for causing an upset.
“Hurling in Ulster has been strengthened in recent times with the introduction to the Tain Club League, last weekend’s success of Ulster Counties in the Christy Ring, Nicky Rackard and Lory Meagher Cups. And Donegal’s participation in this year’s Ulster Minor Hurling championship proves that Hurling is on the up in Ulster and we hope the Ulster Championship will inspire young people to take up the hurl.”
Speaking about the NWP Ulster Camogie Championship, Ulster Camogie Chairperson Kathleen Woods said, “The league this year has been an amazing window of opportunity for the Ulster ladies. Derry have led the way by winning their section of the league and taking Ulster back to playing with the big girls. We have our Ulster Division One side. The Ulster Camogs are definitely making their way up through the ranks.
“I look forward to a very exciting and wonderful Ulster Championship.”
Feile Uladh 2012 Report
Feile Uladh has been a regular feature on the Ulster Hurling Calendar since the late 90’s when the competition was organised as a prelude to Ulster hosting the National Féile competition. The event has been modernised over the past number of years to facilitate a more improved structure and to ensure an appropriate amount of playing time for each of the competing teams. The Group stages took place on 28th April with a total of twenty venues being used throughout Ulster. The winners of each group then proceeded to their relevant Divisional Final.
The Finals took place in Pearse Óg Park and Armagh Harps GAC, in Armagh and a magnificent day of hurling and camogie was enjoyed by all those in attendance. The standard of play improves year on year and spectators were treated to a fine display of all the skills of hurling and camogie. It was noticeable that all teams have been working hard on skill development as the defensive skills of blocking and hooking were very much in evidence throughout the competition. The Results of those Finals that were played are outlined below:
Hurling
| Div 5 | Kilclief, Down | 6-10 | v | 1-00 | Gort na Mona, Antrim |
| Div 4 | Ballygalget, Down | 0-00 | v | 4-14 | Carryduff, Down |
| Div 3 | Lamh Dearg, Armagh | 2-08 | v | 1-10 | Cuchulainns, Armagh |
| Div 2 | St Enda’s, Antrim | 1-05 | v | 4-09 | Derrynoose, Armagh |
Camogie
| Div 3 | An Riocht, Down | 1-05 | v | 6-07 | Liatroim, Down |
| Div 2 | Glenn, Derry | 2-06 | v | 5-00 | Dunloy, Antrim |
| Div 1 | Slaughtneil, Derry | 5-00 | v | 2-05 | Newbridge, Derry |
Due to a clash of date with Confirmation and the Antrim Feile Football Finals three finals will be played at another date that suits the fixtures programmes of the participating teams.
Ulster GAA is indebted to those clubs that give up their facilities to host the group stages of Féile Uladh and also Pearse Ógs and Armagh Harps for hosting the finals. We are also grateful to the referees, without whom we could not run the competition, and those members of the Ulster Hurling Development Committee and the Ulster Hurling Development Staff who organised the event and co-ordinated the fixtures programme at each venue.
Tain Club Hurling League Finals
2012 saw the first year of the Tain Adult Club Hurling League. This initiative saw a total of 58 teams compete from across the province of Ulster as well as the introduction of teams from Louth, Longford, Sligo and Leitrim. There were a total of five divisions with two sections in each division. Teams were given at least five competitive games prior to the commencement of their own club fixtures, bringing the total of games to 155. It offered clubs the opportunity to play new teams at new venues with different referees. The top two teams in each section qualified for the semi finals with the winners then meeting in the respective finals.
The finals took place on Saturday 28th April with a double header at Kingspan Breffni Park and a triple header at Casement Park. There were successes for Ruairi Og Cushendall (Aontroim), Slaughtneil (Doíre), Knockbridge (An Lú), Robert Emmetts Cushendun (Aontroim) and Clonguish (Longfort).
Congratulations to all involved and we look forward to the 2013 competition with renewed hope in this important area of hurling development.
| Finals | |||||
| Div 1 | Ruairi Og | 5-14 | Ballycran | 3-13 | Casement Pk |
| Div 2 | Slaughtneil | 2-17 | Glen Rovers | 3-05 | Casement Pk |
| Div 3 | Knockbridge | 6-11 | Lisnaskea | 2-12 | Breffni Pk 3G |
| Div 4 | Cushendun | 1-10 | Mattock Rangers | 2-04 | Casement Pk |
| Div 5 | Clonguish | 1-14 | Ballycran | 1-12 | Breffni Pk 3G |
Reduced Ticket Prices for Championship
Following the trend of increased attendances at all Ulster Competitions this year Ulster GAA have announced a new admission price structure for the 2012 Championship. Attendances increased significantly on the previous year at the Ulster Club Championship, Power NI McKenna Cup and the Under 21 Championship after the Ulster Council introduced a range of admission packages following a consultation exercise with Clubs and Counties.
Announcing the new pricing structure Ulster GAA President Aogan O’Fearghail said “We have been listening to our members and getting their feedback on the price structure that we have put in place for the 2012 Championship. Following the success of the Power NI McKenna Cup season ticket, coupled with the reduction in admission in both the Ulster Club Championship and Ulster U21 Championship we are again happy announce a reduction in the admission to our games for the 2012 Championship to support families and genuine GAA supporters who want to support their County over the summer. That is why we are continuing our policy of granting free admission to all children under the age of 16 to non ticketed games and a concessionary rate for students and senior citizens. We have also put in place family packages for any games that will be ticketed and these tickets will be available from County Committee Offices and www.tickets.ie. In most cases those attending an Ulster Championship game are located in the terraces meaning a family of 5 (Two adults and 3 children) can now attend an Ulster Championship match for £24 or €30.
Quarter-Finals & Semi-Finals 2012
Terrace
U16 – Free of Charge
Student/Senior Citizen Terrace – £9/€10
Adult Terrace – £12/€15
Stand
Child Stand – £5/€5
Senior Citizen Stand – £12/€15
Adult Stand – £20/€25
The Ulster President underlined Ulster GAA’s commitment to supporting the development of the GAA in Ulster through its programmes:
“Its important to remind everyone that 85% of the income that is generated from the Ulster Senior Championships is reinvested into Clubs and Counties through infrastructure grants, Coaching and Games programmes and County and Club Development support. We would also ask our members to follow our web-site www.ulster.gaa.ie and social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter to get more information on ticket officers and competitions over the summer.
“The admission prices into what is Ulster leading sporting event are both fair and very good value and we look forward to a colourful and entertaining summer of Gaelic Games and I would remind our members that when it comes to the Ulster Championship, nothing beats being there“.
Cúchulainn Cup improves Relations
The fourth annual Ulster GAA Cross Community Cúchulainn Cup has today brought together young men from all sections of the community in Ulster to compete in a Gaelic Game of two halves, one of hurling and one of Gaelic Football.
Eight teams representing towns across Ulster took part in the cross community, cross border tournament. Each team was made up of schools from the maintained and controlled sectors. Belfast Cúchulainn Team were victors on the day!
Ulster GAA President Aogan O Fearghail said, “Ulster GAA is very proud of how far the Cúchulainn Cup inititative has come. We started out four years ago with four teams competing, that has grown year on year and today eight teams representing towns from across Ulster took part. All players are new to playing Gaelic Games, and as part of this initiative, they have received training from Ulster GAA Coaches in both hurling and Gaelic football.
“This inititative aims to introduce those from non GAA backgrounds to Gaelic games, but it also does much more than this. Through the Cúchulainn Cup, young men living in the same towns and villages, but from different backgrounds come together and form lasting friendships. Through sport barriers are broken down and respect for differences is cherished.
“We hope that all those participating today will continue their interesst in Gaelic Games by getting involved in the local club and school teams.”
The Cúchulainn Project aims to use sport to build peace and reconciliation between communities across Ulster while also promoting Gaelic Games to those who would normally not have the opportunity to play the Games.
Teams who took part included: Armagh Cúchulainns, Belfast Cúchulainns, Cavan Cúchulainns, Enniskillen Cúchulainns, Roe Valley Cúchulainns, Derry City Cúchulainns, and new to the competition Coleraine Cúchualainns and Monaghan Cúchulainns.
DSD Minister launches Funding Boost
The Department for Social Development have awarded the IFA and Ulster GAA funding to support a new and innovative joint project ‘Sport in the Community’. This exciting flagship project supports the DSD Volunteering Strategy for Northern Ireland and will provide over £350,000 during the three year partnership to support community and volunteer development.
The partnership supports a range of joint development programmes which will include shared learning workshops, club development programmes, community outreach initiatives, neighbourhood renewal objectives and volunteer training and development. An annual Open Forum will debate operational issues and topics emerging from the Workshops, while an annual Community Relations event will add further value to the community outreach and diversity work undertaken by the organisations.
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland officially launched the project along with representatives from both Ulster GAA and IFA. Minister McCausland said: “I am delighted that my Department is supporting this new and innovative joint project “Sport in the Community”. This project will provide opportunities for both organisations to share resources, skills and expertise in sport, and support in building volunteering capacity and community relations. Volunteering undoubtedly makes Northern Ireland a better place for all of us to live in and I am keen to expand on the already highly valued contribution made by those who volunteer within the sporting and community sectors. This is why last month I launched Northern Ireland’s first ever Volunteering Strategy which aims to align activities across government, the voluntary sector and other stakeholders to re-energise and increase levels of volunteering.”
Ulster GAA and IFA are delighted to be working in partnership on a project of this scale and the future prospects and opportunities that will come over the next three years.
Jim Shaw IFA President said: “The IFA are delighted to be involved in this joint project which will provide many opportunities for shared learning across both organisations. It will undoubtedly make a huge impact and add real value to our work in community development and capacity building amongst our clubs and volunteers”.
Ulster GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail commented, “UIster GAA is delighted that the Minister and his Department have invested in Sport in the Community. We recognise and value the contribution that volunteers make to our Association, and this programme will ensure that we can fully support them in their roles. Working in partnership with the IFA will allow for the sharing of ideas and fresh approaches, enabling us to advance volunteering in sport a very original manner”.
Further information:
• IFA contact Jenny Penrose jpenrose@irishfa.com / 028 90669458
• Ulster GAA contact Aileen Cummins aileen.cummins.ulster@gaa.ie / 028 37517182
Photo: Minister for Social Development Nelson McCausland MLA (centre) with (l-r) Michael Boyd, IFA Head of Community Relations, Irish FA President Jim Shaw, Ulster GAA Vice President, Martin McAviney and Ryan Feeney, Head of Community Development, Strategy and Public Affairs for Ulster GAA at the launch of ‘Sport in the Community’ an innovative partnership between the IFA and Ulster GAA. Credit: Darren Kidd / Press Eye
Local Churches and GAA Join in Garvagh
The TBF & KL Thompson Ministries, Garvagh was the setting for an innovative St Patrick’s Eve Supper. In this opening remarks, Executive Director Ronnie McKee welcomed guests, friends and public representatives to an evening that celebrated the life, work and legacy of the Godly man who first brought Christianity to Ireland.
Key note speaker Brian Ervine, a former leader of the Progressive Unionist Party congratulated the Challenge Garvagh Committee on a hosting such an inclusive celebration, and to Coleraine Borough Council for part funding the event. The event was also supported by the Diocesan Volunteering Project (funded by the Department for Social Development).
He continued “St Patrick was man whose faith in Jesus Christ continues to transcend any tradition or denomination that would seek to claim him. What was Patrick’s greatest legacy? It was his preaching of Christ crucified, buried risen and coming again, and the importance of a personal relationship with Him.”
The evening included an exhibition of traditional Irish dancing by the talented John Mitchel’s GAC Glenullin dancers, a harp solo by accomplished harpist Alice McFaul and a spirited rendering by the St Paul’s Parish Praise Group, of Patrick’s testimonial hymn Be thou my vision.
In his closing remarks, event organiser, the Reverend Paul Whittaker, thanked Mr Ervine, the artists, and all who had worked to make the event possible.
Rev Whittaker concluded “ The real challenge for the churches in Ireland today, is to recognise the power of God to transform people’s lives as he did the life of our patron saint. What Patrick brought to Ireland is still accessible to all.”
Photo: From left to right is Gerard O’ Kane Glenullin GAA Secretary, Rev Raymond Kelly Garvagh Presbyterian Church, Ronnie McKee CEO TBF Thompson Trust and Rev Paul Whittaker Garvagh Church of Ireland.
For further information contact Earl Storey (Diocesan Communications Officer) Tel: 07752841802
Handball O’Neill’s Irish Nationals
The cream of Irish handball talent, spanning ten to seventy plus years in both male and female codes, will converge at 15 venues across Ulster and North Leinster for the 2012 O’Neill’s Irish Nationals this weekend. Winners in certain grades will have the added bonus of an official place on the Team Ireland to complete in the major grades at the 2012 World Championships, to be hosted in the City West Arena in Dublin this coming October.
Westmeath’s Robbie McCarthy and Antrim’s Fiona Shannon topped the honours twelve months ago and are two of the favourites to book their official Irish spots but both will be well aware of the challenges that lie ahead.
33 year old Shannon secured her ninth GAA Handball senior singles championship at the end of March, when she halted Kerry’s Maria Daly from capturing her three in a row and followed that up with a doubles victory over Kerry alongside her sister, Sibeal. Shannon now currently holds all the major trophies on offer in the 40×20 arena which includes the World, USA and Irish titles in both singles and doubles. That statistic looks set to continue after this weekend with Shannon back to her very best. But with the Irish ladies games at its most competitive period in history, anything could happen at the Kingscourt venue. “I am delighted with the double win in the All Irelands this year and especially after getting defeated in both last year. Sometimes it takes a defeat to get the drive and determination back and that I have, as I have been undefeated since then,” said Shannon.
Kerry duo, Daly and Ashley Prendiville, Tyrone’s Lisa McAleer, Cork’s Catriona Casey, Kildare’s Anna Spence, Roscommon’s Marianna Rushe and fellow Saffron, Aisling Reilly will all be eager to stop Shannon in her tracks from grabbing an astonishing 11th Nationals gong. “I just have to take each competition as it comes and give it my all as all the training and preparations have been done prior. It is a title that everyone will want to get, especially as the winner represents Ireland in the Worlds but this is of little significance to me as I go into it with the same mind set as any other. I aim to perform to my best and hopefully bring the title home.”
2011 Men’s Open winner, Mullingar’s McCarthy, will be hoping to bounce back from his heavy senior championship final defeat to the hands of Cavan’s Paul Brady. In that decider the Breffni master won in two straight games, displaying all the qualities that have earned him 3 successive world titles.
Seeded at two for this weekend, 23 year old McCarthy is hot favourite to oust Cork’s Colm Jordan to set up a quarter final meeting with either Cavan’s Michael Finnegan or Mayo’s Dessie Keegan. “I’m looking forward to getting back into the 40×20 court and I’m planning to take just one game at a time and we’ll see what happens. I don’t think I played my best handball against Paul in the final but I’ve put it out of my head and I’m not even thinking about it going into this weekend,” said McCarthy.
Nine time senior Irish champion and three times world winner, 32 year old Brady looks unstoppable in his current form. In his final victory a fortnight back, Brady was in superb athletic condition and was striking the ball with both hands with impeccable power and accuracy. Very few players will even trouble the Mullaghoran club star when he’s playing at his very best.
One player in the draw who can challenge for the title and who lost out to Brady in the 2009 and 2010 Irish championship finals is Armagh’s Charlie Shanks. He has made the trip from New York for this year’s event. The Lurgan man currently resides in the States and has risen to number 5 in USA tour rankings and his experiences over the past ten months will surely have enhanced his game. 29 year old Shanks will clash with Ger Coonan (Tipperary) with the winner advancing to the last eight to meet either Mayo’s Joe McCann or Wicklow’s Michael Gregan. Meath’s Brian Carroll and 2011 Nationals runner up, Clare’s Diarmuid Nash are two others to watch out for.
There will be capacity crowds at all the venues over the weekend with the top class action climaxing in Kingscourt with all the major finals on Sunday from 11am. There will be the launch of the new O’Neill’s International Handball for the games on view also while announcements will be made regarding exciting plans for the biggest World Handball event in history coming this October.
FIXTURES: GAA Handball O’Neills 40×20 Irish Nationals:
MENS OPEN SINGLES: (Winner & Runner-Up on Team Ireland for Worlds 2012)
Mens Open Round 2: Friday 20th April 2012, in Kingscourt:
1. Paul Brady (Cavan) v Peter Funchion (Kilkenny) – Court 1, 5pm
2. Killian Carroll (Cork) v Dominick Lynch (Kerry) – Court 1, 7.30pm
3. Brian Carroll (Meath) v Brendan Fleming (Cork) – Court 1, 6.15pm
4. Diarmaid Nash (Clare) v Vinnie Moran (Mayo) – Court 2, 5pm
5. Joe McCann (Mayo) v Michael Gregan (Wicklow) – Court 2, 7.30pm
6. Charly Shanks (Armagh) v Ger Coonan (Tipperary) – Court 3, 5.00pm
7. Michael Finnegan (Cavan) v Dessie Keegan (Mayo) – Court 3, 7.30pm
8. Robbie McCarthy (Westmeath) v Colm Jordan (Cork) – Court 2, 6.15pm
LADIES OPEN SINGLES: (Winner & Runner-Up on Team Ireland for Worlds 2012)
Ladies Open Quarter-Finals: Saturday 21st April 2012, in Kingscourt:
1. Fiona Shannon (Antrim) v Anna Spence (Kildare) – Court 1, 2.30pm
2. Marianna Rushe (Roscommon) v Catriona Casey (Cork) – Court 2, 2.30pm
3. Aisling Reilly (Antrim) v Ashley Prendiville (Kerry) – Court 3, 1.15pm
4. Maria Daly (Kerry) v Lisa McAleer (Tyrone) – Court 3, 2.30pm