EXTRA TIME DOWN GAA NEWSLETTER
NOVEMBER 2012 Volume 1 Issue 10
www.downgaa.net INSIDE THIS ISSUE
MOUTHGUARDS
AND THE GAA
2
CONVENTION
TIME AGAIN
3
SOUTH DOWN DATES
FOR YOUR DIARY
3
AGM’S WITHIN CLUBS
4
ULSTER GAA
GRANTS 2012
4
DRAFT ULSTER FIXTURES 2013
INVOLVING DOWN
5
ULSTER GAA ACTIVITY IN PHYSI-
CAL AND LEARNING
DISABILITIES
6
UNDER 14 INTER
COUNTY BLITZ
7
POWER NI DR
MCKENNA CUP
7
DOWN GAA CLUBS DRAW 2013
7
DOWN GAA
STRATEGY 2010 – 14 8
RURAL CHALLENGE
PROGRAMME 2012
8
OFFICIAL GAA DIGI-TAL-SOCIAL MEDIA
REGISTRATION
8
2013 TÁIN CLUB
HURLING LEAGUE
9
SCHOOLS COACHING PROGRAMME 2012/13
9
DOWN GAA WINTER
STRENGTH AND
CONDITIONING
PROGRAMMES
9
SCOR NA NÓG 2013 10
IRISH LANGUAGE
COLLECTION
10
JANUARY TO MARCH
THE DEBATE
10
DOWN HURLING
CONVENTION
10
NATIONAL ANTHEM
WORKSHOP
10
OCTOBER DOWN CLUBS DRAW
RESULTS
10
EXTRA TIME DOWN GAA NEWSLETTER
OfficialDownGAA
www.facebook.com/
OfficialDownGAA
Tá súil
agam go
bhfuil sibh
go maith.
The time is
upon us
again to
compile our best bits of last
year‘s GAA action to be profiled
in the Down GAA Yearbook.
So as to ensure the Club you are
involved in is included in the pub-
lication and is given sufficient
exposure please send me what
you would like to see in this
year‘s publication.
Please note that each Club will be
provided with no more than 2
pages in the Yearbook (900
words). The material you send
may also be edited and that is at
the discretion of the Communica-
tions Committee.
Please forward to
[email protected] no later than
Friday 16th November 2012.
Please note that photographs
sent in should be of high resolu-
tion 300dpi and not taken from a
website and each photograph
should be named.
Please make sure to identify who
each article and photo are
attributed to.
DOWN GAA YEARBOOK ―A REVIEW OF 2012‖ EDITORIAL DEADLINE
Best of luck to both Kilcoo and Warrenpoint in this coming Sundays Ulster Club Semi Finals
Kilcoo take on Antrim champions St Galls at 2.30pm in the Athletic Grounds, Armagh while Down Inter-
mediate Champions Warrenpoint take on Aghagallon.
Sunday 18th November (Extra Time if necessary in all games)
AIB Ulster Senior Football Club Championship Semi Finals
Kilcoo (Down) v St Galls (Antrim) at The Athletic Grounds (2.30pm) Ref: M Sludden (Tyrone)
AIB Ulster Intermediate Football Club Championship Semi Finals
Aghagallon (Antrim) v Warrenpoint (Down) at The Athletic Grounds (12.45pm) Ref: E McHugh (Tyrone)
KILCOO AND WARRENPOINT IN ULSTER CLUB SEMI FINALS
Down GAA Coaching and Games Conference
Abbey CBS Newry, Saturday 19th January 2013
Details to follow:
To book your place or for more information please contact:
Conor O Toole, Games Development Manager
Email: [email protected]
Down GAA Youth Convention
Abbey CBS Newry, Saturday 2nd February 2013
A great chance for the youth of YOUR Club to have their say
on how we do things in Down GAA.
Prominent Guest Speakers will be in attendance
To book your place or for more information please contact:
Diarmuid Cahill, Down GAA Youth Chairman and Ulster Council Delegate
Email: [email protected]
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2013
Page 2 EXTRA TIME
MOUTHGUARDS AND THE GAA
How to Secure your Club Funds
Contact the Croke Park Hotel Bookings Office
Quote the name of your club at the time of booking
Email: [email protected] or
[email protected] Tel: (01) 871 4444 Online: Select The Croke Park Hotel and, before entering your payment details, click on "GAA Club Support Programme" and select your
preferred club.
The purpose of this document is to
present Clubs, Players and Parents with
an overview of the forthcoming imple-
mentation of the GAA/GPA
mouthguard initiative.
This is a summary and more in-depth
information will be made available in the
near future.
It will be mandatory to use a
mouthguard in all football matches and
training sessions from January 1st 2013
(for all age grades up to and including
minor) and at U21 and Adult level from
January 1st 2014.
There are three types of mouthguards: Stock mouthguards are pre-
formed and come ready to wear.
Dentists do not recommend their
use. Nonetheless, once they carry
the CE (European Conformity) mark
they are acceptable in terms of com-
plying with the new GAA Rules.
Boil and bite mouthguards can
also be bought over the counter at
most Sport Shops and generally offer
a better fit than stock mouth protec-
tors. Typically this type of
mouthguard will cost in the region of
€15 to €20 and again any
mouthguard with the CE mark on it
in this category is sufficient to en-
sure compliance with the new rule.
Custom-fitted mouthguards are
individually designed and made in a
dental office or a professional labor-
atory based on your dentist's in-
structions. These will offer the best
protection against dental and oral
injury. Prices can vary significantly
and it is worth seeking and compar-
ing prices from a number of practi-
tioners before deciding to purchase.
There will be a range of official GAA/
GPA mouthguards available to purchase
in December. Further information on
these products will be circulated to
Clubs in late November.
COMPLYING WITH THE NEW
RULE If a player refuses to comply with a
Referee‘s instruction to wear a
mouthguard, he will initially be cau-
tioned by the Referee and if the player
continues to refuse, the Referee can
send him off (See Rule 6.2, Rules of
Foul Play, The Playing Rules of Football,
Official Guide, Part II, 20112)
SOME QUESTIONS When does the new rule come
into effect? From January 1st 2013, all players play-
ing in grades up to and including Minor
will be required to wear a mouthguard
in all football games and at practice
sessions.
When does the ruling come into
effect for adult players? From January 1st, 2014 all players at all
grades will be required to wear a
mouthguard in all football games and
practice sessions. What will happen if I am not wear-
ing a mouthguard in a game? If a player refuses to comply with a
Referee‘s instruction to wear a
mouthguard, he/she will initially be cau-
tioned by the Referee and if the player
continues to refuse, the Referee can
send him/her off. Who is responsible for ensuring
mouthguards are worn at training
or practice sessions? It is a matter for each club to ensure
the rule is adhered to at training or
practice sessions. Clubs and players
should note that players may not be
covered under the player injury scheme
if they are not wearing a mouthguard. Do players have to wear a
mouthguard in hurling games? No, the new rule only applies to foot-
ball; however, wearing a mouthguard
when playing hurling does reduce the
risk of dental injury. I am a minor playing on an adult
team in 2013; do I have to wear a
mouthguard? Not in 2013. The wearing of
mouthguards in 2013 is compulsory at
all age grades up to minor. However, a
player playing at U-21 or adult level in
2013 is not required to wear a mouthguard under rule. From January
1st 2014 all players at all grades must
wear a mouthguard. Do I have to wear a mouthguard
whilst playing Second Level games? Yes. From January 1st 2013, all Second
Level players will be required to wear a
mouthguard in all football games and at
practice sessions. Do I have to wear a mouthguard
whilst playing Third Level games? Not in 2013. From January 1st 2014 all
players at all grades must wear a
mouthguard.
I’m a referee; do I have to
check all players’ mouths
before a game to
ensure compliance? Referee‘s will not be ex-
pected to individually check
players before a game; how-ever if a Referee notices that
a player is not wearing a mouthguard, he should
caution the player and if the player still refuses to
wear one, he should be sent off.
Which type of mouthguard should
I purchase? The decision on which type of mouthguard a
player should obtain is a matter of personal pref-
erence. There is no doubt that custom fitted
mouthguards offer the best fit and protection but
they are the most expensive option also. The
Stock and Boil & Bite options will suffice for com-
pliance with the new rules, but only if the product
carries the CE mark.
Is there an official GAA/GPA mouthguard? There will be a range of official GAA/GPA
mouthguards available to purchase in December.
Further information on these products will be
circulated to Clubs in late November.
If you have any queries or would like more infor-
mation, please contact:
Games & Player Welfare Administrator
Ruairí Harvey:
Telephone: +353 (0) 1 865 8685;
E-mail: [email protected]
Page 3 Volume 1 Issue 10 November 2012
DOWN COUNTY CONVENTION
12TH DECEMBER AT 7.00PM IN THE
CANAL COURT HOTEL NEWRY.
DECEASED GAELS 2012
Can I ask you to please forward details of those deceased Club Mem-
bers whose names you would like to have included in our Conven-
tion Booklet for 2012. It is both right and fitting that we remember
those gaels who have passed to their eternal reward in 2012 and
your asked to submit the names by Email to the County Secretary on
or before November 20th to ensure their inclusion in the Booklet
Please email names to: [email protected].
SOUTH DOWN LEAGUE AND
CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS 2012
U11 Div 1 Mayobridge
U11 Div 2 Longstone
U11 Div 3 Bosco
U11 Div 4 Ballyholland B
U12 Div 1 Ballyholland
U12 Div 2 Atticall
U12 Div 3 Ballymartin/Longstone
U12 Div 4 Burren B
U14 Div 1 Burren
U14 Div 2 Warrenpoint
U14 Div 3 Bosco
U14 A Championship Burren
U14 B Championship Rostrevor
U14 C Championship Bosco
RFL Burren
Felix Darby Mayobridge or Rostrevor
Fr. Davies Clonduff
Minor 7‘s Rostrevor
SOUTH DOWN
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
South Down Awards Night
Friday 30th November 2012
Mayobridge Social Club @ 8.00pm
Guest Speaker Mickey Harte
NB: The November Draw of the Down GAA Clubs Draw will
take place at this Event.
South Down Convention
Monday 3rd December 2012
Mayobridge Social Club @ 7.30pm
CONVENTION TIME AGAIN Well the US Presidential Election is over, the Children‘s Referendum is
over and President Obama is back in the White House for another
four years and now it‘s Down GAA Convention on Wednesday 12th
December.
I am urging each Club to play their part in the democracy of the GAA
by quite simply completing the Nomination Form. To the Club Secre-
tary I hope you will complete the form and make the returns on behalf of your Club, last year we had a 46% return, this time I would like to
show that we in Down GAA can make returns of over 60%.
Use the opportunity to make your Club voice heard and why not look
to change some of those things that irritate you as a Club or member,
propose a motion for Congress or for Ulster Convention or address a
bye law within Down. This is a real chance for your Club to have its
voice heard at Provincial and National Level.
Play your part in Democracy return your Club Form ahead of the
deadline Friday 20th November.
Page 4 EXTRA TIME
Each year, a Club must hold an
Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The AGM is the most important
meeting of the year and every effort
should be made to ensure that it is
organised in accordance with the
rules as laid out in the Club consti-
tution. The purpose of the AGM is
to: 1. Review the work of the previous
year. 2. Review Financial statements and
auditors reports. 3. Elect officers and executive com-
mittee members. 4. Get members views on Club and
Association policy. 5. Consider Club policy and revise
or endorse. 6. Make submissions through mo-
tions to the County Committee
on the framing of policy and
dealing with the rules of the
Association.
THE AGM AGENDA The following business should be
transacted at the Annual General
Meeting:
a. Adoption of Standing Orders. b. Minutes of previous Annual
General Meeting. c. Consideration of the Annual
Report submitted by the Secre-
tary. d. Consideration of the Financial
Statements including the Report
of the Accountant(s) or Auditor
(s)
e. The Chairman‘s Address. f. Election of Officers and Mem-
bers of the Executive Commit-
tee.
g. Notices of Motion.
h. Other Business.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING Voting, where it concerns elections
for positions, must take place by
secret ballot.
Only Registered Full Members, who
have paid their Club membership
fees on time and are registered, may
vote at the AGM. Youth members
do not have a vote.
AGM’S WITHIN CLUBS
OFFICER ROLES IN CLUB: It is important that each officer understands their role
in the Club and carries out their duties as required.
Some Club officer roles are briefly outlined below.
Chairman: Management of Club affairs
Secretary: Manages the administration of
the Club
Treasurer: Records income and
expenditure
PRO: Promotes of the Club in
local community
Registrar: Registers players and members
ROLE OF AN CATHAOIRLEACH
– THE CLUB CHAIRMAN The Chairman is the principal officer of a GAA Club.
As well as chairing Club Executive Committee and
other Club meetings, the Chairman has prime responsi-
bility for ensuring that the Club is a well organized, well
managed and an active unit.
The Chairman should be dedicated to the job, have
good communication skills, have the ability to delegate
key tasks and above all, be a person of integrity in the
community.
The contribution of the Club Chairman to the effective
working of a Club can never be underestimated.
Main Duties: The main duties of the Club Chairman are summarised
as follows:
Provide leadership and management in the Club
Hold effective Club meetings
Uphold the Club constitution
Plan ahead for the Club
Delegate tasks to Club members
Uphold the mission, vision and values of the GAA
These duties are now discussed in greater detail.
ROLE OF AN RUNAÍ
– THE CLUB SECRETARY The Secretary is the chief administrator in the Club.
The duties are many and varied and call for a high de-
gree of dedication. The Secretary has more to do with
the practical running of the Club than any other officer.
He/she should be a good organiser, be methodical and
above all, be reliable. The duties dovetail with those of
the Chairman and it is essential that both officers work
as a team of which the Secretary will very often be the
more active person.
Main Duties: The main duties of the Club Secretary are summarised
as follows:
Communication:
- With Club members and officers
- With the county Secretary and County Commit-
tee
Meetings
- Preparation for and follow up on assigned tasks
- Accurate recording of meeting minutes
Administration:
- Correspondence and keeping records
- Membership and registration
- Team affiliation
- Club Insurance
- Club property
- Working with County/Divisional Committee/
Board
4: Club Planning - Assisting in developing a Club plan
―Clubs need to be
organised in terms
of administration,
fundraising, coaching
and games develop-
ment etc.
The Club Chairman
plays a key role in
making sure the
correct structures
are in place for the
Club.‖
ULSTER GAA GRANTS 2012 The following are the Club Grants awarded to Down Clubs
in 2012. Club will be allocated monies Week Commencing
3rd December.
DOWN PS12/028 St Malachy's Castlewellan 16,060.00
DOWN PS12/029 St Colman‘s Drumaness 10,360.00
DOWN PS12/030 Tullylish 8,000.00
DOWN PS12/031 Drumgath 17,000.00
DOWN PS12/032 Clonduff 8,000.00
DOWN PS12/033 Aghaderg 4,000.00
DOWN PS12/034 St Joseph's Ballycran 3,140.00
DOWN PS12/035 Ballyholland Harps 9,400.00
DOWN PS12/036 Ballygalget 1,200.00
DOWN PS12/037 Liatroim Fontenoy's 12,490.00
DOWN VD12/049 Annaclone 350.00
DOWN VD12/045 Atticall 400.00
DOWN VD12/039 Castlewellan 1,000.00
DOWN VD12/048 Clonduff 800.00
DOWN VD12/042 Downpatrick RGU 800.00
DOWN VD12/040 Drumaness 400.00
DOWN VD12/038 Dundrum 400.00
DOWN VD12/046 Glassdrumman 400.00
DOWN VD12/063 Glassdrumman 400.00
DOWN VD12/037 Longstone 400.00
DOWN VD12/041 Loughinisland 800.00
DOWN VD12/043 Rostrevor 400.00
DOWN VD12/047 Saval 400.00
DOWN VD12/044 St Paul's 800.00
Page 5 Volume 1 Issue 10 November 2012
DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT
ULSTER FIXTURES 2013
INVOLVING DOWN
Ulster Senior Football Championship
Quarter-Final: Sun 2nd June at Celtic Park (2.00pm) Doíre v An Dún
*Live on RTE (Replay 8th June)
Semi Final: Sun 23rd June Venue TBC (2.00pm)
Dún na nGall/Tír Eoghain v Doíre/An Dún
*Live on RTE (Replay 7th July)
Final: Sun 21st July Venue TBC (2pm/4pm)
*Live on TV3 (Replay 28th July)
Ulster Minor Football Championship
Quarter-Final: Sun 2nd June at Celtic Park (12.15pm) Doíre v An Dún
(Replay 8th June)
Semi Final: Sun 23rd June Venue TBC (12.15pm)
Dún na nGall/Tír Eoghain v Doíre/An Dún
(Replay 7th July)
Final: Sun 21st July Venue TBC (12pm/2pm)
(Replay 28th July)
Ulster Senior Hurling Championship
Quarter Final: Sun 16th June
An Dún v Ard Mhacha
Semi Final: Sun 30th June Doíre v An Dún/Ard Mhacha
Final: Sun 7th July
Antrim v Doíre/An Dún/Ard Mhacha
Ulster Minor Hurling Championship
Semi Final: Sun 16th June
An Dún v Doíre
Final: Sun 7th July
Ard Mhacha/Aontroim v An Dún/Doíre
Cadbury’s Under 21 Football Championship
Quarter Finals: Wed 20th March @ 8.00pm: An Dún v (a) Fear Manach / Ard Mhacha
If An Dún v Fear Manach at Pairc Esler
If An Dún v Ard Mhacha at Morgan Athletic Grounds
Semi Finals: Wed 3rd April:
Final: Wed 10th April: (Replay 17th April)
Club Football Championship dates
Club Senior Football Championship
Quarter Finals: Sun 3rd November at Pairc Esler
An Dún v Ard Mhacha
Semi Finals: Sun17th November
Final: Sun 1st December
Club Intermediate Football Championship
Quarter Finals: Sun 3rd November at Clones
Muineachán v An Dún
Semi Finals: Sun17th November
Final: Sun 1st December
Club Junior Football Championship
First Round: Sun 20th October at Casement Park Aontroim v An Dún
Quarter Finals: Sun 3rd November Tír Eoghain v Aontroim/An Dún
If Tír Eoghain v Aontroim at Healy Park
If Tír Eoghain v An Dún at Pairc Esler
Semi Finals: Sun17th November
Final: Sun 1st December
Club Senior Hurling Championship:
Semi Finals: Sun 13th October
Antrim v Down
Final: Sun 27th October
Club Junior Hurling Championship
Quarter Finals: Sun 6th October at Pairc esler
An Dún v Aontroim
Semi Finals: Sun 13th October
Final: Sun 27th October
Under 21 Hurling Championship
Semi Finals: Wed 17th July at 7.30 pm
An Dún v Aontroim
Final: Wed 24th July
Power NI Dr. McKenna Cup (2013 Competition) Section B: Ollscoil na Banriona, Ard Mhacha,
An Cabhán, An Dún
Round 1: Sun 6th Jan at Kingspan Breffni Park at 2.00pm
An Cabhán v An Dún
Round 2: Sun 13th Jan at Pairc Esler at 2.00pm
An Dún v Ollscoil na Banriona
Round 3: Wed 16th Jan at Pairc Esler at 7.30pm
An Dún v Ard Mhacha
Semi Finals: Sunday 20th Jan
(1) Section A Winners v Section B Winners
(2) Section C Winners v Best Runner Up
26th Jan (Sat): Final: 1 v 2
Minor Hurling League (All games at 12.00 p.m.)
Sat 9th March Roinn 1: Down v Armagh at Pairc Esler
Sat 16th March Roinn 2: Antrim v Down at Casement Park
Sat 23rd March Roinn 3: Down v Donegal at PaircEsler(2pm)
Sat 6th April: Derry v Down at Celtic Park
Sat 13th April Division 1 Final
Minor Football League
(All games at 12.00 p.m)
23rd March (Sat) Roinn 2: Down v Monaghan at Pairc Esler 30th March (Sat) Roinn 3: Cavan v Down at Kingspan Breffni
Park
6th April (Sat) Roinn 4: Down v Armagh at Pairc Esler
20th April (Sat) Semi Finals in Both League & Shield
(Extra time to be played if required)
27th April (Sat) Finals in Both League & Shield
(Extra time to be played if required)
Page 6 EXTRA TIME
INTRODUCTION Over the past few years Ulster GAA
have been working hard to build capaci-
ty with volunteers and coaches and to
engage with children, young people and
adults who have both learning and phys-
ical disabilities. Statistics show that in Northern Ireland
one in every five people have some
form of disability or health issue. From
those with a disability, only about 10%
take part in some form of sport or ex-
ercise. Ulster GAA has actively created more
opportunities for participants with both
physical and learning disabilities through
engagement with schools, clubs and
community groups. Each group has tak-
en advantage of coaching programmes
and games opportunities delivered by
Regional Development Officers and
Active Community coaches. (Appendix
1, 2 below show the details within
County Down)
PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT Ulster GAA is always keen to promote
activity within the schools, community
group and club settings to give every-
one an opportunity to engage with the
games. In many cases the children are
integrated within mainstream education
and they are included in the activities
with other children. For example at key
stage 1, Ulster GAA engages with
18,000 children on a weekly basis in an
inclusive physical literacy programme. The GAA Tutor and Coach Educa-
tion programme has an integrated
module on coaching participants with
disabilities. All coaches are exposed to
this module with the coaching pro-
gramme. The GAA In-service programme
for professionals is designed to up
skill, build confidence and competencies
and enhance the knowledge of partici-
pants. The participants include oppor-
tunities for classroom assistants, teach-
ers, GAA full-time coaches and Tutors.
Building capacity to engage in a chal-
lenging work area is central to moving
forward and making the experience for
participants challenging and rewarding. The GAA Workshops programme,
‘GAA FOR ALL’ has helped to make
a significant impact in the education of
volunteers, parents and coaches in the
club and community settings. The pro-
gramme promotes inclusivity and devel-
ops confidence and competencies that will allow work that is done in the
school to be continued in the commu-
nity setting. The GAA Club Blitz programme
encourages volunteers to provide
games opportunities within their club
settings and within the local Council
areas. The GAA Inter County Blitz pro-
gramme is designed to provide the
opportunity to wear the County Jersey
and play games against other county
teams. The GAA National Blitz programme
is linked closely with the opportunity to
take part in an activity day in Croke
Park. This opportunity also takes in a
tour of the stadium and is well received
by participants each summer. The GAA Half-time Games Coun-
ty and National League Programme
provides young people with the oppor-
tunity to play games at half time during
these fixtures. There is usually a crowd
of around five to eight thousand and
they are well received for these events. The GAA Summer Camp Pro-
gramme is designed to be inclusive
and children are welcomed and encour-
aged to take part. The GAA Half-time Games Provin-
cial Championships Programme is a
highlight event with both semi finals
being given over to the groups with
learning and physical disabilities. The
young people play at
half-time and they
are presented with
medals at the end of
the short exhibition
game. In the past we
have also had the
opportunity to take
some of the partici-
pants to the BBC
for a meeting with
the commentators.
CONCLUSION Ulster GAA has
embraced this area
of work and has
been delivering
through the Region-
al Development
Officers, Games
Development Man-
gers and the Active
Communities coach-
es. It will remain an
area of work that is
challenging and the
need for continuous
training and devel-
opment of volunteers and professionals
is central to moving forward. Significant training has been completed
but there is a training gap for advanced
development opportunities for full-time
staff. Ulster GAA is delighted with the pro-
gress it has made in this area of work.
However given its size and reach into
the community Ulster GAA has seen
no investment from the public purse to
support the work that it is doing. To
move it forward and to target this im-
portant group in society investment
from public money in
positions with specific
responsibility for
physical and learning
disabilities is required.
REPORT ON ULSTER GAA ACTIVITY IN PHYSICAL AND LEARNING DISABILITIES
Appendix 1 2011-2012: Ulster GAA working with participants with
Learning and Physical Disability - some of the details for Down
Appendix 2 Ulster GAA working with participants with Learning and
Physical Disability - Down Disability Activities 2010/2011
Page 7 Volume 1 Issue 10 November 2012
UNDER 14 INTER COUNTY BLITZ The sun shone brightly in Clonduff on Saturday 20th Octo-
ber as 200 boys representing five different Development
Squads converged for what has now become the annual
conclusion to the season.
Louth, South Armagh and East Tyrone as well as the South
and East Down Development Squads displayed high levels
of ability and skill. Each 40-strong squad was divided into
‗Gaels‘ and ‗Ógs‘ with the five teams in each section play-
ing the other after which the top two teams played off in
the final.
The Ógs final was decided first with Louth emerging win-
ners over South Armagh in a keenly contested final. East
Tyrone defeated East Down in the Gaels Final to bring the
formal proceedings to an end.
East Down U14 Development squad 2012
South Down U14 Development squad 2012
POWER NI DR MCKENNA CUP
SEASON TICKET NOW AVAILABLE Following the tremendous success of the inaugural Power
NI Dr McKenna Cup Season Tickets in 2012, Ulster GAA
are once again offering supporters the chance to make
huge savings in 2013.
Limited Edition Season Tickets are priced at £20/€25 and
will permit you access to Round 1, Round 2 & Round 3
Games involving Down, ALL Semi Finals and the Final in
the 2013 Power NI Dr McKenna Cup… that‘s a potential
saving of over 60%!
Down take on Queen‘s University Belfast, Armagh, and
Cavan in Group B. Round 1 takes place on Sunday 6th
January, Round 2: 13th January, Round 3: Wednesday 16th
January with the semi finals fixed for Sunday 20th January
and the Final: Saturday 26th January.
To order your ticket:
Tel: (028) 3752 1900 or
Email: [email protected]
DOWN GAA CLUBS DRAW 2013 With £110,000 in Prize Fund, this draw allows all Clubs within Down
to host a major draw without the individual worry of providing a major
Prize Fund.
The benefits for YOUR Club are tremendous. £96 out of every Tick-
et sold after the initial 20 goes directly to YOUR Club.
For example if you help YOUR Club sells another 100 Tickets, then
YOUR Club generates £9,600 for itself with no outlay!
Down GAA Clubs Draw—Ticket Returns To facilitate Clubs who wish to make early returns of Clubs Draw
tickets the County Offices in Castlewellan and Newry will be open
on the following nights/days: Wednesday 21st November 7.30pm to 9.00pm
County Office Castlewellan Saturday 24th November 10.30am to 12.00noon
County Office Pairc Esler Wednesday 28th November 7.30pm to 9.00pm
County Office Castlewellan Saturday 31st November 10.30am to 12.00noon
County Office Pairc Esler Wednesday 5th December 7.30pm to 9.00pm
County Office Castlewellan Saturday 8th December 10.30am to 12.00noon
County Office Pairc Esler Wednesday 12th December 6.00pm to 7.30pm
at County Convention in Canal Court Hotel Saturday 15th December 10.30am to 12.00noon
County Office Pairc Esler Wednesday 19th December 7.30pm to 9.00pm
County Office Castlewellan
The Down Clubs Draw 2013
Ag Obair le Cheile—Bealach an Duin
Support your Club ---------------- Support your County
Page 8 EXTRA TIME
The Rural Challenge Programme assists community
and voluntary groups in the development of projects
to address poverty and isolation in rural areas and
provides funding to assist with their implementation.
Up to £10,000 per project is available for projects
aimed at supporting children and young people; lone
parents; the unemployed; the disabled; carers; the
elderly or ethnic minorities and it is envisaged that at
least 70 projects will be supported.
Support with the application process is being provided
at Best Practice Workshops which are being held in
venues throughout the north. Any group intending to
apply to the programme must attend one of these
workshops and to date 65 have availed of the support
available.
Applications should be submitted to
The Rural Challenge Programme, Rural De-
velopment Division, Sperrin House, Sedan
Avenue, Lisnamallard, Omagh, County Tyrone
BT79 7AQ.
Closing Date is 4.00pm on 14 December. Application packs can be obtained by contact-
ing Rural Development Division, Omagh (Tel
- 028 8225 3512) or emailing ru-
It is worth noting that more than one applica-
tion can be made as long as they are for the
different categories
RURAL CHALLENGE PROGRAMME 2012
RECOMMENDATION 3.5 :
COACHING AND GAMES
DEVELOPMENT
Ensure that during the lifetime of this
Plan that each Club will have: A Coaching Officer / Co-
Coordinator who will attend
County Coaching Meetings and
promote Coaching and Games
Development in the Club At least four active new Level 2
Coaches At least two active new Level 1
Coaches for each team, adult and
underage At least eight active new Founda-
tion Level Coaches.
All Team Mentors to take the new
Foundation Level Course (which in-
cludes a Child Protection Module).
OUTCOMES SOUGHT 1. A coaching structure which allows
communication directly to coach-
ing personnel in Clubs. 2. An increase in the number of quali-
fied and active coaches in each
Club.
LEAD COMMITTEE
RESPONSIBLE FOR THE
IMPLEMENTATIONS OF THIS
RECOMMENDATION: County Coaching and Games Devel-
opment Committee
LEAD OFFICERS: County Coaching Officer and County
Games Development Manager
In 2010 Down GAA delivered 14
Foundation Coaching Award courses,
along with 2 Level 1 Coaching cours-
es. In 2010 we also delivered 16 Na-
tional GAA Child Protection courses.
In 2011 Down GAA delivered 9 Foun-
dation Football Awards, 2 Foundation
Hurling Awards, 2 Teachers Founda-
tion Level Coaching Awards, 3 Sec-
ondary Schools Foundation Level
Coaching Awards, 4 Level 1 Coaching
Courses and 12 National GAA Child
Protection Awards.
To date (May) in 2012 we have deliv-
ered 8 Foundation Football Awards, 2
Third Level Foundation Awards, 2
Secondary Schools Foundation Level
Coaching Awards, 2 Level 1 Coaching
courses and 10 National GAA Child
Protection Awards.
Each September, on an annual basis,
the County Coach Education Pro-
gramme is circulated to all Clubs etc
via a variety of channels. In addition to
this the Games Development Manager
writes to every Club informing them
of the upcoming Coach Education
courses, and how they should apply
for them.
It is evident however that the large
majority of coach education activity
takes place post-Christmas. There would appear to be a major
lack of communication within many of
our Clubs, as relevant information
often seems to get lost.
STATUS OF
RECOMMENDATION:
Actioned: In Progress/Ongoing
The Down Way:
Working Together ¦
Down GAA Strategy 2010-2014 ¦
DOWN GAA STRATEGY 2010 – 2014 “WHAT GETS MEASURED GETS DONE”
OFFICIAL GAA DIGITAL-SOCIAL MEDIA REGISTRATION
The GAA's online presence is made up of a huge network of
operating websites and social media channels at club, county,
provincial and international level. The GAA at all levels is actively
engaging with these audiences online in an enjoyable and engaging
manner. The benefits for the GAA can be vast when these chan-
nels are used in a responsible manner and in compliance with the
relevant guidelines and policies.
All County PRO‘s have been requested to send out a registration
form to all club PRO‘s in their county so that they can register
any official GAA website or social media channels that they have.
We would ask that all clubs complete this form before 30 No-
vember 2012. Also attached will
be the GAA Social Media Policies
and Guidelines document as well
the GAA Social Media Set-Up
Guide. These documents have
been put in place to help educate
and guide those who use social
media in an official GAA capacity.
Should you have any queries
please do not hesitate to contact
Croke Park at [email protected] or 01-8658648 or contact
Down PRO Paul Rooney [email protected].
Page 9 Volume 1 Issue 10 November 2012
2013 TÁIN CLUB HURLING LEAGUE Any Club wishing to enter the 2013 Táin Club Hurling League
should do so as soon as possible by completing the relevant appli-
cation form (which has been forwarded round clubs).
The competition is for senior teams and is open to all hurling
Clubs in Ulster as well as clubs from Longford and Louth. It is
proposed to run the group stages off on: Saturday 2nd February, Saturday 9th February, Saturday 16th
February, Saturday 2nd March & Saturday 6th April
The Semi-Finals are scheduled for the weekend of 20th April,
while the Finals will be played on the weekend of 27th April.
This competition will be administered by
the An Lár Choiste Cheannais na
gChomórtaisí (Central Competitions Con-
trol Committee) and all fixtures must be
honoured.
All clubs are asked to make a special effort
to ensure that all fixtures schedules are adhered to, and failure to
do so will result in fines being imposed. Teams who wish to play
in this competition must return their registration forms before
4.00pm on Monday 3rd December 2012.
All forms must be submitted in email via the County Secretary.
The following is a list of Schools where our
Down GAA Coaches are currently de-
ployed up until the end of January 2013.
Schools not on this list but who have re-
quested post Christmas Coaching will be
on the programme from February through
to June 2013.
Why not make contact with your local Primary School, call in say hello and make
sure the Children are aware that there is a
GAA Club in the Area.
The Coaches will be glad to welcome any
Support from Club Mentors just remem-
ber we are in the Schools at the invitation
of the Principal so before you visit contact
the school out of courtesy.
KAROL KEATING
St Michael's Belfast
St Bernard's Belfast
Millenium Int PS Carryduff
St Patrick's Ballygalget
St Colmcilles PS DPK
St Macartan's PS Loughinisland
St Mary's PS Killyleagh
St Finian's PS Newtownards
St Patrick's Legamaddy
BRENDAN COULTER
Abbey PS Newry
Carrick PS Burren
St Colman‘s Saval
St Patrick's Mayobridge
St Patrick's Meadow
St Clare's PS Newry
St Dallan's PS Warrenpoint
Abbey PS Newry
St Ronan's PS Newry
LIAM HARDY
St Mary's Aughlisnafin
St Patrick's PS Hilltown
St Caolan's Ps Darragh Cross
Cedar Integrated PS Crossgar
Killowen PS Rostrevor
Carrick PS Burren
St Mary's Rathfriland
St Patrick's HS Banbridge
St Paul's PS Cabra
AMBROSE ROGERS
Ballyholland PS
Shimna Integrated GS
St Bronaghs PS Rostrevor
St Mary's PS Glasdrumman
St Michael's PS Finnis
St Mary's PS Dechomet
St Joseph's Carnicaville
Holy Cross Attical
St Malachy's Castlewellan
St Malachy's PS Kilcoo
KYLA TRAINOR
St Comgall's Bangor
St Joseph's Crossgar
Holy Family Teconnaught
St Mary's PS Portaferry
St Patrick's PS Holywood
St Joseph's Ballyhackamore
St Joseph's PS Carryduff
St Bernard's PS Belfast
St Colmcilles Crossgar
MARK POLAND
St Colman's Annaclone
St Joseph's PS Ballymartin
Grange PS Kilkeel
St Columban's HS Kilkeel
Christ the King Drumaness
Sacred Heart Dundrum
St Francis PS Loughbrickland
Bunscoil an Iuir
Bun Scoil na mBan Kilkeel
St Colman's PS Kilkeel
DOWN GAA SCHOOLS COACHING PROGRAMME 2012/2013
U14 Hurling / U15 Football
@ Abbey Grammar School (7pm)
Monday 12th November
Monday 19th November
Monday 26th November
Monday 3rd December
Monday 10th December
U14 Hurling / U15 Football
@ St Patrick's Grammar School (7pm)
Tuesday 13th November
Tuesday 20th November
Tuesday 27th November
Tuesday 4th December Tuesday 11th December
U17 Hurling
@ St Patrick's Grammar School (7pm)
Thursday 15th November
Thursday 22nd November
Thursday 29th November
Thursday 6th December
Thursday 13th December
DOWN GAA WINTER STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PROGRAMMES:
Down GAA - Working Together
@ Down GAA 2012
Edited and Produced by
Diarmuid Cahill
Sean Og McAteer
County
Management
Committee
2012
Contact
Information
PRESIDENT: P Mc Flynn
CHAIRMAN: Seamus Walsh
VICE CHAIRMAN:
William Smith [email protected]
SECRETARY:
Sean Og McAteer
ASSISTANT SECRETARY:
Paul Blaney
TREASURER: Seamus Ryan
ASSISTANT TREASURER:
Brendan Fitzpatrick
COUNTY PRO: Paul Rooney
CENTRAL COUNCIL REP:
Sean Rooney
centralcouncildele-
ULSTER COUNCIL REP:
Diarmuid Cahill
ulstercouncildele-
ULSTER COUNCIL REP:
John Devaney
Ulstercouncildele-
DEVELOPMENT OFFICER:
Maureen O’Higgins
COACHING OFFICER:
Seamus Ennis
IRISH & CULTURE
OFFICER:
Paula Magee
SOUTH DOWN CHAIRMAN:
Michael Mc Ardle chairman.southdown.
EAST DOWN CHAIRMAN:
Sean McCashin [email protected]
HURLING CHAIRMAN:
Gerard Mc Shane
SCOR NA NÓG 2013
DOWN HURLING
CONVENTION
The Down Hurling
Convention will
take place on
Wednesday 21st
November 2012
at 7pm in
Castlewellan GAC.
OCTOBER DOWN CLUBS DRAW RESULTS Main Prize Winners: £2000 - Patrick E Downey (Rathfriland)
£1000 - Chris McGovern (Rathfriland)
£1000 - Rev Fr J Cushenan (Hilltown)
£1000 - Ann Marie Fearon (Rostrevor)
£200 Club Winners:
Ardglass - A Smyth & A O Shea Ballygalget - Cormac, Bronagh &
Ruairi Watson
Clonduff - M Fegan
Saval - Gary Sands
The 2013 Scór na nÓg season is
now fully operational. Killyleagh,
Dundrum, Annaclone, Glasdrum-
man, and Hilltown hosted the
early rounds with Mayobridge
hosting a qualifier round on Sat-
urday 10th November at 6pm.
East Down final will be held in St
Michael‘s Hall Dromara on Sun-
day 11th November at 5pm.
South Down Final will be held in
St Mark‘s High School Warren-
point on Sunday 18th November
starting at 5pm.
The standard of competitions this
year has been of very high with
over 400 children taking to the
stage across the County over the
last two weekends.
The winner and runner up in
each competition from East and
South Down will compete in the
Down County Final on Sunday
25th – venue to be confirmed.
Down Competitors who pro-
gress into the Ulster competitors
will be on stage on Saturday 1st
December against Derry and
Antrim champions in Saval Sports
and Leisure Complex.
Donegal, Tyrone and Fermanagh
will compete in a Donegal venue
on Friday 8th December while
Armagh, Cavan and Monaghan
will compete in the last Ulster
semi final on Saturday 9th De-
cember in an Armagh venue.
Ulster final of Scór na nÓg will be
held on 12th January in Derry.
One the biggest days in our Football club calendar was certainly Championship Final Day and as Gaels
made their way into Paric Esler for the Intermediate and Senior finals they were greeted by some young
and not so young people taking up the collection in support of the Irish Language.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who gave of their time to help many who were lucky
to have gained a Down County Scholarship for the Summer Gaelteacht 2012 and to those who donated
to this worthy cause as we strive to promote our language across the County, we thank you.
IRISH LANGUAGE COLLECTION
NATIONAL ANTHEM WORKSHOP
The County Cultural Committee will be running their
first ever workshop for those singers who will progress
to sing our National Anthem at our games and func-
tions in the coming year.
This is a very special honour to be chosen for this role
but is also very important that all those who will be
taking part to understand the full meaning of the task in hand. Singers who are eligible to take part must give
their name to me by 1st December.
JANUARY TO MARCH THE DEBATE Are you tired of trying to arrange Challenge Games for your Senior Football Team in the months of
January to March?
Should we in Down GAA be doing something to help?
If your Club is interested in the possibility of Down GAA organising a Club Competition in those
months before the start of All County Leagues then this is your chance. All you have to do is indicate
your Club interest and then if sufficient Clubs are interested we will put together a meaningful format to
have a properly structured competition. In these months Clubs would be expected to play without
County Panellists but it would present a real opportunity for a fixture programme to be in place.
Your Club ground would have to be available to host games in this competition.
If your Club is interested then please Email your expression of interest to