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Cumann Lúthchleas Gael - Coiste Átha Cliath

Comhdháil Bhliantúil

Páirc Parnell, Dé Céadaoin 16ú Nollaig 2020 ar 7.00 i.n.

An Clár

1. Minutes of 2019 Convention.

2. Adoption of Standing Orders.

3. Auditor's Report and Financial Statement.

4. Secretary's Report.

5. Chairman’s Address.

6. Election of Officers.

7. Fixture Planning & Competitions Control Committee Report.

8. Coiste Éisteachta Report.

9. Coaching & Games Development Report.

10. Appointment of Auditor.

11. Appointment of Delegates to Leinster Convention and Congress.

Standing Orders for Convention

1. The Proposer of a motion, or amendment thereto, may speak for no longer than five

minutes.

2. A Delegate speaking to a resolution or an amendment must not exceed three minutes.

3. The proposer of a resolution or amendment may speak a second time for five minutes

before a vote is taken, but no other delegate may speak a second time to any resolution

or amendment.

4. The Chairman may at any time he considers a matter has been sufficiently discussed call

on the proposer for a reply, after which a vote must be taken.

5. A Delegate may, with the consent of the Chairman, move ‘that the question be now put’

after which, when the proposer has spoken, a vote must be taken.

6. A speaker to the Annual Report or to any other general discussion shall not exceed three

minutes.

7. Convention shall not be entitled to consider any matter not on the Agenda, except with

the consent of a majority comprising two-thirds of the votes of those present, voting and

entitled to vote.

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AINMNIUCHÁIN

Cathaoirleach

Mícheál Ó Saomhar (Oileán na hÉireann)

Leas-Chathaoirleach

Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin (Cuala)

Leas-Rúnaí

Séamus de Róiste (Fionnbhrú Colmcille) Outgoing

Seán Mac Niocláis (Gaeil N. Shéamais An Caisleán)

Cisteoir

Fionnbharr Ó Mathúna (Naomh Pádraig Baile Phámar) Outgoing

Oifigeach Forbartha

Cormac Ó Donnchú (Na Fianna)

Oifigeach Oiliúna

Gearóid Ó Liatháin (Uí Duibhir) Outgoing

Oifigeach na Gaeilge

Cóilín Ó Cearbhaill (Na Gaeil Óga) Outgoing

Oifigeach Caidreamh Poiblí

Fiona Ní Thuairisc (Naomh Bríd) Outgoing

Oifigeach Leanaí

Póilín Ní Cuillinn (Naomh Pádraig Baile Phámar) Outgoing

Árd Chomhairle

Séamus de Róiste (Fionnbhrú Colmcille) Outgoing

Comhairle Laighean

Tomás Ó Sé (Naomh Marcais) Outgoing

Mel Ó Fearauil (Oileán na hÉireann)

Seosamh Ó Liatháin (Naomh Fionnbarra)

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Tuarascáil An Rúnaí

Tá sé in am dom arís féachaint siar ar na príomh imeachtaí don bhliain atá imithe. Chomh maith

le sin, seo an t-aon seans atá agam, mar Rúnaí Chontae, mo thuairim phearsanta a chur ós bhur

gcomhair. Teastaíonn uaim mo bhuíochas a ghabháil le hOifigigh an Chontae agus na gClub

as ucht a gcuid oibre i rith na bliana.

There is no doubt that 2020 will be remembered forever, but mostly for the wrong reasons. The

onset of Covid-19, a global pandemic, wreaked havoc on society. It touched adversely on

every part of our lives, forcing families apart, closing businesses and schools and unfortunately

for many families, it resulted in the loss of loved ones. Our condolences go out to members of

the Dublin GAA family and, indeed, everyone who experienced bereavement this year.

The GAA is primarily a sporting organisation; we get that. But it has always been so much

more than that, and never has this been more apparent that during the Covid-19 crisis. All over

this island, as the first lockdown cut off so many of the population from any contact with the

outside world, GAA clubs rose to the challenge.

I don’t think I have ever felt more proud of our Association than this year. As countless people

at risk were forced to cocoon themselves for fear of the pandemic, the GAA came into its own.

Clubs galvanised themselves into action immediately. The most vulnerable were identified

and shopping and delivery services were provided. Contact was made with those who lived

alone, reassurance was given and our members made sure that those who needed assistance got

it.

This will come as no surprise, of course, because the GAA club has long been the heartbeat of

the local community, not just in rural parishes, smaller villages and towns – but also in

sprawling conurbations such as Dublin.

How often have you attended a funeral, to discover a team of marshals from the local club

organising parking and a smooth movement of traffic? Or then a guard of honour on the day of

the funeral itself, a show of solidarity that means so much to the bereaved family.

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That’s before you consider how the GAA has been a godsend in terms of the mental health and

wellbeing of our children during these traumatic times. Once training and games were allowed

to resume, the local pitch became a mecca for our sports-starved youth. And even before that,

you had club and inter-county players on social media, giving selflessly of their time, day after

day, to produce coaching videos and devising skill tests for their massive online audience of

devotees.

Fittingly, the Irish expression 'Ní neart go cur le chéile' (No strength without community)

appears on many GAA club crests throughout the land and the Clontarf/Raheny initiative is a

great example of putting UNITY into CommUNITY - as was vividly showcased in their

#GoTheDistance joint fundraiser in aid of St Francis Hospice.

From our own 'back of an envelope' research in Dublin GAA, we estimate that charity

fundraising initiatives undertaken by Dublin clubs during Covid-19 to date have raised in

excess of €1 million for a wide number of charities. There were plenty of other examples

throughout the country - the 'Do It For Dan' campaign being just one example.

The irony is that the GAA’s standing among the wider community was probably never higher

than during that period when no games were taking place. And then, sadly, once the club season

was reaching its climax and a host of county finals took place, the GAA found itself in a firing

line of virulent condemnation.

Clearly, the celebratory post-match sequel to quite a number of those club finals was ill-judged

- they 'dropped the ball'. In such challenging times, when everyone’s nerves are already very

frayed, the optics were all wrong … and that’s before you factor in the all-too-obvious public

health ramifications.

But that whole saga also underlined that some people are invariably only too happy to

scapegoat our Association for all the ills of society. County boards all over Ireland did a

wonderful job in running off their club championship programmes in a timely – and safe –

fashion.

If a minority of cases led to regrettable crowded get-togethers, then lessons need to be learned.

But Croke Park acted promptly and decisively by postponing all club activity in early October,

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and what has happened since then – an inter-county season like no other – has provided the

mostly vital and uplifting distraction in a year that, otherwise, can’t end quickly enough for all

of us.

And for that, the GAA has much to be proud of.

Senior Hurling

It proved a case of what might have been for Dublin’s senior hurlers in this strangest of years

as an inconsistency in performance levels undermined their efforts.

Following the disappointment of their championship exit to Laois a year previously, Dublin

began their healing process with a 1-22 to 0-17 Walsh Cup victory over Westmeath at TEG

Cusack Park in mid-December 2019.

The New Year saw Dublin secure their second win on the bounce as they beat Carlow by 3-20

to 0-18 in Parnell Park where two goals in the opening quarter from Eamonn Dillon set them

on course for an 11-point victory.

Top spot in the table and a semi-final berth was confirmed on 9th January in Donnycarney as

Dublin made light work of Laois, easing home by 1-28 to 0-17. Fourteen different Dublin

scorers got on the scoresheet with John Hetherton leading the way in terms of scores with 1-3,

while his St Vincent’s clubmate Tomás Connolly chipped in with five points from play.

Their reward was a semi-final spot clash with Galway with the Tribesmen doing just enough

to prevail by the slimmest of margins (0-19 to 0-18) in Parnell Park. Oisín O’Rorke was the

top scorer with ten points for a Dublin team that remained in the hunt throughout but were

unable to overturn a 0-12 to 0-11 interval deficit.

Despite that defeat, Dublin entered the ensuing National League in a positive frame of mind

but that confidence was dented as they lost to Kilkenny in Round 1 by 3-21 to 0-18.

Some much-needed cheer was provided a week later as the Dubs picked up their first points in

Round 2, easing past Laois once again in Parnell Park, 4-18 to 2-17. The hosts raced from the

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blocks initially with a Dillon goal propelling them seven points clear but some errant shooting

ensured their lead was reduced to three points (1-11 to 1-8) by half-time.

Early second-half goals from Oisín O’Rorke and Davy Keogh gave the scoreboard a more

accurate reflection and Ronan Hayes put paid to any hopes of a Laois comeback when firing

home a fourth goal.

A second win arrived a fortnight later with Carlow on the receiving end of a 0-20 to 0-9 defeat

at Netwatch Cullen Park, with Rian McBride impressing with four points from play.

Croke Park was the venue for Dublin’s Round 4 clash with Wexford with a scrappy and tetchy

affair decided by Jack O’Connor’s late goal that secured a 2-14 to 0-18 win for the visitors.

Dublin’s league campaign ended on a disappointing note as a Tony Kelly-inspired Clare

comfortably repelled the Dublin challenge, 0-27 to 1-15 in Ennis, with Donal Burke’s ten

points a positive on the day.

Over seven months later and Donal Burke was once again to the fore as Dublin began their

Leinster Championship campaign with a handsome 2-31 to 0-23 win over Laois at Croke Park.

The Na Fianna attacker proved unmarkable for the large part, as he amassed 1-16 in total, and

with the likes of Chris Crummey and Conor Burke showing well, Dublin confirmed their win

thanks to an excellent late goal by Eamonn Dillon.

Their reward was another trip to headquarters a week later, with Kilkenny the opponents and a

truly remarkable and almost impossible-to-decipher contest ended in heartbreak as Dublin

succumbed by 3-20 to 2-22.

At half-time Mattie Kenny’s side were in major trouble as they trailed by 15 points (3-13 to 0-

7), but they launched a remarkable second-half comeback that was finally repelled by late

points by Alan Murphy and Huw Lawlor. Goals from Ronan Hayes and Chris Crummey

breathed life into the contest with Eamonn Dillon sparking the Dublin attack following his

introduction. However, just when it looked like Dublin might achieve mission impossible, the

visitors regrouped sufficiently to see the game out.

That defeat left Dublin with a qualifier trip to Thurles to focus the minds. However, they failed

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to show any momentum from their heroics a week previously as they exited the championship

to Cork by 1-25 to 0-22.

Under-20 Hurling

Our under-20 hurlers were scheduled to face Offaly in the Leinster quarter-finals when the

shutters came down on intercounty action at this level owing to the Covid pandemic. This game

will be played on Saturday, 12th December. In their only game played, they defeated Antrim 2-

22 to 1-8 at the Louth Centre of Excellence in Darver.

A clinical second half display saw Dublin cruise to a 17-point victory after leading by just four

points at the half-time interval but once they secured the upper-hand in the second period, they

moved comfortably out of sight.

Two early second half points from Micheál Murphy, the second a monster effort, were followed

by scores from Liam Murphy and Dara Purcell for Paul O'Brien's side to open up a 1-12 to 1-

5 lead by the 37th minute - while in defence Kevin Burke led impressively.

Dublin then went on a scoring surge to see off any hopes of a revival by the Glensmen when

hitting 1-10 without reply between the 38th and 57th minute. Half-time sub, Kevin Desmond,

hit the goal in the 46th minute to add to his two earlier points, the second of these illustrating

great accuracy when finding his range from wide on the sideline.

Further scores from Dara Purcell, Luke McDwyer and Liam Murphy had Dublin holding a 2-

17 to 1-6 cushion entering the concluding ten minutes. Liam Murphy added his eighth and then

ninth points - including three frees and a successful '65' - of the contest. Dublin continued to

move further clear with scores from Mark Sweeney, Micheál Murphy, his fourth from play,

and Dara Purcell, his third point from play, to make it 2-22 to 1-6 on the way to victory.

Minor Hurling

The minor hurlers had not been in action prior to the Covid-19 lockdown for Gaelic games at

this age category and will open their campaign against Westmeath on Sunday, 13th December.

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Senior Football

Our senior footballers are currently preparing for the All-Ireland final against Mayo on

Saturday, 19th December. We wish the management and players the best of luck in representing

the city and county of Dublin.

Under-20 Football

At the time of going to print, an All-Ireland title remains in touching distance for the Under-20

footballers after a campaign that highlighted the good work being done at underage and club

level in the county at present.

With Tom Gray at the helm once again, following their run to the national decider a year

previously, the Dubs embarked on their provincial title defence with relatively few survivors

from their impressive but, ultimately, disappointing campaign of 2019.

First up was a trip to Aughrim to face Wicklow on the second weekend of February as eleven

different scorers contributed to a comfortable 1-17 to 1-7 victory. The boys in blue laid the

platform in the first half when they quickly recovered from conceding an early goal before

concluding the half in dominant fashion to lead by three points at the break.

Adam Fearon fired home Dublin’s goal to offset an Eoin Darcy goal at the opposite end as

Dublin entered the break with a 1-8 to 1-5 interval lead. There was still little to separate the

teams entering the final quarter but a strong contribution off the bench from Pádraig Purcell -

and late points by Luke Swan, Kieran McKeon, Rory Dwyer and substitute Ciarán O’Reilly -

saw Dublin to victory.

Parnell Park was the venue a week later as goals proved the difference in Dublin’s 3-9 to 0-9

win over Longford. Late goals from Ciarán Archer and substitute Conor Kinsella put a

flattering complexion on the scoreline as Dublin availed of the numerical advantage afforded

to them by the 47th minute dismissal of Longford’s Aidan McGuire.

An early Lorcan O’Dell goal was just reward for some early Dublin pressure but, by the break,

the sides were deadlocked at 1-3 to 0-6. A strong third quarter yielded scores from Killian

McGinnis, Kieran McKeon, Lorcan O’Dell, Ciarán Archer and Pádraig Purcell and the victory

was confirmed with a relative degree of comfort.

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Dublin produced a far improved display a week later as they cruised past Meath by 2-14 to 0-

7 in their provincial semi-final in Donnycarney. Dublin raced from the block with a Luke Swan

goal in the third minute rewarding their early pressure and they were soon seven points clear

following scores by Evan Caulfield, Luke Swan and Ciarán Archer.

Meath, deprived of the talents of senior forward Shane Walsh, struggled to make an impression

while in contrast, Dublin looked far more threatening and they confirmed a healthy and

deserved 1-8 to 0-3 interval lead, thanks to points by Evan Caulfield, Lorcan O’Dell and Mark

Lavin.

Any thoughts that the visitors would mount a comeback after the break were soon dispelled as

Lorcan O’Dell’s nimble feet took him beyond the Meath defence in the 33rd minute, with his

low finish from eight yards leaving Seán Brennan helpless.

Their reward was a Leinster final meeting with Laois, in what was a repeat of the 2019

provincial decider - the Dubs dominated their way to a 0-18 to 0-8 success in Netwatch Cullen

Park. Dublin were somewhat slow starting but a string of seven points in-a-row as the opening

half developed put Tom Gray’s side on the road to victory.

The likes of Rory Dwyer and Lee Gannon were influential as Dublin dominated the second

quarter to lead by 0-11 to 0-5 at half-time. It proved a case of disciplined game-management

upon the restart with Kieran McKeon kicking three clinical points inside the concluding ten

minutes to ensure Dublin did not loosen their control.

A seven-month wait ensued before Dublin could focus on their All-Ireland semi-final clash

with Tyrone and they maintained their hopes with a dramatic 1-14 to 1-12 victory at Kingspan

Breffni Park. Tyrone led 1-12 to 1-10 as the game moved into the concluding ten minutes but

Dublin lifted their game all over the park to slot four decisive points in-a-row.

Despite the lengthy absence from competitive fare, the Dubs started brightly with a goal from

the returning Brian O’Leary in the 12th minute reflecting their initial threat.

However, Tyrone responded well to this setback through a goal of their own from Tiarnan

Quinn as the Ulster champions enjoyed a 1-7 to 1-5 interval lead.

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Tyrone kept Dublin at arm’s length as play resumed but two exceptional points from Mark

Lavin helped reignite their challenge and they completed their comeback thanks to four

unanswered scores from Ciarán Archer (two), Lorcan O’Dell and Lee Gannon.

Minor Football

A storming final third by Meath saw them defeat our minor footballers by eleven points (1-15

to 0-7) in their Leinster first round clash at Páirc Tailteann, Navan.

Both counties showed signs of nerves - no doubt the lockdown delay was a contributory factor

- in the opening half and by the break the sides were level (0-4 each) – Darragh Dempsey,

Conor Dolan and Seán Gannon the Dublin scorers.

Inside the opening minute of the second half, Dublin took the lead when Luke Ward fired over

following a good run by Luke Breathnach. Dublin had enjoyed plenty of possession up to that

point but, unfortunately, didn't make it count and were made pay the price when Meath earned

the upper-hand and showed a greater efficiency and firepower in attack.

By the 40th minute the sides were still deadlocked (0-7 each), with Eoghan O’Connor Flanagan

kicking a fine point for the Dubs. Unfortunately, that was as good as it got for Dublin with

Eoghan Frayne going on to amass 0-7 (five from play) while Aaron Murphy’s 45th minute goal

helped propel the home side to victory.

Our fortunes at minor football level have been up and down in recent times and no doubt the

injuries picked up by some players once Championship preparations commenced did not help.

However, reviewing our structures and processes at underage level is something that we need

to examine on a yearly basis.

Results

The following is a record of the performances of our various teams in official competitions

during the past 12 months: -

Allianz Hurling League

26/01/2020 Kilkenny Dublin 0 - 18 Kilkenny 3 - 21

02/02/2020 Parnell Park Dublin 4 - 18 Laois 2 - 17

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15/02/2020 Carlow Dublin 0 - 20 Carlow 0 - 9

22/02/2020 Croke Park Dublin 0 - 18 Wexford 2 - 14

01/03/2020 Ennis Dublin 1 - 15 Clare 0 - 27

Leinster Senior Hurling Championship

24/10/2020 Croke Park Dublin 2 - 31 Laois 0 - 23

31/10/2020 Croke Park Dublin 2 - 22 Kilkenny 3 - 20

All-Ireland Hurling Qualifier Round 1

07/11/2020 Thurles Dublin 0 - 22 Cork 1 - 25

Walsh Cup

15/12/2019 Mullingar Dublin 1 - 22 Westmeath 0 - 17

05/01/2020 Parnell Park Dublin 3 - 20 Carlow 0 - 18

09/01/2020 Parnell Park Dublin 1 - 28 Laois 0 - 17

12/01/2020 Parnell Park Dublin 0 - 18 Kilkenny 0 - 19

Leinster u20 Hurling Championship

21/10/2020 Darver Dublin 2 - 22 Antrim 1 - 8

Allianz Football League

25/01/2020 Croke Park Dublin 1 - 19 Kerry 1 - 19

01/02/2020 Castlebar Dublin 1 - 11 Mayo 0 - 8

08/02/2020 Croke Park Dublin 1 - 15 Monaghan 1 - 15

22/02/2020 Croke Park Dublin 1 - 15 Donegal 1 - 14

29/02/2020 Omagh Dublin 1 - 7 Tyrone 1 - 10

17/10/2020 Parnell Park Dublin 1 - 20 Meath 0 - 19

25/10/2020 Salthill Dublin 2 - 15 Galway 0 - 15

Leinster Senior Football Championship

07/11/2020 Portlaoise Dublin 0 - 22 Westmeath 0 - 11

15/11/2020 Croke Park Dublin 2 - 23 Laois 0 - 7

21/11/2020 Croke Park Dublin 3 - 21 Meath 0 - 9

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All-Ireland Senior Football Championship

05/12/2020 Croke Park Dublin 1 - 24 Cavan 0 - 12

O’Byrne Cup

11/01/2020 Longford Dublin 3 - 6 Dublin 1 - 13

Leinster u20 Football Championship

08/02/2020 Aughrim Dublin 1 - 17 Wicklow 1 - 7

15/02/2020 Parnell Park Dublin 3 - 10 Longford 0 - 9

22/02/2020 Parnell Park Dublin 2 - 14 Meath 0 - 7

06/03/2020 Carlow Dublin 0 - 18 Laois 0 - 8

All-Ireland u20 Football Championship

17/10/2020 Cavan Dublin 1 - 14 Tyrone 1 - 12

Leinster Minor Football Championship

17/10/2020 Navan Dublin 0 - 7 Meath 1 - 15

Spare A Thought For U-20 Footballers

There are so many people who deserve our sympathy after this cursed coronavirus year –

primarily those who have suffered most through the bereavement of loved ones. But in a strictly

GAA context, the people I feel most sorry for are the Under-20 footballers of Dublin and

Galway.

This year’s ill-fated EirGrid U-20 championship has become the sporting equivalent

of Groundhog Day: every morning you wake up only to realise it’s the same day, and

tomorrow’s tantalising final is as far away as ever.

It is welcomed that the competition is now to be concluded in this calendar year as our U-20s

prepare for their All-Ireland final to be played, as the curtain-raiser, to the senior final in Croke

Park on Saturday, 19th December.

Dublin secured the Leinster title against Laois way back on 6th March and their All-Ireland

semi-final against Tyrone was originally pencilled in for Croke Park on St Patrick’s Day.

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Where and when did that game eventually take place? Cavan on 17th October – seven months

to the day later.

We all know the perfectly understandable rationale for this marathon deferral. However, once

it was agreed that inter-county matches could resume (and continue, even under Level 5

restrictions), it seemed particularly cruel that the U-20 finalists from Dublin and Galway would

have the rug pulled out from under their feet, literally days before they were due to meet.

Dublin had earned their place via a powerful second half performance against Tyrone; Galway

had done likewise against Kerry. To learn, the following Wednesday, that another ‘lockdown’

beckoned must have been heart-breaking for young men, facing perhaps the biggest day of

their sporting lives.

We wish Dublin U-20s the best of luck on their biggest day.

Timing Of U-20 Football Championship

Even in a world without Covid, I cannot help but think there was something seriously amiss

with the original timing of our U-20 inter-county championship. The previous year (2019),

Dublin had reached the All-Ireland final by winning four matches (against Longford, Wexford,

Laois and Galway) in July. What better time to play football?

This year, they had to win three matches on consecutive February weekends to reach another

Leinster final against Laois – but the prospect of slogging it through the winter mud is not the

issue, per se. Rather, you are trying to shoehorn a competition into the same crazily congested

period that incorporates the Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cups and Freshers football too, with many

U-20s likely to be involved.

This year saw a mad scramble to finish off the Sigerson Cup before January was out; so that

we could rush headlong into another U-20 sprint. In the midst of all this, the Allianz Leagues

were being run off like an express train – bar the inevitable weather derailments.

As a manager at the coalface, Tom Gray was perfectly right – back in February - to call out

this year’s scheduling as “myopic” and to say it should have been left in the summer. “We’ve

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a lot of guys who are doing exams, mock exams, we have freshers in college and to push a

competition back into this time of year was short-sighted in the extreme,” he complained.

The Dublin manager made an even more telling point when reminding us that the purpose of

the U-20 championship is “developing players” – something that borders on the impossible in

adverse weather conditions and in such a congested timeframe.

Sad to think, it required a global pandemic to make us press pause. Here’s hoping we use the

time for reflection wisely and come up with a better plan. Or even last year’s plan.

Opportunity In A Crisis: Splitting The Seasons

Speaking of GAA responses to a year of unprecedented disruption, most stakeholders are

agreed that Central Council has done a wonderful job in rescuing the 2020 season from total

annihilation, a grim fate that appeared almost inevitable back in April.

Most of us involved in GAA administration appreciate that change comes slowly, if at all. It

can be deeply frustrating at times, seeing how some competitions have suffered for want of

better scheduling or more equitable formats or even just some outside-of-the-box thinking.

But in a global catastrophe, all rules go out the window. The GAA’s decision to split the season

and also flip the season – putting club championships before an inter-county resumption – goes

to underline the old adage that “in the midst of every crisis lies great opportunity.”

Running off our county championships in summer and early autumn was a godsend for the

club game. Players got to play in optimum conditions. Club managers were afforded

uninterrupted access to their inter-county footballers and hurlers.

This was a huge positive not just for the grassroots club players, but for the marquee players

too. Look at the energy that James McCarthy, John Small, Dean Rock, Philly McMahon, Evan

Comerford and Paddy Small brought to Ballymun Kickhams’ brilliant campaign, culminating

in that SFC final tour de force against the then holders, Ballyboden St Enda’s.

Given the above, you may be surprised to hear me propose that, in 2021, the county season

should be run off before our club championships. However, as normality gradually returns, it

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should become increasingly apparent that club-before-county is a quick-fix scenario likely to

create multiple problems. First and foremost a fixture-scheduling headache, with county finals

requiring very early completion to run off provincial and All-Ireland club championships –

before the county season!

Non-championship club competitions would inevitably suffer too. Then consider the potential

for inter-county players to feel simultaneously beholden to their club and county management

teams. Will county managers across the country be content to sit back and let the club season

play out before getting their squads together? How quickly before the inevitable tug-of-war

ensues?

There won’t be a pandemic every year – we hope! Going forward, it makes far more sense to

run off all county activity first in a condensed window – finishing, let’s say, in mid-July –

before the focus switches to our club championships. Let’s not forget, club league fixtures can

still go ahead in spring and early summer, offering regular match exposure for the playing

majority. And when it comes to the club championships, still starting in summer, there will be

a longer window in more benign conditions.

The fundamental lesson from 2020 should not be lost: splitting the season works and, as part

of the GAA’s Fixture Calendar Review Taskforce, I will be advocating this position ahead of

Congress in February.

But we cannot ignore another 'elephant in the room': unless we devise a calendar that secures

a far healthier ratio of games to training sessions, we may as well have been splitting hairs, not

seasons.

Straight Knockout Isn’t The Long-Term Solution

Has there ever been a provincial final weekend to match 21st - 22nd November this year? On

the Saturday evening at a dark and virtually deserted Croke Park, the GAA excelled itself with

a profoundly moving ceremony to mark the 100th anniversary of Bloody Sunday.

And then, the following afternoon, this strangest of years bore witness to a very different type

of history – and a brace of epic victories for the footballers of Tipperary (over Cork) and Cavan

(over Donegal).

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As it was for Dublin, this was a particularly poignant weekend for Tipperary GAA and David

Power’s men paid the most uplifting of tributes to the memory of Michael Hogan by claiming

a first Munster SFC title in 85 years. A couple of hours later, Cavan completed what may have

been an even bigger shock, ending Donegal’s quest for an Ulster three-in-a-row.

In the immediate wake of that spectacular double-whammy, little wonder that many observers

were rushing to bow at the altar of a straight knockout championship. This euphoric viewpoint

wasn’t confined to Premier partisans or Breffni die-hards either. The theory seemed to be that,

if there had been a back door, this would never have happened.

But instant judgements clouded by emotion aren’t always the most reliable of guides. While

you can only salute the ravenous intent of both Tipp and Cavan, who is to say they would not

have produced something similar in Munster/Ulster finals if a qualifier safety net had still been

in place? After all, winning their province – not back door progression - was the holy grail that

drove them on in the first place.

You could argue that this most unusual year – be it all the disruptions, the weather conditions

and softer pitches or earlier shocks in the championship – facilitated their achievements more

so than the format itself. Even if that format was a direct by-product of Covid.

And besides, in the cold light of a winter’s day, let’s not forget the reason for introducing the

qualifiers in the first place, all of two decades ago. Inter-county players, especially those from

the weaker counties, were frustrated to the point of despair at being asked to train so hard for

months on end when the only guarantee was one championship match at the end of all their

toil.

In such unique circumstances, a straight knockout football championship was the best and

probably only solution in 2020. It is not, however, the long-term answer.

Cynicism Exist In All Sports - Even Hurling!

At the GAA’s annual Congress in Croke Park last February, a landslide 82 per cent of delegates

voted against a proposal for the introduction of a black card/sin bin in hurling.

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The singularly unsuccessful motion advocated a black card rule similar to the one that already

applies in football, designed to tackle cynical play infractions such as a deliberate pull down,

trip or body collision.

It has been obvious for some time, long before this Congress rebuttal, that a well-meaning

constituency of hurling stakeholders (players, managers, officials and supporters) are staunchly

opposed to the introduction of the black card.

Perhaps they view football and hurling as two very distinct games that shouldn’t automatically

be viewed through the same rule book prism – and they have a point. But perhaps some of

them also possess a slightly misty-eyed view of the ancient game: that our warrior heroes are

incapable of cynicism? If that is their belief, clearly they are wrong.

Cynicism exists in every team sport; it is more likely to be prevalent at the elite level, too,

unless there are sufficient sanctions that render it damaging to your team’s prospects. We have

seen what you might term flagrant ‘black card’ offences in hurling on numerous occasions, and

several times in this year’s championship too.

The rugby-tackle pull-down that coughs up a free – and a relatively worthless yellow card – is

the most recurring and frustrating one, especially when one team is defending a lead and hell-

bent on avoiding the concession of a goal. Would you see less of this particular type of foul if

the punishment was ten minutes in the bin? We suspect so.

Bloody Sunday Centenary Remembrance

Like most organisations, the GAA afforded due consideration to the decade of

commemorations that the country is coming towards the end of. As with most retrospective

processes, it was important that the right tone and tenor was struck with those events that were

deemed to have a sufficiently strong GAA connection to merit a commemorative event.

The ‘Laochra’ pageant which preceded our own 2016 football league Division 1 final against

Kerry was justifiably lauded at the time for recognising the importance of the Easter Rising to

the establishment of the State, which would follow.

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Similarly, the GAA centrally celebrated the mass mobilisation that was Gaelic Sunday

when members across the island defied an order not to gather to play in or watch Gaelic games

in 1918.

However, more than any other single historical event from this period, Bloody Sunday was the

stand-out GAA milestone event. It required real engagement to ensure that the younger

generations were told the story of what unfolded that day and, crucially, a genuine effort was

made to tell the stories of all 14 people murdered in Croke Park that day.

Whether it was a general societal reluctance to talk about the events of the War of Independence

and the Civil War which followed, in the years and decades after, with the exception of the

naming of the Hogan Stand after Tipperary footballer Michael Hogan, it is not difficult to argue

that both the State and the GAA could and should have done more to remember the fallen from

that day. That shortcoming was remedied this year.

Given the involvement of our own county footballers on that fateful day, it was fitting that we

embraced and supported the efforts of the GAA centrally in commemorating the memories of

those lost.

The graves project completed by the GAA was a massive first step in that process and the

commemorative ceremony that preceded the Leinster football final was poignant and moving

in equal measure.

Many of the original planned events by Dublin GAA, in association with Dublin City Libraries,

fell victim to Covid restrictions. To complement the GAA’s own digital campaign, Dublin

GAA undertook our own online content in an effort to tell the story from the perspective of

Dublin GAA.

We developed video content from relatives of the Dublin team and others involved on that

fateful day in 1920. Dublin TV also produced our own documentary of the event with great

thanks to Cormac Moore, Historian-in-Residence at Dublin City Council. We also had eye

witness audio of the day on social media and on the morning of the anniversary, the Lord

Mayor, Hazel Chu, and our Chairman Mick Seavers unveiled two commemorative plaques at

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Parnell Park. In addition, we organised a schools’ project competition, in conjunction with

Cumann na mBunscol.

The GAA staged a remarkably poignant and dignified ceremony in Croke Park which

culminated with a wreath laying ceremony involving President Michael D. Higgins and

Taoiseach Micheál Martin, as well as Uachtarán CLG, John Horan and Ard Stiúrthóir, Tom

Ryan. The Dublin team wore a special commemorative jersey for the Final. Very striking also

was the decision of our footballers to walk towards Hill 16 where team captain Stephen Cluxton

laid a wreath after the provincial final success over Meath.

There are a number of people I would like to thank for their assistance with our

commemorations. It would not have happened without the dedication of Tom McLoughlin and

I thank him for his lead role in planning, coordinating and executing the project. Derek Ryan,

Dublin GAA Multimedia Executive, was instrumental in the production of our video content.

I wish to acknowledge his professionalism and ability to deliver tasks on time and with high

quality.

Tara Doyle, Senior Librarian, Dublin City Libraries, supplied some outstanding material which

was circulated to all the clubs. Cormac Moore’s expertise and narration informed our

documentary and a big thank you to Cian Murphy in Croke Park for his encouragement and to

his colleagues Jerry Grogan and Alan Milton. Author of ‘The Bloodied Field’, Michael Foley,

was always willing to offer advice. Thanks also to relatives Fergal Cullen, Vincent Synnott,

Pádraig O’Toole and Fiachra Leahy for their powerful stories and contributions to our social

media and to Monsignor Eoin Thynne and also to Seán and Ellen Potts who performed

beautifully at our wreath laying ceremony. Go raibh maith agaibh go léir.

There were so many events across the country to mark the commemoration with the special

partnership between the Abbey Theatre and the GAA, which was broadcast from Croke Park,

another highlight when ‘14 Voices From The Bloodied Field’ brought together 14 writers, 14

directors, and 14 actors to give voice to the men, woman, and children who were killed in Croke

Park on 21 November 1920.

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It was a story that not only needed to be retold but it had to be told with dignity and respect.

The efforts of the GAA should ensure that the memories of that day will be recalled and handed

down to future generations, reminding us all why Croke Park could never be just another venue.

Cuimhnímis orthu uilig. We remember them all.

Jerome O'Leary (10), Blessington St, Dublin. Schoolboy

William 'Perry' Robinson (11), Little Britain St, Dublin. Schoolboy

John William 'Billy' Scott (14), Fitzroy Avenue, Dublin. Schoolboy

Tom Hogan (19), Mechanic from Tankardstown, Limerick

Joseph Traynor (20), Labourer from Ballymount, Dublin

Michael Hogan (24), Farmer and Tipperary footballer, Grangemockler

James Teehan (26), Publican from Tipperary

Tom Ryan (27), Gas Company worker from Glenbrien, Wexford

Jane Boyle (29), Butcher’s shop assistant from Lennox St, Dublin

Daniel Carroll (30), Bar manager from Templederry, Tipperary

James Matthews (38), Labourer from Nth Cumberland St, Dublin

Michael Feery (40), Gardiner Place, Dublin

James Burke (44) Originally from Tipp. A van driver from Windy Arbour, Dublin

Patrick O'Dowd (57) Originally from Meath, a labourer from Buckingham St, Dublin

Momentum of 20x20 Must Not Be Lost Beyond 2020

In late October, the Women’s Gaelic Players Association released its ‘Levelling The Field’

report into the experiences of inter-county female players. We will get to the key findings

presently, but the words of Dublin football captain Sinéad Aherne (carried in a WGPA media

release at the time) should resonate with every GAA player and supporter.

“For all the challenges, players continue to love playing for their county and representing their

clubs and families on the biggest stage,” Sinéad stressed. “All the players are seeking is an

equality of opportunity, an equal footing to allow us to perform to the best of our potential.”

The WGPA report was based on the responses of 534 members to an online survey, the largest

study into the experiences of female inter-county players since the ‘Making Things Better’

report in 2014. It was conducted early this year, prior to the onset of Covid-19, and paints a

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stark enough picture about the commitments made by our elite female footballers and camogie

players – and the costs they often face. The findings include:

· 3.7 hours contact time on a training day (including travel).

· 74% are so tired from the mental demands that they struggle to work/study.

· 80km average round trip to training to over three group sessions per week.

· 93% of players are not in receipt of any travel expenses.

· Up to €200 per week spent on fuel costs to accommodate training.

· 77% of players pay towards their own physio services

· 69% of players pay towards their own gym fees.

· 55% pay for their own medical treatments.

· 34% take part in marketing and promotional activity linked to their sport; of these

· 65% do not receive any compensation.

As the report outlines, the time invested is comparable to their male counterparts (the females

train 5.6 days per week compared to 6.1, or 2.7 versus 2.9 hours) but they are still lagging

behind the considerable strides made by the Gaelic Players Association, most notably when it

comes to government funding.

Since the previous WGPA study in 2014, the team-based Inter-county Government Grant

Scheme has been introduced and over 90% of players have reported improved standards.

However, they say it remains a challenge that male players receive over four times more

investment than female players through government funding (€3m v €700k in 2020).

Clearly, there is a need to address this imbalance but, leaving aside the question of State

support, perhaps it is also time for the ladies association as well as camogie to unite all Gaelic

games associations while also potentially merging the GPA and the WPGA to strengthen their

ties and come under the one umbrella.

This could integrate the experience and expertise of all the sporting bodies when dealing with

issues that affect inter-county players in a profound way. These range from the age-old

problems with resolving the fixture calendar and (more particularly in the female sports) trying

to accommodate our elite dual players.

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Perhaps at the end of 2020, following the 20x20 campaign, which set out to create a measurable

cultural shift in our perception of women’s sport so that it will be seen as something strong,

valuable and worthy of equal celebration, the time for this merger is soon?

Hollystown acquisition

At the beginning of November, the Dublin County Committee was delighted to announce that

we had purchased 23 acres of land at the former Hollystown Golf Course. The acquisition

includes the clubhouse and the venue will be used as a training facility for all Dublin teams and

also by Tyrrelstown GAA club. The local community and schools will also have use of the

amenities. Everybody involved in Dublin GAA is acutely aware of the difficulties in sourcing

land for pitches and facilities so this is a hugely important and welcome development.

I would especially like to thank Glenveagh Homes for partnering with the Dublin County

Committee in this venture. I have often stressed the importance of green field sites in our city

and the need to keep them green for sporting purposes so this is a really positive step for Dublin

GAA and the local community.

Club Championships

Following a four-month hiatus, adult and minor club competitions resumed on 17th July with

championship games at all grades. It was a welcome return to activity for players who were

eager to return to competitive action. Hand sanitisers and personalised water bottles has

become the new normal.

The role performed by Covid-19 officials in overseeing e-learning programmes, health

questionnaires, sanitisation, and reconfirmation of health status before each training session

played a major part in ensuring that activities were conducted in a safe environment.

The Competitions Control Committee had a difficult task in compiling a fixture programme to

accommodate both club and inter-county set-ups. We are reminded often that approximately

98% of players do not participate at inter-county level and the timeframe adopted was fair and

reasonable to everyone. The inter-county players welcomed the dedicated window to fully

commit to the club championships before training for the provincial campaigns began. This

had the positive effect of players being energetic, as opposed to being exhausted, after the

demands of a prolonged season of inter-county activity.

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Cuala, All-Ireland club championship winners in 2017 and 2018, won their fifth Dublin SHC

title in six years at Parnell Park, by defeating Ballyboden St. Enda’s. It was an exceptional final

- full of intensity but unfortunately no spectators could attend.

The Senior Football Championship Final was a northside versus southside affair. Defending

Leinster Club Football Champions, Ballyboden St. Enda’s, were outclassed on the day by

Ballymun Kickhams, with six representatives on Dublin’s senior football panel. Ballymun

secured their fourth title, and first since 2012, on a scoreline of 1-19 to 0-8.

Cuala secured ‘the double’ by winning the Senior 2 football championship. Not to be outdone,

Naomh Fionnbarra, secured their own double by winning the Senior ‘B’ hurling championship

and Intermediate football championship. The Junior football championship titles were won by

O’Dwyer’s and Wanderers. Naomh Mearnóg won the Intermediate hurling championship with

St. Brigid’s and Skerries Harps winning the Junior ‘A’ and ‘B’ titles respectively.

Refereeing

Coiste na Réiteoirí are responsible for the recruitment and training of referees in the county

and have been very successful in enrolling new recruits to officiate at games. They are also

responsible for the administration and development of refereeing in the county, including the

assessment and classification of referees.

While Barry Tiernan continues to represent the County on the National Panel of Football

Referees, the principal successes for our inter-county referees in 2020 were in hurling. Sean

Stack was promoted to the Liam McCarthy Cup panel of referees and officiated at the Munster

Championship game between Cork and Waterford. Chris Mooney refereed the Christy Ring

Hurling Final and Thomas Gleeson took charge of a Joe McDonagh Cup semi-final. Numerous

Dublin referees also continue to handle games with distinction at Provincial Level in Leinster.

I wish them all the very best for the future.

I also wish to sincerely thank Noel O’Donoghue, Tom Quigley, Eamon Morris, Frank Brady

and Aidan Shiels and the members of Coiste na Réiteoirí for their exceptional commitment to

refereeing matters.

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Sponsorship

Under the management of Tomás Quinn, Commercial and Marketing Manager, our

sponsorship portfolio continues to develop and the outstanding performance from our teams

make us an attractive marketing platform for brands and organisations. I wish to thank Tomás

for his outstanding work in the area of sponsorship and marketing.

Our thanks to AIG CEO - Aidan Connaughton - and all of his colleagues for their sponsorship

and friendship as we regard AIG as real team players, integral to our development. In addition

to the commitment that AIG bring to Dublin GAA, they continue to be a central part to growing

our participation rates across the county through their support for a number of initiatives.

I would like to thank our family of partners including O’Neills, Intersport Elvery’s, Britvic,

Mitsubishi and Kinetica who all provide valuable support to Dublin GAA. We value our

partnerships with the corporate sector and look forward to another year working to our mutual

benefit.

Grounds

The majority of championship games were played in our county grounds and they were in

excellent condition considering the volume of activity. I am indebted to our groundsman, Noel

Brady, for his efforts. A special word of gratitude goes to Charlie Canavan for his commitment

and attention to Parnell Park. I am grateful also to Paddy Moloney for his assistance and

obliging nature. I wish to thank Luke Lawlor and Paddy O’Toole for their work in O’Toole

Park.

The numerous games programmes staged in Parnell Park entail a significant amount of time

for the essential preparation and planning. This involves communicating with all the statutory

agencies to ensure the safety of all our patrons. I am also indebted to the very small team of

regular stewards for their assistance, their attention to their different duties and their courtesy

to our patrons, all of which adds to the presentation of our games.

I would appeal to clubs to provide additional stewards for Parnell Park and to co-operate with

requests from stewards.

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Cuimhne na Marbh

Sadly, during the past year, a number of our colleagues were called to their eternal reward. I

know I will be excused if I refer to a number of people that I knew personally – Denis O’Shea

(Raheny), Mick Clayton (Faughs), Chris Kane (Clanna Gael Fontenoy), Maurice ‘Mossy’

O’Connell (Scoil Uí Chonaill), Emmet Memery, Jim Lavin, Frank Doyle (St. Vincent’s), Tom

Ryan (Parnells), Proinsias Ó Conghaile (Setanta), Brendan Moran (Ballyboden St. Enda’s),

John O’Neill (Ballyboden St. Enda’s), Declan Small (Ballymun Kickhams), Colin O’Brien

(Naomh Olaf), Herbie Hughes (St. Brigid’s), Tom Crotty (Civil Service), Richard Callaghan,

Dick Farrelly (St. Mary’s) and P.J. Lynch (Clontarf). To all our members who suffered

bereavements, I want to convey my sincere sympathy.

We were deeply saddened by the death of our work colleague, Kathleen McPoland, who passed

away on Saturday 21st November. Kathleen was a wonderful co-worker and friend who will be

greatly missed. As the first head of juvenile administration, she established new games

structures that continue to bear fruit for Dublin GAA to this day. Whatever task Kathleen was

entrusted with she could be relied on to deliver. She will be remembered by me and a wide

network of colleagues and clubs for her professionalism, efficiency, courtesy and wit. Her

passing leaves a void, but her memory will remain with all of us. Dublin GAA extends our

deepest sympathy to her husband Paul, son David, daughter Rachael and her extended

family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.

Buíochas

Mick Seavers replaced Seán Shanley as Chairman at the last Convention and I would like to

take this opportunity to thank him for his commitment, hard work and leadership in guiding

the Board in a very challenging year.

Thanks also to Ken O’Sullivan and Jim Roche and the members of the management committee

for their willingness to work on behalf of the board and attend meetings as requested.

I am indebted to Finbarr O’Mahony for the ongoing outstanding commitment he gives as Board

Treasurer. There was a significant amount of extra work involved this year for Finbarr in

addressing the financial impact of Covid-19 through a combination of projections, cost-cutting

measures and utilising various Government schemes. He was ably supported throughout the

year by Brendan Waters.

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I wish to thank our representatives at Leinster Council (John McNicholas and Tom O’Shea)

and Central Council (Jim Roche) for representing us diligently. It is important to have

individuals of experience on these committees. John has completed the maximum term of five

years on the Provincial Council and he was an outstanding delegate for Dublin at all meetings

in Leinster.

Special thanks to the members of our Blue Clusters Board - Sean Benton, Michael Hand,

Brendan Waters and also to Jim Brogan and Gerry McGreevy. Their encouragement and advice

have been invaluable.

I wish to acknowledge the support that I received during the year from the Árd Stiúrthóir, Tom

Ryan and his staff. Michael Reynolds and his colleagues at Áras Laighean are always on hand

to give assistance when called upon.

A special word of thanks to Ken O’Sullivan, Colm Crowley, John McNicholas, Carol Monahan

and the members of the CCC for their work in scheduling and implementing a games

programme for our players. Also to Michael Errity and Tom O’Shea and the members of Coiste

Éisteachta for the huge volume of work undertaken during the year. Thanks also to the members

of our various sub-committees for their commitment.

I wish to acknowledge the efficiency of Bernie MacLaughlin, Damian Murphy, Declan

O’Leary and Anne O’Dea of Coiste na nÓg. A special word of thanks also to all the board

officers, delegates and club officials for their dedication and co-operation with me during the

past year.

I would like to pay a personal word of thanks to all the staff – office and coaching - for their

continued support and loyalty. They work diligently to ensure the efficient running of our

organisation. Their understanding of the board’s decision to introduce pay cuts during the year

was pragmatic and very much appreciated.

I must again express appreciation on behalf of all those involved in our game for the

commitment of time and expertise by the many voluntary administrators at club and county

level. Our games cannot function without them.

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Finally, I would like to finish by paying tribute to the legions of team mentors who, week in

and week out, perform minor miracles to keep our games healthy and growing in Dublin.

Seán Mac Coisdealbha

Rúnaí

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Competitions Control Committee / Fixtures Planner Report 2020

2020 has been a most unusual year in all respects including on the games playing front. The

loss, last March, of one lower division Dublin Minor league game as players in one club was

considered close contacts of an early Coronavirus case quickly became a full Nationwide

closedown of all sporting and other activities. In the weeks following that initial lockdown, our concern at CCC was about squeezing in our

postponed games to an already full fixture calendar. Soon to be followed by a fear that we

would have no fixtures at all in 2020 and later by the worry that if we were given a short

window for Club Championships, would we be able to complete all our championships in the

time available. As it transpired, we finished up with a twelve-week window which proved ample for

completing all our adult championships, the last of which was played the weekend before the

second (level 5) lockdown in October. Unfortunately, we could not complete our Minor

Championships which fell afoul of restrictions on Under 18 team sport. We hope to finish out

the outstanding Minor Championships early in the New Year. In all, the CCC organized 31 Championships in 2020. Ten adult and four minor hurling, and

twelve adult and five minor football. All championships were based on three round-robin

games and a quarter-final, semi-final, and final. In the year that we have had, I think we

provided an acceptable programme of games for teams in all grades. Based on the feedback the CCC has received following this year’s championships it would

appear that there is near unanimous support for split inter-county and club seasons and for

running off club championships when the inter-county season concludes in July / August. While a fixture plan for 2021 is still someway off my understanding is that we can expect

another split season next Year. While a change of start date from April to August for Championships has obvious benefits the

impact on our league competitions will need to be examined. Will it be possible to fit in 15

football and 11 hurling league dates by the end of July each year? or what changes may be

required to our league structures to play a league programme by then? These are questions that

will have to be answered whenever the plans for the National split season are made available As a result of the shorter adult window in 2020 CCC was forced to change the format of the

Senior B, Intermediate, and Junior Hurling twelve-team championships from two six-team

groups to three four-team groups. While this resulted in fewer matches for all teams at these

grades it also resulted, in my opinion, in more competitive group competitions with better

quality games. The decision to include the two best third-placed teams as qualifiers for the

quarter-finals did not diminish those championships in any way. I would suggest that we

seriously consider continuing with the 2020 three group type hurling championship structures

in the future regardless of any return to normality on the Pandemic front. Other temporary changes to our regulations did draw criticism, in particular, the decision not

to have promotion or relegation from this year’s championships. There were those who

suggested that not having promotion or relegation would result in watered-down competitions

where players would see no reason to put in the effort to win games if there wasn’t the prize of

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promotion, or fear of relegation, at the end. Thankfully they got it wrong. All of our

championships turned to be well-contested competitions which produced many excellent

games in both codes. Not having promotion or relegation was not an easy decision to make but,

in the end, the CCC felt that it would be unfair for a team to lose its status because one of more

of their players were precluded from playing in the championship because those players /s were

unfortunate to be considered close contacts of a confirmed Covid-19 case, or worse if there

was a Covid-19 outbreak within the team. Given the difficult and unusual circumstances of this

year it was, I think, the correct decision to make. In normal years all our Senior Championship group games are played at neutral venues. This

year senior teams, along with teams in other grades, were given one home game, one away

game, and one game in a neutral venue. In terms of organizing games, it was a better way to

do things. I would be interested in the views of those who play in the senior competitions which

were affected by the change, is it the way to go in the future? Streaming games was another issue that had never been given any consideration before this

year. As a means of allowing supporters to see their team play it proved to be an excellent

innovation. Streaming was also a bonus for County Board coffers replacing some of the

revenue lost due to the ban on spectators attending matches. Looking ahead we hope to see

crowds attending games again soon but there will always be those who, for whatever reason,

can’t attend matches but will have an interest in watching. Hopefully, we can regularise the

streaming situation so that we can cater for them in the future. On behalf of CCC, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who was involved

in any way, big or small, in helping to get the 2020 Dublin championships played. It was a

strange and difficult year but we got through it with everyone pulling together. In particular, I wish to record my thanks to the members of the CCC who went above and

beyond the call of duty in their efforts to get football and hurling played in 2020. Last March

the word “zoom” was barely known to any of our committee members. Nine months later and

through regular use we have become zoom experts and are wondering if we will ever have to

travel to a meeting again. The outgoing members of CCC are Ken O’Sullivan (Chairman – Cuala), Colm Crowley (Vice

Chairman – Fingallians), Noel O’Donoghue (Referees Administrator – Cuala), Noel Murphy

(Trinity Gaels), Elaine Dolan (Ballinteer St John’s), Gerry Rowley (Scoil Uí Chonaill), Paul

Smith (Na Fianna), Tom Rock (Kilmacud Crokes) and Denis Molony (Ballyboden St Enda’s). As we move towards 2021, we don’t know what the future of the pandemic holds. The CCC is

planning for the new playing season. We look forward to your ongoing co-operation in

submitting entries for competitions, regrading requests, etc. on time so that we will be ready to

commence new competitions as soon as we are allowed to do so. With Best Wishes to all for 2021, Seán MacNiocláis Rúnaí CCC

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C.C.C Átha Cliath Hurling Winners / Runners-up 2020.

Winners Runners up

Senior A Hurling Championship Cuala Ballyboden St Endas

Senior B Hurling Championship Naomh Fionnbarra Cuala

Intermediate Hurling C/ship Naomh Mearnog Fingallians

Junior A Hurling Championship St Brigids Lucan Sarsfields

Junior B Hurling Championship Skerries Harps Craobh Chiarain

Junior C Hurling Championship Lucan Sarsfields St Sylvesters

Junior D Hurling Championship Na Fianna Clontarf

Junior E Hurling Championship Round Towers Lusk Commercials

Junior F Hurling Championship Fingallians Castleknock

Junior G Hurling Championship Thomas Davis St Vincents

Minor D Hurling Championship Cuala Faughs

C.C.C Átha Cliath Football Winners / Runners-up 2020.

Winners Runners up

Senior 1 Football Championship Ballymun Kickhams Ballyboden St Endas

Senior 2 Football Championship Cuala St Brigids

Intermediate Club Football C/ship Naomh Fionnbarra Naomh Barrog

Junior 1 Club Championship O'Dwyer's St Monica's

Junior 2 Club Championship Wanderers Ballyfermot DLS

Inter Football All County C/ship St Judes Kilmacud Crokes Junior 1 All County C/ship Raheny Clontarf

Junior 2 All County C/ship Naomh Olaf St Annes

Junior 3 All County C/ship St Patricks (D) Clontarf

Junior 4 All County C/ship St Finian's (S) St Judes

Junior 5 All County C/ship St Brigid's Clann Mhuire

Junior 6 All County C/ship Clontarf St Annes

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Coiste Éisteachta Convention Report 2020

During the course of the year Coiste Éisteachta met on 5 occasions, of which two of the

meetings dealt with Transfer and Regrading Appeals. There was 1 Transfer Appeal which was

subsequently withdrawn and there were 94 Regrading Appeals. 12 of the Regrading Appeals

were withdrawn by the C.C.C. 58 were Lost and 5 were Upheld, with 19 cases returned to the

C.C.C .for reprocessing. The other 3 meetings dealt with 9 requests for hearings in relation to

proposed disciplinary sanctions.

Of these 8 cases:

• 3 cases had the minimum suspension imposed

• 5 cases was withdrawn

• 1 case had a fine imposed against a Club

With regards to Regrading Appeals it is imperative that club officers scrutinise their players

request for regrading and not allow block requests to be submitted hoping to regrade elements

of a panel to a lower championship.

This is both unfair to these players and to the genuine player that may have a case which could

lose out to this practice.

Transfer and Regrading appeals are not hearings, and are only heard against a breach of a rule

or procedure by the C.C.C.

Coiste Éisteachta cannot base its decisions on the evidence of Character Witnesses appearing

at Hearings, as the Committee, we are confined to dealing with an incident reported by the

referee. The player’s past history is not of interest to Coiste Éisteachta unless it’s a repeat

infraction within 48 weeks is involved.

Our decision making may, on some occasions, involve difficult circumstances and situations

but Coiste Éisteachta must at all times be fair and honest. Each case is different and needs to

to be treated by all with the respect and privacy it deserves. When any member / unit feels our

decision was incorrect, they then have the right of appeal to the Leinster Hearings Committee.

We fully respect this, irrespective of the outcome of any such appeal.

Since the introduction of Coiste Éisteachta in 2007, when a proposed sanction imposed is

communicated by Coiste Cheannais na gComortaisí (C.C.C.) to a Club or a member, (who

subsequently seek a hearing), the penalty proposed by the C.C.C .is not made known to Coiste

Éisteachta,

The role of the C.H.C. does nor permit us to discuss any upcoming case with any of the parties.

On a general note, parties can best prepare themselves for a Hearing by consulting the relevant

parts of An Treorai Oifigiúil together with the Disciplinary Handbook, both of which are easily

accessible on the GAA website and set out very clearly the steps and time limits in the process

of contesting a proposed Disciplinary penalty.

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As stated in previous County Convention Reports the role of the County Hearings Committee

(C.H.C.) isn’t understood by all. The C.H.C. is not an Appeals Committee, as this is the

function of the Leinster Council. The C.H.C. does not seek to be seen as a defender of referees,

committees or players. The role of the C.H.C. is to hear in person from both the Committee/Unit

proposing the disciplinary penalty and Party contesting the imposition and make a decision.

The parties may be assisted in presenting their case by the submission of documentary, video

evidence or the testimony of witnesses. At the outset of each Hearing the member seeking the

Hearing has the opportunity to object to the participation of any member of An Coiste

Éisteachta. Similarly any member of the Committee who may have a conflict of interest in a

case is expected to declare this in advance and withdraw from participation in the relevant case.

Having heard from all parties the Committee considers the case in detail and communicates its

decision to all parties as soon as possible.

Working within a time frame imposes pressure on all involved from the claimant, defendant,

referee and to the C.H.C. members. We must remember that all of the participants are

volunteers. As match suspensions are often involved, this puts time pressure on a hearing

request in that it may have to be arranged within a very short period of time. In order for a

hearing to take place all parties have to understand that nothing can be done without a referees

report. We acknowledge all those who co-operated with us during the year where urgency and

indeed patience was required for those quickly arranged hearings to take place.

It is worth bearing in mind with regards to an individual or club seeking a hearing where the

request is received outside the two days allowed the committee cannot by Rule accommodate

any such hearing request.

It is regrettable that once again we must note some individuals who have been sent off and

reported for some of the most serious offences are still reluctant to accept that they have done

wrong, they are not prepared to take responsibility and accept the penalty that is imposed. It is

also of concern that in some of these cases team managers, and indeed Club Officers are fully

prepared to attempt to defend the indefensible by supporting players in such instances.

Coiste Éisteachta are the only decision makers in all disciplinary matters within the County,

not Coiste Cheannais na gComórtaisí or Coiste Bainistí.

In conjunction with the C.C.C. we believe that we contribute to improving discipline standards

in Gaelic games in Dublin County and will continue to do so. However it must be said that too

many individuals who have been sent off and reported apply for a Hearing under the impression

that it is a case of the player’s word against the referee’s. This is not the position. We have

constantly to remind applicants at a hearing that the position is set out in An Treoir Oifigiúl, is

that the Referee’s Report (including any additional /clarifications) is deemed to be factual

unless compelling evidence to the contrary is produced. It is important to take this opportunity

to remind players that this is very high bar to reach. We would again appeal to Club Officers

to think about this when asked to support requests for Hearings.

We would like to pay tribute to the members of Coiste Éisteachta for their commitment and

dedication, often attending meetings at short notice in order to accommodate players or clubs.

We are grateful to Paddy Maloney & Charlie Canavan for looking after us on our meeting

nights, and we would like to acknowledge the advice and help given to us by the County

Secretary (John Costello).

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Coiste Éisteachta Átha Cliath 2020 members:

Micheál Ó hOireachtaigh (Cathaoirleach) Na Tráchtálaí

Diarmaid Ó Sirideain (Leas Cathaoirleach) Long Cogaidh

Tomás Ó Sé (Rúnaí) Naomh Marcais

Coiste: Gearóid Mac Aindriú Naomh Áine

Donncha Ó Carra Naomh Oilibéir Pluncéid Eoghan Ruadh

Maitiú Ó Doinn Croimghlinn

Daithí Ó Fathartaigh Fionnbhrú Colmcille

Mel Ó Fearail Oileáin na hÉireann

Dáithí Ó Fiannaí Parnell

Taidhgín Mac Cártaigh Naomh Uionsionn

Is Mise

Mícheal Ó hOireachtaigh

Cathaoirleach

Coiste Éisteachta Átha Cliath

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2020 Coiste na nÓg Secretary Report Partial Extract of Report issued to Clubs

The following people served on committees in 2020

Bord na nÓg (County Youth Management Committee)

Cathaoirleach - Bean Uí Lochlainn ( Bernie MacLaughlin) Na Cloigthí C. /Round Towers Clondalkin

Leas Rúnaí - Mícheál Ó hÁinle ( Mike Hanley) Na Sáirséalaigh Leamhcáin / Lucan Sarsfields

Ball / Member – Áine Ó Deá (Anne O'Dea ) Na Fianna

Ball / Member - Déaglán Ó Laoire ( Declan O'Leary) Na Sáirséalaigh Leamhcáin / Lucan Sarsfields

Ball / Member – Máirtín Ó Coinín ( Martin Rabbitt) Primary Schools Representative

Ball / Member – Póilín Ó Cuilinn ( Pauline Cullen ) County Children’s Officer

CCC1 (County Youth Competitions Control Committee One)

Cathaoirleach - Áine Ó Deá (Anne O'Dea ) Na Fianna

Leas Cathaoirleach - Riobeard Ó Ceannubháin ( Robert Canavan ) Naomh Barróg

Ball / Member – Conchúr Ó Maolmhuaidh (Conor Molloy ) Cuala

Ball / Member – Pól Ó Gamhna ( Paul Gaffney) Beann Éadair

CCC2 (County Youth Competitions Control Committee Two)

Cathaoirleach - Déaglán Ó Laoire ( Declan O'Leary) Na Sáirséalaigh Leamhcáin / Lucan Sarsfields

Leas Cathaoirleach - Déaglán Ó Coltair ( Declan Coulter ) Naomh Barróg

Ball / Member - Aodhán Ó Scolaí (Aidan Scully ) Fine Ghallainn / Fingallians

Ball / Member - Néill Ó Ceallaigh (Neil Kelly ) Rath Éanna / Raheny

Ball / Member - Páid Ó Finn (Pat Finn ) Naomh Jude / St Judes

Coiste Eisteachta na nÓg (County Youth Hearings Committee)

Cathaoirleach - Liam Mac Mathúna ( Liam McMahon ) Croimlinn / Crumlin

Rúnaí - Ailin Conchur ( Alan O Connor) Naomh Uinsionn / St Vincents

Ball / Member - Ailin Ó Linneáin ( Alan Linane) Naomh Mhuire / St Marys

Ball / Member - Daibhéid de Hearfort ( Dave Harford ) Baile Buadain Naomh Éanna / Ballyboden St Enda's

Ball / Member - Néill Ó Ceallaigh (Niall Kelly ) Tomás Dáibhís / Thomas Davis

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Tuarascáil An Rúnaí The Year Begins The 2020 Master Juvenile Fixture Calendar circulated on 4th December 2019 outlined the year ahead for every single age group from our under 8s to the under 16 age grade. Bord na nÓg structured the programme to allow our young players of varying abilities an opportunity to develop their potential. The juvenile committees achieved this by providing all age grades with a schedule of between 13-18 dates in each code of Hurling and Football. I have previously strongly made the point that abiding by the Juvenile Fixture Calendar is fundamental to giving certainty to clubs, mentors, players and parents around the playing of between 26 and 36 match days in the year. Next on the list was seeking 2020 team entries in both codes. For the CCC1 Go Games programme (U8 to U12) the Football numbers grew by +2.7% and Hurling +3.6%. While the growth rates in recent year have slowed, we are +69% since 2008 in Football, and the equivalent in Hurling terms is +119%. As an addendum to these ratios is to look at the percentage participation in Hurling versus Football. In 2008 for every 100 boys 64 played Hurling, and in 2020 the number was 89. The CCC2 (U13-U16) committee received 320 Football and 228 Hurling entries both +23 and +14 teams respectively versus 2019. Using 2008 again as a base year that’s 104 extra teams in Football and +99 in Hurling. The playing season commenced on 2nd February with U15 Football League. By 15th February fixtures had been issued for all age groups U8 to U16. The full programme of Hurling was up and running on 29th February. Timeline of Events: March to December 2020

March 3rd – first juvenile games called off due to Covid19

March 9th – the official guidance from the HSE concerning the coronavirus (COVID-

19) continues to be that activities should continue as usual in GAA Clubs. Both

Juveniles Committees (CCC1 & CCC2 ) continue to recommend that the pre /post-

match handshakes be suspended at juvenile games. It is also advised that players use

their own water bottles.

March 13th – All GAA activity ( games and training sessions ) are cancelled until

after 29th March.

March 13th – postpone the Dublin Hurling Féile (Sat 18th/Sun 19th)

March 19th – defer the Dublin Football Féile due to take place on May 2nd & May 3rd

March 27th - no activity extended to April 19th

May 7th - the GAA confirm that no official on-field activity will resume before July 20

and all facilities will remain closed until that date.

June 6th – GAA issue Covid-19 Update – Safe Return to Gaelic Games

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June 12th - GAA issue Covid-19 Education programme guidelines and remind all units

no Player Injury Scheme cover in place and collective group training, regardless of

where it takes place, should be discouraged until June 29.

June 20th – updated Covid-19 Timeline issued

June 22nd - Health Questionnaire Information for Clubs

June 25th - revised Juvenile Fixture Calendar for the resumption of juvenile activities

issued

June 27th – open pitches for Juveniles on a non-contact basis

June 29th – Phase 3 allowed contact training and challenge games to resume

July 8th – issue Revised Regulations covering all U13 to U16 competitions

July 10th – U16 Championship Draw details circulated

July 29th – issue U15 Championship Draw details

July 29th – circulate to Clubs set of fixtures (U16 Hurling Championship games for

Tuesday 4th August) for the first time since March

July 31st – Full draw details for the rescheduled Féile na nGael & Féile Peil na nÓg

competitions circulated

August 17th – issue a set of fixtures covering the age groups U12 to U16

August 18th - Government decision to prohibit spectators from attending sporting

August 19th - Some Club games called off on recommendation of HSE

August 19th - updated Government advice:- Sporting events and matches behind closed doors … we issue ““While we await further clarification on the issue of parents attending juvenile games we suggest that one parent or guardian may attend a game where they consider it necessary for the welfare of their own child.”

August 21st - Due to recent Covid-19 Government update and its recommendations up to September 13th, CCC1 in agreement with Bord na nÓg has decided to not issue fixtures for the U8-U11 age grouping until Saturday 19th September

August 26th - issue “Government requirement to ensure that all parents attending underage activity complete a Health Questionnaire in addition to that completed by their child.”

September 8th – issue Juvenile Finals Day Covid-19 Protocols

September 14th - CCC1 in agreement with Bord na nÓg and full support of County Management has decided that if will not issue fixtures centrally for the Under 8 to Under 11 age grades for the foreseeable future, challenge games may take place.

September 18th - as a result of the Government’s decision to move Dublin to Level 3

restrictions all Juvenile fixtures with immediate effect have been postponed and in

level 3, all underage training must be on a non-contact basis in pods of up to 15

September 30th - If Current Level 3 restrictions are amended to allow juvenile fixtures

to take place from Saturday 10th October, as previously advised the U12 to U16 games

initially scheduled for Saturday & Sunday, September 19th & 20th will proceed on

Saturday & Sunday, October 11th & 12th.

October 5th - GAA’s Management Committee endorsed a decision to suspend all GAA

Club games at all levels with immediate effect

October 7th – Nationwide move to Level 3 until at least November 10th.

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October 21st - Nationwide move to Level 5 until at least December 1st with all

underage training on a non-contact basis in pods of up to 15

November 6th - Bord na nÓg in conjunction with both CCC1 and CCC2 decide they will

issue no more fixtures in 2020. The position of the sixteen outstanding U16

competitions which are at Semi-Final or Final stages is similar to that taken by the

Adult CCC concerning outstanding Minor competitions. The remaining games will be

scheduled from 17th January 2021 subject to Government and Croke Park guidelines

in place at that time

December 1st – Under the new Level 3 Restrictions, Club games not permitted but

underage and adult training can take place on a non-contact basis in pods of up to 15

while continuing to complete Health Questionnaire

CCC1 Go Games Programme (U8 to U12) The activity at the under U8 to under 12 age-grade continues to be the bedrock on which Dublin GAA grows. In the last thirteen years, we have seen increased participation of +69% in Football and +119% in Hurling. We mustn’t take this level of success for granted. Last year we indicated a review of Go Games Rules would take place in 2020. The view was taken due to the circumstances around the pandemic not to proceed with a formal evaluation of the Go Games Rules. Therefore, U8 to U12 coaches can start the 2021 season with the certainty of the playing rules for each age grade. Nationally Croke Park under the remit of the GAA National Games Development Committee has been reviewing the Go Games policy. Dublin has been at the forefront of the Go Games philosophy since the County Management Committee in 2004 decided to adopt the Go Games model as County policy. In 2017 we commissioned a review to obtain the views and opinions of all clubs on the current working of the Go Games programme and see what’s working well, what’s not working well and how we could improve our activities. In summary, the review set out only some minor recommendations as the report found that Go Games is working well at the moment. A review next year allows us to take on board feedback from our Clubs and also any recommendations from the Croke Park Go Games review. My personal view is we use this opportunity to structurally change how we operate the Go Games model within in the County. We should create a new body, the Go Games Committee (GGC) to coordinate and administer all non-competition activity for the age-grades under 8 to under 11. This committee working in tandem with Bord na nÓg and the Coaching & Games department would be responsible for setting the annual programme of fixtures and issuing of games as is currently done by CCC1. However, the GGC would also be responsible for developing an educational programme for coaches, players and parents. While these programmes exist in Clubs already, I believe the GGC should coordinate them as part of the Go Games model. Other areas to consider are the Promotion of Go Games within the County and to follow up periodically with Research on how the Go Games policy in performing within Clubs.

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This holistic approach by the GGC would build and consolidate the learnings gained from the significant increase in participation over the last sixteen years at Go Games while helping to face the challenge in maintaining these participation figures into our older age groups especially the under 16 to under 19 age cohort. Cathaoirleach CCC1, Anne O’Dea, has more information on the CCC1 season later in this report. CCC2 Programme (U13 to U16) It continues to be our policy to maximise player participation in Hurling and Football at every age group by offering every team 15-18 competitive games each year. Our schedule deliberately tries to restrict players playing up, which is in line with Bord na nÓg policy from the under eight age group upwards. The programme continues to cater to players of all abilities to play both codes with the long term goal of retaining players with their Clubs into Minor and Adult level. Of the 548 team entries, 189 teams are either a “B” or “C” team. In the 2008 season out of 345 teams only 60 where a Clubs second team. We are continually looking at ways to improve the running of our CCC2 competitions. This year for all League games we allowed unlimited substitutions to be made in a game. On the resumption of activity due to Covid-19, we amended regulations to permit where necessary a minimum of 13 aside could be played (it has always been the policy that in the two lowest divisions of any league, teams may play 11 aside). Before the start of the new season, we will engage with Clubs about these two regulations. Notwithstanding how 2020 has played out, I can’t overestimate the importance of the structured nature of our games programme as a factor in making the CCC2 season run so smoothly. The feedback from Clubs, along with the constant questioning of how we do things by the CCC2 Executive helps the committee achieve its goals. Finally, Cathaoirleach CCC2, Declan O’Leary, has more detail on the programme and also plans for 2021 later in this report and I fully support his comments. Let Kids be Kids The below are some quotes taken from an All Blacks video I came upon on social media #letkidsbekids Favourite memories playing as a kid?

“Playing with my friends”

“Seeing my Mum & Dad there supporting me “

“Having fun”

“Laughing about”

What is more important? Winning or having fun with your buddies?

“Hanging out with your friends”

“All about having fun”

“Showing my parents what I could do”

“Fun factor, enjoyment factor, “

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Have you experienced sideline abuse?

“You always remember the loudmouth parent that would stand on the sideline and

have a crack at the ref or their own son and I remember as young fellow thinking I’m

so pleased my Dad is not embarrassing me like that”

What would you say to those engaging in poor side-line behaviour?

“We’re out there to support them and not to criticise them and just let them have

fun”

“Try not to ruin the experience of fun for the kids”

“It not about you at all so just turn up support them and be hearty”

In light of the year, we have just encountered, we know children need soc