Cumann Lúth-Chleas Gael. Coiste Chontae Chorcaí

Transcription

1 Cumann Lúth-Chleas Gael Coiste Chontae Chorcaí Tuarascáil an Rúnaí Cómhdháil Bhliantúil Satharn 14ú Nollaig 2013

2 Cover Image View of South Stand of Páirc Ui Chaoim from Marina Park

3 COMHDHÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2013 The Annual Convention of the Cork County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association will be held at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday, 14 th December 2013, commencing at 7p.m. The outgoing County Committee and two delegates of each Club that participated in the Adult Championships (Junior and Higher Grades) of 2013 will be entitled to attend and vote at the Convention. AIFREANN na COMHDHÁLA The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be celebrated at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Convention evening at 6p.m. in memory of all deceased members. Delegates are requested to attend. CLÁR 1. Miontuairiscí na Cómhdhála Na Rúin. 2. Tuarascáil an Rúnaí 3. Tuairiscí na bhfo-choistí 4. Tuarascáil an Chisteóra. 5. Óráid an Chathaoirligh. 8. Craobh Chomórtaisí an Chontae Sinsearach (Peil is Iomáint); Príomh Ghrád Idirmheánach (Peil is Iomáint); 6. (a) Toghachán-Ceapachán na noifigeach, Teachtaí ar Idirmheánach (Peil is Iomaint) a chur ar an Árd Chomhairle agus Teachtaí ar Chómhairle na chrainn. Mumhan. (b) Seisear Toscáire a thogha do Cómhdhail Comhairle na Mumhan. (c) Ochtar Toscaire, is beirt Thoscaire faoi 21 a thogha do Cómhdháil Bhliantúil C.L.G. BUNÓRDAlTHE In order that the proceedings of the Convention be carried out without delay the following Standing Orders will be observed. 1. The proposer of a motion or an amendment thereto may speak for five, but not more than five minutes. 2. A delegate speaking to a resolution or an amendment must not exceed three minutes. 3. The proposer of a resolution or amendment may speak for a second time for five minutes before a vote is taken, but no other delegate may speak for a second time to the same resolution or amendment. 4. The Chairman may at any time he considers a matter sufficiently discussed, call on the proposer for a reply, and when this has been given a vote must be taken. 5. A delegate may with the consent of the Chairman move that the question now be put after which, when a proposer has spoken, a vote must be taken. 6. Convention shall not be entitled to consider any matter not on the Agenda, except with the consent of a majority comprising two-thirds of the votes of those present,voting and entitled to vote. 1

4 TUARASCÁIL AN RÚNAÍ Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Corcaigh, Nollaig Tionólfar Comhdháil Bhliantúil Coiste Chontae Chorcaí den Chumann Lúthchleas Gael i bpáirc Uí Chaoimh ar an Satharn, 14ú Nollaig 2013, ag tosnú ar 7 i.n. Sé mo phleisiúir é an Tuarascáil seo ar imeachtaí cinniúnach CLG sa chontae a chur ós bhúr gcomhair. I dtús báire caithfear creidiúint agus aitheantas a thabhairt do na h-iománaithe sinsir as ucht an gaisce a bhaineadar amach sa chraobh go h-áirithe an feachtas éachtach a bhí acu leis an Chlár a chríochnaigh ar comh-scór an chéad lá gan idir iad agus Craobh na héireann ach soicindaí. Níor éirigh leis na peileadóirí buaiceanna na bliana seo chaite a bhaint amach ach mar sin féin bhí coimhlintí maith acu go dtí gur bhuaigh buaiteoirí na Craoibhe Áth Cliath orthu sa ceathrú chraobh. Bhain na peileadóirí Fé 21 curiarracht an Chontae amach nuair a d éirigh leo i gcraobh na Mumhan ach faraoir fuair foireann na Gaillimhe an ceann is fear orthu sa chluiche Cheannais a bhí thar barr. D éirigh leis an bhfoireann soisearach craobhacha na Mumhan agus na héireann a bhaint amach. Bhí iománaithe Ollscoil na héireann Chorcaigh buacach don tarna bhliain as a chéile i gcorn Mhig Giobúin Cuireann sé athas orm an deis seo a fháil comhgháirdeas a ghabháil le foireann peile ban Chorcaí a bhuaigh a ochtú chraobh uile Éireann i naoi mbliana níl aon dabht ach gur éacht é seo. Cloch mhíle don Chumann i gcorcaigh ab ea an cinneadh a tógadh iarratas pleanála a chuir chuig Bárdas Cathair Chorcaí roimh deireadh na bliana chun Páirc Uí Chaoimh a ath-chóiriú agus Ionad Feabhais a thógaint. 2

5 TUARASCÁIL AN RÚNAÍ The Annual Convention of the Cork County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association will be held at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday 14 th December 2013 starting at 7 p.m.. I am pleased to present a Report on what was an eventful year for the Association in the County. Pride of place must go to the exploits of our Senior Hurling team which had a magnificent championship campaign culminating in two epic All-Ireland Finals with Clare and with only seconds of play depriving the County of an All-Ireland title in the first of these games. Our Senior Footballers did not reach the heights of previous years but were nonetheless very competitive before losing an All-Ireland quarter final to the eventual champions Dublin. Our Under 21 Footballers maintained the County s great record in the grade by again annexing the Munster title but disappointingly went under to Galway in what was a splendid All-Ireland Final. Munster and All-Ireland honours were achieved by a very focused and determined Junior Football squad. U.C.C. s Hurlers maintained the College s amazing record in the Fitzgibbon Cup by winning the title for the second year in a row. It is pleasing to have the opportunity of congratulating the Cork Ladies Football team on winning the All-Ireland Senior Title for the eight time in nine years a truly amazing achievement. A milestone was reached in the proposed re-development of Páirc Uí Chaoimh and the creation of a Centre of Excellence by the an application for Planning Permission being formally lodged with Cork City Council towards the end of the year. 3

6 CLUB AFFILIATION AND GAMES 2013 The details on Affiliation and Games are as outlined hereunder: Number of Affiliations: 258 ( - 1) Number of Independent Minor Teams: 34 (+ 8) 292 (+ 7) Number of Teams: Adult (including Under 21) 687 (- 21) Under Age (Minor downwards) 2568 (- 136) TOTAL 3255 (- 157) Number of Games: Adult (including Under 21) 3205 (+ 80) Under Age (Minor downwards) (+ 286) (+ 366) Comparison with 2012 Figures in Brackets These figures exclude Tournaments, Challenge Games, Inter Firm, Second Level Colleges/ Schools,and Parish/Street Leagues Competitions, which would represent an estimated further 2,000 matches Names of Committee Number of Games Played Senior Inter Jun. U21 Min. U16 U15 U14 U13 Under 12& Younger Total County Committee Duhallow City East Beara South West South East North Mid Coiste na nóg Central Region East Region West Region North Region Coiste Sciath na Scol

7 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS Competition No. of teams No. of Games Champions Runners up Score Venue Date Referee Senior Hurling Mainistir na Corann Na Sairséalaigh 2-15 to 2-13 Páirc Uí Chaoimh 11/3/2013 Colm Ó Liatháin Senior Football GleannBhearracháin Raonaithe Nemo 0-16 to 1-11 Páirc Uí Chaoimh 10/13/2013 Conchúr Ó Laighin Premier Intermediate Hurling Eochaill Caisleáin Uí Liatháin 0-11 to 0-10 Páirc Uí Rinn 10/12/2013 Seosamh Ó Lorcáin Premier Intermediate Football Fánuithe na Claide Maighchromtha 0-13 to 0-8 Páirc Uí Chaoimh 10/13/2013 Séamus Mac Fheorais Intermediate Hurling Ceann Tuirc Éire Óg 2-22 to 1-12 Páirc Uí Chaoimh 11/3/2013 Daithí Ó Dálaigh Intermdeiate Football Final: Grinach v Achadh Bolg Páirc Uí Rinn 12/8/2013 Briain Conáire Junior A Hurling 7 7 Grianach Cill Bhroin 1-10 to 2-5 Páirc Uí Rinn 11/10/2013 Cathal Mac Alastair Junior A Football 8 7 Baile Mhisteála Naomh Colum 0-12 to 2-4 Páirc Uí Rinn 11/10/2013 Donncha Ó Laoire Junior B Hurling Ó Donnabháin Rossa Baile na gcloch 2-11 to 0-12 Páirc Uí Rinn 8/30/2013 Briain Breathnach Junior B Football An Rath Baile na Corra 0-6 to 0-5 Páirc Uí Rinn 8/30/2013 Mícheál Ó Laoire Under 21 A Hurling 6 6 Mainistir na Corann Carraig Dubh 4-13 to 3-12 Páirc Uí Chaoimh 11/24/2013 Nathan de Bhál Under 21 A Football 8 7 Fánuithe na Claise Cloch na gcoillte 2-6 to 1-6 Páirc Uí Rinn 8/25/2013 Seán Ó Riain Under 21 B Hurling 5 4 Baile na Scairte Cnocán na Biolraí 2-7 to 0-9 Páirc Uí Rinn 10/19/2013 Marc Ó Meachair Under 21 B Football 7 6 Ceann an Mhuighe Roibéard Eiméad 3-12 to 2-11 Páirc Uí Rinn 7/26/2013 Cathal Ó Murchú 5

8 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS The concluding stages of the County Championships have run later than usual as a consequence of the successes of our Inter County teams and the multiplicity of involvement of clubs and players in various competitions. It was unsatisfactory however that time did not allow for extra time to be played in quarter-final games of the Senior Hurling Championship. Our ordinary revenue is mainly reliant on gate receipts from our County Championships, and this will be a more dominant position during the course of the development of Páirc Uí Chaoimh and the Centre of Excellence, when financial income from investments will be radically reduced. It is important that the opportunities that replays present in terms of finance and promotion can be fully availed of. The formats of the County Championships have been reviewed for the years 2014 and 2015 and essentially An Choiste Chontae has come down in favour of the retention of the status quo as it relates to Club teams. There were comprehensive votes in favour of retaining the current system, including that of giving Clubs a third chance. A decision was made however that only undefeated teams will receive byes in the fourth rounds of the Premier Intermediate and Intermediate Championships. It was decided that the Section of the Senior Championships confined to the Divisions and College Teams will be on a knockout basis. A proposal that the teams in this section of the Championship be seeded has not been agreed to by the Competitions Control Committee. Senior Hurling There were 39 games in this Championship which was interesting throughout. On the whole, the standard of performance were pretty even with many games in the balance up to the finish. U.C.C. and Avondhu qualified from the Divisions/Colleges Section. In the Semi-Finals at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Sarsfields were marginally the better team over Ballymartle, while Midleton had a comprehensive victory over Na Piarsaigh. In an exciting Final, Midleton maintained their good form through the season by scoring a narrow but deserved victory over the outgoing Champions. Relegation Play-Off St. Finbarrs defeated Ballinhassig in the Relegation Play-Off. 6

9 Senior Football There were 43 games played in this entertaining Championship. Carbery and C.I.T. qualified from the Divisions/Colleges Section. Neighbouring teams met in the County Semi-Finals at Páirc Uí Chaoimh with Castlehaven overcoming Carbery and Nemo Rangers defeating Bishopstown. Castlehaven and Nemo Rangers met for the third time in the Championship when they did battle in the Final at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. It was a very entertaining game. The football was of a good quality. Castlehaven s ability to make better use of their lesser scoring opportunities was to be the decisive factor in the West Corkmen retaining their title. Relegation Play-Off St. Nicholas defeated Newmarket in the Relegation Play-Off. Premier Intermediate Hurling This was a very competitive championship from start to finish. In the penultimate stage, Youghal defeated Inniscarra and Castlelyons overcame Watergrasshill. The Final at Páirc Uí Rinn was an enthralling contest. Youghal s sustained pressure yielded results in the closing stages and they snatched victory from a gallant Castlelyons Team. This was a noteworthy achievement by a Club which had been defeated in the first round of the competition. Relegation Play-Off Carrigaline defeated Ballincollig in the Relegation Play-Off. Premier Intermediate Football Competition in this grade was very tight with little dividing many teams. An illustration of this is of Macroom having to survive a relegation play-off in 2012, being defeated in the opening round of the 2013 championship and nonetheless qualifying, on merit, for the County Final by defeating Valley Rovers in a replayed semi-final. Clyda Rovers however, having defeated Nemo Rangers in the semi-final, contested the Final at Páirc Uí Chaoimh for the fourth time in five years. This time their great perseverance and consistency was rewarded with a splendid victory. Relegation Play-Off Carrigaline defeated Kinsale in the Relegation Play-Off. 7

10 Intermediate Hurling This competition witnessed several good contests. In the semi-finals, Kanturk overcame the staunch challenge of Fermoy at Ballyhea and Eire Óg scored victory over St. Catherines at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. In the Final at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Kanturk scored a memorable victory for their town and for Duhallow hurling. Relegation Play-Off Aghabullogue defeated Dromina in the Relegation Play-Off. Intermediate Football The conclusion of this Championship has been considerably delayed principally due to the involvement of players at Inter County and Compromise Rules levels and dual Club progress. The semi-finals were played on the 1 st December and resulted in victories for Grenagh over Rockchapel at Banteer and for Aghabullogue, who surprised Glanworth at Mallow, to set up an all Muscraí County Final. At the time of writing this Final is down for decision at Páirc Uí Rinn on Sunday 8 th December. Relegation Play-Off Mayfield defeated Canovee in the Relegation Play-Off. Junior A Hurling All seven Divisions were represented. In the semi-finals at Páirc Uí Rinn, Grenagh defeated Blackrock and Kilbrin overcame Castlemartyr in a Replay. Grenagh captured the coveted title by defeating Kilbrin in the Final at Páirc Uí Rinn. Junior A Football All eight Divisions were represented. In the semi-finals, Mitchlestown defeated Glenbower Rovers at Páirc Uí Rinn and St. Colms overcame St. Finbarrs at Enniskeane. In the Final at Páirc Uí Rinn, Mitchlestown proved too strong for St. Colms. 8

11 Junior B Hurling The Preliminary Rounds were confined to perceived weaker Clubs, based on performances of previous years. This exercise had limited success but the championship progressed well throughout. In the semi-finals, O Donovan Rossa succeeded in defeating Ballinacurra in a replay at Cloughduv and Ballyclough overcame Lismire at Dromina. In the Final at Páirc Uí Rinn, O Donovan Rossa scored a victory over Ballyclough. It was good to see more recognised Football Clubs participating in a Hurling final. Junior B Football The seeded Preliminary System was also applied in this competition. Unfortunately there are considerable gaps in standards of Clubs participating. Nonetheless it was a well run competition. In the semi-finals, Charleville overcame Araglen in a replay at Ballyhooly and Ballinacurra defeated Deel Rovers at Castletownroche. In the Final at Páirc Uí Rinn, Charleville triumphed over Ballinacurra. Under 21 A Hurling This is normally a competitive competition at Divisional and County levels. The concluding stages however run too late and it is doubtful if the potential of this Championship is being maximised. It is suggested that Divisional Committees play their Championships earlier and allow for the County Championship stages to be played at a more conducive time from a point of view of weather and ground conditions. There should be scope for the playing of these games at a time when the Senior and Intermediate Championships are held up due to a variety of reasons. In the semi-finals of this year s championship, Blackrock defeated Newcestown at Páirc Uí Rinn and Midleton overcame the late great challenge of Mallow at the same venue. In one of the best Hurling games of the year, Midleton defeated the outgoing Champions Blackrock at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. 9

12 Under 21 A Football All eight Divisions were represented. In the semi-finals, Valley Rovers defeated Fermoy at Riverstown and Clonakilty overcame Nemo Rangers at Bandon. In the Final at Páirc Uí Rinn, Valley Rovers came from behind to snatch victory from Clonakilty. Under 21 B Hurling Five Divisions were represented in this competition Duhallow and Muskerry not having teams. In the Semi-Finals, Ballinascarthy defeated Mayfield at Kinsale and Watergrasshill overcame Clyda Rovers at Castlelyons. In the Final at Páirc Uí Rinn, Ballinascarthy scored victory over Watergrasshill. Under 21 B Football All the Divisions with the exception of Beara were represented. In the semi-finals, Robert Emmets defeated Kilworth at Buttevant and Canovee overcame Nemo Rangers at Brinny. In the Final, Canovee overcame the challenge of Robert Emmets at Páirc Uí Rinn. 10

13 PROVINCIAL/ALL-IRELAND CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS Senior Hurling Munster Championship 2013 In the Semi-Final at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Midleton missed out on a number of scoring opportunities and lost to Sixmilebridge by four points. Senior Football Munster Championship 2012 Dr. Crokes proved too strong for Castlehaven in the Final played at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Munster Championship 2013 Dr. Crokes again had the edge on Castlehaven in their quarter-final meeting at Dr. Crokes Grounds. Intermediate Hurling Munster Championship 2013 Cork Champions Youghal had an easy win over Waterford s Ardmore at Páirc Uí Rinn in the quarter-final. The Semi-Final with Whitegate at Sixmilebridge ended in a draw but Youghal were comprehensive winners of the replay at Fermoy. In the Final at Mallow, Youghal scored an exciting victory over Tipperary Champions Ballina by three points. Congratulations to the Club on a great achievement. All-Ireland Championship 2013 In the All-Ireland quarter-final at Ruislip, Youghal had five points to spare over London s St. Gabriels and now meet Kilnadeema Leitrim in the All-Ireland Semi- Final. We wish them continued success. 11

14 Intermediate Football Munster Championship 2013 In the Semi-Final, the new Cork Champions Clyda Rovers had an easy success over Ballyporeen at Clonmel. Playing outstanding football, Clyda Rovers captured the title by defeating St. Josephs, Miltown Malbay by ten points to seven at the Gaelic Grounds. We congratulate the Club on this splendid achievement and wish them success in the All-Ireland Series. Junior Hurling Munster Championship 2012 Cork Champions Kildorrery won the 2012 Munster title by defeating St. Kieran s of Limerick by two points in Mallow. Warmest congratulations to the Club on this achievement. All-Ireland Championship 2012 Kildorrery had to give best to Kilkenny s Thomastown in the All Ireland Semi-Final at Cashel. Munster Championship 2013 Cork Champions Grenagh were defeated by Ballysaggart in the quarter-final at Dungarvan. Junior Football Munster Championship 2012 Kenmare Shamrocks were to prove too strong for Rockchapel in the Semi-Final played at Fitzgerald Stadium. Munster Championship 2013 In the quarter-final at Fermoy, Mitchlestown failed to match a stronger Keel (Kerry) team. 12

15 Hurling LEAGUES AND SECONDARY COMPETITIONS The Conroy Cup for the RedFM Senior Hurling League was played on the same basis as in 2012, with the top two teams qualifying for separate semi-finals, the thirdplaced team playing the sixth-placed team in a quarter-final and the fourth-placed team playing the fifth-placed team in a quarter-final. The Premier Intermediate and Intermediate Hurling teams played in three Divisions, sponsored by Rochestown Park Hotel. The top two teams in each Division played in a final. Two teams were promoted from Division 3 to Division 2 and two were promoted from Division 2 to Division 1. Two teams were relegated from each of Divisions 1 and 2, and one was relegated from Division 3. A Junior A Hurling League was also run in 2013, with no promotion or relegation and the top two teams playing in a final. The winners qualified for the County Junior A League Quarter-Final. Football The Football league was organised in four Divisions. In Division 1, played for the Kelleher Shield, the top four teams qualified for the semi-finals, with the first-placed team playing the fourth-placed team and the second-placed team playing the thirdplaced team. In Divisions 2, 3 and 4, the top two teams in each Division qualified for a final. Two teams were promoted from each of Divisions 2, 3 and 4. Two teams were relegated from each of Divisions 1, 2 and 3 and one was relegated from Division 4. It is appropriate to warmly compliment our P.R.O. Tracey Ní Chinnéide on her very efficient organisation of the Secondary Competitions. Results of the various Competitions: Conroy Cup Red FM Senior Hurling League 2012 Winners: Erins Own Runners-up: Sarsfields 2013 Final: Sarsfields v Na Piarsaigh on 7/12/13 Rochestown Park Hotel Division 1 Hurling League Winners: Youghal Runners-up: Bandon Rochestown Park Hotel Division 2 Hurling League Winners: Castlelyons Runners-up: Fermoy 13

16 Rochestown Park Hotel Division 3 Hurling League Winners: Charleville Runners-up: Kildorrery Division 1 Football League (Kelleher Shield) Winners: Nemo Rangers Runners-up: Carbery Rangers Division 2 Football League Winners: Clonakilty Runners-up: Naomh Abán Division 3 Football League Winners: Glanworth Runners-up: Macroom Division 4 Football League Winners: Fermoy Runners-up: Ballinora Tadhg Crowley Cup Winners: Nemo Rangers Runners-up: Castlehaven Tadhg Crowley Plate Winners: Dohenys Runners-up: Ballincollig Tom Creedon Cup Winners: St. Michael s Runners-up: Na Piarsaigh Junior A Hurling League Winners: Freemount Runners-up: Ballinhassig Regional Leagues - the results of the Regional Junior Leagues were as follows: Junior A Hurling League Winners: Brian Dillons Runners-up Cloughduv 14

17 Junior B Hurling League Winners: Mayfield Runners-up: Doneraile Junior A Football League Winners: Bandon Runners-up: Mitchlestown Junior B Football League Winners: Kilmeen Runners-up: Kiskeam Division 1 Football League Division 2 Football League Division 3 Football League Division 4 Football League Junior A Hurling League 21 - RedFM Senior Hurling League Rochestown Park Hotel Div. 1 Hurling Rochestown Park Hotel Div. 2 Hurling Rochestown Park Hotel Div. 3 Hurling Tom Creedon Cup Tadhg Crowley Cup Tadhg Crowley Plate 5 6 Liam Breathnach Cup 0 3 Seán Ó Murchu Cup 0 0 Regional Junior A Hurling League 5 3 Regional Junior A Football League 6 3 Regional Junior B Hurling League 5 3 Regional Junior B Football League 5 3 Total

18 INTER COUNTY Senior Hurling Allianz National Hurling League After a facile over Tipperary in Páirc Uí Rinn, Cork did well to obtain a draw with Waterford in atrocious ground and weather conditions at Dungarvan. The team lost to Clare at Páirc Uí Rinn before scoring a draw with Galway at Salthill. Probably the team s best performance in the League was against Kilkenny at Nowlan Park. This was a game that gave promise of better things to come and Cork just lost out narrowly in a tremendous contest. In a very tight and competitive League, Cork s four points led to a Relegation Play- Off with Clare. This game, played at Limerick, ended in a draw, but Clare emerged victorious after extra time by 31 points to Cork will now play in Division 1b in Munster Championship In the Munster Senior Championship Semi-Final at Limerick, Cork turned the cards on Clare to score an impressive 0-23 to 0-15 victory. In the Final, also at Limerick against the home side, Cork, despite not playing to a settled rhythm, were well in contention when disaster struck before the interval with Patrick Horgan being harshly sent off, a decision subsequently overturned by the Central Hearings Committee. The decision however had a major influence on the trend of play, and although still very much in contention up to the closing stages, Limerick s numerical superiority was to prove decisive and they won out by a nine point margin. All-Ireland Championship A brilliant performance in Thurles saw Cork score a great victory over All-Ireland Champions Kilkenny by a five point margin. This splendid victory really opened up the Championship for the remaining teams. Leinster Champions Dublin were Cork s opponents in the All-Ireland Semi-Final at Croke Park. This was an exciting and closely contested game throughout. Cork overcame the favourites again by five points. The scene was set for an All-Ireland Final against old rivals Clare in Croke Park. This was a game of astonishing skill, passion and suspense. Clare dominated more 16

19 of the play but Cork refused to yield and scored three goals at vital stages. With the one minute added time played Cork were a point ahead but the extra seconds played enabled Clare to obtain an equalising point that sent the destination of the title to a Replay. The replayed Final, on a late Saturday afternoon in Croke Park, will long be remembered by the capacity attendance that was privileged to witness an amazing game. The teams served up a superlative sporting classic. Three Clare goals in the opening twenty minutes laid down a formidable challenge but Cork fought back with great tenacity to be within a point of their rivals at the interval. In an incredible second half, Clare kept moving ahead on the scoreboard but Cork persistently fought back to be level on two occasions to the 60 th minute. A goal divided the teams in added time before Clare scored a final goal at the finish. It was an extraordinary game of Hurling that was justly lauded. We congratulate Clare on their victory but take immense satisfaction from our team s magnificent contribution to two epic games. The players and the Team Management under Jimmy Barry Murphy have restored great pride in Cork Hurling and we congratulate them warmly on their magnificent season. Waterford Crystal Cup In this Competition Cork defeated U.C.C. and W.I.T. before losing a Semi-Final by three points to Clare at Sixmilebridge. Senior Football Allianz National Football League This was a competition of mixed fortunes. The team lost its opening games to Dublin and Kildare before scoring impressive away victories over Down and Tyrone. The momentum was maintained with a two point victory over All-Ireland Champions Donegal at Páirc Uí Rinn. However, defeat in the final two games against Kerry and Mayo were disappointing and the team was edged out of a qualifying semi-final position. Munster Championship Cork had very easy quarter-final and semi-final away victories over Limerick and Clare respectively. In the Final against Kerry at Killarney, the team put in two very contrasting performances in the two halves. The team failed to come to grips with Kerry in the first half and the Kingdom took a formidable lead. Cork however put in a storming second period and lost out by just two points and could easily have snatched victory in the closing stages when a goal-bound effort struck the Kerry goalkeeper. 17

20 All-Ireland Championship Galway provided the opposition in an All-Ireland Qualifier at Croke Park. For long periods it looked as if the Westerners, playing their best football of the season, would prevail but Cork s experience and courage proved decisive and a one point victory was attained. The team faced formidable opponents Dublin in the All-Ireland quarter-final at Croke Park. Cork did have opportunities to win this game but on balance the better team was successful by a five point margin and proved their prowess by going on to win the All-Ireland title. After this game the Team Manager Conor Counihan retired having given six sterling years of service in the position. It is appropriate to sincerely thank him and his Management colleagues for their very dedicated and highly successful achievements in the period. Conor fulfilled his role with exceptional skill and decorum at all times. A number of more senior players, including the captain Graham Canty, also retired, and we recall with appreciation the magnificent contribution they all made in a great era for Cork Football, which brought an All-Ireland title, three Munster Championships, three National League Division 1 titles and a National League Division 2 title to Leeside. One of our younger and outstanding players, Ciarán Sheehan, has decided to venture into Australian Rules Football for a two year period. He will be an immense loss to the County and to Gaelic Football, but we wish him well in his endeavours and hope that he will be back playing with the Rebel County in the not too distant future. McGrath Cup Having defeated C.I.T. in the opening round Cork were defeated by Tipperary by a goal in this competition. Under 21Hurling Munster Championship Cork met Tipperary in the Munster Semi-Final at Thurles. From a Cork viewpoint it was a game best forgotten. Tipperary went into a ten point lead. Cork fought back bravely to come within a point of their opponents. However defensive frailty led to an avalanche of Tipperary scores and we suffered a crushing defeat. Recent meetings between the Counties in this grade had been closely fought affairs and the collapse on this occasion was unexpected and inexplicable. 18

21 Under 21 Football Munster Championship Cork had a hard fought one point victory over Kerry in the opening round at Páirc Uí Rinn. The team had an easy victory over Limerick in the Semi-Final at the Gaelic Grounds. Cork had an impressive victory over Tipperary in the Final at Thurles, thus bringing the County its eight Provincial Title in the Grade in a ten year period. All-Ireland Championship The All-Ireland Semi-Final against Cavan at Tullamore was always an interesting contest. Cork appeared to have a comfortable six point lead with eleven minutes to go but from there to the finish the team had to endure many anxious moments as Cavan fought back to parity, before Cork went ahead again and were lucky to hold out in additional time. The Final against Galway on an inclement evening in Limerick was a top class game. Galway settled better and did some magnificent point scoring. Our team at times held possession for too long and did not kick when scoring opportunities presented. Cork fought back bravely when seven behind in the second half to come within three points of our opponents. Galway held out well to claim the title. It is appropriate to acknowledge the outstanding work done by the Under 21 Football Team Managements over recent years. Manager John Cleary, the former Manager Tony Leahy and their selectorial colleagues, Mick O Loughlin, Brian Herlihy, Michael Linehan and Donal McCarthy can be proud of their contributions that yielded two All-Ireland and eight Munster Championships in the decade. Minor Hurling Munster Championship Cork had a fine victory over a strong Clare team in the quarter-final at Páirc Uí Rinn. The Semi-final against Waterford at Páirc Uí Rinn was a high class game. Cork got off to a great start but in a game of swaying fortunes were satisfied with a drawn result. The team had the misfortune to have to play most of the extra time with fourteen players. Cork led by a point at the break but the extra man proved decisive for Waterford and they won out by five points. This was a good and brave performance against a top class Waterford team that went on to emphatically win the All-Ireland Title. 19

22 Minor Football Munster Championship In the opening round, Cork and Kerry played out an exciting draw at Páirc Uí Rinn and were still not divided after extra time. Cork however proved superior to Kerry in the replay at Tralee and were worth their five point winning margin. There was a sting in the tail of success however as Cork had to take on the more formidable opposition of Tipperary in the Semi-Final at Semple Stadium. It is fair to say that Cork did not perform well in this game and five minutes into the second half were eight points to one in arrears. It is to their credit that the team did fight back to within three points of Tipperary and pressed very strongly for an equalising goal that did not come. It was by any standards a disappointing result. Intermediate Hurling Munster Championship Cork had a relatively easy success over Clare in the Semi-Final at Limerick. The Munster Final against Tipperary at Semple Stadium was a closely contested encounter. Cork might have had at least got a draw out of this game had the late chance of an equalising point been taken. Efforts at obtaining a winning goal in the closing moments proved unsuccessful and Tipperary took the title by the narrowest of margins. Junior Football Munster Championship Cork showed that they were a formidable side throughout this Championship. The team defeated Limerick comprehensively in the opening round at the Gaelic Grounds. Cork had double scores to spare over Clare in the Semi-Final at Ennis. The Final against Waterford at Dungarvan was rather one sided and Cork scored a comprehensive victory. All-Ireland Championship Cork defeated Lancashire in the All-Ireland Semi-Final played in Manchester. 20

23 In the All-Ireland Final against Kildare at Limerick, Cork were well in control of the opening half and led by nine points to three at half time. The team however had to survive a very strong Kildare fight back but held out for a three point winning margin 0-13 to 1-7. The game brought the County its record 17 th Title in the Grade. We congratulate the players on their achievement. Great praise is due to the Team Management under Manager Paul McCarthy and his colleagues, Sean Bownes, Michael Lyons, Danny Culloty and Tim O Sullivan for bringing together and preparing well a well focused and determined team. Appreciation It is appropriate to thank all our players in the various grades of Hurling and Football for their dedication and efforts in representing the County during the past year. Our grateful thanks too to the County Managements, Doctors, Physios and backroom personnel who all put in tremendous time and effort in their bids for success. It is appropriate in a particular way to express appreciation of the efforts of the outgoing Coach/Selector of our Senior Hurling Team, Ger Cunningham, who has stepped down from that position after two years in these roles. Our All Star Award winners were confined to Hurling this year and we warmly congratulate the deserving recipients Anthony Nash, Patrick Horgan and Seamus Harnedy. All three were magnificent in their performances for the County throughout the year and we warmly congratulate them on their Awards. STADIUM/GROUNDS Re-development of Páirc Uí Chaoimh and Centre of Excellence It is pleasing to record that the application for Planning Permission for the re-development of Páirc Uí Chaoimh and the Centre of Excellence was lodged with the City Council on November 8 th. The application includes a comprehensive Environmental Impact Study and Traffic Plan. The Steering Committee of the Development (comprising Riobeard Ó Riain, Gearóid Ó Laighin, Piarais Ó Murchú, Críostóir Ó Cuana and An Rúnaí) has been very active in advancing the project. Originally it was intended that the Development would be in two phases but in consultation with the Design Team, the Steering Committee has agreed that, if feasible, the entire project will be carried out in one phase. It is expected that the 21

24 Planning Permission and a Tendering Process will be completed to allow for the commencement of the Development around the middle to the end of It will take approximately two years to complete. The key features of the Project are: Complete modernisation of Páirc Uí Chaoimh for 45,000 spectators Roofing of both Stands New Seating New Dressing Rooms Pre-match warm up areas Medical Facilities With regard to the Dressing Rooms and allied facilities, the Design Team has visited Croke Park, Aviva Stadium and Thomond Park and incorporated the best features of each into our design. Restaurants/Hospitality Areas Conference Facilities Museum Press Facilities The Centre of Excellence will include A full sized, Floodlit All-Weather Pitch Gymnasium and High Performance Facilities Video Room Performance Assessment Facilities Rehab Facilities Design Features include: The existing Covered Stand will be completely replaced by a Stand with accommodation for 13,000 spectators over three levels. Out the back of the Stand will be a second Stand accommodating 1,000 people who will watch games and training on the All-Weather Pitch. The existing Uncovered Stand will be completely re-modelled to provide greater comfort for spectators but will reduce its accommodation size to 8,000. It too will be Covered. 22

25 - - - The Terraces will be revamped, with entrance two-thirds of the way up as against ground level presently, thereby enabling easier access and crowd control. The existing Tunnel areas will be abolished consequent on our purchasing almost 7 acres of adjoining land from Cork City Council. The playing field will remain unaltered but will be floodlight to a high density 1,500 lux. Business Plan The cost of the Development will be around 70 m., which is undoubtedly a major challenge for a voluntary amateur Organisation but now is the time to build it will never be cheaper. An extensive Business Plan has been prepared. It incorporates various Work Streams for financing the Project including Internal G.A.A. funds, Public funding and long term Seat Packages. The Steering Committee has been giving detailed attention to the financing of the Project. The key benefit of the New Stadium is that it will be a high profile, flagship venue for the G.A.A.. The New Stadium will provide Munster with the best in class Stadium and Centre of Excellence at least on a par with Croke Park in many respects. Old North Monastery Grounds This facility has been well utilised by Coiste na nóg during the past year. The Grounds will be officially opened in 2014 and will be named after the late Seán Ó Loingsigh who himself hailed from the Northside of the City and was an old North Monastery C.B.S. student. Bruce Springsteen Concert Páirc Uí Chaoimh hosted a very successful Bruce Springsteen Concert in July. It was an amazing spectacle that attracted over 37,000 patrons to the venue, and was of great benefit to the Stadium and the City. We are grateful to Aiken Promotions for affording us the opportunity of staging the event. Our sincere thanks too to the Cork City Council for its splendid co-operation, and to our voluntary members who gave exceptional service on the occasion. 23

26 ADMINISTRATIVE UNITS It is my pleasant duty to warmly congratulate and thank our various Administrative Units of the Association throughout the County for their continued splendid work in their various spheres of operation. Many individual members contributed to the dedicated work on such Committees as An Choiste Chontae and its Sub-Committees, the Divisional Committees,, Coiste na nóg and its four Regional Sub-Committees, Club Committees, Third Level Colleges, Second Level Schools Committee, Coiste Sciath na Scol, Coiste Oiliuna, Scór, Handball Committee and the Inter Firm Committee. As is normal, the Reports of most of these Sub-Committees are contained in this Convention Booklet. The Officers of An Choiste Chontae who have chaired various Sub-Committees have also presented detailed records of their Committees work during the past year. It is important that Club members and delegates to Convention are familiar with these Reports and that they realise the vast amount of good work that is performed at the various levels. An Choiste Chontae appointed a Senior Administrator during the past year. The appointee, Diarmuid Ó Donnabháin, took up his appointment in April. He has brought to the office the vast experience that he gained at Club and County level which has greatly assisted him in settling into a challenging post. This appointment has enabled An Rúnaí to give greater and necessary time to the major project of the re-development of Páirc Uí Chaoimh and the creation of a Centre of Excellence, which has advanced now to a crucial stage. Coiste na nóg and its Regional Sub-Committees, now in their third year, have been performing well. Adjustments have been made to the Competitions and Schedules that meet the general need of Clubs, bearing in mind that given the vast differences in circumstances and standards of various Clubs and teams it is not always possible to satisfy all points of view. Outstanding work continues to be performed by U.C.C. and C.I.T. in the promotion of our Games. We congratulate U.C.C. on their successes in the Fitzgibbon Cup and the Freshers Hurling Championship, the latter Competition being won for the fourth year in a row. During the past year the Second Level Committees and their Competitions were fully amalgamated. This is in accordance with National Policy and is a progressive step. It is to be hoped that all our Schools at this level will benefit in terms of expanded competition and standards. 24

27 Young people in our Primary Schools are exceptionally well catered for by Coiste Sciath na Scol and the very dedicated teachers in the various Schools who ensure that a very comprehensive schedule of games are fulfilled. Coiste Óiliuna, under the direction of Coaching Officer Breandán Ó Drisceoil and Games Manager Caoimhín Ó Ceallacháin and their G.D.A. colleagues have fulfilled a vast and varied programme of Coaching activities and initiatives. Our Clubs form the bedrock of the Association in the County and they can be said in general to be very sound and progressive. Great infrastructural strides have been made over recent years and the highlight of this in the past year has been the Official Opening of the splendid expansive grounds and facilities of the Cloughduv Club, which is to be complimented on its vision and bringing this impressive development to fruition. Congratulations to Diarmuid Ó Suilleabháin on his elevation to the position of Vice- Chairman of the Munster Council and we wish him well in that and future roles. Ristéard Ó Murchú is an able replacement as one of Cork s represenatives on the Council. HANDBALL The Cork County Handball Committee reports one of its most successful year ever with Cork competitors winning an unprecedented fourteen All-Ireland titles and various other championships and competitions at home and abroad. We congratulate all the victorious handballers, who are named in the accompanying report from their Committee, on the splendid achievements. It is particularly pleasing to note the high level of participation at youth level and the growing popularity of the One Wall handball. There is tremendous activity on the domestic front in the organisation of the County Championships and club tournaments and leagues. We extend to the Handball Committee and their Clubs our compliments on their outstanding work and best wishes for their future success. 25

28 SCÓR Scór is an important feature of our Association s Cultural Programme. Scór na bpaistí has been supported well during the past year but Scór na nóg and in particular Scór na Sinsear are not as widely supported by our Clubs as they should be. This is an annual source of complaint. There is little action on the part of Clubs generally to improve the situation. Perhaps the County Scór Committee should earmark say an additional ten Clubs to be involved next year and actively encourage them to participate and to build participation in this manner year by year. From a Club viewpoint, they would not merely be promoting an element of Irish Culture but also providing social and fundraising events in their localities. It is important to express appreciation of the Clubs that do take part and to thank them and the various Scór Committees, the participants, the adjudicators and the audiences for their co-operative efforts. Three Cork Clubs competed in the All-Ireland Scór na nóg Finals, Ceanntuirc, Bothar Buí and Fánaithe na Claide and Bothar Buí won out National honours in Rinnce Foirne. Cill na Mullach were narrow losers of the Ceol Uirlise competition in Scór na Sinsear. We congratulate these Clubs on representing the County so well. STRATEGIC REVIEW AND ACTION PLAN This important Plan has been implemented in its various areas during the past year as will be seen from the various Sub-Committee Reports to this Convention. The Steering Committee organised a review meeting of Coiste Chontae and Club Members in November and the attendance was somewhat disappointing. Presentations were made at the meeting on four strategic areas - Games Development/Coaching/Schools, Welcoming People from different Traditions/Scór, Urbanisation, and Ensuring the Safety and Wellbeing of our young players. The work in these specific fields and the objectives for the coming year were outlined. Other aspects of the Plan continue to be put into effect. I thank all those who play a vital role in the implementation of this important document. 26

29 REFEREES The standard of Refereeing in this County is generally of a high level and we have a huge schedule of fixtures. It is important that our players and members realise the dedicated and quality service that our Referees provide. Instances of abuse are unacceptable and should be severely penalised. I would like to express appreciation of the work of Referees Administrator, Mícheál Ó Catháin. In-service Courses were held in each Division early in the year and a Level 1 Foundation Course was also organised from which twenty new Referees graduated, bringing the number of Referees operating in the County at the present time to 185. These Courses will be repeated in early It is pleasing to note that a number of Cork Referees were appointed to major Inter- County games during the year as follows: Conor Lane All-Ireland Minor Football Final; Connacht Senior Football Final; Munster Senior Club Football Final Cathal McAlister All-Ireland Minor Hurling Final Colm Lyons All-Ireland Under 21 Hurling Final James Bermingham Munster Minor Football Final David Copps Munster Club Intermediate Hurling Final Several other Inter County games were handled by Cork Referees. We congratulate these men on the high standards they have achieved and on their appointments. CORK G.A.A. CLUBS DRAW It is sad to have to have to record at this Convention the untimely passing during the year of our esteemed Draw Co-ordinator Séamus Ó Cochláin who successfully steered this Draw for sixteen years. I pay tribute to his memory in a later section of this Report. It was decided not to appoint a replacement Draw Co-ordinator in the short term but to review the matter in the context of wider fundraising that will be necessary with the re-development of Páirc Uí Chaoimh. 27

30 In the interim, a Management Committee, comprising of Piarais Ó Murchú (as Cathaoirleach), Diarmuid Ó Donnabháin, Risteard Ó Murchú, Proinnsías Ó Coileáin, Mairtín Ó Buacháin and Niall Ó Catháin was appointed to manage and to promote the Draw. This Committee has been very active and it is pleasing to report that the outgoing membership numbers in the Draw have been sustained and in fact slightly increased. It is the intention of the Committee to continue to promote the Draw on a monthly basis throughout the year with members having the opportunity of joining at any time. This will assist in building base numbers. The Draw must play a major role in raising finances for the re-development of Páirc Uí Chaoimh and for our future Youth Coaching programmes. SPONSORSHIP This time last year we were endeavouring to find a new Inter-County Sponsor to replace o2. We were very pleased to enter into an agreement with Chill Insurance. We thank them sincerely for their involvement and support. As mentioned in last year s Report, O Neills are our generous Gear Sponsors. We again this year express appreciation to the Rochestown Park Hotel and to Red FM for the Sponsorship of some of our League Competitions. Our thanks too to 96FM & C103 and Rochestown Park Hotel for their Sponsorship of the monthly G.A.A. Awards and the Annual G.A.A. Sports Stars Event. Sponsorship plays an important role in the promotion of our activities and we are most grateful for the support we are receiving. In turn, we encourage all our units to be supportive of our Sponsors. COMMUNICATIONS It is pleasing to note that the History of Cork G.A.A was a most popular publication and completely sold out. In the light of this publication a Year Book was not produced in 2012 but such a publication has been produced for 2013 and is now on sale. I wish to compliment our P.R.O. Tracey Ní Chinneide for her editing of this publication and her continued good work in the area of communications. The Cork G.A.A Website and the Newsletter in particular provide a tremendous volume of quality information. 28

31 TRIBUTES The past year had witnessed the passing of some outstanding G.A.A. people. The deaths occurred of two esteemed former Presidents of the Association, Paddy Buggy of Kilkenny and Padraig Mac Floinn of Down. They were outstanding gentlemen who rendered distinguished service to the Association. The sad passing of Seamus Coughlan was greatly mourned throughout the County. He had a distinguished career as a player, having captained Cork in both Minor Hurling and Minor Football in 1971, was an All-Ireland Senior Football medalist in 1973 and won five County and three All Ireland Club medals with his Club Nemo Rangers. He also gave great service to his Club in roles as its Chairman and as a Selector. Seamus became known personally to the wider G.A.A. Community by his work and successful role as Co-Ordinator of the Cork G.A.A. Members Draw for sixteen years. He was a man of most friendly disposition and was highly respected. His very many friends in the Association were deeply saddened by his illness and untimely passing. The death of Tess Murphy, widow of the late Con Murphy, represented the end of an era of selfless dedication to the G.A.A.. Quiet and unassuming, this lady gave exceptional support behind the scenes to her great husband towards the fulfilling of his distinguished voluntary service to this County and the Associaetion. Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís. Down native Joe McGrath gave marvellous service to the Association here in Cork. He was a former Cork Senior Football and Under 21 Hurling Manager. He led Cork to All-Ireland success in the latter grade in He had also been Coach to Blackrock County, Munster and All-Ireland winning Senior Hurling teams in the 1970 s. He performed invaluable work in the Schools in the Carraigdonn Division over a number of years. He was a great enthusiast for our games. Niall Fitzgerald of Macroom was an outstanding Cork Footballer who won Munster Championship medals with the County in 1956, 1957 and 1966 and was a National Football League medallist in Vincent Barrett of Nemo Rangers was a dual senior star with Cork and played for Munster in the Railway Cup before a serious injury cut short his promising career. Jimmy Dennigan of Fermoy, who had played for the County in various football grades was to become one of Cork s outstanding Football Referees. He was in charge of seven County Senior Football Finals and his career was capped when he was honoured in being chosen as the Referee for the 1986 All-Ireland Senior Football 29

32 Final. He had the added distinction of having acted as a Cork Minor Football Selector in the proceeding game. The very tragic death of young Shane Murphy of Clondroichead while playing in a Vocational Schools game was greatly mourned. Jim Sarsfield of Watergrasshill will be remembered for his long and distinguished service to his Club, to his Division and to the County. He had been a highly respected member of the County Committee for twenty five years and took all his responsibilities with the seriousness that they deserved. Bart O Leary was a very respected member of the County Board and had been former Chairman of his Club Béal Átha n Ghaorthaidh. One of the great gentlemen of the local G.A.A. scene, Dr. Michael Herlihy of Dohenys passed away to his eternal reward. A Fitzgibbon Cup winner and member of the Carraigdonn team in the 1945 County Hurling Final, Dr. Michael was to give distinguished service to the Dohenys Club as an Administrator and played a major role in its various developments and in the promotion of the County G.A.A. Members Draw. John Sheehan, President of Whitechurch was a generous man who donated land for a pitch for Gaelic Games in his Community. We were deeply saddened at the untimely passing of Maura Forbes who was a great supporter of all of her husband Jim s high quality activities in the Association. Another spouse of a former Chairman of the County Committee and of Munster Council, the late Donal O Sullivan, recently passed to her eternal reward. Catherine O Sullivan was a great enthusiast of our Association and a kind and hospitably lady. Don McCarthy of St. Finbarrs was an All-Ireland Minor Football medalist and gave good service as a Referee. John Clifford of Douglas played at Senior Football level for the County. We remember too Tim Humphries of St. Nicholas who did monumental work in the youth arena. The Association has certainly lost some outstanding people and we extend our deepest sympathy to their families on their passing. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for them and for all deceased members at 6 p.m. in Páirc Uí Chaoimh on the day of Convention. 30

33 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS At this point, I express my sincere thanks to my fellow Officers and members of An Choiste Chontae, Divisional Committees and Clubs, and to the Officers at Central and Munster Council levels for their splendid support and co-operation throughout the year. I wish to record also my appreciation of the excellent work of other members of the office staff, Diarmuid, Mairead and Barbara, and that of our very efficient Grounds Staff under Tommy Lynch and Stephen Forrest. We are indebted also for the voluntary assistance rendered by several members around key periods such as All-Ireland Final time. Our Development Officer, Diarmuid S. Mac Gabhann has completed a three year term in that office. Diarmuid was most attentive to his role and put a great deal of effort into the various elements of Development contained in the Strategic Review and Action Plan. He was readily available at all times to assist Clubs in their problems and ventures and in representing the Board on various occasions. He was a valuable contributor at Coiste Bainistí meetings. As a young man, he has much to offer the Association and we wish him well in the future. My thanks also to the members of the Media in the Print, TV and Radio for their contribution to the promotion of our games and activities through their quality coverage during CHRÍOCH Tugann sé seo chun críche mo Thuarascáil ar bhliain, gnóthach, fabhrach agus rathúil eile. Tá súil agam go mbeidh sé ina ábhar díospóireachta éifeachtach. Táimíd ag súil le tuile dul chun chin sa bhliain atá romhainn. Idir an dá linn guím Nollaig shona agus bliain nua mhaith ar ár mbaill agus ár lucht tacaíochta. Proinnsias Ó Murchú, Rúnaí 31

34 INTER COUNTY RESULTS (Cork Scores First) SENIOR FOOTBALL; Munster Championship ¼ Final V Limerick Limerick 25/5/ Semi Final V Clare Ennis 16/6/ Final v Kerry Fitzgerald Stadium 7/7/ All Ireland Championship Qualifier v Galway Croke Park 27/7/ ¼ Final v Dublin Croke Park 3/8/ Allianz National Football League; V Dublin Croke Park 2/2/ V Kildare Páirc Uí Rinn 9/2/ V Down Newry 3/3/ V Tyrone Omagh 10/3/ V Donegal Páirc Uí Rinn 16/3/ V Kerry Tralee 24/3/ V Mayo Páirc Uí Chaoimh 7/4/ McGrath Cup: V C.I.T. C.I.T. 6/1/ V Tipperary 13/1/ Challenge Matches; V Laois Stradbally 27/1/ V Munster Mallow 13/2/ V Wexford Dungarvan 2/5/ V Derry Portmarnach 11/5/ V Tipperary Páirc Uí Chaoimh 14/5/ V Laois Portlaoise 17/5/ V Fermanagh Páirc Uí Chaoimh 1/6/ SENIOR HURLING; Munster Championship; V Clare Limerick 23/6/ V Limerick Limerick 14/7/ All Ireland Championship; ¼ Final v Kilkenny Thurles 28/7/ Semi Final v Dublin Croke Park 11/8/ Final v Clare Croke Park 8/9/ Replay v Clare Croke Park 28/9/

35 Allianz National Hurling League; V Tipperary Páirc Uí Rinn 23/2/ V Waterford Dungarvan 10/3/ V Clare Páirc Uí Rinn 16/3/ V Galway Pearse Stadium 24/3/ V Kilkenny Nowlan Park 31/3/ Relegation Play Off V Clare Limerick 14/4/ Waterford Crystal Tournament; V U.C.C. Mardyke, 19/1/ V W.I.T. Páirc Uí Rinn 26/1/ V Clare Sixmilebridge 1/2/ Challenge Matches; V Limerick Togher 8/2/ V Limerick Kilworth 4/5/ V Tipperary Cloughduv 12/5/ V Galway Mallow 4/6/ U21 FOOTBALL; Munster Championship; ¼ Final V Kerry Páirc Uí Rinn 13/3/ Semi Final v Limerick Gaelic Gds. 27/3/ Final v Tipperary Thurles 10/4/ All Ireland Championship; Semi Final v Cavan Tullamore 20/4/ Final v Galway Limerick 4/5/ Challenge Matches; V Wexford Dungarvan 5/1/ V Galway L.I.T. 19/1/ V Mayo L.I.T. 9/2/ V Clare Mallow 12/2/ V Roscommon Ballykelly 15/2/ V Dublin DCU 23/2/ U21 HURLING; Munster Championship; Semi Final v Tipperary Thurles 17/7/ Challenge Matches; V Limerick Mallow 20/3/ V Kilkenny Kilkenny 31/3/ V Clare Ennis 17/4/ V Waterford Youghal 22/4/ V Kilkenny Páirc Uí Rinn 10/6/

36 MINOR FOOTBALL; Munster Championship; ¼ Final V Kerry Páirc Uí Rinn 19/4/ Replay V Kerry Tralee 26/4/ Semi Final V Tipperary Thurles 15/5/ Challenge Matches; V Kildare Newbridge 26/3/ V Laois Fermoy 6/4/ V Tyrone Rush 6/5/ MINOR HURLING; Munster Championship; V Clare Páirc Uí Rinn 11/4/ Semi Final v Waterford Páirc Uí Rinn 26/6/ Challenge Matches; V Waterford Ardmore 9/2/ V Dublin Ballynoe 16/2/ V Tipp Fermoy 23/2/ V Wexford W.I.T. 2/3/ V Limerick Gaelic Grounds 24/3/ V Limerick Páirc Uí Rinn 4/5/ V Galway Gort 19/5/ V Tipperary Thurles 21/5/ V Kilkenny Dicksboro 5/6/ V Dublin Parnell Park 9/6/ JUNIOR FOOTBALL; Munster Championship; V Limerick Limerick 25/5/ V Clare Ennis 16/6/ Final v Waterford Dungarvan 11/7/ All Ireland Championship Semi Final v Lancashire Manchester 11/8/ Final v Kildare Limerick 24/8/ Challenge Matches; V Tipperary Cahir 1/4/ V Tipperary Mallow 19/5/ INTERMEDIATE HURLING; Munster Championship; V Clare Limerick 23/6/ Semi Final V Tipperary - Thurles 19/7/ Challenge Matches; V Kilkenny Castlecomer 31/3/ V Carlow Castlelyons 28/4/ V Clare Charleville 7/5/ V Kilkenny Páirc Uí Chaoimh 10/6/

37 Riobeard Ó Riain (Cathaoirleach) Proinnsías Ó Murchú (Runaí) Gearóid Ó Laighin (Leas Cathaoirleach) Pádraig P.Ó Murchú (Cisteoir) Treasa Ní Chinneide (O.C.P.) Diarmuid MacGabhann (Oifigeach Forbartha) Breandán Ó Drisceoil (Oifigeach Oiliúna) Ciaran Mac Cana (Oifigeach Gaeilge/Cultúr) Marc Ó Siocháin (Oifigeach Leanaí) Diarmuid Ó Donnabháin (Riarthóir Sinsear) Micheál Ó Broin Dónal Ó Murnáin Nollaigh Ó Ceallacháin Séamus Ó hainle COISTÍ Coiste Bainistí Fo-Choistí Coiste Cheannais na Comórtaisí Gearóid Ó Laighin (Cathaoirleach) Proinnsías Ó Murchú Riobeard Ó Riain Treasa Ní Chinneide Seamus Ó háinle Micheál Ó Céin (Referees Administrator) County Hearings Committee Briain de Baroid(Cathaoirleach) Briain Ó Lochlainn(Runaí) Seán Ó Tuama Liam Ó Rinn Prionnsías Mac Carthaigh Micheál Ó Dubhláin Diarmuid Ó Suilleabhain South Hearings Committee Donal de hór(cathaoirleach) Seán Ó Diolun(Leas Cathaoirleach) Donal Ó Conchubhair(Runaí) Proinnsías Ó Longáin(Cairbre) Aubert Ó Tuama (Muscraí) Diarmuid Ó Coileain (Carraigdonn) North Hearings Committee Seán MacSuibhne(Cathaoirleach) Éamonn Foráis (Leas Cathaoirleach) Donal Ó Laocha(Runaí) Micheál Ó Liatháin(Abhann Dubh) Tomás Breatnach(Du Ealla) Peadar Ó hógáin(ui MacCoille) Liam Ó Muíneacháin(Seandun) Coiste na nóg Marc Ó Siocháin (Cathaoirleach) Seán Ó Puirseail (Leas Cathaoirleach) Éamonn Ó Forais (Cisteóir) Séamus S.Ó héaluighte (Rúnai) Cian Ó Briain (Oifgeach Poibliochta) Dónal Ó huallaigh (Oifigeach Poibliochta Cúnta) Gearóid Ó healuighte (Oifigeach Cultura) Breandan Ó Drisceoil (Coiste Chontae) Caoimhín Ó Ceallacháin (Bainisteoir na gcluichi) Mícheál Ó héimhín (Iar Bhunscoileanna Chorcaí) Liam Mac an Mhaoir (Sciath na Scoil) Mairtín Ó Briain (Teachta Larnach) Deiric Ó Conghaile (Teachta Thoir) Aodhán Ó Ruairc/Eamonn Ó Maoldomhnaigh (Teachta Thiar) Nollaig Ó Neill (Teachta Thuaidh) Stadium Events Sub-Committee Micheál Ó Lochlainn (Cathaoirleach) Éamonn Laindí (Event Controller) Seosamh Ó Cathasaigh (Chief Steward) Gearóid Ó Coileain (Deputy Event Controller/Chief Steward) Briain Ó Lochlainn (Safety Officer) Donncha Ó Riordáin Ciarán Mac Cana Deaglán Breathnach Deiric Ó Conghaile Dónal Ó Murnáin Seán Ó Murchú Proinnsías de Barra Sean Ó hallmhuráin Peadar Ó Duinneacha Seán Ó Críon Liam Ó háinle Micheál Ó Briain Micheál Ó Liatháin Pádraig P. Ó Murchú 35

38 Stadium External Relations Sub-Committee Riobeard Ó Riain Proinnsías Ó Murchú Pádraig P. Ó Murchú Rebel Óg Lárnach Séamus MacFirbhisigh (Cathaoirleach) Micheál Ó Mathúna (Leas Cathaoirleach) Dónal Ó Laoire (Rúnaí) Bearnárd Ó Corcráin (Rúnaí Cúnta) Mairtín Ó Briain (Cisteoir) Ciaran Ó Riogain (O.C.P) Rebel Óg Thoir Dónal Ó Cathail (Cathaoirleach) Pádraig Ó Foghlú (Leas Cathaoirleach) Deiric Ó Conghaile (Rúnaí) Máire Ní Niatháin (Cisteoir) Seamus Ó Murchú (Cisteoir Cunta) Barra Ó Dea (Runaí Reiteoirí) Liam Ó Cathasaigh (O.C.P) Éamonn Ó Murnáin (Cultúr) Rebel Òg Thiar Aodhan Ó Ruairc (Cathaoirleach) Caoimhín Ó húaine (Leas Cathaoirleach) Éamonn Ó Maolomhnaigh (Rúnaí) Liam MacCoitir (Cisteoir) Ursula Ó háonasa (O.C.P.) Nollaigh MacCaochlaoich (Cultúr) Rebel Óg Thuaidh Críostóir Ó Muireasa (Cathaoirleach) Pádraig MacIonnrachtaigh (Leas Cathaoirleach) Stiofán Ó Loingsigh (Rúnaí) Pádraig Ó Mathúna (Cisteoir) Nollaigh Ó Néill (O.C.P.) Tomás Ó Duineacha (Cultúr) Donal MacGiollanarth (I.T.) Grading Sub-Committee (Rebel Óg) Diarmuid Ó Donnabháin (Cathaoirleach) Treasa Ní Chinnéide (Rúnaí) Antóin Ó Mathúna Niall Ó Cathain Caoimhín Ó Donnabháin Seosamh Ó Madáin Mairtín Ó Maoláin Referees Sub-Committee Micheál Ó Céin (Cathaoirleach) Deiric Ó Conghaile Risteard Ó Murchú Séan Ó Géibheannaigh Dónal Ó Murnáin Pádraig Ó Neill Dónal Ó Caoimh Aubert Ó Tuama Dónal Mac Carthaigh Coaching & Games Development Breandán Ó Drisceoil (Cathaoirleach) Caoimhin Ó Ceallacháin (Runaí) Risteaird Ó Laoire Gearard Ó Donnchú Brian Ó Lotti Diarmuid Ó Donnabháin Conchur Ó Caoimh Liam Mac an Mhaoir Tomás Ó hurdail Miriam Ní Dhéisigh Coiste Forbartha Diarmuid MacGabhann (Cathaoirleach) Séamus Ó Murchú (Runaí) Seámus ÓhÁinle Seán Ó Géibheannaigh (Abhann Dubh) Aodhan Ó Ruairc (Cairbhre) Pádraig Ó Neill (Carraig Donn) Seán Seosamh Ó Riagáin (Uí MacChoille) Proinnsías Mac Carthaigh (Muscraí) Antóin Ó heathaírn (Seandun) Conchur Ó Caoimh (Colaiste Chorcaí) Fionnbarra Ó harreachtain (Beara) Seán MacAmhlaoibh (Du Ealla) Coiste Chultúrtha Ciarán Mac Cana (Cathaoirleach) Seán S.Ó Ríogáin (Uí MacCoille) Pádraig Ó Céilleachair (Múscraí) Pádraig Ó Riain (Abhainn Dubh) Seosamh Ó Súilleabháin (Seandun) Éamonn Ó Síocháin (Cairbre) Diarmuid Ó Dubhda (Dúiche Ealla) Éamonn Ó Súilleabháin (Carraig Dhonn) Seamus Ó Murchú (Béara) Donnchadh Ó Liatháin (Coiste Scór) Gates Sub-Committee Pádraig P. Ó Murchú Aibhistín Ó Creimín Fionnbarra Ó haonghusa 36

39 Coiste Chaidreamh Poiblí Treasa Ní Chinneide (Cathaoirleach) Gearóid Ó Laighin Fionnbarra MacCarthaigh Diarmuid Ó Donnabháin Ruairí Ó Riain Daire Sáirgeant Séamus Ó Conchubhair (Sciath na Scol) Conchur Ó Caoimh(Post Primary Schools) Séamus MacFirbhisigh (Carraigdhonn) Séan Ó Toráin (Du Ealla) Seamús Ó Súilleabháin (Cairbre) Oilibhéar Ó Súilleabháin (Beara) Deiric Ó Conghaile (Seandun) Daithí Ó Laoi (Muscraí) Cian Ó Briain Seán Ó Curnáin Coiste Eolas Teicneolaíochta Diarmuid MacGabhann (Cathaoirleach) Gearoid Ó Laighin Treasa Ní Chinnéide Tadhg Ó Cearbhuill Leo Leamhna Cian Ó Briain D.S. Ó Luinneacháin Ciarán Ó Riagáin Séan Ó Gealbháin Strategic Review Implementation Committee Roibeard Ó Riain Proinnsías Ó Murchú Pádraig P.Ó Murchú Tracey Ní Chinneide Diarmuid Ó Donnabhain Marc Ó Siocháin Gearóid Ó Laighin Donncha Ó Broin Donncha Ó Cochláin Séamus Ó Murchú Urban Development Sub-Committee Donncha Ó Cochláin(Cathaoirleach) Tomás Ó Liathain(Rúnaí) Seán Ó Tuama Séamus Ó hainle Séamus Ó Murchú Proinnsías MacCarthaigh Dónal Ó Conchubhair Séamus Ó haodha Deasún Ó Cuileannáin Muireann MacCarthaigh Draw Management Committee Pádraig P. Ó Murchú (Cathaoirleach) Diarmuid Ó Donnabhain Proinnsías Ó Coileain Niall Ó Catháin Mairtin Ó Buachain Risteard Ó Murchú Development Squads Management Sub- Committee Briain Ó Cuthbert(Cathaoirleach) Dónal Ó Súilleabháin Seán Ó Gormáin Ailéin de Brún Donnacha Ó Broin Monitoring Committee for Development Squads(Football) Briain MacCúthreith(Cathaoirleach) Dónal Ó Suilleabháin Conchúr Ó Cuanacháin Éamonn Ó Riain Ceith Ricken Seán Ó Cléirigh Risteard Ó Murchú Niall Ó Cathaláin Ephie MacGearailt Diarmuid Breathnach Monitoring Committee for Development Squads(Hurling) Pádraig Ó Cinnaolaidh(Cathaoirleach) Seán Ó Gormáin Gearóid MacGearailt Pádraig Ó Maolcatha Ailéin de Brún Donncha Ó Rinn Bearnárd Ó Conchubhair Séamus Barra Ó Murchú Donncha Ó Broin Breandáin Ó Drisceoil Pádraig Ó Laoire Muirteartach Ó Murchú Advisory Group for Financially Distressed Clubs Pádraig P.Ó Murchú Dónal de hór Ciarán MacClochaire Tomás Ó Muineacháin Éamonn Ó Forais 37

40 Tuarascáil an Riarthóir Sinsear I am delighted to have opportunity to make this, my first contribution to Annual Convention of Cork County Board. I was honoured and very happy to be asked to fill the post of Senior Administrator of Coiste Chontae Chorcaí last April, it has been a wonderful experience to be part of this significant and remarkable year, both on and off the playing fields. It would be remiss of me if I did not thank everyone for making me feel so welcome in my post. An Cumann LuthChleas Gael is volunteer led and driven organisation. It is the role of the full-time official to enhance and supplement the work of the volunteers; be they Board Officers, inter-county management and players or club officials and delegates. It is often the case that the people who take on voluntary positions within the C.L.C.G are taken for granted. I have found that the intensity and motivation displayed by everyone I have dealt with to be both a humbling and awesome experience. The playing of our games is the most important aspect of our Association. There were more than 300 games in the County Championship programme of In a programme of such magnitude, with Munster Club Championship deadlines to be met in six of these championships, it is not possible to accommodate every wish regarding the timing of fixtures. This is particularly true of clubs with inter-county players and I would like to thank all the clubs for their cooperation in completing the fixture programme. Congestion in the fixture plan is unavoidable. For example, it was planned to complete the Senior, Premier Intermediate and Intermediate county hurling championships over 22 weekends (excluding the Divisional section of the Senior Championship) between June and Oct this year. Within that timeframe allowances had to be made for four inter-county hurling teams that played 10 championship games and two inter-county football teams that played eight games. As well as inter-county commitments, there was the Club Football Championship programme and the Junior and Under 21 Hurling and Football Championships programmes to be completed also. It is just not possible to cater for all the holiday requests, work/shift patterns as well as players working outside the county, and 38

41 to complete the programme in such a short space of time. It is a compliment to everyone involved, especially in the light of the All-Ireland Senior replay, that only one extra week was needed to complete this year s hurling championship programme It should be pointed out however, that part of the congestion could be avoided by adding two weekends, where possible, to the beginning of the hurling and football programme. I would also like to briefly mention two other aspects of the Board that I have worked very closely with over the past eight months. They are the Clubs Draw Management Committee and Urbanisation Committee. There is not a club in the county that has sufficient funds to complete all its desired plans and projects. The Clubs Draw is a risk free method of maintaining a link between the clubs; its members, ex-members and supporters while at the same time providing much needed funding to manage the affairs of the club. It is worth noting that the rebate to a club for having 100 members in the Clubs Draw would cover the affiliation fees etc., of the majority of clubs in the county. Finally, the challenge of a growing Cork City and suburbs is one of the most critical challenges facing Coiste Chontae Chorcaí over the next 20 years. Over half the population of the Cork County now live within a 20-mile radius of Pairc Uí Chaoímh. There are 44 clubs in this catchment area and the population boom presents a new set of challenges for these clubs. The Urbanisation Committee of the Strategic Plan was put in place to help these clubs plan for catering for the new Urban Cork. The challenge for these clubs is to maintain their position as the premier sporting and social centres within the communities they serve. It is an exciting challenge, and one that must be successfully met if we, as an organisation, are to continue to develop. Sin é go léir as seo, mo chéad ábhar chuig an Tuarascáil Bhliantúil. Bhain mé an taitneamh as mo ocht mí i mo phost nua. Anois, go bhfuil an bhliain seo críochnaithe, táim ag súil le clár bliain iomlán an bhliain seo chugainn. Diarmuid Ó Donnabháin Riarthóir Sinsear Coiste Chontae Chorcaí 39

42 An Choiste Bainistí 2013 Back Row - left to right Breandán Ó Drisceoil, Séamus Ó hainle, Diarmuid Ó Donnabháin, Ciarán Mac Cana, Mícheál Ó Broin, Dónal Ó Murnáin, Diarmuid Mac Gabhann Front Row - left to right Piarais Ó Murchú, Tracey Ní Chinnéide, Roibeard Ó Riain, Proinnsías Ó Muchú, Gearóid Ó Laighin, Marc Ó Siocháin Gearóid Ó Laighin Leas-Cathaoirleach Roibeard Ó Riain Cathaoirleach Pádraig P. Ó Murchú Cisteoir 40

43 Cork Senior Hurling Team - All-Ireland Senior Hurling Finalists

44 Cork Junior Football Team - Munster & All-Ireland Champions

45 Cork U21 Football Team - Munster Champions

46 Tuarascáil don Comhdhál Ciarán Mac Cana - Oifigeach Cultúr/ Gaeilge an Chontae Cuimsiú agus Imeascadh Is cúis bhróid domsa an ghearrthuairisc seo a leanas a chur os comhair na Comhdhála agus ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas a ghabháil le gach éinne a thug tacaíocht dom i mbliana. Ar dtús bhí Cruinniú na noifigeach Cultúr / Gaeilge ó na ranna go léir. Tar éis sin bhí cruinnithe agam leis na hoifigigh Chlubanna ó na ranna go léir. Trathnóna eolais a bhí ann. Bhí mé ag caint mar gheall ar na n-ábhar seo thíosluaite agus bhí ceardlann bheag againn freisin. Ról na noifigeach Gaeilge / Cultúr sna Clubanna Scór agus conas é a chur chun cinn. Scoláireachtaí Gaeltachta Dualgais ar leith. Scéim Thionscnaimh Shóisialta Coiste Cuimsithe & Imeascaithe Chorcaí. Cabhair ó Ghael Taca Cumarsáid. Níor tháinig na hoifigigh go léir go dtí na cruinnithe ach bhí mé sách sásta mar bhí thart ar chaoga faoin gcéad acu ann. Níl Oifigeach Gaeilge ag gach Club sa Chontae fós mar tá dhá Chlub ar fhichid nach bhfuil Oifigeach Gaeilge acu ach táimid ag dul ar aghaidh. Tar éis na gcruinnithe sheol mé an leiriú a bhí agam agus an t-aiseolas a fuair mé faoi tríd an súiomh idirlíne do na rúnaithe i ngach Club mar leabhrán beag. Cruinnithe Idir na hoifigigh ó gach Contae in Eirinn i bpairc an Chrócaigh Data Le hoifigigh na Ranna agus Scór Le hoifigigh ó Chlubanna na Ranna Abhann Dubh & Dúiche Ealla Le hoifigigh ó Chlubanna Carrigdhoun, Seandún & Uí Mac Caille Le hoifigigh ó Chlubanna Cairbre, Muscraí & Béara Cruinniú le agus léiriú do Ghaeilgeoirí Cois Laoi Le hoifigigh na Ranna agus Scór Le hoifigigh na gclubanna agus Scór Uí Mac Caille Mainistir na Corann Le hoifigigh na gclubanna agus Scór ó Mhuscraí Áth an Chóiste Le hoifigigh na gclubanna agus Scór ó Dhúiche Ealla Sráid a Mhuilinn Le hoifigigh na gclubanna agus Scór ó Charrigdhoun - Béal Átha an Chasaigh Le hoifigigh na gclubanna agus Scór ó Chairbre Dún Mánmhaí Le hoifigigh na gclubanna agus Scór ó Abhann Dúbh - Mala Scór 2012/13 D éirigh thar barr le Scór na bpáistí i mbliana agus bhí an caighdeán ard i ngach Roinn. Níl Scór ag gach Club agus tá gá le dul ar aghaidh i cúpla Ranna. Tá obair mhór agus tacaíocht ag teastáil ó na clubanna chun Scór na nóg agus Scór na Sinsear a eagrú. Bhí sraith cláracha teilifíse ag TG4; bunaithe ar Scór na nóg i mbliana (Scór Encore) agus bhí an clár sin an-mhaith ar fad. D éirigh le ceithre club(cloch na Coilte, Bothar Buí, Naomh Caitrionaigh agus Achadh Bolg) dul ar aghaidh ó na trialacha go dtí na comórtais cheannais. D Éirigh le trí Chlub as Corcaigh sroichint Scór na nóg Chluiche Ceannais na héireann í ndoire, Ceann Tuirc, Boher Buí agus Fánaithe na Claide agus bhí an bua at Boher Buí insan Rince Foirne. D Éirigh le Cill na Mullach í gceol na nuirlise ach fuair Dochas Éireann an ceann is fear orthu. Bhí Gearóid O Dúdaigh as Stráid a Mhuileann i Mhaistir na gceisteanna freisin. Comhghairdeas ó chroí do gach éinne. Ba mhaith liom bhuíochas a ghabháil le Coistí Scór ar fud an Chontae a d eagraigh na comórtais, gan dearmad a dhéanamh ar na hiomaitheoirí, tuismitheoirí, múinteoirí, teagascóirí, moltóirí, fir agus mná tí, máistrí tráthanna na gceist, agus gach éinne a thug tacaíocht dom i rith na bliana. Molaim sibh go léir. I rith an tsamhraidh i mbliana bhí léirrmheas mór ag Coiste Náisiúnta Scór mar gheall ar rialacha Scór. Tar éis cruinniú chuir Choiste Chorcaí moladh faoi bhráid an Choiste Naisiúnta. Ach rinne an Coiste Náisiúnta roinnt athruithe móra air agus ní raibh gach éinne sásta leis na hathruite sin. Chuaigh mé go dtí na ranna arís ag chaint mar gheall ar Scór agus na hábhair eile arís. 44

47 Buaiteoirí Scór Chorcaigh Scór Sinsear Scór na nóg Scór na bpaistí Rince Fóirne Bóthar Bui Bóthar Buí Carraig Uí Leighin Amhránaíocht Aonar Lisa O Donovan Fánaithe na Cúirseacha Muireann Vaughan Ceann Tuirc Saoirse Griffin (S.N. Cóbh Cionn tsáile) Ceol Úirlise Cill na Mullach Fánaithe na Claide Ráth Chúil Aithriseoireacht Paddy O Brien Mainistir Bán Paul Barry Murphy Greanach Luke Walsh Greanach Bailéad Grúpa Cnocán na Biolraí Naomh Caitriona Naomh Caitriona Tráth na gceist Sráid a Mhuilinn Bóthar Buí Bóthar Buí Nuachleas Fánaithe na Bríde Raonaithe Cairbre An Cóbh Rince Seite Bóthar Buí Bóthar Buí Bóthar Buí Rince Aonair - - Alan Whelan (Lios gcúl Ceol Aonair - - Gormfhlaith Ní Shíocháin (M. Fhear Maí) An Club Ab fhearr Naomh Eoin Bóthar Buí Bóthar Buí Club Scór ab fhearr le haghaidh Chorn Paddy Caroll Bóthar Buí Scoláireachtaí Gaeltachta D Fhreastail 141 scoláire are na Cúrsaí Samhraidh ag Coláiste na Mumhan i mbéal Átha an Ghaorthaidh i mbliana. Tá an-bhuíochas ag dul chuig Caoimhín Ó Drisceoil; Muintir an Choláiste agus gach éinne a thug lámh chúnta chun an Scéim a riaradh agus a eagrú. Tráth na gceist Seachtain na Gaeilge D eagraíomar Tráth na gceist i mbliana, i mí na Márta. Bhí oíche mhaith againn. Bhí deich gclub páirteach sa chomórtas. Bhí an bua ag Sráid a Mhuilinn. Ba mhaith liom bhuíochas a gabháil le Liam Mac a Mhaoir Máistir na gceist, Baile an Easpaig, as an halla agus leis na clubanna a ghlac páirt ann. Ní bheidh aon Tráth na gceist ag CLCG an bhliain seo chugainn mar beidh Tráth na gceist Boird ag Scór le haghaidh na sinsear. Cumarsáid Tá roinnt mhaith clubanna agus Ranna ag baint úsáid as an ngaeilge agus iad ag trácht ar Ghaeilge / Chultúr agus ar Scór ar na suímh idirlíne agus tá mo bhuíochas ag dul go Tracey Ní Chinnéide as ucht a cuid oibre agus na tacaíochta a thug sí dom. continue to make to continuity life. All Cultural Officers have been briefed and requested to coordinate this excellent Initiative and I encourage more Clubs to take part. In this regard four members of Glen Rovers Club who have an excellent Social Initiave Group were part of 18 Clubs chosen from all over Ireland, attended a special function at Aras An Uachtarán, greeted by President O Higgins and presented with a special book on the history of the Aras. Well done to the Glen. Inclusion and Integration Welcoming People from different traditions to this Country. I attended a number of meetings on Inclusion and Integration with the Munster Council and held a number of meetings in Cork with all stakeholders including NASC, NCP, Travellers, Camogie, Ladies Gaelic Football, Cork GAA Coaching & Games personnel and City Partnership. Inclusion and Integration was part of a Presentation to the Cultural Officers and Scór Committees of all Divisions and also part of a Leabharán Cruinniú le hoifigigh na gclubanna ó na Roinne An Leiriú agus Aiseolas sent to the Runaí of each Division and Club. Social Initiative. Some Clubs are taking part in the GAA Social Initiative which is designed to assist older members of the community with a focus on older men through events specifically designed to enrich their lives and respect the important contribution they have made and can 45

48 Find underneath a synopsis of activities and progress in Inclusion and Integration for 2013: Subject Outcome Responsibility Result 1 The National Strategic Intent of our National Inclusion & Integration Policy is to offer an inclusive & working environment for everyone to participate in our games & our culture and we promote this in Cork GAA There were a a number of Meeting held with NASC and NCP in Cork and all stakeholders especially Camogie, Ladies Gaelic Football & Cork Handball. Various responsibilities resulting from the Meeting are set out hereunder Very satisfactory but care is advised against throw away remarks that militate against the spirit of Inclusion and Integration. 2 There as a number of children from Diverse & Ethnic Communities taking part in our games and, indeed, in Scór. Have a Go Days required if possible. Two Have a Go Days one Northside & one Southside of City for September as coaching staff outlined children back in school. Kevin O Callaghan & Paudie O Brien, Coaching & Games to arrange & Community Gardaí offer assistance on the day. Taking place in November. Date TBA. 3 Wheelchair facilities & Standards excellent in P Uí Chaoimh & P Uí Rinn - reservations for parking requested in the County Grounds 4 Promotion of Wheelchair Hurling is ongoing but take up is slow & rules a problem. 5 Traveller s play Handball & going very well in many clubs, also play both football and hurling. Minor difficulties - admission to some GAA Clubs 6 Promotion of our Games among various Diverse Communities. It was decided we would speak with these Groups about the GAA at Religious Services in Mosques, etc. 7 Promoting the Gaelic Games among Immigrant Children and Young Immigrants & their parents in Cork City & Suburbs. An appropriately worded document to be prepared for transmission to All club Secretaries. K McGann will discuss at next Munster Meeting & Mr. Ryan may attend. Any issues will be discussed & dealt with low key locally by Peter & John Ms Geraghty, NCP outlined she would provide training for GAA members willing to talk with Diverse Communities Meetings with Cork City Partnership who are preparing an overall Sports Strategy on Inclusion & Integration. Mr. Paul Ryan of the Irish Wheelchair Association Mr Ryan - Cork Rebel Wheelers & K McGann Mr John O Sullivan of the Traveller s Visibility Group. Peter Dennehy, Handball. Ms Erin Geraghty of NCP Meeting of all GAA Groups - Camogie, Ladies, Gaelic Football, and Handball Committees on overall Strategy. Good care & attention in the provision of facilities promoted by Stewards. M/ Council & completed Review to be published Thanks to Peter Dennehy & the Handball Committee for Excellent work. Workshop on Cultural Competency for all clubs in Pairc Uí Rinn on Saturday Meeting held in Pairc Uí Rinn on with City Partnership. 46

49 Coiste Oiliúna Brendán Ó Drisceóil, Oifigeach Oiliúna Is mōr an onōir dom mo thuairsc ar son Choiste Oiliúna a chur os comhair Comhdhála Coiste Chontae Chorcaí I am delighted to submit my report on behalf of Coiste Oiliúna to the Cork County Convention It was only when I was appointed to Oifigeach Oiliuna that I realized the huge and vast range of activities that is covered under the umbrella of Coiste Oiliúna. These range from assisting clubs to initiate Nursery coaching plans, coaching in primary schools all the way to the students of 3 rd level colleges and the setting up of coach education programs and workshops for teachers and club coaches. The list goes on. The number of clubs and geographical size of the county demands a huge amount of work and time in attending to all these activities. Paudie O Brien, Sean Crowley, Martin Coleman, Kevin O Donovan, Noel Crowley and James McCarthy are entrusted with planning, implementing and monitoring of our Coaching and Games Development. The fact that they are able to cover the whole county is amazing in itself, but considering that the amount of Blitzes, Primary School coaching, Coach Education courses and workshops have increased this year is a indication of the quality of personnel we have working in the GAA in Cork at present. I also want to pay tribute and express my gratitude to both Paudie Kissane and Brian Murphy for the excellent work they did. I wish them the best of luck in their future careers. Games manager, Kevin O Callaghan, who must be sick and tired of all my phone calls and meetings deserves similar recognition and praise for overseeing these projects and introducing new initiatives to our Coaching program. Coach Education and Workshops There is now a Coach Education calendar on the Cork GAA website. This gives the clubs, who wish to up skill their club coaches to Award 1 Level, the dates and venues of these courses. These courses will be held between the months of October 2013 and March As said in my report for 2012, the target for each club should be to have all coaches at a Foundation Level qualification and to have at least one Award 1 level coach in each age group from U14 Senior. I am concerned that clubs are sending coaches to these courses without looking at the bigger picture in their respective clubs. Getting your club coaches qualified is of course a progressive step, but maybe clubs could look at How many coaches are needed for their teams? What qualifications are needed? Where do you need the most coaches? Where do you need the most qualified/competent coaches I would advise that clubs do an annual audit of their coaches and their needs, identify and put forward the people that would benefit from these courses and workshops. Coiste Oiliúna is providing Coaching clinics and workshops in a further initiative to assist coaches to expand their coaching knowledge. We have high profile coaches presenting these works shops.ie Jason Ryan, John Morrisson, Liam Sheedy, Paudie Butler and Paul Flynn. In early 2014, Damien Coleman, Damien Young and Paudie Butler will be giving advice on further improving our coaching techniques. We are attempting to bring these workshops to as many different regions as possible. Coiste Oiliúna held a Coaching Conference on Saturday 9th February in Mallow. The key note address was given by Pat Daly, National Director of Games, who presented coaches with an outline of the COACH 10 coaching model which has a games based approach to training. The coaches were then treated to parallel practical sessions. Damien Coleman of Portumna (hurling) and Sean Dempsey of Laois (football) demonstrated key defensive skills through drills and games. The second practical sessions were delivered by Niall Moran of Limerick and James McCarthy of Castlehaven. Over 120 coaches attended. Primary Schools Huge work is being done by the clubs in promoting our games and coaching of children who attend our Primary Schools. In 2013, thanks to the Club School Link network (where clubs are putting people in schools to coach or assist in coaching) 220 schools are receiving coaching at a primary level. Our GDA s are also going into the schools giving assistance to the Club School Link coaches, ensuring that the coaching is age appropriate and communicating with the School Principals. Coiste Oiliúna held two workshops this year. These workshops are aimed at training and up skilling existing new Club School Link coaches. The Primary Schools Coaching Booklets in Hurling and Football launched last year is available to all coaches, involved in coaching in Primary schools. I am acutely aware of the difficulties that the Croke Park and Haddington Road agreements have imposed on our teachers. Because of the increase in hours in their teaching week, it has resulted in a decrease in the number of teachers who are actively coaching in our schools. Also 47

50 a lot of new teachers do not have any working knowledge of GAA coaching and games. Coiste Oiliúna have attempted to address these situations by Hosting a Foundation Award course, specifically for primary school teachers which was held in July. Over 20 teachers received their coaching certificate. The Course was presented by Martin Coleman GDA. Issuing of a Hurling Primary Schools Coaching Booklet. Combined with the Football Coaching Booklet which was launched last year, these Coaching Booklets provide a streamlined and structured guide to the School Link Coaches to provide high quality, variable, achievable skill coaching sessions in the Primary Schools. Hosting a GAA fundamental movement skills workshop with Setanta College on Thursday 7th February in Bishopstown, this was attended by 32 teachers from all over the county. The workshop was the culmination of an on line education programme between Coiste Oiliúna, Cork Sports Partnership and Setanta College for which teachers receive HETAC Certification. Expert tutors on the day were Damien Young and Dr Liam Hennessy. The plan is that the teachers will return to their schools to work on implementing their learning with younger age groups. It is hoped to expand this course to more regions in Further courses are planned for 2014, with the aim in increasing the number of teachers that will coach our games in the schools. On Wednesday, June 12 th, the inaugural West Cork Sciath Na Scoil hurling finals took place at Clonakilty GAA Grounds. On the day 16 schools were represented by boys teams, 12 schools entered Camoige teams. With over 300 boys and girls lining out, the day was a spectacular success. Hopefully, the day will provide a template, for an expanded competition for the 2013/2014 school year.. Post Primary Colleges Whilst the results of the Cork Colleges in the senior and A competions have been disappointing, there are definite signs that the situation is improving. At the time of writing, Midleton CBS, Hamilton HS Bandon and Chareville CBS were in contention for quarter final places in the Harty Cup. Midleton CBS had secured a place in the Final of the Dean Ryan Cup (U6 ½ A hurling). In the Corn Ui Mhuirí, St Fachtnaís, St Francis College, Rochestown, Col Chriost Ri and Macroom are also in contention for the knock stages. Coiste Oiliúna is funding a number of projects that will assist teachers/coaches to improve the standard of coaching in Cork Colleges. A new initiative put forward on a pilot basis to promote Gaelic games, has been the use of inter county players to assist in the coaching of first years at Post Primary Schools level. The areas targeted are Kanturk (Aidan Walsh as coach), Midleton (Luke O Farrel as coach), Ballincollig (Ciaran Sheehan as coach) and Skibbereen (Brian Hurley as coach). The coaches would do a total of 20 sessions and the scheme is funded by the Divisional Boards, clubs with players benefiting and Coiste Oiliúna. Teddy McCarthy has commenced coaching in North Monastery and in Colaiste Chriost Ri with the aim of coaching the U14/15 players and giving the School coaches an opportunity to view and learn from Teddy s coaching. Our GDA s have also been coaching in a minimum of 2 schools per week. Hurling and Football Blitz organised in the following schools - Hurling Blitz Programmes. (22 schools) St Colman s Fermoy - St Colman s Midleton, - Colaiste An Craoibhin Fermoy Midleton CBS, - Patrician Academy, Mallow, - Gaelcholaiste Mhuire (Mon AG) Rochestown College, - Christians, - St Aidans, - Deerpark, - Charelville CBS Spioraid Naofa, Bishopstown, - Doneraile, - Youghal, - Glanmire C.C. Cobh, - Hamilton High School, - Crosshaven, - Ballincollig C.S. - Kinsale C.S. Blarney and Colaiste Choilm Football Blitz Programmes. (15 schools) Castletownbere, - Schull, - Bantry, - Clonakilty CC, - Hamilton High School Rossa College, - St Fachtnas, - Crosshaven, - Kinsale CS Ballingeary, - Colaiste Ghobnatain Ballyvourney, - Milstreet CS Boherbue CS, - Rochestown College and Spioraid Naofa Bishopstown Hurling Wall Ball Leagues These are currently being set up in Patrician Academy Mallow and St Colman s Fermoy. As a follow up to the blitzes held in 2013, Coiste Oiliúna is currently engaging with schools to roll out first year internal blitzes around the county. The take up so far has 48

51 been positive and schools are using these 5/6/7 a side games to help them identify the talent at their disposal for school teams in the future. Schools who take part are also receiving some training equipment to aid the promotion of Gaelic games in their schools. The blitz run at 7 a side but varies on the numbers within each school. Almost all blitzes occurred internally in schools and the main target group was first year pupils. The growth of the first year internal leagues was set out as a key area for Cork Coaching and Games at Post Primary School level in the past 2 years due to the issues surrounding the school substitution and supervision problems. This format is being used to give every boy the opportunity to take part in a fun introductory competition at Post Primary level in small sided games. Coiste Oiliúna in association with Munster Council has provided either training equipment to the school or training t shirts to the students. While the Game Development Administrators have been instrumental in the growth of the blitzes, it has to be acknowledged that the work teachers put in on the ground, often with many obstacles in their way, is to be highly commended. To aid the organisation of the blitzes, the GDA s have tried to get schools to utilise the TY students to manage teams, referee the games and coordinate the blitzes. This has worked particularly well in St Colman s, Ballincollig Community School, Fermoy, Milstreet CS and in Castletownbere C.S. where a subcommittee of students was set up to run the first year leagues/ blitzes. This reduces the teacher s workload to that of an overseer. With time, all these first years will become the TY students and will be well placed to organise the blitzes for the next generation of first year pupils. With the current uncertainty surrounding teacher s terms and conditions, it may be the best way forward that is within our control to develop GAA within this sector. 3 rd Level Colleges The importance of the promotion of Gaelic Games in our Third Level Institutions has never more in evidence in 2012/13. The wonderful spectacle of the Fitzgibbon cup being contested by UCC and CIT in 2012, the retention of the trophy by UCC in 2013 will live long in the memories of those who were lucky to witness these games. The number of players who graduated from playing with CIT and UCC in these competitions to playing senior hurling with Cork, played no small part in Cork s reappearance in the 2013 All Ireland Hurling Final. The winning of the Sigerson Cup by CIT and UCC in 2009 and 2011 were also significant factors in Cork s All Ireland Football win in 2010, in my opinion. Playing in these competitions is the aim of any student playing Gaelic games and providing students with the opportunity of participating is of utmost importance, while they are attending college. This responsibility lies with the Gaelic Games Administrators in the colleges. In Cork we are very fortunate that we have people of the caliber of Keith Ricken (CIT) and John Grainger(UCC). On any given week, Keith and John have over 200 young men and women playing with Senior, Intermediate, Junior, and Fresher Teams in Hurling, Football, Ladies Football and Camoige. Foundation and Award 1 courses are provided to enable students to coach or assist in coaching the teams. The committees for the Hurling and Football clubs in the colleges are comprised of students, who are responsible for the budgeting and allocating of equipment and the general running of the clubs. This structure has been put in place and is overseen by John and Keith. I wonder, how many clubs are utlilising these skills sets, that have been acquired by their own club players while in college? How many clubs even know that their players are involved in these roles? When clubs sometimes despair at the shortage of manpower for committee positions and coaches, maybe this is an area that could be explored? The roles of Keith Ricken and John Grainger cannot be under estimated or understated. Apart from the coaching and games opportunities they provide, they become the friendly face, the person whose advice is sought from students who may be experiencing difficulties. The GAA National Student Bursary Scheme is administered by the respective Provincial Councils and recipients are selected based on a range of criteria, including their playing, coaching or administrative commitments to the GAA. Coiste Oiliúna is exploring the possibility through discussions with CIT, UCC, Munster Council and Comhairle Ardoideachais to expand these criteria to include coaching sessions in Primary and 2 nd level colleges by the Bursary Recipients in This, I believe will only broaden the coaching experience of these students and increase the profile of Gaelic games in our schools. Cul Camps There were 89 Cul camps held this summer with close to 9,200 children attending. While acknowledging that these Cul camps are an outstanding success, our numbers attending are down from last year. This reduction, although small, is reflected in other counties as well. To address this and maintain our numbers, it is needed at both County and National level to examine and recommend areas that we can improve on to make these camps more attractive. I would welcome any constructive ideas from the people organizing these Cul camps in their clubs. Coiste Oiliuna wishes to thank all the clubs, their coaches for making these camps the success they are. Pa Cronin, Lorcan Mc Loughlin, Damien Cahalane, Brian Hurley were the Cul Camp Ambassadors and were welcomed by all at the camps. As in previous years, Coiste Oiliúna has provided workshops in the various regions, which up skill and prepare qualified (min Foundation Level) coaches to coach in these Cul camps. Unfortunately, in some workshops, number attending have been low, indeed some clubs are 49

52 not sending their coaches at all. These workshops are funded by Coiste Oiliúna. There is no charge to either clubs or coaches, only the opportunity to up skill and widen their range of coaching which would provide more fun activities for children. Super Touch Hurling and Football Blitzes. What are Super Touch Blitzes? Super Touch blitzes are organised for the Under 13 to Minor age groups in an effort to re- establish the small sided tournament games structure of years gone by. Games are played on a small sided basis of 7, 9. or 11 a side. Super Touch blitzes already take place in many counties for Post Primary schools, predominantly aimed at 1 st year/ 2 nd Year students. Many of the benefits of small sided games are evident in this type of format, with players having extra space to perform the skills of the game, but equally coming under increased pressure with regard to their positioning and pace. Games are organised in a competitive manner with a rotation system used to ensure all players receive playing time During the first two weeks of June, a county wide U15 hurling and football Super Touch blitz was held in Cork. While the winning teams qualified for the Munster Finals the emphasis was nevertheless on participation, fun and enjoyment with every player receiving a specially designed Munster GAA Training Jersey.Munster Coaching and Games Development held the finals of their U/15 Super Touch Blitzes in Mallow GAA Complex on Saturday 15th of June. 288 young players (the best of our Under 15 club hurlers and footballers) from over 24 clubs in Munster converged on the Mallow facility to compete in the finals of the Munster GAA Supertouch Competitions The Cork teams participating were Ballincollig, Castlelyons, Whitegate, Bishopstown and Midleton in the Hurling. Boherbee, Glanmire and Ballincollig competed in the Football Finals. Monster U8/U10 blitzs; There was huge interest and participation in these Blitzes across the county as seen by the numbers below; U8 Football - 23 Monster Blitzes with 420 teams and 4,000 players. U8 Hurling - 25 Monster Blitzes with 440 teams and 4,000 players. U10 Football - 18 Monster blitzes with 360 teams and 3,500 players. U10 Hurling - 12 Monster Blitzes with 250 teams and 2,500 players. These blitzes were complimented by Feile Spraoi Iomaint agus Peile coordinated by Paudie O Brien, where 40 teams from the city and east took part in Fe 10 Leagues and Blitzes throughout the Summer. There were 600 boys involved in this structure. The regional boards also ran local blitzs and leagues at U10 level for their clubs. LEE FLAG CLUB ACCREDITATION SCHEME 2013 This scheme, originally established in 2010, has been re-launched to help Coiste Oiliúna and Coiste Chontae reward clubs who are engaging in coaching and games development best practice around the county. The basic premise behind the scheme is to encourage clubs to meet specific criteria which is designed to aid their development both on and off the pitch. The scheme was formally launched by Uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, Liam O Neill. There are 3 levels to the scheme for 2013, namely Gold (15 key targets), Silver (10 key targets) and Bronze (5 key targets). Clubs could decide which level they wish to enter the Scheme, based on their size, current position in terms of criteria and how far they can progress in 2013 in meeting extra targets. The incentives for clubs who meet all 15 criteria (Gold Award) are greater than those who qualify for the Bronze Award. There will be finalists in each of the 3 categories with an overall winner receiving a grant for a coaching project as well as qualification for other incentives throughout The targets for each level are specified in the coaching section of the Cork GAA website. A total of 40 clubs have entered this scheme. Achieving LEE FLAG accredited status entitles your club to a host of benefits including: Guarantee of 5 GDA visits in 2014 Entry in to draw for All Ireland Hurling and Football Final tickets 2014 Entry in to draw for Munster Hurling and Football Final tickets 2014 Club U 12 teams will receive a Coaching day with Inter County players at County stadiums in 2014 Entry to draw to participate in U12 Blitzes in Croke Park Priority in county player visits to club Cul Camps in Priority in selection for half time exhibition games during inter-county fixtures. OUTRIGHT WINNERS Gold: 1,300 to be spent by the Winning Club on a coaching project Silver: 1,000 to be spent by the Winning Club on a coaching project Bronze: 700 to be spent by the Winning Club on a coaching project. Coaching Corner Coiste Oiliúna s aim to bring as much coaching information and material to the club coaches has continued this year in the inclusion of the Coiste Oiliúna Coaching page in match programmes for club and intercounty matches held in P Ui Chaoimh and P Ui Rinn. These pages included coaching advice, articles, games and drills. 50

53 Coaching Corner returned on Thursday nights Evening Echo for six weeks during the months of February and March These articles contained coaching topics, coaching drills, conditioned games. Coiste Oiliúna intends to publish Coaching Corner with more coaching articles in The Coaching Link in the Cork GAA website has added a Coaching News section where all the weekly coaching activities organised by the GDAs is shown. This is updated weekly. I have to apologise on the lack of updating done to the other sections of the coaching link. I had and still have intentions to update the Coaching articles, Video Links, Nursery Skills and drills, conditioned games and games based activities. This is entirely down to time constraints, but I will make it a priority to add to the number of articles, etc in the near future. Other Initiatives completed this year by Coiste Oiliúna include; Emerging Players Camp This pilot camp was aimed at the players who had not made the Development squads. Over three days these players were brought to Na Piarsaig Indoor Complex. Frank Flannery (2012/13 Cork Minor Hurling Coach) and Paudie Kissane (Cork and All Star footballer) showed these young players, through intensive coaching and advice, the levels of technical ability, team play and tactical prowess that is needed to be better players in their clubs and ultimately be considered for county selection. sessions with James McCarthy and Ciaran O Sullivan. In Carbery the U13 Footballers and Hurlers were coached by James McCarthy Kevin O Donovan. Also the footballers had a session with Brian Hurley. Avondhu/ Duhallow U 13 hurling coaching clinic was led by Noel Crowley, GPO and Seamus Murphy, Mallow. Imokilly U13 hurlers were treated to coaching from Joe Deane, Pat Ryan, Frank Flannery and Donal Og Cusack. I want to thank my fellow officers in An Coiste Bainsti for the help and advice during the past year. To Tommy Lynch, who has forgotten more than I will ever learn to Mairead and Barbara for all the help and assistance( never forgetting your good humor and patience during All Ireland week ) to Edmond Forrest (Cisteoir Rebel Og)- to Claire Allen and to anybody else I may have omitted thank you very much. Finally and most importantly, to all the coaches who are coaching at grassroots level. The importance of what you are doing for the young players of your club can never be underestimated. You are the people who introduce and teach the skills, improve technique, setting the example for discipline and are the role models. Positive coaching should be anywhere and everywhere. It does not, and should not stop at any level. It is, without doubt, the best way to coach. Expectations grow as you move up the grades, but at college level, even on the senior team, etc. you are still teaching the game. As long as you teach, teach in a positive manner. It will produce the best players, and ultimately, the best results. Under 13/14 Coaching Clinics Football and Hurling coaching clinics were held in all regions during The focus in football was on developing the players weak hand and weak foot. Players were at times in games only permitted to kick with their weak foot with the aim to improve kicking with that leg. In hurling we are also focusing on developing both sides. Players would play games and do shooting and striking drills where we would focus again on improving their weak side. Another aspect of the game in hurling, we focused on is catching the ball from the air. Martin Coleman GDA took the sessions in East Carbery, Muskerry and Carrigdhoun. Seandun U13 footballers received expert coaching from Keith Ricken, Paudie O Brien and John Holly in CIT while the hurlers received their coaching from Cork senior hurler Lorcan McLoughlin in P Ui Rinn. The U13 and U14 hurlers in Duhallow had a very special training session with Sean Og O hailpin in Ballyhass Lakes Complex orgainsed by Jim O Sullivan. Beara region U13 footballers had 51

54 Coiste Forbartha Development Committee Diarmuid S. MacGabhann, Oifigeach Forbartha Is mór an onóir dom mo thuairsc ar son Choiste Forbartha a chur fail Cómhdhail Bhliantúil Coiste Chontae Chorcaí In this my third and final year as County Development Officer, it gives me great pleasure and privilege to present to the 2013 County Convention my report as Development Officer of Cork County Board. Club Development Grants In 2013, thirty six Clubs received Munster Council grant funding under its Club Development Grant Scheme. This resulted in 342,000 in development funding being secured. All clubs, applying for funding under this scheme, were visited. The type of work done was examined and the relevant forms were checked and compliance was very high. The main type of works carried out related to the enhancement of the actual pitches and their surrounds. This year there was a changing of the guard in regard to the personnel on the Grant adjudication panel at Munster Level, and this changed, slightly, the interpretation of levels and the eligibility for funding from the way things were done in the last number of years. It resulted in Cork Clubs increasing the percentage amount of funding received over the two prior years, and most clubs were very happy with the amounts allocated to them under the 2013 Grants Scheme. Given that we are still enduring a major economic downturn, nationally, it is good to see that Club developments are now carried out on a common sense phased basis. Projects are still being pursued with great enthusiasm, but are now, thankfully, being driven by necessity rather than by the availability of finance as was the case in the past. Club Officer Training. In keeping with commitments made under the County Strategic Plan, there were number of Club Officer Training Events held in the County during In March 2013 in Pairc Ui Chaoimh there was a very informative in information night held specifically for Club Chairmen, Secretaries & Treasurers. The event was held in conjunction with National Club Officer Development Committee. The celebrity speaker on the night was Oisin McConville. He went down very well with the crowd. Presentations included Club Development, Insurance, Finance, Communications and Planning. The feedback on the event was very positive. Almost 200 Club Representatives attended. Various seminars, information nights and training days were held in conjuction with other officers during the year. Club Strategic Planning In 2013 the whole area of Development and Strategic planning gained some momentum. Seven clubs held Club forum nights and have gone a long a way to formally adopting five year strategic plans. Fermoy, Cobh, Kilshannig & Kinsale have completed and launched their plans and in Na Piarsaigh and Kanturk the clubs are in the final stages of adopting their Strategic plans. Another Club Ballyphane formally launched a Facility Development Plan which outlines their proposed work on facilities on a phased basis over the short and medium term. There also have been queries from about six other clubs intending to go down the route of developing their own strategic plan in A Club cannot recognise its full potential without proper planning and without first examining its current situation, investigating where it wants to go and establishing how it is going to get there. The Club can now achieve this, with the assistance of a facilitator, by following a straight forward 11 step process developed specifically for GAA Clubs. The estimated time needed for the entire process from inception to Launch is about 10 weeks. I would like to thank Jim Hanley (Executive Member) and John Quirke (Blarney) for their assistance on the various Club Forum Nights. Club Health and Safety Statements All clubs are now required to formulate Club Health and Safety Statements, in April 2013 I attended an Insurance Officer Training Day in Croke Park and some very informative presentations were given on the day. The main instruction that came from the day was that Clubs should assess foreseeable and likely risk, examine the consequences and endeavour to remove the danger. It is said that 90% of risk assessment is common sense. The prudent view is that having some kind of Health & Safety policy in place which would show that the Club has made genuine efforts to make things safer is a lot better than having nothing all in place. Unfortunately, there is also a view that no matter how much a club covers itself in contingencies, it will always be exposed to some element of risk, if it pursued by individuals via the legal route. It was highlighted that some clubs when examining the implementation of an H&S Statement are often deterred by the perceived cost of compiling one. It is not necessary to employ a professional to do the job, it is felt that a more than adequate Statement could be compiled by any responsible individual selected from within the ranks of the Clubs own membership at a fraction of the cost. 52

55 In May of this year all the club secretaries in the County were circularised by me to forward on their Clubs Health and Safety Statements, not all clubs have done so. Property Transactions, Borrowing & Vesting In 2013 a number of Clubs completed the process of vesting their Club Grounds in the Association. This is highly recommended for a number of reasons, more notably because it ensures that property will remain under the control of the club, it affords a certain protection to trustees and it ensures eligibility to apply for GAA loans and grants. It is also important to reiterate, again the importance of securing proper prior approval before any transactions involving GAA property are entered into, be it acquisitions, disposals or attaching borrowings to the property. In 2013 there was a number of Clubs entering into medium term leases with the Local Authority for various reasons. It is very important that Clubs seek guidance and prior approval in regard to the terms stated on these leases, before commitments are given, no matter how beneficial these leases may appear initially. Also I stress again when Clubs seek prior approval for borrowings it is permission on the total indebtedness of the clubs that the approval is being sought not just the increase in borrowings that the Club is about to undertake. Supporting Clubs on Various Development Issues. During the year in my role as County Development Officer I met over twenty clubs on various one-off issues that required immediate attention. The issues ranged from the acquisition of land from government authorities, to assisting in setting down of proposals for future developments, to amalgamations and to entering property leases. Some of the work is still ongoing and continued support and assistance from the County Board is being provided. Alcohol & Substance Abuse & The County Health & Well being Committee There has been major change in this whole area of well being & lifestyle. Work in regard to the ASAP Programme has being ongoing for the last five/ six years. It was increasingly felt, nationally, that the GAA as an association should expand the National ASAP Coordinators role and terms of reference of his remit to include other areas of health and well being. In Congress 2013 it was passed that every County would have a County Health & Well-Being Committee implemented by In July of this year I was asked to contribute to a subcommittee to assess a number of issues in regard to the implementation of this committee. Issues like committee membership, administration, terms of reference, reporting obligations etc. As Tyrone was the County that had proposed this motion, their health and well-being model was closely looked at. The Subcommittee made its recommendations, and they are now being implemented by other Counties, including Cork. The initiative Off the Booze and on the Ball introduced in 2011/12 was promoted again in 2013, with Cork again having the largest number of participants. The 2014 Initiative was launched, nationally, on 26 th November last by an Uachtarán Liam O Neill in Croke Park and the main change this year is that the initiative s main focus this year will be to target Third Level Colleges. Registrations Submissions of Registrations on-line, which in 2011 became mandatory, continues to have a high degree of compliance. The time taken on this once onerous task has been dramatically reduced by the advantages of electronic updating and amending. It has been one of the many success stories of the GAA embracing new technologies. County Development Committee This committee met on two occasions during the year. Presentations were given on the areas of Volunteerism, Club Planning and the Role of Development Officers. I thank everybody involved. Liaison Officer with the Under 21 Footballers In 2013 I was again assigned the task of liaison Officer with the Cork U21 Footballers. Again this year this squad of players did the county proud winning the Munster Championship and going one step further than last year in reaching final, only to lose to a strong Galway side at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick on May 4 th. The Manager John Cleary stepped down this year after a ten year involvement (six as manager) in which the Cork U-21 Footballers had some phenomenal success. I wish him every success in his future career. Development of Pairc Uí Chaoimh Work on this great project continues, and in recent months has gathered momentum, all stakeholders were met during the year, with the formal application for planning permission being submitted at the start of November. It is envisaged that actual work on the stadium, with all things going well, could start mid The sub-committee appointed by the Executive of an Coiste Chontae Chorcaí headed up by an Runaí Proinnsias Ó Murchú continue to do Trojan work on the project. We all look forward to In Conclusion:- I now find myself at the end of a very rewarding three year term as the County Development Officer. It must say that I enjoyed every minute of it. I would like to thank everybody who assisted me in carrying out my role. To my fellow Officers and everybody in the Office at Pairc Uí Chaoimh - special thanks. Also thanks to all Clubs that gave me the opportunity of serving on the best County Board in the Country - An Coiste Chontae Chorcaí CLG. Diarmuid S. MacGabhann Oifigeach Forbartha Coiste Chontae Chorcai CLG. 53

56 Coiste Chaidreamh Poiblí agus Foilseachán Tracey Ní Chinnéide Is mór an pribhléid dom an tuarascáil seo a chur os comhair Chomhdháil Bhliaintúil Choiste Chontae Chorcai I am pleased to present my second report as PRO to the Annual Convention of Coiste Chonte Chorcaí What a year it was! On that fateful night in February, when we just about got fifteen players onto the pitch in Sixmilebridge to play Clare in the Waterford Crystal Cup (following two-hour delays due to a fuel spill) who would have predicted that we d play them five more times this year, including two All-Ireland Finals?? It has been a hectic twelve months from a PR and Communications perspective, what with four All-Ireland Finals, various managerial changes and retirements, the progress of the redevelopment plans for Páirc Uí Chaoimh and much more, but also a hugely exciting and rewarding one. The demands of the role have increased exponentially with the growth in mobile communications and the accompanying expectations of our members and supporters, but the consistently positive reaction to our PR work, and the encouragement and co-operation I have received have made it all worthwhile. I wish to thank all those who have given me so much help and support during the year, and, as always, in particular, my fellow officers and Mairead and Barbara in the office, not forgetting Tommy and all the staff and Páirc Ui Chaoimh and Páirc Uí Rinn. Media In our recent Communications Survey, newspapers emerged as the third most popular source of information on Cork GAA, reminding us that as an Association we are still heavily reliant on the print media in the promotion of our games, and it is vital for us to ensure that we facilitate this in so far as it is possible for us to do so. The press, both local and national, are our partners in conveying our message, and must be commended for this. Controversies occasionally arise, and items appear in print or other media which we might prefer not to see there, but we must remember that journalists have a job to do, and we if allow an information vacuum to exist, something must be found to fill it. At the same time, media personnel need to remember that our players and managers are volunteers, with jobs, families and so on, and that the efforts required to succeed at inter-county level already take up a huge amount of their time. We all need, therefore, to be conscious of not placing too many additional demands on them, and also to avoid sensationalising their involvement in what is, after all, an amateur sport. Most journalists, it must be said, are very understanding of this and very fair and professional in their dealings with us, and this is much appreciated. This year in particular, there were many press days, phonecalls, s and so on, and I must say that I found the journalists I dealt with, local and national, to be courteous, co-operative and consummately professional. There is no doubt that reporting on GAA is not just a job for these people, but a way of life, and their interest in and passion for our games is evident in their work. We are also very lucky here in Cork to have a local radio station which dedicates so much time to the coverage of Gaelic games, and are the envy of many other counties in this respect. From Tyrone to Tralee, Galway to Dublin, the C103 team, led by Michael Scanlon, and including Paudie Palmer, John Cashman and their associates, along with Finbarr McCarthy of 96FM, have ensured that those who can t make our games are kept fully up to date. My thanks to all involved. I must also acknowledge our appreciation of our other local radio stations, but in particular Diarmuid O Leary, Fiona Darcy and the staff at RedFM, especially the Big Red Bench team, who also do great work in promoting our games, in addition to providing very generous sponsorship of our Senior Hurling League. Thanks also to all the photographers who bring our games to life on newspaper pages, Facebook, websites and so on the advent of social media has increased the importance of photographs, and they are perennially popular with fans of all ages. George Hatchell and Denis O Flynn merit a special mention here for the generous supply of photographs which they provide for our website and social media. Championship Launches Our Media Launches for the County Hurling and Football Championships once again proved popular and useful this year, aiding the effective promotion of our games, and my thanks particularly to the players and managers involved. The official photos provided for the County Finals continues to be a useful promotional tool also. Press Nights Once again, we organised press briefings ahead of all our major Inter-County games, and these were very well received and effective. My thanks to the County Senior Hurling and Football management and players for their co-operation and assistance in this area these can be demanding events on the participants but the high calibre of interviews provided by both players and management drew widespread praise. Website/ IT The current website, has been in existence for almost five years now and continues to grow in popularity, with over 4.2 million hits this year so far, up from 3.5m in The website has recently undergone a facelift, and any comments/suggestions can be ed to pro.cork@gaa.ie. My thanks to the IT Committee for their help and advice, and in particular to Gerard Lane, who continues to play an important role in the maintenance, updating and continued development of the website and was particularly helpful in the busy period leading up to the two All-Ireland Finals. 54

57 relevant governing bodies to make use of the promotional channels open to them. Some sections of the website, particularly Coaching and Videos are in need of improvement, and respondents showed an interest in more Communications training. 74% of those who took the survey rated our communications overall at either four or five out of five, which is very encouraging. Fig.1: Website Hits (Figures in millions, Jan-Oct each year) Club/Divisional Websites The Rebel Óg website continues to develop into a very useful resource for those involved in underage affairs in Cork, and my compliments to Cian O Brien and his team for their continued work on this. I mentioned last year that there were issues around the quality of Divisional websites, and unfortunately this is still the case, with some very negative feedback on this area in our recent Communications Survey. Again, I would urge all Divisions to make this a top priority for Also, while many of our clubs have excellent websites, there are also many who have none, or whose websites are not updated. Help and advice are available for those who need it, and we hope to include a focus on this area in our Communications training for Social Media Our Twitter page, continues to be the most popular County page in the country. It has doubled in followers in the past twelve months, reaching almost 26,000. Twitter usage amongst our clubs has really grown this year too with more than 140 clubs now making effective use of this simple promotional tool. My thanks to all who have provided us with Twitter updates throughout the year. Our Facebook page, OfficialCorkGAA, has almost trebled in popularity, with more than 9,000 fans. Between them, Twitter and Facebook allow us to convey our message to more than 35,000 fans directly, and many multiples of this indirectly. It is simple and free publicity, helps us to reach younger fans and those abroad, and should be availed of by all clubs. Advice is available by contacting pro.cork@ gaa.ie. Newsletter The Newsletter has diminished in significance as internet use and smartphones become widespread, but we still feel it has a role to play in our communications. During the summer, we took the decision to reduce it to a monthly publication, and this will continue for Strategic Vision and Action Plan Communications Survey Responses to the Annual Communications Survey were generally very positive, but there is always room for improvement, and there were a number of areas of concern. Again, the lack of promotion of Handball and Inter-Firm was highlighted, and I would urge the Training Our annual training seminar for PROs was held early in 2013, and based on feedback received from those who attended and those who didn t, it is planned to host three regional sessions in early 2014, with a view to making it more accessible. Match Programmes Programmes for Allianz Leagues and for all County Championship games excluding the County Finals were once again produced by Crosshaven, and my thanks to them for all their work in this area. Many thanks also to Brendan Larkin, our programme editor for the County Senior Finals, and his team. One interesting trend in this year s Communications Survey was that it appears that our match programmes are not meeting the needs of a section of our patrons, and this merits further exploration. The PR Committee will examine this issue early in 2014, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders. Awards The 96FM C103 Rochestown Park Hotel Sports Awards and the Rebel Óg Awards continued to go from strength to strength over the past twelve months, and well done to all involved. As always, our gratitude is due to those who sponsor these schemes and make them possible. The Cork GAA Communications Award continued in 2013, presented on a quarterly basis, with Valley Rovers, White s Cross and Banteer/Lyre collected Apple ipads courtesy of Compu b, in recognition of their excellence in GAA Communications. I am very grateful Ger Manley, Compu b Country Manager, for his generous support for this scheme, and also to Silver Springs Moran Hotel. My thanks also to the judging panel, Gerard Lane (County Vice-Chairman), Denis Hurley (journalist) and Judy Hopkins (Hopkins Communications). PR Committee The PR Committee met on four occasions in The committee comprises our eight divisional PROs in addition to representatives of Coiste na nog, Sciath na Scol, the media and other interested parties. This year the Committee organised and oversaw the various promotional activities surrounding the Allianz Leagues, of which the highlight was undoubtedly the double-header with Donegal and Clare at Páirc Uí Rinn. The Cork 1973 Football team and the St. Finbarr s 1988 team were our guests at the County Finals, and the presentation of these teams just before throw-in in the Senior game certainly increased the quality of the experience for all involved. Many thanks also to our Games Manager Kevin O Callaghan and his team for their work in organising the half-time mini-games which have now become part of the programme at all Allianz League games and County 55

58 Finals and give so many children an opportunity to play in Páirc Uí Chaoimh and Páirc Uí Rinn. Leagues and Secondary Competitions Once again, our programme of Senior and Intermediate Leagues and secondary competitions was completed in a timely fashion, with all finals played in October, apart from the RedFM Senior Hurling League, which was delayed due to Championship commitments. There was an improvement this year in the number of games played during the summer months, particularly in June, but we still had a situation where clubs are rushing to finish their programmes (36 games played in the seven days leading up to the cut-off date), while only 40 games were played in the whole month of August. It is hoped that a number of new proposals will help to improve this situation, following consultation at a recent meeting with all clubs involved. Fig. 2 League games played by month My thanks to all clubs for their co-operation, and also to Roger Ryan and Denis Harrington who ensure the smooth running of the RedFM Senior Hurling League. Thanks also to our sponsors, Red FM and Rochestown Park Hotel. Final Leagues Report Competition Name Division 1 Football League Division 2 Football League Division 3 Football League Division 4 Football League Junior A Hurling League RedFM Senior Hurling League Rochestown Park Hotel Div. 1 Hurling Rochestown Park Hotel Div. 2 Hurling Rochestown Park Hotel Div. 3 Hurling Total Fixtures Total 570 Total Results 66 (100%) 63 (95%) 64 (97%) 65 (98%) 19 (90%) 116 (97%) 55 (100%) 51 (93%) 55 (100%) 554 (97%) Outstanding Fixtures Total Fixtures: 570 Walkovers: 33 (6%): Up 1% on 2012 Played on Championship: 43 (8%): Same as 2013 Not fixed: 16 (3%): Down 1% on 2012 Actual League Games Played: 478 (84%): Up 1% on last year Once again, Macroom GAA Club did an excellent job in running the Tom Creedon Cup, and my thanks to all involved, especially Pat O Connell and the competition sponsors, FitzGerald s Bookshop. Both the Tom Creedon and Tadhg Crowley Cups had a large entry and ran off very successfully. There were only two entries for the Liam Breathnach Cup, and none for the Seán Ó Murchu, despite an attempt to move them to the summer at the request of clubs. Yearbook For the first time since the Evening Echo discontinued its production of the Cork GAA Yearbook, we have taken on the task ourselves this year, and the fruits of our labour are now for sale from GAA clubs and in selected retail outlets. My thanks to the PR Committee for their guidance on this, to Denis Hurley who supplied the copy, to Allied Print for all their help and advice, and to all who contributed photographs etc. If the experiment is successful, we hope to continue it next year. An Chríoch It has been another busy and challenging year, but also an exciting and rewarding one. My thanks as always to all of you for your help and co-operation, to my longsuffering friends and family who support me in all I do and only occasionally remind me how little time I have for them, and to my club, Killeagh, where it all began. I am also very grateful to the officers of the East Cork Board, without whose co-operation I would be unable to combine the role of County PRO with that of Divisional Runaí is my final year as PRO, and there is no doubt that the role is getting more demanding every year as our lives become more and more influenced by the power of instant electronic communication. However, it is also a stimulating and most enjoyable role for anyone with an interest in this area, and I look forward to the year ahead with enthusiasm. Sin deireadh leis mo thuarascail ar bhlian an ghnóthach agus an-shuímiúil mar Oifigeach Poibliochta. Ta súil agam go mbeidh an bliain seo chugainn aontaithe, fórasach agus rathúil. Ba mhaith liom an deis seo a thapú le Beannachtaí na Nollaig agus Ath-Bhliain fé shéan is fé mhaise a guí ar ár mbaill go leir. Tracey Ní Chinnéide 56

59 Coiste na nóg Marc Ó Síocháin Oifigeach Leanaí IS cúis bród domsa an gear-thuairisc sea a leans a cur os comhair an chruinniú Chinn Bhliana de Choiste Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Chorcaí Ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas a ghabháil le gach éinne a thug tacaíocht dom i mbliana go háirithe mo chomhghleacaithe ata mar bhaill des na gcoistí seo leanais Coiste Bainistí, Coiste Leasa agus Caomhnú Páistí an Chontae, Oifigí na mbunscoileanna agus na Méanscoileanna agus go mór mór Coiste na nóg Chorcaí. I am pleased to submit the following report to County Convention on the activities that fall under the remit of Oifigeach Leanaí an Chontae. I am indebted to all who have advised and assisted in many ways over the past year and I am grateful for their good will and support. I wish to acknowledge the contribution of my fellow officers, Rúnaí an Chontae Proinnsias Ó Murchú, the staff in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, members of the newly established Child Welfare and Protection Committee and the Officers of Coiste na nóg. During 2103 Coiste Chontae established a Child Welfare and Protection Committee to support the role of Oifigeach Leanaí an Chontae and to promote the development of a child centred ethos within our Association in our county. The terms of reference, membership and other details are outlined below Fo - Coiste Leasa agus Caomhnú Páistí C.L.C.G. Chorcaí. The Committee shall comprise of at least six members, appointed on the recommendation of an Coiste Bainistí and approved by an Coiste Chontae for a term of one year. Membership shall reflect persons of expertise and experience in these matters. The County Designated Person shall be an ex officio member. The County Children s Officer shall serve as Cathaoirleach. A Runaí and a Garda Vetting Co-ordinator shall be appointed, from within the Committee by Coiste Bainistí. The Committee shall report on a regular basis to Coiste Bainistí an Chontae and to an Coiste Chontae as required. The Coiste shall maintain responsibility and control over matters as laid down by the Associations Revised Code of Best Practice in Youth Sport Our Games Our Code (December 2012) and all other related policies and procedures. 1.1 The Coiste shall have responsibility for 1. The co- ordination of Garda Vetting of club team mentors in conjunction with club officers. 2. The co- ordination of Garda Vetting of underage inter county team mentors in conjunction with Coiste na nóg/ Coiste Chontae The organisation of the delivery of Basic Awareness Training in Child Protection Procedures, including the revised Code of Best Practice in Youth Sport; Our Games Our Code and the G.A.A. Anti Bullying Strategy to club mentors and candidates seeking Coaching Accreditation. The committee shall maintain up to date records regarding Garda Vetting and course certification. The committee shall provide training and support opportunities to the county Child Welfare and Protection Tutors and to the Club Children s Officers. The County Children s Officer shall be the sole contact with the National Child Welfare and Safeguarding Manager and the National Child Welfare and Protection Committee of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Membership Approved at Coiste Chontae - Meitheamh Marc Ó Síocháín ( Oifigeach Leanaí, Cathaoirleach). Mícheál Ó Broin. (Runaí) (Baile Aodha.) Ristéárd Ó Murchú.( An Ladhar) Seán Ó Cuirc. (An Bhlárna) Deaglán Breathnach. (Raonaithe Argideen) Séamus Ó Foghlú.( Carraig Dubh / Naomh Mícheál) Ciarán McCana. (Caisleán Uí Liatháin) Diarmuid Ó Donnabháin. (Riarathóir Sinsear an Chontae) 1.3. The Committee have identified the following areas for priority attention for the year 2013/ 2014 Establish links with and obtain contact details for the Children s Officer and Designated Person in each club. Assist clubs with Garda Vetting compliance. Offer Basic Awareness Training to Children s Officers & Designated Person and to club groups. Ensure that Intercounty Underage Team Mentors, Coiste na nóg officers and referees have submitted Garda Vetting forms. Host Club Children s Officer Training Seminars. 57