EXTRA TIME DOWN GAA NEWSLETTER

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1 EXTRA TIME DOWN GAA NEWSLETTER INSIDE THIS ISSUE GAA KIT SUPPLIERS 3 REGISTRATIONS 3 GUIDELINES ON GAMBLING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE NATIONAL GAA COACHING & GAMES CONFERENCE DOWN GAA STRATEGY DOWN GAA COACH EDUCATION COURSE DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF ONE WALL HANDBALL POLICY ON UNAUTHORISED PITCH ACCESS AT MATCHES INDOOR HURLING PROGRAMME 2014 OLYMPIC MEDAL HERO EGAN CONFIRMED FOR YOUTH CONVENTION GAA GO GAMES 9 FEILE 10 THE DOWN GAA CLUBS DRAW 2014 NEWRY ST PATRICK S DAY PARADE 2014 INDOOR WHEELCHAIR HURLING DOWN CLUB DEVELOPMENT COURSE QUEEN S GAA FESTIVAL 2014 ULSTER TAIN CLUB LEAGUE 2014 ULSTER FOOTBALL LEAGUE DOWN GAA MATCH DAY DEALS NEW REFEREE TRAINING Volume III Issue I NEW MOBILE TICKET UNIT IN OPPERATION On Sunday at the P o s t p o n e d D o w n Monaghan National Football League game at Pairc Esler the new Down GAA Mobile Ticket Unit will be operating, there will be no cash taken at the Turnstiles. All Patrons must purchase a ticket from the Mobile Unit to gain entry through the T u r n s t i l e s. Please allow time for the new system when planning your Journey to the Game. This ticket unit will in in use at all home National League Games, and Down GAA Club Championship Games. Down GAA thank all of our patrons in advance for their co operation and hope that you enjoy the game. EXTRA TIME DOWN GAA NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2014 DOWN GAA CLUBS DRAW 2014 To allow Clubs to maximise sales in the Clubs Draw we are extending the period of time up to which we will accept individual standing order payments. The deadline will be absolute at noon on Friday 14th February. Please understand that there is a lot of administration involved in the collating of Standing Orders and the deadline will not be extended beyond this time and date. To date a huge effort is being made by a number of Clubs and Burren look like they are going to surpass last years record figures. Remember this is a great fundraiser for your Club from every ticket after your initial 20 goes to your Club. Lets keep the good work going Keep Selling ALLIANZ LEAGUES PRE PURCHASED TICKET PRICES REDUCED The GAA has reduced ticket prices for tickets purchased before the day of the games will now cost only 9/ 10 whereas the cost of entry on the day of the game will be 12/ 15. The 9/ 10 ticket price represents a 23% decrease on last year s admission for top level games and offers a significant reduction for Division One and Two football matches and Division One Hurling games. Tickets will be available to purchase from normal outlets including County Office in Castlewellan, SuperValu and Centra stores nationwide and on line at gaa.ie/tickets. Ticket prices for Divisions Three and Four remain unchanged. OfficialDownGAA OfficialDownGAA

2 Page 2 EXTRA TIME DOWN GAA NEWSLETTER GAA KIT SUPPLIERS The following are official GAA kit suppliers: O'Neills Azzurri Kukri Masita KC Sports Intosports please see attached the guidelines for official county & club kit. I would appreciate if you would circulate to your clubs and all other relevant persons.

3 Volume II1 Issue I - FEBRUARY 2014 Page 3 REGISTRATION FOR Player and Member Registration Now Open for 2014 Clubs can now register their players and their members for the 2014 season on the GAA's online registration system (people.gaa.ie/admin). When logged on, go to the 'Register Members' page and complete the necessary steps. This page will contain the details of all of those people who have been registered with the Club in previous years. To add new members to the Club, go to 'Add and View Members', click on the 'Add' button, select 'Member' and complete the necessary steps. Please note that anyone whose name is in red on either the 'register' page or the 'add and view member page', is unregistered for the current year. Please ensure that all members, including all players, are registered. The deadline for registration to allow voting rights is March 31. Over 500,000 people were registered on the system in Help & Training Each Club will have access to the system either through their Secretary or Registrar. For any queries on access to the system, or on the system functionality, please call the Servasport Helpdesk on: gaasupport@servasport.com Phone: ROI: NI: International: Help information is also available on the following links: Bulk Re-Register members: Adding a new member: To access a training document and videos, visit - SO FAR WE ONLY HAVE 1536 MEMBERS REGISTERED WITHIN THE SYSTEM OVER FROM LAST YEAR NOT REGISTERED REMEMBER NO PLAYER SHOULD BE PLAYING IN ANY GAME OR TAKING PART IN ANY TRAINING THAT HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED WITHIN THE SYSTEM GUIDELINES ON GAMBLING The GAA and GPA today announced guidelines on gambling for club and county players and the wider GAA community. Problems associated with gambling are increasing in Ireland the Institute of Public Health estimates that up to 40,000 people could have a gambling disorder and both Associations felt it was important to educate members about the issues involved. Two booklets containing guidelines on gambling and Gaelic games have been published and will be distributed nationally. Since the GPA established its Counselling Service for county players in 2010 with the support of the GAA, concerns about gambling addiction have risen as cases presenting to the service continue to increase. Next to depression, problem gambling is the second highest issue causing emotional distress among the county playing body and this trend has wider implications for the GAA at all levels. Speaking at the launch Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Liam Ó Néill said: Problem gambling is becoming a growing concern in modern Ireland. As part of the GAA s on-going work in the area of health and wellbeing, the Association felt it timely to produce this booklet of basic guidelines as an educational resource for our players, members, and clubs. This document aims to assist GAA members in identifying what problem gambling is and to encourage those who may be experiencing a difficulty to seek support and assistance. It also highlights the strict regulations and consequences both within GAA rule and the broader laws of the land regarding matchfixing or the use of insider information for the financial gain of the individual or team concerned, or any third parties involved. GPA Chief Executive Dessie Farrell added: Since our Counseling Service for county players started to reflect increasing problems among our membership with gambling, we felt it was necessary to isolate this issue and help educate our members as to the dangers. There are two major areas of concern for the GPA the rise in gambling addiction and the potential for match fixing or spot fixing down the line. While the numbers suffering with addiction are still relatively small, they are rising. Thankfully we have had no evidence to date of any irregularities around players betting, we are acutely aware of the problems experienced in other sports. Gambling guidelines for clubs, their players, and their members can be downloaded from or for county players on gaelicplayers.com.

4 Page 4 EXTRA TIME DOWN GAA NEWSLETTER OPENING UP EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE A Newry based organisation, People-1st, is launching a new programme that is expected to open up employment opportunities for young people in the area. Local Employment Intermediary Service (LEMIS) provides support and guidance to individuals who are unemployed in the Newry and Mourne area. The programme is a fully funded Department of Employment and Learning training initiative. If you are aged 16+ and not in education, employment or training, and are in need of financial assistance to fund training, then this is the course for you. On Saturday the 11th January 2014, Croke Park was the Venue for the National GAA Coaching and Games Development Conference, sponsored by Liberty Insurance. The benefits of the programme will mean participants will gain nationally recognised qualifications, improve their confidence, have an up to date CV and improved job interview skills. In addition the participants will develop practical skills and an insight into working in a team environment, improving communication and interpersonal skills and significantly increase the client s opportunity to gain employment. For further information contact Micheal O Rourke on or ; m.orourke@people-1st.co.uk Alternatively you can call in to our office at Ballybot House, 28 Cornmarket, Newry and book an interview to speak with one of our mentors. NATIONAL GAA COACHING AND GAMES DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE the years to meet the needs of our ever changing games. His supported his belief that children "Learn more through free play" by using case studies from his own work. Down GAA was represented at the event by Games Development Manager Conor O'Toole, Development Squad Coach and Active Communities GAA Officer Cormac Venney, Development Squad Coaches Frank McLeigh and Mark Donegan and DENI Coach, Gavin McGilly. As ever the event was attended by a huge crowd, with over 600 delegates present. The theme for the conference was "Inspiring Children: Fostering a Love of Gaelic Games". Needless to say the content of the day was geared very much towards coaches of young children and in particular Primary School teachers. The day's opening address was delivered by Michéal Martin, Chairperson of the National Coaching and Games Development Committee. Michéal highlighted the importance of the link between GAA Headquarters and grassroots level development. He highlighted the importance of the revitalised Coach Education Model and the support it can offer to all coaches, but particularly those who work with very young players. The highlight of the first round of parallel workshops was Peter Casey's "Implementing a Games Based Approach to Coaching". Peter is a Games Development Administrator in County Clare and he relayed to those present, his experiences as a juvenile coach and how he has had to adopt his coaching style over The second morning session commenced with a Key note presentation from David Wheadon, a coach in the AFL. David stressed that regardless of the sport or the county or the surroundings, FUN is the single most important ingredient when not only trying to entice children into sport, but more importantly ensuring that remain involved. It was David's belief that selection of coaches is central to this. He was highly complimentary of the GAA Coach Education Framework, however he stressed that that the qualities of the individual are much more important than the qualifications of the individual. David Wheadon's sessions was followed by a brief update form Pat Culhane on the ammendments to National Go Games policy. It is a directive from Croke Park the Go Games age brackets be altered from u8, u10 and u12 to u7, u9 and u11 respectfully. Pat suggested that this will infact allow us to engage with children from an even younger age, whilst also offering a more competitive format of games to children at a younger age than the previous model. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the address given by Paudie Butler on methods of "Developing Competent, Confident Children". Paudie used his time effectively to highlight the social and interpersonal developments that an involvement in Gaelic Games can have on young children. He highlighted to the delegates the "windows of opportunity" that exist, not only in terms of a young persons physical development, but also how the correct style of coaching and management can also develop our young players as people. As ever, Paudie's enthusiasm and knowledge grasped all 600 delegates present. The day concluded with a second run of parallel workshops before Eamonn Ryan explored methods of "Becoming a Child Friendly Coach". The final address of the evening was given by National GAA Coach Education Officer who reinforced the important of having qualified, experienced and enthusiastic people working on the ground with our youngest players. It was his belief that "inspiring" children to partake in and remain involved in Gaelic Games was essential. The Conference as ever, was a huge success. The National Coaching and Games Department should be commended for once again putting together an event of the absolute highest standard.

5 Volume II1 Issue I - FEBRUARY 2014 Page 5 DOWN GAA STRATEGY What Gets Measured Gets Done Chapter 6 Hurling Recommendation 6.1 Review of Hurling Development Implement the findings of the Review of Hurling Development issued by the Hurling Development Committee in 2009 (Appendix 1). Outcome Sought Redefinition of the role and functions of the Hurling Committee with the emphasis of the development of the Hurling. Appendix 1: Hurling in Down: Pathway to Success Summary of Review of Hurling Development in the County issued in March Is There a Better Way? Is there a better way to channel our efforts towards a more progressive and successful Club structure, ultimately culminating in a more enlightened Hurling family, open to new initiatives and new technologies in coaching and administration and invigorated by imaginative, challenging and rewarding competition structures? 2. To set out long-range challenging but realistic targets and to plot a road map to achieving them. Lead Committee: County Coaching and Games Development Committee in liaison with Hurling Development Committee. Lead Officers: County Coaching Officer and Games Development Manager. 3. Fixtures: To devise appropriate competition structures in order to provide meaningful competition for all Clubs. To provide dedicated time and space for Hurling in integrated fixtures planning. Lead Committee: County Competitions Control Committee in liaison with Hurling Development Committee. Lead Officers: County Assistant Secretary. 4. Coaching: To build up a corps of active qualified coaches in each Club over the next five years ( ). - To provide quality in service support for Coaches. - To provide well organised coaching support for Schools including the appointment of Club-School Liaison Officers by Club Committees. Lead Committee: County Coaching and Games Development Committee in liaison with Schools Committees. Lead Officers: County Coaching Officer and Games Development Manager. 5. Referees: To bring Clubs to accept their responsibilities in regard to the recruitment of Referees and the promotion of Respect for Referees. To provide strong support for Referees Training Courses, Mentoring, Assessment, Career Path etc. Lead Committee: County Management Committee (Referees Administration). Lead Officer: County Referees Administrator.

6 Page 6 EXTRA TIME DOWN GAA NEWSLETTER UPCOMING DOWN GAA COACH EDUCATION COURSES For further information about, or to register to attend any of the courses below, please contact Conor O'Toole at developmentmanager.down@gaa.ie Course Type: Date Venue Time Cost Pre Course Requirements Coaching the Tackle 05/02/2014 TBC 7pm - 9pm 0 None and Defensive Play Level 1 Youth / Adult 07/02/2014 St Patrick's GS DPK 7pm - 10pm 50 GAA Child Pro & Foundation Hurling Award (Pt1) Coaching Level 1 Youth / Adult 08/02/2014 St Patrick's GS DPK 9.30am - 4pm " GAA Child Pro & Foundation Hurling Award (Pt2) Coaching Level 1 Youth / Adult 09/02/2014 St Patrick's GS DPK 9.30am - 4pm " GAA Child Pro & Foundation Hurling Award (Pt3) Coaching Coaching Players 11/02/2014 Abbey GS Newry 7pm - 9pm 0 None to Play The Game Developing Functional 18/02/2014 St Patrick's GS DPK 7pm - 9pm 0 None Strength on the Pitch Back To Basics - Coaching 25/02/2014 TBC 7pm - 9pm 0 None Young Players the Core Skills DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF ONE WALL HANDBALL The benefits to players of all ages and abilities in terms of physical fitness and improved co-ordination, the ease with which the game can be picked up and the low cost (approximately ) of developing a one wall facility has lead to a phenomenal rise in the number of courts being set up in clubs and schools throughout the country. Can your club develop a facility inside or outdoors? Clubs should discuss the development of Handball and one ball Handball at upcoming club meetings - the County GAA Handball Committee will be happy to provide advise and support with club developments going forward. For more information please contact: Tony O'Connor County Down GAA Handball Secretary Tel: secretary.handball.down@gaa.ie

7 Volume II1 Issue I - FEBRUARY 2014 Page 7 Policy on Unauthorised Pitch Access at Matches For reasons of safety and insurance entry to the pitch area at any time by all unauthorised persons is strictly prohibited. This policy proposed by the National Health & Safety Committee and the National Insurance & Risk Management Committee and approved at Ard Comhairle is aimed particularly at children who enter the pitch area either between games or at the half-time interval during games to play any games including hurling and football. It is the responsibility of ground management to ensure this policy is enforced and that serious efforts are made to prevent such occurrences. Organised games and activities which are supervised by competent personnel are permitted. Efforts should be made in the following areas to ensure compliance of this policy: Training and briefing of stewards and event staff. Work with all other relevant stakeholders in implementing of policy. Communicate to all patrons on match days using public announcements, match programmes and signage where possible. Include this policy in your Event Safety Management Plan and Event Management Document. This policy is effective from January 1st Ulster Indoor Hurling Programme 2014 Ulster GAA will be hosting a number of Provincial Indoor Tournaments for clubs to take part in, these Blitzes are to complement the ones being run regionally and within each county. They will all take place in the Meadowbank sports Arena in Magherafelt. All Players can use their normal Hurley and must wear trainers, No Football Boots to be worn on the carpet surface. This concept is based on the successful Competitions we already have at U10 level and the U18 Competition which was run in North Antrim last year. Benefits include: to provide winter hurling encourage team play, forward play, breaking the tackle and improve defensive play improve stick work, good first touch, composure and better decision making in a conditioned game the ball will be live at all times unless there is a score, no line balls and no wide balls cannot score direct from Puc Outs all games are 5-7 minutes straight (depending on Numbers) all Games use the Quick/ Smart Touch Sliotar all Frees conceded in your defensive end of the pitch result in a 1v1 Penalty against the Fouling team (To stop lazy, cynical fouling) Registration is 10 per team which must be pre-booked and paid for. Teams will not be confirmed until Registration is paid. Please send a completed registration form below along with 10 Registration fee (cheques made payable to Ulster Council GAA) to, Ulster Indoor Hurling Programme 2013/14, 8-10 Market St, Armagh, BT61 7BX Alternatively contact the Ulster GAA Office on (+44/ 0) to make payment by card. For further details please contact Kevin Kelly at kevin.kelly.ulster@gaa.ie or (+44/ 0) Age Group Date of Tournament Booking Closes U12 5 a-side & 9 a-side Saturday 15th February Friday 31st January U10 5 a-side & 9 a-side Saturday 1st March Friday 14th February U16 9 a-side Saturday 22nd March Friday 7th March Minor 9 a-side Saturday 29th March Friday 14th March Please book early to avoid disappointment, as we are limited to the number of teams who can participate in each Tournament.

8 Page 8 EXTRA TIME DOWN GAA NEWSLETTER OLYMPIC MEDAL HERO EGAN CONFIRMED FOR YOUTH CONVENTION OLYMPIC silver medal hero Kenny Egan has been confirmed as the main speaker at Down GAA's upcoming Youth Convention which will take place on March 1st in the Abbey CBS Newry. Egan is best known for winning a Silver Medal in the final of the 81 kg, Light-Heavyweight boxing final at the 2008 Olympics. He also won the European Gold Medal in the 2008 Athens Olympic Qualifiers and a European Bronze Medal in 2006 and 2010 at Light-heavyweight. In January 2011, Egan publicly said he suffered from a drink problem and had gotten help. 'I was drinking too much. I was in a bad place. I was drinking too much. Ever since I got back from the games I just went mad on it and didn't stop' he said. Speaking of his battle with drink, Egan revealed how he would go on week-long binges believing he had earned the right to celebrate. "I said I was going to treat myself to a few pints, I felt it was my right, two years later I ended up in AA," he said last year. In 2012, Egan was an analyst on the 2012 Olympics boxing coverage on RTE Sport. Down led the way back in the 70s and 80s with our Youth Conventions it is now time to get back to what we do best and once again lead the way. We need to keep our young men and women involved in our Association and yes we need to give them wings! Make sure that your Club is represented on March 1st, these young people are our future they won t all play gaelic games but they will all share our passion for them, let s keep them involved. For More Details events.down@gaa.ie

9 Volume II1 Issue I - FEBRUARY 2014 Page 9 GAA GO GAMES What are GAA Go Games? Go Games are small-sided versions of Hurling and Gaelic Football which have been devised for children up to and including 11 years of age. GAA Annual Congress 2013 saw the passing Rule 6.26 to change the Association s policy of Go Games. Subsequently, the supporting policy document was drafted by the Games Development Committee and was approved by Central Council. This forms the basis of national policy, as an extension of Rule 6.26, and is effective as of January 1st, Download Rule 6.26 Policy The following are the key underpinning principles of Go Games: All participants play in the full game. Participant needs are catered fore, where possible, on the basis of two year age cohorts i.e. U.7, U.9 & U.11 in a manner consistent with the ethos of Go Games. Activities are structured in a manner which optimises the level of fun, friendship, fair play and achievement derived by participants. Participants train and play in a safe, supportive and stimulating environment where they are encouraged to risk error, to learn and to derive maximum enjoyment from their involvement. Players master the basic skills of Hurling and Gaelic Football and experience the sense of accomplishment, which derives from acquiring playing proficiency on the left and right hand side of the body. Everybody involved in Go Games, whether as players, parents/guardians, spectators, mentors, teachers, officials etc., should adhere to the key underpinning principles and give expression to the GAA Give Respect, Get Respect initiative. Organising Go Games Go Games may be organised on a blitz basis. Go Games may be organised by a Club, Primary School or at an Approved GAA Centre on an internal (i.e. single unit) or external (i.e. multiple unit) basis. Playing rules can be adapted to meet localised needs. Go Games Regulations The following Go Games Regulations shall apply: Go Games are subject to general rules of the Association. Teams shall be a maximum of 7-a-side at U.6 & 7, 9-a-side at U. 8 & 9 and 11-aside at U.10 & 11 age levels. Participants may play up one age grade i.e. U.7 may play at U.9 level; U.9 may play at U.11 level; U.11 may play at U.12 & U.13 age levels. No provision is made to publish scores, to play on a knock-out basis nor to include semi-finals, finals etc. No provision is made to present trophies, cups etc. Where certificates/ medals are presented in lieu of participation, the same certificate/medal must be presented to every participant.

10 Page 10 EXTRA TIME DOWN GAA NEWSLETTER ULSTER TO HOST FEILE NA NGAEL IN 2014 CALL FOR DOWN HURLING AND CAMOGIE CLUB TO HOST Ulster has been given the honour of hosting the annual hurling Feile na ngael event in 2014 and if successful The competition will be organised throughout Ulster on the weekend of 20th, 21st & 22nd June As you may be aware Feile na ngael is changing to include more clubs from throughout Ireland. We have been asked to organise a hurling event with eight divisions of 16 teams and a Camogie Feile with four divisions, again with 16 teams in each division. That will require eight host teams for each division (i.e. 64 host clubs for hurling and 32 for camogie). This will result in a Feile weekend that will involve double the number of clubs and players as in past years. This will be a massive challenge for Ulster but one that, with the support of Counties and hurling clubs throughout the Province, we can deliver. At this stage it is key that we get an indication of all clubs that will participate in the event by acting as a host club. Please note that no Ulster club will be permitted to compete if they do not act as a host club. I look forward to rising to the challenge and delivering a successful Feile na ngael in 2014 and If your interested in taking part and hosting please contact Ulster Council Hurling Development Manager Jimmy Darragh via Jimmy.darragh.ulster@gaa.ie or via Mobile: +44 (0) REVIEW OF FEILE COMPETITIONS A comprehensive review of the Féile competitions has been undertaken over the last year with a view to ensuring the competitions meet the developmental needs of the GAA youth player. This review was discussed at the January Central Council meeting and the format for 2014 competitions will be decided at the February meeting. The main thrust of recommendations is to ensure that every club in the country is offered the chance to participate in a Féile competition and to ensure a more inclusive approach. This proposal involves a National Féile weekend, one day blitz cross provincial tournaments for premier teams and open invitation provincial blitzes in both Hurling and Gaelic football. The National Féile na ngael tournament will be hosted by Ulster over the weekend of Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd of June; with the National Féile na nóg tournament hosted by Connacht from Friday 27th - Sunday 29th of June. Final details of the programme of events will be released after the Central Council meeting in February. UPCOMING GAMES IN PAIRC ESLER FÉILE DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Proposed dates for Down GAA Féile: Down Féile Na ngael Friday night 4th and Saturday 5th April Down Féile Peile Na nóg Easter Monday Monday 21st April Proposed dates for National Féile Tournaments: Féile Na ngael To be held in Ulster Friday 20th Sunday 22nd June. Féile Peile Na nóg To be held in Connaught Friday 27th Sunday 29th June. 3.00pm Saturday 8th February AIB GAA Hurling All Ireland Senior Club Championship Semi Final Mt Leinster Rangers (Ceatharlach) v Loughgiel Shamrocks (Aontroim) 5.00pm Saturday 15th February AIB GAA Football All Ireland Senior Club Championship Semi Final St. Vincents (Áth Cliath) v Ballinderry (Doire)

11 Volume II1 Issue I - FEBRUARY 2014 Page 11 THE DOWN GAA CLUBS DRAW 2014: In 2012, the GAA in Down came together to launch a major GAA Fundraising Initiative The Down GAA Clubs Draw. To date the draw has raised 1.1 million for the GAA family in Down - For the Clubs of Down. With 110,000 in Prize Fund, the draw allows our Clubs to host a major draw without the individual worry of providing a major Prize Fund. TICKETS AVAILABLE IN ALL CLUBS NOW BENEFITS TO YOUR CLUB The benefits for your Club are tremendous out of every Ticket sold after the initial 20 goes directly to your Club. For example if you help your Club sell another 100 Tickets, then your Club generates 9, for itself with no outlay! ADDITIONAL INCENTIVES TO CLUBS Clubs Selling 120+ Tickets 6 O Neill s Size 5 Footballs or 6dz O Neill s Sliothars Clubs Selling 220+ Tickets Set of O Neill s Training Jerseys in Club Colours Clubs Selling 320+ Tickets Set of O Neill s Jerseys 1-30 in Club Colours Clubs Selling 420+ Tickets Set of O Neill s Jerseys 1-30 in Club Colours plus 10 O Neill s All Ireland Footballs or 10dz O Neill s Sliothars INCENTIVE FOR PATRONS TO PAY IN FULL Special Draw for Patrons who pay up front: 5 PRIZES OF The GAA in Down is what we are. We have great pride in our Club and great Pride in our County. This Draw will give you the opportunity to support Your Club and Your County Down GAA working together - The Down Way - Providing for the Future. 110, MONTHLY DRAWS with 5 Prizes of 1,000 to be won per month 2 SUPER DRAWS 1 Prize of 5,000, 5 prizes of 2,000, and 10 prizes of 1,000 SPECIAL CLUB DRAW Every Club guaranteed a 200 winner in our Special Club Draw 25th June & 12th December SPECIAL DRAW FOR FULLY PAID UP MEMBERS Special Draw for Patrons who pay in full before draw commences: 5 PRIZES OF First Draw: 25 th February 2014 Ticket Price or Standing Order payment of an initial in February and per month payable on the 3rd monthly thereafter For Every Ticket sold by YOUT CLUB, the Club receives 96 Note: 96 out of every Ticket sold after the initial 20 goes directly to YOUR GAA Club MOUTH GUARDS - REQUIRED FOR ALL GAELIC FOOTBALLERS As of January 1st, 2014 all GAA players must be equipped with mouth-guards when playing as part of the GAA's ongoing efforts to safeguard the welfare of players. Participation in GAA games will be dependent on players wearing a mouth-guard and match officials have been instructed accordingly. This latest move follows the introduction of the compulsory use of mouth-guards for all underage GAA players, which came into effect 12 months ago. The Ladies Gaelic Football Association has also introduced a rule which makes the use of mouth-guards mandatory for all Ladies Gaelic Football Players from minor grade down. THE NEW RULE ALSO COMES INTO EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1ST, 2014.

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13 Volume II1 Issue I - FEBRUARY 2014 Page 13 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE WITHIN DOWN GAA Advertise your Business and/or organisation in our monthly Newsletter - Extra Time or on the New County Website which we hope to launched in the coming months If your interested please contact: Down County Secretary Sean Og McAteer secretary.down@gaa.ie SCÓR NA NÓG DATES All Ireland Scór na nóg Final Saturday 1st March 2014 SCÓR SINSIR DATES South Down Final Sunday 9th February 2014 East Down Final Sunday 16th February 2014 Down County Final Sunday 23rd February. As provincial finals must be completed one month prior to All Ireland - it is likely the Ulster final will be held on Saturday 22nd or 29th of March. Semi finals are proposed for 7th, 8th & 9th March. All Ireland Scór Sinsir Final Saturday 26th April 2014 INDOOR WHEELCHAIR HURLING-RECRUITING PLAYERS Ulster GAA are recruiting physically disabled players who would like to take part in the next indoor wheelchair Provincial blitz in Galway on the 8th February. The Ulster Team participated in the first provincial wheelchair blitz last November in Athlone and are now looking for additional new players to play against Leinster, Connacht & Munster We are looking for males & females who are over 16 and would like the opportunity to try this fast and exciting game. Participants do not have to be a regular wheelchair user to play so this might suit someone with any physical disability who would like to play hurling in a competitive environment. The team will be travelling to Galway on the Friday night and returning on Saturday evening, all transports, accommodation & meals will be provided, so if you know anyone who you think may be interested in playing for Ulster, get in contact with: Paul Callaghan, Ulster Regional Development Officer Tel: or Paul.callaghan.ulster@gaa.ie

14 Page 14 EXTRA TIME DOWN GAA NEWSLETTER DOWN CLUB DEVELOPMENT COURSE The Down Club Development Course takes place on Monday 3rd February at St Malachy's High School, Castlewellan from 7pm to 9.30pm. The training aims to provide club officers and members with essential information for the year ahead. The workshops to be delivered in Down are outlined below. In addition to this there will be a Croke Park representative present to give information on a new online claims system for the Players Injury Scheme. Ulster GAA will also be distributing the new 'Heads Up' Mental Health Resource for GAA clubs at this event, any club looking a copy of this are advised to attend as the resource is limited to one per club. For any club in the process of applying for club maith or considering applying, attendance at Officer Training events are a requirement. Can I ask for clubs to encourage officers and members to attend workshops that would be best suited to their roles and which they may get benefit from. Deadline for registration to this FREE course is 5pm on Friday 31st January. Any clubs looking to attend must register by ing fionntan.odowd.ulster@gaa.ie or call Workshops Child Protection It is imperative that all clubs create the safest possible environment for all children and young people to participate in GAA Games and Activities. Central to this is the role of the Children s Officer and Designated Officer. It is mandatory that every club has a Children s Officer and that they are adequately trained to fulfil the requirements of their roles. This course provides that necessary training for both roles and is an excellent source of support and advice in a very sensitive area of club life. Fundraising in your Club This course looks at how best to organise your Club to implement practical ways to generate funds. The course showcases a range of innovative fundraising methods, reflecting on case studies from Clubs who have successfully implemented the approaches. Time will also be given to exploring the role of a fundraising unit within the Club and how best to plan for most effective fundraising. Valuing Volunteers Volunteers are the most valuable asset within our GAA clubs and it is important they are recognised for their efforts. This session will highlight best practice and experiences from clubs throughout the province, providing advice on how a plan can be implemented to help recruit, retain and recognise volunteers within their community. One Club The One Club workshop informs participants of what has been achieved to date at National level from each of the governing bodies involved in the integration process. The course reflects what is being done at Ulster level, detailing the structure and remit of the Ulster Integration Committee, and subsequent county committees. Practical examples from clubs who have been through the process are relayed and should prove beneficial to all clubs regardless of what stage in the One Club process they find themselves in. The Healthy GAA Club This course advises Clubs how best to organise themselves to address the health needs of members. It encourages a collective structured approach to implementing a range of initiatives. The course sets out in a practical ways as to how Clubs can address issues such as Cardiac Screening, Defibrillator Responsibilities, Road Safety, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP), Mental Health, Social Initiative, and player s medical concerns. The course advises on a range of partners who can assist with the implementation of club based education and workshops.

15 Volume II1 Issue I - FEBRUARY 2014 Page 15 THE BIGGEST WEEKENDS IN THE THIRD LEVEL GAA CALENDAR ALL IN ONE VENUE, THE QUEEN S GAA FESTIVAL Whether you are a player, a supporter or just want to be involved then there is something for everyone. This has never been done before - The GAA Clubs at Queen s University have secured the right to host the Ashbourne, Sigerson, Fitzgibbon and O Connor Cups in February / March Together, these are the marquee University GAA events for Camogie, Football, Hurling and Ladies Football respectively. This will be an ambitious and unique initiative as no college has ever hosted even two of the four major tournaments in the same academic year. Queen s University have a proud history of hosting sporting events successfully and the GAA Club has been praised for raising the bar for the quality of inter varsity tournament hosting on each of the last two occasions of hosting the Sigerson Cup in 2007 and The four sporting competitions will be complemented by a programme of events celebrating university sport, culture, student achievement, the GAA and Belfast as a host city. All of the events will be marketed collectively under the one banner, Queen s GAA Festival. Queen s GAA Festival will be based mainly at Queen s Sport s facilities at Upper Malone. A marquee will be erected for the Festival weekends, it along with the superb pavilion facilities at Upper Malone will be the host venues for many of the non GAA sporting events. FESTIVAL WEEKENDS Competition Date Ashbourne Cup February 2014 Sigerson Cup February 2014 Fitzgibbon Cup 28 Feb 1 March 2014 O Connor Cup March 2014 Through their website ( and social media channels people will be kept updated on anything from results to entertainment and places to stay. If you would like to get involved immediately in any of these initiatives, please get in touch by to gaafestival@qub.ac.uk ULSTER SENIOR HURLING TAIN CLUB LEAGUE 2014 The 2014 Ulster Senior Hurling Tain Club League will consist of 48 teams and will have 5 divisions with clubs from Ard Mhacha, An Cabhán, Doire, Dún na ngall, An Dún, Fear Manach, An Lú, Muineachán and Tír Eoghain participating. Division 1 12 Teams Division 2 12 Teams Division 3 12 Teams Division 4 6 Teams Division 5 6 Teams (1 Round of 11 Games) (1 Round of 11 Games) (1 Round of 11 Games) (10 Games, 2 Rounds of 5 Games, Home and Away) (10 Games, 2 Round of 5 Games, Home and Away) Sunday 30th March: Round 1 Sunday 6th April: Round 2 Monday 21st April: Round 3 Saturday 26th April: Round 4 Saturday 24th May: Round 5 Saturday 31st May: Round 6 Saturday 7th June: Round 7 Wednesday 25th June: Round 8 Wednesday 2nd July: Round 9 Saturday 5th July: Round 10 Saturday 19th July: Round 11 Down clubs taking part include: Kilclief Liatroim, Newry Shamrocks, Clonduff, Cumann Pheadair Naofa, Ballela, Bredagh II, Ballyvarley, Carryduff, and Castlewellan All the latest fixtures and results can be found on the Ulster GAA website at ULSTER CLUB FOOTBALL LEAGUE The Quinns Corner Ulster Club Football League commences on Sunday 2nd February with 35 teams competing across two grades. The 35 Teams are divided into Senior & Intermediate grades with 12 teams in Senior and 23 teams in Intermediate. Each team will play four games respectively within its group, with 2 points for a win and 1 point for a draw. Bryansford and Annaclone will be playing in the Senior League while Newry Shamrocks and St John Bosco wil compete in the Intermediate League. All the latest fixtures and results can be found on the Ulster GAA website at

16 County Management Committee 2014 Contact Information CHAIRMAN: Seamus Walsh VICE CHAIRMAN: William Smith SECRETARY: Sean Og McAteer ASSISTANT SECRETARY: Paul Blaney TREASURER: Brendan Fitzpatrick ASSISTANT TREASURER: Seamus Ryan COUNTY PRO: Paul Rooney CENTRAL COUNCIL REP: Sean Rooney ULSTER COUNCIL REP: Diarmuid Cahill ULSTER COUNCIL REP: John Devaney DEVELOPMENT OFFICER: Maureen O Higgins developmentofficer.down@gaa.ie COACHING OFFICER: Seamus Ennis coachingofficer.down@gaa.ie IRISH & CULTURE OFFICER: Paula Magee irishculturalofficer.down@gaa.ie SOUTH DOWN CHAIRMAN: Michael Mc Ardle chairman.southdown. down@gaa.ie EAST DOWN CHAIRMAN: Sean Mc Cashin Down GAA 2013 Edited and Produced by Diarmuid Cahill Sean Og McAteer Down GAA - Working Together DOWN GAA MATCH DAY DEALS WITH THE CANAL COURT HOTEL AND/OR CARRICKDALE HOTEL 1. 10% discount off Bar Snacks menu in Canal Court on match dates Course Meal available in Carrick Restaurant at CLUB OFFICER DEVELOPMENT COURSE Monday 3rd February 2014 St Malachy s High School, Castlewellan 7.00pm-7:20pm Registration 7.20pm-7.25pm Opening County Officer 7:25pm-8:05pm Plenary Welcome Player Injury Scheme and Insurance Child Protection 8:10pm 9:30pm WORKSHOPS: Fundraising in your Club One Club Valuing Volunteers The Healthy GAA Club Child Protection All supporters must quote reference: GAA0214 in both hotels for offer to apply. NEW REFEREE TRAINING New Referee training proposed dates are as follows: Feb 13th 7:30 Burrendale Feb 20th 7:30 Burrendale Fitness Test Date & Venue will be agreed at course. We would ask all clubs to forward names of those interested in taking part in the training to send me their names and contact details ASAP so as we can confirm tutors and dates, we would also appeal to all clubs to make a big effort in recruiting volunteers to come forward and train as a referee, either Hurling or football. INFORMATION NIGHT FOR CLUB COACHING OFFICERS On Tuesday 4th February 7.30pm, Down GAA will be holding a information night for all our Club Coaching Officers. The evening will be held in St John's GAC Drumnaquoile and will be delivered by Diarmuid Masrden from Ulster GAA. It is essential the EVERY club in the county is represented at this workshop. Diramuid will use the night to highlight and identify the key roles and responsibilities of a Club Coaching Officer and offer advice and guidance on best practice. Please ensure that this information makes its way to the your Club Coaching Officer immediately.