Following the GAA’s Annual Congress in April 2012 a new rule was enacted that made it mandatory to use a mouthguard in all Gaelic football matches and training sessions from January 1st 2013 (for all age grades up to and including minor) and at U21 and Adult level from January 1st 2014.
Research figures indicate that Ireland has one of the highest rates of sport-related oral injuries in the EU, with one third of all adult dental injuries being sports-related. In many sports such as rugby and hockey the wearing of gumshields is the norm with nearly all clubs adhering strictly to a no gumshield – no game rule. A recent survey of Irish parents found the average cost of dental treatment for sport related dental injuries in children to be €213.14. Studies have also shown that the overall injury risk is close to twice as high when a mouthguard is not worn, relative to when mouthguards were used during athletic activity.
The GAA’s Medical, Scientific & Welfare Committee acknowledge that the use of a properly fitted mouthguard is the best available protective device for reducing the incidence and severity of sports-related dental injuries and was centrally involved in ensuring the introduction of compulsory mouthguards in gaelic Football.
This information sheet has been compiled to assist GAA Clubs and individual players in complying with the provisions of the new rule passed at Congress 2012.
ABOUT MOUTHGUARDS
There are three types of mouth guards:
Stock mouthguards are preformed and come ready to wear. They are inexpensive and can generally be purchased in sports shops for in or around €5 each. However, little can be done to adjust their fit, they are bulky, can make breathing and talking difficult, and they provide limited protection. Dentists do not recommend their use, nonetheless, once they carry the CE (European Conformity) mark they are acceptable in terms of complying with the new GAA Rules.
Official Opro GAA/GPA stock mouthguards will be available for purchasing through your local retailers: Supervalu, Centra, Lifestyle and Elverys.
Boil and bite mouthguards can also be bought over the counter at most Sports Shops and generally offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. The “boil and bite” mouthguard is made from thermoplastic material. It is placed in hot water to soften, then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth using finger and tongue pressure. Dentists do not recommend their use in general. Typically these type of mouthguards will cost in the region of €15 to €20 and again any mouthguard with the CE mark on it in this category is sufficient to ensure compliance with the new rule.
Official Opro GAA/GPA boil & bite mouthguards will be available for purchasing through your local retailers: Supervalu, Centra, Lifestyle and Elverys.
Custom-fitted mouthguards are individually designed and made in a dental office or a professional laboratory based on your dentists instructions. These will not just offer the best protection against dental and oral injury but they should not affect performance i.e. breathing and speech should be relatively unaffected particularly if these have been worn regularly.
First, your dentist will make an impression of your teeth and a mouth guard is then molded over the model using a special material. Due to the use of the special material and because of the extra time and work involved, this custom-made mouth guard is more expensive than the other types, but it provides the most comfort and protection.
Prices can vary significantly and it is worth seeking and comparing prices from a number of practitioners before deciding to purchase. Typically a custom fitted mouth-guard should cost between €60 and €120. However, many dental practices offer significant reductions to GAA Clubs who are ordering in bulk. GAA clubs can generally liaise with dental centres and clinics to arrange for someone to visit the club on a given day to take dental impressions from a number of players. Custom fitted mouthguards purchased in bulk in this manner should cost around €30 to €50 each.
To find a list of dentists and dental centres in your area, you can use the Find a Dentist function on the Irish Dental Associations Website – http://www.dentist.ie/find-a-dentist.10.html
WHICH TYPE OF MOUTHGUARD SHOULD I PURCHASE?
The decision on which type of mouthguard a player should obtain is a matter of personal preference. There is no doubt that custom fitted mouthguards offer the best fit and protection but they are the most expensive option also. The Stock and Boil & Bite options will suffice for compliance with the new rules, but only if the product carries the CE mark.
In terms of underage players, it should be borne in mind that teeth and mouths are still developing up until about 12 years of age and young players may grow out of custom fitted mouthguards over a period time. However, your dental practitioner is ultimately in the best position to advise in this context.
COMPLYING WITH THE NEW RULE
The GAA recognise that Clubs may be worried about compliance with the new rules and specifically what will happen if a player forgets or does not have a mouthguard on the day of a game. The suggestion in this context is that each Club should purchase a supply of the Stock or Boil and Bite mouthguards for use in such situations.
If a player refuses to comply with a Referee’s instruction to wear a mouthguard, he will incur the penalty as outlined in (Rule 6.2, Rules of Foul Play, The Playing Rules of Football, Official Guide, Part II, 2012) ‘Caution the offender; order off if he persists’.
SOME QUESTIONS
1. When does the new rule come into effect?
A. From January 1st 2013, all players playing inÓgrades up to and including Minor will be required to wear a mouthguard in all football games and at practice sessions.
2. When does the ruling come into effect for adult players?
A. From January 1st, 2014 all players at all grades will be required to wear a mouthguard in all football games and practice sessions.
3. What will happen if I am not wearing a mouthguard in a game?
A. If a player refuses to comply with a Referee’s instruction to wear a mouthguard, he will initially be cautioned by the Referee and if the player continues to refuse, the Referee can send him off.
4. Who is responsible for ensuring mouthguards are worn at training or practice sessions?
A. It is a matter for each Club to ensure the rule is adhered to at training or practice sessions. Clubs and players should note that Players will not be covered under the player injury scheme if they are not wearing a mouthguard.
5. Do players have to wear a mouthguard in hurling games?
A. No. The new rule only applies to football; however, wearing a mouthguard when playing hurling does reduce the risk of dental injury.
6. I am a Minor playing on an adult team in 2013. Do I have to wear a mouthguard?
A. Not in 2013. The wearing of mouthguards in 2013 is compulsory at all age grades up to minor. However, a player playing at U-21 or adult level in 2013 is not required to wear a mouthguard under rule. From January 1st 2014 all players at all grades must wear a mouthguard.
7. Our Club has a nursery, are children in these juvenile age groups exempt from wearing a mouthguard?
A. No. The Medical, Scientific & Welfare Committee advise that children should begin wearing a mouthguard at whatever age they start playing. Young mouths need protecting too and if players start wearing mouthguards at a young age this will add greatly to the development of a culture of wearing mouthguards in gaelic Football.
8. Does the new rule regarding the wearing of mouthguards apply to Cumann na mBunscol games?
A. Yes.
9. If so, who is responsible for ensuring that they should be worn?
A. InÓgeneral it is a matter for each Club to ensure this; however, in this case it is a matter for each School to ensure the rule is adhered to at training or practice sessions. To avoid a scenario whereby children may forget their mouthguard, the GAA recommends that Schools purchase a reserve of stock mouthguards.
10. Do I have to wear a mouthguard whilst playing Second Level games?
A. Yes. From January 1st 2013, all Second Level players will be required to wear a mouthguard in all football games and at practice sessions.
11. Do I have to wear a mouthguard whilst playing Third Level games?
A. Not in 2013. From January 1st 2014 all players at all grades must wear a mouthguard.
12. Does this apply to overseas players?
A. Yes.
13. I’m a referee – do I have to check all players mouths before a game to ensure compliance?
A. Referee’s will not be expected to individually check players before a game; however, if a Referee notices that a player is not wearing a mouthguard, he should caution the player and if the player still refuses to wear one, he should be sent off.
14. A supplier of custom fitted mouthguards has contacted my club and offered to measure players for custom fitted guards, what does the GAA advise?
A. It is a matter for each individual club to decide whether they want to engage with industry suppliers in this context or not. The GAA nationally has no preferred suppliers in this area.
15. Which type of mouthguard should I purchase?
A. The decision on which type of mouthguard a player should obtain is a matter of personal preference. There is no doubt that custom fitted mouthguards offer the best fit and protection but they are the most expensive option also. The Stock and Boil & Bite options will suffice for compliance with the new rules, but only if the product carries the CE mark.
16. I currently wear orthodontic braces, what are my options?
A. It has been noted that children wearing orthodontic braces and wishing to play Gaelic football will be particularly concerned about the rule change; however, the GAA recommends that these players seek advice from a range of dental practitioners on the most appropriate solution for them.
17. Is there an official GAA/GPA mouthguard?
A. Official Opro GAA/GPA stock and boil & bite mouthguards will be available for purchasing through your local retailers: Supervalu, Centra, Lifestyle and Elverys.
If you have any queries or would like more information, please contact Games & Player Welfare Administrator Ruairí Harvey: Telephone: (01) 865 8685; E-mail: ruairi.harvey@gaa.ie
30-Dec-12 by Colette Fox – PRO
GAELIC ARMOUR ANNOUNCES LANDMARK PARTNERSHIP WITH LEITRIM GAA20th November 2024 - 9:16 pm
Leitrim Supporters Club
GeneralLaunch of the Leitrim Supporters Club 2013 in Croke Park, Dublin on Wednesday 16th January at 8pm.
Coach departs
Drumshanbo Swimming Pool at 4.30pm
Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada at 5pm
Bornacoola GAA Field Dromod at 5.15pm
Anyone wishing to travel please contact secretary.leitrim@gaa.ie or phone 086 8961686.
Access for attendees will be via the Cusack Stand only with free parking in the Cusack Stand Car Park. Access to the Cusack Stand Car Park is via St Joseph’s Ave, just of Cloniffe Road (turn off Cloniffe Road at Mc Caughey’s Shop, signed for the GAA Museum).
05-Jan-13 by Colette Fox – PRO
Young GAA Reporter of the Year competition
GeneralThe Cadburys Gaelic Writers’ Association (GWA) in conjunction with the GAA is delighted to announce details of their Young GAA Reporter of the Year competition.
The GWA, which is the representative body for much of the national Gaelic Games media, is offering a fantastic prize for budding journalists.
The winner will pick up a bursary cheque for €500 to be put towards their education and have their winning work published on the GAA’s official website, www.gaa.ie. They will also be crowned Cadburys GWA Young GAA Reporter of the Year 2012.
Entries for this great competition are now open. Simply submit your work by email to youngreporter@gaa.ie.
There is no minimum age and anyone who is 21 years old or younger on December 31, 2012 can enter.
Closing date for entry is midnight Tuesday, January 15, 2013 with the winner announced in mid-February.
This is a great opportunity for aspiring reporters to test their skills, aim for a brilliant prize and get their talents recognised nationwide.
How to Enter: Simply submit your work to youngreporter@gaa.ie. Alternatively, please submit by post to Cadbury’s GWA Young Reporter Competition, GAA Communications Department, Croke Park, Dublin 3.
Who can enter: Anyone under the age of 21 on December 31, 2012 (the winner will be asked for proof of date-of-birth).
Entries: A written article of no more than 700 words/two minute video or audio clip. All entries can be accompanied by supporting photographs, which will also be judged.
What to include in your email/correspondence: Your entry, your age and your contact details.
Closing date: Midnight Tuesday, January 15, 2013. The winner to be announced mid-February.
Prize: €500 bursary cheque and work published on the official GAA website, www.gaa.ie
What we are looking for:
• Piece that captures the imagination.
• Fresh look at Gaelic Games.
• Style, colour, emotion.
Entries can be a match report, feature, interview, colour piece, opinion or can touch on any other GAA related topic.
The decision of the judging panel will be final and no correspondence will be entered into. The winner will be notified by return email.
04-Jan-13 by Colette Fox – PRO
Leitrim Supporters Club
GeneralLeitrim GAA Supporters Club
Leitrim GAA Supporters Club Launch WEDNESDAY night 16th January 2013 at 8.00 pm
The Leitrim GAA Supporters Club (Dublin Branch) invites you to attend the Supporters Club 27th Anniversary Launch on Wednesday 16th January 2013 at 8.00 pm in Celtic Suite, Level 5 Cusack Stand Croke Park.
The 2013 Supporters Club will be launched by Seamus O’ Rourke, the very popular writer, actor and director from Carrigallen.
George Dugdale and Barney Breen will give an update on Leitrim’s preparations for the year ahead.
Joe Flynn, Chairman of the Leitrim County Board will give an update on all GAA developments in the county.
There are a lot of exciting things happening in Leitrim GAA at present and this will be an opportunity for you to hear first hand about them from the people involved at the coal face.
I am asking you to spread the word of this event to anyone who might be interested. We would particularly like to see young people from Leitrim who are working or studying in Dublin or the surrounding counties to attend and make Leitrim’s first visit to Croke Park in 2013 a great success. Refreshments will be served from 7.30pm.
Access for attendees will be via the Cusack Stand only with free parking in the Cusack Stand Car Park. Access to the Cusack Stand Car Park is via St Joseph’s Ave, just of Cloniffe Road (turn off Cloniffe Road at Mc Caughey’s Shop, signed for the GAA Museum).
___________________
Michael Feeney – Chairman
Dublin Branch: 087 2515433
E mail: mike@mafeeney.com
03-Jan-13 by Colette Fox – PRO
Scór na nÓg
ScórThe County Finals of Scór na nÓg will be held this Saturday January 5th starting at 3pm in St Marys Hall Carrick on Shannon. This is the great annual gathering of the best young talent in the County displaying their ability at Irish Cultural entertainment.
The line up for Sundays event is as follows:
Rince Foirne:
Mohill B
Amhranaíocht Aonair:
Cormac Sammon – Aughnasheelan
Naomh Muire
Aithriseoireacht:
Grace Reilly – Sean OHeslins
Bailéad Ghrúpa:
Naomh Muire
Trath na gCeist:
Nuachleas:
Bornacoola
Rince Seit:
Sean OHeslins
03-Jan-13 by Claire Crossan – PRO – Scor
Gaeltacht Scholarships
ScórLeitrim Co Board GAA is offering Gaeltacht Scholarships to Leitrim boys and girls as part of their promotion of an ghaeilge. These grants are open to registered and paid-up members of Leitrim clubs, boys or girls.
A draw will be made from the applications received at the February meeting of the Co Board. Five of the grants are part sponsored by Coláiste na bhFiann for attendance at their colleges in Sligo. If a student attends one of the Coláiste na bhFiann courses they are then eligible to enroll at the Cumann na bhFiann clubs in Ballinamore and Carrick on Shannon during the winter at a much reduced fee. Two other grants are for attendance at Coláiste Ó Direain on Inis Mór and are sponsored by that college. When students return they can claim their scholarship money on production of evidence of having successfully completed the course.
Application forms can be printed from the Leitrim GAA website www.leitrimgaa.ie under Scór section or can be had from the Secretary of any GAA club or from Seán Ó Súilleabháin, Rúnaí Cultúir agus Teanga, Béal an Átha Móir, Co Liatroma
Beidh na hiarratais le fail i ngach meanscoil sa Chontae freisin
The closing date for applications is Saturday 19 January 2013.
01-Jan-13 by Colette Fox – PRO
Mouthguards
GeneralFollowing the GAA’s Annual Congress in April 2012 a new rule was enacted that made it mandatory to use a mouthguard in all Gaelic football matches and training sessions from January 1st 2013 (for all age grades up to and including minor) and at U21 and Adult level from January 1st 2014.
Research figures indicate that Ireland has one of the highest rates of sport-related oral injuries in the EU, with one third of all adult dental injuries being sports-related. In many sports such as rugby and hockey the wearing of gumshields is the norm with nearly all clubs adhering strictly to a no gumshield – no game rule. A recent survey of Irish parents found the average cost of dental treatment for sport related dental injuries in children to be €213.14. Studies have also shown that the overall injury risk is close to twice as high when a mouthguard is not worn, relative to when mouthguards were used during athletic activity.
The GAA’s Medical, Scientific & Welfare Committee acknowledge that the use of a properly fitted mouthguard is the best available protective device for reducing the incidence and severity of sports-related dental injuries and was centrally involved in ensuring the introduction of compulsory mouthguards in gaelic Football.
This information sheet has been compiled to assist GAA Clubs and individual players in complying with the provisions of the new rule passed at Congress 2012.
ABOUT MOUTHGUARDS
There are three types of mouth guards:
Stock mouthguards are preformed and come ready to wear. They are inexpensive and can generally be purchased in sports shops for in or around €5 each. However, little can be done to adjust their fit, they are bulky, can make breathing and talking difficult, and they provide limited protection. Dentists do not recommend their use, nonetheless, once they carry the CE (European Conformity) mark they are acceptable in terms of complying with the new GAA Rules.
Official Opro GAA/GPA stock mouthguards will be available for purchasing through your local retailers: Supervalu, Centra, Lifestyle and Elverys.
Boil and bite mouthguards can also be bought over the counter at most Sports Shops and generally offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. The “boil and bite” mouthguard is made from thermoplastic material. It is placed in hot water to soften, then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth using finger and tongue pressure. Dentists do not recommend their use in general. Typically these type of mouthguards will cost in the region of €15 to €20 and again any mouthguard with the CE mark on it in this category is sufficient to ensure compliance with the new rule.
Official Opro GAA/GPA boil & bite mouthguards will be available for purchasing through your local retailers: Supervalu, Centra, Lifestyle and Elverys.
Custom-fitted mouthguards are individually designed and made in a dental office or a professional laboratory based on your dentists instructions. These will not just offer the best protection against dental and oral injury but they should not affect performance i.e. breathing and speech should be relatively unaffected particularly if these have been worn regularly.
First, your dentist will make an impression of your teeth and a mouth guard is then molded over the model using a special material. Due to the use of the special material and because of the extra time and work involved, this custom-made mouth guard is more expensive than the other types, but it provides the most comfort and protection.
Prices can vary significantly and it is worth seeking and comparing prices from a number of practitioners before deciding to purchase. Typically a custom fitted mouth-guard should cost between €60 and €120. However, many dental practices offer significant reductions to GAA Clubs who are ordering in bulk. GAA clubs can generally liaise with dental centres and clinics to arrange for someone to visit the club on a given day to take dental impressions from a number of players. Custom fitted mouthguards purchased in bulk in this manner should cost around €30 to €50 each.
To find a list of dentists and dental centres in your area, you can use the Find a Dentist function on the Irish Dental Associations Website – http://www.dentist.ie/find-a-dentist.10.html
WHICH TYPE OF MOUTHGUARD SHOULD I PURCHASE?
The decision on which type of mouthguard a player should obtain is a matter of personal preference. There is no doubt that custom fitted mouthguards offer the best fit and protection but they are the most expensive option also. The Stock and Boil & Bite options will suffice for compliance with the new rules, but only if the product carries the CE mark.
In terms of underage players, it should be borne in mind that teeth and mouths are still developing up until about 12 years of age and young players may grow out of custom fitted mouthguards over a period time. However, your dental practitioner is ultimately in the best position to advise in this context.
COMPLYING WITH THE NEW RULE
The GAA recognise that Clubs may be worried about compliance with the new rules and specifically what will happen if a player forgets or does not have a mouthguard on the day of a game. The suggestion in this context is that each Club should purchase a supply of the Stock or Boil and Bite mouthguards for use in such situations.
If a player refuses to comply with a Referee’s instruction to wear a mouthguard, he will incur the penalty as outlined in (Rule 6.2, Rules of Foul Play, The Playing Rules of Football, Official Guide, Part II, 2012) ‘Caution the offender; order off if he persists’.
SOME QUESTIONS
1. When does the new rule come into effect?
A. From January 1st 2013, all players playing inÓgrades up to and including Minor will be required to wear a mouthguard in all football games and at practice sessions.
2. When does the ruling come into effect for adult players?
A. From January 1st, 2014 all players at all grades will be required to wear a mouthguard in all football games and practice sessions.
3. What will happen if I am not wearing a mouthguard in a game?
A. If a player refuses to comply with a Referee’s instruction to wear a mouthguard, he will initially be cautioned by the Referee and if the player continues to refuse, the Referee can send him off.
4. Who is responsible for ensuring mouthguards are worn at training or practice sessions?
A. It is a matter for each Club to ensure the rule is adhered to at training or practice sessions. Clubs and players should note that Players will not be covered under the player injury scheme if they are not wearing a mouthguard.
5. Do players have to wear a mouthguard in hurling games?
A. No. The new rule only applies to football; however, wearing a mouthguard when playing hurling does reduce the risk of dental injury.
6. I am a Minor playing on an adult team in 2013. Do I have to wear a mouthguard?
A. Not in 2013. The wearing of mouthguards in 2013 is compulsory at all age grades up to minor. However, a player playing at U-21 or adult level in 2013 is not required to wear a mouthguard under rule. From January 1st 2014 all players at all grades must wear a mouthguard.
7. Our Club has a nursery, are children in these juvenile age groups exempt from wearing a mouthguard?
A. No. The Medical, Scientific & Welfare Committee advise that children should begin wearing a mouthguard at whatever age they start playing. Young mouths need protecting too and if players start wearing mouthguards at a young age this will add greatly to the development of a culture of wearing mouthguards in gaelic Football.
8. Does the new rule regarding the wearing of mouthguards apply to Cumann na mBunscol games?
A. Yes.
9. If so, who is responsible for ensuring that they should be worn?
A. InÓgeneral it is a matter for each Club to ensure this; however, in this case it is a matter for each School to ensure the rule is adhered to at training or practice sessions. To avoid a scenario whereby children may forget their mouthguard, the GAA recommends that Schools purchase a reserve of stock mouthguards.
10. Do I have to wear a mouthguard whilst playing Second Level games?
A. Yes. From January 1st 2013, all Second Level players will be required to wear a mouthguard in all football games and at practice sessions.
11. Do I have to wear a mouthguard whilst playing Third Level games?
A. Not in 2013. From January 1st 2014 all players at all grades must wear a mouthguard.
12. Does this apply to overseas players?
A. Yes.
13. I’m a referee – do I have to check all players mouths before a game to ensure compliance?
A. Referee’s will not be expected to individually check players before a game; however, if a Referee notices that a player is not wearing a mouthguard, he should caution the player and if the player still refuses to wear one, he should be sent off.
14. A supplier of custom fitted mouthguards has contacted my club and offered to measure players for custom fitted guards, what does the GAA advise?
A. It is a matter for each individual club to decide whether they want to engage with industry suppliers in this context or not. The GAA nationally has no preferred suppliers in this area.
15. Which type of mouthguard should I purchase?
A. The decision on which type of mouthguard a player should obtain is a matter of personal preference. There is no doubt that custom fitted mouthguards offer the best fit and protection but they are the most expensive option also. The Stock and Boil & Bite options will suffice for compliance with the new rules, but only if the product carries the CE mark.
16. I currently wear orthodontic braces, what are my options?
A. It has been noted that children wearing orthodontic braces and wishing to play Gaelic football will be particularly concerned about the rule change; however, the GAA recommends that these players seek advice from a range of dental practitioners on the most appropriate solution for them.
17. Is there an official GAA/GPA mouthguard?
A. Official Opro GAA/GPA stock and boil & bite mouthguards will be available for purchasing through your local retailers: Supervalu, Centra, Lifestyle and Elverys.
If you have any queries or would like more information, please contact Games & Player Welfare Administrator Ruairí Harvey: Telephone: (01) 865 8685; E-mail: ruairi.harvey@gaa.ie
30-Dec-12 by Colette Fox – PRO
Hastings Cup 2013
County Football2013 U21 HASTINGS CUP TOURNAMENT
Rd. 1 – 5th January 2013
Group 1 Group 2
Roscommon V Longford Leitrim V Cavan
Wicklow a Bye Offaly a Bye
Rd. 2 – 12th January 2013
Longford V Wicklow Cavan V Offaly
Roscommon a Bye Leitrim a Bye
Rd. 3 – 19th January 2013
Wicklow V Roscommon Offaly V Leitrim
Longford a Bye Cavan a Bye
Please note that Wicklow have agreed to travel.
The top team in each group will contest the Hastings Cup Final and the 2nd placed team in each group will contest the Hastings Shield Final – both of these Finals to be played on 26th January 2013 at a Longford venue.
29-Dec-12 by Colette Fox – PRO
Off the Booze and On the Ball
GeneralMembers of GAA clubs have once again been challenged to go ‘Off the Booze and On the Ball in a bid to kick-start their New Year on a healthy footing and raise some funds in the process.
This fun challenge with a healthy twist invites participants to abstain from alcohol for the month of January and in doing so seek sponsorship to go towards their local GAA club. The initiative is being driven by the Associations Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) Programme – a joint initiative with the HSE that aims to reduce the harm caused by the misuse of alcohol and other substances. The event was launched nationally in Croke Park on Tuesday, December 4, by An Uachtarán CLG Liam ONeill, who confirmed to the assembled media and guests that he too would take up the challenge and abstain from alcohol for the month of January. Minister of State at the Department of Health, Alex White, T.D. was attended the launch and commended the GAA for the Associations onÓgoing work in the area of health promotion.
Individuals and panel members can sign up at www.gaa.ie/asap where they will receive a sponsorship card and an information pack containing details on health, exercise and diet. Participating clubs are also encouraged to run a health-related activity in their community on the last weekend of their challenge such as a charity match or a fun run/walk or cycle. If January does not suit then your club can participate in the challenge in February – the online registration page will remain open. One individual can also register on behalf of an entire panel if they are interested in taking up ‘The Pint Sized Challenge. A participating club from each province will be selected for a special prize which will be awarded in Croke Park in March. Further information is available from your County ASAP Officers or from the GAA website at www.gaa.ie/asap
29-Dec-12 by Colette Fox – PRO
Ladies News
LadiesDromahairs Gerry Ballantine was ratified as the Leitrim Ladies Intermediate Team Manager for 2013 on Friday night last, 28th December, 2012.
We wish Gerry and the team all the very best in the coming season.
29-Dec-12 by Leitrim Ladies
Sympathy
GeneralChontae Liatroma extends sympathy to the Rowley family Ballinalee, Longford.
Death of James Rowley Esker Ballinalee Co. Longford Deeply regretted by Frank Gerry Declan Paul Fidelma. Remains reposing at St. Josephs Chapel Dublin Rd Longford from 4pm Thursday followed by prayers at 6pm. Removal to St. Marys Enybegs at 7pm. Funeral mass Friday 12 noon. House Private.
May he rest in peace.
26-Dec-12 by Colette Fox – PRO
Leitrim PRO and IT Report 2012
GeneralLeitrim GAA lead from the Front with Promotional Initatives
PRO / IT Report
The year opened on a positive but busy note from a PR perspective, with all County PRO’s attending a Seminar/Workshop in Croke Park in January. Co-ordinated by Lisa Clancy, GAA Director of Communications, it outlined what was expected from all counties and provinces in relation to having a very committed focus on communication within the Association, through the use of electronic mail and social media – counties were informed that they simply had to keep up with the times.
Promotion of county, provincial and All Ireland Championships, Allianz Leagues, AIB Club Championships and all aspects of our games were also touched on, but there would be further emphasis and more meetings on this as the year progressed.
And so it turned out to be with county PRO’s being summoned to provincial and national meetings for an appraisal as to what progress was being made by each county. It must be said that this intensive approach and the concentration on the proper marketing of our games really did pay off with a renewed interest from the public and very satisfactory attendances overall.
A marvellous promotional initiative in Connacht was the Schools Jersey Day and great credit is due to all the pupils, teachers, GPOs, parents and clubs who combined to make it such an outstanding success. Special congratulations to our county winners Largy NS who were presented with their prizes during a special school visit by club, county officials and players. The pupils and teachers were special guests at the Mayo v Leitrim Connacht Championship game in Castlebar. Other provinces were highly impressed by the Jersey Day initiative and expectations are that it will be run on a national basis in 2013.
Face painting at Championship games also proved popular for family groups and we thank Aoife Molloy of the Glencar Manorhamilton Club for her organisational assistance and for the high calibre of her work as a face painter on match days.
Our own 2012 County PR Committee really did pull out all the stops in order to play a prominent role, not only for our own internal fixtures, but as part of the whole association. PR meetings were very constructive at all times and were the basis of excellent ideas for the promotion of our games and activities. James Molloy, who had devised such eye-catching promotional posters for the Connacht Championship, devoted much personal time, effort and expertise in doing likewise for our own championships, to what we are certain was to very good effect, not only from increased attendances at the games, but in creating a much more exciting build-up in the respective club areas.
It is well acknowledged nationally that the programmes produced within the county for FBD Leagues, Allianz Leagues, Connacht Championships, Qualifier games and all our own Leagues and Championships are of an eminently high standard and for this we must thank everyone who has helped in any way in this important aspect of our work.
Another promotional effort which received much acclaim was the distribution of posters and flyers to the National Schools of the county for the Allianz League game versus Limerick. Each pupil who attended the game with their flyer was entered in a draw for a personal prize of a Leitrim county jersey and also the opportunity to have a training session for their school conducted by one of the Leitrim players. There was a great turn-out of children on the day and the prizes were won by Aoibhinn Flanagan, Aughawillan N.S. and Finn Pudney, Ballaghameehan N.S. Aoibhinn and Finn were delighted to be presented with their county jerseys by Leitrim player Brian McDonald and to have Daniel Beck and James Glancy (Glencar Manorhamilton) visit their school for a football session. Thanks to all the pupils and teachers and to the Leitrim players for their willing co-operation.
The Leitrim GAA website continues to receive many accolades and this is due to the ingenuity and very willing co-operation of Brendan Doyle, who also has been of immense help in relation to the setting up and use of our social media. During the year, Brendan has overseen a minor face-lift to the county website and the integrated use of social media where our website is linked to our twitter and Facebook accounts. We were very fortunate that we were given permission by the previous administrators of the Leitrim Facebook Page to take over ownership of this hugely popular platform and for this we are extremely grateful. We wish to sincerely thank the ever-reliable Brian Blake who videoed games all year and for adding them to Vimeo, this continues to be an extremely popular focus for our members.
To help create a better atmosphere for the Leitrim County Senior Final this year, the PR Committee decided to hold a pre-final promotional programme involving players, ex-players, officials and team Managers of County Finalists Glencar Manorhamilton and Melvin Gaels. This was videoed by Colm Farrell and was used on our website and others and was the subject of admirable comment and a possible item to be expanded upon in future years. Special thanks to Colm Farrell, James Molloy and Tommy Moran who helped make this project so successful.
The Bush Hotel, Carrick on Shannon (our team sponsors) was the venue for the launch of the Connacht Senior Championship and this was another acknowledged success. An evenÓgreater promotion was the Open Evening, when all our county players, team management and Board officials played host to supporters and a number of juvenile teams from throughout the county, when everyone felt part of our county team set-up. This is something that will certainly be repeated nationwide next year and sincere thanks must go all our inter-county footballers and hurlers and their team managements who made themselves readily available at a time of intense training schedules. Indeed some of our photographs from the Open Evening made it onto the gaa.ie website and into the National Championships Promotions Booklet.
We thank our club PROs for their attendance at our training evening in Carrick on Shannon in February and their input into county affairs throughout the year. We remind PRO’s to complete the Club Audits that are being compiled by Connacht Council and the Official GAA Digital-Social Media Registration being compiled by Croke Park. Both will facilitate the GAA having relevant data of all clubs readily available for programmes, for the provincial Into the West magazine and for other promotional and historical purposes. In 2013 our clubs are encouraged to:-
We would like to thank the clubs, County Board Officers, various committees and the Senior County Management team for their support all year. A special word of thanks must go to the members of our PRO/IT committee and the Páirc Seán staff who were all very obliging during the year. Special thanks to Attracta O’Reilly and her team of young programme sellers who brave the elements on match days. We also take this opportunity to thank the members of the county committee who are exiting their roles today. We congratulate them all on jobs well done.
We liaise on a regular basis with officials in the communications department in Croke Park, Connacht Council and with PROs in other counties. We take this opportunity to thank them for their assistance throughout the year and look forward to working with them again in 2013.
We would like to convey our sincere thanks to the members of the local media who continue to promote our activities. Special thanks to John Connolly, Philip Rooney and Willie Donnellan in the Leitrim Observer, PJ Leddy, Kevin Blessing, Francis Boylan and Darragh Cox from Ocean FM and John Lynch, Willie Hegarty, Tony Ghee and Seamus Gallagher from Shannonside. Thanks also to all of the National Publications that have given coverage to our activities over 2012, in particular the weekly publication of results of club games.
In conclusion we would like to take this opportunity to convey our sincere sympathy to any of our members who were bereaved during the year. We wish all Leitrim County Teams the very best of luck in 2013 and wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year and encourage you and your members to support Leitrim GAA by purchasing a 2013 GAA Calendar produced in conjunction with the Leitrim Observer.
Collette Nic an tSionnaigh Brendan Ó Dúill
Leitrim PRO Leitrim IT Officer
20-Dec-12 by Colette Fox – PRO
Cumann Luthchleas Gael Coiste Chontae Liatroma Comhdhail Bhliantuil 2013
MeetingsYou can download a copy of the Convention Booklet for the Leitrim 2013 Convention held in the Bush Hotel on Sunday 16th December 2012
Booklet available through this link.
17-Dec-12 by Colette Fox – PRO