EXTRA TIME. Down GAA Coaching and Games Conference Abbey CBS Newry, Saturday 19th January 2013 Details to follow:

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1 EXTRA TIME DOWN GAA NEWSLETTER INSIDE THIS ISSUE MOUTHGUARDS AND THE GAA CONVENTION TIME AGAIN SOUTH DOWN DATES FOR YOUR DIARY AGM S WITHIN CLUBS ULSTER GAA GRANTS 2012 DRAFT ULSTER FIXTURES 2013 INVOLVING DOWN ULSTER GAA ACTIVITY IN PHYSI- CAL AND LEARNING DISABILITIES UNDER 14 INTER COUNTY BLITZ POWER NI DR MCKENNA CUP DOWN GAA CLUBS DRAW 2013 DOWN GAA STRATEGY RURAL CHALLENGE PROGRAMME 2012 OFFICIAL GAA DIGI- TAL-SOCIAL MEDIA REGISTRATION 2013 TÁIN CLUB HURLING LEAGUE SCHOOLS COACHING PROGRAMME 2012/13 DOWN GAA WINTER STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PROGRAMMES SCOR NA NÓG IRISH LANGUAGE COLLECTION JANUARY TO MARCH THE DEBATE DOWN HURLING CONVENTION NATIONAL ANTHEM WORKSHOP OCTOBER DOWN CLUBS DRAW RESULTS Volume 1 Issue 10 EXTRA TIME DOWN GAA NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2012 KILCOO AND WARRENPOINT IN ULSTER CLUB SEMI FINALS Best of luck to both Kilcoo and Warrenpoint in this coming Sundays Ulster Club Semi Finals Kilcoo take on Antrim champions St Galls at 2.30pm in the Athletic Grounds, Armagh while Down Intermediate Champions Warrenpoint take on Aghagallon. Sunday 18th November (Extra Time if necessary in all games) AIB Ulster Senior Football Club Championship Semi Finals Kilcoo (Down) v St Galls (Antrim) at The Athletic Grounds (2.30pm) Ref: M Sludden (Tyrone) AIB Ulster Intermediate Football Club Championship Semi Finals Aghagallon (Antrim) v Warrenpoint (Down) at The Athletic Grounds (12.45pm) Ref: E McHugh (Tyrone) Down GAA Coaching and Games Conference Abbey CBS Newry, Saturday 19th January 2013 Details to follow: Tá súil agam go bhfuil sibh go maith. The time is upon us again to compile our best bits of last year s GAA action to be profiled in the Down GAA Yearbook. So as to ensure the Club you are DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2013 To book your place or for more information please contact: Conor O Toole, Games Development Manager developmentmanager.down@gaa.ie Down GAA Youth Convention Abbey CBS Newry, Saturday 2nd February 2013 A great chance for the youth of YOUR Club to have their say on how we do things in Down GAA. Prominent Guest Speakers will be in attendance To book your place or for more information please contact: Diarmuid Cahill, Down GAA Youth Chairman and Ulster Council Delegate ulstercouncildelegate1.down@gaa.ie DOWN GAA YEARBOOK A REVIEW OF 2012 EDITORIAL DEADLINE involved in is included in the publication and is given sufficient exposure please send me what you would like to see in this year s publication. Please note that each Club will be provided with no more than 2 pages in the Yearbook (900 words). The material you send may also be edited and that is at the discretion of the Communications Committee. OfficialDownGAA Please forward to pro.down@gaa.ie no later than Friday 16th November Please note that photographs sent in should be of high resolution 300dpi and not taken from a website and each photograph should be named. Please make sure to identify who each article and photo are attributed to. OfficialDownGAA

2 Page 2 MOUTHGUARDS AND THE GAA The purpose of this document is to present Clubs, Players and Parents with an overview of the forthcoming implementation of the GAA/GPA mouthguard initiative. This is a summary and more in-depth information will be made available in the near future. It will be mandatory to use a mouthguard in all football matches and training sessions from January 1st 2013 (for all age grades up to and including minor) and at U21 and Adult level from January 1st There are three types of mouthguards: Stock mouthguards are preformed and come ready to wear. Dentists do not recommend their use. Nonetheless, once they carry the CE (European Conformity) mark they are acceptable in terms of complying with the new GAA Rules. Boil and bite mouthguards can also be bought over the counter at most Sport Shops and generally offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. Typically this type of mouthguard will cost in the region of 15 to 20 and again any mouthguard with the CE mark on it in this category is sufficient to ensure compliance with the new rule. Custom-fitted mouthguards are individually designed and made in a dental office or a professional laboratory based on your dentist's instructions. These will offer the best protection against dental and oral injury. Prices can vary significantly and it is worth seeking and comparing prices from a number of practitioners before deciding to purchase. There will be a range of official GAA/ GPA mouthguards available to purchase in December. Further information on these products will be circulated to Clubs in late November. COMPLYING WITH THE NEW RULE If a player refuses to comply with a Referee s instruction to wear a mouthguard, he will initially be cautioned by the Referee and if the player continues to refuse, the Referee can send him off (See Rule 6.2, Rules of Foul Play, The Playing Rules of Football, Official Guide, Part II, 20112) SOME QUESTIONS When does the new rule come into effect? From January 1st 2013, all players playing in grades up to and including Minor will be required to wear a mouthguard in all football games and at practice sessions. When does the ruling come into effect for adult players? From January 1st, 2014 all players at all grades will be required to wear a mouthguard in all football games and practice sessions. What will happen if I am not wearing a mouthguard in a game? If a player refuses to comply with a Referee s instruction to wear a mouthguard, he/she will initially be cautioned by the Referee and if the player continues to refuse, the Referee can send him/her off. Who is responsible for ensuring mouthguards are worn at training or practice sessions? It is a matter for each club to ensure the rule is adhered to at training or practice sessions. Clubs and players should note that players may not be covered under the player injury scheme if they are not wearing a mouthguard. Do players have to wear a mouthguard in hurling games? No, the new rule only applies to football; however, wearing a mouthguard when playing hurling does reduce the risk of dental injury. I am a minor playing on an adult team in 2013; do I have to wear a mouthguard? Not in The wearing of mouthguards in 2013 is compulsory at all age grades up to minor. However, a player playing at U-21 or adult level in 2013 is not required to wear a mouthguard under rule. From January 1st 2014 all players at all grades must wear a mouthguard. Do I have to wear a mouthguard whilst playing Second Level games? Yes. From January 1st 2013, all Second Level players will be required to wear a mouthguard in all football games and at practice sessions. Do I have to wear a mouthguard whilst playing Third Level games? Not in From January 1st 2014 all players at all grades must wear a mouthguard. How to Secure your Club Funds Contact the Croke Park Hotel Bookings Office Quote the name of your club at the time of booking EXTRA TIME clubsupport@thecrokeparkhotel.com or clubsupport@crokepark.ie Tel: (01) Online: Select The Croke Park Hotel and, before entering your payment details, click on "GAA Club Support Programme" and select your preferred club. I m a referee; do I have to check all players mouths before a game to ensure compliance? Referee s will not be expected to individually check players before a game; however if a Referee notices that a player is not wearing a mouthguard, he should caution the player and if the player still refuses to wear one, he should be sent off. Which type of mouthguard should I purchase? The decision on which type of mouthguard a player should obtain is a matter of personal preference. There is no doubt that custom fitted mouthguards offer the best fit and protection but they are the most expensive option also. The Stock and Boil & Bite options will suffice for compliance with the new rules, but only if the product carries the CE mark. Is there an official GAA/GPA mouthguard? There will be a range of official GAA/GPA mouthguards available to purchase in December. Further information on these products will be circulated to Clubs in late November. If you have any queries or would like more information, please contact: Games & Player Welfare Administrator Ruairí Harvey: Telephone: +353 (0) ; ruairi.harvey@gaa.ie

3 Volume 1 Issue 10 November 2012 CONVENTION TIME AGAIN Well the US Presidential Election is over, the Children s Referendum is over and President Obama is back in the White House for another four years and now it s Down GAA Convention on Wednesday 12th December. I am urging each Club to play their part in the democracy of the GAA by quite simply completing the Nomination Form. To the Club Secretary I hope you will complete the form and make the returns on behalf of your Club, last year we had a 46% return, this time I would like to show that we in Down GAA can make returns of over 60%. Use the opportunity to make your Club voice heard and why not look to change some of those things that irritate you as a Club or member, propose a motion for Congress or for Ulster Convention or address a bye law within Down. This is a real chance for your Club to have its voice heard at Provincial and National Level. Play your part in Democracy return your Club Form ahead of the deadline Friday 20th November. DOWN COUNTY CONVENTION 12 TH DECEMBER AT 7.00PM IN THE CANAL COURT HOTEL NEWRY. DECEASED GAELS 2012 Can I ask you to please forward details of those deceased Club Members whose names you would like to have included in our Convention Booklet for It is both right and fitting that we remember those gaels who have passed to their eternal reward in 2012 and your asked to submit the names by to the County Secretary on or before November 20th to ensure their inclusion in the Booklet SOUTH DOWN DATES FOR YOUR DIARY South Down Awards Night Friday 30th November 2012 Mayobridge Social 8.00pm Guest Speaker Mickey Harte U11 Div 1 U11 Div 2 U11 Div 3 U11 Div 4 U12 Div 1 U12 Div 2 U12 Div 3 U12 Div 4 U14 Div 1 U14 Div 2 U14 Div 3 Page 3 NB: The November Draw of the Down GAA Clubs Draw will take place at this Event. South Down Convention Monday 3rd December 2012 Mayobridge Social 7.30pm SOUTH DOWN LEAGUE AND CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS 2012 Mayobridge Longstone Bosco Ballyholland B Ballyholland Atticall Ballymartin/Longstone Burren B Burren Warrenpoint Bosco U14 A Championship Burren U14 B Championship Rostrevor U14 C Championship Bosco RFL Felix Darby Fr. Davies Minor 7 s Burren Mayobridge or Rostrevor Clonduff Rostrevor Please names to: secretary.down@gaa.ie.

4 Page 4 AGM S WITHIN CLUBS Each year, a Club must hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM is the most important meeting of the year and every effort should be made to ensure that it is organised in accordance with the rules as laid out in the Club constitution. The purpose of the AGM is to: 1. Review the work of the previous year. 2. Review Financial statements and auditors reports. 3. Elect officers and executive committee members. 4. Get members views on Club and Association policy. 5. Consider Club policy and revise or endorse. 6. Make submissions through motions to the County Committee on the framing of policy and dealing with the rules of the Association. THE AGM AGENDA The following business should be transacted at the Annual General Meeting: a. Adoption of Standing Orders. b. Minutes of previous Annual General Meeting. c. Consideration of the Annual Report submitted by the Secretary. d. Consideration of the Financial Statements including the Report of the Accountant(s) or Auditor (s) e. The Chairman s Address. f. Election of Officers and Members of the Executive Committee. g. Notices of Motion. h. Other Business. ELECTIONS AND VOTING Voting, where it concerns elections for positions, must take place by secret ballot. Only Registered Full Members, who have paid their Club membership fees on time and are registered, may vote at the AGM. Youth members do not have a vote. EXTRA TIME ULSTER GAA GRANTS 2012 The following are the Club Grants awarded to Down Clubs in Club will be allocated monies Week Commencing 3rd December. DOWN PS12/028 St Malachy's Castlewellan 16, DOWN PS12/029 St Colman s Drumaness 10, DOWN PS12/030 Tullylish 8, DOWN PS12/031 Drumgath 17, DOWN PS12/032 Clonduff 8, DOWN PS12/033 Aghaderg 4, DOWN PS12/034 St Joseph's Ballycran 3, DOWN PS12/035 Ballyholland Harps 9, DOWN PS12/036 Ballygalget 1, DOWN PS12/037 Liatroim Fontenoy's 12, DOWN VD12/049 Annaclone DOWN VD12/045 Atticall DOWN VD12/039 Castlewellan 1, DOWN VD12/048 Clonduff DOWN VD12/042 Downpatrick RGU DOWN VD12/040 Drumaness DOWN VD12/038 Dundrum DOWN VD12/046 Glassdrumman DOWN VD12/063 Glassdrumman DOWN VD12/037 Longstone DOWN VD12/041 Loughinisland DOWN VD12/043 Rostrevor DOWN VD12/047 Saval DOWN VD12/044 St Paul's OFFICER ROLES IN CLUB: It is important that each officer understands their role in the Club and carries out their duties as required. Some Club officer roles are briefly outlined below. Delegate tasks to Club members Uphold the mission, vision and values of the GAA These duties are now discussed in greater detail. Clubs need to be organised in terms of administration, fundraising, coaching and games development etc. The Club Chairman plays a key role in making sure the correct structures are in place for the Club. Chairman: Secretary: Treasurer: PRO: Registrar: Management of Club affairs Manages the administration of the Club Records income and expenditure Promotes of the Club in local community Registers players and members ROLE OF AN CATHAOIRLEACH THE CLUB CHAIRMAN The Chairman is the principal officer of a GAA Club. As well as chairing Club Executive Committee and other Club meetings, the Chairman has prime responsibility for ensuring that the Club is a well organized, well managed and an active unit. The Chairman should be dedicated to the job, have good communication skills, have the ability to delegate key tasks and above all, be a person of integrity in the community. The contribution of the Club Chairman to the effective working of a Club can never be underestimated. Main Duties: The main duties of the Club Chairman are summarised as follows: Provide leadership and management in the Club Hold effective Club meetings Uphold the Club constitution Plan ahead for the Club ROLE OF AN RUNAÍ THE CLUB SECRETARY The Secretary is the chief administrator in the Club. The duties are many and varied and call for a high degree of dedication. The Secretary has more to do with the practical running of the Club than any other officer. He/she should be a good organiser, be methodical and above all, be reliable. The duties dovetail with those of the Chairman and it is essential that both officers work as a team of which the Secretary will very often be the more active person. Main Duties: The main duties of the Club Secretary are summarised as follows: Communication: - With Club members and officers - With the county Secretary and County Committee Meetings - Preparation for and follow up on assigned tasks - Accurate recording of meeting minutes Administration: - Correspondence and keeping records - Membership and registration - Team affiliation - Club Insurance - Club property - Working with County/Divisional Committee/ Board 4: Club Planning - Assisting in developing a Club plan

5 Volume 1 Issue 10 November 2012 DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT ULSTER FIXTURES 2013 INVOLVING DOWN Ulster Senior Football Championship Quarter- Sun 2nd June Doíre v at Celtic Park (2.00pm) An Dún *Live on RTE (Replay 8th June) Semi Sun 23rd June Venue TBC (2.00pm) Dún na ngall/tír Eoghain v Doíre/An Dún *Live on RTE (Replay 7th July) Sun 21st July Venue TBC (2pm/4pm) *Live on TV3 (Replay 28th July) Ulster Minor Football Championship Quarter- Sun 2nd June Doíre v at Celtic Park (12.15pm) An Dún (Replay 8th June) Semi Sun 23rd June Venue TBC (12.15pm) Dún na ngall/tír Eoghain v Doíre/An Dún (Replay 7th July) Sun 21st July Venue TBC (12pm/2pm) (Replay 28th July) Ulster Senior Hurling Championship Quarter Sun 16th June An Dún v Ard Mhacha Semi Sun 30th June Doíre v An Dún/Ard Mhacha Sun 7th July Antrim v Doíre/An Dún/Ard Mhacha Ulster Minor Hurling Championship Semi Sun 16th June An Dún v Doíre Sun 7th July Ard Mhacha/Aontroim v An Dún/Doíre Cadbury s Under 21 Football Championship Quarter Finals: Wed 20th 8.00pm: An Dún v (a) Fear Manach / Ard Mhacha If An Dún v Fear Manach at Pairc Esler If An Dún v Ard Mhacha at Morgan Athletic Grounds Semi Finals: Wed 3rd April: Wed 10th April: (Replay 17th April) Club Football Championship dates Club Senior Football Championship Quarter Finals: Sun 3rd November at Pairc Esler An Dún v Ard Mhacha Semi Finals: Sun17th November Sun 1st December Club Intermediate Football Championship Quarter Finals: Sun 3rd November at Clones Muineachán v An Dún Semi Finals: Sun17th November Sun 1st December Page 5 Club Junior Football Championship First Round: Sun 20th October at Casement Park Aontroim v An Dún Quarter Finals: Semi Finals: Sun 3rd November Tír Eoghain v Aontroim/An Dún If Tír Eoghain v Aontroim at Healy Park If Tír Eoghain v An Dún at Pairc Esler Sun17th November Sun 1st December Club Senior Hurling Championship: Semi Finals: Sun 13th October Antrim v Down Sun 27th October Club Junior Hurling Championship Quarter Finals: Sun 6th October at Pairc esler An Dún v Aontroim Semi Finals: Sun 13th October Sun 27th October Under 21 Hurling Championship Semi Finals: Wed 17th July at 7.30 pm An Dún v Aontroim Wed 24th July Power NI Dr. McKenna Cup (2013 Competition) Section B: Ollscoil na Banriona, Ard Mhacha, An Cabhán, An Dún Round 1: Sun 6th Jan at Kingspan Breffni Park An Cabhán v An Dún at 2.00pm Round 2: Sun 13th Jan at Pairc Esler at 2.00pm An Dún v Ollscoil na Banriona Round 3: Wed 16th Jan at Pairc Esler An Dún v Ard Mhacha Semi Finals: Sunday 20th Jan (1) Section A Winners v Section B Winners (2) Section C Winners v Best Runner Up 26th Jan (Sat): 1 v 2 at 7.30pm Minor Hurling League (All games at p.m.) Sat 9th March Roinn 1: Down v Armagh at Pairc Esler Sat 16th March Roinn 2: Antrim v Down at Casement Park Sat 23rd March Roinn 3: Down v Donegal at PaircEsler(2pm) Sat 6th April: Derry v Down at Celtic Park Sat 13th April Division 1 Final Minor Football League (All games at p.m) 23rd March (Sat) Roinn 2: Down v Monaghan at Pairc Esler 30th March (Sat) Roinn 3: Cavan v Down at Kingspan Breffni Park 6th April (Sat) Roinn 4: Down v Armagh at Pairc Esler 20th April (Sat) Semi Finals in Both League & Shield (Extra time to be played if required) 27th April (Sat) Finals in Both League & Shield (Extra time to be played if required)

6 Page 6 EXTRA TIME REPORT ON ULSTER GAA ACTIVITY IN PHYSICAL AND LEARNING DISABILITIES INTRODUCTION Over the past few years Ulster GAA have been working hard to build capacity with volunteers and coaches and to engage with children, young people and adults who have both learning and physical disabilities. Statistics show that in Northern Ireland one in every five people have some form of disability or health issue. From those with a disability, only about 10% take part in some form of sport or exercise. Ulster GAA has actively created more opportunities for participants with both physical and learning disabilities through engagement with schools, clubs and community groups. Each group has taken advantage of coaching programmes and games opportunities delivered by Regional Development Officers and Active Community coaches. (Appendix 1, 2 below show the details within County Down) PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT Ulster GAA is always keen to promote activity within the schools, community group and club settings to give everyone an opportunity to engage with the games. In many cases the children are integrated within mainstream education and they are included in the activities with other children. For example at key stage 1, Ulster GAA engages with 18,000 children on a weekly basis in an inclusive physical literacy programme. The GAA Tutor and Coach Education programme has an integrated module on coaching participants with disabilities. All coaches are exposed to this module with the coaching programme. The GAA In-service programme for professionals is designed to up skill, build confidence and competencies and enhance the knowledge of participants. The participants include opportunities for classroom assistants, teachers, GAA full-time coaches and Tutors. Building capacity to engage in a challenging work area is central to moving forward and making the experience for participants challenging and rewarding. The GAA Workshops programme, GAA FOR ALL has helped to make a significant impact in the education of volunteers, parents and coaches in the club and community settings. The programme promotes inclusivity and develops confidence and competencies that will allow work that is done in the school to be continued in the community setting. The GAA Club Blitz programme encourages volunteers to provide games opportunities within their club settings and within the local Council areas. The GAA Inter County Blitz programme is designed to provide the opportunity to wear the County Jersey and play games against other county teams. The GAA National Blitz programme is linked closely with the opportunity to take part in an activity day in Croke Park. This opportunity also takes in a tour of the stadium and is well received by participants each summer. The GAA Half-time Games County and National League Programme provides young people with the opportunity to play games at half time during these fixtures. There is usually a crowd of around five to eight thousand and they are well received for these events. The GAA Summer Camp Programme is designed to be inclusive and children are welcomed and encouraged to take part. The GAA Half-time Games Provincial Championships Programme is a highlight event with both semi finals being given over to the groups with learning and physical disabilities. The young people play at half-time and they are presented with medals at the end of the short exhibition game. In the past we have also had the opportunity to take some of the participants to the BBC for a meeting with the commentators. CONCLUSION Ulster GAA has embraced this area of work and has been delivering through the Regional Development Officers, Games Development Mangers and the Active Communities coaches. It will remain an area of work that is challenging and the need for continuous training and development of volunteers and professionals is central to moving forward. Significant training has been completed but there is a training gap for advanced development opportunities for full-time staff. Ulster GAA is delighted with the progress it has made in this area of work. However given its size and reach into the community Ulster GAA has seen no investment from the public purse to support the work that it is doing. To move it forward and to target this important group in society investment from public money in positions with specific responsibility for physical and learning disabilities is required. Appendix : Ulster GAA working with participants with Learning and Physical Disability - some of the details for Down Appendix 2 Ulster GAA working with participants with Learning and Physical Disability - Down Disability Activities 2010/2011

7 Volume 1 Issue 10 November 2012 UNDER 14 INTER COUNTY BLITZ The sun shone brightly in Clonduff on Saturday 20 th October as 200 boys representing five different Development Squads converged for what has now become the annual conclusion to the season. Louth, South Armagh and East Tyrone as well as the South and East Down Development Squads displayed high levels of ability and skill. Each 40-strong squad was divided into Gaels and Ógs with the five teams in each section playing the other after which the top two teams played off in the final. Page 7 DOWN GAA CLUBS DRAW 2013 With 110,000 in Prize Fund, this draw allows all Clubs within Down to host a major draw without the individual worry of providing a major Prize Fund. The benefits for YOUR Club are tremendous. 96 out of every Ticket sold after the initial 20 goes directly to YOUR Club. For example if you help YOUR Club sells another 100 Tickets, then YOUR Club generates 9,600 for itself with no outlay! The Ógs final was decided first with Louth emerging winners over South Armagh in a keenly contested final. East Tyrone defeated East Down in the Gaels Final to bring the formal proceedings to an end. East Down U14 Development squad 2012 South Down U14 Development squad 2012 POWER NI DR MCKENNA CUP SEASON TICKET NOW AVAILABLE Following the tremendous success of the inaugural Power NI Dr McKenna Cup Season Tickets in 2012, Ulster GAA are once again offering supporters the chance to make huge savings in Limited Edition Season Tickets are priced at 20/ 25 and will permit you access to Round 1, Round 2 & Round 3 Games involving Down, ALL Semi Finals and the Final in the 2013 Power NI Dr McKenna Cup that s a potential saving of over 60%! Down take on Queen s University Belfast, Armagh, and Cavan in Group B. Round 1 takes place on Sunday 6th January, Round 2: 13th January, Round 3: Wednesday 16th January with the semi finals fixed for Sunday 20th January and the Saturday 26th January. To order your ticket: Tel: (028) or tickets.ulster@gaa.ie Down GAA Clubs Draw Ticket Returns To facilitate Clubs who wish to make early returns of Clubs Draw tickets the County Offices in Castlewellan and Newry will be open on the following nights/days: Wednesday 21st November 7.30pm to 9.00pm County Office Castlewellan Saturday 24th November 10.30am to 12.00noon County Office Pairc Esler Wednesday 28th November 7.30pm to 9.00pm County Office Castlewellan Saturday 31st November 10.30am to 12.00noon County Office Pairc Esler Wednesday 5th December 7.30pm to 9.00pm County Office Castlewellan Saturday 8th December 10.30am to 12.00noon County Office Pairc Esler Wednesday 12th December 6.00pm to 7.30pm at County Convention in Canal Court Hotel Saturday 15th December 10.30am to 12.00noon County Office Pairc Esler Wednesday 19th December 7.30pm to 9.00pm County Office Castlewellan The Down Clubs Draw 2013 Ag Obair le Cheile Bealach an Duin Support your Club Support your County

8 Page 8 EXTRA TIME DOWN GAA STRATEGY WHAT GETS MEASURED GETS DONE RECOMMENDATION 3.5 : COACHING AND GAMES DEVELOPMENT Ensure that during the lifetime of this Plan that each Club will have: A Coaching Officer / Co- Coordinator who will attend County Coaching Meetings and promote Coaching and Games Development in the Club At least four active new Level 2 Coaches At least two active new Level 1 Coaches for each team, adult and underage At least eight active new Foundation Level Coaches. All Team Mentors to take the new Foundation Level Course (which includes a Child Protection Module). OUTCOMES SOUGHT 1. A coaching structure which allows communication directly to coaching personnel in Clubs. 2. An increase in the number of qualified and active coaches in each Club. The Rural Challenge Programme assists community and voluntary groups in the development of projects to address poverty and isolation in rural areas and provides funding to assist with their implementation. Up to 10,000 per project is available for projects aimed at supporting children and young people; lone parents; the unemployed; the disabled; carers; the elderly or ethnic minorities and it is envisaged that at least 70 projects will be supported. Support with the application process is being provided at Best Practice Workshops which are being held in venues throughout the north. Any group intending to apply to the programme must attend one of these workshops and to date 65 have availed of the support available. LEAD COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATIONS OF THIS RECOMMENDATION: County Coaching and Games Development Committee LEAD OFFICERS: County Coaching Officer and County Games Development Manager In 2010 Down GAA delivered 14 Foundation Coaching Award courses, along with 2 Level 1 Coaching courses. In 2010 we also delivered 16 National GAA Child Protection courses. In 2011 Down GAA delivered 9 Foundation Football Awards, 2 Foundation Hurling Awards, 2 Teachers Foundation Level Coaching Awards, 3 Secondary Schools Foundation Level Coaching Awards, 4 Level 1 Coaching Courses and 12 National GAA Child Protection Awards. To date (May) in 2012 we have delivered 8 Foundation Football Awards, 2 Third Level Foundation Awards, 2 Secondary Schools Foundation Level Coaching Awards, 2 Level 1 Coaching RURAL CHALLENGE PROGRAMME 2012 Applications should be submitted to The Rural Challenge Programme, Rural Development Division, Sperrin House, Sedan Avenue, Lisnamallard, Omagh, County Tyrone BT79 7AQ. Closing Date is 4.00pm on 14 December. Application packs can be obtained by contacting Rural Development Division, Omagh (Tel ) or ing rural.challengeprogramme@dardni.gov.uk It is worth noting that more than one application can be made as long as they are for the different categories courses and 10 National GAA Child Protection Awards. Each September, on an annual basis, the County Coach Education Programme is circulated to all Clubs etc via a variety of channels. In addition to this the Games Development Manager writes to every Club informing them of the upcoming Coach Education courses, and how they should apply for them. It is evident however that the large majority of coach education activity takes place post-christmas. There would appear to be a major lack of communication within many of our Clubs, as relevant information often seems to get lost. STATUS OF RECOMMENDATION: Actioned: In Progress/Ongoing OFFICIAL GAA DIGITAL-SOCIAL MEDIA REGISTRATION The Down Way: Working Together Down GAA Strategy The GAA's online presence is made up of a huge network of operating websites and social media channels at club, county, provincial and international level. The GAA at all levels is actively engaging with these audiences online in an enjoyable and engaging manner. The benefits for the GAA can be vast when these channels are used in a responsible manner and in compliance with the relevant guidelines and policies. All County PRO s have been requested to send out a registration form to all club PRO s in their county so that they can register any official GAA website or social media channels that they have. We would ask that all clubs complete this form before 30 November Also attached will be the GAA Social Media Policies and Guidelines document as well the GAA Social Media Set-Up Guide. These documents have been put in place to help educate and guide those who use social media in an official GAA capacity. Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact Croke Park at socialmedia@gaa.ie or or contact Down PRO Paul Rooney pro.down@gaa.ie.

9 Volume 1 Issue 10 November 2012 Page TÁIN CLUB HURLING LEAGUE Any Club wishing to enter the 2013 Táin Club Hurling League should do so as soon as possible by completing the relevant application form (which has been forwarded round clubs). The competition is for senior teams and is open to all hurling Clubs in Ulster as well as clubs from Longford and Louth. It is proposed to run the group stages off on: Saturday 2nd February, Saturday 9th February, Saturday 16th February, Saturday 2nd March & Saturday 6th April The Semi-Finals are scheduled for the weekend of 20th April, while the Finals will be played on the weekend of 27th April. This competition will be administered by the An Lár Choiste Cheannais na gchomórtaisí (Central Competitions Control Committee) and all fixtures must be honoured. All clubs are asked to make a special effort to ensure that all fixtures schedules are adhered to, and failure to do so will result in fines being imposed. Teams who wish to play in this competition must return their registration forms before 4.00pm on Monday 3rd December All forms must be submitted in via the County Secretary. DOWN GAA SCHOOLS COACHING PROGRAMME 2012/2013 The following is a list of Schools where our Down GAA Coaches are currently deployed up until the end of January Schools not on this list but who have requested post Christmas Coaching will be on the programme from February through to June Why not make contact with your local Primary School, call in say hello and make sure the Children are aware that there is a GAA Club in the Area. The Coaches will be glad to welcome any Support from Club Mentors just remember we are in the Schools at the invitation of the Principal so before you visit contact the school out of courtesy. KAROL KEATING St Michael's Belfast St Bernard's Belfast Millenium Int PS Carryduff St Patrick's Ballygalget St Colmcilles PS DPK St Macartan's PS Loughinisland St Mary's PS Killyleagh St Finian's PS Newtownards St Patrick's Legamaddy BRENDAN COULTER Abbey PS Newry Carrick PS Burren St Colman s Saval St Patrick's Mayobridge St Patrick's Meadow St Clare's PS Newry St Dallan's PS Warrenpoint Abbey PS Newry St Ronan's PS Newry LIAM HARDY St Mary's Aughlisnafin St Patrick's PS Hilltown St Caolan's Ps Darragh Cross Cedar Integrated PS Crossgar Killowen PS Rostrevor Carrick PS Burren St Mary's Rathfriland St Patrick's HS Banbridge St Paul's PS Cabra AMBROSE ROGERS Ballyholland PS Shimna Integrated GS St Bronaghs PS Rostrevor St Mary's PS Glasdrumman St Michael's PS Finnis St Mary's PS Dechomet St Joseph's Carnicaville Holy Cross Attical St Malachy's Castlewellan St Malachy's PS Kilcoo KYLA TRAINOR St Comgall's Bangor St Joseph's Crossgar Holy Family Teconnaught St Mary's PS Portaferry St Patrick's PS Holywood St Joseph's Ballyhackamore St Joseph's PS Carryduff St Bernard's PS Belfast St Colmcilles Crossgar MARK POLAND St Colman's Annaclone St Joseph's PS Ballymartin Grange PS Kilkeel St Columban's HS Kilkeel Christ the King Drumaness Sacred Heart Dundrum St Francis PS Loughbrickland Bunscoil an Iuir Bun Scoil na mban Kilkeel St Colman's PS Kilkeel DOWN GAA WINTER STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PROGRAMMES: U14 Hurling / U15 Abbey Grammar School (7pm) Monday 12th November Monday 19th November Monday 26th November Monday 3rd December Monday 10th December U14 Hurling / U15 St Patrick's Grammar School (7pm) Tuesday 13th November Tuesday 20th November Tuesday 27th November Tuesday 4th December Tuesday 11th December U17 St Patrick's Grammar School (7pm) Thursday 15th November Thursday 22nd November Thursday 29th November Thursday 6th December Thursday 13th December

10 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 Down GAA 2012 Edited and Produced by Diarmuid Cahill Sean Og McAteer Down GAA - Working Together The 2013 Scór na nóg season is now fully operational. Killyleagh, Dundrum, Annaclone, Glasdrumman, and Hilltown hosted the early rounds with Mayobridge hosting a qualifier round on Saturday 10th November at 6pm. East Down final will be held in St Michael s Hall Dromara on Sunday 11th November at 5pm. South Down Final will be held in St Mark s High School Warrenpoint on Sunday 18th November starting at 5pm. DOWN HURLING CONVENTION The Down Hurling Convention will take place on Wednesday 21st November 2012 at 7pm in Castlewellan GAC. SCOR NA NÓG 2013 OCTOBER DOWN CLUBS DRAW RESULTS Main Prize Winners: Patrick E Downey (Rathfriland) Chris McGovern (Rathfriland) Rev Fr J Cushenan (Hilltown) Ann Marie Fearon (Rostrevor) The standard of competitions this year has been of very high with over 400 children taking to the stage across the County over the last two weekends. The winner and runner up in each competition from East and South Down will compete in the Down County Final on Sunday 25th venue to be confirmed. Down Competitors who progress into the Ulster competitors will be on stage on Saturday 1st December against Derry and IRISH LANGUAGE COLLECTION 200 Club Winners: Ardglass - A Smyth & A O Shea Ballygalget - Cormac, Bronagh & Ruairi Watson Clonduff - M Fegan Saval - Gary Sands Antrim champions in Saval Sports and Leisure Complex. Donegal, Tyrone and Fermanagh will compete in a Donegal venue on Friday 8th December while Armagh, Cavan and Monaghan will compete in the last Ulster semi final on Saturday 9th December in an Armagh venue. Ulster final of Scór na nóg will be held on 12th January in Derry. One the biggest days in our Football club calendar was certainly Championship Final Day and as Gaels made their way into Paric Esler for the Intermediate and Senior finals they were greeted by some young and not so young people taking up the collection in support of the Irish Language. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who gave of their time to help many who were lucky to have gained a Down County Scholarship for the Summer Gaelteacht 2012 and to those who donated to this worthy cause as we strive to promote our language across the County, we thank you. JANUARY TO MARCH THE DEBATE Are you tired of trying to arrange Challenge Games for your Senior Football Team in the months of January to March? Should we in Down GAA be doing something to help? If your Club is interested in the possibility of Down GAA organising a Club Competition in those months before the start of All County Leagues then this is your chance. All you have to do is indicate your Club interest and then if sufficient Clubs are interested we will put together a meaningful format to have a properly structured competition. In these months Clubs would be expected to play without County Panellists but it would present a real opportunity for a fixture programme to be in place. Your Club ground would have to be available to host games in this competition. If your Club is interested then please your expression of interest to assistantsecretary.down@gaa.ie NATIONAL ANTHEM WORKSHOP The County Cultural Committee will be running their first ever workshop for those singers who will progress to sing our National Anthem at our games and functions in the coming year. This is a very special honour to be chosen for this role but is also very important that all those who will be taking part to understand the full meaning of the task in hand. Singers who are eligible to take part must give their name to me by 1st December.