EXTRA TIME DOWN GAA NEWSLETTER. THE LATE MATT FITZPATRICK. Inside this issue

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1 EXTRA TIME DOWN GAA NEWSLETTER Inside this issue 1987 MINOR TEAM TO BE HONOURED AT COUNTY FINAL DOWN v DERRY IN 2013 ULSTER CHAM- PIONSHIP 2012 DOWN GAA DEVELOPMENT SQUAD PRESENTATION EVENING THE ONE CLUB MODEL - IS YOUR CLUB INTEGRATED FINANCE ADVICE LEADING UP TO YOUR CLUB AGM IRISHSPORTS HERIT- AGE LAUNCH OF 2013 CLUBS DRAW DOWN COUNTY CON- VENTION DOWN GAA STRATE- GY COISTE IOMÁNA; OCTOBER 2012 CCC UPDATE 7 SCÓR NA NÓG NEWLY CROWNED MAIDEN OF THE MOURNES SPEAKS OF HER MEMORIES OF SCÓR RTE S OPERATION TRANSFORMATION RURAL CHALLENGE PROGRAMME VOLUNTEER IRE- LAND AWARDS MATCH FOR MICHAELA SEPTEMBER DOWN CLUB DRAW RE- SULTS Volume 1 Issue 9 EXTRA TIME DOWN GAA NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2012 DOWN GAA YEARBOOK A REVIEW OF 2012 EDITORIAL DEADLINE 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 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 Coiste Chontae an Dúin and the family that is Down GAA are saddened to learn of the death of Matt Fitzpatrick a stalwart of the GAA not just in Down but in Ulster and beyond. A native of Fermanagh Matt spent most of his life here in his adopted County Of Down where he served our County as an Administrator with the County Board and latterly the East Down Board, as a Team Manager and selector with the County Minor Footballers in the early 1970s. Matt gave of his time freely in the cause of Down GAA, he gave support to Clubs in our County to help raise their profile through his newspaper work and as East Down Treasurer for many years he gave sound financial advice to ensure that many of our Clubs pages in the Yearbook (900 words). The material you send may also be edited and that is at the discretion of the Communications Committee. Please forward to me no later than Friday 9th 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 survived in difficult times. It will be in the world of GAA journalism that we will have our fondest memories of Matt, his promotion of our games with the Irish News and the Down Recorder brought our games alive to so many people. Wherever Down was playing Matt were present, hurling and football, in London and beyond, notebook in hand Matt was the figure on the sideline taking copious notes. The Schools and Colleges of our County could always be sure that if a fixture was happening then Matt would be there, he just attributed to. THE LATE MATT FITZPATRICK You may also forward a disc with the material if there is too much to send via . If forwarding a disc please forward to; Paul Rooney, 22 Flagstaff Court, Newry, Co Down. your Article and Photos to: pro.down@gaa.ie. seemed to always appear and often we wondered how he knew the match was on and how he got there. Down GAA extend our deepest sympathy to Matt s family at this their time of loss, in consolation we say that Matt touched the lives of so many and in doing so enriched those lives. Ar Dheis De go Raibh a Anam OfficialDownGAA OfficialDownGAA

2 Page 2 EXTRA TIME 1987 MINOR TEAM TO BE HONOURED AT COUNTY FINAL On Sunday 21st October we will be honouring the All Ireland Minor Winning Team and Management of 1987 at half time in the County Senior Football Final, the Panel and Management was as follows: TEAM Ronan Fitzpatrick Larry Duggan Tom Fegan Dermot Hawkins Dominic Brannigan Paddy Hannaway Cathal Murray Mark Matthews Conor Deegan Mark Quinn (Captain) Geoffrey Breen Paul Close John Kielty Patrick Kielty Martin Carey Rowan Lyons Raphael Haughian Noel Haughian Colin Mason Patrick Tinnelly John Markey Neil Caulfield Martin McGivern Collie Burns Collie McCoy Miceal Magill James McCartan Brian McCartan MANAGEMENT Barney Treanor Dan McCartan Gabriel Trueman Martin Fitzsimons Dr Walsh DOWN v DERRY IN 2013 ULSTER CHAMPIONSHIP Preliminary Round: An Cabhán v Ard Mhacha Quarter Finals: Dún na ngall v Tír Eoghain Doire v An Dún Aontroim v Muineachán Fear Manach v An Cabhán/Ard Mhacha Semi Finals: Dún na ngall / Tír Eoghain v Doire / An Dún Aontroim / Muineachán v Fear Manach / An Cabhán / Ard Mhacha MC KENNA CUP 2013 Group A Donegal, Fermanagh, Monaghan and St Mary's. Group B Armagh, Cavan, Down and Queen's Group C Tyrone, Derry, UUJ and Antrim. ULSTER U21 CHAMPIONSHIP Armagh will take on Fermanagh in the first round at Brewster Park to decide who will travel to Down. Tyrone play Donegal, Antrim face Derry and Cavan are in action against Monaghan.

3 Volume 1 Issue 9 August 2012 Page DOWN GAA DEVELOPMENT SQUAD PRESENTATION EVENING On Wednesday 10/10/2012, over 350 guests packed into the Burrendale Hotel, Newcastle for a presentation evening to acknowledge the members of the 2012 Down GAA Hurling and Football Development Squads. The evening commenced at 7.30pm with a light supper. Games Development Manager Conor O'Toole then addressed those present, highlighting the importance of the County Development Squads and their role within the development of County Footballers and Hurlers. He stressed to the audience that Development Squads represent the beginning of a pathway for our young players. That with the right commitment and dedication, those players present could reach great heights within Gaelic Games. County Chairman, Seamus Walsh, then emphasized the vital role of parents who introduce our young players to the Association. On behalf of the County he thanked the parents for their support for the Development Squad Programme. Before the presentation of National Hurling Blitz Medals to the u16 Hurling Squad, Hurling Development Officer Michael McCullough gave a review of the 2012 Hurling season, highlighting that slowly but surely Down Hurling is reinventing itself at provincial and National Level. He stressed the importance of self belief and hunger, there is still a lot of work to be done but the young people present have shown what can be attained. The Hurling Medal Presentation was followed by the guest speaker's address. The one-club is one that equally promotes the games, ideals and aspirations of the Ladies Football Association, Camogie Association and the GAA. 1. Intregration will be on an optional basis and will not be compulsory. However, it will be encouraged and supported by all three Associations. 2. The three Associations will remain as separate governing bodies, retaining their unique identities. 3. 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. Therefore, whether any unit of the three Associations is a stand alone unit or operates in a one club scenario, the rules governing general Senior Inter County Footballer and Down GAA schools coach, Mark Poland captivated the audience, both young and old, stressing the role that the County Development Squads have played in his development as a footballer. Mark highlighted the dedication and hours of practice that must be displayed by any young person, who wants to succeed in any sport. He recalled his father leaving a family wedding to bring him to a Development Squad training session, and noted that the level of commitment displayed by his father over the years was every bit as important as the effort he put in as player. He encouraged the parents present to support their children and do whatever was necessary to get them to training and matches. He stressed that they were again showing good commitment by their presence here tonight. He concluded by highlighting that the years of practice, the numerous defeats, the many, many sacrifices were all worth it when he took to the Croke Park pitch in the 2010 All Ireland Football Final. He summed up the feeling he experiences every single time he pulls on the Red and Black jersey in one word... "Priceless"... administration etc will be the same. 4. 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 this unit will become members of all three Associations. 5. There will be one Executive Committee, one club bank account and one fundraising mechanism in the club. The idea of the one club model is to facilitate the coming together of club units in to a One-Club scenario. The club will be recognised as a unit of the three Associations and will affiliate to all three. An Executive Committee will be elected to manage the business and affairs of the club and the officers of this committee will be officers of the three Associations. The Club Constitution will reflect that the unit is affiliated Mark then assisted Co. Chairperson Seamus Walsh with the Football Presentations, before County Coaching Officer, Seamus Ennis brought the evening to a conclusion by once again thanking all of those present and in particular the Coaches who had voluntarily given of their time to ensure that our Development Squad members go back to their clubs better players and more importantly, good role models. Before the official team photographs were taken, the on stage formalities concluded with Conor O'Toole announcing the new 2012 Winter Strength and Conditioning Programme which the county was launching. This programme will commence on Tuesday 16th October, in St. Patrick's GS Downpatrick, for the East Down based players, and Wednesday 17th October, in Abbey GS Newry, for the South Down players. The programme will run for 9 weeks pre- Christmas and will cater for all the Strength & Conditioning needs of our elite young talent. The programme will re-commence in 2013 after a brief winter break. The introduction of this initiative serves to highlight the huge investment Down GAA is willing to make in securing the future of our games. Thank You to all those who attended the event in the Burrendale, it was informative and inspiring to both players and parents alike. There is undoubted talent nurturing within this county and with the correct guidance and support the young players present can enjoy long and successful careers in Gaelic Games. The challenge to everyone now, is to turn potential in substance. If it is to be it is up to US. Further Information contact: Conor O'Toole, Down GAA Games Development Manager. THE ONE CLUB MODEL - IS YOUR CLUB INTEGRATED to the three Associations and will set out the rules regarding general club administration, the holding of the club AGM and so on. All fundraising will take place as one, with standardised membership fees being set across the club. For more details please contact the counties integration officer and County Development Officer Maureen O Higgins: developmentofficer.down@gaa.ie

4 Page 4 EXTRA TIME FINANCE ADVICE LEADING UP TO YOUR CLUB AGM As the playing season comes to an end and the nights close in most committees breathe a sigh of relief and look forward to the AGM and the possibility of a change of roles within the club. However, it is important that the current committee lay down the clubs financial plans for The old saying if you fail to plan you plan to fail is very appropriate in dealing with clubs finances. Over the next few weeks all clubs should set up a small subcommittee to prepare clubs budget for The steps to be followed are as follows: 1. Obtain the most up to date financial information in respect of clubs income and expenditure. This may well be last years financial accounts or the latest financial report to the club committee. 2. Each expense should be examined in detail to ascertain whether the expense is likely to increase, decrease or remain the same in Expenses such as team expenses should be examined with a view to reducing them. There may be other items such as field work, dressing rooms repairs etc which may have been postponed in the last number of years but have now become a necessity. Other expenses outside the clubs control such as team insurance and registration fees cannot be changed by the club. After carrying out a detailed examination of the proposed expenditure for 2013 clubs will arrive at an estimate figure for revenue expenditure for The committee should then take a look at the commitments the club has to Funding of local GAA Clubs Irish Sports Heritage is providing a gift package that involves both a Hurling and Gaelic Football item based on the buyers individual heritage background. We want to give a percentage of our sales generated from the packages back to the particular club that the individual buyer is associated with and we want you to help us establish the channels to allow us achieve this. repay loans and establish the amount of monies to be regenerated to repay the loans. 4. By adding the figures mentioned at 2 and 3 above the club will have an estimate of how much money needs to be raised to run the club in A further step would be to estimate on a monthly basis the various levels of expenditure expected to incur. This will assist clubs in managing their cash flow. 6. The next step would be to examine all sources of income clubs had in the past. (i) At a recent finance seminar a number of clubs shared their experience in raising finance and reference should be made to the previous article in Extra Time which deals with this matter. Clubs should consider their participation in the county draw in 2013 and what impact this can have on their financial wellbeing. Many clubs raised in excess of 10,000 in 2012 using the club draw scheme. (ii) Clubs should review the number of members they have. Insurance per playing member is approximately 40 and this should be costed into any membership charge. There are many well-wishers within clubs notably past players, if approached would pay a one off membership fee to support the club but in many cases are never asked. (iii) Very many clubs run lotto but there are too few sellers. A pyramid system of selling could be implemented to increase lotto sales. The use of standing orders can be a IRISHSPORTS HERITAGE simple and effective way to increase collections. (iv) One off events should be organised and strategically placed during the year to increase fundraising. (v) Each club will have other sources of income which they may wish to concentrate on and develop. (vi) Clubs should also look at increasing the number of sponsors and look at a way of increasing signage around the field. Clubs should also allocate income on a monthly basis to assist and manage cash flow. 7. In the current economic climate amounts available by way of donations or sponsorship are significantly less than 5 years ago. Therefore it is important to have as many contributors as possible in any fundraising activity. 8. At the end of the process clubs should have a monthly budget showing expected income and outgoings for 2013 with the aim of making a surplus. 9. A further function of the committee on completion of the budget would be to examine any capital expenditure required by the club over the next 3 years and how this may be funded. This process should be carried out every year to help clubs manage their finances and capital expenditure. We are also in a position to work in conjunction with Club Boots Ireland who can also provide funding for clubs. Both can provide hassle free much needed funds for clubs and we would be grateful if you can help us in our journey. Contact: Niall Hackett Tel: or irishsportsheritage@gmail.com

5 Volume 1 Issue 9 August 2012 Page 5 LAUNCH OF 2013 CLUBS DRAW The Launch of 2013 Down GAA Clubs Draw will be held on Monday 22nd October at 7.30pm in the Burrendale Hotel, Newcastle. In 2012, the GAA in Down came together to launch a major GAA Fundraising Initiative The Down GAA Clubs Draw. Following its success, the clubs in Down decided to run the draw again in With 110,000 in Prize Fund, this will allow our Clubs 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! JOIN THE BURRENDALE COUNTRY CLUB FOR FREE Now that the football season is over why not continue to keep fit? Join our Country Club FREE OF CHARGE!!! (Normally 60 joining fee). The Burrendale Hotel, Newcastle is running a special offer for ONE NIGHT ONLY. Visit the Burrendale on Thursday 29th November to join up. All applicants must bring their bank details (sort code and account number). Visit our website for prices: DOWN HURLING CONVENTION The Down Hurling Convention will take place on Wednesday 21st November 2012 at 7pm in Castlewellan GAC. CLUB DOWN MEMBERS DRAW OCT st 1000 Joe Leonard (Carryduff) 2nd 500 Kevin Devlin (Watford) Damian Morgan (Ardglass) Hugh Rodgers (Longstone) Kevin McCardle (Rathfriland) Donal Graham (Bangor) Cormac McCrory (Carryduff) DOWN COUNTY CONVENTION Like us on Facebook Follow us on DIVISIONAL BOARDS HOST INTER COUNTY U-14 BLITZ This Saturday 20th October the East and South Down Divisional Boards will host an Inter County U-14 Blitz in Clonduff GAA commencing at 10am. Teams taking part include East Tyrone, South Armagh, Louth, East Down and South Down. Down County Convention will take place this year on the 12 th December at 7.00pm in the Canal Court Hotel Newry. Can Clubs bear in mind that we will once again be recording the names of deceased members for this past year in the Convention Booklet so can you please ensure that you have details with the County Office by mid November. Please names to: secretary.down@gaa.ie.

6 Page 6 EXTRA TIME THE DOWN WAY: WORKING TOGETHER DOWN GAA STRATEGY Bealach an Dúin: Ag Obair Le Chéile PURPOSE: To provide a framework and stimulus for discussion and debate and to facilitate the charting of the Way Forward for the Association in Down. The acid test of the true value of the Plan will be the phased implementation of its Recommendations as approved by the County Committee and Clubs of Down as we move forward to develop our full potential as a County, both on and off the field of play. AIM: To work together to the best of our abilities, in order to strengthen and develop the Association in Down to meet the challenges of the years ahead, positively and steadily. DEDICATION: To dedicate ourselves, voluntary and employed personnel, as a committed team, to carry out the work of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael for the National Games, Irish Culture, Our clubs, Communities and County. AR AGHAIDH To work to ensure that the Goals and Targets which we have COISTE IOMÁNA; OCTOBER HURLING BOARD CONVENTION: The Coiste Iomána Convention, is scheduled for Wednesday 21st November 2012, in Castlewellan GAC 7.00pm. Nomination Forms and request for any recommendations are already with Club Runaí, with a reply date of FRIDAY 26TH October Please Note; the current Runaí, Jennifer Cultra, is not standing for re election, therefore a new Runaí is required. In 2013, clear guidelines for the Committee will be necessary to reduce the duplication of many areas relating to Hurling. LEIS AN OBAIR ourselves as a County will be achieved within the stated timeframe. Away with negativity Is féidir linn! The Down Way: Working Together Down GAA Strategy ULSTER HURLING SENIOR AND JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS: Portaferry as Down Senior Hurling Championship Champions start out on the process of winning the Ulster Title on Sunday 14th October 2012 in Casement Park, against Swatragh, 1.45pm. Under the guidance of Manager, Noel Sands, they have the potential of returning successful and progressing to the Final. Bredagh also play on Sunday 14th October, in the Ulster Junior Hurling Championship and as a result of playing two games already in the Competition are one step from the final, their opponents in the Semi-final are St. Enda s, with the game arranged for Ballinascreen at 3.30pm. Having won their previous games convincingly, their manager Eamon Mulvenna needs to keep them focused and not approach the game assuming it is already won. Both teams would appreciate any support that is available; let us get behind our teams in their efforts to bring success to their Clubs and County. HURLING CHAMPIONSHIPS: All the Juvenile Hurling Championships are completed with the various (A) winners being: Minor Portaferry; Under 16 Liatroim and U-14 Carryduff. The other winners will be in the Convention booklet. An interesting fact regarding the U-16 Final was that Liatroim and Bredagh contested the Final! HURLING MENTOR: In previous editions of Extra Time I did indicate that I would keep ypu informed of progress, unfortunately due to various circumstances no progress has been forthcoming. CO. MANAGERS: Congratulations to Gerard Monan on his re appointment as Senior County Manager and to Gerard Mc Grattan on his recent appointment, Hurling in Down is all the better for these appointments, on behalf of Down Hurling I wish both every success in 2013 and following Years. Can I take this opportunity to wish and thank the Mentors, Players, School Principals, School Coaches for their dedication, enthusiasm to the An Dúin, Mageean Cup team, they have won all their games in their section and are now in the knock out stages. Again additional support at their games would be appreciated.

7 Volume 1 Issue 9 August 2012 September and October have been busy months in that most of our Finals at all Levels in both Codes. The format for this year s Senior Football Championship produced great knock-out matches with the whole County now looking forward to the Kilcoo v Mayobridge showpiece match on October 21st which will be preceded by Warrenpoint and St John Bosco in the Intermediate Final. The Junior Football Final was played last weekend in Pairc Elser Newry where Dundrum kept up their unbeaten run when they defeated Aghaderg 0-15 to 0-6 to add the Championship Title to their division 4 league title. In the Minor Football Final Warrenpoint defeated neighbours Burren. The Premier Reserve Football Championship was won by Warrenpoint and the Reserve Championship was won by Rostrevor. Our Adult Hurling Championships produced Portaferry in the Seniors and Bredagh in the Juniors. Both teams won their Ulster Semi Final matched last weekend and we wish them well in their upcoming Ulster Final campaigns. CCC UPDATE The Joe Mc Crickard is about to commence which is primarily for the Ards Club s 2nd string players since there is no Intermediate this year. Congratulations to our various underage Championship winners organised through CCC and the Hurling Board; HURLING U14 A Carryduff U14 B Liatroim U14 C Kilclief U16 A Liatroim U16 B Shamrocks U16 C Kilclief Minor A Portaferry Minor B Carryduff FOOTBALL U14 A Burren U14 B Rostrevor U14 C Bosco U16 A Bredagh U16 B Burren v Saval U16 C Glenn Minor A St Peters Warrenpoint Minor B Clann na Derg Minor C Carryduff B Page 7 SCÓR NA NÓG 2013 EAST DOWN East Down Semi Final Sunday 28th October Killyleagh 5pm Sunday 4th November Dundrum 5pm East Down Final Sunday 11th November St Michaels Hall Finis 5pm SOUTH DOWN South Down Semi Finals Friday 19th October Annaclone 7pm Friday 26th October AOH Hall Glasdrumman 7pm Sunday 28th October St Patrick s School Hilltown 5pm Qualifier Friday 2nd November Mayobridge Community centre 5pm South Down Final Sunday 18th November Venue to be confirmed DOWN COUNTY FINAL Sunday 25th November Venue to be confirmed NEWLY CROWNED MAIDEN OF THE MOURNES SPEAKS OF HER MEMORIES OF SCÓR My Journey with Scor I have gained so many wonderful memories from my years with Scor Na Nog, but the one memory that still sticks out in my mind was the first time I walked onto the green, wet grass of Pairc Eisler to sing the National Anthem. As a teenager I had never been into sports, I was always a musician at heart, so walking onto the pitch, with a microphone in hand, was something that was so alien to me that I really felt like a fish out of water. I stood towards the flag, took in a deep, slow breath, and began to sing. As the words of Amhran na bhfiann drew to a close the cheer which flared up from behind me for our National Anthem took me completely by surprise. It was like electricity, and with that I felt at home and would eagerly await my next honoured chance to sing on the grass again. I first got involved with Scor in 2007 with Ballad Group, Solo Singing, and Traditional Group, and had no idea what a wonderful competition it was. I remember thinking the evening was like a wonderful concert, unlike any other. I got to hear fantastic music, watch great dancing and enjoy a hilarious play, listen to some beautiful poetry and learn a lot about my culture and Irish history. I could not get over the amount of talent that there was on display, and to this day can safely say you would never want me on your quiz team! Scor has really helped me grow as a person, and I would never be the musician I am today if not for it to spur me on and encourage me to do better for my club. I received a great welcome into the community and it really demonstrated to me what the word community actually meant. I was honoured finally to sing for my county and have made ever lasting friendships and gained marvellous experiences. The support which I have received from the club and the board and from people involved in Scor throughout has been overwhelming and I thoroughly enjoy each exciting new year. Upon reflecting over my journey with Scor I only wish that I had of become involved sooner, and hold a little jealousy for those young kids who are brought up in its fabulous environment. You truly do not know the gift that you are being given! That is why I am greatly looking forward to coaching Junior Ballad Group this year and want to encourage and teach young singers to learn the National Anthem so that they can enjoy the fantastic experience I had. Winning the Maiden of the Mournes competition was not something that I thought would be writing about but I know that I would not be doing so if not for what Scor has taught me. The festival competition was such a fun and marvellous experience, getting to become yet more involved in the local community and again gaining more great friends. Music was a strong theme for me throughout the week, as it is such a strong part of who I am and is a wonderful tool for bringing people together. I would sincerely like to thank the club and the board for the beautiful gesture of congratulations which they presented to me. I was so taken aback by the thought, and it really echoed to me what a brilliant family the GAA Scor Na Nog tradition wealthily brings to each individual. Anna Gonzales

8 Page 8 EXTRA TIME THE SEARCH IS ON FOR LEADERS FOR THE SIXTH SERIES OF RTÉ S OPERATION TRANSFORMATION Do you find it s a constant struggle to keep the pounds off? Do you feel that your current weight is holding you back from leading the life you d like to? Do you wish 2013 could be the year you transform your diet and lifestyle? If you ve answered yes to those questions then the Operation Transformation team would love to hear from you. Operation Transformation will return to our television screens early next year for a sixth series on RTÉ One. RTÉ Radio 1 s The John Murray Show is on board again this year as the radio home for the series and there will be more interactive content available on At a photocall in RTÉ Operation Transformation radio presenter John Murray and four of the 2012 Operation Transformation leaders put out a nationwide call to find the five inspirational, new leaders for the 2013 series. These leaders need to be willing to radically change their eating and exercise habits, and be prepared to inspire listeners and viewers to follow them on their journey. Speaking at the photocall John Murray, RTÉ Radio 1 presenter said: The John Murray Show is delighted to be involved with Operation Transformation once again and I'm sure it will once again inspire thousands of people around Ireland to change their lifestyles and become fitter, healthier, and happier. If the next leaders are half as committed as those who have come before, I think we are guaranteed another successful campaign that will get people motivated to shed the pounds. The closing date for applications is Friday October 19th. In early November RTÉ Radio 1 s The John Murray Show will feature a final selection of 25 applicants who will gather together for the first time to be assessed. John will talk to the potential leaders about their personal stories; why they think they have what it takes to be a leader for Operation Transformation; and how their weight has affected their confidence, lifestyle and wardrobe. The following week Kathryn Thomas will travel to the homes of the five selected leaders to unveil their participation in the series live on John s radio show at 9am. RTE S OPERATION TRANSFORMATION Last year an average of 585,000 viewers tuned in for each of the eight episodes which represented a 35% share of the available audience.* The second Operation Transformation 5K Fun Run in the Phoenix Park was a resounding success with over five thousand people turning up to walk, jog and run with the five leaders, experts, Kathryn Thomas and John Murray. The event was organised by Athletics Ireland, the Irish Sports Council, Dublin City Council and the Phoenix Park. A similar run and a series of nationwide walks are also being organised in association with the Sports Council of Ireland to coincide with the sixth series. The fifth series of Operation Transformation also saw an Irish medical first when Michael Casey undertook a clinical trial and managed to reverse his Type II Diabetes under a medically supervised, calorie controlled diet. As Operation Transformation gets underway, The John Murray Show will follow the leaders journeys all the way to the grand finale. Along the route the OT experts - Karl Henry, fitness expert, and Dr. Eva Orsmond, nutritional expert and Dr. Eddie Murphy, a Principle Clinical Pyschologist with the HSE - will be dropping in to studio to provide the best tips and advice on calorie counting, healthy recipes, exercise and lots of other transformation topics. So stay tuned in for exclusive reveals and chats, and to find out if the leaders really are sticking to their fitness regimes and diets or whether they ve snuck in a cupcake and bag of crisps and crashed out on the couch instead of taking that power walk! If you think you have what it takes and want to change your life for the better either go to the websitewww.rte.ie/ot/ featured/applynow.html and fill in the application form or call Sinead or Andy on The closing date for applications is Friday October 19th. The sixth series of Operation Transformation will be sponsored by Safefood. For further information please see: andhttp:// thejohnmurrayshow johnmurray Twitter:@johnmurrayshow

9 Volume 1 Issue 9 August 2012 Page 9 O Neill encourages rural groups to make the most of the Rural Challenge Programme Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O Neill is calling on community and voluntary groups in rural areas to take advantage of the funding opportunities available through the Rural Challenge Programme 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. Minister O Neill said: The Rural Challenge Programme provides rural community and voluntary groups with a terrific opportunity to address localised poverty and isolation issues which make life difficult for many rural dwellers. Best Practice Workshops are an essential element of the Programme and show my Nominations are now open for the 5th Volunteer Ireland Awards. The awards are a major annual initiative to celebrate volunteering in Ireland and are coordinated by Volunteer Ireland and supported by Panadol. Now in its fifth year, the Awards aim to celebrate and recognise the thousands of remarkable people across the country who selflessly give their time and talent to benefit others and their communities. Ulster GAA, in support of the National Student Bursary Scheme, will once again award bursaries to students attending Higher Education colleges as part of its ongoing commitment to Player Welfare. The scheme, which is now in its sixth year, will be open to members of the Association who are attending a full-time Higher Education course and who are active participants in their Higher Education club. RURAL CHALLENGE PROGRAMME Department s commitment to assisting applicants through the application process and building their capacity to identify and implement projects. Delivered jointly by the Rural Development Council and the Rural Community Network these workshops provide vital information on the requirements of the Programme and an opportunity for groups to enlist the help of their local Rural Support Network throughout the remainder of the process. I would encourage all community or voluntary groups that are considering making an application to come along to one of the remaining workshops which will take place up until the 9 November and to get their applications submitted before the deadline of 4.00pm on 14 December." Applications to the Rural Challenge Programme will be welcomed from voluntary and community based organisations which, at the time of application, must have a formal constitution or set of rules and a specific bank account. The Rural Challenge Programme is administered from Rural Development Division, Sperrin House, Sedan Avenue, Lisnamallard, Omagh, County Tyrone BT79 7AQ. Application packs can be obtained by contacting Rural Development Division, Omagh (Tel ) or ing: rural.challengeprogramme@dardni.gov.uk. Notes: The Programme for Government has made a commitment to address rural poverty and VOLUNTEER IRELAND AWARDS Is there an outstanding volunteer within your club that goes above and beyond to help others? If so, then give them the ultimate Thank You by nominating them for a Volunteer Ireland Award by completing the online nomination form. The closing date for nominations is October 26, so make sure that your nominee social isolation and has allocated DARD a 13million package to address these issues over the next three years. The Rural Challenge Programme is one element of this. 2. Best Practice Workshops will take place in Co Down: Wednesday 24 October, The Lodge, Castlewellan 10am - 1pm ULSTER GAA STUDENT BURSARY SCHEME However students who hold other GAArelated or a college Academy scholarship/ bursary will not be eligible to apply. Full eligibility criteria is provided with the application form. Ulster GAA welcomes applications from those students in our province regardless whether their attendance is at a college inside or outside of Ulster. Further Information log onto: publications/pubs-dard-grants-and-funding/ rural-development-funding-rural-challengeprogramme-info-booklet-andapplication.htm doesn t miss out on the chance to become Ireland's Volunteer of the Year. For more information and to complete the online nomination form, please visit Application forms are available from the Ulster GAA Website All completed forms should be returned to: Jimmy Darragh, Ulster GAA Student Bursary Scheme, 8-10, Market Street, Armagh BT61 7BX. The closing deadline for receipt of application forms will be noon on Friday 2nd November 2012.

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11 Volume 1 Issue 9 August 2012 Page 11 Ulster GAA in partnership with the Michaela Foundation have announced plans for a major fundraising event which will take place on Saturday 3rd November at Casement Park, Belfast from 6pm to 10pm. The highlight of the evening will be a match between recently crowned All Ireland Football champions Donegal and the Ulster Inter- Provincial champions. Throw in will be at 7pm. This will be a unique opportunity to view Ulster s finest footballers in action, and will also be a fitting occasion for Ulster Gaels to welcome the Sam Maguire cup back into the province. The Ulster team will be managed by Joe Kernan, assisted by Tyrone manager Mickey Harte, and both men have already signaled their intent to be the first team to topple Jim McGuinness outstanding team from Donegal. The evening will be compered by one of Ireland s greatest DJs/ Comics Hector Ó heochagáin, and will also feature live entertainment from Tyrone s X Factor star Janet Devlin as well as Celtic Rock band More Power to Your Elbow. Traditional Irish Music will also feature with a specially commissioned Railway Band performing made up of singers and musicians from across Ulster s nine counties. The Little Stars Academy in Armagh will also feature in a very special performance as well as music from the volunteers of the Michaela Girls Camp and the famous Artane Band. All the entertainment on the night will be beamed throughout the ground on a specially installed big screen, which will offer the opportunity to enhance the already incredible atmosphere. All proceeds from the night will go to the Michaela Foundation. Tickets for this action packed night of entertainment are priced at just 10/ 10 for adults and 5/ 5 for U16s and are now available to buy online at themichaelafoundation.com, or from the Down County Office in Castlewellan, SuperValu Downpatrick, and SuperValu Newry. TICKETS WILL ALSO BE ON SALE AT THE DOWN COUNTY FINAL

12 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 Main Prize Winners: D A Horan (St Pauls) Annaclone GAC Michael McLaughlin (Mitchels) Daniel Purdy (Tullylish) SEPTEMBER DOWN 200 Club Winners: Ballela GAC C Keavney & M McGeown (Castlewellan) John Morrison (Killyleagh) Laurence O'Hare (Dromara) TICKETS ON SALE AT THE DOWN COUNTY FINAL OR FROM THE COUNTY OFFICE