Read our coverage as it happended here.

Mick Hagan was elected as the new County Chairman.

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Pictured is outgoing County Chairman welcoming Mick Hagan for what will be his third term as Chairman. Mick will now have served as Chairman in the last 3 decades.

Congratulations to Mick on his appointment.

Uachtarain, Delegates, members of management

Tonight as Chairman my brief is only to reflect and thank, because this space should focus on my successor, so therefore I intend to be short in my few words, also I intend not to mention individuals but I am extremely conscious of the many people who helped me and our County over last year and indeed the last 4 years.

As we look back over the past year and reflect on the activities of the inter county playing fields they will reflect success, success is relative, competing itself is success, while we all strive for success and while success for 2010 may not have been achieved it is no reflection of the preparation or commitment by managers, players or backroom staff. Senior Hurling seen good progress in 2010 which was reflected on at a recent  function. Promotion in both codes is very achievable and the wish of all Wicklow Gaels. As we have seen from our Annual Accounts the requirement for financial support was never more required within this area of our activities..

The club scene saw yet again a wonderful number of games played in hurling and football, young and old, due in the main to the efforts of the clubs and the CCC supported by the hearings committee, referees and their officials, the development of our referees outside the County is to be welcomed.

Our schools continue to operate in a supportive manner towards to the activities of our Association, this space is very well supported and encouraged by our games support staff, a number of staff which has been increased, also within this area we reflect on the excellent course that is presently taking place in the area of Coach Development, Fás have been extremely supportive in this area.

Our juvenile affairs were also supported by our games support staff, these dedicated people also prepared a excellent games manual, a copy of which is on your tables, I think all will agree on the quality of this issue.  Juvenile affairs again were directed by a dedicated Committee, scheduling and with the support of our juvenile clubs completed a catalogue of games, giving enormous pleasure to our children, sadly lack of discipline on occasions marked what would have been a very enjoyable family event but regrettably in the aftermath the imposed discipline is appealed. Everyone is entitled to the right of appeal however the blatant infringement of the rules of our games by a child being appealed by adults must raise the question of our example to our young players.  In congratulating the Juvenile fixtures people on completing their task I fully appreciate they met the wishes of the Juvenile clubs in arranging a games free period during mid summer, which was to accommodate family activities including their holidays, something I believe is not for the betterment of our games. On balance all Clubs will be without players over the summer period, are we not better to give our children the benefit of playing in the fine weather, but we must remember this was the wishes of the Clubs.

County administration was directed by our staff based in Arklow extremely dedicated people committed to supporting clubs and County.  I am conscious in an effort to be short in my address to you tonight I am refraining from mentioning all those who supported and worked for our county over the year, however the one person I must mention is Margo our clerical secretary for many years, Margo recently retired, and in wishing her well in her retirement and also thanking her for her loyal years of service, I am sure I speak for every club in the County.

The past year saw us run with our County Development Draw with the thinking of giving both our Clubs and County a source of much needed funds.  However reluctance of some clubs involvement to any great extent begs the question why is there such a different approach to the draw among our clubs. As we reflect on financial matters we must be conscious of our balance sheet, a review of financial budgets going into 2011 will be essential and realization that fundraising is the duty of all. Development within the County continued during 2010 with serious commitment to the Ballinakill project, great new staff facilities here in Aughrim allowing our stewards and guests avail of that well deserved cuppa on match days, also development works in all County grounds continued.  Towards completing these works the securing of finance was a task in itself, no more so than the securing of grants from both Leinster and Central councils, we thank both for their support.  Due to the current decline in the economy the agreed payments of finance from the Old Conna grounds deal has not come as agreed, however current discussions might resolve this situation, uncertain finance left progress planning difficult, achieved progress stemmed from detailed discussions and support of many people.  In 2011 it is hoped to complete the dressing room complex in Ballinakill a project which will require dedication and prudent spending, decisions on this project will require the benefit of a detailed project plan.  Ones opinion of completing this complex should be formed on the basis of the overall good of the county, now and into the future.

The above is just a snapshot of the people and structures that allow us as a county compare with the best and be proud of our activities.  Obviously there are several individuals and groups not mentioned above which give of their time again and again for our county and association, included in these people are our Scor people, IT and PR committees, our developing Website people. The support we get from our loyal sponsors on so many fronts, from Brian Brennan to the County FAS administrators, from Wicklow Co. Council to Jim Coogan, Anthony Darcy, to Cosgraves and so many more, their contributions all much appreciated and without which we could not exist.  The match venue staff who turn up week after week to ensure we are able to enjoy our matches within a reasonable level of comfort.

As a County we have and continue to put good practices in place for example our HR officer, a structure which allows us ensure all our staff are enjoying good employment conditions, also the appointment of ASAP officer. Support to all the above areas of activity comes from those who are proud to promote the PR and the image of our county, our newspapers our photographers, local radio, support also comes to us from both Leinster Council and Croke Park, our Association depends on people being proud of it and its activities, long may it  continue. All support whether in the form of grant aid or PR to our county is much appreciated, particularly in the present economic times. As we mention pride in our County we need go no further for a great example of this than that of the Publication early this year of 125 and Counting, a copy which is on your tables, congratulations to those involved in this publication.

With us,  ____ ___

The most important group who promoted our games both within and outside our county are our players, with individual displays recognized at national level. We congratulate each of them and thank them for their contribution and commitment, to their Clubs & County.

Coupled with our players, officials, mentors, spectators is our level of respect for each other, and also respect for structures and rules, 2010 unfortunately saw a number of cases where we as an association could not be proud of the actions of some of our members, an unfortunate aspect to this trend is that the number of occasions are increasing and the offender becoming younger, but more importantly the custom of clubs and individuals trying to justify this culture is also growing.   Can we justify or accept this behavior, when you have a water leak you turn the water off at the source, likewise discipline must be instilled within the club, the source of introducing the child to our games. While I have challenged the balance of the media in dealing with these issues in the past it does not imply any condoning of any such activities, at this stage I would like to mention our National media who have being very positive towards Wicklow GAA in the overall over my term, I thank them for it and assure them their support is vital and very much appreciated.

Closing on 2010 again is no different than other years, we seen the loss of loyal Gaels, to their families and Clubs we extend our sympathy, as we meet here tonight we have members and Clubs grieving loved ones, we hope the strength of our organization can be of some comfort to the all these families in their time of bereavement.

In that brief look back at 2010 there is a common thread that is commitment by the volunteers to our county.  As chairman it is my duty to sincerely thank all these people and assure them their work and support is much appreciated and I repeat something I have said to you before, we are all links in the Wicklow GAA chain, with our association depending on each of us, again thank you for 2010.

As we move to 2011 we are entering into another year of great sporting activities, a sport we are all very proud of. As you know we are about to elect a new chairperson to lead our county management and county for 2011 and beyond, and as I step down I put forward a number of issues that the 2011 Management committee might consider within their busy schedule.  In putting them forward I fully appreciate they may not wish to consider them, however I feel I should put the following items based on my experience of the past four years and also having taken the views of many on board

Firstly, as mentioned during the last year as a County we are preparing a Strategic Development plan setting out the development of our County for the next five years, this plan is about to be printed and launched in the new year, I believe the launching of the plan coinciding with a newly appointed County Chairman will be the correct approach. The support of the Clubs was vital in the progress of compiling the plan to date, an important feature to the success of the plan will be the regular review of the plan and amend accordingly.

Secondly as has been said on several occasions the area of fixtures is the hub of all GAA activities, whether at club or county level.  Accepting this I believe at County level we should consider whether it is the best practice that the position of County Vice Chairperson is linked with the chair of the County Competitions Committee which is current practice.  In linking these positions are we preventing people from taking the role of vice chairperson because of their lack of expertise in fixture making, as I said possibly something we should consider reviewing.

Thirdly, over the years I have been very conscious of the expertise that we have within our former county chairmen, in some cases these men continue to serve us with exceptional dedication but on the other hand we have some former county chairmen not involved to any great capacity, to that end I think there would be merit in considering the formation of a committee consisting of the former county chairmen, this committee could be chaired by the current county chairman with an open brief of suggesting change based on their valuable experience.  I was reminded of the experience of these people at a recent function where the former county chairmen were honored in a very small way for their contribution.

The fourth item I would like to mention, at the end of the day the drivers of this County are the Clubs, obviously that employs you the chairpersons and secretaries are the real drivers of GAA policies, accepting that I feel forums of both club chairperson and secretaries during the year could be very useful. The advantage of such a forum would be that it would be without the binding of rule. Obviously the whole area of financial requirements of both the Clubs and County would form a very constructive workshop, something I am sure our Treasurer will repeat again this coming year.

Fifth, as we enter 2011 and continue to raise the bar in relation to supporting our activities, and playing structures a group of former County Players have come forward as drivers towards putting in place such a support scheme which exists in several other Counties in one form or another, it is imperative that this culture receives the same encouraging support in Wicklow as it does in other Counties. There is regular evidence of this support through out the GAA world.

Sixth, while serving on management for many years I truthfully did not appreciate the enormity of the fixtures program until I became County Chairman, allowing for all the scenarios, duel clubs, duel player, etc.  However I have promoted debate over the last number of years regarding the Senior district teams, while we also spoke of U21 competitions and also the CCC people spoke of further junior competitions. In relation to both senior district teams and U21s we made no progress basing our argument on different view points, in relation to the U21s competition we felt there were not enough dates/time within our calendar. However due to the drive of the current U21s manager and selectors with the help of some district coordinators they completed a very competitive U121 trials competition showing where there is a will there is a way.  We did not go with the district team involvement at senior level for several reasons including if a district team won the county championship they could not represent our county at provincial level, hard to balance this with the player training for his place on the senior county team when through no fault of their own or their club that they are exposed to either intermediate or junior football.  So again I ask our county to look at these competitions on a trial basis for a period.

Finally, as we know the GAA is central to everything that happens in all communities, following on from that is the impact of the GAA on its members. Coming with that is the responsibility of  being such an influential body and what we can do to help our members and communities during this present economic time when people young and old are looking for support and leadership.  Considering this should we collectively move outside the box and establish a GAA Social Support Forum, such a forum could take a two prong approach, firstly develop the concept that already exists that of shop &  employ local with a strong GAA membership emphasis, and parallel to that develop the provision of a social support structure for our members who may wish to avail of such support. While I fully accept that this is not GAA territory but the current times have never been witnessed before in our country, so I feel we owe it to our members and

communities to consider setting up some form of a GAA Social Support Forum, possibly similar to GAA structures at Club, County, Provincial and National levels.  The GAA has always been leaders with their proactive approach, none more so then the existing ASAP approach however could there be a better time to extend our proactive approach, so in 2011 should we consider such a forum, unfortunately we have people in every unit that presently requires support, fortunately we have great leaders in every unit of the association, so should we give our leaders a forum towards a direct conduit to serve, support and rekindle our communities. So if it was felt that merit existed within this view, then the concept of a GAA Social Support Forum could be driven by the holders of Central Agendas. Within such a brief could be some financial grant aid system to GAA members starting and developing their business, some small grant aid could prevent a member from emigrating, as we know the reality of emigration is effecting every Club in the Country, the element of our Association which must be strong for the overall good. Do you know a loyal GAA member who has served the Association over the years and now finds themselves in a position of where a small financial grant aid could serve their business plan well. If as a County we feel that merit exists within this view, then the concept of a GAA Social Support Forum could be driven by our Central Body proposed by our very abele Central Council Delegate.

As I said the above are a number of issues which I feel I should mention, issues that if time or interest allowed for discussion, I believe merit could be achieved. In the event of moving any of them discussion & support will be required from all.

I complete my term as County Chairman after four years.  I join a small but very honored group of people that is former County Chairmen.  I can assure you that this honor can not be put in words. While the position on occasions can be an onerous one, the support I received on a personal level and also to the position of County Chairman was exceptional. I have enjoyed every moment of the past four years, made life long friendships and a reaffirming of the opinion I always held, Wicklow Gaels are as passionate as the supporters of any other County about our games.

One of the privileges of being County Board Chairman is to witness at first hand the wonderful voluntary effort that so many people give to the Association within the county.  To serve the GAA in your area is to serve the community, to put facilities in place for the future at great cost and effort is visionary and to assist with the development of young people is truly noble work.  It is impossible to put a value on time and talent so freely given by the wonderful volunteers of the GAA but “in giving we receive” and I believe all who work for the GAA are themselves enriched and the better for it.

Lack of success on the playing fields knowing how hard teams and mentors had prepared often left me frustrated being unable to give a personal opinion being County Chairman particularly when we accept success on the playing fields is what the GAA is all about, and long may it continue to be so.

As I genuinely thank everyone who has helped me over the past four years to lead the Garden County I must acknowledge the support of the clubs of the County.  To my fellow officers, particularly our County Secretary  Michael who I am sure at times wished I would just “go away”, board members, to two passionate Wicklow GAA men Peter Keogh and Jimmy Dunne both extremely supportive to me, team managements and selectors along with the many voluntary people and loyal supporters a sincere thanks.

Four years ago when I humbly took this position I said it would be my role to coordinate the development of Wicklow GAA in any way I could, I hope I achieved this to some extent, while I am sure my actions did not always concur with the views of all at all times, however I can assure all that everything I did I felt at the time it was for the overall good of our county, to my successor I suggest to him that he develops things further as far as possible, it is time for change, change and constructive debate will serve us well and allow us to continue to compare with the best on many fronts. I ask all to support the in coming Chairman, support I assure him and hopefully the developments he brings will also bring success.

The support of my home team could not be quantified, other than to say to Anna and our family many thanks for giving me the guidance and support to carry out the role of County Chairman to the best of my ability over the last four years.

I repeat what I have said to you on many occasions,

Nil Neart  le cur Le Cheile, there is nothing we can not do together,

Again to each and everyone who helped me over the last four years to develop Wicklow GAA, Go raibh mile maith agaibh

Aindris O’Briain  11/12/’10

Tá fáilte romhaibh go léir go dtí an Chomhdháil Bhliantúil anocht. Tá sé de phribhléid agam an tuarascáil seo a chur faoi bhráid teachtaí Chill Mhantáin i Eachdruim Uí Bhroin. Ba mhaith liom buíochas a thabhairt do gach Chumann agus do Choiste Bainistí a chabhraigh liom i rith na mbliana.

Once again another year is over and it is time to present a detailed report to you the delegates of our clubs for all games and activities during the past year. I will endeavour to be as comprehensive and detailed in the coverage of events as in reports of previous years.

I begin my report by lamenting on the poor performance of the Senior Football Team this year in both the All Ireland Football Championship and the Qualifiers where we gave our best and worst performances in the two haves of the game against Cavan. However our Senior Hurlers gave us cause to celebrate by winning the Kehoe Shield and Div 3B League and reaching the semi – finals in the Christy Ring Cup. A special word of thanks to Casey O’Brien and his backroom team for turning things around in 2010 with the Senior Hurlers.

On a very positive note we were delighted to have a new Sponsor on Board for the Senior, Junior, U21 and Minor Football Teams. Brian Brennan of Brennan Hotels who had sponsored Wicklow G.A.A. at various levels over a number of years is now our main Sponsor. We are very lucky to have someone of his standing
willing to come on board in these challenging economic times. We would ask all G.A.A. members to support our sponsors in any way they can.

I would like to congratulate Kevin O’Brien who was a selector with the Irish Team for the Comprise Rules Series versus Australia and Leighton Glynn who was once again selected for the Irish Team. Andy O’Brien and Peter Keane were also selected for the Irish Teams in the Shinty Internationals versus Scotland. It is
a great privilege for the County to see Wicklow G.A.A. people honoured at the highest level in our organisation. Mick O’Dwyer was also honoured at the end of 2009 our 125th Anniversary by being inducted into the RTE Hall of Fame.

County Championships

It is with great pleasure that I can report that all our championships under the stewardship of the C.C.C. will once again be completed on schedule. We ran the Senior Football Championship in what is now accepted as the norm with four groups of four on a league basis. The top two qualify for the knockout stages and the bottom two, playoff for the Keating Trophy. The league was once again played for without status. However as last year it did not appear to lessen the competitive edge to the games. It also allows the county teams play without any effect on clashing with club fixtures. The league section of the Hurling did not run smoothly and games were being postponed without just cause and once again caused a delay in finishing the Championship. With the Christy Ring Championship in Hurling and with Wicklow having access to the qualifiers we will now have to start both the Hurling and Football Championships between the league
finishing and the start of the Provincial Championships.

On the field of play there were no real surprises with the qualifying teams for the knockout stages of the S.F.C. Blessington, St Patrick’s, Rathnew, Stratford – Grangecon, Kiltegan, Donard-Glen, Baltinglass and Bray Emmets. St Patrick’s had a close call coming from four points down to win by the minimum against old rivals Kiltegan. Blessington had an easy win over Stratford – Grangecon and Rathnew likewise over Donard-Glen. Bray Emmets despite having most of the chances drew with Baltinglass. Baltinglass were a different team in the replay and won easily. The semi – finals paired Baltinglass and St Patrick’s. This was a close game with not much between them up to the last five minutes but Baltinglass finished the stronger and were the better team over all. Rathnew played Blessington in the other game and were never really pushed at any stage and ran out easy winners. The final was eagerly awaited with Baltinglass and Rathnew being the main winners over the past twenty years. Rathnew had the better of the first half despite playing against a strong breeze. They led by 1-3 to 2pts at the break. The second half was less than ten minutes old and Mikey English received a second yellow card to leave Baltinglass with an uphill task. Shortly afterwards Rathnew were awarded a penalty and this put the game out of reach for Baltinglass. Rathnew were well on top and ran out easy winners by 8pts and Baltinglass also lost John McGrath with a few minutes left in the game.

At Intermediate level Annacurra once again reached the semi – final. Shillelagh also reached the semi final beating Aughrim in a playoff. Avondale likewise had to play Ballymanus in a playoff and a replay to reach the semi final. Éire Óg Greystones also reached the semi final. Avondale played Éire Óg and what a game
it was with both sides having chances to win but finally ending in a draw. The replay was once again a close game with Greystones leading by a point at the break. Eire Og once again put a gap of four points but once again Avondale responded with a goalto leave the minimum between the sides. However Eire Og finished
the stronger and ran out winners by 4 pts. Annacurra and Shillelagh also served up a great game. Shillelagh started the better and led by 1 – 3 to a point after 15 minutes. Annacurra added a few points and just a goal separated the sides at the break 1- 5 to 0 – 5. Annacurra playing with the breeze levelled within 10 minutes of the re start. Annacurra continued to press on and added more points to run out easy winners by 6pts. Annacurra faced Eire Og in the final and began the game in whirl wind fashion leading by 4pts after 14 minutes. However Eire Og struck back with some fine points and at half time it was 6pts to 4pts in favour of
Annacurra. The 2nd Half was very tight and it ebbed and flowed with chances at both ends. Annacurra had a lead off 3pts with about 12 minutes left but slowly Eire Og brought it back to the minimum with nearly 5 minutes left. Annacurra were under real pressure at this stage but they defended in numbers and despite
Eire Og best efforts they could not equalise and finally Annacurra got their reward after waiting a number of years to finally get back to Senior Championship.

The Junior “A” Championship Final was between Ballinacor and St Patrick’s following two close semi finals with St Pat’s having a one point win over Baltinglass and Ballinacor beating Knockananna by two points. Ballinacor started the better and opened the scoring. However despite having more of the play the only
led by 4pts to 3pts at the break and had their goalie Denis Heffernan to thank having saved two great goal efforts by St Pat’s. Both sides exchanged points and they were still tied after 45minutes at 6 pts each. Following a great run by Paddy Byrne and shot which came off the upright the rebound was dispatched to the net by Ger Byrne. Paddy Byrne added a further point to give a 4pt lead to Ballinacor.

However St Pat’s came back with 3 quick points to leave the minimum once again. Ballinacor defence held firm and they managed to add 2pts in the closing minutes to win by 3pts.

The Junior “B” championship was contested by Rathnew and Hollywood following good wins at semi – final stage. Hollywood were first to score but Rathnew were awarded a penalty within a minute and Trevor Doyle dispatched it to the net. They followed it with a second goal shortly afterwards and never looked back
after this score. Hollywood’s confidence was shattered and they never looked like producing the football they were capable of. Rathnew stretched their lead early in the second half by adding 2 more pts. Hollywood did score a goal but it was too little too late. Rathnew ran out deserved winners on the day.

The Junior “C” championship was contested by Avoca and Éire Óg and a close encounter was expected. The game was played in very wet conditions and favoured Avoca more than the young Éire Óg side. However even though Avoca started the better the game was very close until Avoca scored four points in a row to give them a 4pt lead approaching the break. A goal just before halftime suddenly gave a major lead to Avoca of 1 – 7 to 0 – 3at the break. Éire Óg really gave it everything in the 2nd half. They scored 4 pts in a row and had a goal disallowed for a square ball and also a great save by the goalie. However Avoca got back into the game in the last five minutes and added 3 pts to give them a deserved win 1 – 10 to 0 – 7.

In Hurling people were looking no further than Carnew and Glenealy again for who would win the Senior Hurling Championship. The format was changed back to the top 2 teams would qualify for the semi – finals. The remaining teams would play off in the quarter finals. Once again when the league section began the only
discussion was what teams would be likely to join Carnew and Glenealy for the knockout stage. With the final round left Bray Emmets, Avondale, Arklow Rocks and Kiltegan were left to play against each other to decide who progressed to the semi finals. Following the final round Bray Emmets faced Arklow Rocks and Avondale faced Kiltegan in the quarter finals. Kiltegan and Avondale served up a game of two halves. Kiltegan had most of the play in the first half and led by 8pts at the break. Avondale’s fitness came to the fore in the second half and Kiltegan had to defend in numbers. Even though they led by 7 pts with less than 10
minutes to go Avondale converted two late goals to leave the minimum between the sides. Kiltegan just managed to hang on with the ball striking the bar and upright twice. Bray Emmets and Arklow Rocks also had a great tussle. A close first half left Bray leading by a point. The second half began with both teams
finding it difficult to score. As they entered the final quarter Arklow scored a goal to suddenly go in front 1 – 7 to 0 – 8. Bray kept pushing and reduced the margin tothe minimum. Following sustained pressure and with only minutes left Christy Moorehouse added 4 pts to give Bray a 3 pt win. Bray now faced Glenealy
in the semi final and Carnew faced Kiltegan in the other semi final. Bray started well and led Glenealy 4pts to 2pts. However Glenealy got into their stride and scored a goal and 4pts to lead 1 – 8 to5pts at the break. Glenealy took over in the second half and ran out easy winners 2 – 19 to 8pts. Kiltegan and Carnew played
a much closer game. Kiltegan started slowly and hit a good few wides but in the second quarter they began to get the range and added 5 pts to lead by 7pts to 5pts. Carnew and Kiltegan traded points and Kiltegan still led by 11pts to 7pts at the end of the 3rd quarter. Carnew’s Brian Osbourne just on as a sub scored a goal and this was followed by a point which tied up the scores. Carnew now pushed on and
added a further 7pts in the final 10 minutes giving them a good win after a close call. Once again Carnew faced Glenealy in the final. Glenealy got the start they had hoped for against the Champions Carnew. A goal and a point by Leighton Glynn followed by a pt by Jonathan O’Neill gave them a 5pt lead after 7 minutes.

Carnew did hit back in the 2nd quarter but were still behind at the break 1 – 8 to 0 – 6. They swopped points at the beginning of second half but Glenealy added 1 – 2. Leighton Glynn added a second goal with five minutes left and ran out easy winners 3 – 13 to 0 – 9.

In the Intermediate Hurling Glenealy once again showed their pedigree by reaching the final. Their opponents this year were Newcastle who had won the title last year but had been allowed remain in the Intermediate Championship. Newcastle scored a quick point but this was replied to by Glenealy with a goal from a free and this began a tremendous game with both sides exchanging scores. Alan Conyard scored a second goal just before the break to lead 2-4 to 0 – 4. Newcastle started with a quick goal from a free and added 3 pts to level the scores after 38 minutes.

Both sides added scores in an exciting game but Newcastle led by 1 – 10 to 2 – 6.

Newcastle added another point but Alan Conyard added 2 pts for Glenealy to level the game entering injury time. However with 34minutes on the clock Dee O’Brien put Newcastle ahead once more. A final attack from Glenealy was well defended by Newcastle and they won by the minimum on the final whistle.

In the Junior “A” Championship we had a new contender this year. Fergal Óg from Bray were back again hoping for better luck having lost narrowly to Éire Óg in 2009.

Glenealy were contesting their 3rd Final at adult level having won the previous two. This game has not been played to date.

The Junior “B” final was contested by Kiltegan and Glenealy. This was a game where the lead was passed between the sides in the first twenty minutes. Alan Conyard then hit a few points in a row to give Glenealy a lead of 1 – 7 to1- 3 at the break. Kiltegan added a quick point before Conyard once again added 3 more pts. Kiltegan then added a goal to bring them back into the game. However Alan Conyard continued to add points for Glenealy, and he gave a man of the match performance and helped them to a win of 1 -13 to 2 – 7.

The Junior C Championship had once again Kilman/Enniskerry against that hurling stronghold Carnew contesting the final. Carnew started the better but Kilmac/Enniskerry hit back and at half time it was 1 – 7 to 1 – 5 in favour of Carnew. After two minutes of the 2nd half the sides were level but then Carnew
hit a purple patch and were five pts ahead by the end of the 3rd Quarter. This was extended to 7pts shortly afterwards. However Kilmac/Enniskerry hit back and added 1 – 2 to with Carnew adding a point to leave a goal between the sides.

Carnew added another point but Kilmac/Enniskerry replied with a goal as time ticked away. As the Referee checked his watch a point from all of 70 metres equalised the game for Kilmac / Enniskerry and taking the game to a replay. Carnew once again started the replay with a flurry of points and led by 9pts to 4 pts at the break. Padraig Donoghue continued to be the only scorer for Kilmac / Enniskerry.

With 7 minutes left Carnew led by 13pts to 5pts. Then like the drawn game Kilmac/Enniskerry began to fight back. Two quick points followed by two more and Carnew only added one when Donoghue crashed the sliotar to the net. It was now 1 – 9 to 14 pts. Despite numerous efforts Carnew defence held out
and managed to add a point. Carnew got a deserved win of 15pts to 1- 9.

Inter County – Football

The Senior Footballers began their season with a visit to Baltinglass and their fine facilities in the O’Byrne Cup against Louth. We never got really close to Louth who looked to be further advanced in training. Next up was Carlow in the O’Byrne Shield. This was a fixture we did not really require as we were going to meet in the Leinster Football Championship. The first half was very even and Wicklow led by a point at the break. Carlow however levelled matters quickly and even though only a point separated the sides midway Carlow scored two quick goals which finished the game as a contest. The final score was 2 – 13 to 1 – 10.

The National Football League began with an away game against Clare. We started slowly but led by 4pts after 15 minutes. Clare added 2 pts but Wicklow continued to dominate and led 7 pts to 2 at the interval. We added 2 further points at the beginning of the half and led by 7pts. However Clare came into the game and by the 18th minute were only a point down. Wicklow added 2 more pts but with 5minutes left Clare scored a goal to level matters. With 2 minutes left Clare were awarded a dubious free and converted it to give them a 1 pt win. Leitrim were up next at home. We started slowly and Leitrim led 3 pts to 2 after 15 minutes.

However with Tony Hannon in good shooting form we struck back and led 6 pts to 4 at the break. We played better in the second half and a good goal from Hannon together with some good points gave Wicklow a healthy lead of 1-12 to 6 pts. Leitrim did add a few pts but never troubled Wicklow and we won1-13
to 9 pts. A trip to Ruislip was up next to face London. An early start but it was a beautiful day in London. A poor start but we still led by 1 – 8 to 3 pts at the break. Two quick goals in the second half and the game was over. The final score was 4 – 13 to 1 – 5. Once again we faced Carlow but this was at home in Aughrim.

It was not a great game but Wicklow were the better side and led by 7pts to 3pts at the break. Carlow were down to 14 men within three minutes of the restart.

Wicklow still led by 10 pts to 6 pts after 15 minutes. Wicklow hit a purple patch in the last quarter adding 4 pts to give a final score of 14 pts to 7 pts. We travelled to Longford for our next game and we made a great come back to win.

Wicklow played poorly in the first half and were behind 6pts to 3pts at the break.

Longford led 9pts to 7pts after 15 minutes when Seanie Furlong punched the ball to the net. The lead did not last long and Longford had the ball in the Wicklow net within a few minutes. Leighton Glynn struck for Wicklow within 2 minutes and once again the ball was in the net. Wicklow and Longford traded points and Wicklow defended gallantly to win 2 – 9 to 1 – 11. Wicklow had a tough game at home to Limerick and following a close game we drew 1 -11 to 0 – 14. Next up was Waterford away in Fraher Field. We started well and led by 4 pts to 1 pt after 10 minutes. We still led coming up to 30 minutes 5 pts to 3 pts. Within 3 minutes Waterford had scored 2 goals and Wicklow were out of the game by the break 2 – 6 to 0 – 6. We exchanged points and then Wicklow scored a goal to leave the score 2 – 8 to 1 – 8. Waterford went on to add 9pts to Wicklow’s 3pts to leave the final score 2 -17 to 1 – 11. This meant our chance of promotion was gone. We had Kilkenny at home for our last game. This was a meaningless game and we won easily 2 -25 to 0 – 7.

Leinster

On May 16th all roads led to Portlaoise where we took on Carlow. Wicklow started well and Tony Hannon was on target early. We led by 3pts after 10 minutes but Carlow had drawn level by 18 minutes. Jacko Dalton came on for Don Jackman and he made an immediate impact. Wicklow continued to play well and a goal from Paul Earls gave us a 1 – 6 to 0 – 6 lead. However Nicky Mernagh was harshly sent off on a second yellow card just on the break. Mervyn Travers made a great save and Wicklow stretched their lead 1 – 10 to 0 – 7. We then lost Paudge McWalter through injury. Another great save from Mervyn and a stunning goal from Leighton Glynn gave us a great lead. Jacko Dalton scored another great goal and we won 3 – 13 to 0 – 12.

Next up was Westmeath in Tullamore once again.

Once again we started very nervously despite scoring the first point. We did not score again for 20 minutes. Westmeath despite having the best of the play had only scored 4pts. Wicklow added a few points before the break to leave the score 5pts to 4pts. We continued to struggle in the second half and with 10 minutes
left Westmeath had a 6 pt lead. Wicklow finally came to life and added 3 pts but time was ticking away. With the 70 minutes nearly up Paul Earls struck for a goal to level the scores. Westmeath launched one last attack as we entered injury time.

The attack was cut out but the attempted clearance was blocked down and fell to Denis Glennon who put it over the bar to give Westmeath the winning point. A bad result after a poor performance.

Qualifiers

On Saturday 26th June we began the 1st Round of the qualifiers away to Cavan.

This was a game of two halves. Wicklow began with a strong breeze at their back and played well. A few early points and then a goal from a penalty followed by a Seanie Furlong goal put us on our way. We led by 2 – 6 to 0 – 5 at the break and Cavan were down to 14 players. Everything looked good for the 2nd half. Three minutes into the 2nd half and it looked even better as Cavan were down to 13 men. Cavan introduced Seanie Johnston and every time he touched the ball he scored or got a free. Wicklow fell apart as a team and we ended up with more players in defence even though we had the extra players. Wicklow only managed
2 pts in the second half. As we entered injury time we got a chance to level the scores but we failed to convert and we lost on a scoreline of 0 – 15 to 2 – 8. It was a day to forget for Wicklow Football.

Junior

We played Kildare in the final of the Junior Shield. Wicklow started well but then lost a player after 8 minutes on a second yellow card. Wicklow continued to play well and led by 5 pts to 1 pt at the break. We lost Adam Merriman with an ankle injury and this led to Kildare winning ball at midfield. Kildare score a goal and 2pts in to take the lead and just in injury time added another 1 – 2 to win on a rather flattering score line. We were up against Meath in the 1st Round of the Leinster Championship. Meath were dominant throughout the field. They scored 2 quick goals in the first five minutes and Wicklow never recovered. The led at the break 2 – 8 to 0 – 3. Wicklow did improve in the second half but the final score was 2 -14 to 1 – 8.

Under 21

Wicklow were under new Management this year with Tim Healy at the helm and Mick O’Toole and Jim McCormack as selectors. They had taken part in an U21 Tournament and were pleased with their performance. Longford were their opponents in the Leinster Championship at Aughrim. An early goal after a
mistake by the Longford keeper gave us the start we were looking for. Longford settled after this and after 20minutes we led 1 – 4 to 0 – 3. Wicklow then scored a second goal and went on to lead at the break 2- 7 to 0 – 6. Wicklow continued to play well and added another goal after 40 minutes. Longford never threw in the towel but Wicklow ran out winners 3 – 13 to 0 – 10. Once again we faced Laois in the next round. Laois started the quicker and had 2 pts on the board within a few minutes. However Wicklow settled and levelled matters within 10 minutes.

Laois had the edge in size and used it well going forward but Wicklow missed two good goal chances in a five minute spell but continued to play well and following points by both sides it was Wicklow 6pts to Laois 7pts at the break. Laois stretched their lead 10pts to 6pts but Wicklow struck back and reduced the lead
to a single point 10 – 9. Laois however finished the stronger and the final score was 0 – 13 to 0 – 10.
Minor Wicklow were at home to Wexford in the first round. Wexford had already beaten Wicklow in the League and would have felt confident of doing it again. However Wicklow began well but hit some bad wides. Eventually after 14 minutes Wicklow hit their first point and went onto add several more to lead at the break by 7pts to 4pts. Wexford added 2 pts and then both sides missed chances for goals.

Wicklow did add a few pts and then at 45 minutes Wexford scored a goal to leave the scores 1 – 6 to 10. However Wicklow quickly struck back to score a goal and within a few minutes added another goal. Wicklow led 2 – 11 to 1 – 8 and maintained their lead to the finish 2 – 13 to 1 – 9. Next up were Laois in Portlaoise.
Wicklow scored first and we were level on 5 occasions in the first 15 minutes at 5 pts each. We lost our Captain and centre back Sean Ryder after 10 minutes leading to a reshuffle of the team. Laois then went ahead by 3 pts but Wicklow contested every ball and as injury time approached we had brought it back to 2
pts when after a push on a Wicklow forward we were awarded a penalty. Michael Mangan scored to leave the half time 1 – 6 to 0- 8. Laois scored a few points to go 3pts clear but Wicklow came back and added 2 pts to leave the minimum between the sides. Laois added a further point to once again have a 2 pt lead.
Wicklow really pushed hard and maybe we should have taken pts instead of going for goals. Wicklow did score another point but we missed several chances to draw level. The final score was Laois 0 – 17 to 1 – 13. We were very unlucky not to at least get a draw but it was a tremendous effort by the team.

Inter County Hurling

Wicklow began the season with a new Manager – Casey O’Brien. Casey had been an outstanding hurler with Wicklow and commanded respect from all the Hurling Clubs. This was immediately noticed with a full turnout for training for the entire season. He selected Brian Gleeson (St Patrick’s), Gerry Murray (Kilcoole)
and Jim Bob Doyle (Carnew) as his selectors for the year.

Kehoe Cup

Wicklow began with a game against Roscommon in Arklow. Roscommon started the better and led by 7pts to 2 at the break. Wicklow really came into the game in the 2nd half and had levelled the scores after 11minutes. Wicklow then went ahead but Roscommon came back with a goal from a substitute. Despite a lot of pressure and adding a few more scores Roscommon won 1 – 10 to 0- 12. The next game was against Longford in the Kehoe Shield. Wicklow were too strong for Longford and led by 2 – 10 to 0 – 7 at the break. Despite some good play by Longford they never got close and the final score was 3 – 22 to 3 – 09. They
faced Armagh in the final and it was a close affair. Armagh started well and led by 4pts to1 after 15 minutes. They extended the lead by half time to 1 – 8 to 0 – 7.

Andy O’Brien scored a goal for Wicklow within 2 minutes of the restart. Armagh were not going to give up and points were exchanged until Andy O’Brien once again hit the net and Joe Murphy added another point. Armagh added further points and led by 2 with little time remaining. Wicklow received a free 25 metres
from goal as we entered injury time and up stepped Jonathan O’Neill to drive the sliotar to the net giving a final score of 3 – 12 to 1 – 17 for a one point win.

National League

Wicklow were away to Fingal in the 2nd Round and were without 5 players due to a change of date. However they still played well and were level at the break 1 – 4 to 0 – and Jonathan O’Neill continued to keep them ahead and they won 0 – 15 to 1 – 7. Next up were Sligo and they continued their good play with an
easy win in the finish 1 – 18 to 0 – 10 despite only leading by a point at the break 1 – 5 to 0 – 7. A long trip to Donegal was next but they played good hurling to win 3 – 16 to 0 – 9. Once again we faced Roscommon in Arklow. Roscommon opened the scoring but Wicklow led 3pts to 1 pt after 10 minutes. Roscommon
once again struck back but Wicklow held a slender lead at the break 6pts to 5pts.

Roscommon once again took the lead but Jonathan O’Neill kept Wicklow in the game and we trailed by 2pts after 55 minutes. Once again Jonathan hit further points to draw level and then take a one point lead. Don Hyland also added a point to extend the lead. The defence held firm for the final 5 minutes to record
a 2 pt win 14pts to 12pts. Wicklow also had to travel to Tyrone and ended up in Strabane due to Healy Park being unplayable. Wicklow had an easy win with Don Hyland scoring 2 goals, John Connors 1 goal and Paul Sutton getting a hat trick in the second half. The final Score 6 – 23 to 0 – 3. We were home to Louth
in the last round and since we would be meeting them in the final 2 weeks later it would be of interest to see how they would play. Wicklow decided to take the game seriously and started by scoring 2 – 1 in the first five minutes. Louth never looked as if they were going to get going and at the break it was 2 – 10 to 0 – 4.
The second half was no different and the final score 3 – 21 to 0 – 8. The final was held in Parnell Park with Wicklow favourites to win. Wicklow were quick to start and added 4 pts in a matter of minutes. Louth replied with 2 pts and then Don Hyland hit a wonderful goal. Wicklow led 1 – 6 to 3pts after 15 minutes.

Andy O’Brien added another and Jonathan was adding the pts. At the break we led 2 – 12 to 1 – 4. Louth narrowed the gap early in the second half but Jonathan kept adding the points and Andy O’Brien added a second goal. The final score was 3 – 18 to 2 – 9.

Christy Ring Cup

The 1st Round of the Christy Ring Cup was at home against Mayo. Wicklow started well and led by 5pts to 3pts with a little help from Jonathan O’Neills accuracy from frees. However Mayo struck back and added 2 goals while Wicklow added one. At the break the score was 2 – 6 to 1 – 5. Both sides traded scores
early in the second half but Enan Glynn and Ronan Keddy added 2 pts a piece to tie the scores after 55 minutes. Jonathan continued to tap over the frees and the final score was 1 – 19 to 2 – 12. Kildare were our next challenge and we played in Newbridge. Wicklow started well by scoring 2 pts. Kildare settled and struck back with a few of their own. Both teams exchanged scores in the next twenty minutes.

Wicklow then lost Don Hyland through injury and then Tommy Doyle with a harsh Red Card. However Wicklow dug deep and a goal by Andy O’Brien kept them ahead until the break 1 – 8 to 0 – 9. Kildare had levelled the game within minutes of the restart. Then they went ahead and then Wicklow added a few pts
to lead 1 – 14 to 0 – 15. However Kildare did not give up and added a goal and a few points. Wicklow kept going but were tired at this stage with only 14 men.

The final score 1 – 19 to 1 – 16. However we are still in the quarter finals. Meath were our opponents and once again we were back in Newbridge. Once again we started well and Enan Glynn scored an early goal and then we traded points to lead 1 – 2 to 0 – 2 after 10 minutes. Another goal by Andy O’Brien and a point
by Jonathan and we had extended the lead to 2 – 3 to 0 – 2. Meath then came back at Wicklow and after 25 minutes the sides were level. It remained like this at the break 2 – 6 to 1 – 9. Wicklow hit back to score 4pts without reply. A Meath defender was then Red Carded and Don Hyland came on and scored a point to
lead 2 – 11 to 1 – 9. Meath added points and Wicklow also added some to leave a score line of 2 – 13 to 1 – 13. Once more Meath hit back with 3 pts to draw level. They then edged ahead with a further 2 pts. Andy had a good effort blocked down but it broke to Jonathan who somehow managed to squeeze it past the goalie from a tight angle on the end line. The final whistle sounded shortly afterwards.

It was a wonderful win by the minimum of margins. We travelled to Nenagh for the semi- final against hot favourites Kerry. Wicklow once again started well and the sides were 2 pts a piece after 10 minutes. Kerry were reduced to 14 men early in the game when a defended was given a straight red card for a wild pull. Kerry eased into a 6pts to 3pts after 17 minutes. Kerry stretched their lead further 8 pts to 4pts. Casey then changed Geoffrey Bermingham as the extra man and he made an immediate influence. After 25 minutes Andy struck once again for a great goal to bring the margin back to the minimum. Kerry struck for 2 further points but Wicklow hit back with 3 pts to tie the game at the break. Andy once again struck for a goal just after the break. Wicklow added a further 3 pts to take a 5 pt lead. However Kerry did not give up and struck for a goal and then added a point to leave the minimum with 55 minutes gone. After an exchange of points Wicklow
added 2 more to leave a goal 2 – 14 to 1 – 14. Kerry struck once again for a goal to leave the game tied. However they finished the stronger and hit 3 additional points to win and progress to the final. Wicklow can be very proud of their season and great thanks to Casey and his back room staff.

Under 21

Tim Balfe together with Jim Bob Doyle and Pat Lee tried very hard to get this panel together for some training but were not successful. Various reasons were given but without some formal training it is very difficult to put together a team. We travelled to Trim to play Meath for a midweek game and we had a very weak team. The team never performed and we were well beaten on the night. If we are to progress, a serious look will have to be taken at our preparation in future.

Minor

The Wicklow team travelled to Newbridge for their first game in the league. Wicklow were over ran by a much bigger and fitter squad and never got into the game. At the break it was 2 – 13 to 5pts and at full time it was 4 – 21 to 1 – 06. Wicklow travelled to Louth for the Minor Shield with a weakened team. Louth
started well and led by 6pts to 2 pts after 12 minutes. Wicklow then hit a purple patch and hit 5 pts in a row to lead 7 pts to 6 pts. The sides were level at the break 1 – 6 to 0 – 9. Wicklow added 2 pts and led 11pts to 1 – 6 after 10 minutes. Louth then became dominant and added 1 – 10.

Wicklow did add a goal and a few points to leave the final score 2 – 16 to 1 -12. Questions must be asked why we had a second string of players only available. Wicklow faced Westmeath in the All Ireland B Championship. Wicklow only had a second string team once again but even if they had a full side this was not an equal contest. Westmeath had only lost out by 4 pts in the Leinster Championship against Offaly.

They are just too strong for teams like Wicklow. They led by 3 – 14 to 0 -3 at the break and the full
time score was 7 – 26 to 0 – 7. A waste of a game for both sides.

Leinster Club Championships

This year Rathnew represented Wicklow in the Senior Football Championship. There opponents were Skyrne from Meath and the game was in Navan. Rathnew started the game slowly and missed a few good scoring chances. Skyrne started well and were 3pts to1pt up after about fifteen minutes. Then Skyrne were awarded
a penalty which was converted to give them a lead of 1 – 3 to 1pt. Both sides exchanged pts to leave the half time score 1- 4 to 0 – 2. Rathnew struck back with a goal at the start of the second half to bring the game to life. Rathnew continued to take the game to Skyrne and had levelled the game by the 45th minute. They then took the lead with a point from Mark Doyle. However Skyrne hit back with the next 4 pts to win by 3pts. Rathnew had a chance of a goal but it was saved with 5 minutes left.

In the Intermediate Football, Annacurra played Timahoe of Laois away. A slow start by Annacurra left them chasing the game and they were behind 6pts to 2pts at the break. Annacurra had two quick points in the second half but that was as close as it got. Timahoe got control of the game and extended their lead to 5 pts.

Annacurra did trade points with them but Timahoe ran out winners 0 – 12 to 0 – 7.

In the Junior A Championship Ballinacor travelled to St Oliver’s in Dublin. They had a great start and led 1 – 2 to no score after 10 minutes. However they lost a defender to 2 yellow cards after about 15 minutes and this took its toll in the second half. They missed a few scoring chances and eventually lost by two points.
Glenealy played St Mullin’s of Carlow in the Intermediate Club Championship in Carlow. St Mullin’s started the better and led by 6pts to 3 pts after 15 minutes. Alan Driver had a goal for Glenealy and Jonathan added a point but St Mullin’s finished the half stronger and added 3pts to lead at the break by 0 – 10 to 1 – 4. Glenealy added a few points but did not manage to take the lead. However Leighton Glynn
broke through and drove the ball to the net. Just as quick as they had gone ahead St Mullin’s struck back for a goal. Glenealy added a point but still were behind as the game entered injury time. However just when it looked over Wayne O’Gorman hit the net with a great shot and the final whistle sounded immediately afterwards.

The final score was 3 – 8 to 1 – 13 and a one point win for Glenealy. Glenealy had a home venue against Celbridge for a chance of getting to the final. However they were without Jonathan as a result of the Red Card he received versus St Mullin’s. Celbridge started well and led by 1 – 5 to 0 – 1 after 15 minutes. Celbridge continued to dominate and led 1 – 9 to 0 – 4 by half time. They once again stretched their lead in the second half and led by 1 -14 to 0 – 6 with 10 minutes left. Glenealy kept going and Leighton struck for a goal and then added a second from a free. They kept attacking but Celbridge managed to add a point and keep their defence intact. The final score was 1 – 15 to 2 – 7. Glenealy missed Jonathan on the day and also came up against a good Celbridge Team. Newcastle faced Devlin in the Leinster Junior Championship
at Arklow. This was a very evenly balanced game. Devlin did start well and raced into a 5 pt lead but by half time Newcastle had drawn level. Newcastle then went ahead but Devlin were never more than 2pts behind. Devlin then struck for a goal which came about by a deflected shot which fell to the Devlin forward in the right place and was finished to the net. Newcastle did have chances to level the game but went
for goal instead of taking their points. The final score was 2 -7 to 0 – 11. Fergal Óg took part in the Leinster Special Junior Hurling competition against Fingallians of Dublin. However Fingallians were much too strong for this level of competition and ran out easy winners 6 – 27 to 2 – 9.

Competition Controls Committee

The C.C.C. should just have completed our programme of games for the 2010.

Chairman Mick Hagan together with Secretary Tom Byrne and a hard working committee have done well to finish all competitions within the year. Competitions in general ran smoothly but the Senior Hurling despite the small number of teams still proved difficult once more. We will have to tighten our Match Regulations to avoid games being called off for little or no reason. Croke Park have now put in place Fixture Planners for every County and Club Competitions will have to be set to a schedule at the beginning of the year and strictly adhered to for the remainder of the year. I thank everyone for their commitment and time during the year.

Discipline

Each Year we discuss discipline as an area where both Clubs and players do not give enough consideration in relation to games. Once again there was an increase in the number of disciplinary cases before the C.C.C. and once again it was very disappointing to see the increase in Juvenile Disciplinary cases. Players at U12 & U14 receiving Red Cards should not be happening. U12 is not meant to be competitive and to ensure all players get games. Again a lot of the discipline issues related to abuse of referee’s especially from mentors and parents on the sideline. Clubs will have to take responsibility for their mentors and supporters. Once again every year I ask clubs to ensure that respect is shown to referees for the year ahead. This is not happening in a lot of Clubs. Referees are not always right but without them we will not have any games. We should also acknowledge that referees are only human and mistakes will happen from time to time but hopefully they will learn from it given a chance.

Clubs will have to provide “Qualified Referee’s” at Juvenile level otherwise they do not get home games. I would like to thank the Hearings Committee members who once again were called on at short notice many times and who never failed to provide members to hear cases. It is not a job where people are waiting to serve on the committee and I especially thank the few for their commitment during the year.

Referees

Once again I will state the obvious that we still need additional referees especially in hurling as stated in my reports of previous years. Trevor Culbert stepped down from his roll of Referee’s Administrator during the year and I thank Tom Byrne for once again stepping into the breech for the remainder of 2010. I thank him for his commitment and look forward to his suggestions for 2011. Our new system of updating results is dependant on Referee’s and there are still some who are not texting results after games. We are hoping for a better response for the year ahead. Hugh Kenny has continued with the “Young Whistlers” at 2nd Level schools and once again it has proved popular with the students and a high number of them attained the qualifying mark in the written exams for referees. It would be important that these students are
given a chance at “Under Age” level and hopefully encourage them to continue to adult level. As already discussed under Discipline Clubs who do not ensure these young Referee’s are not abused should be removed from the competition. The Clubs have to understand the need to encourage young people towards refereeing
for the future of our games.

County Committee

The Coiste Condae held six meetings during the year. As can be seen from the records some clubs have failed to have delegates attend any or very few meetings. Clubs also need to ensure that delegates report back to their clubs relevant issues that are discussed. Proper discussion of matters affecting Clubs need to be discussed fully at Club level. I thank all the Clubs who attend and take part in items of interest to Clubs and hope that more Clubs will be encouraged to do so.

Committee Attendance Record
Andriú Ó Briain 6
Máirtín Ó Colmáin 4
Damian Ó Broin 6
Micheál Ó hÁgain 6
Pádraig Ó Mistéil 6
Séamus Ó Dughaill 4
Micheál Ó Murchú 6
Máirtín Ó Bearáin 4
Éamann Ó Caoimh 5
Tómás Ó Broin 5
Seán Napier 6
Buach Ó Seachnasaigh 6
Seán Ó Tíomáin 6
Tómás Ó Gréacháin 5

s
adult level. As already discussed under Discipline Clubs who do not ensure these
young Referee’s are not abused should be removed from the competition. The
Clubs have to understand the need to encourage young people towards refereeing
for the future of our games.
County Committee
The Coiste Condae held six meetings during the year. As can be seen from the
records some clubs have failed to have delegates attend any or very few meetings.
Clubs also need to ensure that delegates report back to their clubs relevant
issues that are discussed. Proper discussion of matters affecting Clubs need to be
discussed fully at Club level. I thank all the Clubs who attend and take part in
items of interest to Clubs and hope that more Clubs will be encouraged to do so.
Committee Attendance Record
Andriú Ó Briain 6 Máirtín Ó Colmáin 4 Damian Ó Broin 6
Micheál Ó hÁgain 6 Pádraig Ó Mistéil 6 Séamus Ó Dughaill 4
Micheál Ó Murchú 6 Máirtín Ó Bearáin 4
Éamann Ó Caoimh 5 Tómás Ó Broin 5
Seán Napier 6 Buach Ó Seachnasaigh 6
Seán Ó Tíomáin 6 Tómás Ó Gréacháin 5

County Management Committee

The County Management Committee met on eleven (11) occasions during the past year. A lot of work was dealt with and even though we do not always agree on every issue being discussed the democratic process was accepted by all.
Attendance Record
Andy O’Brien 11
Michael Murphy 11
Mick Hagan 10
Tom Byrne 10
Eamon O’Keeffe 10
Victor O’Shaughnessy 10
Martin Barnes 9
Martin Coleman 10
Pat Mitchel 10
Damian Byrne 11
Jack Napier 11
Tom Gregan 10
John Timmins 10
Jim Bob Doyle 10

Leinster Council & Central Council

Martin Coleman and Mick Hagan represent Wicklow at Leinster Council. Martin is on the Leinster Management and as always looks after any issue relating to Wicklow. Mick is on the C.C.C. in Leinster and also looks out for issues relating to Wicklow. Eamon O’Keeffe is secretary of the finance committee and assists all
counties on financial matters. Jack Napier is our Central Council representative and keeps us informed on all matters being discussed at National level that may affect Wicklow and ensures that we have a strong voice when it is needed.

Media

The media plays a very important role in the G.A.A. It assists with the promotion and of course the reporting of our games for all our supporters. The reporting at Juvenile level has experienced a set back over the last year or so. We have asked Clubs to assist in this aspect of games even if only the Result and Scorers are
reported back to Coiste na nÓg. It would allow us to send these Reports weekly to the Wicklow People or for inclusion on our Web Site where the children could access. Some Clubs are sending details to the Website and we need to encourage more Clubs to do likewise. The Wicklow People of course sponsor all of our
Championship Competitions at underage and also the “Man of the Match” for each final. We thank them for organising this sponsorship especially Dave Deveraux who has taken over responsibility for Sports. At adult level Mark Kennedy is still reporting at most of our games and of course we always can rely on Peter
Keogh who gets around the county to every game no matter the venue or time.

Mick Hagan also ensures that reporting of our games is not forgotten and is now a regular contributor to the Wicklow People. Pat Mitchell now collates all the results and ensures that they appear in our Sunday papers as well as the tele – text for all Wicklow people who live abroad and around the country. Nuala Kenny
and her assistant Tom Byrne keep us up to date on the Web Site with fixtures and Alan O’Brien and Shane Ferguson assist with County and Championship results and Jack Napier and Jimmy Dunne ensures we have our year book ready every year. Thanks also to Mick and Garry for the photos each week. I also thank Dave
Barrett for all his assistance especially for the Programmes/Yearbook and P. J. O’ Shaughnessy also for his help with all the photography. Michael Sargent is also to be thanked for his coverage of G.A.A. matters on East Coast Radio along with his many contributors. As we move forward we see great expansion of our coverage of all G.A.A. matters on our new Website and this is thanks to Alan and Shane. I must comment on the coverage we have recently received from our local media in the National Papers. I have to say it is very biased and they fail to report on any of the good work being carried out by the G.A.A. at local level. I have no problem with reporting what happens but it seems to be only regarding negative issues that Wicklow is known Nationally.

Scór

Seán Ó Tiomáin presents his report later in this booklet but I would like to thank himself and Tómás Breatnach and their hard working committee for their efforts during the year. Clubs now only have to enter one category to participate in Scór. We hope this will encourage more clubs to take part. It gives some other members of our Clubs who may not shine in our games but may have hidden talents in
entertainment a chance to express themselves.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship is very important to our games whether it be Club or County level. Without it we could not provide the necessary back up to our teams at county level. Brennan Hotels are still our Major Sponsor of our Adult Football Teams for the next few years. Brian has been involved with the County over the last 10 years and it is great to see him continuing to invest even more with the county especially with the current economic times. Internally within the county we also rely heavily on sponsorship of all our competitions and we thank all our local sponsors for their effort and commitment. This year once again we ran a “Race Day” in April at Punchestown. Thanks to our committee under the guidance of Eamon O’Keeffee and especially Anthony Darcy who sponsored the day which ensured it was a great success. We also thank our Golf Classic Committee for their fund raising efforts on their 21st Anniversary this year. We ran our County Development Draw again this year and we thank all the Clubs who gave us their full support but nearly 50% of Clubs did not support the draw and we cannot run the draw at a loss. We hope to continue it next year but we will have to review costs. We are very lucky to have so many people supporting us in so many ways and for that we offer our thanks. It is important that we as a county support these people in their business when we
have the opportunity.

Coaching

This is probably the most important area of development of our games at all levels. This year we have continued in conjunction with Leinster Council to introduce a new Coaching and Games structure. We have also managed with the assistance of Jack Murphy – Fás to take on additional people to assist with Coaching in the Schools. We now have an additional seven coaches at this level and we would hope that this will improve Hurling especially at School and Club level. The U12 games are now non competitive and it ensures that all players get to play. These games have proved very successful and it is important that all clubs take part to ensure that all children get to play our games.

My thanks to Hugh Kenny and all his staff for the work being put in, in this area of our games. Clubs have to ensure that they use the expertise that we have available at this level which may not always be there.
Hugh ran Foundation Courses, Award 1 Courses, 3 Hurling Workshops – Paudie Butler, Young Referee’s Course, Go Games, Nursery and Fun Do Workshops and Performance Analysis Workshop during the year. A further course that takes in all aspects of Coaching, Refereeing etc is being run under the auspices of Fás and will give 24 people some further qualification that they may use to get a job and that will also benefit the G.A.A. in their area.

Strategic Review Report

We have our County Plan ready following a lot of work during the year and it is hoped to have a final draft in place before the end of 2010. It is hoped to launch the report in the first quarter of 2011. We have also appointed Club co-ordinators to assist Clubs will also have to take on board this plan and set out their own
targets over the next few years to ensure we all go forward together.

Development Committee

Victor O’Shaughnessy will give a full report on this area later in the booklet but I would like to express my thanks to him and his committee for all their hard work in the year gone by. The “Training Facility” at Ballinakill is well on its way and we will be ready to seed at least 3 pitches and start our Building in April 2011. They also look after the clubs with any help required in improving their facilities. This committee also recognises the efforts of players and clubs in the “Awards Night” in the New Year.

Schools and Youth

This is an area where Coiste na nÓg look after all our games from U10 to U18 and if we are successful at this area we will always have a ready supply of players for the future. This year we once again had a large number of games to play and it did not always run smoothly. However with the support of the Fixtures
Committee, Martin Barnes had the show on the road and we have completed a full programme of games within our calendar year. The clubs are now partaking in more games but it is important that they build on this for the future. A new programme of fixtures is being put together with involvement from all areas to
ensure that the games will run smoothly. I would like to thank the District Boards and all the Development Squad Managers/Selectors for all the work put in during the year in promoting our games. In the Football all the squads performed well in the Leinster Blitzes. We would also ask the clubs to assist these people whenever possible by providing players when asked or by helping out at this level. This year
Carnew Emmets represented the County in the Hurling Féile and Blessington represented the county in the Football. However despite some good displays we were unsuccessful in the All Ireland Football and Hurling Féile. In the schools our games are being promoted as always but they do need our support. In years gone by we relied on teachers but this is no longer possible. As stated previously the clubs need to support the schools and the Club/School link is ideal for Primary Schools. Hugh Kenny is ensuring that the right people are going into the schools from the clubs. Once again Jim Murphy as a Fixtures/Games liaison officer at Post Primary Schools level was of great help to the schools. Our Junior Schools Team was once again successful in Leinster this year winning their competition. At second level we may also need to provide our grounds for games or training or possibly a set of jerseys or equipment where necessary. We will reap the benefits at a later date. Thanks once more to the Cumann na mBunscoil and Second Level Schools for all their commitment during the year.

Handball, Camogie and Ladies Football

It was another successful year in handball for Shauna Hilley and Daniel Curry who once again made great headway in underage. The Ladies Football continues to grow and this year they won the Leinster Junior Championship beating Louth. The Bray Emmets Team won the Senior Club Final, congratulations to all
concerned. The Camogie continues to have a vibrant club scene which produces exciting games. In conjunction with Jenny Duffy Leinster they held some coaching seminars and a Leinster Tournament. It is good to see all three associations continuing to grow and prosper within the county.

Finance

The Financial Report has been prepared for delegates by our Treasurer Eamon O’Keeffe. As usual it is a detailed report and gives everyone a clear view of the cost of running our county in the past year and as usual it is getting more expensive every year. I would like to thank Eamon on behalf of myself and the County
Board for his great work during the year.

Críoch

As I finish my report of all our activities during the year I hope that nothing has been omitted. I would like to congratulate all the Clubs that won the various competitions but I especially would like to thank all clubs for their commitment during the year. I also thank the clubs for their assistance and consideration shown
to me during the year and I hope I was of assistance to them when required.

I would also like to thank Fás who assist the County and Clubs in running employment schemes where we have people looking after the grounds.

I am grateful to my fellow officers and the various sub-committees for their help during the year. A special thanks to the Chairman Andy O’Brien who is stepping down at this Convention. Andy has brought a new level of commitment over the last four years to the position of Chairman. He has also ensured Ballinakill will
be a successful venture that will live on in Wicklow G.A.A. I thank him for all his assistance during the four years and his availability at all times. I know he will continue to assist Wicklow G.A.A. in any way he can in the future. I also thank Anna and the family for all their help especially in Aughrim on those big days
when they were always available to assist in any way required. Thanks to the staff at Croke Park and Leinster Council who are always available when assistance is needed. Thanks to the grounds staff and all the stewards and gate men/women who assist on match days especially in Aughrim for our big games. I would also like to thank the many clubs who sent us volunteers for our big match days and not forgetting Eamon O’Keeffe, Victor O’Shaughnessy and Jimmy Dunne who are always in attendance.

To Nuala, Tom, Victor and Jimmy who work with me in the office on a daily basis and without whose assistance I could not survive especially in those hectic days of the summer when competitions are at their height. A special prayer for all those “Gaels” who have passed away during the year, and gone to their eternal reward.

I cannot finish without special mention to Margo Cassell who retired this year. Margo made my life so much easier when I began this job with her knowledge and assistance to me on a daily basis. I wish her a happy and contented life in her retirement.

I ask everyone to look ahead to 2011 and strive to make it a better year for their club and county.

Is mise le meas,
Micheál Ó Murchú
Rúnaí, Coiste Condae Chill Mhantáin.

I want to start my report by thanking all the clubs and members for all the help and support in running our games at all venues around the county in 2010. As a County Board we just couldn’t run our affairs without your help and commitment. So a big thank you to all for your continued effort, it was certainly very much appreciated.

Again this year development and improvement continued in many clubs throughout the county, which is wonderful to see. Nearly every club in the county has their own facility. Clubs are to be congratulated on the ongoing work that is being carried out on a voluntary basis.

This year Lacken, a little club in the west of the county, purchased land to build their own grounds and clubhouse. This is wonderful for them and gives them a base and home for the future. This demonstrates in a very tangible way that the GAA is alive and well in the Lacken community and that the club and its members are willing to provide a base for the future of their club. Well done to all concerned.

The centre of excellence at Ballinakill is making progress. At this stage a lot of work has been carried out, platforms 1, 2 and 3 are ready to complete. Drainage, irrigation and top soil are in place so in the spring these will be finished. Platforms 4 and 5 are being drained at the moment, so these two extra pitches will be ready in early 2011 for completion as well. The next phase of this project will be the building of the club house. This will start in early 2011, as each and every one involved in Wicklow GAA will know, this is a major venture for us all but when this centre of excellence is finished it will prove to be the catalyst for better things to come for all our players representing Wicklow in the future at all levels.

Over the coming weeks and months, training for club planning will take place.

I want to thank our three new planning facilitors for coming on board to carry out this training, Billy Byrne (Avondale), Peter Case (Donard/Glen) and Richard Burke (Hollywood), are the people who will give their time to this very worthwhile venture.

I would ask all club members to come along to these workshops and learn all that is involved in club activity for the future. Clubs will be notified with dates and venues.

The input of Fas to our association is huge. At the moment we have twenty four people involved in our Community Employment Scheme throughout the county. This includes seven coaches who are involved in school coaching and also involved in helping out with all the young squads around the county. This is all very positive for us as a county.

Our community development officer Mr. Jack Murphy is very supportive of the Fas scheme and Wicklow GAA is very grateful for his continued support. Also at the moment we have twenty four people involved in a Fetac level 5 course in
County Grounds, Aughrim. This course will run until June and will be a great help to all involved, especially in coaching and other aspects of sport.

Jimmy Dunne, who is the main co coordinator for both our Fas schemes, continues to work and be involved in all that’s good for our association, especially with initiatives like this course. Credit also to Hugh Kenny who is very much involved in this venture.

I also want to thank our secretary Michael Murphy for all his help throughout the year. Last but by no means least, Nuala in the office who works so hard for all of us. A big thanks to all.

Finally may I wish all our clubs and their members health, happiness and good luck in 2011.

Buach Ó Seachnasaigh

As we come near the end of our season, all of our Football and Hurling Championship’s are completed at this stage.

This year discipline at some of our juvenile games was very poor and this is not good for clubs going forward .The abuse our referees have been getting from mangers, mentors ,parents and spectators is a disgrace and it is time clubs tieded
up there discipline.

Well done to Carnew who represented there club and county in the National Feile Na nGael while Blessington club also represented there club and county in the National Feile Peil Na NoG well done to all concerned.

This year our County minor footballers were narrowly beaten by Laois compliments to Brian Doyle and his back room team. Our County minor hurlers got a heavy defeat by Kildare in Newbridge and this was no fault of the management
team lead by Mick Byrne who tried every thing to get players out to train, all hurling clubs will have to support Juvenile county teams going forward for hurling to survive in the county.

Playing games regular is the life of any club and county and as juveniles are a very important part of our association it is important that we provide lots of games for them both in football and hurling. The coaching and games committee
are doing enormous amount of work from Kinder garden , Go Games to county developing squads at all age levels in both codes .I would like to thank Hugh Kenny as games manager and his club support officers for there hard
work through out the year of 2010.

At the beginning of the year Hugh Kenny and his Club support officers met with all club mentors for the different age groups in the county which they then put a fixtures plan together for the year ahead and this was second to none, Martin Barnces who is juvenile fixtures secretary over seen the fixtures and again not a easy job trying to fit in referees and organise pitches with clubs .

As our County chairman Mr Andy o Brien is stepping down this year I would like to thank him for his guidance and support over the last two year.

Thanks to all referees including young whistlers that took charge of our games during the year 2010 and to all clubs that made there vacillates available to us when needed.

To all on Coiste Na NoG Executive and special thanks to Martin Barnes as fix sec and Lucy Mooney as Runai Many Thanks .To the County Senior Runai Mr Michael Murphy and all the staff in the county office and each and every juvenile club in the county thank you for your support through out the year 2010 and all the best for the year 2011.

Is mise le meas
Damien o Broin

An Chomhdhail Bhliantuil 2010

Report from Aodh Ó Cionnaith

Games Development Manager

Email: hugh.kenny.gamesmanager.wicklow@gaa.ie

Tel: 087 – 2718537

Introduction  

Every club Juvenile & Adult should take a leaf out of the Checklist for behaviour as part of the national respect campaign. It’s very easy to be organised this is more than half the battle, having a good Juvenile chairperson and secretary and club coaching coordinator who plans and liaises with all juvenile coaches is the bedrock for any successful club. Every club has a voice at meetings. So the next time you attend meetings make sure that your clubs voice is heard don’t just go along with the flow and say nothing and wonder when decisions are made and then say this is the first you heard about it. Like all committees democracy rules on votes or proposals so stand up and be counted when it matters. Progress can be made if you let it happen there are too many clubs/coaches/officials not open to change. The statement “if its not broken why fix it” does not apply in most cases. We have to adapt to change and make the most of it not complain or give out about why this affects you. The Changes in the under 12 for example will come into rule from 1^st January 2011 and we cant change it so we in county Wicklow like 31 other counties have to make the best of it and plan accordingly to support and implement the change so all clubs must make every effort to insure it’s a success. The way we embraced the under 8 and 10 structures over the last few years has now given us plenty of young players in those age groups with fantastic skill and attitudes. I am asking all clubs to do the same with the changes to the under 12 structures. When we look back in two or three years time with the amount of coordinated, skilful and games sense players at our disposal we won’t be complaining. Coaches you cant play your feelings and beliefs through the lives of our young players let them find out for themselves that competing to win and all the pressures that this comes with this can be developed as they get older and are ready for that challenge.

1. Responsible 2. Encouraging 3. Supportive 4. Positive 5. Enabling

6. Considerate 7. Tolerant = R E S P EC T

We must embrace 2011 where all our young players are given an oppournity to play and display their skills and talents in an environment supported by coaches/clubs who RESPECT this challenge. To make it work we have to be prepared to put the effort in. To succeed we have to meet this challenge head on and plan accordingly.

 Vhi GAA Cúl Camps 2010

 This year we increased the number of camps in the county to 27 and combined Hurling & Football in the duel clubs.

Despite the shortage of money among parents and families once more in 2010 due to the economic circumstances our Vhi GAA Cúl Camps came up trumps again with over 2,000 children attending. This figure was down slightly on last years numbers but that was to be expected, but none the less 2000 children attending was a massive achievement. It looked very unlikely leading up to the first week of the camps that we would reach our target. But the promotion our teachers, clubs and G.D.A.’s did was most worthwhile and we dealt with the additional numbers joining on the day in a very professional manner.

This year’s Cúl camp kit was very attractive among all age groups. The Additional free gifts supplied by the County Board of a Frisbee and Boot bag along with the five days coaching was value for money at €55 euro per child. The overall cost was reduced by €5 from 2009 in line with our policy of value for money. Many counties charged between €60 and €75. We also had family reductions for two or more members attending to further reduce the cost in these trying times.

All our Coaches were trained to the highest standard prior to the camps as well as taking the Code of Ethics Course and Garda Vetting process. This year the Quality of Coaches surpassed previous years and in many cases we just had to turn away many more coaches looking for work.

Unlike the last few years the weather during the summer was very kind and this made the coaching more enjoyable and in turn all the children benefited greatly for their experience of coaching & Games.

The big advantage for parents again this year was they could register their children on line and they would be automatically be registered on their specific camp roll. This saved time with a lot of administration work as we hadn’t to input that many forms manually on the system and it is something we should be encouraging parents to do again in 2011.

We will sit down over the winter months with our games development committee and plan new ideas and initiatives to incorporate into our camps for 2011. Something we must also look at is a reduction for children attending 2 or more camps without providing addition Cúl Camp gear. Our national sponsor Vhi Healthcare has being very accommodating and interactive in the whole process of promoting and organising the camps not only at county level but national level as well. Every child that attended our camps and all the other Vhi GAA Cúl camps in Ireland got the opportunity to attend the National Cúl Day out in Croke Park and the excitement of playing three games. The criteria for selection was completing the on line competition. This was the first year that our Brochures were so family friendly in so far as there was no added insert and the whole application form was in one cover brochure. This helped families/children choosing a camp a much easier process. The most disappointing area during the Vhi GAA Cúl Camps was the weekly media coverage given by our local papers. This is something we must improve on during 2011 every child and likes to see their photography appear in a weekly edition having completed the camp. This also promotes future Cúl camps over the summer weeks.

Finally I would like thank the parents/Guardians for identifying the Gaelic Athletic Association as a fun pastime for children to enjoy themselves through our Vhi GAA Cúl camps. Thanks also to the host club and camp coordinators who did such an excellent job over the course of the summer. Looking ahead to next year I promise that the Wicklow Coaching & Games Development Committee will make it attractive once more in 2011 for children to enjoy their talents and friendships while developing their skills and learning respect for coaches, referees and the rules of the game while attending any venue in our Vhi GAA Cúl camp programme.

GAA Vodafone Easter Fun Camp

This is a nationally coordinated programme of skill development activities taking place in a positive playing environment and targeting disadvantaged communities to provide children with the opportunity to derive maximum enjoyment from their involvement in Gaelic Games and learn about leading a healthy, balanced lifestyle. The GAA Easter camp was run in Fergal’s N.S. Garrett Doyle Supervised this camp over three days with a total of 52 young players in attendance. Hurling & Football provided the main attraction with Skills and Games and each child was presented with a Vodafone hoody to mark their participation in the camp. Participants were recruited using a specific application form through the following units/groups:

Primary Schools in RAPID Areas, RAPID Areas Implementation Team, School Completion Programme, Family Resource Groups and Local GAA Club

Primary schools Coaching / Club School Link

 Over 95% of schools avail of the GAA coaching in schools programme.

This involves an agreement between schools and the County Games Development Department to provide coaching on two blocks of 9 weeks. All lessons are designed to meet the aims of the primary school curriculum and teachers are encouraged to work together with our coaches to maximise the impact for pupils. Seventy-five percent of primary school teachers surveyed during 2009 GAA in-service summer courses reported that they found the support of their local GAA club to be good or excellent. While this is encouraging, it is important that all clubs ensure that they establish strong links with their local primary school. There has been a very positive response from all our Primary Schools in the county. Teachers have being very impressed by the approach from all our coaches. The county board also plays a vital role in support of this programme by contributing €500 per club/coach this is further enhanced by a further contribution of €500 from each club. It is very important that we continue this strong link with our local Primary Schools if there is any element of complacency there are other sports more than willing to seize this opening. For the record and one that we should be proud of is that Wicklow GAA covers over 80 primary schools on two blocks of 9 weeks over the course of the school year. This gives us a total of 2,880 hours coaching. In many cases the local clubs support even more hours to extend the programme beyond the 18 weeks. Our County G.D.A.’s monitor this club school link coaching programme in their own regions. Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Coaching & Games Development have agreed a Head of Agreement document for all school coaches nationally .This agreement has been fully endorsed by Cumann na mBunscol Náisiúnta and INTO. Below is the Head of agreement document to make all clubs aware of their roles and responsibility.

Specific Conditions:

A. The Governing Body shall undertake the following responsibilities:-

• Provide a reliable and responsible coach fully qualified with the appropriate coaching and child protection requirements. The coach, if asked should be able to provide a photographic card showing identity, qualification, child protection etc.
• Arrange an initial meeting with the school principal and acquire the signature of the principal (or other teacher) after each coaching session
• Provide coaching for no less than 7-9 weeks, with the opportunity of extra-curricular activity throughout the year.
• Provide teachers with a programme of lessons, if required, with which they will be able to teach to their pupils.
• Promote a Club/School link to ensure maximum benefit for all parties.
• Provide access to coaching resources such as Fun Do, Céim ar Aghaidh etc.
• Provide equipment when necessary and suggest new innovative and stimulating equipment e.g. fundamental equipment.
• Co-ordinate and organise events for schools to participate e.g. Go Games blitzes, U-Can skill awards etc.
• Ensure that Go Games blitzes offer maximum participation where all members of a class are offered the chance to play.
• Create an opportunity for all members of the community to meet and participate together.

B. Governing Body Contract:-

The Governing Body will

• Meet with the Principal or the Teacher with Post of Responsibility for Physical Education/Games to discuss and agree the following:

o The scheme of work/coaching sessions to be followed

o The classes and teachers who will participate in the coaching programme

o The equipment and resources required.

o Starting and finishing times and dates

o Management of Discipline.

o Supervision of pupils with Special Educational Needs.

o A structure for the development of regional Go Games blitzes.

Note: At all times the teacher will be in charge of class discipline and behavior issues arising during the coaching sessions

C. Coach:-

The Coach will:

• Meet and plan schedule with his/her games manager/supervisor.
• Demonstrate punctuality and professionalism at all times throughout his/her time at the school.
• Be suitably attired at all times.
• Familiarise him/herself with the school’s policy on physical education and any other relevant school policies e.g. Positive School Discipline, Policy on First Aid, Medication to Children, Inclusion etc.
• Present the GAA syllabus which outlines coaching activities that are planned in accordance with the aims and objectives of the primary Physical Education curriculum.
• Liaise with each class teacher on class rules, children with special needs etc
• Present lesson plans at the beginning of each lesson, so teachers can follow and subsequently participate in the presentation of lessons.
• Involve teachers, either in participation or in actual teaching during the lesson delivery. Lesson plans will be provided to the teacher (from Fun Do pack) at the start of the lesson for them to fill in and try out before the next visit.
• Acquire the principal’s (or alternative teacher) signature at the end of each session
• Make the principal aware of any difficulties he/she is experiencing with the sessions
• Be aware of school confidentiality at all times

D. Schools:-

The following elements will be specific requirements a schools involvement within the programme:

The School will:

• Show the school policy on physical education to the coach to support him/her in integrating their games programme.
• Make the coach aware of any other relevant school policies e.g. Positive School Discipline, Policy on First Aid, Medication to Children, Inclusion etc
• Make the coach aware of children with specific needs or Special Educational Needs and policy in this regard. (Special Needs Assistants should be present where applicable)
• Facilitate coaching for no less than 6 weeks, with the possibility of an extra-curricular slot also being provided to develop a club/school link.
• Facilitate lessons of between 30 minutes and 45 minutes for each group of children.
• Adhere to agreed times, dates and days (where possible) as supplied by the Games Manager prior to the commencement of the school year in September and notify the coach in advance of school closures and events.
• Ensure that class teachers always remain in the lesson and assist in the delivery of the session.
• Report any concerns immediately about any elements of the programme to the Games Manager.
• Facilitate involvement in local Go Games blitzes
• Encourage teachers to use the programme after the coach leaves.
• Facilitate local clubs in their liaison with schools and the advertising of club events.
• Evaluate and monitor the programme for the school, coaches and Games Manager.
• Where possible facilitate at least one teacher to be released during the year to undertake a coaching qualification e.g. Fundamentals, Learn to Train, Foundation Course etc. (Co-ordinator will inform schools about courses)

E. Clubs:

The GAA Club should establish a strong link with the school by following these recommendations:

1. Ensure that the club has a dedicated School Liaison Officer (SLO). The SLO should be selected after considering availability to visit the school during school hours and communication skills.

2. The SLO and club Chairperson should arrange to meet the principal and teacher with responsibility for sport/games and agree points of contact for club and school.

3. Outline the club’s work at underage as well as the Go Games Programme which promotes participation for all children.

4. Establish what support the school requires in terms of:

a) Equipment and gear

b) Facilities

c) Coaching assistance in the school setting

d) Support for Cumann na mBunscol activities

e) Assistance with organising Go Games Blitzes

f) Support for after school activities e.g. homework clubs

g) Information about Coach Education courses

h) Club membership for staff

5. Formalise arrangements regarding mutual use of each others facilities.

6. Establish (and keep up to date) a GAA notice-board in the school with information on Club Blitzes, Ú Can (Skill) Awards, GAA Cúl Camps, Cumann na mBunscol activities etc and post School information on the Club notice-board.

7. Provide a calendar of club events e.g. registration days, Go Games Blitzes etc. and keep up to date with school events.

8. Liaise with the County Games Manager and the school to keep up to date with school initiatives including the GAA Céim ar Aghaidh Education Resource, GAA Fun Do Pack, Cúl4kidz etc.

9. Circulate a club newsletter to the school children to encourage them to become involved in the club.

10. Host schools Go-Games blitz at the club pitch and hold a follow up event on a Saturday or Sunday morning.

Certificate of Agreement:

School: ________________________________ Dates of Coaching: _____________________________

Classes to be coached: ____________________

Principal’s Signature: ___________________________

Games Manager Signature: ________________

Coach: _______________________________________

Date: _________________________________

We accept the conditions stated throughout this document and fully support our involvement in the programme. This is a very important document for all Coaches, Primary Schools and Clubs by insuring that best practice prevails.
 

 Coach Education

 If you club requires a Foundation award course you can contact myself or any of our G.D.A.’s. It’s important to remember we need a minimum of 16 participants and we can only take a maximum of 24. We also need suitable venue to run the course i.e. meeting room with seating for all participants for theory part and a large hall for the practical side. Cost of the foundation award is €10 Per Person this can be run over to week nights or a Friday and Saturday morning.

Football Foundation Award Courses were held in Laragh, Baltinglass, Aughrim, Newtown, Blessington, and Tinahely. Hurling Foundation Award Courses were held in Aughrim, Arklow Rocks, St. Patrick’s, Enniskerry and a Combined Foundation Award course in Bray Emmets

Football Award 1 Child Course in Baltinglass GAA has just finished with 24 coaches completing the course over three weeks were James Barrett Stratford/Grangecon, Paddy Dowling Baltinglass, Sean O Brien Baltinglass, Bill Walshe Baltinglass, Paudge Doody Baltinglass, Ciaran O Shea Tinahely, Kevin Traynor Hollywood, Graham Doyle Baltinglass, Shane Whelan Ballymanus, Declan Faulkner Baltinglass, Paddy Murphy Michael Dwyer’s, Colm Kenny Tinahely, John Bookle Baltinglass, Peter Halpin Hollywood, Thomas Furlong Baltinglass, Liam Hanlon Baltinglass, Yvonne Burke Stratford/Grangecon, Sheila Barnes Annacurra, Declan Byrne Annacurra, Brian Moran Annacurra, Kieran Burke Baltinglass, Anthony Nolan Baltinglass, Brian Hunter Baltinglass

The Award 1 Youth/Adult course Arklow C.B.S. was completed in 2009 and the following the coaches Certificates were presented at half time in the Wicklow Senior Football Championship Game between Rathnew and An Tochar those who received their certificates were Frank Clune Annacurra, Billy Kavanagh Valleymount, Jimmy Lillis Tinahely, Martin Ging Tinahely, Tom Foley Kiltegan, Barry Cotter Blessington, Marty Heffernan Newtown, Trevor Doyle Newtown, Mark Doyle Newtown, Brendan Furlong Tinahely, Stephen Burke Hollywood, John O Byrne Aughrim, Paul Whelan Aughrim, Craig Cahill Avondale, Brendan Ward Avondale, Rhona Murphy St.Patricks, Eamonn Hughes Kilcoole, Liam Gahan Kilcoole, John Gahan Avondale, Liam Kelly Avondale, Paul O Brien A.G.B. Brian Bracken A.G.B Jimmy Murray Coolkenno, Maura Doran Carnew Emmets

Hurling Award 1 Youth/Adult Course Arklow C.B.S is also just finished coaches who have successfully complete the course over three weeks are Thomas Carroll An Tochar, Seamus O Shaughnessy Avondale, Donal Browne Avondale, Nula Cullen Glenealy, Declan McInerney St. Patrick’s, Alan Murphy Arklow Rocks, Joe Connors Arklow Rocks, David Kenna Arklow Rocks, Martin Reilly Arklow Rocks, Turlock Bracken Arklow Rocks, Catherine Butler Arklow Rocks, Patrick Gartland Michael Dwyer’s, Eva Le Mathieu Michael Dwyer’s, David Murray Michael Dwyer’s, Bernadette O Byrne Annacurra, Fiona McAlister Annacurra, Ken Redmond Carnew Emmets, Eddie Brennan Carnew Emmets, Jimmy McGing Carnew Emmets, Maurice Molloy Carnew Emmets, Thomas Collins Carnew Emmets, Eamonn Hughes Kilcoole, Liam Gahan Kilcoole, Noel Greaghty Glenealy, Pat Staunton Glenealy

New County Tutors

Brian Cornyn, Gary Duffy and Paul Garrigan have completed the Leinster Tutor training course. They now tutor on our county courses and the Leinster coaching modules in various Leinster counties

Coach Education Programme for January – March 2011

Football Award 1 Youth/Adult Course (New course)

Dunlavin Community College 7 nights Monday & Wednesday March 2011

Wed 2/3/2011, Mon 7/3/2011, Wed 9/3/2011, Mon 14/3/2011,

Wed 16/3/2011 Mon 21/3/2011 Wed 23/3/2011 Time: 7.30pm – 10.00pm on all nights

Cost: €100 per coach

Contact: Hugh Kenny 087-2718537 Email: hugh.kenny.gamesmanager.wicklow@gaa.ie

Hurling Award 1 Child Course (New course)

An Tochar 7 nights Monday & Wednesday March 2011

Tues 1/3/2011, Fri 4/3/2011, Tues 8/3/2011, Fri 11/3/2011,

Tues 15/3/2011 Fri 18/3/2011 Tues 22/3/2011 Fri 25/3/2011 Time: 7.30pm – 10.00pm on all nights

Cost: €80 per coach

Contact: Hugh Kenny 087-2718537 Email: hugh.kenny.gamesmanager.wicklow@gaa.ie

Hurling Foundation Award (New Course)

Newtown GAA Saturday 5^th February & Saturday 12^th February 2011

Time 10.00mm – 2.00pm on both days Cost: €10 per coach

Contact: Garrett Doyle 083-4357460 Email: garrett.doyle.gda.wicklow@gaa.ie

Football Award 1 Child (New Course)

Bray Emmets GAA Monday & Wednesday January/February 2011

Mon 31/1/2011, Wed 2/2/2011, Mon 7/2/2011, Wed 9/2/2011, Mon 14/2/2011, Wed 16/2/2011

Mon 21/2/2011 Time 7.30pm – 10.00pm on all nights cost: €80 per Coach

Contact: Hugh Kenny 087-2718537 Email: hugh.kenny.gamesmanager.wicklow@gaa.ie

Hurling Foundation Award (New Course)

Hollywood GAA Friday 11^th February & Saturday 12^th February 2011

Time 7.30pm – 10.00pm and 10.am – 2.30pm Cost: €10 per coach

Contact: Michael O Sullivan 083-3442058 Email: michael.osullivan.gda.wicklow@gaa.ie

Football Foundation Award (New Course)

St. Patrick’s GAA Tuesday 8^th February and Thursday 10^th February 2011

7.30pm – 10.00pm on both nights Cost: €10 per coach

Contact: Colm Gaskin 083-3937411 Email; colm.gaskin.gda.wicklow@gaa.ie

Please register by contacting any of the Course Coordinators A.S.A.P maximum of 24 coaches’ only. Clubs should encourage their coaches to progress up the coaching ladder to ensure the future of our games within the County.

Vhi GAA Cúl Camp – Coaches Training

This was a three day coaching programme organised by our full time coaching staff. We prepared and trained all our selected Cúl camp coaches for the riggers of 6 weeks and 27 Cúl camps. The training incorporated theory and practical session in hurling and football and a half day coaching Aughrim N.S. in the county grounds. A full code of ethics training course was also organised.

Club/School Link – Coaches Training

This workshop took place in Aughrim County Buildings prior to the Coaches starting their first block of 9 weeks in the Primary schools. A full detailed document was presented to all coaches outlining their roles and responsibility while coaching in primary schools. Respect bibs were also presented to all coaches to wear during their coaching sessions, as well as a coaching folder and polo top. We also issued each coach with the Club/School Link coaching manual covering Hurling and Football. This gives all primary schools in the county a standardised approach to coaching right across the county. In other words what is being coached in Bray, Wicklow Town Carnew and Blessington is the same. All coaches have a timetable to complete with dates, numbers, classes coached etc. They must submit this form before they are reimbursed for their coaching expenses for the first 9 weeks.

Paudie Butler/ George O Connor Workshop

Paudie Butler and George O Connor Held a Hurling workshop for all our club/school link coaches, club coaches and academy squad coaches in Colaiste Craobh Abhann Kilcoole on Tuesday 26^th January. The Hurling Session covered Wall Ball Skills, First Touch, Speed, and Technical Proficiency. Very big turnouts of over 60 coaches were treated to two hours of hurling activity passed on by top hurling coaches. Our county junior schools team was put through the routines for the benefit of all coaches present.

Code Of Ethics Course

A central goal for all those involved in sport for young people is to provide a safe, positive and nurturing environment where children can develop and enhance their physical and social skills. In order to achieve this, Wicklow G.A.A. hosted a number Irish Sports Council certified Code of Ethics and Best Practice Awareness (Child Protection) workshops for Coaches/leaders within our clubs. This 4-hour workshop is designed to provide guidance to those working with young people in sport. It outlines the types of issues that need to be discussed and addressed in order to provide the safest and most enjoyable environment for young people. It is intended that between 2010 and 2011 that every club in Wicklow will have its own Code of Best practice course in their club. For this year we have organised Hollywood GAA, Bray Emmets GAA, Blessington GAA X2, Baltinglass GAA, Eire Og Greystones GAA, Dunlavin GAA, Tinahely GAA, Arklow Rocks GAA, Avondale GAA, Coolkenno GAA, Aughrim GAA and another course in Aughrim County Grounds for Academy Squad Coaches. Wicklow Local Sports Partnership also provided courses for a number of clubs. The workshop costs €12.00 per person and must be payable on the night
All participants receive an Irish sports council certificate and they must attend the entire course to receive this certificate. Coaches must be Over 18’s. We will arrange further courses over the coming months for all other clubs on an individual basis. Maximum attendance is 16 please do not have any more in attendance otherwise the tutor will have to offend people and ask them to leave.

Referee Education  

The course aims to provide participants with knowledge of the rules of Gaelic games and an understanding of fair play and the role of the referee:

• Understanding the role of the referee
• The responsibilities and privileges of a referee
• Promoting the G.A.A. Code of Best Practice
• Understanding the rules of Gaelic Football and Hurling.

These young referees play a major part in our Go Games Programme – T.Y and fifth years students must under go the referees course content over two full days in local areas tutored by Tom Byrne this is followed by the referee exam in their local Post Primary school. A full list of qualified young referees was attached to the Go Games fixture schedule. In total 65 young referees passed the exam in 2010. Three New courses will be organised in January/ February 2011 where we hope that a further list of qualified referees will be released to clubs. It is the host clubs responsibility to contact young referee in your area to referee at Go Games Blitzes. Please note that parents must sign a consent form before their mobile numbers are released to clubs as the majority is under 18.

Annual Club Coach Audit

As part of the national strategic plan we must Audit all clubs to find out the names of all of your coaches involved with each team from Juvenile to adult level and asses what qualifications they have. This format will then be updated each year. And it gives us assurances that each club must take on the responsibility that all their coaches have Coach education qualifications. Our county G.D.A.’s will be in contact with all clubs over the next few weeks to gather all this information.

Go Games – Blitzes

The starting point for our Go Games programme for 2010 was a meeting of all under 8 and 10 club coaches in Aughrim. This was one of the biggest attendances at any meeting during the year and rightly so given the importance of these age groups. After a workshop approach on the night it was agreed to hold two football blitzes and two hurling blitzes per month from April to September on alternative weeks. The facts must also be highlighted that 16 football blitzes and 8 Hurling Blitzes took place each month giving us a total of 144 blitzes from April to September. Each club hosted a maximum of 5 blitzes over the course of the 6 months this included Hurling & Football Blitzes. Well done to all clubs who participated during the year and they were rewarded with Go Games Medals for all teams. Thanks to all the host clubs for their organisation and friendship afforded to all clubs. Well done to all clubs who graded their teams for these blitzes especially the teams who entered two and three teams on the day. This year has been a great success story and I’m confident that Wicklow GAA has a bright future with all these under 8 and 10 players coming through the system.

There is nothing that makes a child prouder than performing in front of his/her parents and coaches and perhaps parents and coaches should be a little more appreciative of the efforts their offspring make in their attempt to do something great on a sports field. The confidence that comes from hearing: “Great effort, hard luck, well done” is so much more productive than questioning a child’s failed attempt at glory. By not making them fear failure, you give them the freedom to try things that will make them brilliant, excited and that can often mean letting go of your own fear of failure and enjoying the game. The next time you stand on the line as a proud parent/coach remember to actually be what you want to be… and that’s proud. I would like to thank everyone who participated in this U8/U10 Go Games Programme including the parents, referees, coaches, mentors and volunteers. A special word of thanks must go to the children who all cooperated on the day and all went home with a smile on their faces. I will now try to explain how the Go Games System works and why the GAA are fully behind it.

What are GAA Go Games?
GAA Go Games are small-sided games with modified rules in both Hurling (Go Hurling) and Gaelic Football (Go Gaelic). They form a central element of GAA policy on games for children up to and including the Under-12 age grade.

Congress 2010 saw the passing of a motion relating to this policy. Some of the key points relating to the implementation of this policy are outlined below.

A motion regarding the Organisation of children’s games was passed at Congress. I now explain what this motion is and what it means for the Organisation of games?

The motion is as follows:

‘Under-12 and Younger Age Groups
Games in Under 12 and Younger Age Groups shall be organized on the “Go Games” model with teams being a maximum of 11-a-side and structured to ensure that all participants get to play in the full game.

At Under-12 level, Competitions may also be organized on a mini-league format on the basis that the teams are a maximum of 11-a-side and that provision is made for all members of the team panel to participate in the game.’

Essentially the motion means games for all age groups up to and including under-12 must be organised exclusively on the Go Games model.

The Go Games Model is defined by the following criteria:

• There is full participation for all players
• Games are organised in a non competitive way i.e. results are not recorded
• Games are small-sided
• Playing rules are modified to suit the developmental stages of the children
• Playing area is modified
• Playing equipment is modified

NB: Modifications and playing rules are at the discretion of each county this is what we have already done.

At Under-12 level Mini-League Competitions are organised to provide and support a gradual exposure to the challenges of competitively organised games programmes.

These mini-league competitions can be introduced in parallel to Go Games. The mini-league system is a competitive games programme built on the philosophy of Go Games, that is, a) it is small-sided, and b) provision must be made for all players to get meaningful playing time.

When will this policy be implemented?

Many counties have already adopted this approach after it was endorsed by Central Council in 2009. The policy will become rule in 2011 whereby all Under 12 games must follow this format.

What is the philosophy of Go Games?

The underlying philosophy where Go Games are concerned is one of full participation and fair play where each player gets to play the entire game (no subs where practical) and plays in a number of different playing positions during the course of each game. The games are small sided and the emphasis is on participation rather than the result. Go Games are not only about Fair Play in the sense that all participants should get the opportunity to participate fully in the games. They also revolve around the core values enshrined in the GAA Respect Initiative.

What are the advantages of Go Games?

There are a numerous advantages to this approach but the most obvious are:

• Games are small-sided and all participants get to play for the entire game
• Games are played in a fun environment with emphasis on improving skills
• Children are not subject to the win at all costs approach

Is there any research to support this approach?

Research conducted at DCU, under the guidance of Prof Niall Moyna and Dublin football coach Mickey Whelan was crucial in the development of the Go Games. By tracking the same 7 players in a 15 a-side and 7-a-side game (each of 30 minute duration) the data indicated the following benefits of the small sided game;

• Players worked harder therefore increasing fitness levels
• Players had more contact with the ball leading to increased opportunities to score, make decisions, develop skills
• The children also reported a greater level of enjoyment and had higher levels of perceived competence (self esteem)

Go Games are also in line with the Primary School PE curriculum and have recently been endorsed by Cumann na mBunscol at their national AGM. The approach is further endorsed by outgoing INTO president, Máire ní Chuinneagáin; “I fully indorse the sport for all approach adopted by the GAA and Cumann na mBunscol. The maximum participation of all children in sporting activities is at the heart of the primary school curriculum. Participation must never be sacrificed for competition, the success of the few must not be promoted over the opportunity for all children to take part, enjoy and develop to the best of their ability.”

How will existing competitions at Under 12 be affected by this rule?

Many counties have already adopted a successful child centered approach but some counties may need to re-format competitions slightly. Mini leagues will be organised which act as an introduction to competition. These leagues would be small sided and would ensure that there is provision for participation for all players. Where possible clubs would field multiple teams to facilitate all players playing to avoid children sitting on sidelines. It is important for clubs to be aware that all competitions or tournaments must be sanctioned by county board for insurance purposes.

What is the aim of this policy?

The ultimate aim is to ensure a quality introduction to Gaelic games for all children and to build a mass of players to progress and continue to play with their club. The provision of formal competition for children is a relatively recent development. However, with the passage of time, these competitions have in some cases become more serious and naturally when this occurs a culture of ‘keep the best and neglect the rest’ develops. While those in charge may be well intentioned, there is no justification for placing adult-type demands on young children e.g. where winning is the over-riding concern, where they play in 15-a-side games, on over sized pitches, and have minimal involvement in the game.

This has led to a situation where many players who – for a variety of reasons – mature at a slower rate finish up dropping out of Gaelic games due to a lack of confidence in their own ability, a lack of playing time, a lack of fun and the absence of any real sense of achievement.

In recent years, there has been a greater appreciation and increased recognition of the need to ensure that a child-centered approach is adopted where the promotion and development of Gaelic games is concerned. In other words, it should be a case of children first, winning second. This in no way rules out competition, but contextualises it, firstly through Go Games as the intrinsic motivation inherent to sport and secondly through mini-league competitions within a framework which ensures that all children get a fair opportunity to participate and provide greater opportunity for skill development and enjoyment. Clubs must realise that the Under 12 format has only one real change in that the numbers are reduced to 11 aside otherwise there are no major rule changes please don’t let this be a conflicting issue.

Under 8 Go Games – Croke Park

As you are aware the Play & Stay day in Croke Park took take place on 5^th & 6^th July this year. Over a two/three year cycle hope to give as many U/8 club players from around the county the opportunity to play on the hallowed turf of Croke Park.

The format for the day was as follows:

Schedule of Events:

• Arrival to Cusack Stand Car Park (minimum 45 minutes prior to their allotted match time)
• Meet with arrivals steward in Car Park and be escorted to the Cusack Stand
• Teams will be registered (only 10 players and 2 mentors can be catered for)
• Teams will be allocated to a dressing room. Using the dressing rooms is all about the Croke Park Experience rather than to be used for unnecessary team talks etc. (dressing rooms will have to be shared with other teams)
• Players will line up in the tunnel and run out onto the field in individual groups
• Matches will be 40 minutes in duration (including half time)
• There will be only 2 Mentors allowed per pitch per team
• Each team will play 1 match
• After the match teams and mentors will make their way to the Hogan Stand Presentation Area
• We would ask that 1 mentor from each club would bring a digital camera to take pictures of their players in the presentation area
• Players will return to the back of the lower Cusack stand by walking around through the seating area in the lower decks of the stands

For 2010 the attached clubs were selected by a draw at a County Coiste na nOg meeting. And they will not get the oppournity again for another two years. This is a fantastic opportunity for all juvenile clubs and it is just reward for the amount of time and effort that all clubs put into our County Go Games programme.

From a personal point of view from being involved with Baltinglass under 8’s.The amazement and excitement the young players get from this day will live long in the memory of each child and parents who accompany them on their trip to Croke Park.

 U Can Awards/Clubs

The County Hurling U Can Awards took place in Avondale GAA on Saturday 2^nd October while the football U Can awards was held in Pearse’s Park Arklow the following Saturday 9^th October. This was the second year of our county Skills test and fair play to all the clubs as there was a very large turn out on both days. Well done to all the clubs who organised their internal skills competition to select players for Ages 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 years. This competition should make clubs/coaches more aware to practice their non preferred side with all players during their coaching sessions. The selected skills are also very beneficial as part of a regular coaching session. I must say on the day of the test the support from parents and coaches was fantastic. Thanks to all our guest coaches and county coaches for their Organisation and recording the test scores on the day.

The following are the Hurling U Can Award winners

Age 7

1. Kasey Byrne Aughrim 2. Oisin Foley Michael Dwyer’s 3. Rory Martin St. Nicholas

Age 8

1. Luke Dorgan Eire Og Greystones 2. P.J. O Connor Arklow Rock Parnell’s 3. John Toomey Aughrim

Age 9

1. Sean Somers Arklow Rock Parnell’s 2. Owen Byrne Michael Dwyer’s 3. Zack Cullen Avondale

Age 10

1. James Byrne Glenealy 2. Darragh Walker Arklow Rock Parnell’s 3. Eoin Dorgan Eire Og Greystones

Age 11

1. Padraig O Toole Michael Dwyer’s 2. Gary Hughes Glenealy 3. Patrick Kelly St. Nicholas

Age 12

1. Jack Doyle Carnew 2. Craig Byrne Avondale 3. Cormac O Shea Arklow Rock Parnell’s

The Following are the Football U Can Award winners

Age 7

1.Jack Reid Dunlavin 2. Liam O Neill Coolkenno 3. Conor Byrne Annacurra

Age 8

1. Malachy Stone Barndarrig 2. Oisin Dillon Aughrim 3. Brandan Ryan Michael Dwyer’s

Age 9

1. Liam Broderick Blessington 2. Tomas Lawlor Donard/Glen 3. Alan Barrett Baltinglass

Age 10

1. Daniel Guing Tinahely 2. Cian Moules Annacurra 3. Jordan McGarr Blessington

Age 11

1. Patrick Kelly Dunlavin 2. Luke Evans Kilcoole 3. Matthew Kelly Hollywood

Age 12

1. Adam Barnes Carnew 2. Adam Boland Blessington 3. Stephen Coogan Michael Dwyer’s

Congratulations to all and the first three places in each age group received trophies. In 2011 it is our intention that each child that represents your club in the various age groups will receive U Can Skills medals as part of qualifying from their club.

GAA Respect Initiative

Our county launch took place prior to a Coiste na nOg meeting at the beginning of the year 16/2/10. In promoting the County Respect Initiative all under 8, 10 and 12 coaches in Hurling and Football received the Respect Bibs for all clubs. Our Club school Link coaches wear their respect bibs when coaching in primary schools. Mostly all clubs have this identity displayed on a sign in their club grounds. All clubs got two respect posters each to display in dressing rooms or club notice board. On Blitz days all players shake hands at the end of all games, Information was included on all County finals and National league programme on the respect initiative. Coaches also wore the respect bibs at our Hurling & Football U Can Awards County Finals. The Completion of a referee survey

The GAA Respect Initiative aims promote positive behaviour and to ensure that an enriching environment is provided for the promotion and development of Gaelic games.

What’s Involved?

• Implementing the Code of Behaviour

• Coach & Referee Education

• Designated Spectators` Area

• Go Games and Super Touch Programmes

• Strong Club Leadership

• Respect Awareness Programme

• Education Programme

• Recognition and Merit Awards

How Does it Work?

1. All persons involved in the promotion of Gaelic games must implement and sign the GAA Code of Behavior
2. Players and coaches line up at the centre of the field before and after the game to shake hands with the referee, opposing players and coaches
3. A captain is appointed for each game to maintain high standards of behaviour and to communicate with the referee
4. A merit award- based on sporting endeavour and fair play- is awarded to a player at the end of each game/blitz.
5. Supporters remain in designated areas at the side of the pitch for the full duration of each game.
6. Each unit must strive to achieve maximum participation for all players
7. A club representative will welcome the referee to the club and act as a liaison person

Players

• Respect fellow players regardless of ability, gender, age, ethnic origin, cultural background or religion

• Respect all coaches, mentors and officials

• Play by the Rules and take responsibility for one’s own behaviour

• Focus attention on the here and now and concentrate on playing the ball

• Accept decisions of match officials in a gracious manner and do not use in foul language or behave in an unsporting manner

• A captain will maintain high standards of behaviour and be the sole communicant with the referee

• Shake hands with opponents after each game regardless of the result

Parents/Guardians, Spectators

• Respect officials` decisions and encourage children to do likewise

• Appreciate everybody on the team regardless of ability, age, gender, ethnic origin, cultural background or religion

• Show approval for effort, not just results

• Don’t force players to live or act out the ambitions or expectations of others

• Safeguard your child’s wellbeing by ensuring that he/she plays within own age group

• Commend team mentors and match officials on a regular basis

• Relay genuine concerns and ensure that these are processed properly

• Remain in designated spectator areas for the full duration of the game

Coach

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of each person and treat each one equally regardless of age, gender, ability, ethnic origin, cultural background or religion

• Develop an understanding of the GAA OTú Coaching Model and use this to design game based training programmes

• Set realistic goals, lead by example and emphasise the basic skills of the game

• Avoid a win at all costs mentality

• Do not question the Referee’s integrity or allow him to be subjected to unsporting language or behaviour

• Ensure maximum participation for all players

• Ensure that injured players are not encouraged or forced to play

Club

• Select an officer to oversee the Respect Initiative and welcome referees to the club for each game

• Adopt the GAA Code of Behaviour as a basic level agreement between the club and players, coaches, parents, guardians and supporters

• Implement a player-centered and achievement –oriented programme of games

• Propagate fair play through the provision of “merit awards” based on sportsmanship

• Set out integrated training and playing schedules

• Clarify policy re punctuality i.e. starting times/finishing times and absences etc.

Referee

• Apply the Playing Rules on an impartial and consistent basis

• Have the courage to make the hard call

• Deal with dissent firmly and fairly

• Work as a team with other match officials

• Maintain composure regardless of the circumstances

• Use assessments to improve performance and achieve excellence

Managing Players

• The referee will work with the captain and coaches to manage the game effectively. Referees will control the game by applying the rules of the game and by dealing with any instances of dissent firmly. In the event of a player using foul language or behaving in an unsporting manner it is recommended that :

1. A Free is awarded to the opposition and the player is informed that he will be asked to leave the game in the event of repeat behaviour

2. In the event of repeated foul language or unsporting behaviour, the referee instructs the coach to replace the offending player and the game is re-commenced after this

Managing Spectators

In the event of a person –other than a player-using foul language or behaving in an unsporting manner it is recommended that:

1. The matter is brought to the attention of the designated club representative
2. The club representative reminds the person concerned of his/her responsibilities
3. Where the behaviour continues, the game may be terminated
4. The club provides ongoing training inputs with a view to maintaining proper standards of behaviour at all levels

Nursery Programme/Fundamentals

 Our county G.D.A.’s have helped clubs and primary schools in the organisation

and setting up of a Nursery and Fundamental programme in clubs and primary

School’s in their regions. This programme gives each child the vital start on the ladder to getting a life long development in Gaelic Games. By the end of the nursery programme participants will be able to: Implement a coaching structure in the nursery programme and set up games and activities for children and young people to develop basic fundamental skills match sessions to the ability levels of the children. Introduce children to a range of equipment. Provide the correct amount of coaches for the group Understand how to safely manage and provide for all children involved. Introduce children to small sided games. The majority or our clubs have nursery or academy programmes running thought the year. At this stage it is vitally important that all clubs get the support from parents. It makes it much easier for parents to get involved at this age group. And it’s important that all clubs get them involved. “What gets measured gets results” is a fair statement and we must not underestimate the value of a club nursery programme. Sometimes we might have to be baby sitters but the general rule is get them early and we have them for life.

Club Support / G.D.A.’s

 All our G.D.A.’s remain available for club development meetings. If you have a

specific issue in your juvenile club which you would like to bring to our

attention whether it is coaching or juvenile structures do not hesitate to contact us. A number of meetings have already taken place with a vast majority of clubs.  

Fas Coaches

We are very fortunate to have coaches in our Primary & Post Primary schools coaching programme highly respected and qualified coaches with a vast amount of knowledge and experience. The seven FAS coaches working for the Wicklow County Board are Ciaran O Shea Tinahely, Wayne O Gorman Glenealy, Enan Glynn Glenealy, Anthony Nolan Baltinglass, Joe Connors Arklow Rock Parnells, Thomas Carroll An Tochar, James Stafford Rathnew. We hope to be in position in January if given the all clear to appoint 3 more FAS Coaches two for the Bray area and one for the Blessington west Wicklow area. Clubs can play an important part in this process by identifying coaches’ people who are out of work and in receipt of social welfare allowance for the past 12 months. Through this FAS coaching Scheme we have coached mainly hurling in schools from September to December and will continue with this policy in the New Year. Schools have never before being exposed to so much Hurling with the help of these coaches.

Fun Do Workshop

Wicklow Coaching and Games Development Committee held the following workshops in three regions on the dates and times listed below.

Monday February 8^th Hollywood G.A.A. Club 8.00pm – 9.30pm

Friday February 12^th Aughrim G.A.A. 8.00pm – 9.30pm

Monday February 15^th Eire Og Greystones – 8.00pm – 9.30pm

The GAA FUN Do programme has been devised to ensure participants derive a sense of achievement, fun and fair play from their involvement in Gaelic games which will underpin a lifelong involvement with the association. The GAA FUN DO Learning Resource Pack is designed to assist parents, teachers and coaches to create the environment whereby people can Play and Stay with the GAA. These interactive workshops were facilitated by our County G.D.A.’s Michael O Sullivan, Garrett Doyle, Leighton Glynn, and Colm Gaskin. The FUN DO workshop guided all coaches through the resource pack and step by step through the whole process in using the FUN DO packs. The GAA FUN DO Learning Resource Pack is made up of a number of elements. The ABC and Nursery programme’s (Children aged 4-8 years) The Gaelic Football/Hurling Resource Pack (Containing a range of skills for children aged 7-12 years) The Go Games Resource (Containing information on Small sided games) The Coaches Resource (Information on how to build individual coaching sessions). All coaches got the opportunity to go through and plan a typical coaching session. This resource will assist coaches and ensure that there is plenty of variety in their coaching sessions and ensure the full spectrum of skills are coached to our future players. We also had Packs available to buy on the night at a cost of €30 each or two for €50

Go Games Refereeing Rules Night

As part of the promotion of Go Games at juvenile level and to prepare coaches for the Go Games Programme during 2010 all club coaches were invited to regional rules night to outline the rules of hurling and football. It is very important that all clubs are playing by the same set of rules there can’t be any variations of this. What goes for one blitz must be the same for the next one. It is all our coaches’ responsibility to make sure that all our young players play by the rules and especially our coaches practice what they preach – please note the article on the respect initiative.

Performance Analysis Workshop

Title “Performance Analysis a practical coaching guide”

Workshops took place in the following venues in February

Wednesday February 10th Newtown G.A.A. Club 8.00pm – 9.30pm

Wednesday February 17th Hollywood G.A.A. Club 8.00pm – 9.30pm

Monday February 22nd Aughrim – County Buildings 8.00pm – 9.30pm

These workshops offered practical advice and analysis to the novice coach right up to the more advance coach in all clubs. After these workshops the names of those interested coaches who wished to continue with the two further options of the 30 day performance module with the follow on of a 90 day learning to certification. Details available on www.thevideoanalyst.com. This workshop was free of charge and was open to all Hurling, Football, Camogie and Ladies football coaches to attend, as well as our county academy squad coaches. The tutors were involved in the development of a handheld electronic stats collecting device designed for pitch side stats collection.

Post Primary Super 7’s

On Wednesday 19^th May 2010 in Kilcoole GAA grounds our post primary super 7’s First year blitzes took place. The Kilcoole grounds was divided into 6 pitches catering for 30 teams 12 Boys Football 11 Ladies Football 5 Hurling and 2 Camogie teams. All teams competing on the day received t-shirts and the 4 county winners received perpetual cups and sweatshirts and all teachers were presented with polo tops. Boys Football winners were Scoil Chonglais, Ladies Football winners were Scoil Chonglais, Hurling Winners were Presentation College Bray and Camogie Winners were Colaiste Bhride. Next years competition will take place on Wednesday 11^th May 2011 and this is already penciled into the Post Primary fixtures book for every school to leave free to compete and hopefully even more teams entering this competition. Thanks to all the teachers and our referees for refereeing games over the three hours of games.

County Wicklow Schools Hurling teams

The Wicklow County Schools Hurling teams are selected from all post primary schools in the county except Colaiste Bhride Carnew who enter their school on an individual basis in Leinster competition. Colm Gaskin and Leighton Glynn with the help of Shelia Driver from Glenealy organise and coordinate the selection of these teams. The relationship Colm and Leighton have built up over the years with the teachers in all post primary schools helped when selecting the best players from all schools.

Juvenile – Under 14 takes place during the month of March 2010 v Bunclody, Gorey and Enniscorthy.

Junior – Under 16 this Competition took place in September V Wexford C.B.S., Bridgestown and Ramsgrange. Winning all three games brought them to a Leinster semi final V Grennan College (Kilkenny) in Aughrim in a one sided game and playing excellent hurling Wicklow Qualified for the Leinster final V Ballyhale (Kilkenny) who they beat in 2009 Leinster final. All roads lead to Carlow for the Leinster final could they beat ballyhale in a Leinster final for the second year in a row. The answer was a definite yes Wicklow County schools once again won the South Leinster C Final in a close and hard fought win in very windy conditions. This victory now places Wicklow schools in the Leinster B competition next year. Congratulations to all involved and especially this very talented group of hurlers.

Senior – Under 18 this competition took place in September V Knockbeg, Duiske College and Bagnelstown loosing all three games narrowly due to the fact that the majority of the better players were unavailable because of club commitments i.e. clubs not releasing the players to play and others concentrating on their leaving certificate.

Super Touch Blitzes/Post Primary Schools

Super touch blitzes were organised for post primary schools in Camogie, Ladies football, Hurling and boys football during the year to supplement the Post Primary fixtures organised by Jim Murphy games coordinator. These blitzes were 9 and 11 a side games.

Internal Leagues

 As part of the T.Y. coaching programme our county G.D.A.’s organise internal

First year leagues giving all the T.Y. students responsibilities for organising/picking teams, managing teams, refereeing, lines men, umpires, P.R in relating to results and fixtures and updating school notice boards etc.

Bray Institute – St. Thomas

Garrett Doyle G.D.A organised a Hurling & Football Foundation Award course in St. Thomas for this PLC Course. And in early 2011 we plan an award 1 child course

The texting of under age players in the GAA by their Club or Club representative

Much publicity has arisen of late and many enquires have been made following media attention focusing on the GAA good practice recommendations regarding the use of text messages when passing on information for under age players.

What the GAA has proposed is contained in our Code of Best Practice, launched in April 2009, at our Annual Congress in Cork. The relevant information is also highlighted as part of our Child Protection Awareness workshops nationwide. The fact that media attention is now drawn to the Code is but a side attraction and if we can benefit from availing of media attention to project our message of good practice, so be it.

What is the GAA proposing re texting information for underage players etc?

The GAA strongly recommends that when we pass on information regarding games, training or other activities for our under age players that we do so via group texts and that these group texts should preferably be sent to the parents of under age players. Coaches and /or the Club Rúnaí should obtain these relevant contact numbers when an under age player is being registered. This recommendation only applies to underage players i.e. under 18 year of age.

Are there any exceptions to the proposal on texting?

If, for whatever reason, a parent/guardian insists or requests that the information is sent directly by the club to their child and gives this request in writing the club may, if they so wish, accede to this request. However, if the club accedes to the request the information can only be sent as part of a group text and cannot be communicated individually to the under age player.

The GAA would regard the individual texting of an under age player by their coach or mentor as being inappropriate and unnecessary. We do not wish to compromise the role of the coach and its best not to communicate by mobile in such instances where the coach would have the personal mobile telephone number of a child and the child or young person could equally have access to the coaches telephone number as well.

How do we interpret an underage player?

An under age player is a person who is eligible to play in a game or event for persons under 18 years of age. Legislation in Ireland also defines a child as any person under 18 years of age and parents/guardians therefore have a particular level of responsibility for their child’s welfare while they remain under 18 yrs of age. We use the terms child and young person frequently when we refer to under age players.

Can we text county underage development squads and minor squads?

The recommended group text mechanism is still preferred but if you have parental/guardian permission to group text under age players you may avail of this option.

What if an underage player is on the club’s senior panel?

The same recommendation applies and parental/guardian permission must be sought if you wish to directly communicate with the young person as part of a group text scheme.

Academy Squads – Player Development

 Wicklow GAA are currently recruiting development squad coaches in both hurling hurling and football for the 2011 season. If you are interested and currently have a foundation and child protection certificate (ideally an Award 1 Child or Youth/Adult certificate) please Contact Hugh Kenny Games manager 087-2718537 hugh.kenny.gamesmanager.wicklow@gaa.ie We will be starting out with two new panels for under 13 in Hurling & Football

Under 13

Football: Coordinator Garrett Doyle

The main purpose of this initiative was to identify talent suitable to progress to the u14 development squad the following year and to give the players an opportunity to experience what a development squad is like. The training took place in two blocks. The first block ran from Sunday 31^st January until Sunday 7^th march. The second block took place over two sessions in august. Garrett Doyle was the co-ordinator of the training. I was fortunate to be able to recruit many coaches to implement the training plan devised by myself and Michael O’Sullivan. These coaches were

Martin Ging, Tinahely, Martin Hamilton, AGB, John Hammond, Dunlavin, Liam Creighton, Kilbride, John Paul Davis, An Tochar, PJ Scully, Enniskerry, Roy Byrne, Kilcoole, Ciaran Martin, Kilcoole, Neal O’Doherty, Bray Emmets, Maurice Prendergast, Eire Og. The coaching plan included specific drills to work on the basic skills of catching and kicking on the move. Each session included at least 45 minutes of small sided games. The training was available to all players born in 1997 and no players were dropped from the panel. 90 players in total attended some part of the training with at least 70 attending all the sessions. Contact details of each players’ parents were taken which will prove a great benefit when we begin the u14 development squad in 2011.The first block of training culminated in the players showcasing their skills during the half time of the National Football League match between Wicklow and Carlow in Aughrim. The players met Mick O’Dwyer along with the Senior football Wicklow panel following the match. Many autographs were looked for and the senior players duly obliged which was well appreciated. This day proved to be a great success. The second block involved two sessions including a Leinster blitz in Laois. Wicklow entered two squads. Both squads played very well in their matches and impressed a lot of onlookers including their coaches. Wicklow returned home winning more matches than they lost. Each player received an U13 Wicklow t-shirt and each coach received an u13 Wicklow sweater, clipboard and whistle. All in all this initiative met its main objective. I feel the players received quality coaching and experienced a taste of what development squads are like. It also helped the coaches and myself identify the players most suitable to the U14 Development squad of 2011. This report was submitted by Garrett Doyle G.D.A.

Hurling: Coordinator Colm Gaskin

Mentors for the county u-13 panel were selected in January 2010.The Managers position was filled by Sean Hayes from Avondale GAA club. The coaches were as follows Dan Boland Bray Emmets Gerry Curry Kilcoole, Ronan Delahunty Eire Og and Ciaran Murphy Blessington GAA club. This panel was overseen by colm gaskin (games development officer) and Hugh Kenny games development manager. The training equiptment for this panel was collected in Arklow and consisted of Hurleys, Sliotars, training cones, water bottles and training bibs. Full support was received from the county board with development of this squad. The first training session commenced in Avondale GAA club on Sunday 14th march and continued every Sunday after until may 2nd with the exception of march 18 which was held the county Feile. On average there were 36 players present at each coaching session and at its peak we had a record attendance of 42 players. On Saturday march 25th it was a pleasure to bring this development panel to the county grounds and present them for a coaching session with Paudie Butler and George O Connor. This outing was a huge success for all involved and great for all the players that were there. All the players were presented with a county training top for the participation with the panel. Managers and selectors would like to thank the county board for their assistance in organising and coaching on the day. Coaching sessions were set up as follows. The players warmed up together which included stretching and light warm up exercises and ball movement

The players were set into 4 groups and assigned a coach at each coaching station

Various skills of the game were practiced at each station. Warm ups and drills lasted aprox 45 mins. Training matches were then played for aprox 30 mins – these were conditioned games designed to reinforce the skills which were practiced earlier. Player discussion and involvement was encouraged which led to some interesting insights into tactics and understanding of playing positions decision making and team play. I personally found this very beneficial. All coaching was done with hurl and sliotar in hand. This was done to maximise player contact with the hurl and sliotar during coaching. On May 22 the u-13 panel went to Carlow and player 2 teams on the day. These matches were very beneficial to our players and the day passed without incident. There were no injuries to report from this panel. There were no complaints of any nature to report. The clubs within the county were very supportive of this panel and gives hope for a good future with crop of players. Food and refreshments were supplied to players and coaches after every training session. Note – this panel resumed coaching in October 2010 and has had 2 further coaching sessions and a blitz which was held in Carnew. Visiting teams included 2 teams from Carlow and the kildare county development panel. The day was a success and we have received an invite to go to kildare for another match. These sessions have been started in preparation for the D.J Carey School and the Tony Forrestal Competition in 2011.This report was submitted by Sean Hayes Manager

Under 14

Football: Coordinator Garrett Doyle

The u14 development squad trials began for the U14 Development squad in An Tochar on Saturday March 20^th. The squad trained on 12 separate sessions and played one challenge match and 4 Leinster blitzes. Trials were held over the first 5 sessions. In total 52 players attended some part of the trials. After the first blitz the squad was reduced to 30 players. For the remainder of the season the attendance was excellent. I will not go into too much detail regarding each match but it is safe to say the squad made a great improvement as the year progressed. The management learned a about the players and their best position. Unfortunately some of the best talent in the county did not make themselves available for selection for the squad for a number of reasons. While most clubs provided players St. Patrick’s did not have any players on the panel and county finalists St Nicholas only had two representatives. Strength in depth within the panel proved to be an issue at each of the blitzes. Injuries to our better players seemed to harm our squad more than most other county teams competing within the blitzes. Despite this, the squad applied themselves admirably every time they took the field and when at full strength more than held their own in a Leinster competition involving Laois, Kildare and Wexford. The management team was comprised of

Garrett Doyle, GDA Kieran Burke, Baltinglass Jonathan Daniels, Blessington and Andrew O’Brien, Kilbride Pat Davis, Newtown was also a member of the management team for the first 5 sessions but unfortunately could not commit for the remainder of the season. Each player received a Wicklow gear bag, shorts, socks, t shirt and tracksuit. The management team each received a Wicklow t shirt and tracksuit. Clifford Murphy was the squad physio and was a great assistance at each of the blitzes. I would be very confident of this squad being more successful in future years. Report submitted by Garrett Doyle G.D.A.

Hurling: Coordinator Colm Gaskin

The Head Coach for the U14’s was Maurice Molloy (Carnew) supported by Noel Geraghty (Glenealy) and Joe Gilbert (Arklow). The support and assistance of Colm and Mossie Gaskin was invaluable. We must also mention the assistance given by Meg Geraghty, who made sure the boys were well fed at every training session and who looked after the jerseys and bibs for us. We had 14 training sessions from 21^st March to 25^th August. We attended a Blitz in Clane (Leinster) and one in Newry (pre-all Ireland) and also competed in the Tony Forrestal competition in Portlaoise, where we were unlucky to be beaten by Derry in the Plate Final. We played games against other County Teams as follows:

Venue Date Team

1. Clane May Kildare

2. Clane May Meath

3. Newry August Dublin

4. Newry August Westmeath

5. Newry August Down

6. Tony Forrestal August Laois

7. Tony Forrestal August Antrim

8. Tony Forrestal August Meath

9. Tony Forrestal August Derry

We also played games against Club teams i.e. Bray Emmets, Carnew and Ballygarrett.

We attended the DJ Carey School of Hurling for three days (12^th, 13^th and 14^th July) with twenty players selected on the basis of attendance at County Training Sessions and skills. In order to ensure fairness, records were kept of each and every training session and the attendances there at. In addition there were set skill levels which were carried out by all of the Under 14 Squad, particularly in relation to their basis level of skills in hurling. It should be noted that one of the pre-requisites for going to the DJ Carey School of Hurling is that the players have certain skills already, in order to get best advantage of the training provided in Kilkenny. The squad consisted mainly of players from Arklow, Carnew and Glenealy with some players from Greystones, Bray Emmets and Wicklow. With few exceptions the attendance at training, discipline of the players, overall conduct on and off pitch was good. The impression we got was of a group who were keenly interested in developing their hurling skills and such a group is relatively easy to manage. It is probably fair to say that the levels of skills varied significantly in the group but the biggest concern we would have had would be the inability of the Wicklow players to match the other counties physically i.e. Our players are simply not physically strong enough to stand up to the Under 14 players that they encounter from other counties. This should not be taken to mean that they did not rise to the challenge but more that they lacked the physical ability to challenge. The training sessions were carried out at a variety of venues and we tried, where possible, to have each club that was represented on the county having a turn at hosting the Under 14 County Squad. The importance of this should not be understated as it encourages hurling particularly in the weaker clubs. In terms of what was required from the county, anything which we sought was made available without hesitation. The only area in which we would have done things differently in this regard would have been the numbers attending the DJ Carey School as other counties had in excess of the twenty which we had brought and at least one of the potential players of the future may have been lost because of the restriction in numbers going to the DJ Carey School. The importance of the DJ Carey School in motivating the players cannot be overstated and we have all noticed the significant benefit that attending the school has had on the squad both in their county and club hurling. The final competition of the year was the Tony Forrestal Competition in Portlaoise where we feel the team finally came of age. They worked together as a team, they passed the ball to each other well and it is only our regret that this was not the beginning of the season but the end! Report submitted by Noel Geraghty Coach

Under 15

Football: Coordinator Michael O Sullivan

Coaching of the Under 15 Development Squad commenced on March 20^th.

The management team consisted of Tom Taylor (Manager), Frank Clune, Paddy Brophy (Coaches). Prior to the first session our main goals were agreed as;

• Foster a strong united team spirit and friendship
• Enhance the technical and tactical proficiency of each individual player
• Ensure that players remains committed to playing for County Wicklow into the future

The vast majority the previous year’s U14 return and all clubs were requested to nominate additional players. A squad of approximately 30 players was maintained throughout the year. A total of 15 training sessions were held. Notwithstanding one notable exception – due to fixture clashes – all sessions were well attended. Coaching focused on tackling and scoring. Throughout the year, we participated in four tournament blitz and two challenges matches. The first blitz pitted two Wexford teams against two Wicklow teams – playing a total of four matches. Both squads were evenly matched, but showing great determination, our teams achieved two wins and a draw.

The second blitz, in Greystones, saw another spirited performance against Dublin. In a very competitive match, we failed to convert some critical chances and Dublin pulled away in the end. The game against Longford B was an easy win for us. The third blitz in July clashed with family holidays and other activities. Only 18 players were available for this blitz. Work commitments ruled out two of the regular U15 management. The day commenced well with a draw against Roscommon. Sadly, due to a number of factors, the remaining two matches resulted in heavy defeats.

An extra effort was made to finish the year strongly. All the mentors endeavored to attend club U16 matches and a schedule of sessions prepared for October. However our plans were greatly hampered by the U16 championship continuing throughout October. Even the day before of our final Blitz saw players involved in U16 Club games. My appeal for these matches to be rescheduled was apparently accepted but ultimately ignored. Sadly one of our key players was injured the evening before the last blitz.

Arguably, the final blitz saw the best performances from this squad. The first match against Offaly was a very evenly matched contest. Wicklow attained a good lead with ten minutes to go. The players withstood a strong finish from Offaly and went on to win by three points. Our second match was against Monaghan, a team that showed great prowess in their first match. However, Wicklow were far from intimidated and performed with great team spirit. Their committed tackling was widely noted. In the end Monaghan held on for a narrow victory, but it was evident that our squad had made real advances throughout the year. Again, our players were a credit to themselves, family and county for their impeccable behavior and courtesy throughout the year. Looking forward to 2011, a number of potential additional players were identified during the club championship. We will have to compete with other sports for some of these players. Both coaches expressed concern about the fitness levels and core strength of individual players. Going forward we need clubs to address player fitness and basic skills. Development coaching needs to focus on more technical proficiencies and team tactics rather than the basics. An addition of 4-5 players, addressing fixture clashes and ensuring proper fitness at club level, will result in a very competitive U16 squad in 2011. Report submitted by Tom Taylor Manager

Hurling: Coordinator Leighton Glynn

Under 15 development squad.

Training and blitz dates.

21/03/10 Training session

27/03/10 Training session

11/11/10 Training session

24/04/10 Training session

01/05/10 blitz in Wexford (didnt recieve notification of change of venue)

15/05/10 blitz in Westmeath

27/06/10 training session

03/07/10 blitz in kildare

07/08/10 internal blitz in Carnew

22/08/10 training session

28/08/10 national blitz in Wexford (only got two games should of been three)

MANAGEMENT TEAM James Doran (Carnew) Joe Linnane (Glenealy) Nigel Manley (Glenealy) Pat Staunton (Glenealy) gave assistants to management team

Management team comments

Average attendance 26 players for training and blitzes. A good spread of players from different clubs in the county. Good cooperation from clubs. Panel were very committed and a pleasure to work with Report by James Doran Manager

Under 16

Football: Coordinator Michael O Sullivan

We started the year inviting back all the u15 squad from the previous year, we also contacted all clubs directly to sent players forward that were performing well, or showing promise. All players from the previous u15 squad made themselves available, but club senting players forward was overall unsuccessful. This really is a big concern as this limited the squads pool of talent. At present there are better players playing club football then some on the county team. Some clubs and players don’t seem to have the same drive and determination to play for their county at this level compared to other counties. We all need to look at this situation and try and improve it together.

On the pitch the team took part in all the intercounty blitzes, overall the team was competitive. The lack the strength and depth in the panel to really achieve at this level is missing. We had over 15 coaching sessions over the course of the year which in general were well attended.

Finally, thanks to Eoin Doyle Manager (Avondale), Michael o’ Sullivan Coach (GDA Wicklow GAA) Robert Doyle (Carnew), & Anthony Nolan, James Stratford (Rathnew) for the help over the year. Thank you to all clubs who assisted us throughout the year and to Victor o’ Seachnaigh for making the county grounds available to us all year. Report submitted by Michael O Sullivan.

Hurling: Coordinator Leighton Glynn

Games/Blitzes attended:
Inter County Blitz: Portmarnock (Dublin/Kildare beaten in both) 1/5/2010
Inter County Blitz: Mullingar (Westmeath/Carlow)15/5/2010
Inter County Blitz: Marshalstown Wexford X 2/Kildare) 3/7/2010
Morrissey Tournament in Kilkenny (James Stephens) 22/5/2010

Beaten in Final of B competition
by Turles Ogs having beaten Graig Ballycallen in Semis
Pre All Ireland Blitz: Newry (Down/Antrim/Meath) 29/7/2010
All Ireland Blitz (Mullingar/Kinnegad) 28/8/2010
Bray U 16 Competition ongoing at present
Bray Emmets / Leinster Council 3G tournament is ongoing at present. Had no Bray players (7 of) available as they were to play Carnew on the following day/supplemented the team with U-15 players. We were beaten by Cuala in the first match by 6 points though the lads that did turn up played well. Anticipate Will have difficulty next sat v’s Cellbridge as all the Glenealy players will be missing (they play Carnew the following day in minor championship. Coaches involved with this group of players are Michael Owens Avondale, Shelia Driver Glenealy, Dave Murray Michael Dwyer’s, Mick O Byrne Bray Emmets. Training sessions held: 12-14 (weekly 11/4/2010 – 22/8/2010) Average attendance at Training: 7-9 Core group of 5-6 Consistently very poor turn out from Bray…though they did for the most part come for games. Tried different/alternative time slots:
Sundays training day…….minor hurling put on. Moved to Fridays…cannot attend
Moved to Wed nights……still not attending. What day can/will they attend?????
Issues leading to poor attendance. Lack of commitment, Club commitments (playing minor/football/junior hurling) Too easy for people to get a County Jersey
Not committed to County Team, Involved in too many other things/Not committed
Age profile (exams etc) Need parents/transport Lack of Manners re texting their availability/failure to attend at sessions ( personal cost of texting/phoning players/club managers etc) Locations: moving training v’s fixed location (tried to keep central Aughrim/Arklow/Avondale/Glenealy to cover most clubs) Clubs involved Glenealy/Carnew/Bray Emmets/Aughrim/Kilcoole/Eire Og Kids not turning up to Club training either Football v’s Hurling Getting Gear!!!!(what’s in it for me) Holidays (kids away for All Ireland having trained during year) Issues with county teams generally
Pick too small in county Not getting best players Standard of players turning up is poor (first touch is poor) Lack of meaningful competitions in the county (Glenealy/Carnew/Bray Emmets only) Having to supplement with younger players for certain competitions Players wont make themselves available Club teams not pushing/attitude that we don’t have to train with county
County Board have assisted by Provided Gear, Hurley’s, Sliotars and training Gear as needed, First Aid gear, Buses, Food, Better this year than before
Comments: overall this year, was very disappointed with the situation Had some potential with the players involved./on team list Failed to translate this into wins
Very difficult to have a definite panel (going to Mullingar…didn’t know what our team was until the got on bus) No worthwhile training as a team due to poor numbers at training sessions Need to go back to get players up to standard at basic level Advanced players…feel they are too good for this so wont attend Others need remedial training to come up to county level standard. Report submitted by Michael Owens

Under 17

Football: Coordinator Hugh Kenny

The National Under 17 football blitz took place in Daver Co. Louth on Saturday 28^th August. We travelled to Louth with a panel of 26 players. When we arrived we were told to play Cavan straight away as Carlow hadn’t arrived on time. In a close game Cavan got two injury time points to win by two, in the second game we drew with Carlow. And our third and final game saw Wicklow play some fantastic football when we beat Down by 6 points. Prior to this competition we held 4 coaching session on successive Mondays leading up to the competition. Unfortunately we were without 10 very strong players due to club matches the next day.

Thank you to all Academy Squad Coaches in Hurling & Football. This role brings responsibility, organisation and planning. The County Board appreciates the amount of time and hard work through coaching and games that each panel of coaches put in during 2010. For 2011 we aim to put in place a strength & conditioning programme for Under 14, 15, 16 squads in Hurling & Football as part of their personal development and this will be assessed and progressed during the year.

Coaching morning for Football Academy Coaches:

All our Football Academy squad coaches were afforded the opportunity to attend a Football workshop on Saturday 27^th November in Somerton (Beside Castleknock Hotel & Country Club) Guest Coaches that gave presentations were: 1. Pillar Caffrey (Forward play and fitness with ball) 2. Paddy Christie (Defence and tackling) 3. Philly McMahon (Strength and Conditioning) 4. Mick O’Shea (Goalkeeping) all coaches spent 40 minutes on each topic this will enhance our coaches’ knowledge and in turn benefit our Academy squad teams.

Hurling Session – Coach the Coaches

Paudie Butler the National Hurling Coordinator and George O Connor Leinster Hurling Director held a Hurling coaching Practical session in Aughrim County Grounds on Saturday 15^th May 2010 between 11.30am and 1.00pm

It was highly recommend that all Hurling coaches attend this session. The County under 13 Hurling Academy squad under Sean Hayes stewardship was put through this session for the benefit off all coaches. Paudie’s & George’s Session did cover

Progression of Hurling Drills, Fun Games – to develop the skills, Helping each player to develop their potential and helping each coach to develop their coaching technique.

Hurling Developmental Session

Once again George o Connor and Paudie Butler visited the county to give all our hurling coaches a more indept insite into coaching youth players – this session was held in Avondale GAA on Saturday 26^th June. This time the Under 14 Hurling Squad were put through their paces in a well organised and entertaining session.

Primary Schools – Blitzes

Primary school blitzes were organised in all regions for Hurling, Football, Camogie and Ladies football. Every school that participated in these blitzes were presented with a Go Games certificate to hang up on their school wall as well as taking part in a draw/raffle on the day for a Go Games equipment pack of Bibs, Footballs, cones and sliotars. Our full time coaches also helped with the organisation of the Cumann na mBunscol blitzes.

U Can Awards/Primary Schools

The U can skills tests were conducted in all primary schools with the help of teachers, Club/school coaches and County G.D.A.’s these test were done with mainly 5^th and 6^th class students. The internal school winners for Ladies Football, Boys Football, Hurling and Camogie then represented their school in the Cumann na mBunscol county skills final in An Tochar. The county winners were then selected to represent Wicklow in the Mini sevens in Croke Park during the summer.

Indoor Hurling/Primary schools

Our County Primary schools indoor Hurling and Camogie blitzes are in full swing at the moment in the boys section we have eight groups with 46 schools taking part. The top two schools in each group will go through to the blitz semi finals in turn the top three teams qualifying for the county final. In the Camogie section we have six groups with 37 schools taking part. Once again the top two teams will qualify for the semi finals followed by the top three contesting the county final.

After School Coaching Programme

A number of clubs and schools have an after school GAA coaching programme during the week. Whether it’s brining all the schools in their catchment area to the local school or club for coaching or individual primary school coaching on school grounds. It’s a good way of preparing school teams for blitzes. And it’s also a way of getting teachers involved more. This can be something other clubs can look at during 2011.

Fixtures Planning – Coiste na nOg

There was a lot of effort and time put into planning the Juvenile fixtures during 2010 but there was never as much problems. Our county G.D.A.’s and myself facilitated meetings with coaches of all age groups on behalf of Coiste na nOg. We then presented this plan to the county juvenile board for adaption. Everything seemed great but, but, everybody has excuses, everybody was looking for a way out. We have to keep playing games during the summer every club is affected with holidays etc but this is no reason to shut up shop. Martin Barnes has to be complemented on finishing such a complicated fixtures programme we have seen in years. Why on earth did we allow our fixtures to go on so long and not make any objections at the Coiste na nOg Meeting. Our clubs allowed and agreed with two clubs suggestions to start them in September. Did we ever stop to think about what a big mistake this was. The proper formula for our games is Districts between February / March – County April / September – District Sept / Oct. I was very sorry for Martin Barnes the amount of abuse and ridicule he has suffered during the year. But this was every clubs fault not Martin Barnes or Coiste na nOg for agreeing to a proposal to defer these games. We now have lost a good GAA man who’s sole interest was in the promotion of our games and I don’t think this is something to be proud of. Now let all the Critics stand up and take on the role of County Juvenile Fixtures Secretary and see what innovated ideas and suggestions you have to keep all clubs playing hurling and football on a regular basis throughout the year.

Staff Training

Leinster council provides workshops during the course of the year to develop and enhance the knowledge and expertise of our full time coaching staff. All elements are covered IT, coaching, strategic planning, coach education etc. This is also a good opportunity for our coaches to bring back all this information and learning outcomes to schools and clubs in their regions.

Strategic Planning

Every county in Ireland have to complete a five Year County Strategic Plan. The Wicklow GAA Strategic Plan implementation Committee was appointed under the chairmanship of Andy O Brien and we thank them for their work to date. The Strategy consists of twelve themes covering all aspects of the Association within Co. Wicklow. It also links into the Comhairle Laighean and National Strategic Plans. The county board are now nearing completion of this document and will be ready to release it to all clubs in the near future.

Coaching & Games Development Committee

The Coaching and Games Development Committee continues to provide enormous

Amount of resources for all of our constituent units. It gives leadership, direction and

foresight in this critical area of our work. The Coaching and Games Committee carry out a large remit, from dealing with volunteer coaches, community projects, developmental games and blitzes to overseeing the strategic development of our games, and from a Leinster perspective, ensuring that all our staff and programme’s meet their declared objectives, meet the Key Performance Indicators, and that the provision of resources is effectively managed. We are indebted to the members of the Committee for their diligence, their effectiveness and cooperation in delivering a truly outstanding programme.

Under 13 Hurling Feile

The Wicklow under 13 Hurling Feile took place on Saturday 16^th October at five venues around County Wicklow, Bray Emmets Naas-Castletown Liam Mellows-Glenealy-Portlaoise, Dunlavin, Michael Dwyers-Longfors Slashers-St. Josephs-Kilmessan-St.Patricks ballyragget Kilcoole, Ratoath-St. Martins-Camross-St.Patricks Gorey Eire Og Greystones, James Stephens-Kiltale-Kilmacud Crokes-Mt. Leinster Rangers-Crannford and Carnew Emmets, Ourlart the Ballagh-Myshall-Rathnure-St. Kevins Dublin-Bennettsbridge

Each team played three games. Guest clubs contributed €50 to the host club and the county board gave a grant of €200 to the host club to cover their expenses. I must say the professional manner in which all clubs organised and conducted themselves on the day was great. The amount of phone calls I got from the visiting clubs complementing the organising and the way they were look after. Prizes were given out for the top three teams in each venue and David Moran Avondale sponsored three Hurley’s for each venue which was given to man of the match in each final. The most disappointing thing about this competition was the withdrawal of Avondale and Arklow Rocks for various reasons.

Under 14 Hurling 7 aside

During the year we organised an under 14 Hurling 7 a side Competition in Blessington GAA. on Saturday 21^st August. We organised food for day with Eddie Cashin and fixtures where each team was guaranteed at least four games. But unfortunately clubs pulled out during the week as usually and it left us with only 5 teams.

Indoor Hurling/Clubs

Indoor Hurling leagues for clubs were run by Martin Barnes and St. Patrick’s GAA in the Arklow leisure centre and Michael O Sullivan also organised leagues in Dunlavin Community College for clubs in West Wicklow. And an under 8 competition was held in Aughrim GAA new indoor complex. We also plan to organise an indoor Hurling league for under 8’s in two venues on a Friday night or Saturday morning over the coming months for interested clubs we will be contacting club over the next few week to arrange this.

Under 12 Hurling & Football Blitzes in August

In conjunction with Martin Barnes Coaching Officer/Juvenile fixtures secretary we organised under 12 9 aside Fooball and Hurling fixtures on four Monday nights during August the football teams were grouped into 8 divisions with each team playing two games each night. The hurling section was 4 groups of 4 playing two/three games each night. These games were put into the fixture programme to give all clubs an oppournity to play during the so called holiday period. I can’t see why any club couldn’t field 9 players in this competition but again it caused problems to some clubs. If we want to play Hurling or Football we have to wake up and fulfill our fixtures programme not just play whenever it suits. Some of the small clubs saw this programme as an oppournity to give their players games.

Hurley/Helmets Subsidy Scheme

This scheme is open to schools and clubs in the county and is administrated by Rúnai Michael Murphy

Hurling for Haiti/St. Kieran’s Kilkenny This Workshop took place on Saturday April 10^th St. Kieran’s College Kilkenny from 10.00am – 1.00pm for all our Hurling academy squad coaches. It was a day of hurling coaching, tips and advice. Topics covered were Power-Up, Wake-up, Hurl Speed Training for Adult Players or Fundamentals for U-8s, Player Talk – Questions & Answers with players, working with small numbers – Mini & Conditioned games, working with U-12 players.

National Games Development Conference 2010

The national games development conference will take place in Croke Park on Saturday 4^th December and we will be organising to send one coach from the various academy squad teams.

Don Hyland School of Hurling

Wicklow Coaching & Games Development Committee will be launching

the Under 12 Don Hyland School of Hurling in 4 regions over the next few months and will continue during 2011. Two regions will be run siminatounsley once a month. The Don Hyland U/12 School of hurling will involve skill coaching and Mini Leagues after each coaching session. Each venue will have 4 stations and various skills will be practiced for a 20 minute period on a rotation basis with a 5 minute break followed by Mini Leagues of mixed teams. Each venue will have 4 Guest coaches from outside the county supported by 4 County Senior Hurling Players. Host venues will also be rotated each month. Thanks to Don Hyland one of Wicklow greatest ever hurlers for kindly allowing his name to be associated with this programme. Don will also play an active part in this school of Hurling.

Wicklow Local Sports Partnership

In conjunction with Wicklow Sports partnership we had a GAA Coaching session on their Sports Day in Roundwood on Sunday 12^th September between 2.30pm – 4.30pm

Any information relating to GAA matters in administration, coach education, Grants etc. was passed on to all Juvenile clubs during the year through our County G.D.A.’s

Fetac Level 5 GAA Coaching Course

In conjunction with Wicklow Information Network, FAS and Wicklow County Board GAA we have Organised a 9 month Full time GAA Course. This Course runs from Monday to Thursday 9.15am – 4.15pm and Friday 9.15am – 1.15pm and is based in the County Grounds Aughrim. This is the first if its kind to be run in Wicklow. The course is open to male/female that is unemployed and or in receipt of social welfare payments. The selection process was made by registering for the course with Fas interested students were then whittled down to 24 students after interviews. .Fas also pay these student a weekly allowance for doing the course Some of the modules included on the Fetac Level 5 GAA Course are 1. Sports & Recreation 2. Anatomy & Physiology 3.Communications 4.Information & Technology skills 5. Leisure Facilities Operations 6. Occupational First Aid 7. Safety & Health 8. Nutrition 9. Person Development and the core GAA modules of Foundation Award, Award 1 Child, Award 1 Youth/Adult, Referees Course, Code Of Ethics, S.A.Q foundation and Level 1, Disability training, Circuit Training to mention a few we have also incorporated 4 Weeks Work experience in Primary Schools, Post Primary Schools and Clubs organising coaching and Blitzes. A module is a statement of the standards to be achieved to gain a FETAC award. Candidates are assessed to establish whether they have achieved the required standards. Credit is awarded for each module successfully completed. The standards in a module are expressed principally in terms of specific learning outcomes, i.e. what the learner will be able to do on successful completion of the module. The other elements of the module – the purpose, general aims, assessment details and assessment criteria – combine with the learning out comes to state the standards in a holistic way. While FETAC is responsible for setting the standards for certification in partnership with course providers and industry, it is the course providers who are responsible for the design of the learning programme. The duration, content and delivery of learning programme should be appropriate to the learners’ needs and interests, and should enable the learners to reach the standard as described in the Modules. Modules may be delivered alone or integrated with other modules. From November 20^th and each Friday afternoon from then on all our Fetac coaches will take on a coaching role on a number of primary schools on a 6 week rotation basis as part of developing their coaching styles and experiences. On completion of this Course it is hoped that we can place coaches/students in part time or full time employment. The following are the student and clubs they represent

Paul Barry Bray Emmets, Thomas Kinsella Carnew Emmets, Keith Barnes Arklow Rock Parnell’s, Jason Byrne Aughrim, Tom Doyle Glenealy, Craig Cahill Avondale, Paul Gahan Avondale, Eamon Doyle Avondale, Brian Byrne Stratford/Grangecon, Karen Mangan Stratford/Grangcon, Frances Kearns Kilcoole, Dean Byrne Carnew Emmets, Cathy Forde Arklow Geraldines Ballymoney, Pat Bracken Arklow Rock Parnells, Darren O Brien Newcastle, Wesley O Toole Avondale, David Kinsella Carnew Emmets, Michael Owens Aughrim, Frank Byrne Aughrim, Gary Murphy Fergal Ogs, Dawn McKenna Newtown

Aaron Curran Craanford, Michael Collins Carnew

Coaching Resource Book

During the month of September we produced a coaching manual to supplement the Fun Do Packs all our club school coaches are using this as part of their school coaching programme this book covers Hurling & Football skills training, Go Games Rules, U Can Awards. It is available through all our G.D.A.’s and myself at a cost of €3 per book. They will also be on sale at all our coach education courses and workshops. It is a most worth while purchase especially for the beginner coach or coach the need variation in their coaching session. The book has easy to follow instruction and diagrams and progression from one skill to another.

Diploma in Training & Education

This course was organised by N.U.I.G, in Conjunction with the GAA

Hugh Kenny, Michael o Sullivan, Colm Gaskin, Garrett Doyle and Leighton Glynn Graduated along with other Leinster Council coaches in Tuesday 18^th May 2010. This course has now assisted all our coaches with the delivery of our Coach education Programme.

Garda Vetting Procedures

This is a slow and painful process it is up to all clubs to ensure that all your coaches are Garda vetted. There is no point coming to the county board wanting to know how to deal with certain situations if they happen during the year unless all your coaches are Garda vetted. You owe it to all you players to make sure you have the right type of coaches over all your teams. Garda vetting forms are on the Wicklow GAA Website to be downloaded for your attention. Once you get in a batch of completed forms from your club/coaches please send it on the County Board for Garrett Doyle or my attention and we will make a swift return by post to Croke Park with our cover letter. This is a priority leading into 2011 under no circumstance have any club to employ any coach unless they have got Garda clearance. Note that PPS numbers are no longer required.

Juvenile Email Addresses

Looking ahead to 2011 how can we improve our communication at juvenile club level we must follow in the direction of our senior clubs by organising a club juvenile email address for all our juvenile secretary’s @gaa.ie. All information etc. will now be sent to this new email account in 2011. if any clubs need help on how to use and set up this new account please contact IT Officer Emma Burke on 087- 6868883 or email Emma on itofficer.wicklow@gaa.ie this is what a sample juvenile email address will look like juvenilesecretary.baltinglass.wicklow@gaa.ie every club email address will be the same except for the name of the club. If all juvenile clubs can sort this out over the next couple of weeks it would be fantastic. It doesn’t matter if the secretaries change each year the email address will remain the same it will then be only just a matter of changing the password.

Conclusion

As the economic difficulties in this country continue to affect all it is important that the local club continues to provide that sense of community that makes the GAA that bit special. We are going in the right direction at the moment our under 8 and 10 programme is providing all clubs with amount of talent. The next step to under 12 will be a challenge but will benefit us all in the long run. Our Schools coaching system is one of the most organised in Leinster. If we can get or County Juvenile fixtures sorted out and agreed on from an early stage if will give us a platform to progress these young players coming through the system. Finally everyone in Wicklow wants success at inter county level. This is achievable but only with the total support of our clubs. We need all our best players wearing the Blue and Gold Jersey at each all levels in Hurling and Football and unless clubs realise this we will always be looking for excuses. I Hope we can be in a position in 2011 when each manager of all our teams are able to say that’s the best possible 15 players in the county playing for us today. Wouldn’t that be something to look forward to? If anybody wants to know what is happing in the county please tell them to get a copy of this report and it might open their eyes to what is really going on. We probably don’t promote ourselves enough or the amount of work we do during the year. Another question I will leave everybody to ponder on is when a club gets prior notice on fixtures why do they leave it to the last few hours before contacting anybody to tell them that they are unable to take part and in some cases if the phone call wasn’t made to see was everything ok for the game/blitz there would have been no contact what so ever. Yes I’m afraid these are some of the frightening things that happed in fixtures during the year.

. Buíochas .

My sincere thanks to my fellow colleges Leighton Glynn, Colm Gaskin, Michael O Sullivan, Garrett Doyle for the amount of work they got through during the past year. Thank also to all our club coaches and teachers who work long hours in a voluntary capacity in order to ensure that our association functions effectively in the County. Similarly thanks are also due to the other staff and officials of Wicklow County Board particularly Rúnai Michael Murphy and Coiste na nOg with whom we have contact on a regular basis. Grateful appreciation is also extended to Leinster Council coaching and games officers Shane Flanagan, Colm Clear and Lester Ryan for their help and assistance during 2010.

As Chairman of the Competitions Control Committee it gives me great pleasure to

present this report to Convention.

Intercounty

The past year saw mixed fortunes for our county teams our Senior Footballers scored a win over Carlow in the Leinster Championship they travelled to Tullamore for a second a meeting against old rivals Westmeath and were unlucky to

have suffered a two point defeat by the Midlanders.

The first round of the qualifiers saw a Mick o Dwyer side make the trip to Cavan but it proved to be a heart break as the side suffered a 0 15 to 2 8 in a game they should have won.

Tim Healy’s under 21 side beat Longford in the 1st Round but made an exit from the championship when they suffered a defeat by Laois in the next round, while our minor footballers scored a first round victory over Wexford to set up a meeting with Laois and after good all round team performance they suffered a heart breaking defeat on a score of 0 17 to 1 13. 

The story of past year was the performance of Casey o Brien Senior Hurlers first up was a dramatic last second victory, over Armagh on a score of 3 12 to 1 17 in the Keogh Shield final and they followed up to take a national title with seven

straight wins as they clinched the National League Div 3 B.

Their Christy Ring Campaign started off with a win against Mayo, The second round saw Kildare inflict a three point defeat in a high scoring game of 1 19 to 1 16, but the team bounced back to score a quarter final victory over Meath by a

single point in another high scoring game of 3 13 to 1 18 to set up a clash with Kerry and after a gallant effort they came very close to success but luck was not on there side.

Congratulations to our college team on there recent victory over Ballyhale from Kilkenny which was their second victory two years in a row over the same opposition. The dedication and the determination of County and Club coaches must continue and every club has a duty to support all development squads in Football and Hurling and also our County teams no matter what age group.

The Ladies Footballers also deserve credit which saw them capture the Leinster Junior Championship when they defeated their old Rivals Louth by 2 8 to 0 7.

Further honours were brought to the county which saw Leighton Glynn being selected again for Aussies Rules Duty and once again he did our county proud with two great displays for his country.

And he also earned a call up as a replacement for the 2009 all stars. Andy o Brien and Peter Keane were selected for Shinty duty at under 21 and Senior level, Kevin o Brien received a Hall of fame award and also played his part as a selector with the Irish team, Congratulations to all concerned.

Coogan Hardware Senior Football.

This years Championship was once again played on a league basic in four groups of four with the top two teams in each group qualifying for the quarter final stages, in which County Champions Rathnew scored a impressive win over Donard/

Glen, Blessington proved to strong for Stratford, While Saint Patricks staged a late rally to snatch victory from their old rivals Kiltegan. The meeting of Baltinglass and Bray Emmets ended in draw after a great battle, the replay saw  Baltinglass emerged victorious. The semi-final pairing saw Rathnew pitted against Blessington while Saint Patricks played Baltinglass. The end result saw arch rivals Rathnew and Baltinglass reach the final and after a keenly contested game Rathnew emerged victorious on a score of 2 8 to 0 6 to be crowned worthy Champions.

The winners travelled to Meath for the opening round of the A I B Leinster club championship Against Skyrne.and after a hard fought game Rathnew suffered a three point defeat on a score of 1 11 to 1 8.

Darcy Sand Intermediate Football

This competition was once again played in two groups of six with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the semi-final stages, This competition proved to a long drawn out saga before the semi- finals were reached in which

Eire Og Greystones played Avondale and after a keenly contested game the sides finished level on a score of 0 9 each, The replay saw Eire Og score a 1 13 2 6 victory ,while Annacurra were pitted against Shillelagh in a all south pairing and

it was Annacurra who emerged victorious which saw the winners score a 0 14 to 1 6 victory and after two keenly contested games it was Eire Og Greystones and Annacurra who clinched the final places. The Final produced a excellent game of football which was played in a sporting manner which was a credit to both clubs which saw Annacurra emerge victorious with a single point winning margin on a score of 0 8 to 0 7 to be crowned worthy champions.

The winners made the trip to Laois were they played Timahoe in the opening round of the Leinster Intermediate championship which saw Annacurra bow out on a score of 0 12 to 0 7.

Judges Inn Junior A Football

Twelve teams took part in this year’s championship which was once again played in two groups of six. And after a keenly contested campaign with the top two teams from each group contesting the Semi-Final in which Ballinacor were pitted

against last years beaten finalist Knockananna, The end result saw Ballinacor score a 2 9 to 0 13 victory, While old rivals Saint Patricks and Baltinglass served a keenly contested game and a after thrilling contest which saw Saint Patricks

snatch victory by a single point on a score of 1 10 to 1 9 to set a novel pairing in the final. After a competitive game it was Ballincor who emerged victorious by a three point winning margin to be crowned worthy champions, The winners

travelled Dublin were they faced St Monicas in the opening round of the A I B Leinster Junior A championship and after a great battle Ballinacor suffered a 1 11 to 1 9 defeat.

Philip Doyle Junior B Football

A total of seventeen teams took part in this years championship which was played on a straight knockout and after a keenly competition Barndarrig, Rathnew, Arklow Gersaldine Ballymoney, and Hollywood reached the last four which saw Rathnew hold off a late rally by Barndarrig to score a 2 13 to 1 13 victory while Hollywood emerged victorious on a score of 1 11 to 0 6 to set up a east v west county final which was repeat of the senior final of 2000 which saw the thatched village score 0 12 to 0 11 victory. The end result saw Rathnew clinch the title on a score of 2 9 to 1 6.

Junior C Football Championship

Seventeen teams took part in this years championship and one again it proved to be a great successs and after a keenly contested campaign, Avoca. Aughrim Blessington and Eire Og Greystones reached the semi-finals which saw Avoca play

Aughrim and Blessington played Eire Og Greystones. The final paring saw Avoca and Eire Og Greystones contest the final. Avoca emerged victorious on a score of 1 10 to 0 7 in a keenly contested game.

Minor Football

After a long drawn out campaign, Eire Og Greystones, Luke o Tooles, Rathnew, and Avondale qualified for the semi-finals .The semi-finals saw Eire Og Greystones defeat Luke Tooles by a four point winning margin while Rathnew edged

out a gallant Avondale side to set up a repeat of last years decider,The end result saw Eire Og Greystones put back to back titles when they scored a 0 10 to 1 4 victory. The minor champions have reached the semi-final of the leinster club

championship and we wish the greystones boys the best of luck in the concluding stages.

Keating Trophy Final

Newtown defeated GersBallymoney on a score of 0 10 to 0 9.

Keating Trophy Relegation Final

Dunlavin and Coolkenno contested the final and after a keenly contested game Dunlavin emerged Victorious on a score of 1 12 to 2 8 to retain their Senior status.

Swan Cup Final

The Swan Cup final is a one of the highlights of the year which saw Ballinacor and Rathnew provide a competitive and sporting contest in a high scoring game which saw Ballinacor score a 0 18 to 2 6 victory.

Coogan Hardware Senior Football Relegation

Coolkenno return to Intermediate status for 2011.

Darcy Sand Intermediate Football Championship Relegation

Bray Emmets return to Junior A status.

Judges Inn Junior A Football Relegation Final

Newtown return to junior B Football Championship for 2011

Coogan Hardware Senior Hurling

Six teams took part in this years championship which was played on league basis with the top four teams qualified for the semi-finals. Glenealy completed the league section undefeated to top the group and in doing so received the Kavanagh

Cup while Carnew Emmets Kiltegan and Bray Emmets also reached the last four.

The semi-pairing saw Glenealy play an up and coming Bray Emmets side and after a bright start the men from the dargle suffered injury to some key players and were forced to give way to better balanced Glenealy side as the reds ran

out comfortable winners on a score of 2 19 to 0 8 to reach another final. County Champions Carnew Emmets saw off the challenge of Kiltegan with a seven winning margin to set another meeting with their arch rivals. The final saw

two committed teams with every player giving it their best and in the end it was Glenealy who reversed last years result with a convincing 3 12 to 0 9 victory to be crowned worthy champions. Glenealy travelled to Carlow for the first

round of the Leinster Intermediate Hurling Championship against. Saint Mullins and after a Keenly contested game the Wicklow champions staged a late rally to snatch victory with a goal deep into injury time to emerge victorious on a score

of 3 8 to 1 13.

The second round saw Glenealy play hosts to Celbridge from Kildare and after a Keenly contested game the Kildare Champions emerged victorious on a score of 1 15 to 2 7.

Intermediate Hurling Championship

Five teams took part in the Intermediate Hurling Championship which was played on a single round League basis which saw Kilcoole top the group and in doing so collected their first hurling trophy. In years while Eire Og Greystones

and Glenealy also reached the semi-final, The remaining spot saw Carnew Emmets and Newcastle do battle in the quarter final and after a hard fought battle it was Newcastle who emerged with a one point winning margin to clinch the

last place.

The semi-finals saw Eire Og Greystones pitted against Glenealy, while the second semi- final saw a all North derby in which Newcastle played their neighbours Kilcoole. Glenealy scored a one point over Eire Og Greystones, while Newcastle proved to strong for Kilcoole. The final saw Newcastle retain the title when they scored a one point victory on a score of 1 12 to 2 8. In the Leinster Junior Hurling Championship Newcastle played Devlin from Westmeath which saw Jack Murray side unlucky to suffer a defeat in a cracking game of hurling on a score of 2 7 to 0 1.1.

Junior A Hurling championship

Glenealy and Fergal Og contested the final

Junior Hurling Championship

This year saw the Junior Hurling Championship continue to be played on league every Wednesday evening which gave regular games with eight teams competiting and after a long campaign, Glenealy defeated a gallant Kiltegan side to be

crowned worthy B champions and in doing so scored a notable double by winning the league in which they collected the Don o Gorman Cup. Championship specialist Carnew Emmets qualified for the C final against Kilmac/Enniskerry and after a high scoring game the sides finished level on a score of 2 12 to 3 9.

The replay saw Carnew Emmets clinch the title when they defeated there opponents on a score of 0 15 to 1 9.

Minor Hurling A Final

Glenealy played Bray Emmets

Minor Hurling B Final

Eire Og Greystones played Carnew Emmets

Billy Byrne Cup

This competition was for the teams that failed to reach the Knock out stages of the Senior Hurling Championship, which saw Arklow Rocks and Avondale contest the final where Arklow Rocks staged a late rally to snatch victory by a single

point on a score of 2 6 to 1 8 to clinch the Cup.

Dessie Murphy Cup

Following some impressive performances during the year in which they reached the Semi-finals of the Coogan Hardware Senior Hurling Championship Bray Emmets and Kiltegan contested the final of the Dessie Murphy Cup which saw

Kiltegan emerge victorious on a score of 1 14 to 1 8.

Football Leagues

The C C C have completed all grades in the football league which has being a long campaign and on that note I would like to thank the clubs referees and committee members for all your help and cooperation during the past year.

Promotion and Relagtion

Div 1

Baltinglass were crowned worthy winners and in doing so collected the Hill Cup Dunne Cup Final Rathnew play Blessington or Baltinglass.

Relegated, Annacurra, and will be joined by Carnew Emmets, or Eire Og

Greystones.

Div 2

Ballymanus, Shillelagh, are promoted to Div 1.

Relegated Bray Emmets, and Kilbride

Div 3

Valleymount and Saint Patricks earn promotion which saw Saint Patricks clinch the Johnny Fox Cup Final on a score of 1 9 to 0 5.

Relegation div 3 final Blessington scored a 1 10 to 2 5 over Kiltegan which will see Kiltegan drop

to div 4 for 2011

Div 4

Eire Og Greystones, Hollywood,Avoca, were worthy winners of their various sections with the south east winners receiving a bye into the final, While Eire Og Greystones and Hollywood clashed in the semi-final which saw the north

Wicklow side score a 3 17 to 1 7 victory to set up all County Div 4 League Final against Avoca.

Playing of our Games

The Playing of Games is the most important part of our Association and I appeal to the clubs to take a different approach regarding this matter and not be using every excuse for postponements, over the past number of years a number

of championships have being played on a league basic, I would suggest that we should look at a different format in the year ahead in some competitions.

During the past year over 1100 games were played and I would to thank our development officer Victor o Shaughnessy and his crew for their continued good work on our grounds,and you the clubs that provided pitches during the year for

all your help and cooperation also a word of thanks to Tom Byrne for his work as fixtures secretary and Referees administrator.

Sponsorship

On behalf of the County Board I would like to thank al our sponsors for their continued support during the past year which is very much appreciated at this present time, and I would to urge all our members to support these prominent

business men in what ever way you can

.

Referees

On behalf of the Competitions Control Committee I would to thank all the Referees who officiated during the past year and in doing so I would like to congratulate all who had the honour of being selected for county final duty, and

also a word of thanks to those who acted as linesmen during what was a long campaign also a word of congratulations to the various referees who were selected for Leinster and National duty.

The coming year we must continue to seek personnel who will become Referees and I think the time has come that every club must supply at least one Referee.

Congratulations to the various Referees who were selected for Leinster and National duty

Discipline

During the past year the C. C. C meet on a total of thirty four times to deal with disciplinary cases which included a total of 136 red cards which included 42 at juvenile level from under 12 to minor in both football and hurling players and

team mentors showed no respect towards our rules regulations And match officials this type of conduct must be stamped out every effort must be made to eliminate the hard men and we have a duty to as County Board officers

and sub committees to never shy away when it from our duties when it comes to dealing with discipline no matter how painful.

Press

On behalf of Committee I would to thank Michael Sargent Gerry Grehan Pat Mitchell and Peter Keogh and Niall McCague for their continued Radio coverage, The staff of the People Newspapers Dave Devereux, Brendan Laurence and Mick Harpur and also a word of thanks to members of the Wicklow people Mark Kennedy, Peter Keogh, Gary o Neill, Mick Kelly, and a special word of thanks to Dave Barrett for his continued coverage for of our games no matter where the venue is.

Many thanks to our P R O Pat Mitchell for his help and support during his first year as P R O.

Conclusion

In conclusion I would to thank the Members of the Competitions Control Committee Tom Byrne, Michael Murphy, Damian Byrne, Tim Balfe, Michael O’Keeffe, John Timmons, Jack Napier, Ian O’ Neill, and Chris O’ Connor, for

their great efforts and support during the past year and you the clubs for your cooperation in ensuring that all our competitions are almost complete.

Also a word of thanks to Hugh Kenny and the juvenile board for their continued efforts in spreading the gospel and I appeal to every club to support these people.

Finally I would to thank our out going County Chairman Andy O’ Brien for his leadership and his achievements during his four year term, also a word of thanks to County Secretary Michael Murphy and fellow members of Management for all their help and support, and many thanks to Jimmy Dunne and Nuala Kenny for all their help and support in the office which often goes unnoticed.

It would be remiss of me if I did not single out Margo Cassell who finished her employment with our county board office during the year many thanks Margo for the excellent service you provided to County and Clubs over the years and

your help is very appreciated by all. Thanks also to the many voluntary workers for all their help and co-operation

during the past year and may I take this opportunity to wish each and everyone of you a peaceful Christmas and a happy new year.

Is Mise

Micheál Ó Hagain – Cathaoirleach.

As the Year 2010 comes to an end so does my 1st Year as PRO. I would like to take this opportunity to thank many people who helped me in any way during the Year.

In the beginning of the year my thanks goes to Jackie Napier, Mick Hagan and Michael Murphy for all their help getting me started in my new position.

During the National Leagues, my sincere thanks to Eddie Leonard who carried out the P.A. work at Aughrim during the home Football League games while I was away with the Hurlers.

To our Website people Alan O’Brien and Shane Ferguson plus our own office staff Nuala, Michael and Tom and Margo who is now retired for the prompt updating of all results etc.

To our Paper Reporters, Peter Keogh, Mark Kennedy and Mick Hagan for their excellent Match Reporting during the year and also thanks to the camera men Dave Barrett, Gary O’Neill and Peter Loughlin for their great work during 2010.

A word of thanks also to Colm Glynn of R.T.E. Aertel for his assistance in getting match results put up promptly. As PRO I also take this opportunity to thank Jimmy Dunne for all his tireless work on many fronts, Social Events, Match Programs, Year Book, and many other items which he carries out so professionally.

Finally thanks to all our Club Mentors for their help with Teams and to the Referee’s for their assistance with results when required.

I wish everyone a Happy and Peaceful Christmas and look forward to the New Year for another busy Year on the G.A.A. front.

Is mise le meas, Pádraig Ó Mistéil

This is my first year as Hurling Officer in Co. Wicklow and over the year I discovered lots of

positives towards hurling in the County and also lots of areas where we have to improve

and change.

I looked for advice on how to encourage and improve hurling from my County Board, neighbouring counties and Croke Park. My belief on how to encourage, revive and develop hurling in Co. Wicklow is that we must start from the bottom, and from that build on a solid foundation.

Under 8’s and 10’s Under 8’s and 10’s have a good structure in place with Co. Games . There are a lot of Blitz in place, however, we need to grade teams to encourage every standard of hurling.

Under 12’s Without a doubt this is an age group that must be improved.

A programme needs to be put in place for every child to be brought forward for whatever standard he has. I complied such a programme endorsing this, presented it to a County Board Committee however, it was not taken on board as

they were setting up a ‘Don Hyland School of Hurling’ staring in October but unfortunately this has not happened yet.

Under 13’s An U-13 Feile was set up a few years ago. It was very successful in its early years. Last year, it was dying out but it was revived this year with the help of all the clubs and full time staff. It was very well attended by local clubs

and neighbouring counties – long may it continue!

Under 14’s Under 14’s have a busy year with ‘The Feile na Gael’ Tony Forrestal, and the D.J Carey school of hurling and back home for their own championship. At this stage the standard of the boys hurling should be on par with other

Leinster Counties. Previous years have shown that the standard of hurling at this age is not as it should be because of the lack of development at an earlier age.

Under 16’s Every club in the County is lacking games for this age group.

Some structure either from within the County or outside the County such as a Leinster Blitz needs to be put in place. On-going discussions are in place.

Under 18’s Here is another age group that needs time and investment.

Clubs must encourage players to enjoy their hurling. At this age players should feel appreciated by their clubs and become more involved.

Under 21’s Under 21 is a grade we need to revise perhaps on a blitz basis early in the year.

Adult Hurling Adult Hurling in Wicklow is at present below average.

Unfortunately interest is lost and players give-up before they reach adulthood. I believe the reason for this is a lack of structure in place at underage. A more regulated structure needs to be put in place right through to adulthood. Clubs must broaden their thinking and encourage and release players to Development Squads not just for the good of the club hurling but Co. Hurling. Adult Hurling needs to kick start earlier in the year. More hurling needs to be carried out during the summer months and the Championship should start on time, with matches played on a regular basis.

Development Squads Development Squads are working well in Wicklow.

There is a core group of committed people giving their time. It we are realistic developing hurling in Wicklow we need more top coaches from the clubs to get involved in Development Squads. To improve the interest and the standard

of hurling with County Teams then automatically club hurling will improve.

Cul Camps was very successful this year again. The standard of coaching was very good maybe Wicklow should invest more coaches into schools.

My aims as Hurling Officer for the future are:-

To having hurling coaches in all schools perhaps sponsored through FAS. This year 4 new Hurling Coaches have been employed through FAS. A structured programme starting at Under 12’s, continuing to Minor mirroring the Setanta Programme which is in place in Co. Laois be implemented immediately. Discipline in hurling is paramount. It is essential that discipline must be kept on and off the field, from the young players at working together in Development Squads respect will be earned and friendship will be made.

Referee’s Clubs must encourage more people to train as referees. Referees should be trained to the best of their ability. Assessors for referee’s have to be employed to maintain standards. Assessors should also grade referees to improve

our game further.

At the end of the hurling season I am meeting with clubs to discuss club hurling, how the County Board and me as Hurling Officer can help and take on board any ideas they might have to improve Wicklow Hurling.

As Hurling Offices in Wicklow my role is limited. Hurling Officer should attend seminars at Leinster Council and Croke Park. A voice for Wicklow Hurling needs to be heard and ideas brought back to the County and Clubs.

To fully promote hurling in Wicklow it warrants a full time position.

Kind Regards, Jim Doyle – Hurling Officer