A successful Ulster Convention took place in the Navan Centre, Armagh on Sunday last where all Ulster Counties except Donegal who gave a valid excuse of their inability to attend, were represented .
Outgoing Chairperson Kathleen Woods opened the Meeting by welcoming those present which included President of an Cumann Camógaíochta, Aileen Lawlor and began with a prayer for a successful Convention .
The executive gave detailed reports on the previous years progress, which included a healthy financial balance which was due to a substantial grant from Sport Northern Ireland, which mainly goes towards salaries of full time Administrators, Ulster GAA , and NWP who have announced a further three year Sponsorship.
The fixtures Secretary, Rosie Merry outlined how Ulster were hosting the All Ireland Feile, which will take place from the 20th to 22nd June and were requesting more clubs to act as hosts. The Mid Ulster Competition hadn’t materialized in 2013 and was now being replaced by a” Plate” Competition which was a step down from “The Premier League” which proved very successful for the past number of years. Monaghan came under scrutiny regarding their U 14 and U 16 Competitions as to why they hadn’t participated in 2013.
A report on Development stressed the importance of each County having in place a County Development Officer and that it was paramount that they attend the GAA training day which takes place in Templepatrick, Co. Down on Saturday 1st February. Also that all clubs should be working on underage development and meeting with their CDO’s for the purpose of fostering camogie.
Children’s Officers were reminded that they encourage all club and County Executives to attend the recognized , Basic Awareness Training Courses which are being organised by Ulster GAA.
Chairperson, Kathleen Woods then delivered an emotional address by saying that her position had been a challenging one as she was threw in at the” deep end “when Ulster Council was in its darkest days but she was indebted to Martin Mc. Avinney President of Ulster GAA who threw a life line to Ulster Camogie and thanks to him that the standard of Ulster Camogie had never been better” . She stressed the importance of Club and County taking the Strategic Plan on Board.
Kathleen thanked Ard Comhairle members Aileen Lawlor(President) and Mary O Connor (Development Officeer) sub committee’s and the executive for all their help over the past three years and that her biggest disappointment was that “Ulster’s loss of Coach,Ross Corbett was Munster’s gain”and wished him every success in his new employment. Kathleen welcomed Coaches, Lisa Mc.Aliskey and Niall on Board. Kathleen reminded Counties to vote for her for the position of Uachtarán Tófa when they were casting their votes at Congress.
By Majella Boyd Wed 22nd Jan
