Two promising Under-21 footballers – Emlyn Mulligan of Leitrim and Mayos Tom Cunniffe – have been honoured in the Connacht GAA Writers Personality of the Month awards scheme.

Mulligan, the free-Scóring star of Leitrims Connacht senior champions victory over New York, has been named as the award winner for May. He kicked 0-11, 0-10 from play, in the Gaelic Park clash that saw 2,500 Leitrim fans make the long journey across the Atlantic.

The Melvin Gaels man lined out for Leitrim in the Connacht U21 championship earlier this season, where they were beaten by a Mayo team that added the scalp of Roscommon in the Connacht final.

Centre half-back Tom Cunniffe (Castlebar Mitchels) was one of the Mayo stars of that provincial triumph, and he followed it up with a powerful display against Kerry in the All-Ireland semi-final. After a great comeback, Mayo lost by just two points to the eventual champions, 1-9 to 1-7. Cunniffe picks up the April award.

The monthly award winners will receive their presentations at a special function in the TF Royal Theatre and Hotel, Castlebar, after the season is over. The winner of the Michael McDonnell Award for the Personality of the Year will be announced on this night.

The monthly winners to date in 2008 are Michael Meehan, Galway (January); Joe Canning, Portumna (February); and Andy Smith, Portumna (March.)

10-Jun-08 by ConnachtGAA.ie

Croke Park, Wednesday 28th May: Clares All-Ireland Hurling success in 95, Meaths successive titles in 87 & 88, the era of "Heffos Army" – Croke Park has witnessed some incredible action over the years, and this summer, GAA fans have the chance to relive those epic occasions in the company of the "Legends" themselves.

The Legends Tour series is just one of the highlights of an action packed summer of events at the GAA Museum in Croke Park. Kicking off on June 5th with Dublin footballing legend Jimmy Keaveney, these special tours will relive some magical moments at the stadium as they were experienced by players, Managers and commentators.

Legend tours will take place throughout the Summer with Sean Boylan, Charlie Redmond and Davy Fitzgerald among the former players and Managers involved. RTE commentator Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh also joins museum staff on June 26th to take visitors on a behind- the-scenes tour at the stadium.

Other GAA Museum summer events include art workshops, two week long summer schools in July and the ongoing Museum lecture series, which continues with a talk by Dr. Sean Crosson entitled Hurling and Hollywood to coincide with Heritage Week on 28th August.

The museum is also running a special photographic competition for primary school children, in association with FUJIFILM. Entitled A GAA Sporting Moment – From Your Club to Croke Park, prizes include a digital camera, All Ireland tickets and a class trip to Croke Park. Further details are available at www.crokepark.ie

The recently released Croke Park iWalk podcast will enhance a summer visit to HQ. This tour, narrated by Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, begins at Suffolk Street and winds its way past historical landmarks on OConnell Street, Parnell Square and Mountjoy Square before arriving at the stadium and museum.

Full details of the Legends Tours and all other Museum activities this summer are available on the website www.gaa.ie/museum

Further information and booking:
Contact Selina O Regan at the GAA Museum Tel 01 8192361 / 8192323 Email soregan@crokepark.ie or visit www.gaa.ie/museum.

30-May-08 by CrokePark.ie

The Player Injury Scheme has had many issues over the years particularly in relation to been in a position of settling claims within a reasonable period of time, however in general this has been cause by the claims form not been completed correctly or the absence of the back up information. What hasnt helped is the late notification of claims. Late reporting of claims can give rise to many more questions which further delays any settlement.

In this regard I set out hereunder a report requested from Coyle Hamilton Willis regarding the reporting of claims over the 2005- 2007 period:

Approximately 31% – 35% of claims are submitted within 60 days of incident date

Approximately 20% – 24% of claims are submitted within 60-90 days of incident date

Approximately 24% – 27% of claims are submitted within 90 – 180 days of incident date

Approximately 18% – 21 % of claims are submitted in excess of 180 days

If we are to continue to operate a scheme successfully we all have to be more efficient in reporting and submitting claims and in this regard we propose applying the 60 day reporting condition which is and has been on the brochure for many years.

It is our intention to apply this condition with effect from 1st July 2008 and clubs need to be advised to submit any old claims immediately. We do accept that over time there will be the odd exception which will be dealt with on an individual basis but in general there should not be any excuse for late notification.

Is mise,

Ruairí Mac Lannchaidh
Bainisteoir,
Riosca agus Árachais
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael

20-May-08 by PJ Meehan