Bun Órduithe. In order that the proceedings of the Convention be carried out without delay, the following standing orders shall apply.

Transcription

1 Bun Órduithe In order that the proceedings of the Convention be carried out without delay, the following standing orders shall apply. 1. The proposer of a Resolution or an Amendment thereto may speak for five minutes 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 an Amendment may speak a second time for three minutes before a vote is taken, but no other delegate can speak a second time on the same Resolution or Amendment 4. The Cathaoirleach may, at any time he considers a matter has been sufficiently discussed, call on the proposer for a reply, and when that has been given, a vote must be taken. 5. Delegates may, with the consent of the Cathaoirleach, move: That the question or motion be now put, after which, when a proposer has spoken, a vote must be taken. 6. Standing Orders shall not be suspended for the purpose of considering any matter not on the agenda, except by the consent of a majority present and entitled to vote. 1

2 Coiste Chontae Phort Láirge Tionólfar Comhdháil Bliantuil Phort Láirge C.L.G. sa Ostáin Lawlors Dun Garbhán Dé Deardaoin 15ú lá Nollag 2011, ar a 7 a chlog direach. Is dheacht do gach Cumann a ghlach pairt i gcraobh chomortaisí 2011 beith i lathair 3 theachtaí an Cumann. Clár 1. Comhdháil Bhliantúil ag tosnu ar 7 a clog i.u. direach 2. Miontuairisci An Chomhdáil dheiridh 3. Glacadh le Bun-Orduithe 4. Tráchtais Cuntas Cothromaóichta 5. Bronnadh deontaisí forbatha Comhairle na Mumhan 6. Tuarascáil An Runaí 7. Glacadh le Tuaraisci Coisti An Iarthair agus An Oithir 8. Óráid An Cathaoirleach 9. Toghadh na noifigeach 10. Roghnú Oifigeach na Leanaí 11. Ceapach Inniuchtoir Na Rúin 13. Aon Ghno Eile Ainmniúcháin Uachtarán Óinigh: Seamus O Briain (Dún Na Mainistreach/Baile Na Cuirte) Cathaoirleach: Tomas O Cuinneagain (An tsraidbhaile) Leas Cathaoirleach: Sean O Laoire (Baile Úí Dhuibh) Cisteoir: Seosamh O Chleirigh (Dún Na Mainistreach/Baile Na Cuirte) Oifgeach Forbatha: Breandain O Toibin (Sliabh gcua /Naomh Mhuire) Oifgeach na Leanaí: Liam O Síosta (Baile an Bhuitleirigh) Oifigeach Forbatha Na gcluichi: Micheal O Murchú (An Pasaiste) Oifigeach Caidrimh Poibli: Eimear de Barra (Lios Mhór) Oifigeach Gaeilge: Tomas O Cadhla (Dún Na Mainistreach/Baile Na Cuirte) Teachta Comhairle Na Mumhan: Antoin Breathneach (Coilleagain/Na hemmetigh) Padraig O Floinn (An Pasaiste) Ard Comhairle: Padraig S. O Riain (Caislean Cuanach) 2

3 Tuairisc An Runaí Secretary s Convention Report 2011 A Mhuintir Chumainn Lúthchleas Gael Port Láirge, Is cúis mór áthas domsa Tuairisc an Runaí a chuir os bhur gcomhair anocht. Is feidir a ráth go raibh bliain mhaith againn i bport Láirge i Bhí foireann sinsir Íomáint i Cluiche Craobh na Mumhan agus cluiche leath ceannais na heireann don triú blian as a cheile. Bhuaigh foireann sinsir Peile cluiche sna babhtaí cáilithe don cead uair agus bhí mí adh orthu in aghaidh Luimnigh. Mar is gnáth bhí blian an gnothach againn leis an gclár cluichí club. Seachas an relagation final tá gach cluiche criochnaithe. Moladh mór do gach club go bhfuil na gcluichí go leir críochnaithe riomh deireadh na bliana. It is my great pleasure to present to annual Convention, my third Secretary s report on the happenings in Cumann Luthchleas Gael, Phort Lairge in First of all I would like to thank the Clubs in the county and their officers for all their help throughout the year in the running of the various Championships and Leagues. I would also like to thank my fellow officers and the officers of both Divisional Boards and Board Na nog for their help throughout the year was a mixed year for the GAA in Waterford. Our senior hurlers reached the Munster Final only to loose heavily to Tipperary but bounced back to overcome Galway in some style in the Quarter Final. Kilkenny again proved a step too far in the All Ireland Semi Final. Our minor hurlers too had mixed fortunes. Good wins over Tipperary and Limerick at Walsh Park put them into the Munster Final. Clare proved too strong in that game but they too bounced back with a fine victory over Kilkenny in Walsh Park. In the all Ireland semi final, early goals by Dublin rocked the Deise boys and despite a very spirited second half display we could never quite close the gap. Our senior footballers suffered the disappointment of being relegated to Division 4. Having gained promotion in 2010 this was particularly disappointing. Waterford lost narrowly in their last two games to Offaly and Louth and a win in either would have kept us in Division 3. In the championship, Waterford lost heavily to Cork in the opening round but recorded a splendid win over London in the qualifiers in Ryslip only to lose narrowly to Limerick in the next round. Domestically all our Championships were finished in time for the Munster Club championship. Only the County Football League remains unfinished at time of Convention. INTER COUNTY: HURLING Senior: Our inter county senior hurling campaign got off to the best of starts when we won the Crystal Cup against Cork in early February in Pairc Ui Rinn on a score line of 0 21 to In the Allianz Hurling League our opening game was against Dublin in Walsh Park on 13th February in a repeat of the 2010 fixture. Both teams had enough chances to win the game but in the end a 3 15 to 2-18 draw was a fair result. The following weekend we travelled down to Wexford Park and after a tough encounter came away with the points on a score line of 1 11 to Two weeks later we played Tipperary under the lights in Thurles losing out 1 20 to 0 18 and the following week end, Cork were the visitors to Fraher Field. In one 3

4 Tuairisc An Rúnaí Secretary s Convention Report 2011 Continued of the most memorable atmospheres of the year, a near capacity crowd were treated to a thriller with the Deise edging it on a score line of 18 points to 17. On Sunday 27th March we made the short trip up the motorway to Kilkenny for round four of the Allianz League. As usual Kilkenny were in no mood to be generous and after a terrific contest the Cats came out on top 2 16 to The following weekend, Waterford were on the road again. This time in Tullamore. Offaly proved very stubborn as usual but in the end the Deise prevailed 2 19 to thought the team was finished. But like true sportsmen, the Deise players and management responded. Back training the morning after the Munster Final the players refused to lie down and two weeks later put a fancied Galway outfit to the sword in Thurles in the All Ireland Quarter Final, winning comprehensively 2 23 to And so we were back in another All Ireland Semi Final with a familiar foe standing in our way. The Kilkenny Cats once again. In many respects the semi final was a strange game. Waterford had enough chances to win the game but Kilkenny looked comfortable throughout. In the end the Cats won the day 2 19 to 1 16 and indeed went on to claim the title, beating Tipperary in the final. And in the end it all came down to the final game. Galway in Dungarvan. Waterford needed a win and also for results to go our way in other games to make the League Final. Waterford delivered (1 17 to 1 16) but the other results went against us and so we missed out on the league final by the narrowest of margins. In the Munster championship we were drawn against Limerick in the semi final. The treaty boys were recovering from a difficult 2010 and having won the Division 2 title were very keen to lay down a marker for The June 12th encounter in Thurles was a mighty contest. Limerick fought tooth and nail right up to the final whistle but in the end Phort Lairge just about prevailed on a 3-15 to 3-14 score line. And so we were back in a Munster Final. Some Waterford supporters might be getting a bit dismissive of the importance of a Munster title but we have to bear in mind that we have only won 9 in total. The 2011 final will not be remembered well in the Deise. Tipperary scored seven goals in what was a total rout. The contest was over at half time but it is to the eternal credit of our players that they continued to compete right up to the final whistle without a foul blow being struck. Final score Tipperary 7 19 Waterford And so the big question around the county was how will our team respond? Many pundits and supporters alike And so at the end of another season, Waterford remain in the top four hurling counties in the country. With new management in place for 2012 it is vital that we remain at the top table. Every Club, School, Team Manager, Board Officer, Supporter and anyone involved with Waterford Hurling must continue to work tirelessly to improve our standards with a shared common goal of ensuring that The Deise remain to the forefront of Hurling in Ireland. Let me also pay tribute to our team manager over the past number of years, Davy Fitzgerald. He took over the reins of Management mid season in Waterford at a difficult time. He steadied the ship and got the team to the All Ireland final. After a heavy defeat at the hands of Kilkenny he rebuilt the squad, brought in young players and has left Waterford hurling in a strong place. I would like to wish Davy the very best in his new role as Clare manager and I have no doubt he will have Clare in top shape when the sides meet in the Munster Championship next June. Under 21 Our Under 21 Hurlers had a most disappointing outing against Tipperary in the opening round of the Munster Championship in Thurles on Wednesday 1st June. Expectations were very high going into the match but on the night we allowed Tipperary to boss us around throughout the field. Physically stronger, Tipperary won 4

5 all the physical battles and Waterford failed to respond. Lessons need to be learned from this game and training methods need to change to reflect the changing nature of inter county hurling. Final score Tipperary 4 12 Waterford Minor The Deise Minors opened their account against Tipperary in Walsh Park on Wednesday 27th April. This group had prepared very well under the guidance of Liam Chuck O Connor and duly saw off the Tipp challenge on the night to Next up was Limerick. Waterford looked to have it won but back stormed Limerick to snatch a draw and force the game to extra time. In extra time Limerick ran out of steam and so Waterford Minors qualified for another Munster Final 4 17 to In the Munster Final in Pairc Ui Caoimh, Clare proved too strong for the second year in a row. Back in the All Ireland Qualifiers, Waterford overcame Kilkenny in Walsh Park to set up a mouth watering contest with Dublin in the All Ireland Semi Final. The fact that Waterford supporters had to travel to Dublin on two successive weekends was most disappointing but our loyal supporters travelled in big numbers to support both Seniors & Minors. Dublin got off to a great start. Waterford conceded too many goals and it was to be Dublin s day. Physically bigger and stronger, Dublin hurling teams could be forming the template for the future of hurling where size and strength takes precedence over skill and speed! Final score 6-19 to Development Squads The Waterford Development Squad system continues to be the envy of many counties. Young players from 14 years of age right up to Minor receive coaching of the highest quality as part of a systematic coaching structure throughout the year. Competing in the Tony Forristal tournament and many other inter county competitions our bright young stars are exposed to competition at the highest level. This can only be of major benefit to Waterford over the coming years. FOOTBALL Senior Our Senior Footballers had a mixed season. Promoted to Division three of the Allianz League in 2010, hopes were high that the team could do enough to maintain their status in However a combination of injuries to key players and bad luck on the field of play resulted in relegation back to Division 4. Our opening game in the League was away to Wexford in the first weekend in February. In truth we had not made the mental transition to the higher Division. We were very slow to get into the game and were well beaten on the day. The team recovered well to beat Limerick two weeks later in Fraher Field and followed that up with a good draw away to Cavan the following weekend. Tipperary were our next opponents, under the magnificent new floodlights in Fraher Field on Saturday 12th March. The team responded to the Saturday night game with a fine victory but had to yield to a better Westmeath side the following Sunday in Mullingar. With two games remaining in the League Waterford were confident of remaining in the Division. In fact promotion to Division Two was in sight. However narrow defeats to Offaly and Louth put paid to that aspiration and unfortunately with results going against us in other games it was back to Division 4 for In the first round of the Munster Championship, Waterford were away to All Ireland champions Cork in the opening round in Pairc Ui Caoimh. As expected Cork were far too strong for Waterford and ran out easy winners. In the qualifiers Waterford were drawn away to London. The exiles had run Mayo very close in the Connaught championship and were hopeful of a first ever qualifier victory. Waterford however had other ideas and recorded a fine victory in Ryslip for our first football qualifier victory 1 17 to In Round 3 of the qualifiers, Limerick just about deserved 5

6 Tuairisc An Rúnaí Secretary s Convention Report 2011 Continued their 14 points to 9 win over Waterford at the Gaelic Grounds and so brought Waterford s 2011 Inter County Football season to an end. Under 21 Our Under 21 footballers bowed out to Tipperary also under the lights in Fraher Field in March on a score line of 1 14 to 1 4. The score tells its own story and in truth we need to take a long look at underage football in Waterford as we appear to be slipping further and further behind all the other counties in Munster at all age groups Minor Our minors travelled to Tralee for the opening round against Kerry on 13th April and as expected were well beaten by a very average Kerry team 4 15 to 0 6. On the following Saturday, we were again well off the pace against Clare in Fraher Field losing out 4 14 to 1-9. Serious questions need to be asked as to the future of Waterford Minor (and indeed under 21) football teams. Results over the past few years have shown that we are seriously out of our depth in these grades. We have no second level college playing in the Munster A colleges competitions and indeed we are not competitive even in the B grades. In light of this how do we expect to compete in the Munster Minor championship? Development Squads The football Development squad system in Waterford is very definitely broken. While the Hurling Development squad system goes from strength to strength, its Football equivalent is close to falling apart. Clubs are not providing mentors or players for the Development squads. The traditionally strong football clubs (with the honourable exception of the Nire) are making very little effort to promote football and are not providing players or mentors to the county Development Squads. Unless the football clubs are willing to put their shoulder to the wheel in 2012 we should disband the football Development Squads immediately. As they are currently constructed they are a waste of scarce financial resources. CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS Once again our domestic championships produced some fine contests. The senior hurling and football championships were of the highest standard and both the Intermediate and Junior Hurling county finals went to replays. HURLING Senior This was again played in two groups of six with four teams qualifying for the quarter finals. Early on De La Salle, Lismore and Fourmilewater made the running in Group One, while Ballygunner, Mount Sion, Tallow and Passage were to the fore in Group Two. In early September, after all group games were played, De La Salle topped Group One with Fourmilewater in second place followed by Lismore and Ballyduff Upper. In Group Two, Ballygunner, Mount Sion, Tallow and Passage came through what was a very close group. In the quarter finals, De La Salle just about saw off Passage 2 18 to Tallow scored a late winner against Lismore. Ballyduff Upper just about got the better of Mount Sion and Ballygunner were too experienced for Fourmilewater. And so on to the semi finals. Tallow got the better of neighbours Ballyduff Upper 13 points to 10 in Fraher Field to reach their first final since the eighties and Ballygunner got the better of De La Salle in a tempestuous affair in Walsh Park. The county final on 16th October in Walsh Park was to prove to be a disappointing affair. The vastly experienced Ballygunner were to prove far too strong for an inexperienced Tallow outfit and ran out easy winners 1 17 to 0 6. Ballygunner represented the county in the Munster Club championship and had a fine win in Semple Stadium over Tipperary champions, Drom and Inch. However they were brought crashing down to earth two weeks later 6

7 when they were ambushed by Limerick City outfit Na Pairsaigh in the Munster semi final in a game that they could and possibly should have won comfortably. Sargent Cup Played in honour of the late Willie Sargent from Cappoquin this competition is very popular among the senior hurling clubs. In round one Ballyduff Upper overcame Dungarvan, Lismore were too strong for Roanmore, Tallow overcame Passage and Stradbally gave a walkover to Fourmilewater. In the quarter finals, Mount Sion had too much for Fourmilewater, Lismore were too strong for Abbeyside, Ballyduff Upper overcame Ballygunner and disappointingly Tallow gave a walkover to De La Salle. In the semi finals, De La Salle came out on top in a cracker in Carriganore against Mt. Sion and Lismore recorded a big win over an under strength Ballyduff Upper. And so the final was a repeat of the 2010 decider. Lismore just shaded it over De La Salle to 0 17 in Cappoquin on 6th June. Intermediate Tourin from the West and Dunhill from the East qualified for the County Final by virtue of both winning their respective Divisional Championships. While the county final was a great contest, in miserable weather conditions the standard of hurling was poor. At full time the sides were level, Dunhill 2 7 Tourin Back at Walsh Park the following Saturday, the weather was still poor, the hurling was better and Dunhill just about prevailed on a score line of 0 10 to 1 6. In the Munster Club championship Effin of Limerick proved too strong for Dunhill and ran out winners 0-13 to 1-4 Junior The Junior County Final will be long remembered as an epic saga. Ballinameela and Butlerstown played out a low scoring draw the first day in Carriganore. Ballinameela 0 8 Butlerstown 2 2. Back for a replay the following weekend. Level at full time. Level again at the end of the extra twenty minutes, 2 14 apiece. Back to Carriganore for a third time. Very close early on. Slowly Ballinameela got their noses in front and despite a huge effort in the second half by Butlerstown, Ballinameela prevailed to 0 9. Ballinameela were beaten in the Munster Club Championship by Cappamore of Limerick 3 10 to 2 6. Junior Attached This year we had two Junior attached County Finals. Mount Sion overcame Tallow under lights in Carriganore after a replay in the Senior Attached and Clonea overcame Brickey Rangers in the Intermediate attached Under 21 In the A county final Ballygunner continued to dominate easily overcoming Cappoquin in the final 4 23 to 0-10 in Carriganore. Clonea overcame Saint Olivers in the B final 3 21 to 1 7 to complete an Eastern double. Minor The all county Minor hurling championship continues to be one of the great success stories of Waterford club hurling in recent years. Played over four Divisions every game is competitive with all teams playing at their own standard. Saint Carthages (Lismore and Ballysaggart) versus De La Salle in the Division One final was one of the games of the year. Played as the curtain raiser to the Senior County Final it was a magnificent game of hurling with the Saints just edging it at the end 2 17 to The Division Two final was no less exciting. Former City greats Erin s Own overcame Abbeyside in the final but every game in the league section was close. In Division Three, Fourmilewater and Brickey Rangers made it to the final but only just. This Division too was a hard fought affair. An Gaeltacht and Cois Bhride pushed the eventual finalists all the way. In the final Brickey Rangers had too much firepower up front for Fourmilewater and ran out winners 1 18 to 3 8. Division Four, played as a 12 a side competition was a bit 7

8 Tuairisc An Rúnaí Secretary s Convention Report 2011 Continued one sided. Ardmore, Kilrossanty and St Marys were even enough but Stradbally were a long way off the pace. Ardmore topped the group and went straight into the final. Kilrossanty and St. Marys played a draw the first day out in the semi final with Kilrossanty shading it in the replay. In the County Final Ardmore had too much for Kilrossanty and ran out winners 4-15 to 0-8 FOOTBALL Senior Played on a league basis with three groups of four teams, the 2011 Senior Football Championship again produced some interesting contests early on. Group One was easily the most competitive with Nire, Stradbally, Rathgormack and Kilrossanty fighting it out for the three places. Rathgormack were the unlucky ones just failing to qualify. In Group Two, Ballinacourty were way ahead of the rest. Ardmore and Clashmore Kinsalebeg qualified with Saint Saviours in the relegation spot. In Group Three Brickey Rangers were the surprise team, finishing top ahead of An Rinn and Gaultier with Ballinameela finishing in the relegation placings The quarter or semi finals did not throw up any surprises. Stradbally and Ballinacourty qualified for the final as expected. Played in atrocious weather conditions, Ballinacourty overcame Stradbally in a close encounter that will be remembered for the conditions as much as for the game. In the Munster Club championship Ballinacourty played Dr. Crokes of Killarney in Fraher Field and very much held their own in the opening half. Then a couple of minutes of magic from Gooch Cooper early in the second half and the contest was over. Phelan Cup Kilrossanty and Saint Saviours met in the final of both the 2010 and 2011 Phelan Cups which were both played in Kilrossanty overcame Saviours in the 2011 decider in Leamybrien 10 points to 6 but Saint Saviours returned the compliment in the 2010 decider on the 3G pitch in Carriganore 14 points to 8 Intermediate Dungarvan and John Mitchell s qualified from their respective divisions to contest the Intermediate Football County Final. As the first ever Intermediate Football County Final played under lights at the Fraher Field this was to prove to be a wonderful occasion. One of the biggest crowds for an Intermediate Football County final in a very long time were treated to a fine contest. Mitchell s missed a few easy scoring chances early on and that was to come back to haunt them in the second half. At the final whistle Dungarvan had regained their senior status and John Mitchell s had been denied for the second year in a row. Dungarvan were well beaten by Tipperary s Mullinahone in the Munster Club championship opening round in Fraher Field. Junior Sliabh gcua made their way back to Intermediate ranks thanks to a 2 11 to 1 2 victory over Mount Sion in the Junior Football county final. The Western champions had far too much football for the City boys and the issue was never in doubt after the first quarter. Sliabh gcua bowed out of the Munster Club Championship at the hands of Tipperary s Kildangan in the first round. Junior Attached In the attached Senior Junior County final, Rathgormack overcame Clashmore Kinsalebeg 1-7 to 0-9 and Dungarvan overcame Portlaw 1-7 to 2-2 in the Intermediate attached. Minor Like its hurling counterpart this is also played on an all county basis with four divisions. In Division One Clashmore Kinsalebeg, Roanmore, Rathgormack and An Gaeltacht qualified in the top four. Clashmore Kinsalebeg 8

9 and An Gaeltacht won their respective semi finals to set up a repeat of the 2010 Division Two decider. This time it was the boys from the Gaeltacht came out on top 1 10 to 1-5. In Division 2 St Olivers and The Nire qualified for the County Final. St. Oliver s had topped the group but it was The Nire that won the day in the final to 1 6. In Division 3, Ardmore topped the group ahead of Dunhill Fenor with Kilrossanty and Mount Sion in third and fourth place. In the Semi finals Ardmore overcame Mt. Sion and Dunhill Fenor were too strong for Kilrossanty. In a low scoring final, Dunhill Fenor prevailed on a score of 5 points to 2. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the referees in the county that officiated at any game in Without your dedication and commitment our games could not go ahead. Schools Once again the primary and secondary schools throughout the county continue to do Trojan work in the promotion of both hurling and football throughout the county. Without their efforts, Waterford would not have the strong Gaelic Games base that it currently enjoys. The primary and post primary schools boards continue to promote our games in the schools and the schools competitions continue to form an integral part of our games programme throughout the year. Lismore and St. Marys finished first and second in the league section and duly qualified for the final. Lismore deservedly won the final 3 11 to 2 5 but this division was blighted by too many walkovers. Under 21 Rathgormack captured the Under 21 A final at the expense of Dungarvan in a highly competitive and entertaining final in Fraher Field to Kilrossanty were too strong for Eastern champions Portlaw in the B decider 2 10 to 1 9. Referees, Conduct & Discipline I am very glad to be able to report that by and large the conduct of players and mentors alike was of the highest standard in We had very few red card incidents throughout the season and for this I must commend all the players in the county. Abuse of referees seems to be on the decline but we must be ever vigilant. Every club must continue to emphasise to all players and mentors that abuse of referees is unacceptable at all levels in the association. Referees have a thankless job and it is noticeable that the worst offending clubs are the ones that do not provide referees themselves. Waterford Institute of Technology too is a fertile breeding ground for Gaelic games in the county. Their fabulous facilities at Carriganore are a huge help in the preparation of all our county teams and the college continues to promote hurling and football to all students. Long term a close working relationship between the College s Sports Science department and Waterford GAA can only be of great benefit to all our county teams. Coaching and Games Elsewhere in this booklet there is a comprehensive report on the activities of Coaching and Games from Michael Murphy. However it is important that I acknowledge the great work being done by all in Coaching and Games. Eoin Breathnach, Michelle Power, David Robinson and John Quinn work tirelessly in the promotion of hurling and football throughout the county under the direction of Michael Murphy. The ever improving standards, particularly in underage hurling over the past number of years is a testament to their work. Sponsorship Our sponsors now form an integral part of the day to day running of our association in the county. Without their financial help we would not be able to prepare our teams to the standards that we aspire to. Indeed it is noteworthy that sponsorship income now surpasses gate receipts by 9

10 Tuairisc An Rúnaí Secretary s Convention Report 2011 Continued a considerable amount. Our flagship sponsor, 3 Mobile continues to support the county teams at a very difficult financial time in the country s history and for that we are very grateful. Lucozade Sport and Azzurri also make significant contributions to our county teams. On the domestic club scene, Snowcream and J.J. Kavanagh & Sons sponsor our senior hurling and football championships respectively while The Park Hotel sponsor our leagues. Club Deise and the Dublin Supporters Club continue to raise funds for team training and their work is very much appreciated. WLRfm too continues to give great coverage to our games. Kieran O Connor s commentaries bring the games into the living rooms of people who can t attend and Liz Reddy and Kevin Casey keep the results and fixtures up to date. Strategic Plan We are continuing to develop our Strategic Plan for the future development of the GAA in Waterford. The world and the Country is changing very fast and the association needs to adapt so as not to be left behind. Over the next three months the Strategic Plan must be finalised and some radical changes will have to be contemplated. As a county we must ask ourselves a lot of searching questions. Are the competition structures we currently have fit for purpose? Why are our Intermediate and Junior hurling county champions generally out of their dept in the Munster Club Championship? Does having 23 Intermediate Hurling teams but only giving most Intermediate players five or six meaningful games per year make sense? What is the future of football in the county? These and many more questions need to be addressed. For the GAA in the county to continue to prosper we must adapt and change. Finance The management of the finances of the Board continue to be a serious challenge for the County. All costs have to be scrutinised carefully. Tight control must be kept over all expenditure whether it is in administration or team preparation. In the current economic climate raising additional finance is a major challenge. However if we are to remain competitive at inter county level, particularly in hurling, we must continue to prepare our teams to the highest standards. Much work needs to be done in preparing budgets for 2012 and specifically we need to identify new streams of income for the county. Conclusion In conclusion I would like to take this opportunity to thank every person who helped the GAA in any way in Phort Lairge in Without the countless hours of voluntary work that goes in behind the scenes the GAA would not continue to prosper like it does. I would like to thank all the local media, both print and radio who continue to give our games fantastic coverage week in week out throughout the season. To my fellow officers I would like to express my sincere thanks for all the help that they have given me and the association throughout the year. And finally to every GAA family in the county who suffered bereavements in 2011 I wish to send my condolences. Is Mise Tadhg O Caoimh Runai 10

11 Tuarascáil Rúnaí An Iarthar 2011 A Chairde Is mor an sásamh domhsa Tuarascáil ar imeachtaí na bliana atá thart a chur os bhur gcomhair uair amháin eile. Táimíd taréis bliain rathúil spesialta a bheith againn sna comórtaísí iomána agus peil. Beidh cuimhne againn go deo ar cuid de na cluichí sár iontach a chonaiceamar i rith na bliana. Gabhaim buíochas do na himreóiri go leir as ucht an taithneamh a thugadar dúinn idir Idirmheanach, Soisear agus Mionúir. Is miste dom freisin mo buiochas a gabhail le gach aoine a chabharig liom i rith na bliana. Buiochas o chroi do na reiteoiri, na maoir agus na daoine i mbun na pairceanna. Ta focal molta speisialta tuillte arís i mbliana ag an staisiún WLR de thoradh caighdeán ard craolachán ár gcluichí. Leanann na páipéiri aitiúla ár n-imeachtaí go rialta agus gabhaim buíochas leo ar fad as ucht a bhfuil deánta acu chun ár gcluichi a chur os chomhair an phobail. It gives me great pleasure at the end of another years work on behalf of Cumann Luathchleas Gael Portlairge Thiar, to present a report of our activities to Convention. In my own opinion I would consider this year to be a success and I believe the board is as strong and vibrant as it has been over the last number of years. Convention offers us an opportunity to look back at the past year and look forward and plan for the future, Clubs through their accredited delegates are afforded the chance to look back over the past year in order to highlight its successes and examine the defects that may have occurred it also gives them an opportunity to elect a historic new look officer board as following last years motion to Co Convention the delegates to Co. Board will be consigned to the annals of history, The new look Board consisting of two new offficerships namely Assistant Treasurer and Public Relations Officer will I believe be of benefit to all our clubs and the administration and smooth running of our affairs. Is the Association stronger within this Division then last year? My firm and earnest belief is yes. We made proposals at our championship structure meeting regarding the Junior Football Championship, in my opinion it was an outstanding success and it gave the junior clubs an opportunity to have a lot more games and some clubs really embraced the change and had an outstanding year with plenty of games during the summer months. In the middle of the year, the InterCounty season and dealing with the all powerful County Managers is a constant cause for concern for those involved in making fixtures. We had a situation this year that having called off a weekend of championship fixtures it caused serious difficulty in getting championships finished on time in my opinion we should never let this occur again. The master fixture plan was put there for the purpose of letting everybody know exactly when they are playing so holidays etc can be planned in advance. I believe the club players are entitled to that much respect. Also we had other difficulties when a championship was held up for one player because the County Manager would not release him, instead brought him to a league game and didn t even use the player. I am sure his club would have much preferred to have played that player on that championship weekend. Also we had a full round of junior hurling Championship postponed when I believe it should have been played. We then had a situation when another County Manager was ringing selectors and officers of various clubs telling them not to play players in club games which I believe is totally unacceptable. And I hope this practice will be discontinued forthwith, however it wasn t all bad and our 11

12 County teams performed with distinction in all grades. Our teams gave us some great entertainment throughout the campaign all though we didn t win any major honors we can rest assured we have plenty of talent to make sure we stay at the forefront for honors in years to come. At this juncture I would like to wish Davy Fitzgerald the very best of luck in his new position (well maybe not in his 1st championship outing!). While we may have had differing opinions on fixtures I have to say he was a decent guy to deal with and a lot easier than other Managers. Also in my opinion I believe we as a county should no longer participate in Junior Football or Intermediate Hurling as I believe it is a waste of finances we do not have and serves no purpose other then hold up championships and disrupt fixtures. While I appreciate the high personal demands and commitments of all concerned with inter county teams, we could well be doing irreparable damage to our clubs as evidenced by the fact that clubs are denied the services of their top players for long periods of time during the peak part of the playing season. While there is always tremendous satisfaction when a player is selected to represent the county, his duty to his club should not be diminished as a result. Hopefully with the new guidelines for our county managers for the coming year we should look forward to increased co-operation between team managers, all the various fixtures bodies and clubs to insure all our adult championships are finished on time in good weather conditions and good ground conditions. This is the least our clubs deserve. The club must always be at the forefront of our Association. An Teanga The preservation and use of the Irish language should be a cause for concern for all our members. Along with our games this represents one of the major traits of our National Identity. We cannot promote one and ignore the other and we must make a sustained effort to promote our Language at every opportunity. And that is why it is necessary to take stock and see is there any way we can improve the situation and utilize each and every occasion to keep our Language to the fore. I believe the current Gaeltacht scholarship should be utilized more and I ask the question How many of the successful candidates come back and assist in the promotion of the Language in their Clubs. Divisional Boards- Strategic Plan Firstly I would like to commend Michael Walsh on his work on putting this plan in place. There is certainly a lot to focus the minds on how we should go forward as a County. However since last years Convention there has been a lot of speculation and word about the continued value of the Divisional Boards and I pose the question Why? Why is it necessary to abolish these Boards? Why in one mans opinion, should over eighty years of History of The GAA in West Waterford be consigned to the dustbin. I believe we have no reason to take this course of action and we should fight this proposal every step of the way. To witness the excitement generated by victorious Clubs following Divisional Finals at all levels and grades allows no doubt as to the value of the Divisional Championships. I believe that it is a move to create an Elite Club system in this County and would be detrimental to the small rural Clubs who at this moment in time are struggling with lack of sponsorship and dwindling numbers as players leave in droves to seek employment abroad. We must, in my opinion be strong and steadfast in our opposition to these proposals. If it is not broke why fix it! To my knowledge no other County is trying to get rid of these Boards and I would appeal to all Clubs to think long and hard before they make any decision. I have spoken to several Club members and I have to say I met nobody who wants these boards disbanded. There are a lot of fine players who were never fortunate enough to win County 12

13 Tuarascáil Rúnaí An Iarthar 2011 Continued Medals who value those days when they climbed the steps of the Fraher Field to claim their Divisional spoils. My last word on this is Hands off our Boards. Conduct And Discipline The subject of conduct and discipline of our members both on and off the field must always be a cause of concern for us all. Thankfully incidents of ill-discipline proved few and far between during the year under review. However vigilance must continue to remain the watch word. It should also be high on every Club s agenda at General Meetings and prior to all matches. Also those on the sidelines should refrain from the continued use of bad language and this must be stamped out as it has no place in our games. I am pleased to record that some Referees penalized this conduct and I commend them for this. Referees To our dedicated band of Referees I would like to offer a sincere thanks and appreciation. They are without doubt the most co-operative and helpful group of people we have in our Association and we could not function without them. I would like to thank them for their efforts and courtesy they have shown to me in my 1st year as Runaí. Indeed the clubs of this division are very fortunate with the caliber of our Refs and I would like to congratulate those who went on to Referee Inter County Competitions and I hope they continue to serve this Division with distinction. Mile Buiochas! Social And Playing Activities As the year draws to a close we must again call on all Clubs to support SCOR. This major social outlet promotes all that is good in our culture through song, dance, quiz, and all other competitions. I believe it should be on the agenda of every Club AGM. The efficient manner of those who work behind the scenes for its continued success once more deserves the board s commendation. The encouraging growth in development of pitches, dressing room facilities, and floodlighting clearly indicates that most of our Clubs remain fully equipped to meet the challenges of the future, indeed the floodlighting of the Fraher Field has been a huge benefit in getting our Championships finished on time and must be one of top venues of its kind in the Country. Congratulations to all those who kept believing that the Fraher Field was the venue that should be floodlit. The continued provision of fully floodlit playing pitches is the way forward and I congratulate those Clubs who have moved in this direction. Sponsorship In the current economic climate sponsorship is a very important part of the running of the Board. Here in CLG Portlairge Thiar we are very fortunate to have such loyal and generous sponsors and we would like to take this opportunity to thank them for there continued support and we would ask our clubs to support our sponsors where possible. Our list of sponsors includes Radleys, Comeragh Oil, Lawlors Hotel, Local Bar, Sean Byrne, Morrissey Family, Albert Mc Grath, Bridie Dees and The Park Hotel. We would be looking at a major financial loss without this income. Championships The first championships we played this year were U21 Football. We had a bad start weatherwise as the first weekend was washed out. We had 5 teams in the A Championship and 8 teams in the B. We were delighted to play the first competitive game under the new lights in the Fraher Field when an Uidhir And Claismhor/ Ceanntsailebeg served up a thrilling encounter with an Uidhir winning 1.12 to 1.10 in an outstanding game. In the Semi-Finals an Uidhir defeated Baile na Cuirte after a thrilling game that went to extra time 3-14 to 2-9. Dungarbhan defeated An Gaeltacht 1-09 to 1-04 setting up a dramatic A final. Deep into injury time with An Uidhir leading by 2pts Dungarbhan launched one last attack and a ball crossed in from the right ended up in the an Uidhir net. When the kickout was taken the ref 13

14 blew the final whistle with victory going to Dungarbhan 2-10 to This championship was sponsored by Bridie Dees. We had 8 Teams in the B Championship. In the ¼ Finals we had victories for na Seamroga, Ath Meadhan, Gael na Comeraigh, and Cill Rosanta. setting up the semifinals where Cill rosanta beat na Seamroga And Gael na Comeraigh beat Ath Meadhan. In the final then Gael na Comeraigh really put it up to a fancied Cill Rosanta and if they had taken some of the scoring opportunities they created who knows what would have happened but the more clinical football ability held sway and at the final whistle Cillrosanta had won 0-14 to Congrats to Cill Rosanta. Sponsors of this (B) Championship were Albert McGrath. Overall these were two very good championships. In the ( A) any one of the 5 teams would have been worthy champions. In the B maybe some of the games were disappointing but we had an outstanding final so congrats to both Dungarbhan and Cill Rosanta our U21 Champions for Lawlors Hotel Junior Football Premier At our Championship format meeting at start of the year we decide to play a league with all teams to play each other. The leagues games would not be effected by county players as the teams played without them. Where you finished in the league dictated where you came back into the Championship and I believe this system worked really well. Having completed the league section An Sean Phobal and Madh dheilge qualified for the league final. In an outstanding match which ebbed and flowed throughout, going into the closing moments Madh dheilge led by 2pts when an Sean Phobal where awarded a free, the ball was lobbed into a sea of players and the ball was fisted to the back of the net for a 1pt victory to An Sean Phobal. Following the league section a Sean Phobal and Madh dheilge qualified for semi finals. In the two ¼ finals Sliabh GCua had a big win over na Seamroga 1-19 to 0-1 and Ath Meadhan beat Cillgobnait 4-12 to The semi-final pairings were An Sean Phobal V Ath Meadhan and the local derby Madh dheilge V Sliabh GgCua. Sean Phobal v Ath Meadhan was nip and tuck throughout. However with 3mins left on the clock An Sean Phobal scored a penalty and that put them on the road to victory on a scoreline 1-08 to In the other semi final the local derby between SliabhgCua and Madh Dheilge also went to the wire with Sliabh gcua ending up victors 0-11 to 1-06 The final was a fantastic occasion for both clubs buoyed by their success in the league final an Sean Phobal went into the game as slight favorites. However Sliabh gcua had first use of the breeze and built up a commanding lead at half-time 1-7 to 0-02 and when Sliabh gcua scored a 2nd goal the signs looked ominous for An Sean Phobal but calling on all their experience they slowly started to claw back on the Sliabh gcua lead and with time almost up they had reduced the arrears to 2pts, but despite a herculean effort they couldn t get the scores to force a replay, final scoreline Sliabh gcua 2-07 an Sean Phobal At the final whistle the scenes of jubilation within the Sliabh gcua ranks had to be seen to be believed, it was there 1st time receiving a trophy since the Fraher Field had been renovated and. It was a very proud Sliabh gcua man Brendan Tobin who presented the cup to his own Club. Congrats to both teams on a fantastic year. Lawlors Hotel Junior Football Attached Senior This Championship is always one of the most competitive and hard fought championships in the calendar year. Again all teams played each other in league style format. Claismhor/Ceanntsailebeg, an Straidbhaile, Cill Rosanta, Baile na Miolach, Rinn ua gcuanach, Rod na Brici and Naomh Deuglan. After the league section was played the semi-finals were as follows An Straidbhaile V Baile Na Miolach and Cill Rosanta v Claismhor/Ceanntsailebeg. In the Semi-Finals An Straidbhaile defeated Baile na Miolach 2-16 to 1-03 and in a thrilling game Claismhor/ Ceanntsailebeg dethroned the defending champions Cill Rosanta 1-12 to In a hard fought Final Claismhor/ Ceanntsailebeg ran out deserving winners 1-13 to 0-09 to an Straidbhaile. Congrats to Claismhor/Ceanntsailebeg. Lawlors Hotel Junior Football Attached Intermediate Again run on a league style format we had 5 teams Dungarbhan, Baile na Cuirte, Na Geraltaigh, An Sean Phobal, and Cnoc Meilearai. 14

15 Tuarascáil Rúnaí An Iarthar 2011 Continued After the league section Dungarbhan qualified for the final by finishing top of group. And the second and third placed teams Na Geraltaigh and Baile na Cuirte qualified for Semi-Final. This was played on a wet and windy evening in Aglish and after a hard fought game in awful conditions Baile na Cuirte prevailed 1-08 to 1-06 to set up a Final v Dungarbhan. This was played on a wet Sunday morning in a resplendent Sean Phobal pitch. It was Dungarbhan who ran out victors on a scoreline of 1-08 to Congrats to Dungarbhan. Radley Engineering Intermediate Football This Championship had 7 teams An Uidhir, Baile na Cuirte, Dungarbhan, Na Geraltaigh Baile Dubh, Tulach an Iarainn and Na h-emmetaigh. This championship was again played on a league basis with all teams playing each other. After the league section An Uidhir finished on top with Baile na Cuirte, Dungarbhan and Na Geraltaigh making up the 4 semi-finalists. In the first semi-final Na Geraltaigh caused an upset by defeating a weakened An Uidhir team who at this stage had lost some of there players to the senior team. In the league section An Uidhir had a facile victory and were expected to win this game however Na Geraltaigh hadn t read the script and from the outset got their noses in front playing with the wind and when they got a brace of goals early in the 2nd half these proved decisive and try as they might An Uidhir could never get near Na Geraltaigh and they ran out winners on a scoreline of 3 05 to In the 2nd semifinal Dungarbhan and Baile na Cuirte provided us with an exciting game played under the lights of the Fraher Field. This was nip and tuck all the way up to the final 10 minutes when Dungarbhan finishing the stronger pulled away to record a 1-13 to 1-06 victory setting a date with the Na Geraltaigh in the final. In this final Dungabhan always had that little bit in hand and despite the best efforts of the Na Geraltaigh had 4pts to spare 1-10 to 2-03 in what would have to be said a game that didn t hit the high points of there previous displays. Congrats to Dungarbhan. Sean Byrne U21 (A) Hurling We had 8 teams in this championship which was knockout in the 1st round. Tulach a Iiarainn beat Claismhor/Ceanntsailebeg, Ceapach Chuinn defeated Dungarbhan, Liosmhor defeated Caislean Cuanach and Dun Na Mainstreach defeated Gael na Comeraigh. The semi-finals were Dun Na Mainstreach v Ceapach Chuinn, Tulach an Iarainn v Liosmhor, Ceapach Chuinn defeated Dun Na Mainstreach 2-17 to 0-08 despite a gallant 1st half performance by Dun Na Mainstreach. Ceapach Chuinn upped there game to pull away at the end. The 2nd semi-final was almost identical in that Tulach an Iarainn stayed with Liosmhor up to half time but again pulled away in the 2nd half to win on a scoreline 2-19 to This set up an intriguing final between the two form teams. The final did not disappoint as from the outset both teams showed outstanding flashes of brilliance and huge commitment. Ceapach Chuinn made the early running and midway through 1st half led by 6pts. However Liosmhor came right back into it and Ceapach Chuinn led by 3pts at half time. The 2nd half continued in the same vein and with time running out Ceapach Chuinn were holding a 1pt lead but try as they might Liosmhor couldn t get the equalizer. Final score Ceapach Chuinn 1-13 Liosmhor 0-15.Congrats to Ceapach Chuinn. Morrissey Family U21 (B) Hurling Again this was a knockout competition with 4 teams. In the 1st semi-final Naomh Oilibheir defeated Rod Na Brici 2-12 to In the 2nd semi-final The Gaeltacht defeated An Baile Dubh 4-20 to The final was played in An Coillegaein and was an outstanding game between two evenly matched teams. In the 2nd half Naomh Oilibheir proved the stronger and pulled off a 3pt victory on a scoreline 2-12 to Congrats to Naomh Oilibheir. Local Bar Junior Hurling Premier We had 7 teams in this championship and again it was a league style Championship, with all teams playing each other. From the outset this championship proved very 15

16 difficult to get played due to Inter County commitments by players with both the senior hurling and football teams. The teams involved were Cill Rosanta, An Coillegaein, Baile Na Miolach, Cillgobnait, Na Geraltaigh, Naomh Muire and Baile Na Saggairt. After the league section the draw for the semi-finals was as follows Baile Na Miolach v Naomh Muire and Na Geraltaigh v An Coillegaein. In the 1st Semi-final Na Geraltaigh and An Coillegaein served up a thriller. Na Geraltaigh made the early running and led throughout. However in the last 20 minutes An Coillegaein came at them with everything they had and with some excellent point scoring had Na Geraltaigh s advantage down to 2pts with time running out. However try as they might Na Geraltaigh held on for a hard fought 2pt success 2-12 to In the 2nd semi-final Baile Na Miolach had too much physicality and firepower for a gallant Naomh Muire and ran out winners 1-16 to This set us up for a local derby final Between Baile Na Miolach v Na Geraltaigh. This game was played in very difficult conditions and it is a credit to both teams that we had such an exciting final. Na Geraltaigh got the tonic of an early goal and made the running for much of the 1st half. At the start of the 2nd half Baile Na Miolach assumed control but for some very wayward shooting could have got to the front sooner. Eventually they wore down Na Geraltaigh and after a hard fought game they had 1pt to spare on a scoreline, Baile Na Miolach 0-09 Na Geraltaigh This was hard luck for the gallant losers losing two divisional finals. Congrats to Baile Na Miolach. Local Bar Junior Hurling Senior Attached Tulach An Iarainn, An Baile Dubh and Dungarbhan. They played each other home and away with the top two teams getting to final. After the league section Tulach An Iarainn and an Baile Dubh qualified for the final. In a hard fought game Tulach An Iarainn came from behind to record a 2pt victory Tulach An Iarainn 2-10 An Baile Dubh Congrats to Tulach An Iarainn. Local Bar Junior Hurling Intermediate Attached We had two groups in this championship. Unfortunately 2 teams from one group withdrew which left one group very small. However the teams who took part were, Dun Na Mainstreach, Na Geraltaigh, Naomh Deuglan, Ceapach Chuinn, Rod Na Brici, Fan An Gleanna, An Rinn, Na Seamroga, Dungarbhan and Claismhor/Ceanntsailebeg. After the league section the top 2 teams from each group qualified for the semi-finals. The semi-final draw was as follows Rod Na Brici v Ceapach Chuinn and Dun na Mainstreach v Fan An Gleanna. In the semi-final Rod Na Brici led from the start and despite a 2nd half rally from Ceapach Chuinn. A very impressive Rod Na Brici ran out winners 2-08 to The 2nd semi-final was a lot closer and Fan An Gleanna got out of the blocks very quickly and led well going into the 2nd half after playing with a strong wind. However Dun Na Mainstreach laid siege on the Fan an Gleanna goal and even when they got through the Fan an Gleanna goalkeeper made some outstanding saves to secure a 2pt victory on the scoreline 3-08 to This set up a Rod Na Brici v Fan An Gleanna final. They had played each other in the league section when victory went to Rod Na Brici so it gave Fan An Gleanna a great opportunity to have another crack at them. The final was played in desperate weather conditions but what a contest with Rod Na Brici getting off to a great start and led by 6pts at half time. In the 2nd half playing with the wind and rain Fan An Gleanna slowly started to whittle away at the Rod Na Brici lead and with their huge support roaring them on they got to within two points at the final whistle. Final Score Rod Na Brici 0-09 Fan An Gleanna For Fan an Gleanna it was a momentous year. At the start of the year in was unclear if they would affiliate a team but to there eternal credit they got organized and the rest as they say is history. They brought huge crowds to all their games and on the day of the final created a magnificent atmosphere but it was Rod Na Brici s day. Congrats to them. Comeragh Oil Intermediate Hurling Championship We had ten teams in this Championship and split them into two groups of 5. The top team in each group qualified for semi-final and 2nd and 3rd teams qualified for the ¼ finals. Group A was Naomh Deuglan, An Turin, 16

17 Tuarascáil Rúnaí An Iarthar 2011 Continued An Rinn, Ceapach Chuinn and Claismhor/Ceanntsailebeg. From the start Naomh Deuglan and An Turin were the front runners and when they met in the group stages it was only to decide 1st and 2nd place in the group. The 3rd spot was up for grabs and was in doubt right up to the last few minutes in the final group of games with Ceapach Chuinn securing the last ¼ final spot. In group B we had Rod Na Brici, Dun Na Mainstreach, Na Seamroga, Liosmhor and Madh Dheilge. Again this group was very tight and we had 5 draws in this group and when we got to the last round of games Dun Na Mainstreach were the only team qualified and any 2 from the other 4 could qualify. As it turned out Rod Na Brici defeated Madh Dheilge in a high scoring thriller and Na Seamroga edged out Liosmhor in a hard fought local derby. The ¼ final Draw was Ceapach Chuinn v Dun Na Mainstreach and Naomh Deuglan v Na Seamroga. In the first ¼ final Ceapach Chuinn had to come from 6pts behind in the 2nd half and finished strongly to win 0-18 to In the second ¼ final Naomh Deuglan just got the better of Na Seamroga in a hard fought contest which remained in doubt right up to the final whistle where it ended Naomh Deuglan 0-12 Na Seamroga This set us up for our two semi finals Naomh Deuglan v An Turin and Ceapach Chuinn v Rod Na Brici. Naomh Deuglan versus An Turin never lived up to expectations and after a dour struggle with lots of poor shooting it went right down to the last few minutes when An Turin scored a goal from a free to bring them level. Then with time running out they took the lead from another free however Naomh Deuglan had one last chance to equalize but it drifted wide and An Turin had qualified for the final, An Turin 1-11 Naomh Deuglan In the 2nd Semi-Final Ceapach Chuinn started very quickly and were hurling much better then they had shown all year. They were too good for the Rod Na Brici on the day and ran out winners 4-12 to This set us up for the local derby final of Ceapach Chuinn v An Turin and the anticipation and buzz around the West was incredible. They came from far and wide and they weren t to be disappointed despite very difficult weather conditions they served up a thriller. Ceapach Chuinn made the early running and led by 4 pts after 10minutes then back came An Turin who scored 3 in a row to get right back in it. An Turin got the only goal of the game at the start of the 2nd half and it took a while for Ceapach chuinn to recover their composure however from there to the end the exchanges were ferocious. with no quarter asked or given. When the final whistle blew An Turin had secured a historic victory 1-09 to This was a fantastic achievement for them and I congratulate them wholeheartedly. Before I leave my report on this championship it would be remiss of me not to mention the unfortunate injuries sustained by Eoin O Murchu, Na Seamroga and Sean O haongusa Ardmore. These incidents just go to show how things change so quickly. I am delighted that Eoin is back playing again and I wish him well. To Sean O haongusa on behalf of this board I would like to wish him the very best in his battle to regain full health and it was great to see him out and about at the latter stages of the championship. He has a long road ahead but with the support of his family, friends and his club and the wider GAA family who supported the many fund raising events he can hopefully recover full health and we wish him all the best. Also it would be remiss of me not to mention the tragic circumstances of the passing of Liam O Caoimh Na Seamroga husband of long serving Secretary Aine. After the excitement of a hard fought championship match he suddenly took ill and died a couple of days later. It was a very sad few days in Knockanore, but the crowds from every club in the county who paid there respects just showed the high esteem Liam was held in. Park Hotel Minor Hurling A Competition 15 A Side This was a knockout tournament in which the teams played without their County minor players. We had 6 teams in this competition Naomh Padraig defeated Dun 17

18 Na Mainstreach 1-16 to 0-06 and Dungarbhan defeated Claismhor/Ceanntsailebeg 4-15 to 3-13 that set up the two semi-finals. Naomh Padraig defeated Ceapach Chuinn 3-14 to 1-09, and Dungarbhan defeated Liosmhor 2-13 to So Dungarbhan played Naomh Padraig in the Final. This was really a game of two halves Dungarbhan made all the running and led at half time by 11pts but what a transformation in the 2nd half. Buoyed by an early goal Naomh Padraig came right back into the match and drew level with time running out however Dungarbhan regained their composure and got two late scores to win on a scoreline 1-12 to Congrats to Dungarbhan. Park Hotel Minor Hurling B Competition 13 A Side We had 9 teams in this competition in the preliminary round An Gaeltacht defeated Naomh Oilibheir 2-08 To In the Quarter Finals Rod Na Brici defeated Naomh Deuglan 5-10 to Caislean Cuanach defeated An Baile Dubh 4-15 to 2-11, Cois Brid got a walkover from An Straidbhaile and An Gaeltacht defeated Cill Rosanta 4-12 to In the semi-finals Rod Na Brici defeated Caislean Cuanach 2-12 to 1-09 and An Gaeltacht defeated Cois Brid 1-14 to The final between Rod Na Brici and An Gaeltacht again was a game of two halves. Rod Na Brici started well and led by 8pts at half time however An Gaeltacht came right back into the game in the 2nd half and despite getting back on level terms Rod Na Brici got the final score and won on the scoreline Rod Na Brici 1-12 to An Gaeltacht Congrats to Rod Na Brici. Park Hotel Minor Football A Competition We had failed to play this competition in the last two years but at our October meeting the clubs decided we should try again this year. So we had 8 teams in the 4 quarter finals. An Gaeltacht defeated Dungarbhan 0-13 to 2-05, Naomh Brid defeated An Uidhir 3-17 to 3-04 Claismhor/ Ceanntsailebeg defeated Baile Na Cuirte 5-12 to 4-12 and Rod na Brici received a walkover from Naomh Oilibheir. The 2 semi-finals were very close affairs with Rod Na Brici defeating Claismhor/Ceanntsailebeg 1-10 to In the 2nd semi-final an Gaeltacht edged out Naomh Brid 1-13 to As I write this report the Final has not been played, however it will be played before Convention and I wish both teams the best of luck in the Final. Park Hotel Minor Football B Competition This competition cut up badly with withdrawals from some clubs. However in the 1st round Ath Meadhan defeated An Straidbhaile 3-09 to 2-07, Ath Meadhan then Played Naomh Deuglan in the Semi- Final. Naomh Deuglan running out victors 1-10 to Again as I write this report this final has not been played, and as with the (A) competition this final will be played by Convention. Naomh Deuglan will play Cill Rosanta in the final and best wishes to both teams. This is just my overview of our championship year of course there were other highlights that are too many to mention but one fixture springs to mind for special mention on a Friday night in the Fraher Field the meeting of Cnoc Meilearai and an Sean Phobal s 2nd team in junior intermediate attached football was one of the most entertaining hours football I have witnessed all year. The enthusiasm and excitement was a joy to behold and to my mind this is what the grassroots of the GAA is all about. May I avail of this opportunity to congratulate all championship winners and a special word of congratulations to those clubs who succeeded in winning county titles. The Press In the area of communications it is again pleasing to report that we are very well served. I would particularly like to thank our local papers and their GAA correspondents for their tremendous all year round coverage of our games and other events. We are very fortunate to have several pages of match reports and fixtures in our papers every week. Also to our local radio station WLR for there continued promotion and reporting on local championship games within the Division. Club Grounds Our increasing programme of games could not have been completed without the continued availability of our club grounds in which to play these games. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the clubs for the use of there pitches, also to all the caretakers of these 18

19 Tuarascáil Rúnaí An Iarthar 2011 Continued pitches who make sure time and again they are in pristine condition whatever the weather. Mile Buiochas. Officer Board The workload associated with commitments both at Club and Divisional level is getting heavier with each passing year. I am delighted to record the tremendous work rate of the current Board. We met on 25 occasions between fixtures and disciplinary matters and few people realize the demands made on those serving the Association and this allied to the many other calls made on their time makes one realize how fortunate we are in Portlairge Thiar to have so many dedicated people at the helm. In my 1st year as Runaí I would like to record my sincere thanks to my fellow officers to Cathairleach Eamon O Cuinnegaein for his genuine help and assistance in all matters relating to CLG and he has presided with total impartiality. An Cisteoir Sean Mac Sheain has been an outstanding addition to this board with his attention to detail and his work ethic and his outstanding management of our accounts is there for all to see. Also his help with ticket distribution throughout the year is very much appreciated. To Eimear De Barra in her 1st year as Assistant Secretary I would like to say thanks for all her help in producing the handouts and programmes for all the semi-finals and finals of the various championships and stepping in for me on different occasions. Also to Brendain O Toibin for his help with fixtures planning and stepping in for An Cathairleach on various occasions during the year. To our 3 outgoing delegates Tomas O Cadhla, Padraig Breathnach and Riobard O Faolain. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for all their help and support during the year and I wish them well for the future in CLG. I would also like to place on record my sincere gratitude and thanks to my predecessor Antoin Breathnach for helping me with the smooth transition of the Boards affairs. I am sure there were times when he thought he was still in the job and his many words of advice and wisdom was greatly appreciated. Mile buiochas Antoin. Conclusion In bringing this my first report to conclusion I would like to thank all the club officials. Secretaries, Chairpersons, team managers etc who I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with over the course of the year. To our loyal gatemen and women who manned the gates in all weathers sincere thanks to them. Also to the County Secretary Tadgh O Caoimh for his help and co-operation that helped in the conclusion of our championships on time for County Finals. Finally I would like to sincerely thank my wife and family for all there help and support during the year, the support of family and friends should never be underestimated. I would have to say I really enjoyed my year as your Runaí and I look forward to serving you for the coming year and I hope that 2012 will be a great year for everybody involved in CLG Portlairge Thiar. Mile Buiochas. Sympathy During the past year many prominent and dedicated Members of the Association within the Division have passed to their Eternal Reward and we mourn their passing and loss. It cannot be understated the way communities come together and support each other in their hour of need. Indeed to all other members who suffered Family Bereavements during the year condolences are extended to all. Go Ndeanna Dia Trocaire aanamacha agus ar Anamnacha ar ngael go leir. Mise Le Meas Padraig Mac Grainne Runai 19

20 Tuarascáil Rúnaí An Thoir 2011 Is féidir liom a rá gur mór an sásamh agus is mór an phríobhléid dom an tuarascáil seo ar imeachtaí na bliana atá thart a chur ós bhur gcómhair anocht. Táim cinnte gur féidir linn féachaint siar le bród. Chonaiceamar cluichí iontach agus gabhaim mo bhuíochas leis na cumainn agus na foirne go léir,thug sibh an-taitneamh dúinn. Mo bhuíochas comh maith leis na foirne go léir a sheas ar ár bpáirceanna cé nar éirigh leo craobh a bhuachaint. Ba mhaith liom,buíochas faoi Leith a ghabháil le gach éinne a chabhraigh liom i rith an bhliain, go h-áirithe na h-oifigigh, na réiteóirí, na maor uilig agus na daoine éagsúla a bhí mbun na páirceanna go léir. Mo bhuíochas freisin do na páipéirí áitiúla agus do W.L.R. mar cabhraigh siad linn ár gcluichí a chur os cómhair an phobail. I rith an bhliain atá thart d imigh roinnt bail de C.L.G. ar slí na fírinne go h-airithe Niall Warren. Is brón linn a n-imeachtaí. Ar dheis Dé go raibh go raibh a n-anamacha dhilis go léir. It is hard to believe that another year has passed and that we are gathered again assessing our work for C.L.G. Tonight as we embark on our 86th Annual Convention it gives me great pleasure to present for adoption a report on the affairs of a Choiste Phortláirge Thoir during The Annual Convention is a time of review, we must look at our structures and our competitions analyse what we have done right and wrong, plan ahead and take appropriate action. During the past year several meetings took place within the county to discuss the proposed Strategic Plan for C.L.G. Portláirge and one of its main proposals is the abolition of the Divisional Boards. It is time a decision was made, but only you the clubs can make that decision. Should everything be run on an allcounty basis? How relevant are the Divisional Boards? Are we moving too quickly? Again the clubs must make up their minds and put an end to the uncertainty that exists at the moment. Divisional Championships in particular the Finals are very worthwhile, all one has to witness is the tremendous excitement and passion generated by clubs that are victorious. However I must acknowledge the tremendous work done by Michael Walsh in drawing up the Strategic Plan Document - it was for discussion - we now need action and decisions on the various aspects of the document in particular those ideas dealing with Finance Club Development and Games. Off the field of play, 2011 has been a very difficult year for some clubs because of the economic difficulties, job losses, problems with mortgages and in particular emigration, with some clubs being totally decimated. However sport in particular and the activities of C.L.G at most times is a welcome distraction from the highs and lows of everyday living. We are part of a rich tradition, a tradition that has played a critical role in the development of our country, our counties and our communities through our voluntary efforts, this we are very proud of. Leaving aside the harsh economic conditions that we faced, the Eastern Board provided regular games when it was possible. We are proud that we managed to complete all competitions. Clubs are the basic units of our Association and a regular games programme is essential to ensuring good club structures. I must again place on record the fantastic co-operation the Eastern Board received from clubs, for this we are truly grateful. Over the last two years a fixture plan for the whole year was put in place and we did our best to adhere to it, for the most we did and this left us in a position to have a complete two weeks break at the beginning of August. Also extra time was played in the knock out stages of our championships up to and including semi-finals. Clubs did not seek postponements and some championship games took place mid-week. I can not over emphasise the great co-operation we received. However there 20

21 are still problems, but these are mainly not of our own making. They centre round the Inter County Calendar and in particular county team managers seeking postponements of fixtures. County managers need to be reminded that under our Bye Laws rule 6a, when player s are selected to represent their county they shall not be allowed to take part in club games later than four days prior to inter-county games. In another words there is only a four day rule not a two week rule as has been asked for. Other counties are able to abide by their rules but for some reason in Waterford we totally disregard our own Bye- Laws. One of our greatest mistakes this year was the decision to listen to management and players when they requested we postpone the Senior Football round and I must hold my hand up and say I was a party to this decision and it was totally wrong. It must never happen again. The growth of our games at National Level is very commendable, but Croke Park must ensure that games are not squeezed into times between a busy Inter-County Schedule and live coverage of games. The beginning of our year saw the usual activity re: Transfers and Regrades. I m glad to report that the big volume of transfer that used take place seems to be a thing of the past with the tightening up of our Bye-Laws and the results of this can be seen this year with great victories for Butlerstown winning the Eastern Junior Proper Championship and Erin s Own winning the County Minor Division 2 Title. These two clubs have been badly affected over the years losing their best underage players to bigger clubs. We managed to complete all our championships and I must sincerely thank the County Secretary Timmy O Keeffe and the Western Boards Secretary Pat Grant for their co-operation in implementing the Championship plan that was drawn up at the beginning of the year. It is vital that there is increased co-operation between Boards in implementing a fixture plan for the County. Our Club Championships should never be relegated to a back seat situation during the summer months because of intercounty fixtures, nor should a County team manager have a right to tell players on a county panel that they should not play for their clubs. Why do we preach that the club is the bed-rock of our association and allow this to happen. I welcome the appointment of Michael Ryan as manager of the Senior Hurlers. He knows the club scene very well and what players mean to their clubs and I hope he will release players to play for their clubs in particular those players who are only on the extended panel. Championships The Intermediate Hurling Championship, [13 teams Sponsor Pat Mc Carthy Car Sales] as in previous years fulfilled its promise in providing some very exiting and memorable games. Portlaw and Dunhill contested the final and what a game it was, Dunhill scoring a goal in the last minute from a 20 metre free to snatch victory and break the hearts of the Portlaw team, thus winning the final by one point. Saturday 22nd of October will be recorded as one of the great days in the history of the Dunhill Club. They played Tourin in the Intermediate County Final. Having drawn with them on the first day, they emerged victorious by a single point [0-10 to 1-06] and thus regained their senior status. We wish them well on their journey and hope that this time next year they will have done enough to maintain that senior status. The Intermediate Football Championship [10 teams Sponsor Pat Mc Carthy Car Sales]. This Championship goes from strength to strength. We had nine rounds and the play-off places were not decided until the very last round. For the second year running John Mitchels and Portlaw qualified for the Eastern Final, John Mitchels having won the 2010 decider 1-9 to 1-5. After a very close game John Mitchels again defeated a very gallant and young Portlaw side on the score line 0-10 to In the County Final John Mitchels lost to a very determined Dungarvan team on the score line 1-07 to The Junior Hurling Unattached Championship [5 teams Sponsor Gerry Kennedy Crash Repairs.] Even though there were only five teams in the group it was very competitive and every puck of the ball was fiercely contested. Butlerstown and Kill qualified for the final and it looked to be Kill s day when they raced into a 1-4 to nil score line after twenty minutes. However Butlerstown kept with the task and at the final whistle were victorious on a score line of 2-9 to 1-6. It was just reward for the tremendous work that had been done at juvenile level in 21

22 Tuarascáil Rúnaí An Thoir 2011 Continued the club over the last number of years. The County Final between Butlerstown and Ballinameela ended all square 2-02 to The replay went to extra time and at the final whistle both teams could not be separated with the match ending in another draw. The third meeting of these teams took place in Carriganore on Saturday 12th November. The game did not live up to the heights of the first two games and Ballinameela took the honours on a score line 1-14 to Junior Hurling [attached to Senior Clubs] Championship [5 teams, Sponsor Gerry Kennedy Crash Repairs]. A very evenly contested group. De La Salle came through the group just dropping one point and qualified for the final. The semi-final pairing of Mount Sion and Roanmore was not decided until the last game. In the eagerly awaited final Mount Sion won the day on a score line 3-09 to The County Final between Mount Sion and Tallow was a great game which ended in a draw. However Mount Sion won the replay 4-09 to Well done to Mount Sion on a magnificent victory. Junior Hurling [attached to Intermediate Clubs] Championship. [10 teams, Sponsor Gerry Kennedy Crash Repairs.] This was the first year of this competition and what a success it turned out to be. It was very competitive and there were a number of memorable games. From the league section, the Semi-Final pairings and scorelines were - [Portlaw 6-09 Erin s Own 2-19 [after extra time]. Clonea 1-10 Ferrybank The Final was a marvellous occasion for both clubs with a nice blend of youth and some players of yester years, the supporters really enjoyed this one, and there were some very fine displays on both sides. When the Final whistle sounded, it was Clonea s turn to do the lap of honour as they were victorious on a score line 3-11 to The County Final between Clonea and Brickey Rangers was very close and tight. This game could have gone either way. There was never more than a point in it, however on the final whistle the score was Clonea 0-13 Brickey Rangers The new cup which was presented for the first time was sponsored by both Divisional Boards. The scenes of celebration at the final whistle were a clear indication of just how much this victory meant to everyone connected with the Clonea club. Well done to Clonea. Junior Football Unattached Championship. [8 teams, Sponsor John Murphy]. In the league section of this championship there were some memorable games However, there were a number of walk-overs from clubs who should know better. It is very disappointing and embarrassing that some clubs rang the Board only an hour before throw-in, stating they couldn t field. This is not the way to treat our Sponsor and sanctions must be put in place to stop this happening. After the league section, Kilmacthomas, Roanmore, Butlerstown and Mount Sion qualified for the Semi-Final. However one team rang the Board two hours before throw-in, in the Semi-Final saying they couldn t field, what a disaster. It was left to the Board to ring their opponents, the Referee and the club hosting the game, not good enough and should never be allowed happen again. Mount Sion and Kilmacthomas qualified for the Final. There were some good passages of play. Kilmacthomas failed to take their scores and with Mount Sion being more accurate in front of goal the final score line was Mount Sion 1-11 to Kilmacthomas Congratulations to Mount Sion having won the double, Junior Hurling and Junior Football. In the County Final Sliabh gcua ended a 20 year gap for a County Championship when they won on a score line 2-11 to Mount Sion Junior Football [attached to Senior Clubs] Championship. [5 teams Sponsor John Murphy]. This championship needs to be looked at urgently even though five teams took part, it was a very uneven and realistically only three of the teams had any chance of qualifying for the knock out stages. The top 3 qualified with Gaultier going straight to the final. De La Salle and Rathgormack played in the Semi-Final. Rathgormack winning on a score line 1-10 to The Final turned out to be very close, with Rathgormack coming out on top by a single point 2-11 to 2-10.The County Final between Rathgormack and Clashmore/Kinsalebeg was an exciting and entertaining affair. The game was played before the Senior Football County Final. At half time Rathgormack were trailing by 0-6 to 1-0. However Rathgormack dominated the second half and were worthy winners on 22

23 a score line 1-06 to Congratulations to Rathgormack. Junior Football attached to Intermediate Clubs [5 teams. Sponsor John Murphy]. This was a new competition introduced at the beginning of the year to promote football and to give teams who are competing against much stronger teams a chance to play in a championship of their own where they could compete, thus avoiding the many walk-overs that litter the Junior Football Competition each year. The teams that played in this competition were very competitive and in fact, it turned out to be an excellent championship. Kill played Bonmahon in the semi-final winning on a score line 3-08 to The final was eagerly awaited, as was seen by the great crowd that turned out on the day. However the sides could not be separated and on the final whistle the score was Portlaw 2-03 Kill An even bigger crowd turned out to see the replay. It was a great game with some very fine individual performances. However there had to be a winner and Portlaw took the honours on a score line 2-06 to Dungarvan were Portlaws opponents in the County Final a game that was very exciting to watch. At the final whistle the score line was Dungarvan 1-07 Portlaw Under 21 Football Championships. [4 Teams]. Sponsor Paul Foley. The under 21 Football A Championship commenced on the 5th February with Mount Sion having a great win over city rivals De La Salle on a score line 2-10 to However, because of the County Minor and under 21 Footballers we didn t manage to play the other semi-final until the 25th February. The final had to be postponed due to inter County Fixtures and of course if we had applied our own Bye Laws, this game could have been played. The final took place in Carriganore on the 11th March. It ended in a draw Mount Sion 1-05 Rathgormack The replay took place on the 18th March. Rathgormack winning 1-13 to Under 21 B Football Championship. [8 Teams] Sponsor Paul Foley. This competition commenced on the 11th February. We managed to play Semi-Finals on the weekend of the 19th February. Portlaw and St Saviours qualified for the Final which was played the following weekend 26th February. However it ended all square Portlaw 0-09 St Saviours Again because of Inter County Fixtures it wasn t possible to play the replay until the 17th March. Portlaw won on the day on a score line 5-11 to Under 21 A and B Hurling Championships Both these Championships have given the Board serious headaches. In the master fixture plan they were to commence on the 7th April and be completed by the 7th May. It wasn t possible to adhere to the fixture plan due to Munster Minor and under 21 Football. Then we had Third Level Exams then the Leaving Cert then the Club Championships and also Inter-County Fixtures. Several attempts were made to play these competitions. For example Ballygunner qualified for the A final on the 8th April while Passage qualified on the 7th May. We managed to play the Final on the 23rd October five months later in miserable conditions. Conditions were dangerous for hurling. In a low scoring game Ballygunner won 0-08 to The B Competition [8 Teams] commenced on the 8th April. Both Semi-Finals took place on the 7th May Roanmore 1-06 Clonea 1-10 and Erin s Own 1-09 Ferrybank Replay Semi-Final played 11th September, Erin s Own 1-10 Ferrybank 1-04 The Eastern Final was played on the 5th November which was nearly 6 months behind schedule. Clonea having lost out to Erin s Own in the Division 2 Minor County Final were anxious to make amends. Conditions were perfect and the match was played in brilliant sunshine. It was a tremendous game, at half time Clonea were ahead 1-07 to In the second half they stretched their lead to six points. Erin s Own kept plugging away and reduced the arrears to just three points. However time ran out, at the final whistle Clonea were worthy winners on a score line 1-13 to Conduct and Discipline Considering the large amount of games played during 2011, the breaches of conduct were few and far between. Almost all our games were played in a very sporting manner. A major concern I would have is the amount of official on the sideline. It takes from our games and it 23

24 Tuarascáil Rúnaí An Thoir 2011 Continued certainly doesn t do our image any good. Schools I have always stated that as an Association we are extremely lucky first of all to have Cumann na mbunscol. The amount of work being done at this level is huge and we must never underestimate the trojan work being done for our games. Congratulations to all schools who were represented at the Primary Go Games prior to our Munster Championship games and also those schools who had the honour of having a pupil selected to play in Croke Park in the Mini-Sevens. At Secondary level, we equally have dedicated teachers who continue to give of their time in a voluntary capacity in the promotion of our games. Finally before I leave the topic of schools I would like to pay tribute to Eoin Breathnach and his staff. I congratulate them on the outstanding work being done within the County by the Coaching and Games Committee. Sraith Na Cathrach / Bord Na nóg I would like to place on record and acknowledge the important work being done by Sraith Na Cathrach and Bord Na nóg. They continue to provide a top class programme of games for our youth. I compliment the officers in particular, for all their voluntary efforts. Their work is very much appreciated - Mol an Óige agus tiocfaidh sé. Referees Our Championship would grind to halt if it was not for a small number of referees who unselfishly give of their time to all Boards. I congratulate them and sincerely thank them for officiating, sometimes on a daily basis. However a large number of our clubs do not have a club referee and I would appeal to all clubs to at least provide one. Under insurance, all challenge games must be refereed by a qualified referee. Sponsorship In East Waterford we are indeed indebted to a variety of Sponsors. There is no denying that without the input of sponsorship, modern sport would find itself in a serious financial position. To our sponsors we are profoundly happy to have you on Board. For the record our sponsor s are Pat Mc Carthy Car Sales, Gerry Kennedy Crash Repairs, John Murphy [Eastern Board], and Paul Foley Oil. I would ask all members to support our sponsors whenever possible. Press Once again it gives pleasure to place on record the Boards sincere thanks to W.L.R. FM for their continued support, promoting and reporting on our games. The tremendous all year round coverage of our games and other events by the local press continues to be of the highest order and great credit is due to all concerned. A particular word of thanks to our County P.R.O. Emer Barry for all her help with the papers in Particular the National Papers. We are very well served and the general public are well informed through the extensive coverage and comments. The Waterford County Board Website is also a valuable source of information. Club Grounds Tremendous work has and is being done throughout the Eastern Division to all club grounds. I refer to drainage work, upgrading / building of dressing rooms, all weather pitches, railings around pitches, new hurling alleys, lights etc. With the emphasis on league style championships we have an ever increasing programme of games and thus the need for more use of club grounds. Our Championships could not have been completed without the goodwill and the continuing availability of many club grounds. I would like to place on record the Boards thanks and appreciation to all clubs especially Kill, Dunhill, Fenor, Clonea, Ballygunner, De La Salle, St. Mollerans and Kilmacthomas. Some clubs at times, with very short notice came to the rescue of the Board and made their facilities available, for this we are truly grateful. To all the wonderful groundsmen and gatemen our sincere thanks. Scór agus an Teanga Over the past few years I have pleaded with clubs in the Eastern Division to try and support SCÓR in a more meaningful way. I ask clubs to make it a priority during the coming year. Scór is part of our National Identity, but sadly it is a part of our identity that is dying out in the Eastern 24

25 Division from lack of participation. In the past many clubs in this division took part and it was a source of great joy and excitement for all involved. Surely a club could put together a quiz team and enter. I urge you to at least have a look at this area. The promotion and development of our native language should concern us more than it does at present. There was always a general goodwill throughout the membership of our Association towards An Teanga Náisiúnta. I wonder does that goodwill exist today. There is a lot more we should be doing to assist the revitalisation of this aspect of our culture. We need to give a lead at county and divisional board level if we are serious about it. Officer Board I wish to acknowledge the outstanding work done on your behalf by those, you have elected as officers of the Board. First let me pay tribute to our outstanding chairman Johnny O Brien, he has served C.L.G. in various roles over the years, and he has brought that same dedication, commitment and hard work to the position of Chair. He has given sincere and genuine help to me in all matters relating to C. L. G. and has presided with total impartiality. Leas Cathaoirleach Seán O Regáin, is a man who has given his total commitment to the Board. All throughout the year he never spared himself and he gave freely of his own time and effort. I thank him for his commitment and his genuine hard work. Cisteoir Ray Murphy now understands having completed his first year as Treasurer that this position is one of the most demanding in C.L.G. He has applied himself well to the task and his attention to detail and his organisational ability has ensured that the finances of the Board are in a healthy state. Our P.R.O. John Sheehan like the cisteoir has just completed his first year in office. It has been a very satisfactory year and I commend John s work on behalf of the Board. His dedication to the job goes way beyond the call of duty on a continuous basis. The three County Board Delegates John Murphy, Martin Mc Namara and Seamus Cleere - their contributions to the Board have always been made with the interest of clubs at heart and I thank them for their advice and genuine assistance during the year. Finally, at County level my thanks to all members of the C.C.C. and Coiste Gnotha in particular the County Chairman and Secretary Tom Cunningham / Timmy O Keeffe. Sympathy Since last years Eastern Convention several prominent and dedicated members of our Association within the Division passed to their eternal reward. We mourn their passing and loss. To all members of this Division who suffered family bereavements during the year our deepest sympathy is offered. Solas na bfhlaitheas dá n-amanacha go léir, ar dheis Dé go raibh siad. Conclusion In bring this annual report to a conclusion I once again sincerely thank the Officer Board for their support and cooperation in all matters. I thank most sincerely you the delegates and your clubs, for without your agreement, help and understanding the smooth running of the Board would not be possible. As our accounts will show, the Eastern Board gave 50,000 to the County Board to help towards general expenses. Hopefully at County Board level we can manage our accounts better and this is no reflection on our County Treasurer who has done a tremendous job. For this to happen we need to be more accountable and have more transparency. We must cut our cloth to measure, with clubs having more information on how money is being spent. The clubs demand this, as has been seen at various county board meetings and this is their right. Clubs have demands on their own money as a lot of clubs have ongoing developments. However, leaving this aside, congratulations to all clubs, who won divisional and county honours. As we approach 2012, we do so in the hope that we can progress our clubs. On the Inter-County Scene, I wish John Owens and Michael Ryan every success. Hopefully some silverware will come our way. My hope is that we will continue to have the goodwill and co-operation of all clubs within the county Nollaig fé shéain is fé mhaise díobh, agus guím rath Dé oraibh go léir agus ar bhur saothar. Go mbeirimid beo ag an am seo I mbliana. Tadhg O Broin [Runaí C.L.G. Port Láirge Thoir] 25

26 Coaching & Games A chairde, It is a pleasure to present this report on behalf of the 2011 Coaching & Games Development Committee to Convention. As ever, there has been huge activity from Go Games and Super Touch Blitzes, Coach Education, Development Squads, Cúl Camps and Teen Camps to name but a few. While this report gives a flavour of the major highlights from a busy 2011 in Waterford Coaching and Games Development, it is impossible to recount the endless hours of work completed by so many dedicated Coaches, Mentors, Teachers, and Referees in our Clubs and Schools across the county. It is important to acknowledge that none of these activities would be possible without the commitment and enthusiasm of so many people giving their time to develop the youth of our county. County Coaching Conference: The bi-annual County Coaching Conference was held in Carriganore on Sat 5th March, 125 coaches from all over the county attended the conference. The conference highlights included presentations from Pat Flanagan and Martin Fogarty and also practical demonstrations by County Senior Managers Davy Fitzgerald and John Owens. The conference also provided an opportunity for businesses associated with our games to display and present their goods and services to the conference delegates, many local businesses availed of this opportunity. Go Games & Super Touch Blitzes (Club and School) The Go Games blitzes and tournaments took place from the end of January right through to December Indoors, Outdoors and on Astro Turf pitches across the county. Indoor blitzes took place in Jan, Feb and Mar and moved outdoors until October. Coaching and Games would like to thank Mr. Binman for their sponsorship of Go Games Blitzes in Some of the other in 2011 highlights included the Play and Stay Hurling and Football, Blitzes, Town and Country, City League, South East Hurling, GDA divisional blitzes, Carriganore Blitzes. Go Games blitzes took place at all age groups from U8 to U12 in Hurling and Gaelic Football while Super Touch Blitzes focussed on the U-15 age group with a very successful Munster blitz in September and local blitzes in October and November across all 3 GDA divisions. Development Squads Our Development Squads featured 11 panels from U13 to U17 in both codes in The performance of the squads in their respective tournaments may be viewed by some as the measure applied when appraising a particular year, however it is important to note that the essence and core mission of Development Squads is just that.development! While many of the squads performed excellently in their 2011 tournaments, the real measure to take from any year is the number of players that participated with the squads and took the opportunity of further developing their fundamental skills of the games and also developing skills and knowledge in other areas such as teamwork, tactical awareness, fitness, and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Over 300 players from all over the county took this opportunity in 2011, an opportunity afforded and only made possible by the commitment of so many squad coaches and mentors, too numerous to mention but recognised by all for their unstinting dedication to the squads. On 4th October, the 2012 Hurling Development Squads were launched in Carriganore, the launch highlighted and stressed how the development of the player as a person is equally as important as development of their playing skills. Principles such as age appropriate training, participation above results and player welfare are at the core of the Development Squad system and will continue 26

27 Coaching & Games Continued to be so. Waterford Coaching and Games would like to congratulate all who represented the county with such fine distinction in 2011 across schools, clubs and county squads both male and female for the pride they put in Waterford GAA and the successes they had. VHI GAA Cúl Camps VHI GAA Cul Camps were the major activity in July and August. All Juvenile clubs held a camp this year with 36 camps taking place over the 8 weeks. 2,400 children took part in 2011 with each child receiving a kit and bag along with medals at the end of the week. A county star visited each camp and for many children this was the highlight of the week. 2 children from each camp won a place at the Cúl Day Out in Walsh Park where they played blitzes and met many current Inter County Hurling and Camogie stars. A huge gratitude is owed to all clubs and club coordinators for their assistance in making the camps the success they are each year. VHI will not be sponsoring the Cúl Camps in 2012 however the appointment of a new sponsor for 2012 is reportedly imminent and shall be announced nationally very soon. Teen Hurling Camps After the success of the Teen Camps in 2010 this year there was a camp in each GDA area. There were all run 19th - 21st July and each camp had an intercounty player visiting each day including some of our Waterford stars and All Stars from other counties. 86 teenagers took part in the 3 camps and each received a Super Camp Jersey. As well as the coaching, the camps had Super Touch League and Skill Star Challenges each day. GAA Programme in Colaiste na Rinne In 2011 Waterford Coaching and Games were involved with Colaiste na Rinne in the GAA Programme in the college. In 2011 every student across the 3 courses was offered the opportunity to get involved in the GAA programme. In total almost 500 took part across the 3 courses. It was great that Uachtarán CLG Christy Cooney attended the course to present certificates to the students. GAA Rounders and GAA Handball were involved in training the coaches and the coaching was of a high quality throughout. Urban Project 2011 A 12-week project initiated by the National Urban Development Committee was run from June to August in the Waterford city area, this project was managed and implemented by Eoin Morrissey and supported by GDA John Quinn and Games Manager Eoin Breathnach and the clubs and schools of the Waterford Urban Development area. The project was most successful in attracting over 2000 players to participate in blitzes etc a highlight of this particular project was the Camán & Peil Abú events that focussed on attracting new and ex-players to participate in games that have been specifically developed as social competitions. A Camán Abú league continued to be held in Ballygunner on Thursday evenings even after the project had been completed. Following the conclusion of the project Eoin Morrissey was appointed Hurling Development Manager for Cavan and we wish him well in his new position. Coach Education Across the county a number of Foundation Courses took place during the year with good numbers attending. At Award 1 level courses took place in the Child and Youth Strands. The Adult strand and additional Child and Youth Courses will be rolled out in All clubs in the county have now been offered the chance to have a Child Welfare Course and have availed of the opportunity. With the appointment of a Children s Officer in 2012 this will be further enhanced with Children s Officer workshops to take place in PP Football Project Since 2009, three Waterford Post Primary schools have being taking part in the Munster Post Primary Football project. Once again this year sees CBS Tramore, Friary College and St Declan s Kilmacthomas involved. Tony Corcoran, John Phelan and Tom Guiry provide the coaching and they are supported by GDA s David Robinson and Michelle Power. 27

28 Since joining the Coaching and Games Development Committee in February this year, I have received tremendous support from all of the Coaching and Games Committee members and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the committee members from Camogie, Ladies Football, Bord na nóg, Cumann na mbunscol, the full time staff and Treasurer Liam Cheasty for their assistance and advice during the year. The Committee all help to ensure that projects and initiatives are run efficiently and align with the needs of the various Boards and functions of the associations. Waterford Coaching and Games would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank all the clubs of Waterford for assisting us in all our activities during Coiste Gnótha has supported Waterford Coaching and Games and assisted us in our duties and we appreciate that support. Thanks to every person who was involved and assisted in any way and we hope that 2012 will be as successful for all in Waterford GAA Coaching & Games Development Committee Michael Murphy Eoin Breathnach Michelle Power John Quinn David Robinson Ann Hogan Liam Cheasty Billy Devine Neil Moore Kate Marie Hearne George Young Coaching Officer Games Manager GDA West GDA Urban GDA Mid County Post Primary Officer Treasurer Bord na nóg Cumann na mbunscol Camogie Ladies Football Is Mise Mícheál Ó Murchú Coaching Officer 28

29 Tuarascail Oifigeach Caidraimh Poibli A Chairde Gael, As we come to the end of 2011, I would like to firstly wish everyone present a peaceful and happy Christmas. As the playing season draws to a close I would like to thank my fellow officers and the clubs for their help and support during this, my first year as County P.R.O has been a very busy year on the Inter-County Front with both our Senior and Minor Hurlers reaching the penultimate stages of this year s championships in Croke Park. We were well represented in all grades keep the traditions of the Association alive and well in Port Lairge. This year the County Awards took a different format and were presented to the recipients at the Waterford v Galway National League Game in Walsh Park. This format proved successful and hopefully will be continued for the future. The Publications Committee this year has produced in excess of 25,000 programmes between programmes for club games, Munster Championships and National League games. Weekend programmes or hand-outs were provided for our championship games where possible. On this note I would like to express my gratitude to both Timmy and Aine in the County Office along with the various Printers who often had to work long hours to accommodate production. As can be seen this is a very hard working committee with constant deadlines to be met. In this regard, a sincere thanks to all the team managers and selectors for their help and assistance. I would like to thank all the clubs for their help and support throughout the year in trying to make my role easier. Thanks to all the contributors to programmes this year who provided articles often at short notice! In the current economic climate I would like to give thanks to our sponsors and advertisers and would ask that you continue to give them support where possible in these difficult times. To our reporters, photographers and media personnel I also say thank you for your help throughout the year and I look forward to working with you all for the forthcoming season. The coverage given in local media to the Association and our games is second to none. In 2012, I hope to start a monthly newletter to promote and circulate GAA activites and news throughout the clubs. This newsletter will be circulated by to all clubs and I would welcome thoughts and contributions on this matter. Finally, I would like to give a special thanks to my fantastic committee without who s help I could not have managed throughout the year Jim O Keeffe, Siobhan Keane, Breda Kiely and Seamus O Brien and most especially Richard Tobin and John Jackson who have given phenomenal help week after week in the preparation of programmes. Go n-eiri an t-adh libh go leir Is mise le meas, Eimhear de Barra, Oifigeach Caidreamh Poibli 29

30 Tuarascail An Runai Board Na Nog Portlairge 2011 A dhaoine Uaisle Chairperson, Invited Guests and Cub Delegates. It is with great pleasure and some sadness that I give my last Runai report for the board. Referees I wish to thank all referees for their help and co operation with regard to fixtures this year, in particular for ensuring that the number of games without referees or teams absent were at a minimum. The games this year were played in a good manner resulting in fewer referees reports with issues requiring attention. Hopefully this will continue in the future. I would like at this stage to thank in particular Gavin Whelan for his co-operation in appointing the referees. Sponsors We would like to thank our sponsors for their continued support during these hard time and are grateful that we have such good sponsors in the Dublin Branch of the Waterford Supporters Club, the Combined City Credit Unions and Cribbins Family Butchers, Dungarvan. The Press and Media I would like to thank the local radio and media for their coverage of our underage games. We had excellent coverage this year and this is in no small part to Gavin Whelan our P.R.O. Games All game went according to the fixture booklet this year and all finals were played on time with the exception of games changes requested by Adult county board. There was one division in under 16 hurling that was late and I would like to apologise to the clubs involved in this competition. This was due to a three way play off due to teams ending on the same points and it was not possible to have the final on the same day as the rest. The number of walk over s in football this year at under 16 level was very high. This does not help the promotion of the game at underage. This is an area that the Incoming Committee may take under review to see how it can be improved. The following were the winners for Hurling Feile Winners Ballygunner Skills Winner Arron O Sullivan who went on to win the All Ireland Skills. Under 13 Lismore, Cois Brid, St.Olivers Under 14 Ballygunner, Tramore, St Saviours, St Olivers. Under 16 Ballygunner, Abbeyside, Ardmore, Kilrossanty. Football Feile football winners : Tramore. Under 13 Dungarvan, Ardmore a Gealtacht, Under 14 Gaultier, St Saviours, Roanmore under 16 De La Salle, Rathgormack, and Dunhill/Fenor. Inter County Compitions Tony Forristal /Sonny Walsh We again participated in these competitions this year but were not as successful as other years. The Gleeson cup was played before the above competition as requested by the selectors and was won by the East. We also had representivate at the Tipperary s Supporters Club under 16 Inter county hurling. We reached the Plate final of this competition but were 30

31 Tuarascail An Runai Board Na Nog Portlairge 2011 Continued unfortunately beaten. The John O Regan was played in under 14 football and this competition was won by the West. Jim Power Tournament This was held in the Dungarvan area this year we used the pitches in Brickies, Dungarvan, Abbeyside and the finals were played in Fraher Field. The Waterford team made the semi final of the plate. Tipperary won the Cup final and Cork won the Shield. Woodland Under 16 Football We again participated in this competition. I would like to thank all mentors for their time given to all the training and preparation and participation of the teams for the above competitions. Awards Night There were held in the Gealtacht and were a great success. Representives of the Sponsors were there. The winners were Hurling Jack Pendergast, Michael Costigan, Cathal Geary, Donal Power, Mark lynch, Darragh Corocran, Sean Sullivan, Ryan Grey, Conor Prunty, Shane Rellis, Tom Deegan, Conor O Corrin, A Fitzsimons, Michael Culloo, David Walsh, Patrick Curran, Laurence Power, Dean Cliffe, Stephen Curran and Jack Mullally. Sympathy I would like to take this opportunity to express my sympathy and that of the Board to both individuals and members of clubs that had bereavements during the year. Conclusion I would like to thank the Adult Board for their co operation during the year in facilitating us in the use of the county grounds for finals and any other time we asked for same. I would like to thank all clubs that facilitated us with grounds for playoffs, quarter or semi finals final. I would like to thank Pat Carroll and Oliver Drummy for their help during any county finals. I would like to thank my fellow board officers for their help and co-operation during the year. Once again I wish to thank all clubs for their help over the past years during my time as Ruani. I take this opportunity to wish very club success in 2012 and hope they have a peaceful Christmas and Happy New Year. Robert Grace Runai Board Na Nog Football Glenn Waters, Sam Sheppard, Dylan Reed, Darren Boland, Adman MacGearailt, Ross O Shea, Sean Cullinane, David Cullinane, Stephen keating, Tadgh Stacey Myler, Ben Moran, Michael Sweeney, Adam Sutton, Jamie Walsh, John Cullinane, Jack Guiry, Cieran Kelly, Austin Gleeson. To mark the occasion of Arron O Sullivan winning the All Ireland Feile Skills a presentation was made on the awards night. 31

32 Tuarascáil an Oifigeach Gaelainne agus Cultúrtha Is mór an phribhléid dom mar Oifigeach Gaelainne agus Cultúrtha an tuairisc bhliantúil seo a chur i bhúr láthair. Bliain ana-ghnóthach a bhí ann i mbliana agus d éirigh go maith leis na himeachtaí ar fad a bhí idir lámha. Oifigeach Gaelainne agus Cultúrtha sa Chlub Tá méadú tagtha anois ar na clubanna atá tar éis Oifigeach Gaelainne a cheapadh agus is nasc maith é chun teagmháil a dhéanamh leo maidir le cúrsaí a bhaineann leis an Oifigeach Gaelainne agus Cultúrtha. Tuigimid go bhfuil clubanna faoi bhrú chun oifigigh a cheapadh, ach go bhfuil dualgas orthu chun Oifigeach Gaelainne agus Cultúrtha a cheapadh. Tá súil agam go mbeidh Oifigeach Gaelainne agus Cultúrtha ag gach club i mbliana. Tráth na gceist Seachtain na Gaeilge D eagraíomar an Tráth na gceist seo arís i mbliana, sa Local i ndún Garbhán i mí na Márta. Bhí oíche mhaith againn arís agus ghlac 10 bhfoireann páirt. Táimíd anbhuíoch arís do Dhonnacha agus do Helena Gough as ucht an tigh tábhairne a chur ar fáil dúinn. Scór Is cuid ana-thábhachtach den CLG na comórtais seo agus tá stair iontach ag Port Láirge sa Chúige agus i gcraobhacha Uile Éireann ag dul siar thar na blianta. Tá an t-ádh linn anseo sna Déise go bhfuil cultúr chomh saibhir agus ársa againn, idir ceoil, amhránaíocht, damhsa agus aithriseoireacht, gan trácht ar an teanga féin. D éirigh thar barr le Scór na bpáistí i mbliana agus bhí slua an-mhór i láithair ag an gcraobh i gceapach Choinn. Thug gach duine a bhí i láithair an-mholadh do na páistí ar fad a ghlac páirt agus an caighdeán ard a bhí i ngach aon chomórtas. Ar an iomlán bhí os cionn 250 páiste páirteach i mbliana. Chuaigh 150 páiste chun stáitse oíche na Craoibhe. Tá súil agam go leanfaidh na páistí a ghlac páirt in Scór na bpáistí ar aghaidh go Scór na nóg sna blianta atá le teacht. Bhí Craobh Scór na nóg ar siúl sa mbaile Dubh i mí Eanáir. Bhí comórtas an-mhaith againn, ach ba bhreá liom níos mó clubanna a bheith páirteach. Beidh Leath- Chraobh agus Craobh na Mumhan de Scór na nóg ar siúl i gceapach Choinn i mí Eanáir agus tá súil agam go mbeidh roinnt clubanna ó Phort Láirge páirteach. Bhí méadú ar líon na gclubanna a ghlac páirt in Scór Sinsear i mbliana agus tá súil agam tógaint air sin don bhliain seo chugainn. Bhí an Chraobh again in Halla an Bhaile i ndún Garbhán agus bhí slua deas lucht féachana ann chomh maith. 13 club a ghlac páirt sa chomórtas, agus chuaigh 4 chlub ar aghaidh go Craobh na Mumhan An Chill, An Rinn, Sliabh gcua agus An Baile Dubh. Scoláireachtaí Tá díomá orm nár líonadh na Scoláireachtaí ar fad a bhí againn agus tá súil agam go mbeidh éileamh níos fearr ann an bhliain seo chugainn. Tá marcanna sa bhreis ag dul don scrúdú béil san Ardteist anois agus deis iontach chun Gaelainn a labhairt is ea an tréimhse a chaitheann scoláirí sa Ghaeltacht. Rinneamar gach iarracht teagmháil a dhéanamh leis na clubanna chun na scoláireachtaí a chur amach ach caithfimid iarracht níos fearr a dhéanamh an bhliain seo chugainn chun na scoláireachtaí a fhógairt agus a líonadh. Tugann Coiste Chultúrtha Comhairle na Mumhan anachabhair dúinn chun an scéim seo a reachtáil agus iad ana-mholtach as Coláiste na Rinne agus an méid a dhéanann siad ar son na scoláirí agus ar son cur chun cinn na Gaelainne. Tacaíocht ó Pháirc an Chrócaigh Ba cheart go mbeadh tacaíocht ag teacht ó Pháirc an 32

33 Chrócaigh maidir leis an ngaelainn agus dea-shampla a chruthú. Ba cheart go mbeadh Gaelainn le feiscint ar thicéidí do na cluichí agus ar chártaí ballraíochta. Tá ról ana-mhór ag an gclg sa phobal agus dualgas orthu an Ghaelainn agus an cultúr a chur chun cinn in slí dearfa i measc an phobail. TG4 Tá ana-mholadh ag dul go TG4 as na cluichí CLG a chraolann siad go rialta. Bíonn na cláracha de chaighdeán ard agus deis ag daoine an Ghaelainn a chloisint. Clúdaíonn siad cluichí sraithe agus cluichí na gclubanna agus is deis iontach é do dhaoine nach féidir taisteal go cluichí iad a fheiscint. Ag dul ar aghaidh Go mbeadh áit lárnach ag an ngaelainn sa Chumann agus go mbeadh an teanga úsáidte níos minicí i ngach gné den Chumann, go háirithe ar na cártaí ballraíochta agus ar na suaitheantais do na rannóga ar fad. Tá sé rí-thábhachtach anois do gach club Oifigeach Gaelainne agus Cultúrtha a thoghadh chomh luath agus gur féidir. Bheadh duine ar leith ann ansin domsa chun eolas a scaipeadh faoin na scéimeanna a bhíonn idir lámha agam. Go mbeadh níos mó daoine páirteach i Scór ó gach áit sa chontae agus iarracht níos fearr déanta daoine a mhealladh chun páirt a ghlacadh. Go mbeadh an t-eolas faoi Scoláireachtaí CLG scaipthe do pháistí i ngach club chun deis a thabhairt dóibh freastal ar chúrsa Gaeltachta. Go mbeadh cuid den suíomh idirlín atá ag CLG Phort Láirge as Gaelainn. Mar fhocal scoir, ba mhaith liom Nollaig shona agus athbhliain faoi sheán is faoi mhaise a ghuí oraibh go léir. Le gach dea-ghuí, Tomás Rua Ó Cadhla Oifigeach Gaelainne agus Cultúrtha 33

34 Report from County Development Officer It is my great privilege to report the affairs of the County Development Committee for 2011 to our Annual Convention was a very busy year for our committee and for me personally. During the year I attended five Munster Council and two Croke Park meetings as well as five County Development meetings. Club Grants Clubs in Waterford spend 700,000 in developments this year and tonight 85,000 will be received from Munster Council and Croke Park. This year was the first time since my election that a school applied for a development grant and I am glad to say that Kilrossanty National School have been successful in their application and they will also receive their grant allocation tonight. I would like to thank the clubs for their courteous welcome for Pat Flynn and I and I wish them the best of luck in their developments. Officer Training In February we held our officer training night in Lawlors Hotel. We had a very successful night and many thanks to all club officers and the Camogie and Ladies Football clubs who attended on the night. Conclusion In Conclusion I would like to thank our hard working committee, Tommy Hennessey, John O Leary, Patricia Walsh, Kay Barry, Pat Flynn and Tina O Brien. Special thanks to all the county board officers for all their cooperation in Brendan O Toibín Oifigeach Forbartha Club Plan Fifteen clubs have completed club plans and a further twelve will be finalised in The Eastern club plans will be launched on the 18th January 2012 and the Western clubs on the 25th January Facilitators We now have seven trained facilitators in the county and they are Kay Barry, Patricia Walsh, Tina O Brien, Ann Hogan, John O Leary and Michael Murphy and I would like to thank them for their hard work and commitment during the year. 34

35 Rúin Motions 1. That the ruling on grading of players be changed, and a player who comes on only once as a substitute in a League Championship match is not required to lose his status as a second team player. All relevant byelaws to be amended Clais Mhór/Cionn tsaile Beag 2 The Under 21 Football championship be an all county championship with a losers group for teams eliminated in the first round. All relevant byelaws to be amended Ghaill Tir 3. That the County Board run all county competition for Junior Attached football teams on a league basis. The Eastern and Western Boards junior attached competitions to be maintained. All relevant byelaws to be amended Ghaill Tir 4. In the event of the County Board changing the Senior Football Championship to two groups of six where a Designated Round would have to be played and where a club with players on the County Senior Football panel could not play, Intermediate or Junior players from the clubs that play in that Designated Football Championship Round would not lose their Intermediate or Junior status. All relevant byelaws to be amended Ghaill Tir 5. That the appointment of the County Referees Administration Committee be appointed by election from the floor, at the first meeting of the year of the County Referees general body, to be held no later than January 31st each year. All relevant byelaws (Fo-Dhlithe 1.02(h)) to be amended Cnoc Sion 6. That this convention direct the incoming County Board to appoint a Director of Football. All relevant byelaws to be amended Micheal MacCraith 7. That the Under 21 Football Championship be played on a county basis as a knockout championship with a losers group. All relevant byelaws to be amended Micheal MacCraith 8. The Junior Hurling attached team competition be reduced from 15 to 13 a-side All relevant byelaws to be amended Baile Ui Dhuibh 9. Players in the Junior Attached competition are allowed to play 2 games in the Intermediate grade before they become ineligible for the Junior grade. All relevant byelaws to be amended Baile Ui Dhuibh 10. That the Intermediate Football championship be split into two groups All relevant byelaws to be amended Baile Ui Dhuibh 11. That the County Committee shall consist of the following: Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Development Officer, Officer for Irish Language and Culture, Coaching Officer, Children s Officer, Public Relations Officer, Central Council Representative, Two Munster Council Representatives, One Representative from Coiste Peil, The Two Divisional Committee Chairpersons, Secretaries and Treasurers (representing East and West Divisions), One representative each from 35

36 Rúin Motions Continued Primary Schools Committee, Post-Primary Schools Committee, one representative from Coiste na nog, one representative from the Handball County Committee, the Co. Referees Administrator and One Representative from each affiliated adult club. follows: Senior (Adult) player: a maximum of seven (7) days Minor (Under 18) player: a maximum of four (4) days All of the above shall have full voting rights except a full time County Secretary. The maximum period of office for any specific officership shall be 5 years. Exceptions to this rule County Treasurer All relevant byelaws to be amended Choiste Chontae Portlairge 12. Intercounty Players availability to clubs: The period of time during which an Intercounty player shall not be expected to fulfil interclub championship fixtures at his own grade shall be as Under 21 player: a maximum of four (4) days All relevant byelaws to be amended Choiste Chontae Portlairge 13. Minor (Under 18) players (both club and Intercounty) cannot interfere with the scheduling of adult club championships All relevant byelaws to be amended Choiste Chontae Portlairge 36