EXTRA TIME DOWN GAA NEWSLETTER

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1 EXTRA TIME DOWN GAA NEWSLETTER Inside this issue Feile na ngael Handball 2 Feile na ngael Hurling 2 Football Feile 3 GAA Benevolent Fund 3 Down Schools Draw 3 One Club Model 4 New Playing Rules 6 Great Famine Reflection 6 South Down Notes 7 Rostrevor Social Initiative 7 Referees Administration 7 Governance/Administration 7 Coiste Iomana, An Duin 8 Bord na nog 8 East Down 9 SportsJobs.ie 9 Live to Play 10 SPORTED. Small Grants 10 Registration/Injury Scheme 10 The 3rd Annual U12 Activity Day in Croke Park Down men among Presidents New Committees Development Squads 12 Hurling Coaching Update 13 CCC Corner 14 Down GAA Supporting Campaign against Racism 14 Decency 15 Down Teachers In-Service Day Reduced Ticket Prices for Ulster Championships Down GAA Meet the Players Event GAA how is it for you 19 Down GAA Schools Draw 19 Kellogg s Cul Camps 20 Scor and Cultural 22 Volume 1 Issue 4 New Facebook Page for Down GAA Down GAA PR and Communications committee held a number of meeting over the last number of weeks. At present members of the committee are working on revamping the Down GAA Website and hopefully we will have more details of this revamp in next months edition of extra time with a planned relaunch of the website planned for June or July. The committee also streamed live the Down GAA Club championship draws for 2012 in conjunction with our streaming partners Over 500 viewers tuning in on the night, so it was seen as a success. We were unable to stream the league semi-final between Down and Cork in Croke Park, due to restrictions by the GAA and the broadcasting companies. However members of the committee will be meeting with Croke Park Stadium Director, Peter McKenna in the next Month to explain and demonstrate how our streaming work. We also have been involved in producing a program for the An Dun Feile Na ngael This is the first year that the committee EXTRA TIME DOWN GAA NEWSLETTER May 2012 produce a full 32 colour page programme for the event and it proved to be a huge success. We also are in the final preparations with a meet the players night which will be held on 11th of May. We hope to carry out interviews with players, management and supporters on the night all in the build up to our first game in this years Ulster championship match against Fermanagh. On the night we plan to hand out free Down GAA posters. Down will be hosting the event in the Abbey CBS Sports complex, Newry. More details along with times etc our available from all Club secretaries or the Down GAA Website or the New Official Down GAA Facebook Page. With the first rounds of our Club championship fast approaching, we would ask for all Club PRO s co-operation when we are seeking detail of their teams for program, information, photos etc in the week leading up to your championship game. The New Facebook Page OfficialDownGAA Has now been set up and this is the ONLY OFFICIAL DOWN GAA FACEBOOK PAGE. Remember the Official Down Twitter account is also OfficialDownGAA All the latest Down GAA news, Fixtures, Results, Photos and updates will appear on our Facebook, Twitter and our website We re on the Web /OfficialDownGAA OfficialDownGAA

2 Page 2 EXTRA TIME Feile na ngael Handball 2012 Saval GAC hosted another successful County Feile Na ngael Handball competition. RGU and Saval contested the final which was enjoyed by players and spectators alike. The Saval pairing of Ciaran Bagnal and Michael Havern played Riain Doran and Ciaran Hampton of the RGU in the first tie and put on a fine display with some quality exchanges packed with passing shot, low drives and roof shots. The strength of the Saval pairing was clear and despite the best efforts of the RGU lads, Saval won 21-8 points. The second tie featured Saval s Sean Fallon and Fintan Havern against RGU s Paul Smyth and Conor Walters. Again quality rallies featured in a nail biting encounter with scoring neck and neck throughout the match. The game was locked at with the service being exchanged six times at game point before the Saval lads clinched the match with an irretrievable two wall passing shot. The honours for the skills competition also went with Saval with Sean Fallon, one of the County s most promising young players, putting on a fine display of the key skills to take the honours. Both teams represented their clubs for Saturday s parade in Castlewellan and went on to enjoy a day of promoting handball for other clubs in the county with coaching sessions and handball demonstrations at a specially erected one wall court organised by members of the Castlewellan club and the County Feile Committee. Feile na ngael The Down Feile weekend in Castlewellan got off to a thrilling start with the primary school skills competitions and games on Friday evening. There were 10 players in the camogie skills and the winner was Catriona Egan, St Mary s PS Kircubbin with Niamh McMullan St Pat s Ballygalget in second place and joint third were Saoirse Sands, St Mary s Portafery and Caitlin O Toole St Matthews, Magheramayo. The Boys had a closely contested competition in hurling skills. Caolan Coulter, St Pat s Ballygalget was the winner with Padraig Doran, Bunscol Dun Phadraig in 2nd place and Aaron Dorrian, St Mary s Kircubbin, 3rd. The finals of the primary schools camogie and hurling attracted a large crowd and were played in ideal conditions and St Patrick s Ballygalget were worthy winners in the camogie final against a gallant Aughlisnafin team. The hurling final was well contested with St Mary s Kircubbin edging ahead of St Malachy s Castlewellan in the final minutes. The Skill star Camogie for club players attracted eleven players who showed a high standard of skill.top player was Neisha McCullagh of Ballycran with 149 points. In second place was Erin Hagan with 146 points and Calre Donaldson of Portaferry was third scoring 114 points. Neisha will represent Down at the National Feile in Dublin in June. The Hurling Skillstar was always close throughout the six series of skills. Twelve clubs were represented with Adam Doran of Ballygalget coming first scoring a total of 200 points and collecting the trophy from Down Feile Chairman, Michael Keenan. Division I Hurling Ballygalget, last year s champions,were drawn against Bredagh in the opening game and they had an easy passage to the semifinals. The second game was a thriller with Portaferry taking an early lead against Ballycran and they held on to secure a place in the final. Carryduff were up against Ballygalget in the second semi-final and there was little to separate the teams at the break. The stronger Carryduff side forced ahead in the final quarter to book their spot in the final. The young Ballygalget team gave a brilliant display but the winners had more scoring firepower in the forwards and weren t to be denied. In a thrilling final it was Portaferry who held the early advantage and newcomers Carryduff took a while to settle. Then they gained control around the middle of the park and held out to lift the George Conway Cup for the first time for the club. They will represent Down in the national Finals in Dublin. Division 2 Hurling Seven team were competing for the title and the first game saw Ballyvarley failing to get on top against Shamrocks who won by 4 points. Mourne were looking strong against Kilclief but they lacked the skill and scoring forwards of the winners who had an easy win to get to the semi-finals. Local rivals Castlewellan and Liatroim served up a thrilling game in the nest game and there was nothing between the sides with Liatroim getting ahead in the final minutes against a gallant Castlewellan side. Shamrocks were always too strong for A young Warrenpoint side and Kilclief had to battle all the way against Liatroim to gain a two point advantage at the final whistle. The final was well played by both teams and showed a good level of skill and teamwork. Kilclief took an early lead with goals from Eoin Breen and they lead by seven points at the break. Shamrocks replied with points early in the second half and maintained the attack but Louis McMullan and Patrick McGirr were sound defenders for Kilclief. They responded with final scores from man of the match, Eoin Breen, and Mark Curran. Pierce Laverty and Declan McClements dominated the midfield with strong tackling and running.final score Kilclief 3-06 Shamrocks Captain Louis McMullan lifted the Div 2 Shield to the delight of the Red and Green supporters.

3 Volume 1 Issue 4 Page 3 Down Football Feile Report and Results Burren, An Riocht and Drumaness come out on top in Down Football Feile. Over 500 U14 Gaelic football players and 24 teams from all over County Down descend on Newry for the 2012 Down GAA Football Feile on Easter Monday. The competition organised by Down GAA Bord na Og saw over 60 games take place at three venues throughout Newry - St Colman's College, Abbey CBS and Pairc Esler. The competition was split into three sections with the group stages of Section A taking place in St Colman's College, Section B in the Abbey and Section C at Pairc Esler. The semi-finals and finals of all three sections took place in Pairc Esler. Bredagh, Bryansford, Carryduff, Castlewellan, Downpatrick, Saul, Ballyholland, Burren, Clonduff, Mayobridge, Rostrevor and Shamrocks all took part in Section A of the competition. After the group stages Carryduff, Cloduff, Rostrevor and Burren all qualified for the semi-finals in Pairc Elser. Carryduff defeated Clonduff, while Burren overcame Rostrevor. Carryduff looked the better side in the opening stages of the final, but Burren stuck to their task and started to get on top at midfield and within the forward line and in the opening stages of the second half fired over a few points and a goal to run out 1-06 to 0-03 winners. Burren now go on to represent Down in the All-Ireland Feile Peil Competition which is due to take place in Laois/Offaly on the weekend of 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of June. In Section B Liatroim, Warrenpoint, Clann Na Banna, An Riocht, Glenn and Kilcoo all took part with An Riocht beating Liatroim and Warrenpoint defeating Glen in the semi Finals. In the final An Riocht beat Warrenpoint by two points 3-02 to 2-03 in a game which could have gone either way right to the final whistle. Atticall, Aughlisnafin, Baileghlas, Drumgath, Drumaness and Longstone all took part in Section C with Atticall, Drumaness, Drumgath and Longstone all making the semi-final stages. Drumaness and Longstone qualified for the final where Drumaness overcame Longstone by 2-06 to 1-02 to claim the title. 1.0 Purpose The purpose of the fund is to assist those current or former players and members of the Association who may require medical or surgical treatment, those who may be in a difficult financial situation or, indeed, any other circumstances which convince the Trustees that financial help is needed by a member of the Association and should be given. 2.0 Trustees The Trustees of the Benevolent Fund will be three former Presidents of the Association and the work of this group will be serviced by the Player Welfare Manager. 3.0 Application Procedure Applications to the Benevolent Fund should be made initially to the County Secretary - usually through a club secretary but, in certain circumstances by an individual member - and will be forwarded, with the County Secretary s relevant observations, to the Trustees for consideration. 4.0 Awards Awards from the Benevolent Fund will be made directly from the Association s resources and the Benevolent Fund will operate independently from the various Insurance Funds and Injury Schemes currently in place. GAA BENEVOLENT FUND 4.1. An award from the Benevolent Fund will not be regarded as compensation for any specific circumstance or injury The amount awarded in each case is at the absolute discretion of the Trustees and will not be open to subsequent appeal No correspondence will be entered into with any third party other than the nominating person or body The individual awards and the workings of the Trustees will be absolutely confidential Awards will only be paid directly to the beneficiary or to a third party nominated by the beneficiary A limited amount at the discretion of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael will be set aside for such awards each year. 5.0 Criteria for Consideration 5.1. General In order for a case to be considered by the Benevolent fund, it should meet each of the following criteria: It has been recommended to the Benevolent Fund by the relevant County or Provincial Secretary The case refers to a current or former member or player of the Gaelic Athletic Association or their spouse All other appropriate areas of financial assistance have been exhausted (e.g. GAA Player Injury Scheme, health insurance, public liability insurance, any relevant legal proceedings etc) There is evidence of real financial hardship arising either from direct involvement with the GAA or because of external factors (such as debilitating illness) Player Injury Scheme The GAA Benevolent Fund in normal circumstances should not be used to supplement payments from, or address shortfalls of, the GAA Player Injury Scheme. However, in extreme circumstances, it may decide to consider such cases as are referred to it by the National Insurance Work Group, where there is specific evidence of financial hardship due to injury sustained through the playing of Gaelic Games. As a general rule in such circumstances, it is accepted that payments from the Benevolent Fund will not exceed 1/3 of the shortfall from the Injury scheme and that the relevant County and Club units should be asked to similarly contribute where appropriate Special Circumstances The Chairman of the Trustees, may in special circumstances and at his discretion, recommend that a payment be considered by the Trustees where not all of the criteria outlined above are evident in a particular case. As approved by Ard Chomhairle, CLG, 2009

4 Page 4 EXTRA TIME ONE CLUB MODEL For the last 12 months Uachtarán CLG, Christy Cooney, has had a One Club Committee working to establish the feasibility of three organisations, GAA, Camogie, and Ladies Gaelic Football, coming together under One Club at grassroots level. The reality of the situation is that there are many clubs that have been operating as an integrated club for years but there has been no formal structure in place to define how this works. One of the first tasks for this committee was to define the One Club model. From their research they defined the One Club as follows: The One Club is one that equally promoted the games, ideals and aspirations of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, the Camogie Association, and the Gaelic Athletic Association. Its administration is governed by a single constitution, which provides for the election of an Executive Committee to manage the business and affairs of the Club as well as providing for a single membership structure. All activity, including fundraising and games development are carried out to support the development of the Club and the promotion of all games. The Committee also made a number of key decisions in relation to how clubs should engage with the One Club Model. Integration will be on an optional basis and not compulsory. However, it will be encouraged and support by all Associations. The three Associations will remain separate governing bodies, retaining their own unique identity. The three Associations will merge the rules on Club Administration. Therefore, all three Associations will have their own Club constitution that is based on the current GAA Club Constitution. The three Associations will adopt the same rules on membership in order to achieve standardisation across the Associations. In the One Club, all members of their unit will be members of all three Associations. There will be one executive committee, one back account and one fundraising mechanism in the club. Pursuing the One Club model is about building for the future, based on the past. The One Club model facilitates and equally promotes the coming together of Ladies Football, Camogie and the GAA on a voluntary basis to make the family of Gaelic Games the largest sporting family in the country. This model presents clubs in all three Associations with guidelines for those that are already participating in a similar model and those that may wish to do so in the future. It provides an opportunity to promote the gaelic games ethos of the sports, to increase the volunteer base, develop club structures and become members of all three Associations. There will be challenges that will arise from this coming together, but with good communications, openness facilitation, respect and understanding these will be overcome for the betterment of promotion and partici- Further Information please contact: Down GAA Development Officer, Maureen O Higgins, 51 Bryansford Avenue, Newcastle, BT33 0LG developmentofficer.down@gaa.ie Mob:

5 Volume 1 Issue 4 Page 5 pation in the games and culture that we love. A single club affiliation for GAA, Ladies Football and Camogie In the integrated club, separate club affiliations on or before the specified dates will still need to be submitted to the individual Associations. However, the affiliation will take place under one name e.g. X G.A.A. Club, X GAA, Ladies Football and Camogie Club etc. This is in order to facilitate the unit s participation in competitions run by the respective Associations, participation at County Conventions etc. and to facilitate players of the various codes being subject to the disciplinary procedures of the respective Association. Therefore, while the club will have one name and be governed by one constitution (this is discussed later), the club will affiliate to the three Associations, assuming the club is catering for the codes of the three Associations. One set of Colours The committee recommends that the club moves to one set of colours. However, should a particular code in the club wish to retain its colours for historical and traditional purposes, that can be facilitated. Membership All three Associations adopt the same categories of membership at club level. These categories will be Full, Youth, Honorary and Social membership. This will require a rule change for the Camogie Association and the Ladies Football Association. At Association level, all three Associations will adopt the categories of Full and Youth Membership. The Ladies Football Association can continue with the category of Associate membership as this cannot be granted by a club, and therefore will not affect the One- Club. Honorary Membership within Ladies Football The Honorary category of membership in Ladies Football will be redefined to confer voting rights, in order to be consistent with the GAA category of Honorary membership. Increase in age of voting within Ladies Football and Camogie Ladies Football and Camogie will increase the age of voting from 16 to 18. In the one-club, all members (except Social members) will become either Full or Youth members, depending on their age, of the Gaelic Athletic Association, the Ladies Football Association and the Camogie Association. Players will be registered with their respective Associations and in accordance with the dates specified etc. as outlined by the three Associations. Therefore, GAA and Camogie players will still need to be registered three days before a game, current Ladies Football players before June 1st and so on. ONE CLUB MODEL GAA online registration system All three Associations will move to use the GAA online registration system. Membership year and the date of registration In relation to membership year and the date of registration for voting purposes, the committee recommends the final date for registration in order to entitle a person to voting rights across the three Associations be changed to June 1st. Players who play one of the codes with an integrated club In relation to players who play one of the codes with an integrated club, but still wish to maintain an Association with a club in their home parish/ catchment area, the committee recommends that the players become Full/ Youth members of the integrated club. However, should they wish to retain an association with the club in their home parish/area, they can become Social Members of that club. Membership fees, injury fund fees and family membership There should be one set of fees in the One- Club, covering all categories of Full, Youth and Social membership. The One-Club should not apply different fees to players based on the code they are playing. Players Injury Fund for all players It has agreed, in principal, the three Associations should move to one insurance and injury fund scheme. However, this would be dependent on their being a cost/ administration benefit for all three Associations. Club Constitution, Dates of Club AGM, and the Club Executive The Camogie Association and the Ladies Football Association will adopt the GAA Club Constitution. This will involve removing rules relating to club administration from their Official Guides and inserting the Club Constitution as one document. Each club will have an Executive Committee, elected in accordance with rule 7.1 of the Club Constitution. Therefore, each officer will be acting on behalf of the three Associations i.e. the Club Children s Officer will be the Children s Officer for the three Associations and so on. Each club will, at a minimum have 5 subcommittees, namely: Ladies Football Camogie Hurling and Football Finance & Fundraising Fixtures The chairperson of each sub-committee in the club will sit on the club Executive. Other subcommittees can be appointed as required by the club. A club can also have a separate hurling and separate football sub -committee, if this is required. The Fixtures Sub-Committee will deal with the use of the club grounds by the various teams in the club. Coaching Officer The GAA will include Coaching Officer as a listed officer on its Executive Committee. In the One-Club, this officer will be known as Development/Coaching Officer. Discipline in the Club Discipline of players, mentors etc during games: These matters will be handled by the Association in charge of the fixture and any appeal with go through the appeals process of that Association. If a Ladies Football player is suspended from playing, the suspension will not extend to Camogie and vice-versa. Internal disciplinary issues As all members will be members of the GAA, these matters will be dealt with by the GAA disciplinary procedures, as outlined in rule to ). However, penalties will extend to the three Associations. This means that if person is suspended from the One Club, they will be suspended from the club and the three Associations and therefore cannot become involved in a stand-alone GAA club, Camogie or Ladies Football club. The appeal process will be through the current GAA appeals process. Players, Officers and all Members will be bound by the Code of Conduct of all three Associations. This includes the Code of Practice for All Officers of the Camogie Association.

6 Page 6 EXTRA TIME New Playing Rules come into effect on the 14th May The following Playing Rule changes which were passed at Congress on Saturday, 14th April. These changes will become operative one month from Congress (i.e 14th May) and are to be implemented in all competitions. Football Only Square Ball This has been amended to allow a player enter the small rectangle once the final deliberate play of the ball has been made, i.e. as soon as the player kicks, hand-passes, fist passes or deliberately flicks the ball into the small rectangle then the attacking player may enter. The rule is unchanged with regard to Set Play i.e. Free Kicks, Line Balls and 45s in these instances players are not permitted to enter the small rectangle before the ball. The full text of the new rule is: Rule 4.9 Official Guide Part 2 Rules of Foul Play Rule 4 Technical Fouls: 2. Hurling and Football An additional Power of the Referee has been added as follows: To consult, on a needs basis, with a linesman or umpire(s) where neutral in order to establish matters of fact. In the case of the Umpires, this shall include consultation concerning the validity of a score when the Referee is in doubt. For an attacking player to enter opponents small rectangle: (a) During Play (excluding Set Play), before the final play of the ball into the small rectangle (b) In Set Play, before the ball enters the small rectangle. Exception: (i) If an attacking player legally enters the small rectangle, and the ball is played from that area but is returned before the attacking player has time to leave the area, provided he does not play the ball or interfere with the defence, a foul is not committed. (ii) When a point is scored from outside the small rectangle and the ball is sufficiently high to be out of reach of all players, the score shall be allowed even though an attacking player may have been, otherwise illegally, within the small rectangle before the ball provided that the player in question does not interfere with the defence. In May 2008, the Irish Government decided to inaugurate an annual National Famine Commemoration Day in memory of all those who died and emigrated during the Great Famine. On foot of this a National Famine Commemoration Committee was established to consider the most appropriate arrangements for the commemoration. Last year's National Famine Commemoration was held in Clones, County Monaghan and it was a very successful and moving occasion. The Committee has agreed that the 2012 National Famine Commemoration will take place in Drogheda, County Louth, on Sunday, 131h May in the presence of An Taoiseach, Mr Enda Kenny T.D. Communities around the country are also encouraged to hold their own local events to commemorate the Great Famine. All public and sporting organisations are invited to observe a minute's silence at events taking place on 13th May 2012, the National Famine Commemoration Day. As you know, the catastrophic failure of the potato crop during the 1840s was a transforming event in Ireland. The population of Ireland, which exceeded 8 million in the Census of 1841 was reduced by approximately 1.5 million through death and emigration by the time of the 1851 Census. There is probably no other event in our history that can be likened to the Great Famine either for its immediate impact or its legacy. That legacy includes a strong appreciation among Irish people of issues such as food security and a strong commitment to humanitarian aid and relief. I invite you to observe a minute of silent reflection at all sporting and public events taking place on Sunday, 13th May, in memory of all those who suffered loss during the Famine, - loss of life, loss of family, This rule change gives the referee power to consult with the linemen and umpires and will be particularly relevant in the adjudication on square balls. 3. Hurling and Football - Rule 2: The Players, Rules of Specification This has been amended to allow substitutions be made when the referee has stopped play after a score or wide or for a free, sideline puck/kick or where the Referee has stopped play for medical attention to an injured player. Previously substitutions could only be made when the ball had gone out of play following a score or a wide, or when a stoppage in play was called by the referee for medical attention to an injured player. Invitation to observe a minute of silent reflection on Sunday, 13th May 2012 in memory of all those who suffered loss during the Great Famine loss of home and loss of country. I would like to thank you most sincerely for your support in this regard. If you would like to discuss the matter further, please feel free to contact Orlaith Lochrin by at: corporate.governance@ahg.gov.ie Yours sincerely Jimmy Deenihan, T.D. Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Chair of the National Famine Commemoration Committee

7 Volume 1 Issue 4 Page 7 South Down Notes South Down Minor Sevens The South Down Minor Sevens will take place on Sunday 6th May 2012 at am in St Marks High School Warrenpoint.Clubs are reminded that registration will take place at 10.15am. South Down U-14 Development Squad 2012 Nominations from Clubs for players to be trialled for this years South Down U-14 Development Squad will close on Friday 4th May.Clubs are reminded that Only those players in their Final year at U-14 level will be trialled.clubs will be notified in due course of times and venues for Trials. U-8 and U-10 Go Game Blitzes The Board would appreciate that if Clubs are unable to attend their allocated Blitz that they notify the Assistant Secretary Michael O Rourke.U-8s and U-10s only have One Blitz per month and it is important that they get the most out of that experience. Rostrevor Social Initiative to Croke Park The Board would also encourage South Down Clubs to organise challenge games for their U-8 and U-10 squads which could take place at Half Time during your Clubs Senior Game on a Friday evening. South Down Scor At a recent meeting of the South Down Scor Meeting Scor Chairperson William James Smith and Secretary Paula Magee stepped down from their positions due to their ever increasing workload. William has served 6 years as Chairperson and Paula 13 years as Secretary and on behalf of all the Clubs in South Down we would like to thank them for the magnificent job they have done in raising the standard of Scor Competition in South Down. Further Information on South Down Board please contact: Michael McArdle, South Down Chairperson chairperson.south.down@gaa.ie On Tuesday April 24th, St.Bronaghs Rostrevor undertook a social initiative outing to Croke Park. In total 29 people travelled, including many Rostrevor greats from yesteryear. Among the group were four all Ireland winners from 1960/61 Leo Murphy, 1968 Mickey Cole, Hilary McGrath and Michael Daly. The trip included a private stadium tour followed by lunch and a visit to the museum. A most enjoyable day for all who travelled. Any club carrying out or organising a Social Initiative event, please make sure you forward the details to Maureen O'Higgins, Down GAA Development Officer or if you want more information on the initiative please Maureen: developmentofficer.down@gaa.ie 1ST PRIZE 2000 SAUL GAC (Saul) 2ND PRIZE 1000 KATHLEEN FITZSIMMONS (Dundrum) DOWN GAA CLUB DRAW - APRIL RESULTS 3RD PRIZE 1000 PATRICK CUNNINGHAM (Burren) 4TH PRIZE 1000 DAVID WILSON (Atticall) CLUB DRAWS 200 NOEL MCALLISTER (An Riocht) JENNIFER DOWNEY (Drumgath) JAMES ATCHESON (Downpatrick) PETER KING (Dundrum) REPORT FROM REFEREES ADMINISTRATION Referee Administration at present is mainly involved in appointments as we are just into the busiest part of the season for referees, at present all active referees are out at least twice per week and in quite a lot of cases more than that. This has been made possible by the fact that there is one appointments committee for all competitions within the County from U16 to Senior. We have set ourselves the aim of having all referees assessed at least once by an officially trained assessor this is ongoing with all assessors also out at least once per week. Croke Park has recently launched a plan called the National Pathway for Refereeing, this document sets out for the first time a plan for every County to use which is the same for all levels of refereeing from County to Provincial to National and we as administrators and referees have clear guidelines to follow in order for Down Referees to get the honour of Refereeing at the highest level. This document will be forwarded to all club secretaries when it becomes available from Croke Park. We plan to have the pre championship Seminar for Referees in the week starting May 21st when we have our Exam break for Juvenile fixtures, all referees will be expected to attend also that week we will be running another fitness test and rules test for any referee who has missed out the first time, it is important that all clubs make sure that their club referees attend these events. Notice will be sent to club secretaries and to referees confirming dates times and venue over the next week. Sean O Ruanaidh

8 Page 8 EXTRA TIME GOVERNANCE/ADMINISTRARION: GOOD PRACTICE GUIDELINES From the Strategic Plan Implementation and Review Committee In January, 2011 the Committee issued a circular to all Sub-Committees and Task Forces of the County Committee recommending the administrative practices outlined below: i. To formulate a Work-Programme for the year including Action on the Recommendations arising from the Down Strategy for which the Sub -Committee/Task Force is the designated Lead Committee (Recommendation 1.3). ii. To send a copy of the Minutes of each meeting of the Sub-Committee/Task Force to the County Secretary. (Recommendation 1.6). iii. To send Progress Reports on the work of the Sub-Committee/Task Force to the County Secretary, for circulation to the Clubs. (Recommendation 1.3). iv. To prepare a Report for Annual County Convention to be included in the County Convention Booklet. (Recommendation 1.3). The Secretary of each Sub- Committee/Task Force to maintain a file of Signed Minutes and other relevant documentation of handing on to his/her successor when the time comes, in order to facilitate continuity and progression and to provide an historical record. (Governance/ Administration, Chapter 1 of Report). The Committee wishes to thank the Sub-Committees and Task Forces who have complied with these administrative practices. Enquiries to Willie Gribben, Runai: (028) COISTE IOMANA, AN DUIN MAY 2012: Hurling Mentor, as stated in the previous edition, I agreed to keep all informed of progress, the proposed seminar date and venue hasn t been finalised yet, it is proposed to take place in May Co. Teams: Minor; pride of place has to go to the Minors, for annexing the Ulster Minor Hurling League with a magnificent victory over Antrim in the Final, held in RGU Downpatrick on Saturday 14th April. Congratulations to Fergus, his selectors and Panel for the success. U-21; thanks to all Clubs for supplying names of potential players for the team, their preparation for the upcoming Ulster Championship will be commencing in May 2012, players and Clubs will be notified in due course. Senior; the team has been relegated after a Playoff against Wicklow in Trim on Sunday 22nd April, next up for the team is a Christy Ring Cup game V Mayo on Saturday 5th May Hopefully by the time of reading this Kevin Mc Garry will be out of Hospital and on the long road to recovery after surgery to repair his cruciate ligament injury, good luck Kevin from all involved in Down Hurling. Féile Na ngael; a highly successful Féile was held over the weekend on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st April in Castlewellan. Friday evening seen the Primary Schools Camogie and Hurling Finals taking place, with St. Patrick s, Ballygalget edging out local School Aughlisnafin to win the Camogie Final and St. Mary s, Kircubbin completed an Ards double as they defeated St. Malachy s, Castlewellan in Hurling. The standard and commitment displayed by all the players were a credit to their Schools, Parents and Mentors, which augers well for the games of Camogie and Hurling in the Years to come. The evening continued with the U-14 Camogie and Hurling Competitors showing off their amazing skill in the relevant Skillstar Competitions. Eleven Clubs were represented in Camogie with Neisha Mc Cullagh, Ballycran, narrowly winning by 3 points over Erin Hagan. In Hurling twelve Clubs were represented with Ballygalget s Adam Doran, emerging as winner. Both winning competitors will represent the County at the National Finals in Dublin on 5th, 6th 7th July Saturday; seen the day commence with the Parade, led by Longstone, Pipe Band, from St. Malachy s, Sec. School to the Castlewellan, GAC grounds. The oration was given by Féile Cathaoirleach, Michael Keenan where he highlighted the ethos of Féile and paid tribute to former Cathaoirleach Bernard Mc Grattan for his 27 Years of Chairmanship. The Best Banners in Camogie and Hurling were presented to Portaferry and Castlewellan respectively, whilst An Riocht and Mourne were worthy recipients of the best dressed teams. The various teams went to their locations for their respective competitions, with Kilclief defeating Newry Shamrocks in the Division 2 Final, Carryduff after their success in Division 2 in 2011, won the first Division 1 title by defeating Portaferry in a competitive final, Portaferry Camogie U-14 won Division 1 Final against last year s winners Liatroim and the Shield winners were Ballygalget over Ballycran. The Handball Finals were scheduled for the magnificent facilities of Saval GAC, for the Friday evening, but due to a late organised Ulster Competition they were moved forward to the Thursday evening with host Club winning out to represent the County at National Finals. In an effort to promote Handball, a temporary One Wall, Handball facility was erected in the Clubrooms, during Saturday there was a demonstration by the RGU Handballers with each and every Youth attending the Féile given the opportunity to try out Handball. On behalf of Coiste Iomána I wish to thank the Organising Committee, Castlewellan GAC as Hosts and the Principal and Caretaker of St. Malachy s, Secondary School, for use of their Facilities for the start of Parade and Camogie Competitions. Geroid Mac Seáin

9 Volume 1 Issue 4 Page 9 ROUND UP FROM EAST DOWN East Down Minor Feis Sevens The Minor 7 s will take place in Tadgh Barry Memorial Park, Ballykinlar this Sunday 6th May at 12pm. Clubs are asked to be on time or they will be eliminated from the draw and suitably fined. Section A Prelim (A) Carryduff v Kilcoo Quarter Finals St Josephs v St Johns, Saul v St Pauls, A v Loughinisland and Teconnaught v Cill Darrach Section B Ardglass v Bryansford Drumaness v Downpatrick Bredagh v St Marys Cill Breachtain v Castlewellan Winners of section A will play the winners of section B Dates to note for 2012 East Down Annual Awards will be held in Liatriom Fontenoys on Friday 23rd November East Down Annual Convention will be held on Monday 26th November 2012 venue TBC. East Down U14 Development Squad Trials will take place later this month. Clubs should forward names of suitable players for trials. Clubs are also reminded that ONLY those in final year at U14 level are eligible. It is envisaged that the squad will be together for around 5 months. East Down U10 & U8 Blitz By Ger Connery East Down Blitz Co-ordinator As spring draws to a close and summer rapidly comes upon us it is that time of year again for our youngsters to play on the big pitch and get used to playing against other clubs in their area. No we don t keep the scores but you know the kids and the coaches do!! What a crack! So far we have had U10 only blitzs on Saturday 12th April with 19 teams playing at 5 venues across the East Down board landscape hosted by Aughlisnafin, Bredagh, Carryduff, Castlewellan, and Downpatrick. They were one or 2 cry offs at the last minute but generally everyone got good competitive football. On Saturday 28th of April we had our first ever U10 & U8 joint blitzes and like all things new we have learned a few lessons. Again one or 2 teams cried off but we still had some great football across 6 different venues at St Johns, Teconnaught, Downpatrick, Dundrum, Castlewellan and Carryduff. In all we have 25 teams so all through the summer all our clubs will get plenty of Bargainland Sponsorship Oisin McGuinness Fund Presentation football for the fledgling county stars. My thanks goes out to all the host clubs and the co-ordinators who put in such tremendous work in organising these events. Roll on the 12th of May for our next U10 Blitz! SportsJobs.ie is the new job site dedicated to individuals working in the sports and recreation sectors in Ireland. It caters for the full spectrum of jobs in sport and its aim is to offer a professional online facility where all sporting professionals can access jobs and information relevant to their fields. So far they have advertised jobs by a number of the major sporting bodies in Ireland including the FAI, GAA, IRFU, Cricket Ireland, Badminton Ireland, Cycling Ireland, Basketball Ireland, Ladies Gaelic Football, Triathlon Ireland and others. CALLING YOUNG GAA VOLUNTEERS!!! Are you aged 16-24? Do you help out at your local GAA Club? Would you like to receive official recognition for your contribution to the GAA? If the answer is YES then you could apply for GoldMark which is a volunteering award to recognise the contribution of young people in sport. The award recognises 50 hours of volunteering, 100 hours of volunteering and 200 hours of volunteering. You will receive a certificate signed by the Minister of Education and this award will add value to your CV, job applications and University Applications. Anyone interested in applying should contact Sharon Haughey by ing sharon.haughey.ulster@gaa.ie and give the following details: YOUR CLUB TASKS YOU UNDERTAKE CONTACT ADDRESS CONTACT FOR A CLUB REPRESENTATIVE With these major National Governing Bodies utilising the services of SportsJobs.ie, they hope this will transcend right across all National Governing Bodies and sports organisations in Ireland.

10 Page 10 EXTRA TIME LIVE TO PLAY As you may recall from last year, St. John's Drumnaquoile held a summer can in memory of a young member, John McMullan, who lost his life in a traffic collision. Live to Play formed part of the week's events. The camp is running again this year and has now been expanded to a second week in Mayobridge, and Live to Play will form part of the camp in both locations. SPORTED. A sported. small grant is only open to members of sported. It must be used to deliver sport for development with young people aged 11-25years old. How much is it for and when does it have to be spent? sported. small grants are for up to 2,000. They will usually be spent in one year from being awarded Who can apply? Sported. member groups that have a turnover of under 50,000 a year Individuals cannot apply for a sported. grant How can I become a Sported member? Groups interested in becoming members should be working with young people aged and be using sport for development to deliver a stated outcome. These outcomes include: Developing the confidence, workplace and life skills in young people Reducing crime and anti-social behaviour Promoting inclusion Building strong communities and education in health and wellbeing. How much does it cost to join Sported as a member? Membership of Sported is free, pending fulfilment of key criteria. For more information, visit What are the benefits of becoming a Sported member? Once accepted, Members can access a whole range of services that will assist Live to Play event, Mayobridge GAA on Wednesday 4th 7.30pm. Live to Play event, St. John's Drumnaquoile GAA on Wednesday 15th 7.30pm The event in Mayobridge will be the standardised Live to Play delivery, while the one in Drumnaquoile will take a different approach due to it being the second year of delivery. SMALL GRANT PROGRAMME them to develop their organisation. These exclusive services are: Being part of the Sported network you will be part of a network of like-minded and inspirational organisations all working to achieve the same outcomes for young people. This will allow you to keep track of other projects going on in your area and share information with fellow Members. Member newsletters you will receive both a monthly national newsletter and a quarterly regional newsletter with important and exciting updates about Sported and our services, as well as all our fantastic membership benefits. Online resources you will gain access to a wide range of business focused How to Guides and templates, designed to help our Members in every aspect of their organisation. Insurance scheme our bespoke partnership with Lockton Affinity ensures that our Members are able to save large sums of money on their insurance needs. Skilled volunteers you will have the opportunity to be matched with a volunteer whose skills meet the needs of your organisation, whether this is through a one-to-one Mentor support for a sustained period of time or more ad hoc support because you need an answer to a specific question. Training and networking events from time to time, Sported run training events to meet specific needs identified by our Members. We also work closely with partners to offer additional events and training. Provide information and advice on funding there is a range of external funding available for Members to apply for. Local Area Managers and volunteer teams will help to signpost you to the most appropriate source of funding for your organisation. Grants - Sported run two grant schemes - Area Managers and our volunteer team will signpost you to the most appropriate grant scheme for your organisation. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a member or our small grants programme then visit: or contact Brenda Kelly, Northern Ireland Manager on b.kelly@sported.org.uk or

11 Volume 1 Issue 4 Page 11 The 3rd Annual U12 GAA Activity Day held in Croke Park, Dublin. The 3rd Annual U12 GAA Activity Day was held in Croke Park, Dublin on Easter Tuesday. This provided each club in the county with the opportunity to send two young u12 players to Croke Park to partake in a series of small sided Go Games matches in Hurling, Football and Camogie. It was fantastic to see so many of our clubs represented on the day, with each player fully kitted out in their own individual club strip. The day commenced at 7am with the bus departing the upper square in Castlewellan, en route for Croke Park. At 9.00am the bus met the rest of the group who had travelled by car, at the Cusack Stand entrance to the stadium. From here the children were taken to the Cusack Stand dressing rooms, while their parents took their seats, eagerly awaiting the start of the games. Each child played 45 mins of Hurling / Camogie and 45 mins of football on the Croke Park Pitch. This was followed by individual team photographs on the match day photographers bench. Once the pitch based activities concluded the children received a tour of the Croke Park stadium. The entire party departed Dublin at pm, before stopping the Carrickdale Hotel for lunch. The bus returned to Castlewellan where parents collected their exhausted children at 3pm. It was evident from the faces of the children and the excited nature of their chatter that the day they graced Croke Park will live long in their memory. It truly was a dream come true for all involved. A special word of thanks must go to Ciaran Murtagh, Amy Cunningham, Kyla Trainor, Gavin McGilly, Liam Hardy and Garreth Thornton from the Down GAA Coaching and Games staff who ensured the day ran smoothly from start to finish and for refereeing the games with enthusiasm throughout. A great deal of appreciation must also go to Coiste Chontae An Duin, and in particular to Sean Óg McAteer for putting all the necessary arrangements in place. The following children participated in the 2012 Croke Park Activity Day: Callum McConville & Ryan Donnell (Aghaderg), Ronan Campbell & Conal Baldwin (An Riocht), Donal Clarke & Sophie McArdle (Annaclone), Joe Wills& Finn McGirr (Ardglass), Niall Keenan& James Rice (Atticall), Christina Shields& Darren Toner (Aughlisnafin), Paul McCusker & Ronan McCrory (Ballela), Aaron Dorrian & Phelim Savage (Ballycran), Tiernan Ellison & Cahal Coulter (Ballygalget), Billy Campbell & Fianna McAloon (Ballyholland), James Ward & Matthew Cranney (Ballymartin), Tierna Fitzpatrick (Ballymartin), Connor O'Keefe& Niamh Fitzpatrick (Bredagh), Joseph Gorman & Caoimhe Magorrian (Bryansford), Charlie Magill & Sean Fitzpatrick (Burren), Eoin Maguire & Caolan Cunningham (Carryduff), Emma Crosskery & Eoin Maginn (Castlewellan), Eoin Scullion & Conall Diamond (Clann na Banna), Ryan Woods & Cara Boden (Clonduff), Paul Flynn & Joseph Murray (Darragh Cross), Morgan Fitzpatrick & Ryan Wynn (Downpatrick), Luke Savage & Seamus O'Hare (Dromara), Ciaran Brennan & Shane Kearney (Drumaness), Mitchel McEvoy & Jamie Fitzpatrick (Drumgath), Aidan Doran & Niall Rock (Dundrum), Kerrie Grant & Patrick Stevenson (Glasdrumman), Aoibheann O'Hare & Pearse Campbell (Glenn), Aoise Nic Ruairi & Padraig Doran (Kilclief), Aoife Kane & Ryan McEvoy (Kilcoo), Eireann O'Toole & Cathal Owens (Liatroim), Tyrone Fegan & Katie Smith (Longstone), Liam Smith & Aine Smyth (Loughinisland), Luke McGlade & Adam Kelly (Mayobridge), Aaron Gallagher & Ethan Doyle (Mitchels), James Rogers & Matthew Carvill (Mourne Hurling), Caolan Smyth & Frances Toner (Portaferry), Cristin Brown & Niall Carvill (Rostrevor), Lauren Fitzsimons & Callum Fitzsimmons (Saul), Dean Rice & Ronan McCarthy (Saval), Charlie Billham & Dara Gough (Shamrocks), Kane Rossiter & Luke Cunningham (St John Bosco), Caolan Burns & Caoimhe Murphy (St Johns), Ethan Henderson & Tara Laverty (St Michaels), Murdoch McKibbin & Joe Cherubini (St Pauls), Jack Murnin & Caitlin Mulholland (Teconnaught), Lisa Casement (Teconnaught), Tierna Barry & Matthew Porter (Tullylish), Peter Sweeney & Mike Lennon (Warrenpoint) GAA president Liam O'Neill has named 32 new committees to oversee administration and discipline among other things and a number of Down GAA Members have been named on these committees: Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC): Danny Murphy Central Appeals Committee (CAC): John Devaney Hurling Development Workgroup: Kevin Bell IT and Communications Committee: Brian McAvoy Code of Conduct Committee: John Devaney (Committee Cathaoirleach) Down men among Presidents new committees Rules Advisory Committee: Dan McCartan National Infrastructure Committee: Uladh Danny Murphy On announcing his new committees GAA president Liam O'Neill stated "We have 32 committees, with 19 who have chairpersons who have never been chairpersons before. By the time all committees are established we will have 40 females on our committees - a bigger number than ever before. I said I would bring in new people, younger people, fresher people and I always knew that when you do that you automatically bring in females. "I think every single person on these committees has a contribution to make. It's something approaching 250 people and just one person who was approached had a difficulty as they were unable to come. "Nobody who was asked was unwilling to serve and I think that shows absolutely huge commitment and gives us great confidence that people are willing to volunteer and willing to get involved at central level and make some sort of impact for the organisation. All of those people will be worked very, very hard. People don't really understand what happens. Every single person and every single committee has a definite purpose."

12 Page 12 EXTRA TIME 2012 FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT SQUADS The season is now up and running the U15, U16 and U17 Squads all active in the last number of weeks. Following 3 consecutive weekends of trials, the U16 and U17 squads travelled to Cloughan, Co. Monaghan for the opening rounds of their respective competitions, namely the Ulster GAA Buncrana Cup (U16) and the Ulster GAA Jim McGuigan Cup (U17). U16 squad The U16 squad s opening fixture was against the hosts Monaghan. Playing into a strong breeze Down dominated much of them opening half and carried a strong 4 point into the interval. The second half saw a strong comeback from the Farney men as they over hauled Down s advantage to win by a solitary point. Final Score: Monaghan 2.08 Down 2.07 With Monaghan having already defeated Armagh in the opening group fixture, the victory over Down was enough to guarantee the Monaghan sides qualification to the Buncrana Cup Finals weekend in August. Down and Armagh then contested the remaining fixture with little more that local pride at stake. As in the first game, Down completely controlled the opening exchanges, however a host of missed scoring opportunities allowed the Orchard County to remain close on their heels. Thankfully Down produced a much more clinical display in the second period to win with 5 points to spare. Final Score: Down 2.08 Armagh 0.09 The following players were selected to represent the U16 squad: John Paul Farrell (An Riocht), Kory Colgan (An Riocht), Nathan McComiskey (An Riocht), Stephen Doran (An Riocht), Ross Cunningham (Ballymartin), Donal O'Neill (Burren), Ryan Trainor (Burren), James Guinness (Carryduff), Sean Hardy (Castlewellan), Stephen McConville (Clonduff), Thomas Murnin (Clonduff), Frank Starkey (Downpatrick), Owen McEvoy (Downpatrick), aidan Fegan (Dundrum), Pearse Og McCrickard (Liatroim), Gareth McDowell (Longstone), Calum Noade (Loughinisland), Eoin Rooney (Mayobridge), Caolan Magee (Rostrevor), Piaras Kane (Rostrevor), Mark McGrady (Saul), Corey McCullough (Saval), Sheagh Dobbin (Saval), Aaron Campbell (Shamrocks), and Niall Rafferty (Shamrocks) U17 squad The U17 Footballers travelled with a strong 32 man panel for their opening Jim McGuigan fixtures also against Monaghan and Armagh. In their first match against Monaghan, Down started very brightly playing an attacking brand of football bolstered by a physically strong and miserly defence. Having conceded only 4 points in the opening half Down comfortably won the match on a scoreline of Down 2.08 Moanaghan This opening victory meant that if Down could defeat Armagh in their second match, they would qualify outright for the Jim McGuigan Finals weekend in August. The opening half against Armagh was a physical and tense affair with both teams squandering goal chances. Armagh had the wind in their backs but were unable to capitalise on this advantage and trailed the Mourne men at the break. Down pressed on in the second period and a Nicholas McCafferty goal sealed Armagh s fate as Down ran out worthy winners on a scoreline of 2.09 to The following players were selected to represent the U17 squad: Ciaran McConville (Mayobridge), Rory McQuaid (Clonduff), Liam McGreevy (Clonduff), John Brown (Clonduff), Jamie Gribben (Clonduff), Conal Brown (Clonduff), Johnny Connolly (Rostrevor), Gareth Caulfield (Rostrevor), Ryan Spiers (An Riocht), Kevin Higgins (An Riocht), Jarlath Flynn (Darragh Cross), Joshua Murray (Saul), Ciaran Harney (Saul), Michael Rice (Saul), Conor Gilmore (St John's), Ryan Devlin (Kilcoo), Aidan Fulcher (Kilcoo), Curtis O'Hare (Glenn), Rossa McCartan (Castlewellan), David Blaney (Ballykinlar), Michael McGrath (Carryduff), Mark McGoran (Carryduff), Johhny Collins (RGU Downpatrick), Rory Bryce (RGU Downpatrick), Danny Talbot (Mitchels), Conor Savage (St Pauls), Mark Orbinson (St Pauls), Paddy Kelly (Glasdrumman), Cahal Rodgers (Glasdrumman), Paddy Joe McComiskey (Liatroim), Nicky McCafferty (Bredagh), Paul Young (Bryansford), John McLeigh (Bright) The U15 Football Development Squad held its first round of trials in Ballykinlar GAC On Saturday 28th April All club nominated players will be invited back for a second round of trials on Saturday 5th May. The U15 squad will compete in the first official Ulster GAA Blitz Saturday 26th May U15 Football Coaches: Ciaran Mooney Barney Cunningham Cormac Venney Neil Coulter Conrad McAlinden 2012 U16 Football Coaches: Gerard Colgan Martin McAleenan Liam Hardy 2012 U17 Football Coaches: Conor O Toole Mark Donegan John McAteer Frank McLeigh Further Information on Coaching and Games please contact: Coaching Officer: Seamus Ennis coachingofficer.down@gaa.ie Or Games Development Manager: Conor O Toole developmentmanager.down@gaa.ie

13 Volume 1 Issue 4 Page 13 HURLING COACHING UPDATE Primary Schools Primary schools Hurling coaching is ongoing within the county and it's ties with cumman na mbunscoil are as strong as ever. Over the course of the year all club feeder schools receive hurling coaching thanks to the Down GAA coaches who not only coach in the schools but also help out on club initiatives when required. Schools such as; St Marys Ballycran, St Patrick's Portaferry, St Patrick's Ballygalget, St Itas Carryduff, St Josephs Carryduff, Ballyholand P.S., St Ronans Newry, Auglisnafinn, St Marys Dechoment, St Patrick's Hilltown, St Malachys Kilcoo, St Francis Loughbrickland, St Malachys Castlewellan, St Matthews Maghermayo, Bunscoil Bheanna Boirohe, St Marys Banbridge, St Colmans Lawrencetown, St Marys Barr, Sacred Heart Dundrum, St Michaels, St Bernards, Holy Rosary and St Marys Rathfriland Secondary Schools Secondary schools coaching supported by Down County Board has been steadily increasing throughout the county over the last year and as a result we are seeing a rise in standard of the players coming out of the schools. Knock are leading the way for Down schools in A standard competitions thanks to the work of James Davey, while Aiden Rodgers is doing great work pushing Hurling in St Colmans Newry. The Red High & De La Salle Downpatrick have just opened fantastic new facilities & hurling is a key part in both schools programmes thanks to Mr Swail, Mr Brady & Mr Adams while St Columbus Portaferry as always is doing a great job in the promotion of Down Hurling thanks to the work of Mr Raymond Campbell. Other schools are now starting to promote the game of Hurling. Kevin Blaney and Catherine Mc Gourty in St Columbanus, Colm Cunningham in St Marks Warrenpoint & Paul Kennedy in strangford integrated. This year has also seen the re-emergence of the Abbey Grammar, Newry thanks in no small part to Martin Mc Cormac. All in all this years Keenan cup (Down Schools year 8 competition) promises to be extremely tightly contested. Development squads Development squads are just getting going in the county for this year. The under 16 squad is going to be an A & B squad this year. There are 60 players currently in trial stages for 40 places that will form the 2 under 16 teams this year. As with the senior & minor squad it is hoped that all development squads will also be based in Downpatrick where the facilities are second to none. The under 14 development squad will again take the format of 4 regions initially where ALL 14 year olds in the club will have a chance to try out before numbers being brought down whole the squads being brought together to a final number of 40 (again making A & B squads) Region 1 Ards... Portaferry, Ballycran, Ballygalget & Kilclief. Region 2. Belfast... Bredagh, Carryduff & St Pauls Hollywood Region 3. Mid down... Castlewellan, Liatroim & Clonduff Region 4. South Down... Warrenpoint, Shamrocks, Ballella, Mourne, Ballyvarley Each region will receive sessions before best player from region 1 & 2 are added together to make 1 squad & best players from region 3 & 4 added to make a second squad. These squads will the be brought together and put into A & B U14 squads that will train & represent Down at ulster & national blitzes this year Ulster U16 9 a side Ulster recently held an U16 9-a-side competition. Day one had 8 venues throughout the province with most down clubs taking part. Some clubs however are playing in grades below what they should be and therefore are not challenging their players sufficiently... Perhaps clubs should aim that little higher in future blitzes. Club development... Some clubs have taken up the opportunity of club & coach development in the last few months. Portaferry ran a coaching the coaches day on Sunday 19th February where in excess of 20 coaches went through their paces picking up new ideas & sharing ideas with each other regarding coaching & games development in what was a very productive day. Club Development Day Ballycran recently completed the ulster council club development day where Frank sharing of ideas, problems & ideas was the order of the day. The day was a great success & a number of ideas and initiatives for the club have been put forward & will be monitored by the county development officer as they strive to reach their goals. Part 2 of Ballycran club development will take place on Sunday 29th April where they will run the Ballycran coach the coaches session. Hopefully again in excess of 20 coaches will be there to improve the coaching of the club. Strength & conditioning... 2 clubs, namely Ballycran & Ballygalget have recently completed work with the county development officer on a strength & conditioning circuit style programme aimed at developing the 13, 14, 15, 16 & 17 year olds in their clubs. These sessions were started by the development officer before stepping away to allow the clubs to continue them on themselves. Feedback from both clubs has been extremely good. Indeed the Ballycran secretary reckoned "it was one of the best things the club has done in a long time". For any information on any of the above please contact: Ulster Hurling Development Officer Michael McCullough via michael.mccullough.ulster@gaa.ie or via mobile on

14 Page 14 EXTRA TIME CCC CORNER Only transfers that were in the system on or before the 31st March 2012 will be dealt with by CCC committee in the coming weeks. Entries for the Senior and Junior Feis Football Sevens to held on Sunday May 27th, are required by Friday May4th. The winners of the Feis Sevens at Senior level will gain free Competition Entry Fees to the Kilamcud Sevens while the Junior winners will receive the same for the St Judes Junior All-Ireland Sevens. Please forward entries to Down GAA Assistant Secretary, Paul Blaney via Football Leagues All leagues are now fully operational. Division 1 and 2 are currently at round five. Following a decision taken by CCC to postpone round two on 16th April due to our County Senior football team playing Cork in Croke Park in the National league semi final. This round will be refixed on another date. Divisions 3 and 4 are currently at round 8; with the exception of one game in division 3 which was also postponed on 16th April due to the County teams match. All county reserve leagues 1 and 2 are also at round 8. All County minor leagues division 1, 2, and 3 are at round four and All County U16 divisions 1, 2, and 3 are at round 5 which will be played on Thursday 3rd May. Hurling All leagues are now fully operational. Division 1 and 2 are currently at round four. All county minor hurling leagues have three rounds played and U16 leagues have completed four rounds. League fixtures for Friday 11th May have been postponed due to a directive from Liam Ó Néill Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael to enable county players in all Counties time to meet with young and old members of our occasion ahead of the 2012 championship. Further Information CCC please contact: William Smith, Vice Chairperson Down GAA vicechairperson.down@gaa.ie Or Paul Blaney, Assistant Secretary Down GAA assistantsecretary.down@gaa.ie The 2012 championship draws took place in the Canal Court Hotel Newry on Thursday 19th April with a good turn out of clubs in attendance. The draw was also streamed live for those who could not attend with live commentary on the night from Patsy Russell. Many interesting draws took place with some good local derby s a waiting us. Senior Football Championship - weekend of 8th / 11th June. Intermediate - Date to to confirmed Premier Reserve / reserve - 17th June Senior Hurling - Date to confirmed Junior Football championship will now consist of three groups of four, with the winner of each group and the best runner up progressing to the semi final stage. Minor Football and U16 championship draws will take place after the 30th June pending league positions. CCC would extend best wishes to all clubs for the 2012 championship and look forward to many good games. Launch of the 2012 Ulster GAA Senior and Ladies Football Championship at the Titanic Signature Building, Belfast

15 Volume 1 Issue 4 Down GAA Supporting Campaign against Racism Champion of Change County Secretary Sean Og McAteer recently attended the launch of the Southern Partnership Programme : Racism is Wrong anti-racism campaign. The campaign was launched by Junior Minister Jonathan Bell MLA and Seán Óg is the GAA representative as a Champion of Change. Racism is Wrong About the Programme The "Racism is Wrong" campaign aims to raise awareness of racism as an on-going issue in the Southern Partnership area which covers Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon, and Newry and Mourne. The campaign has two distinct themes. 1. Recruitment and enlisting of Challenge for Change Champions. The champions are empathetic, passionate and engaging individuals of good reputation who will have the ability through their endorsement and actions to begin a process which will influence attitudinal change within the target area. 2. The development of a cluster-wide and cross-border anti-racism publicity campaign to challenge prejudiced attitudes and behaviours. The campaign is needed to expose racism, change hearts and minds and to create an environment where people challenge their own prejudices, attitudes and behaviours. Challenge of Change Challenge of Change is one of the strategic priorities of the PEACE III Southern Partnership. It is dedicated to address issues around overt and covert racism with a particular emphases on raising awareness of cultural diversity, myth-busting and increasing contact, integration and inclusion. This Priority will build upon the groundwork conducted in Phase 1 - promoting understanding and respect for cultural difference at various levels - community, statutory, business and political. The overall aim of the Challenge of Change priority is to: Facilitate greater involvement of people from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Communities in civic, community and political life, and increase community cohesion. The objectives of the priority are: To build on the achievements of Phase 1 Challenge of Change; To address issues around overt and covert racism; To promote understanding and respect for cultural diversity; To create opportunities for BME communities to become further involved in civic, community and political life; To increase sustained and meaningful contact between BME and indigenous communities. The programme is supported by the European Union s PEACE III Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body and delivered by the PEACE III Southern Partnership. Page 15 For us, racism isn t only an opinion, but a rude offense and a threat to our society s values. You can see it this way or the other way No matter which way, racism is wrong. Taking in the Hurling and Camogie Feile in Castlewellan

16 Page 16 Let s Get the Decency back into Down Let s commit to doing things the Down Way In 2012 many of our smaller units within the County are battling to survive, these small Units or Clubs are in fact part of our great Down GAA Family, they are the Gaels of Down as much as our strongest links are. EXTRA TIME We need now to stand shoulder to shoulder and say we are all going to work together for the good of Down GAA. Let us in this instance take it that the D in Down Way stands for Decency now what does that mean for us the Gaels of Down. Nice words I hear you say but what does it mean well let me offer a few points that you might consider: We are confident enough within our own Clubs to say We have enough players We don t need that transfer from our smaller neighbour We will be active in assisting our neighbouring Club we will share our facilities we will not seek to take over your facilities We do not need your best players, we have our own but the fact is you do need your best players and we are prepared and willing to tell that player to stay with the Club that gave him his love of Gaelic Games. In an amalgamated team we commit to treat all the players equal, we do not wish to take over we will protect each other s identity. Our GAA identity is our cornerstone; it is the pride in our Club, the pride in our Parish, think back to the 125 celebrations we were all proud of our Club identity and proud of our Down identity. We recognise that in every Club someone introduced that young boy or girl to Gaelic Games at maybe the age of 6 or 8; someone cherished that love of our games and made the investment for their Club. Is it right that that Time and Effort should just be ignored by another unit in the search for short term gain? The GAA is for life, we often say many nice platitudes like you are born into your Club The GAA is the glue that holds our communities together we in Down can show we mean it by the simple gesture of decency to our fellow Clubs. Let us demonstrate that we care about what happens outside of our own Club gates that we want to ensure that 48 is the minimum number of Clubs in Down and we are going to be a positive force for ensuring that. Do the Decent thing, put the Association and what it stands for First support your fellow Club, we in Down will only be as strong as our weakest link, the onus is on us all. Down Teachers In-Service Day The Down DENI coaches recently held a teacher s in-service day on Tuesday 27th March 2012 in two venues across Down. The teachers involved got back to basics with a full days training that included traditional warm ups, family of games and the new curriculum lessons that are being tested for the very first time in the schools. For many teachers being involved in the actual lessons instead of observing them in the school environment really brought the whole PE lesson to life. After a brief introduction the morning session included the traditional warm ups of pathways, directions, speeds and levels. We also included fun tag games like toilet tag, bridges and rivers, etc. We also progressed the warm ups to challenge the children and how to include balancing, mobilisation, and strength work as part of a warm up. After break the teachers went through a series of games including Fill the Empty Corner, Tower Ball, Over the River, Rotate the Defender, and Captains Ball. The teachers were shown how to make these games harder or easier and how to develop movement on and off the ball. Speaking after the event Cara Fegan Carrick Primary School, Burren said, Thanks so much for the great day of fun and learning!! It was very helpful and worthwhile. It provided me with a clear outline to a PE lesson, warm up, skills and activities and games for a range of sports. In particular ways these can be progressed. The types of skills were highlighted, ABC s, kicking, throwing, rolling, fisting, attacking and defending. The boys shown effective ways to use facilities, equipment and resources. Ways to amend a PE lesson to suit the needs of your class were identified e.g. time at a game or the size of the area being played. In the afternoon the teachers were then shown a range of practical elements of how PE can be linked to literacy, numeracy, and the world around us. We used PE to reinforce curricular skills in a practical and fun element where the children were having fun and improving their number work or spellings, etc. In total there were 30 teachers across both venues and the Down DENI coaches would like to thank all teachers who came and participated on the day and made it so worthwhile for both the coaches and the teachers involved.

17 Volume 1 Issue 4 Page 17 Reduced Ticket Prices for Ulster Championships Following the trend of increased attendances at all Ulster Competitions this year Ulster GAA have announced a new admission price structure for the 2012 Championship. Attendances increased significantly on the previous year at the Ulster Club Championship, Power NI McKenna Cup and the Under 21 Championship after the Ulster Council introduced a range of admission packages following a consultation exercise with Clubs and Counties. Announcing the new pricing structure Ulster GAA President Aogan O Fearghail said We have been listening to our members and getting their feedback on the price structure that we have put in place for the 2012 Championship. Following the success of the Power NI McKenna Cup season ticket, coupled with the reduction in admission in both the Ulster Club Championship and Ulster U21 Championship we are again happy announce a reduction in the admission to our games for the 2012 Championship to support families and genuine GAA supporters who want to support their County over the summer. That is why we are continuing our policy of granting free admission to all children under the age of 16 to non ticketed games and a concessionary rate for students and senior citizens. We have also put in place family packages for any games that will be ticketed and these tickets will be available from County Committee Offices and In most cases those attending an Ulster Championship game are located in the terraces meaning a family of 5 (Two adults and 3 children) can now attend an Ulster Championship match for 24 or 30. Quarter- Finals & Semi-Finals 2012 Terrace U16 Free of Charge Student/Senior Citizen Terrace 9/ 10 Adult Terrace 12/ 15 Stand Child Stand 5/ 5 Senior Citizen Stand 12/ 15 Adult Stand 20/ 25 The Ulster President underlined Ulster GAA s commitment to supporting the development of the GAA in Ulster through its programmes: Its important to remind everyone that 85% of the income that is generated from the Ulster Senior Championships is reinvested into Clubs and Counties through infrastructure grants, Coaching and Games programmes and County and Club Development support. We would also ask our members to follow our web-site and social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter to get more information on ticket officers and competitions over the summer. The admission prices into what is Ulster leading sporting event are both fair and very good value and we look forward to a colourful and entertaining summer of Gaelic Games and I would remind our members that when it comes to the Ulster Championship, nothing beats being there. Upcoming Down GAA Ulster Fixtures Ulster Senior Football Championship Sun 3rd June (b) 4. Fear Manach v 5. An Dún at Brewster Park (3.30pm) (Replay 9th June) Sun 24th June First Semi Final: (b) v (c) (Replay 8th July) (2.00pm) Sun 22nd July Senior Football Final (2.00pm) *Live on TV3 & BBC (Replay 29th July) Ulster Minor Football Championship Sun 3rd June (b) 4. Fear Manach v 5. An Dún at Brewster Park (Replay 9th June) Sun 24th June First Semi Final: (b) v (c) (Replay 8th July) Sun 22nd July Minor Football Final (Replay 29th July) Ulster Senior Hurling Championship 1st July Semi Final: (b) 3. An Dún v (a) Ard Mhacha / Doíre 8th July Final: Antrim v b) Ulster Minor Hurling Championship TBC Quarter Final: (b) 3. An Dún v 4. Dún na ngall 1st July Semi Final (c) An Dún/Dún na ngall v (a) Ard Mhacha / Doíre 8th July Final: Antrim v c) Cadbury s Under 21 Football Championship 4th April 8pm Casement Park: Semi Finals: Down v Tyrone 11th April: Final: (Replay 18th April) Under 21 Hurling Championship 18th July (Wed) Semi Finals: b) Down v Derry 25th July (Wed) Final: Minor Hurling League Sat 7th April: Down v Derry at Pairc Esler Sat 14th April Division 1 Final Minor Football League (All games at p.m, unless otherwise stated) 24th March (Sat) Roinn 2 Monaghan v Down at Clones (2.00pm)

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19 Volume 1 Issue 4 Page 19 CLUB FOOTBALL HOW IS IT FOR YOU The football season is now well underway. All the preparation work has been done and teams are building towards championship later in the season. How do you see the season for your team? Do you see a team that goes out to win matches or a team that goes out not to get beat. Do players take responsibility to play in a positive manner or do they handpass the responsibility to someone else. Is the mantra Don t give the ball away or is it be positive. Do you watch football or hand passing with a bit of kicking thrown in. How often is the ball kicked into the full forward line. How often do you see the skill of blocking executed or do players just wave at the ball as it passes them by. After the All Ireland Club final Crossmaglen were deservedly praised for the manner in which they played the game. Does your club aspire to put the foot back into football? What is your assessment? PROMOTING OUR GAMES Central Council have decreed that Friday 11th May is to be set aside to allow supporters to meet county teams. It is part of a drive to promote the championship among young people throughout the country. Take this opportunity to meet the county players. The first round of games in the Down Senior Football championship takes place on the second weekend in June. This is an opportunity to see most of the Down Senior team playing for their clubs. Organise to take one of your underage teams to a match over the weekend especially if you club id involved. The second round of Christy Ring hurling competition is Saturday 12th May. Down senior hurlers have a home game that day against Meath. Keep a look out in the local press for match details and make an effort to come and support the senior hurlers. All clubs in Down should show their support by taking an underage team to the match Down GAA Schools Draw Winners: 1st Prize: 1000 Holiday Voucher Aine Cassidy 9 Ballydesland Rd, Burren 2nd Prize: ipad 2 John Maginn 34 Holywood Grove, Newry 3rd Prize: 2 x All Ireland Final Tickets plus Overnight Accommodation Aodhan Evans 44 Main Ave, Derrybeg 4th Prize: 250 Shopping Vouchers For Quays Shopping Centre, Newry Maureen Foy 69A Greenan Rd Newry 5th Prize: Weekend for 2 at Canal Court, Newry Sean McStay 55 Donaghaguy Rd, Burren

20 Page 20 EXTRA TIME 2012 GAA KELLOGG S CUL CAMPS The summer 2012 GAA Kellogg's Cúl Camp programme has now been finalised. 40 clubs across the county will be hosting camps over an 8 week period in July and August. Date Venue Type Co-ordinator Contact Number WEEK ONE 2nd - 6th July Tullylish GAC H/F/C/R Sean McAnearney nd - 6th July Ballycran GAC H/F/C/R Mary O'Flynn nd - 6th July Clann na Banna GAC H/F/C/R Ruairi Gillen nd - 6th July Darragh Cross GAC H/F/C/R Marcus Miskelly nd - 6th July Saul GAC H/F/C/R Sonia Kinsella WEEK TWO 9th - 13th July Ballykinlar GAC H/F/C/R Ciaran Hanna th - 13th July Kilcoo GAC H/F/C/R Kevin Kane 9th - 13th July Dromara GAC H/F/C/R Gerry Burns th - 13th July Rostrevor GAC H/F/C/R Conor Daly WEEK THREE 16th - 20th July Loughinisland GAC H/F/C/R Lorraine Colgan th - 20th July Ballygalget GAC H/F/C/R Kieran Taggart th - 20th July Saval GAC H/F/C/R Anthony Crozier th - 20th July Mayobridge GAC H/F/C/R Patrick Coulter th - 20th July Downpatrick GAC H/F/C/R Ciaran Cunningham WEEK FOUR 23rd - 27th July Ardglass GAC H/F/C/R Paul O'Shea rd - 27th July Annaclone GAC H/F/C/R Marie Devlin rd - 27th July Drumgath GAC H/F/C/R Martin McCaul rd - 27th July Kilclief GAC H/F/C/R Mary Clarke rd - 27th July Liatroim GAC H/F/C/R Dan Morgan rd - 27th July Dundrum GAC H/F/C/R Paddy Doran WEEK FIVE 30th July - 3rd Aug Bright GAC H/F/C/R Oliver Burke th July - 3rd Aug Castlewellan GAC H/F/C/R Kevan Owens th July - 3rd Aug Glenn GAC H/F/C/R Ollie Conlan th July - 3rd Aug Burren GAC H/F/C/R Declan McAteer WEEK SIX 6th - 10th August Clonduff GAC H/F/C/R Teresa Carr th - 10th August St Michael's GAC H/F/C/R Patrick McKeown th - 10th August St John Bosco GAC H/F/C/R Maria Fox th - 10th August Teconnaught GAC H/F/C/R Dominic Mulholland th - 10th August Bredagh GAC H/F/C/R Bernie Deighan th - 10th August Longstone GAC H/F/C/R Damian Young WEEK SEVEN 13th - 17th August St John's GAC H/F/C/R Kevin McGlynn 13th - 17th August Warrenpoint GAC H/F/C/R Aisling McGivern th - 17th August Ballyholland GAC H/F/C/R Paddy Savage th - 17th August Bryansford GAC H/F/C/R Catriona Rice th - 17th August Drumaness GAC H/F/C/R Kevin Brennan th - 17th August Newry Shamrocks GAC H/F/C/R Brian Gorman WEEK EIGHT 20th - 24th August Aghaderg / Ballyvarley GAC H/F/C/R Pat McGrath th - 24th August St Paul's GAC H/F/C/R Michael Kelly th - 24th August Glasdrumman GAC H/F/C/R Jennifer McKay th - 24th August Portaferry GAC H/F/C/R Gerard McGrattan

21 Volume 1 Issue 4 Page 21 Applying to attend the 2012 kellogg's Cúl Camps: Application forms for the 2012 Camps are ready to go to print and will be distributed to clubs before the end of May Completed Application forms should be given to Your club coordinator at least 1 week in advance of the camp start date. The National Online Registration System is now up and running and can be accessed by visiting Anyone wishing to register their children online is asked to do so AT LEAST one week before the camp is due to commence Kellogg s Cul Camps Pricing Structure: The pricing structure for the 2012 Camps is as follows: Camps MUST register with their club coordinator (listed above). Club co-ordinators are asked to ensure that this information is relayed on to all parents of nursery aged kids. Indoor Facilities During Camp Week: All clubs and Club Co-ordinators are encouraged to seek a backup indoor facility during camp week in the eventuality of bad weather. Clubs are reminded however that they will be responsible for covering any costs incurred from the hire of indoor facilities. Coaching Positions: Down GAA will be recruiting a number of Coaches (over 18) and Assistant Coaches (under 18) to work at the camps over the summer months. Child 1: 35 (42 Euro) Each child from the same family wishing to attend after that will register at a cost of 30 (36 Euro) Nursery Camps: Down GAA will once again be running Nursery Camps in These camps are open to children who are enrolled in p1 or p2 from September 2011 to June The cost for attending the Nursery Camp will be 25 per child. PLEASE NOTE: Nursery camp registrations CANNOT be made online at Children wishing to register to attend the Nursery Anyone who wishes to apply for either of these positions should Conor O Toole developmentmanager.down@gaa.ie Applicants should include their Name, Club, Address, Date of Birth, Contact number and a brief summary of their coaching experience to date. PLEASE NOTE: Only applicants who have successfully completed a minimum of GAA Foundation Coaching and GAA Child Protection Training will be considered for a post. Down GAA is not in a position to guarantee any applicant a full Summer of coaching at the camps. For any information regarding the 2012 Kellogg s Cúl Camps, please contact: Conor O'Toole Down Games Development Manager developmentmanager.down@gaa.ie /

22 County Management Committee 2012 Contact Information PRESIDENT: P Mc Flynn CHAIRMAN: Seamus Walsh chairperson.down@gaa.ie VICE CHAIRMAN: William Smith vicechairperson.down@gaa.ie SECRETARY: Sean Og McAteer secretary.down@gaa.ie ASSISTANT SECRETARY: Paul Blaney assistantsecretary.down@gaa.ie TREASURER: Seamus Ryan treasurer.down@gaa.ie ASSISTANT TREASURER: Brendan Fitzpatrick assistanttreasurer.down@gaa.ie COUNTY PRO: Paul Rooney pro.down@gaa.ie CENTRAL COUNCIL REP: Sean Rooney centralcouncildelegate.down@gaa.ie ULSTER COUNCIL REP: Diarmuid Cahill ulstercouncildelegate1.down@gaa.ie ULSTER COUNCIL REP: John Devaney Ulstercouncildelegate2.down@gaa.ie 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 McCashin chairman.eastdown.down@gaa.ie HURLING CHAIRMAN: Gerard Mc Shane chairman.hurling.down@gaa.ie Down GAA - Working Together All Ireland Scór Sinsir Final The All Ireland Scór Sinsir Final took place in Glen Eagle Hotel Killarney on 21st April Congratulation to Errigal Ciaran Tyrone novelty act, Bellaghy Co Derry instrumental music group who were both crowned All Ireland champions. Congratulations also to Mairead Campbell who was selected from our County to adjudicate the Ceili dancing selection at the All Ireland final. Scór Celebrations Night Scór Celebration Night took place on Easter Tuesday 10th April in Glasdrumman AOH Hall. Scór competitors, mentors and followers along with local Gaels came together and entertained one another in a non competitive setting away from the pressures of impressing adjudicators. Children as young as seven years old preformed several disciplines, while the older hands came together at the end of the evening to provide the music for the Ceili and a session. Thanks to all who came along preformed and supported this great night, the AOH Hall fro the use of their facilities and the Glasdrumman club for their help and the ladies for the supper. Gaeltacht Scholarship The application forms for this years Gaeltacht Scholarships have now all been submitted and are currently being examined by the cultural committee. Interview process will take place on Saturday 12th May in the Castlewellan GAC. An E Mail will be sent to all club secretaries with interview details in the coming days. Ulster Cultural Officer Ulster council has announced that they plan to have a full time cultural officer in place by August. The successful candidate will be on hand to promote our Scór and language on a daily basics. Musicians at Scór Celebrations Night in Glasdrumman CLUB VISITS 2012 The First Club Visit of 2012 took place last Wednesday when senior officers visited Ballykinlair Club. We would encourage your club if you have not had a visit to contact the county office and make the necessary arrangements. This has proved to be a very worthwhile exercise for clubs and county officers. We urge you all to avail of this opportunity. Let your voice be heard. DOWN GAA GOLF CLASSIC - 20th MAY 2012 There are just 11 tea times available for the Down GAA Golf Classic on 20th May. If you wish to avail of one of these slots then please contact Mary McGrath today as we expect the time sheet to be full this weekend. Hole sponsorship is available at 100 per hole and represents an ideal opportunity to show your support for the boys in Red & Black as they prepare for the Ulster Down GAA 2012 Edited and produced by Diarmuid Cahill Sean Og McAteer