Sub Committee Reports 2013

Coiste Na nÓg- Youth

A Chairde,

As Runae of Fermanagh County Youth Board, I have great pleasure in welcoming you all here this evening to Derrygonnelly Harps fine club rooms for the 2013 Annual Youth Convention. Thanks to their club Chairman and CCC Secretary Hugh Kelly, club secretary, Nicola Cassidy and Youth Delegate Garry Smyth, for all their hard work throughout the year and in preparation for tonight. A very warm welcome is also extended to our County Chairman Patsy Dolan, Secretary Tom Boyle, PRO Johnny McManus, the new GDM Teresa McNabb, Peter McGinnity, fellow Youth Board Delegates, club officials and members of the press who are in attendance tonight.

During the 2013 season approximately 450+ games were scheduled and congratulations to all clubs who have been successful.  While the aim of each club, and indeed most important for the players, is to achieve success, it is of up most importance to provide meaningful games, focusing on development from a very early age. The section system split into leagues provides this for all of our youth. In most cases, this gives clubs the opportunity to play against equally matched teams and gives the added bonus for clubs to play in a final. There have been an increase, though, in the amount of games not played, which causes me concern. I would like to congratulate the volunteers who take time to coach the players, giving of their time willingly.  

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Chairman, Gerry McAloon for all his help and assistance during the past year and for his hard work in collating information for U12 competitions again this year. I would also like to thank Fearghail O Connor for all his help, advice and encouragement over the past few years which is unvaluable. He brings professionalism, honesty and real commitment to the Youth board as do all the Youth Executive members. I would like to commend Noel Davis, Referee Appointments Officer on his dedication and hard work with the appointment of Referees, which is not an easy task, however, thankfully there were very few problems. I wish him best wishes for 2014. Thanks also to Paul McCann and Marie Maguire who was also there at a drop of a hat to help out when needed.

I would also like to thank Greg Kelly, CCC Chairman and Hugh Kelly CCC Runai for their help, and advice with fixtures when needed, Again, thankfully there were very few contentious issues to deal with. I would also like to thank the youth delegates, club secretaries, team mentors, referees and their officials and importantly the players who have all helped to bring all of our competitions to a successful conclusion in 2012. Thanks to all our sponsors and the press for coverage. Thank fully there were very little problems with the competitions and I would like to show our appreciation to all who presented trophies, and the clubs who hosted games, especially at short notice.

I firmly believe that we have to continue developing our young people to allow them to become the best they can be. I would like to wish Teresa McNabb all the best on her appointment as GDM and no doubt she will continue in the footsteps of previous GDM Peter McGinnity in developing our Youth and those are hard shoes to fill. I would like to acknowledge the attendance of Peter at our meetings during the past year when possible, as his detailed reports provides a valuable insight into the progression of our development squads. Special thanks also to Deirdre Donnelly, coaching officer, Ciaran Carey, Brendan Rasdale and all the County coaches who help to manage our development squads. And to Peter and the County Coaches for the Summer Camps

Best of luck to Peter McGinnity in the future and indeed the Roslea Senior team who have done our County proud in the Ulster club competition.

We all have to be aware of the growing competition from other codes of sport and how we need to retain players for the future. We therefore have to increase our presence in schools and in the community as a whole through fostering good club / school links. I would remind all youth officers of the many real benefits for clubs having an active school liaison officer organising and promoting our Gaelic games in all the primary schools. I would like to thank Anita Rasdale for the provision of Vocational Schools report and Liam Magee for Cumann na Bunscoil report, both included in booklet. I would also like to acknowledge the work of Cumann na mBunscol and teachers in schools throughout the county who train our youth and promote Gaelic games.

The number of youth Gaelic games as mentioned earlier only includes the competitions organised by Fermanagh County Board and does not fully reflect the full extent of participation by our youth in County Fermanagh in 2013. The clubs have actively organised challenge games, mini tournaments and various successful events. I particularly wish to pay tribute to Garry Smyth and Derrygonnelly Harps who successfully organised their annual under 10 league once again this year. This competition was again exceptionally well organised and is a competition that many of us can learn from.

The meetings during the past year have been fairly well attended. It is very important for youth delegates and club personnel to attend the monthly meetings to allow for the efficient transfer of youth matters to club senior executives. There are a small number of clubs who do not attend and I must emphasise the importance of each club to recruit suitable youth representatives to liaise between the county youth board and their club. I would like to thank the Enniskillen Gaels club for the use of their facilities throughout the year and to their club members Declan, Greg and Shane who open and prepare for the meetings.

A special word of gratitude is extended to our sponsors for their continued support in 2013 and I would ask that we all support them whenever we can especially in these uncertain times of cutbacks, recession and unemployment. I would like to thank our 2013 County Minor Manager Simon Bradley and his team for their dedication and professionalism shown in the preparation of this year’s minor squad and wish them best of luck for 2014. I would also like to thank the clubs for all of the help and assistance provided to the County Minor Management team. A special word of thanks to our County PRO Johnny McManus for ensuring that our games obtain the necessary coverage in the local and national media. To the local press for their efficient coverage of our games from week to week a sincere thanks to you all.

I offer my sincerest sympathies to those clubs or individuals who may have suffered any loss this year. Finally, I wish you all a very happy, peaceful Christmas and a prosperous 2014.

Fionnuála Bean Ui uEhogain

Coiste Oiliúna & Forbairt na gCluichí – Coaching & Games Report

A Chairde,

2013 has been a year of change for Coaching & Games in Fermanagh, at the end of August our Games Development Manager Peter McGinnity stepped down from his post as GDM after 8 years. Peter has provided a vast amount of his expertise to the post of GDM and we appreciate the work he has given during his time in the post. Peter has been of great assistance to me over the years, which I greatly appreciate. I wish him and his family all the best in the future.

Teresa McNabb official commenced the role as the new Fermanagh GDM on 1^st November. Having met with Teresa I have already got a sense of her great enthusiasm and plans for her new post. I have no doubt that she will driving Fermanagh forward and I wish her every success in the post.

I wish to thank the other members of the Coaching and Games Committee Ferghal O’Connor, Ciaran Carey, Benny McManus and Brian Tracey for all their help and input during the year. We continue to work on plans to achieve high standards at all levels of coaching and games in Fermanagh. I also wish to express our gratitude to all those who have provided financial support to the work of coaching and games in Fermanagh.

Without the dedication of the hundreds of coaches at club and county level our young children and older players wound not have the opportunity to enjoy and participate in our games. We thank them most sincerely and ask all our clubs, players, parents and supporters to show their respect and appreciation for the time and effort they provide. To all our coaches a big thanks you to you all!

Schools Coaching Programme

Our three full-time county coaches Aisling Doonan, Aodhgan Murphy and Fabian Burns continue to work mostly in the Primary Schools with P5-P7 children and the DENI coaches Owen Mooney and Proinsias O’Kane who has taken on the post vacated by Teresa work with P1-P4 children. While the Regional Hurling Officer Paul Divilly continues to work on developing hurling at all levels in the county. One notable success this year was the provision a dedicated hurling evening to allow a U14 league for Fermanagh clubs to play clubs from Cavan and Monaghan. We thank all our full time coaches for all their hard work.

We have to encourage all clubs to have an active Schools Liaison Officer to develop a strong school / club link which ill benefit clubs from the work going on in the schools. We do have to assess the amount of resources we are deploying to the Primary Schools and assess if this is the best use of our resources or if we can redistribute the recourses to other areas for example working with Post Primary Schools.

Coach Education Programme

At the start of the year a seven week club mentoring programme was delivered to support and provide guidance to the clubs on coaching structures within their club. Our county coaches supported by Ulster Council coached delivered expert advice to a large number of club coaches during the seven weeks. All of the slides from the course are on the Fermanagh website for clubs to access at any time. As this was a very successful programme and very well attended by the clubs we will continue the programme in early 2014 with a greater focus on U14-U18 age levels.

Diarmaid Marsden has been appointed as Club Coaching and Games Development Officer for Ulster, this is a new post and he will be there to specifically support the clubs. Already he has planned a workshop on the role of club coaching officer on the 8^th January 2014 in Fermanagh. I urge all clubs to have a dedicated Coaching Officer appointed in their club and available to attend.

We need to encourage clubs and their coached to continue to up skill and progress through the coaching levels and attend some of the coaching courses on offer. It is vital that clubs have a coaching plan in place and support is available from our GDM and County Coaches.

Kellogg’s Cúl Camps

There has been a significant increase in numbers attending the Cúl Camps this year with 955 kids attending up from 841 last year (114,13.5% increase). Reports from the camps have been very positive and very enjoyable camps, many thanks to all the coaches, camp co-ordinators, hosting venues and special guest who attended the many camps.
The cost of the camps continue to cause the most concern, unfortunately the rates are set by national level but strong representation have been made to National level and the costs and gear provided is being review.

Talent Academy Squads

It has been a mixed year for our Academy teams, it was particularly disappointing that the U16 football team were unable to participate in the Buncrana Cup Qualifier at the end of July.  Our clubs and young players must see our Academy teams, as the elite teams within our county and all young players should aspire to be part of. Our teams have not achieved the progress required to develop our young players into potential future County Minor, U21 and ultimately Senior players. We have to reassess all aspects of our Academy teams and develop a structured plan, which will achieve the highest standards we can. We need to work together with a common goal and new energy to build successful teams for the future.

Coaching & Games Plan

We continue to work on developing a new detailed Coaching and Games Plan for Fermanagh and this it taking longer than anticipated to achieve. With the change in GDM we felt that it was better to take our time and work with our new GDM to achieve a robust plan for Fermanagh. This will be one of the main areas of priorities to complete for the new Coaching and games committee in 2014.

Finally

Thank you to all who provide support and assistance to enable the delivery of the coaching and games programme in the county, especially to our County Chairman Patsy Dolan, County Secretary Tom Boyle for all his work and support and Treasure Hugh Crudden and Assistant Treasure Patricia Durnien your work is appreciated.

I wish you all a very happy & peaceful Christmas and a successful 2014.

Is mise, le Meas,

Deirdre Ní Dhonnaile

An Coiste Réiteoir-Referee Committee

I extend a warm welcome to all and open with sincere thanks for the continued support of the committee and all referee’s who have been active this year as we bring the 2013 season to a formal close.

Congratulations are offered to those clubs who have achieved league and championship success at all levels and to all who have worked hard, in delivery of our competitions this year particularly Noel Davis, as single appointments officer, Greg Kelly and the CCC, for their diligence in managing the fixture programmes. I would also take the opportunity to offer sincere thanks to the stewards and officers of Enniskillen Gaels in particular who have prepared and managed a long season of fixtures on the county ground though that should not deflect from all involved in other clubs.

Similar recognition is extended to all on the referee’s list, who continue to commit time and effort in assisting in the completion of the playing season on time. Your input is invaluable in meeting the long seasons schedule and I am hopeful you will be available again in the coming year.

The committee affirmed their commitment, this time last year, to the continued improvement of refereeing standards which we delivered and it has shown undoubted results, recognised in Ulster. Well done to all.

This year saw improvement in fitness process’s , rules application and report procedures and proposals for 2014 will see those develop further with greater emphasis placed on Recruitment and I give encouragement to all clubs to consider representatives to add to the panel and to you in particular, to advance and improve your own knowledge and understanding, not only on the rules process’s, especially with the Black card introduction but in adding to our profile that continues to grow in Ulster.

Committee and referee Communication has been constant this year, mostly online, leading to less necessity for group meetings but allowing consistent communication throughout the season with a common goal of ensuring referee’s recognise the help and support being provided and that is available throughout the season. Many have availed of that support in the season.

We have not diminished our willingness to continue to work with clubs in improving relationships and as part of our strategy for 2014 I would urge all clubs to give more consideration to the “Respect Process” and not simply pay lip service. I am not sure I totally share the view of CCC that discipline has improved but am ever the optimist.

Respect is a two way thing and referee’s are encouraged to maintain standards throughout the county both on and off the field. The activities on the field in recent months has clearly shown a lack of respect still exists and sadly there has been little change through all codes as Discipline has and continues to be very poor towards officials and I again ask CCC to take note and deal with these players and management without fear or favour. I cant pass this aspect without a swipe at Hearings, who yet again in 2013 have demonstrated a lack of engagement with referee’s and very questionable rulings that leave referee’s questioning why they bother to apply the rules at all. I don’t accept the continued aspect of Not being accountable. Why can we castigate players and supporters venting anger on social media platforms yet allow another group autonomy. That’s not acceptable in todays game.

Our strategy for 2014 will include representation to CCC to establish and emphasise accuracy of our reports process and hopefully stop this pretence.

Occasions have arisen this year where there has been a concentrated fixture list placing demands on an already stretched referee list . I also have noted the odd occasion where games have been fixed between clubs without recourse to the official appointments officer. This simply wont do and I urge some active control and remind all referee’s that any fixture, be it a friendly or a venue change is cleared with the appointments officer first.

Our single appointment source has proved successful this year and I congratulate Noel on his hard work in the successful delivery of a concentrated fixture list.

As I alluded above, Clubs must do more to assist with the recruitment process and more importantly, drive “Respect” among Players and Officials, the current approach and lack of ethic cannot continue and I call on our county chairman and CCC to bring a bolder attitude to dealing with this unacceptable conduct.

Clubs must accept responsibility that they have to contribute to continued recruitment and ensure we retain officials or accept consequences that we may not be able to fulfil all fixtures in 2014. Considerations should be given to reward process’s for club officials – Clubs must guarantee their official an All Ireland ticket and perhaps it is time we considered the county board gave the committee a ticket allocation to reward referee effort each and every season. Incentives are an essential part of any improvement process in any walk of life.

Congratulations to Martin Higgins for his continued appointment at Elite National Level in 2014, Ulster Club Competitions and Recognition also to Niall Cullen as he is confirmed on the National and Ulster Panel for 2014 and Aiden Ferguson for making vast strides this year and officiating at our own county Hurling final.

The reductions in national lists will only seek to further improve standards and we in Fermanagh are up to the task.

In 2013 we had 65 appointments outside the County and we have the potential to have as many as 8 representatives in Ulster if those who are recommended meet the challenge or have the ambition to progress.

My apologies if I have not mentioned everyone but your contribution has been noted.

James Lewis has successfully progressed through the Ulster Referee’s Academy and we wish him every success now as he progresses on the pathway programme and I can confirm we have made recommendations for 2014.

Under Fergal’s guidance, the number of Advisory reports have contributed towards the completion of our perceived strategy for 2013 and resulted in averages above 85% – meeting our expectations.

Our progression is in no small part due to the hard work and guidance of our Referee’s Administrator and chairman and of course to the tireless work of Paddy Boyle and Jim O’Rourke on whom we have relied heavily for assessment process’s in the course of the year. I do however feel that we need to concentrate our focus on more such appointments from within the county in the year ahead.

The committee have met frequently and been able to manage and support members with the text system being an invaluable tool not only for games appointments but as a message format for referee’s information or meetings and thanks in particular to Niall Cullen as IT officer, who has facilitated in processing the information to clubs and referee’s alike.

The Financial difficulties felt by many counties is no less within Fermanagh and I am hopeful that the improvements made this year ensure such difficulties, for referee and Advisors is a thing of the past. I need not remind all that clubs must meet their commitments to ensure survival and ability to meet our outgoings especially for referee’s who commit their own money throughout the whole of the season to assist the county to fulfil it’s fixture programme and it is only right they should receive their expenses on time each and every year.

Our sincere thanks to those clubs who provided officials and an improved standard of accommodation.

The disciplinary process’s is ever present and I would have to add that the introduction of the Black Card must be applied from day 1 to ensure everyone gets a grip on the new rules quickly. You as referee’s must adapt and quickly but with a common sense approach and I am sure the county board will be actively looking at new match cards and report sheets in the months ahead.

Analysis from CCC will show that in 2013 there were 99 dismissals in adult competition this term with 52 DYC [ increase of 21% ] and 47 RC‘s in adult competition, [ decrease of 45% ] many for abuse or indeed failure in rules discipline. CCC reviewed 12 cases of adult dismissal of which only 5 were upheld and 7 overturned or downgraded. We are all too aware of specifics involving our most senior of referees in recent months!!!!

Youth Competition saw 47 dismissals this season with 16 DYC’s and 31 RC’s representing a staggering increase of 72% in straight red but a 54% drop on DYC’s. Instances of dissent and verbal abuse were recorded at 14% and whilst demonstrating a drop against 2012 this still remains a concern.

3 incidents of physical interference were reported a reduction of 50% on last season.

There were 3 appeals made to CCC in youth competition all of which were overturned – somehow that action doesn’t stack up !!

Irrespective of the results above – It will be no surprise that referee/ official abuse has been an issue again in 2013 and one which demands the continued attention of county board officers and CCC. All are reminded that we must “ apply the rule and identify and report ALL individuals”.

As referee’s we must not fail in our duty for proper rules application nor in the report process ???

I have always had to question if clubs and players actually understand the playing rules or indeed are hearings out of touch with the reality on the field where some dubious decisions are reached on appeal.

I wont say any more on the subject of Hearings for all too often there are dismissals overturned on questionable grounds leaving referee’s bewildered and with little regard to the fact that the referee involved will be facing that team again within a few weeks or days.

Referee’s have emphasised the need for better communication and an acceptance that whilst they can and do make mistakes it is essential that there is an acceptance that abuse from any quarter cannot and must not continue.

Their willingness to continue improvement is reflected in their unanimous support for the “Respect Initiative” proposed by the Youth Board and their commitment to improved standards..

We should perhaps again note that those clubs who have shown a level of disciplinary control this year have largely faired well in their respective campaigns though there are always exceptions as we seen yet again in 2013.

Training dates will be set in advance for 2014 commencing at end of January with a Club Officials Black Card Seminar but the process for Kit orders needs review due to the ongoing financial pressures on clubs and maybe a county wide set fee be applied across all clubs or referees purchase kit up front and are reimbursed based on a minimum number of active games.

And a reminder that, with the new report cards process’s proper administration of infraction must be added.

On behalf of the committee may I extend thanks to all who have been available and officiated this year – your input has been greatly appreciated and enabled the appointments officer and indeed the CCC to fulfil league programmes successfully and within the proposed timeframe though I would add my voice to many who feel the season is still too fractious.

362adult games and 450 youth games [ 812 ] were successfully completed this year with only 3 youth games and 2 adult games recorded as failure to field by an official

I would ask that Referee’s formally confirm their continued availability for 2014 by returning the registration form by e-mail that we may update the registration list for the season ahead and ensure grading, training and support information is issued to all pre-season. More importantly to ensure we have sufficient officials available given that there are clubs in the county without any referee and others with only 1 on the register often not being available.

Congratulations to those appointed to the County Finals and particularly the other officials – umpires especially, who have assisted with support duties in the course of the year.

Both the committee and I extend our sincere sympathies to all clubs throughout the county who have lost playing members, friends or family this year. Best wishes are also extended to Senior squad Management as we strive for improvement in our national and provincial position and of course each club, throughout all the codes, for a successful and, more importantly, disciplined season ahead.

Finally…..personal thanks to Fergal Cleary for his leadership this year, the committee members for their work effort and support, Tom Boyle and County Executive Officers and of course Cathaoirleach Patsy Dolan in his continued tenure as county chair, for their diligence, support and direction in a continued challenging year for the County Gaels.

Finals Appointments 2013

Adult : –

G McLaughlin-[ Erne Cup 3 ]

A Ferguson -Erne Cup 2 and JCrudden – [ Erne Cup 2 Replay ]

S McCartan -[ Erne Cup 1 ]

E McBrien – [ SFL 3 ]

N Davis -[ SFL 2 ]

N Cullen– [ SFL 1 ]

C Quigley -[ IFC ]

E McDonagh -[ SFC ]

S McGoldrick [ Reserve A ]

N Sweeney [ Reserve B ]

Youth ; –

Feile na Og – P.Campbell

Og Sports- S McGoldrick

U12’s FL- 1-M Morris/2-K McMahon/3-J McKelvey/4-E Brogan/5-G Maguire

U14’sFC A- J McGauran / B-C Quigley

U14’sFL – 1-.A Ferguson/2-E McDonagh/3-J Crudden/4-S McGoldrick/5-N Sweeney

U16’s FC A-D Love / B-J McGauran

U16 FL- 1- OMcShea/2-S McCartan/3-N Cullen/4-HT/5-J Smyth

MFCA –N Davis and A replay –N Cullen/MFCB-G McLauughlin

MFL – 1- S McCartan /2-D.Dolan/3-HT/4-N.Sweeney/5-D.Love

Is mise

Aralt MacThrienier

An Coiste um Fhorbairt Pleanála -Physical Planning And Development

2013 was another extremely busy year as regards physical planning and development within the County. The main issues covered by the committee during the year included:

1. Safety audits
2. Assisting Clubs with grant applications
3. Club Deeds/Accounts
4. Insurance issues
5. Information Seminars
6. Management of Events
7. Club Maith

A review of the 2013 Development Strategy Document shows that 100% of the aims and objectives were achieved.    

The committee once again embarked on the onerous task of ensuring that all clubs in the county have their Deeds of Trust in order. To date seventeen clubs have completed this task and the rest are in the process of doing so.

Ground safety audits were carried out at a number of club grounds during the year and advice given to clubs on risk assessment. All clubs were also given a template for event management in order to highlight health and safety at their grounds on match days.

The committee once again processed Ulster Council development grant applications for clubs in the county who had completed their developments these included St. Marcartans Aghadrumsse,  Roslea Shamrocks and Lisnaskea Emmetts. All the clubs named will verify the importance of having all the required documentation in place i.e. club deeds, accounts and invoices. Belnaleck Art McMurroughs, Roslea Shamrocks, and Ederney St. Joseph’s are well advanced with plans for future development within the next year.

Clubs in the county attended a very successful officer training seminar in St. Michael’s College in February. A very positive feedback was received from the Ulster Council.

CLUB PROJECTS COMPLETED OR PLANNED

This amount of development would not have been possible without the guidance and expertise of a number of people. Firstly, the County Secretary Tom Boyle who has in no small way assisted clubs in preparing grant applications and in obtaining the necessary documentation to accompany these applications. Secondly, Liam Nelis and Stephen McGeehan from the Ulster Council who provided clubs with expert advice on their projects. As outlined by the committee it is vital that clubs register to take part in the Club Maith accreditation scheme if they have not already done so. All information is available on the Ulster Council web site. www.ulster.gaa.ie  

It is important that all clubs in the county liaise closely with the committee in all matters relating to development and avail of all the advice and expertise that is available at all levels within the association. During the year it was quite evident that any club seeking funding  must have all the necessary documentation especially deeds, land registry certificates, accounts and planning permission, to name but a few. With this in mind, it is vital that any club embarking on any kind of project should ensure that all criteria are closely adhered to. Failure to do so could result in funding being lost. Experience has taught us that the turn around time for applications to Sport N I is very short, so clubs should be in a state of readiness in case this situation suddenly changes.

Finally, it is due to the continual commitment to developing their facilities that clubs in Fermanagh contribute to the wellbeing of the Association in the county and offer everyone in the community an opportunity to participate in a wide range of social and recreational activities.  

Once again on behalf of the Physical Planning and Development Committee I would like to express my sincere thanks to our County Secretary Tom Boyle who, as in previous years, made life extremely easy for us during 2013.  

Cathaoirleach

Peadar Carthach

An Coiste Margaíochta Caidreamh Poiblí-Public Relation& Marketing

Website

Our website has had its first full year. On Sunday evenings our website takes up to 10,000 hits. This shows the interest in our Score and Fixture system which provides us with match details all year round. Another main page in terms of hits is the Coaching section which shows a lot of people are using the notes and information put up by Peter McGinnity. This section will now be taken over by Teresa and I am sure the fantastic standards set will remain the same. In the next year we hope our website goes smart phone friendly  and this would be a major boost. Thank you to Lairdesign for all your help during the year.

Social Media

Social media is growing each year and thankfully Fermanagh GAA is a part of that growth. On Twitter we have close to 6,000 followers. All Fermanagh County games in both Football and Hurling were covered I would like to thank Shane Connolly and Anita Kehoe for covering games that I could not attend. All club championship games that were in Brewster Park were also covered. Due to bad phone signal we could not cover the games live elsewhere. On Facebook we have 1800 likes. Both figures are healthy but we will continue to strive to get more. All clubs now have a Facebook or Twitter and it’s great to see all clubs working together to promote what’s going on in each other’s club.

Fixtures  & Results

Thank you to all referees who made sure they sent in the scores after games. This is due to the leadership of Noel Davis and Niall Cullen. Thank you to both.

Publications & Programmes

 Programmes were provided at all of our NFL league games. Our County final programme was full colour and seemed to be a hit with the fans. Thanks to all involved in the production of the programme as it contained a large amount of information.

The Print Factory continued to produce most publications; I wish to thank Aidan and all his staff for their help during the year.

Press/Media

I want to thank all local and national media for their coverage of all good in Fermanagh GAA.

We are indebted to our local media who provide important coverage of the GAA in Fermanagh on a weekly basis. Our local papers The Impartial Reporter, The Fermanagh Herald and Fermanagh News continue to play a key role in providing vast coverage of our games and other activities and we sincerely thank them for their co-operation and excellent coverage of our games. A special thanks to the many local photographers who provided photos during the year.

This year local station q101 was at very few championship games and didn’t broadcast our county final.  This is very disappointing. Next year we sure look in to setting up a Fermanagh GAA Radio and I will be asking a few people to look at this over the New Year for costing etc.

Thanks to George Beacom and his staff in the Bawnacre Centre who week in week out provide us with club scores by text and email and also to the national media I wish to thank you for your coverage over the year. This is an important relationship as we like to make sure Fermanagh GAA news can reach to every screen and ear in the world.

County Teams

Our County teams are the main focal point in our county, especially our Senior Footballers.  It was a busy year with all teams but the senior team is the one the press and media look for all information. Last year we seen fake teams given out in programmes and I would ask our county committee to make sure we don’t get a repeat of the USFC game in Brewster Park.

I wish all county teams the very best in 2014 and hope we have a successful year.

Ulster Council & Croke Park

Meetings were held every 2/3 months in Armagh. I want to thank Ulster PRO, John Connolly for all his help and advice over the year and to Ryan Feeney and Damien Kelly who were always was able to help out. I would like to thank Lisa Clancy who was always on the phone and willing to help.

Conclusion

This year has being a busy one in Fermanagh GAA. We have had plenty of attention but thankfully all good.  This role is very enjoyable and I want to thank everyone who makes it like that. This year this role sees people interested in taking it on in 2014. I am one of those. The last 2 years have been great and I feel that I always give my best to everyone. I would hope that I will get to continue in my role. If that is not to be, I wish the next person in the role the very best.

I want to thank all clubs for your help during the year, and to our secretary Tom Boyle. 

Thanks to my family and friends, your help and words of wisdom throughout the year.

Is mise, le Meas,

An Oifigeach Caidreamh Poiblí Fhear Manach

Johnny McManus
Fermanagh P.R.O.

Coiste Eolais Teicnoliachta-Information Technology

Is íontach an dul chun cinn atá déanta ag Cumann Lúthchleas Gael í gcúrsaí teicneolaíochta le blianta beagaanuas. Is cúis onóra domhsa an tuairisc seo ón gCoiste Eolas Teicneolaíocta a chur ós bhur gcómhair ag an “Crinniú Cinn Bliana 2013” anocht

Information Technologyhas played its partina number of initiatives in tandem with the National and Provincial Committee’s. These initiatives have centred on improved communication and governance within the Association at all levels.

Riomhpost/Email

Each club was provided with an email address in 2005, hosted on the fermanagh.gaa.ie domain. In 2009 the GAA move to a new system run by Google Ireland.Problems reported by clubs have greatly reduced with the introduction of the new email system. The new system brings much more functionality and is easier to use for those experienced in the use of email. The GAA now deal with technical problems through their helpdesk while I am in regular contact with technical support in relation to individual and club email issues. Club or County Officers newly appointed to positions for 2013 can contact me to get access to the GAA email address correct to their position.

Fermangh’s Weekly usage stats remain exceptionally high. Tributes for this must go to the likes of Tom Boyle, Johnny Mc Manus, Greg Kelly,Finola Owens, Peter Mc Ginnity, Teresa Mc Nabb and all those who regularly correspond to GAA units via email.

One issue of concern this year is the number of phishing emails generated from gaa emails within the county. This happens when we receive an email looking for us to use our log in details on an external site. Hackers from outside Ireland have then used the log in details of the unsuspecting email account holder to send multiple phishing emails to all those in their contact list. Please be very careful and never enter your login details except when using official GAA sites.

Persons with access to email accounts have caused financial loss to at least one county board in Ulster so be please be extra cautious and if in doubt contact the sender or a member of the IT Committee for clarification.

Website

PRO Johnny Mc Manus will cover the county website in his report and I just want to take this opportunity to congratulate Johnny and all those that have worked so hard to ensure we have a functioning well maintained website that we can be proud of. Johnny has also increased usage of Twitter and Facebook and I congratulate him on this.

Many clubs have their own websites and a progressive IT attitude, we would like to congratulate you on this and hope that it continues in 2014. I would however warn against the dangers of using forums or discussion boards in any way. GAA policy is quite clear on this and no unit of the association should sanction such a medium despite their popularity or potential benefits.Clubs are reminded that a free website template is available from sites@gaa.ie if they wish to set up a web presence.

www.gaa.ie

The GAA website continued to develop during the year with added functionality and features. Market research continues to drive much of the content, along with visitor profiling and I would encourage everyone to visit the site. It is an especially useful tool for all administrators with a wealth of downloadable information which should prevent clubs having to contact the county office for some routine queries.

ulster.gaa.ie

Another excellent tool for clubs and members is the Comhairle Uladh site. Downloadable material for all matter of needs is available and should be a first port of call for officials that require information.

Clarú/Registration 2013

I am pleased to report that 2013 had minimal issues for clubs in the county during the registration process. Weekly registration figures are available each Monday and can be checked with me at any time if a club officer has a query. All clubs in the county have direct access to a tutor who is available to help with any registration queries. With the system now in place and the bulk of the information now registered it should mean a lot less work for club Registrars in future years. The introduction of the system has allowed the GAA to provide accurate information to various funding agencies and the functionality of the system is very impressive if utilized to the full extent. A membership card has issued to members and the GAA’s Marketing Department is working to provide exclusive offers to all GAA members. This is something that will hopefully encourage more people to join our great Association. Clubs should note the three Registration system tutors are Brian Armitage, Tom Boyle and Niall Cullen and all three are available to offer support but I would encourage all registrars for 2013 to begin the registration process early in the year as all entries are date stamped and tutors may require time to work on any particular issues.

Fixture Planning/Riarachan na gCluiche

My thanks to all those involved in the continued use of the new system especially the referee appointments officers Noel Davis,Youth Committee Secretary Finola Owens, CCC Chairperson Greg Kelly, CCC Secretary Hugh Kelly and PRO Johnny Mc Manus.

Buiochas/Thanks

I would like to put on record my personal thanks to a number of people who ensure I.T issues are to the fore in the county. Johnny Mc Manus has driven IT issues as PRO and Committee Chairperson. Tom Boyle is a wealth of information on all issues and is always willing to offer support when needed. My thanks to all others who have contributed to the I.T related work during the year and a special word of thanks to the officers and Club Secretaries who had queries during the year for their patience and courtesy at all times.

Ar Chrioch

Finally can I take this opportunity to thank all those who have worked forand helped the Committee in 2013 and wish all incoming Committee’s and County Management Officers success in 2014. May I also wish all officers, delegates and club members a peaceful Christmas and a happy New Year.

Go raibh Maith agát

Nollaig Shona agus Beannachtaí an Bhlian nua dhuit

Niall O’Cuilinn

Oifigeach Eolais Teicnoliachta C.l.g Co. Fhear Manach

Tuairisc Cinn Bliana Coiste na Gaeilge & Oidhreachta

Ag an am seo tá an Teanga Gaeilge in áit deas i bhFear Manach sna bhliain 2013. Bíonn Cumann Lúth Chleas Gaeil ag glacadh páirt mór agus ag taibhair lán tacaíocht don ar teanga dhúchais ar fud na contae agus ar feadh na bliana.

Support for the Irish language was ongoing again in 2013 among members of CLG in Fermanagh. Several clubs held Irish Language classes on a weekly basis and used signage as Gaeilge in their grounds and clubrooms. Unfortunately there was a fall off in the number of clubs taking up the annual collection on behalf of the Language on Lá le Padraig. Let us hope that there is a resurgence in interest next year as proceeds donated to the Co Board are used to support students from club areas attending recognised Gaeltacht summer courses who are not otherwise in receipt of Gaeltacht Scholarships. Sixteen such Scholarships were recently presented in a ceremony at Enniskillen Townhall. These were sponsored by Comhairle Dúiche Fhear Manach (FDC) and administered by the Co Board.

As previously reported the Co Board, in conjunction with Comhairle Uladh CLG/Ulster Council GAA again with funding from FDC, have also administered Adult Irish Language classes in the Intec Centre, Enniskillen for a 3 year programme which ended this year. I am pleased to report that with the assistance of the Ulster Council’s newly appointed Cultural Development Officer Dónal McAnallen, this programme has been renewed for a further 3 years. Weekly Bun, Mean and Ard Ranganna are now held in the iconic setting of Enniskillen Castle Museum! It is even more pleasing to report that there were over one hundred applicants for places in the 3 classes so much so that an extra Bunrang had to be set up! Classes for 2013 end with a rendition of Christmas Carols as Gaeilge by the children of Naiscoil agus Bunscoil an Traonaigh, Lisnaskea, with participation of the Polish community, in the Castle Museum on Thursday December 12^th at 7.30pm. Tá fáilte romhaibh uilig.

A big ‘fáilte romhaibh agus go raibh maith agaibh’ to Seán Ó Murchadh (Liatroim) who has taken charge of these classes, ably assisted by Fionna Crudden (Cill Naile), PJ Fox (inis Ceithleann) and Mary Sweeney (Naomh Phadraig). Thanks also to Tommy McLaughlin, Oifigeach Cultúra FDC and to Nuala Quinn and the rest of the Council staff who ensure the smooth running of the classes.

It would be appropriate at this point to express thanks also to previous teachers Tom and Sinead Cullen (Gaeil na hEirne) and Roise Ní Laifertaigh (Litir Ceannain). A special presentation was made to Tom Cullen at this year’s Co Final to mark his tremendous contribution not only to this programme but to his promotion of the Language in general ‘ar fud na contae agus ar fud na tire’.

As I have arrived at the end of my 5 year term of office in the post of Oifigeach na Gaeilge I would like to express my appreciation for the support given to me in my role by my fellow officers on Coiste Contae Fearmanach, particularly Iar-cathaoirleach Peadar Ó Carthaigh, Cathaoirleach Padraig Ó Duláin and Rúnaí Tomás Ó Baoill, not forgetting Rúnaí Coiste Gaeilge Tomás Ó Cuilinn.

Go raibh mile maith agaibh go leir. Le gach deá- ghuí i gcomhair na Nollag is na hAthbhliana.

Gréagóir Ó Ceallaigh (Cathaoirleach Coiste Gaeilge & Oidhreachta Fhearmanach)

Scór-Scor

On behalf of the County Scor Committee, I would like to present you with details of the events in Scor Sinsir and Scor na nOg during the past year.

Scor Sinsir – The County Final was held in Donagh in February with 11 Clubs taking part with no teams in either Ceili or Set Dancing. A big thank you to Derrygonnelly Harps who did a fantastic job at hosting the Ulster Semi-Finals between Tyrone, Donegal and Fermanagh in March. Derrygonnelly Harps once again went on to the Ulster final in Instrumental Music but were unlucky on the night not to progress to the All-Ireland. Congratulations to Nicola Timoney who confidently represented our County and Province in the All Ireland Final in Derry in Solo Singing and did us proud!. She has since represented the County singing the National Anthem at the Ulster Championship Final in Clones and at numerous other GAA events throughout the year. This was the third year in a row that Fermanagh were represented at the All-Ireland Finals – a huge achievement for a small County!

The County Scór committee would like to remember Padraig McAloon who died tragically this year, the current Fermanagh Recitation and Novelty Act Champion and a very talented Scór participant for his club and county over many years. He will be sadly missed by us all…RIP.

A big Thank You to Brookeborough Heber McMahons who hosted the County Scor na nOg Final on Saturday 16th November 2013. Thank you to our Fear an Ti, Cian McAloon, (Ederney St.Josephs) and his knowledge of the Irish Language, without whom proceedings could not have gone as smoothly. Unfortunately there was a very poor entry with only 6 clubs taking part. It was very difficult and frustrating to even get a reply from clubs despite numerous emails. Despite this the standard was high, although we had no Novelty Acts, Ballad Groups or Set Dancing. Fermanagh will be competing on Friday 13th Dec in Glenswilly in Ulster semi final again Derry and Donegal.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all clubs and mentors who participated as a huge amount of work went into preparations for all categories.  It is very disappointing, however, to see that some clubs do not enter Scor at all and I would encourage all incoming Executive committees of all clubs to ensure Scor and Irish Culture is promoted as there is a huge amount of talent out there!

Sincere thanks all clubs who hosted Scor and to our Adjudicators who represented our county at Club, Province and All Ireland Competitions: Maggie & Christopher Maguire, Frances McGloin, Siobhan O’Brien, Jean Moanghan and Sinead Coll.

Thanks also to County Board for their ongoing support.  

Finally, to the hardworking Scor Committee I had pleasure in working with:

Tim Flaherty, Frances McGloin, Greg Kelly, Maggie Maguire and Finola Owens, a big thank you. 

Is Mise le Meas 

Sinead Ni Mhuineachain (Runai Scor Fearmanach) Jean Monaghan