Quinn’s Corner Club Football League
Ulster GAA are delighted to announce a new Sponsorship deal with Quinn’s Corner Ballygawley for the Ulster Football Club League.
The Quinn’s Corner Ulster Club Football League commences this weekend. The 42 Teams are divided into Senior & Intermediate grades with 18 teams in Senior and 24 teams in Intermediate.
Each team will play five games respectively within its group, with 2 points for a win and 1 point for a draw.
In Senior, the top team and the best runner up from the three groups will qualify to the semi finals.
In Intermediate, the top team in each group will qualify for the semi finals.
Commenting on the launch of the leagues Ulster GAA Vice President Martin McAviney said: “The Ulster Leagues have been developed to give Clubs the opportunity to play fixtures against teams from outside their County competing at their level. The Leagues have been a great success in recent years and the new sponsorship from the Quinn Family will help enhance the competition even further. I am grateful to both Paudge & Carmel Quinn for their ongoing support of Gaelic Games”
Ulster GAA Vice President Martin McAviney and PRO Oliver Galligan launched the new sponsorship deal in Quinn’s Corner on Thursday 2nd February.
Building a Constructive Friendship
By Danny Murphy, Provincial Director (CEO) Ulster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association.
It was a great privilege to welcome Rev Dr. Norman Hamilton to the Ulster GAA Club and Community Conference in October, to both engage with and challenge the GAA as a friend and fellow Christian.
Since January 2011 Ulster GAA and I have enjoyed an open and constructive friendship with Dr. Hamilton and the Presbyterian Church. That friendship was forged in the midst of tragedy, as it was during our first meeting with Norman in Ulster GAA headquarters that news reached us that Michaela McAreavey had died. In the moments that followed the delivery of that terrible news Norman did what any good Christian and Pastor would do he offered words and comfort and also a prayer. As I sat and listened to Norman pray for Michaela, her husband John and the Harte family I was overcome with emotion at the loss of the young woman who was the embodiment of everything that was good about the GAA. I also was deeply touched at the compassionate words of a man who represented a Church who traditionally had no link with the GAA. As with so many things in life it is in the darkest hours of despair and tragedy that we find hope for what the future of this island can be.
When I invited Norman to attend our Conference I asked him to come and share with us his views and also act as critical friend to the GAA, in particular our membership wanted to hear his views on how all of us can work together to build a better and shared future.
Norman offered us some challenges and I am privileged to be allowed a platform to respond to them in this article. The first challenge was on how we can de politicised or “de football” the Irish Language. Norman highlighted that Irish has been used and abused as part of a political game. I strongly welcome this challenge and agree with him that we need a mature debate at both political and community level about how we both use and respect the indigenous language of this island. As Norman pointed out the Presbyterian Church itself had a strong affinity with the language right up to the 1900’s. It is my strong view that an appropriate Irish Language Act that respects the right of those who do not use or want to use Irish. As an organisation who promotes the use of the Irish Language we must also show confidence and leadership when it comes to its ongoing use, our language should never been used to mark territory or to show disrespect to the different cultural traditions that share this island.
Queen Elizabeth rightly showed Irish language respect when she addressed President McAleese in Dublin Castle during her recent visit and several high profile leaders within the Unionist Community have signed up to the Loifa project with the aim to learn Irish by 2015. The Good Friday Agreement states it is the birthright of the people to identify themselves and be accepted as Irish or British, or both. Respect for each other’s different identities is vital in building a new shared future but does not mean that we cannot work and live together as one Community. No one should fear the language or Irish Culture nor should anyone fear British and Ulster Scots Culture. It is vital that both the Irish and British identities, which share this island, are shown respect.
Norman rightly pointed out that the GAA is an organisation that has a strong sense of place and community our volunteer ethos and our strong sense of Irish identity are core values that our 1 million members hold dear. However I do recognise that for many different reasons that there is a level of suspicion and mistrust from elements of the Unionist Community towards the GAA and it is our duty to educate everyone to what the GAA is and does and combat the misinformation campaign that has been directed towards the GAA by various interests.
We have since 2007 engaged strongly in a community outreach programme in order to develop friendships and partnerships with individuals and groups who traditionally never had any linkage to the GAA, this engagement is built on openness and respect. The proposal that the GAA establish or be involved in a forum in order to engage with the wider Unionist Community has merit, indeed the GAA Director Paraic Duffy and I have recently had meetings with Cooperation Ireland to discuss widening our Community Engagement and Outreach programme and I hope in the coming months that I will be in a position to make further comment on this initiative, to quote my hero Dr. Martin Luther King, “the time is always right to do what is right”.
Finally as we enter a decade of commemoration I want to state emphatically that the GAA will play it part in ensuring that over the next 10 years each commemorative event is shown respect. I have in the past and I will again call for the next ten years to become a Decade of Reconciliation were we educate each other to our different traditions and historical perspectives and if the GAA is invited it will send a representative to every event that takes place over the next decade. The events of a century ago still resonate in the Ulster and Ireland of today and I agree strongly with the comments made by Norman in October when he said we must dispel the myths and let the facts no mater how uncomfortable surface to be properly interpreted.
The GAA will continue to be vibrant and confident organisation, willing to play its part in building a shared and better future for everyone on this island, we are committed to respecting and engaging with all the different traditions on this island and we will never walk away from the challenge of peace.
In conclusion I want to pay tribute to Norman Hamilton, a true man of God, we share a common bond as Ulster men and a vision for a shared future that is built on tolerance and mutual respect, our friendship is a constructive one that allows us to challenge each other constructively and respect our sometimes differing views. The relationship and friendship between the GAA and the Presbyterian Church is strong and I hope it will continue to grow as we engage and challenge each other constructively. In the words of Winston Churchill, Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.
Minister O’Dowd attends Conference
Minister for Education John O’Dowd was the keynote speaker at the O’Neills Ulster GAA Coaching and Games Conference held in the Glenavon Hotel on Saturday 28th January. The theme of this year’s Conference was Education and Club Links in Gaelic Games.
Up to 400 delegates attended who are working in education or at GAA Club level. The conference highlighted the importance of embracing coaching across all age groups.
In many of the workshops research had been undertaken over the last 12 months to support the presentations. Ulster GAA recognises and values the huge contribution that education plays in the support and development of our games and it is aware of the changing environment within education.
Welcoming the Minister Ulster GAA President Aogan Ó Fearghail said: “Ulster GAA are pleased to welcome Minister O’Dowd to our Coaching Conference which is now in its 7th year. Leading academics and GAA coaches from across Ireland attend on an annual basis and the event has become one of Ulster leading sporting conferences.
“The Department of Education and Minister O’Dowd continue to support Ulster GAA by the ongoing significant investment in the Foundation and Keystage 1 Primary School Coaching Programme. This programme, which is world renowned continues to promote Gaelic Games and physical literacy to over 20,000 pupils per year. Additionally it provides much needed employment for 32 young highly trained coaches, many of whom are qualified teachers. I thank Minister O’Dowd for this investment and his continued support and confidence in Ulster GAA ”
The Minister for Education John O’Dowd said: “My clear priority as Education Minister is the creation of an education system that ensures that all our young people fulfils her or his full potential by benefitting from a high quality education which both enriches their lives and helps to grow the local economy. However, I recognise the need to develop not just the intellectual and vocational needs of pupils – but also their physical well being.
“That is why I very much welcome this opportunity to highlight the important and valuable contribution GAA coaches continue to make to my Department’s Curriculum Sports Programme. This year there are over 36,000 pupils from across the north of Ireland taking part in the programme which is aimed at developing the generic physical literacy skills of our youngest children through enjoyable sports, as well as providing valuable support to our primary school teachers in their delivery of Physical Education.
“Active participation in the Curriculum Sports Programme has helped to raise pupils’ confidence, their self- esteem and also their motivation to learn and achieve in other curricular areas – particularly literacy and numeracy. It also reflects the inclusive nature of the work in schools, ensuring participation of all children, including those with special educational needs.
“I would therefore like to congratulate everyone involved in Ulster GAA for their help in delivering the Programme and promoting the many benefits of actively participating in sport, which helps to develop the skills our children need to maintain a healthy and happy life-style.”
First Minister attends McKenna Cup Final
Commenting on the attendance of First Minister Peter Robinson MLA and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA MP at the Power NI McKenna Cup Final Ulster GAA President Aogán O’Fearghail said,
“I was pleased to welcome the First Minister and deputy First Minister to the Power NI Dr McKenna Cup final. The attendance of the First Minister follows a series of engagements that have taken place involving him and his officials over the past number of years led by our Provincial Director Danny Murphy. Myself, Danny Murphy and Tom Daly (Chairman of the Casement Park Stadium Project) first met the First Minister last year and Ulster GAA would want to again recognise the significant investment that the Executive under the leadership of both the First and deputy First Ministers have committed to the Casement Park redevelopment and to many other GAA projects. I thank them for their confidence in and support for Ulster GAA.
“As an Association, we are committed to a shared future for all in Ireland. We outreach to many who have had no traditional involvement with the GAA. The presence of the First Minister at tonight’s match is part of that engagement process and something I warmly welcome.”
Pictured are (L-R): Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, Ulster GAA Secretary Danny Murphy, First Minister Peter Robinson and Ulster GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail.
Tyrone Power to Victory
Power NI Dr McKenna Cup Final:
Tyrone 1-14 Derry 2-8
Tyrone claimed their first Power NI Dr McKenna Cup title since 2007 following an impressive comeback from six points down at one stage against Derry at the Morgan Athletic Grounds on Saturday night.
Mickey Harte’s side toppled the reigning champions with a powerful second half display, which was greatly aided by the dismissal of Derry’s Jason Conway after just 18 minutes.
Two minutes previously, Paddy Bradley had given John Brennan’s side a six-point advantage with a well-taken goal.
Tyrone struggled for long periods in the opening half but an Owen Mulligan goal in stoppage time, quickly followed by a Cathal McCarron point, left the sides level at 1-5 apiece at the break.
The Red Hands seized the initiative on the resumption of play and points from Stephen O’Neill and Mattie Donnelly pushed them further ahead.
Tyrone were seven points clear and cruising when Derry grabbed a consolation goal in stoppage time, Cailean O’Boyle hitting the back of the net from the penalty spot.
View all the scores from the Power NI Dr McKenna Cup Final:
2011 Ulster Club All Stars
The brightest stars of the 2011 Ulster Club Championships gathered this week for the presentation of the first annual Gaelic Life Ulster Club All-Star Awards, held in association with Belleek Living and Squareball.
Quinn’s Corner, such a well-known venue for Gaels from across the province, was the venue for the ceremony as the great and the good of Ulster GAA came together for a night of celebration.
Guests of honour on the night were Ulster Camogie chairperson Kathleen Woods, Ulster Ladies chairperson Hugh Devenney, and John Devenney representing Ulster GAA.
Dominic McClements, general manager of Gaelic Life’s parent company, North-West News Group, revealed that the inaugural awards had been a tremendous success which had “captured the imagination of the GAA public,” having attracted more than 9000 votes through the Gaelic Life Facebook page an additional 2500 text votes.
With the BBC’s Thomas Kane the man in charge, the assembled winners, their partners, friends and family members were entertained by the Ulster Scór na nOg champions, Omagh St Enda’s Ballad Group as proceedings got underway.
Of course Crossmaglen were the dominant force, with four Rangers stars on the 15, as James Morgan, Stephen Finnegan, Aaron Kernan, Aaron Cunningham and Jamie Clarke took their places. Ulster senior finalists Burren got two nods, Kevin McKernan at centre-back and sharpshooter Donal O’Hare selected at corner-forward. Latton’s Eoin Lennon at midfield, Roslea’s Conor Quigley at corner-back and Glenswilly captain Michael Murphy were the others to make the cut.
But this was not just about the senior club stars. Ulster Intermediate Club champions Craigbane saw three of their stars collect honours, with Fergal Crossan at full-back, Blaine Gormley at midfield and Lee Moore at wing-forward. The Junior Club Championship also got due recognition as Culloville goalkeeper Kieran McMahon and Cremartin’s centre-forward and captain Darren Bishop also secured their places.
Then it was down to the individual accolades, with St John’s attacking star Conor Johnston picking up the Young Hurler of the Year award, while Lee Moore’s disappointment at Craigbane’s All-Ireland title race exit at the weekend was eased somewhat as he collected his Young Footballer of the Year accolade.
Derrytresk managerial duo Paul Hughes and Paul Canavan were on hand to collect their Football Managers of the Year award, informing host Thomas Kane that Derrytresk “have a reputation as being a friendly club” despite the bad press received in recent days. Loughiel boss PJ O’Mullan also took time out from his side’s preparations for their upcoming All-Ireland semi-final to collect his award as Hurling Manager of the Year.
The females of the species were also well represented, Loughiel defensive ace Emma Connolly on hand to pick up her Camogie Club Player of the Year award ahead of her side’s All-Ireland semi-final next weekend, while Sperrin Og’s Eimear Teague was able to recall what it felt like to win in an All-Ireland final as she collected the Ladies Club Player of the Year accolade.
The two main presentations of the evening were of course the Hurler of the Year and Footballer of the Year awards. First up was Middletown’s Ryan Gaffney, fresh from helping his side secure their place in the All-Ireland Intermediate Club Hurling final as he picked up his award, before Crossmaglen’s Aaron Cunningham returned to the podium to pick up his second trophy of the evening as he was unveiled as Ulster Club Footballer of the Year as proceedings came to a close.
Pictured is Ulster Council delegate John Devenney presenting Aaron Cunningham with his Player of the Year award.
GAA Stars, Seen by Cars!
Ulster GAA, through it’s Live to Play programme, is promoting a ‘visibility’ message to young members throughout the winter period. The imaginative new campaign encourages aspiring young GAA players to become stars on the pitch while staying safe off it in winter’s dark mornings and evenings!
Cleverly titled ‘GAA Stars, Seen by Cars’, the campaign is being run out in Primary schools across Ulster. GAA coaches have delivered 600 packs to primary schools containing colourful campaign posters and entry cards to Ulster GAA’s January competition.
The competition will not only reinforce the learning but will enable over 500 children to emerge as winners, receiving an O’Neill’s Live to Play backpack with safety enhancing reflective strips, alongside the County crest.
It is hoped that this element of the Live to Play programme will encourage the youngest GAA members to be safer on the roads, just like their older counterparts who have availed of education and awareness at Club level.
Photo caption: Down stars Ambrose Rogers and Benny Coulter join Ulster GAA’s Aileen Cummins and Lisa McAliskey to promote Ulster GAA’s winter Live to Play message ‘GAA Stars Seen By Cars’ to pupils in St. Dallan’s Primary School Warrenpoint’s GAA Health & Wellbeing Day
St Joseph’s run LTP Competition
St. Joseph’s Coalisland recently held a Live to Play poster competition for their Year 9 pupils. The competition was the brainchild of MVRUS teacher Gerard Scott, who linked with the school’s Art Department to encourage involvement from the pupils.
Live to Play is Ulster GAA’s Road Safety programme, undertaken with the aim of reducing the numbers killed and seriously injured on the roads and to raise awareness among members of the dangers therein. The programme has been running in Tyrone for 2 years now with numerous Club education events having taken place.
Mr Scott explained, “Like most schools we in St Josephs have lost a number of pupils over the years to the carnage on the roads. We have also lost a number of ex-pupils who had only left a year or so. When the GAA launched their ‘Live to play’ campaign I thought it was inspirational and wanted to do something to support it”.
The Year 9s were the chosen group and when they were shown the jersey and had the competition explained they set about it enthusiastically. The joint runners up were Kya Marie Murray and Eoin Robinson and the overall winner was Shane Cushnahan.
The successful pupils are pictured wearing their prizes, Live to Play jerseys, with Tyrone Live to Play co-ordinator Cuthbert Donnelly and their teachers.
Derry & Tyrone to meet in Final
Power NI Dr McKenna Cup Semi Final:
Derry 0-11 Down 0-9
Defending champions Derry are through to the final of the Power NI Dr McKenna Cup after a 0-11 to 0-9 defeat of Down at the Morgan Athletic Grounds on Sunday.
Derry were trailing by 0-4 to 0-3 at the break but John Brennan’s side came back strongly in the second half as Mark Lynch, Conleith Gilligan, Cailean O’Boyle and Paddy Bradley all kicked crucial points.
Aidan Carr kept Down in touch from placed balls, but the Mourne men were in trouble defensively throughout.
Derry moved 0-7 to 0-6 ahead 20 minutes into second half, as Barry McGoldrick and Gilligan nudged them ahead.
Arthur McConville pulled two points back for James McCartan’s side in the closing stages, but it was too little too late and their afternoon went from bad to worse when midfielder Kalum King was shown a straight red card almost at full time.
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Power NI Dr McKenna Cup Semi Final:
Tyrone 2-14 Fermanagh 1-4
In the afternoon’s second game, also played at the Morgan Athletic Grounds, Tyrone secured their place in the final against Derry with a second win in four days over Fermanagh.
Mickey Harte once again got the better of his former star player, Fermanagh manager Peter Canavan, with Tyrone running out comfortable 2-14 to 1-4 winners thanks to a strong second half performance.
The in-form Seamus Quigley gave the Erne men the perfect start with an early goal, which put Canavan’s men 1-2 to 0-1 ahead, and they still had their noses in front at the break, leading by 1-2 to 0-3.
However, the Red Hands took complete control after the break, hitting five of the next six scores, including an Owen Mulligan goal in the 57th minute.
Ronan O’Neill, who finished with 1-4, wrapped matters up with his side’s second goal, finishing coolly after taking a pass from Stephen O’Neill.
Conor Quigley and Paul Ward were the only Fermanagh names on the score sheet in the second half.
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The final of the Power NI Dr McKenna Cup between Derry and Tyrone will take place on Saturday 28th January at 7.30pm in the Morgan Athletic Grounds, Armagh.
Ulster Official receives Patterson Award
Ulster Council GAA Director Danny Murphy received the WJ ‘Paddy’ Patterson Award for Services to Sport which is annually presented by the Northern Ireland Sports Forum.
Danny is former Chairman of the Down County Committee and was as selector with Down Senior Football in the early 1990?s. A former member of the Central Council and Vice President of the GAA, he also served as Vice-President and President of the Ulster Council before being appointed Provincial Secretary and Director.
In a detailed and impressive citation the judging panel remarked:
Danny lit the fuse for a ground breaking Strategic Plan that helped to secure government funding for the GAA at club, county and provincial level. In recent years Danny has been an important catalyst in some of the GAA`s most visionary projects in the province including its re-structuring at Council level and ambitious coaching and development. He has played a major role in overseeing the refurbishing and floodlighting of all major grounds in the province and is currently providing the dynamic for further improvements at Casement Park.
Aogan O’Fearghail Ulster GAA President said: “Danny’s immense contribution to GAA and society is clearly recognised among a field that includes all sports, amateur and professional. I know all Ulster Gaels share our delight that Danny’s commitment and talents have been recognised by this award and I heartily congratulate him.”
Ulster U10 Indoor Hurling Blitz
The 4th Ulster Provincial U10 Indoor Hurling Blitz will take place on Saturday 18th February, in Meadowbank Sports Arena, Magherafelt. Co. Derry.
All Hurling Clubs are invited to attend.
This year we can accommodate 100 teams:
50 in session 1: 11:30am – 1:00pm
50 in Session 2: 1:30pm – 3:00pm
On request from a number of clubs, we will be playing airborne and ground hurling matches, teams will need to specify on the application form which they would like to play.
Registration is £10 per Club (although clubs may enter as many teams as they wish), The number of teams a club enters must be pre-registered so groups can be allocated in advance
In order to book your place, complete the form attached, along with payment (Cheques can be made payable to ‘Ulster Council GAA’) and return to:
Ulster Indoor Hurling Blitz
Ulster GAA Offices
8-10 Market St, Armgh
BT61 7BX
Or contact Kevin Kelly on (028) 3571 7180 to book via Credit/Debit Card
For Further information please email: kevin.kelly.ulster@gaa.ie
Related:
- 2012 Ulster Indoor Hurling Blitz Application Form
Award 2 Course Spring 2012
Ulster GAA Coaching and Games will be rolling out an Award 2 Adult Football/Hurling Course on the weekends of the 10, 11, & 12th and 17, 18, & 19th February.
- Coaching Assessment as part of the Course
- Coaches will be requested to complete 4 session planners
- Coaches will be requested to undertake 2 compulsory 10 minute coaching practicals
- Coaches will be requested to complete & return their logbooks and DVDs within the allocated time frame
- Course fees must be paid in advance of course(places will be allocated on a first paid basis)
If you currently hold a Level 1 Certificate in youth or adult coaching you can apply to do this course. All expressions of interest need to be e-mailed to Roger Keenan @ roger.keenan.ulster@gaa.ie prior to 13th January.
Level 3 Diploma Course
Ulster GAA in partnership with OCNNI will be running a Level 3 Diploma in Team Management for Gaelic Games in February 2012. This Diploma Course in will be pitched at the same difficulty and complexity as A-Level or Leaving Cert. The objective is to reward the hard work undertaken by many volunteers in clubs and schools and provide them with the opportunity to bring this into a formal qualification. In times of economic hardship and unemployment, the GAA Club environment can help people develop new skills and competencies that they can use when seeking employment.
Our long term vision is to have a number of mandatory units / modules that we Ulster GAA offer our volunteers. These will build into certificates in respective areas. If the volunteer over time takes a number of these they can begin to build a qualification at level 3 / 4 by taking these mandatory modules and then by accessing further optional modules that exist within the Qualifications Credit Framework. This we envisage would potentially build into a “Degree in GAA Related Studies”.
Ulster GAA Team Management Programme
This programme is being delivered at the request of coaches who have made the transition from coach to manager. It recognises that coaching and managing have significant similarities but it also recognises that they are different. The series of workshops will take the coach/manager through a programme that will help explore the critical managerial areas to help develop understanding, competencies and abilities to apply critical thinking, problem solving and decision making skills.
This interactive programme is being delivered by GAA and Coaching Ireland Qualified Tutors and practicing managers and the subject areas will evolve around the following topics. This programme provides the basis to build further qualifications that are currently being delivered to volunteers. See table below:
| Mandatory | GAA Sports Management | Credits (36 – 40) |
| Unit 1 | Making Plans and Decisions in Sports Contexts | 10 |
| Unit 2 | Building Team Success | 10 |
| Unit 3 | Managing Change and Conflict | 10 |
| Unit 4 | Role of the Manager in the Sports Context | 10 |
It is envisaged that candidates applying for these two courses will need to have a minimum of Award 1 and be actively involved with their adult club, college or county team. See application form below.
Related:
- Level 3 Diploma in Team Management Application Form
Conference focuses on Education
The 8th Annual O’Neills Ulster GAA Coaching & Games Development Conference will take place on Saturday 28th January 2012 in the Glenavon House Hotel in Cookstown.
The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Education and Club Links in GAA’. It targets teachers and coaches who are working in education. It embraces coaching across all age group. In many of the workshops research has been undertaken over the last 12 months to support the presentations. Ulster GAA recognises and values the huge contribution that education plays in the support and development of our games and it is aware of the changing environment within education. We hope that through the workshops we can share ideas and help us to come up with some solutions to the challenges that lie ahead.
Special Guests at the Conference include:
- John O’Dowd MLA – Minister for Education
- Sean McElhatton – Former Tyrone & Ulster Player and Advisor to Belfast Education & Library Board
- Dr. Phil Glasgow – Senior Physiotherapist, Sports Institute Northern Ireland
- Jimmy Smyth – Former Armagh & Ulster Footballer, Commentator, Ulster Vocational Schools
- Sean Dempsey – Former Laois County Minor Manager and Master Tutor with Leinster GAA
Below is the selection of interactive workshops that will be run during the Conference:
- GAA Integration with the Curriculum – School Based Applications (Case Study) (Ryan Mellon – Ulster GAA, Pupils & Teachers from Schools)
“This session deals with how Ulster GAA has engaged with Secondary Schools to provide opportunities for young people to develop the expertise and the skills to deliver sports science, fitness assessment, video analysis applications and nutrition to enhance team performance in school and in the clubs” - Managers’ Heart Rate in Competition – Your Mental Approach to Games (Kevin McGuigan – Sports Scientist Ulster GAA and Des Jennings – Sports Institute NI)
“The team manager is under tremendous pressure to win even in our schools. With this comes the associated behaviour on the sidelines and the potential impact on our health. This research has tracked the heart rate of managers during competition in 2010 and the session explores ways in which the managers and coaches can help keep their focus and make good decisions when in charge of their teams – stay calm and focused – even as a schools coach? - Making the Link between the classroom and Sportshall (Joe McMahon, Catriona Rogers, Ben McGuckin, Owen Mooney – Ulster GAA Coaches, Mary Cullen – PS Teacher)
“This session looks at innovative thinking and best practice in the Primary School and how teachers and coaches have integrated the curriculum into sport and physical activity in the sports hall.” - Conditioning for Secondary School Players – off, pre and in season (Kevin Kelly – Ulster GAA)
“This will address the key function of core stability and functional movement and the need to establish this as a building block for future development. This session will be full of practical examples of why, what and HOW to do it. It will also explore what “conditioning” we are trying to achieve with the 12 to 18 year old boys and girls”. - County Programmes within the Education Sector (Chris Collins- Games Development Manager, Derry and Ryan Mellon – Ulster GAA)
“This session explores the engagement that the Province and County have with the education sector and reflects on the challenges that we face in this delivery. The education environment is changing as is the GAA. As we move forward this session asks how we can best work together to provide opportunities to play Gaelic Games”. - Sports Technologies – Integrating Theory with Practice (Dan Turley – Performa Sport, Jonny Bradley – Sports Institute NI, Diarmaid Marsden- Ulster GAA)
“In reality we observe, analyse and feedback in our coaching practice. Technologies can assist with this and the use of the visual is a powerful tool. Integrating the latest technologies into team preparation has been a successfully piloted project for GAA in Ulster. The latest technologies take this analysis to a new level live on the pitch side and from this technologies to design sessions for the coach” - Activity levels in the Playground in structured and unstructured play. (Stephen Quinn, Karol McQuade, Eamon Crilly and Eoghan Gribbin – Ulster GAA Coaches)
“This session explores the impact on activity levels of smart planning and structured activity in the playground. Utilising the advanced GPS technologies the research shows the difference between structured and unstructured play and the impact this can have on the behaviour and health of young children” - Lifestyle and Player Management (Gary Mallon – Ulster GAA)
“This session will look at the lifestyle issues of players and how we as coaches manage this. Their priorities at different times of the years are addressed and the challenges presented for the player and for the coaches in club and school. We will explore how we can keep this player centred and what the issues are when this approach is adopted” - One Wall Handball – Olympics 2016 (Ryan Daly and Austin McKenna – Ulster Handball)
“One wall handball is now in a number of schools across the Province. This session outlines the concept, the game, the future for one wall and the potential to have one of your pupils in the future participating in the Olympic Games” - The Relative Age Theory and Player Selection (Roger Keenan – Ulster GAA)
There has been much debate around GAA age groups and the school age groups and the implications for player selection and participation. Research would show that in other sports players at the start of the year are picked into squads. What do we do in the GAA in terms of accommodating particular birthdays and what are the discrepancies and challenges between the six counties and the three? In addition does the route that students follow (academic or vocational) have a bearing on their opportunity to become a successful inter-county player? What are the implications for the future”
Registration
The 2012 Conference will focus on Gaelic Games in Education Teachers, coaches and educationalists are encouraged to participate.
The cost for attending the conference is £15/€18 per delegate.
For more details contact Bernie Fox on 02837521900 or email conference.ulster@gaa.ie
2012 Ulster Club Football League
Applications are now being accepted for clubs who wish to enter the 2012 Ulster Club Football League.
Once again, the league will consist of 2 divisions, Senior and Intermediate.
The closing date for applications is 1.00pm on Friday 6th January 2012. Applications must be signed by the County Secretary and the appropriate fee must accompany the hard copy 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 5th 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:
Sunday 5th February – Round 1
Sunday 12th February – Round 2
Sunday 19th February – Round 3
Sunday 26th February – Round 4
Sunday 4th March – Round 5
Sunday 11th March – Playoffs
Sunday 18th March – Semi Finals
Sunday 25th March – Finals
Related:
- Ulster Club Football League Application Form 2012