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Mayo Cumann na mBunscol Sports News The inaugural Mayo Inter Schools Sports Quiz will be held on February 26th at 8 pm in Davitt College, Castlebar. Already, 18 teams have qualified for 6 regional finals and they include Scoil Padraig N.S., Ballina, Crossmolina B.N.S., Breaffy N.S., Ballina, Ballintubber N.S., Derrywash N.S., St Patricks N.S., Castlebar, Gortjordan N.S., Cloonliffen N.S., Partry N.S., Cloonlyon N.S., Kilkelly N.S., Tavrane N.S., Swinford N.S., Meelick N.S. and Straide N.S. The West Mayo Regional final will be held in The Quay N.S., Westport tonight Wednesday (8pm). The 3 winning teams go forward to the County finals. The Erris and Achill finals will also take place this week.
NATIONAL WALL DIRECTORY As part of the programme of activities to celebrate 21 years of Primary School Sport at National level, a wall directory for all the 3,500 primary schools in Ireland is being printed. This directory will be a resource for schools featuring promotional material available and lists of County/Provincial and National Officers. The directory will be officially launched at The Annual General Meeting on March 14th Mayo Primary Schools are currently seeking advertisements for the provincial section, which will be distributed to schools in Connacht and Donegal. The ads are a nominal £50, and the finance raised will be retained for development purposes at Mayo level.
COUNTY BOARD DELEGATE Mr Donal O'Leary N.T., The Quay N.S., Westport will represent Cumann na mBunscol Mhaigheo on Mayo G.A.A. Board for 1992.
ACHILL LOCAL OFFICERS The Achill Cumann na mBunscol Officers for 1992 are Cathaoirleach : Fr Peter Connolly, Runai/Cisteoir : Tommy Johnson N.T. Details of the Scoil Acla and Hackey Cup competitions were outlined at a County committee meeting.
ALL STAR WINNERS. The 6 County winners in the Pick The All Star Hurling and Football Teams 1991 are Edel Mullin, Daniel Carey, Andrew Casey-Gortjordan N.S., Martina Mc Menamon-Newport N.S., Derek Beattie-Scoil Padraig, Ballina, P.J. Brady-Foxford N.S. They will be presented with their prizes on February 26th in Davitt College, after The County Sports Quiz.
FINAL DATES The County activities announced the following dates for 1992 competitions Area Finals (boys football) May 15th. County Mini Sevens Finals-May 8th, Area Mini Semi Finals, May 1st.
Coisde na mBunscoileanna. An application from Coiste na mBunscoileanna for Financial assistance from the County Board for the organising of a Coaching Course for Primary School Teachers was refereed to the Resources Committee. The County Treasurer John Kenny (Ballina) informed the meeting that there were funds available form The Connaught Council Coaching Committee for such a scheme and that an application should be made by Coisde na mBunscoileanna to The Connaught Council for a grant. County Youth Officer, Vincent Walsh (Charlestown ) called on all Divisional Board to assist Coiste na mBunscoileanna in their efforts, which were of great importance to underage football in the County.
Cumann na mBunscoil Sports News Sports Quiz Meelick N.S., Swinford, emerged as winners of the inaugural Sports Quiz, organised by the local Swinford/Kiltimagh Committee of Cumann na mBunscol. There was a large entry from the local Primary Schools, and the winning school comprised of Tomas Geraghty, Vincent Roughneen, P.J.Higgins and Seamus Fogarty. In second position was the straide N.S. team of Ivan Tonra, Barry Basquille, P J Ruane and Brendan Mulroy. The third placed school was Swinford N.S., and the members were Enda Murtagh, Padraic Brennan, Philip Burke and Dermot Walshe. All 3 teams/Schools go forward to the County finals in February.
Castlebar Area Committee The Castlebar Primary Schools elected the following local Committee to organise Cumann na mBunscol activities for 1992 : Cathaoirleach: P.J.Quinn-Errew, Leas Cathaoirleach-Adrian Gavin N.T.-Derrywash, Runai-Eamon Jennings N.T.-Ballintubber, Cisteoir-Joe Nestor N.T.-Ballyglass, P.R.O.-Jim mc Govern N.T.-Ballyvary. The committe's first function is to organise the local Sports Quiz in mid January.
NEWPORT WIN COUNTY SPORTS FINAL Newport emerged winners of the N.S. Schools quiz at Davitt College, Castlebar, last Wednesday, when holding off the challenge of Logboy N.S., Claremorris. The questions were set and asked by Western People reporter Liam Horan and the competition was organised by Development Officer Donal Carey, N.T. Cumann na mBunscoil. At the end of the quiz Donal Carey thanked Davitt College Principal Patsy Noone for the excellent facilities provided, and also the parents and Teachers who supported the quiz from the very beginning. The members of the Newport team were Thomas Conway, Thomas Patten, Walter Sammon, Fergal Hoban and John Killeen. The Logboy team was Gareth Burns, Deirdre Swords, Raymond Prendergast, Sean Cunnane and Michael Boyle. Balla N.S. was 3rd and the team members were Colin Sheridan, Michael Walsh, Padraig O Neill, Joseph Monaghan and Stephen Niland. In 4th place were Gortjordan, joint 5th-Scoil Padraig-Ballina and Cloonlyon N.S., 7t -Breaffy Ballina and 8th was Swinford N.S.
Mini Sevens All schools participating in the Mini-Sevens are requested to have their official forms and team panels returned to the County Secretary, Tony Fahy, Foxford, N.S. before March 15th. Area Mini-Sevens Finals weekend of May 1st, and County Finals on May 8th. All Star Presentation. Mayo senior footballer Colm Mc Manamon presented the prizes (Mayo tracksuits/footballs) to the winners in the All-Stars competition. They were Edel Mullin, Daniel Carey and Andrew Carey-all of Gortjordan, Martin Mc Manamon (Newport), Derek Beattie (Scoil Padraig, Ballina), and P.J. Brady (Foxford).
MUST RECOGNISE GAELIC GAMES The G.A..A. for its part must continue to recognise the importance of Primary School Gaelic Games for the longterm future of the association, stated Mr Dermot Keane (Cumann na mBunscol Connacht) in his report to the Connacht G.A.A. Convention in Castlerea last Friday night. He said that while there was a genuine interest and commitment to the games by lady Teachers it would be fair to say that a significent proportion had opted not to prepare school teams for Gaelic Games due to tradition and doubts about ability to Coach. This preparation of teams, he went on, had often been assigned to a parent, club official or member of the Board Of Management and that the G.A.A recognised that fact by employing Coaching personnel under FAS schemes. "There can arise from these situations an isolation of school games from the basic school philosophy of catering for all. Equality of opportunity, fair play, dignity in defeat and victory are important considerations for any school, more important in the long term than the final result of the game," he said.
END SOCCER BAN AND MAYO ASSOCIATION ROW-HIGGINS In the course of his address to Mayo G.A.A. Convention at Knockmore on Sunday, outgoing County Board Chairman, Mr Mick Higgins, called on The Association to rent Croke Park to the F.A.I. for soccer internationals. The revenue, which would ensue, said Mr Higgins, would generate substantial reward which could be ploughed back into the promotion of Gaelic Games. Mr Higgins also commented on the recent row between the Mayo County Board and the Mayo Association in Dublin. He appealed to the incoming chairman, Mr Christy Loftus, to bring the dispute to an end.
The following is the text of Mr Higgins's address:- " Convention is also election day and shortly we will see our newly-elected Officers on this podium. Several of the outgoing officers, including myself, are not seeking re-election, and I would like to pay tribute to the following for their dedication and hard work during their period of office:- Terry Reilly, Connacht Council delegate, Sean Murphy, Development Officer, P.R.O., Luke Fitmaurice, History Officer, Kevin O Toole, and last, but by no means least, our president for the last two years, Mick O Connell. All have given tremendous worth. " The past year has been one of mixed fortunes. The highlight, of course, was the return of the minor team to Croke Park for the first time since 1985, where despite the loss of a number of their key players they gave a magnificent display of skill and determination, and with a little bit of luck could have won the title. I have no doubt that some of those players will again wear the green and red with distinction for their County. Manager Martin Carney and his co-selectors are to be congratulated on the preparation and training of the team. I think their achievement vindicates the decision made by the Board in 1990 to restructure the minor set up in the County. Another marvellous achievement was the winning of The All-Ireland Special Championship by our U16 hurlers, the first ever major title to be won by a Mayo Hurling team. Great credit is due to T.J.Tyrrell and the Hurling Board in raising Hurling on to a new level in the County. Long may their efforts continue. The big disappointment was the failure of the senior team to regain the Connacht title last held in 1989. Much criticism and a certain amount of abuse was levelled at the management team and players. As a member of the management team I was quite happy with the preparatory work in the run-up to the championship. An easy win over Galway in the first round had people immediately setting their sights once more on Croke Park. "However, in The Connacht final in Castlebar as has so often happened in the past Mayo failed to translate their dominance into scores, and had to settle for a draw. The replay failed to live up to our expectations, with Mayo failing to produce anything like their true form. The rest is history. I would like to take this opportunity to thank selectors Seamus Daly, Christy O Haire and Charlie Collins for their unselfish efforts. The failure of our U21 team in Carrick-On-Shannon was very disappointing, but Leitrim proved they were a very good side by going on to beat Galway in the final. "Preparations for this year's championship are going well. At senior level a number of new players have been added to the panel and are showing promise. At minor and U 21 level, over 200 players are attending on-going trials proving that there are plenty of young people who want to wear the Mayo jersey. If we can get the players who are prepared to give the necessary commitment and dedication necessary for success, the future for Mayo football looks bright. I would like to thank the Mayo players in all grades for the courtesy shown to me during my time as chairman and selector. "In recent weeks two of our senior players, Frank Noone and Michael Collins, retired from Inter- County football. Both have given great service to the County for many years. Who can forget Frank's determination in overcoming a very serious injury in 1989 getting his place back on the Mayo panel and winning two County senior medals with his club, Hollymount, in 1990 and 1991. Michael's wholehearted displays won him many admirers and his brilliant performance at right half-back against Cork in 1989 will long be remembered. We hope they continue with their clubs for many years to come. "At the end of September the new management team of Brian Mc Donald and his selectors, Tommy O Malley, Patsy Sheridan and James Smith were appointed by the Co. Board to take charge of the senior and U 21 teams. They are 4 very able people with plenty of experience in both playing and management, and I would ask all GAA people to give them total co-operation and encouragement in their efforts to put Mayo back on the winning trail. "Last year also saw the formation of well organised supporters clubs in Mayo and Dublin, and their financial contribution helped in no small way to relieve some of our financial worries. I thank them for their efforts, especially the Mayo club in Dublin, who on their own initiative organised a big raffle and raised a substantial amount of money. Unfortunately the setting up of the club in Dublin created a certain misunderstanding between Muintir Mhaigh Eo and Co. Board and the attempted involvement by officers of Muintir Mhaigh Eo in the selection of a senior manager did not help matters. An effort was made in September to sort out the misunderstanding, but a proposed meeting did not take place. There has been a long tradition of harmony and mutal respect between our two associations, and I'm sure we all wish this to continue. I regret that I did not take a much tougher stand on this issue in the last few months, and I appeal to the incoming chairman to bring this nonsenical dispute to a speedy end. "Great strides have been made in recent times in the development of club grounds, and the provision of covered stands is a most welcome trend. We have now reached the stage where most clubs have first class facilities. Castlebar, in particular, must be congratulated on their ongoing development work at Mc Hale Park, and with grants and loans of £100,000 from Connacht Council they will be able to continue their work, and will soon have the best venue in Connacht. "Now that we have the facilities to cater for our players I would like to see our resources and energies channelled into the development of our games, especially of under-age level. We are lucky in Mayo to have a group of dedicated teachers doing such tremdous work in our Primary and second level schools. We have a very active Bord na mBunscoileanna, and their work, especially in the small schools must be complimented. It is imperative that those people continue to be given every possible assistance, financial and otherwise. I hope to see teachers from all levels on the proposed youth committee. While we have done a lot of Coaching in Primary Schools in the last few years through FAS schemes, it was not as satisfactory as we would have wished. I am now suggesting that we should consider the appointment of a full-time qualified Coach whose job would be to work with all schools in the County, and whose expertise would be of great benefit to clubs outside of school terms. I have reason to believe that the necessary funds for such an appointment would be available from sources other than Co Board funds. "On the national scene, 1991 was a great year for our association. However, I am afraid the year ended on a 'sour note' with all the hype about the controversial R.D.S. decision, a decision with which I agree. "Many in our association would like to blame the media for the controversy, and while the issue was blown out of all proportion, Croke Park must share the blame for the way the whole affair was handled. In general we get a good press, but as the largest Sporting organisation in the Country, we cannot expect our actions to be exempt from scrutiny and criticism. However, I see no reason why similar events cannot take place in the future, providing the association's rules and guidelines are adhered to. Indeed the staging of such events would I feel, be welcomed by all true sportsmen. "The issue of whether or not Croke Park and other major GAA stadium's should be rented out in the F.A.I. for special occasions, has once more been raised in recent days. I believe this issue should be given serious consideration for purely commercial reasons. If our major grounds can be rented for rock concerts, professional boxing, even American football, all of which has generated substantial financial rewards for the GAA. I see no logical reason why the same commercial criteria cannot be applied to other sports. If for instance Ireland's forthcoming World Cup games were played at Croke Park the enormous financial benefits that would accrue to the G.A.A. could be used for the promotion of our games throughout the Country, especially in the underage and Coaching areas. "I do believe that such a move would be in conflict with the aims and ideals of our associations, as the sole purpose would be to generate income for the promotion and development of Gaelic Games. Such action would also greatly enchance our image as a mature, modern and progressive organisation and finally dispel the myth that we have any prejudice towards other sports. "I'm proud of the G.A.A. and have had a long and happy association with it since I became involved in the late 1950's. I feel it has been a great honour and privilege to have served as County Chairman in Mayo, a County which is steeped in the tradition of the G.A.A. When I was elected 4 years ago it was the fulfilment of a long held ambition and I was fortunate to hold office during the senior team's most successful period in almost 4 decades. Winning 2 Connacht titles and getting to the All Ireland final in 1989 were my proudest moments, and ones that I will always cherish. "My one regret is that we failed to acquire a central training ground during my term of office, and I am inclined to agree with our Secretary that maybe we should set our sights on some place other than the one in Castlebar. "He congratulated his successor, Christy Loftus, and I request the full support and loyalty of clubs for him", he said.
THE BEGINNING OF GREAT THINGS FOR MAYO HURLING 1991 was an exceptional year for Hurling in the County and would go down in history as the beginning of great things for the game in Mayo as a direct result of the winning of the U-16 All-Ireland title, said outgoing Chairman, Mr Paddy Ruane, at the annual general meeting of the North Mayo Hurling Club in Crossmolina. He paid tribute to the club on winning the Connacht junior league title and also congratulated Ballina Stephenites on their County successes at U-14 and U-16 level. Secretary Jimmy Martin described the past year as one of mixed fortune for the club. It began, he said, with a bad run in the County junior championship and followed with a good run in the Connacht league, bringing the club its first cup in 3 seasons. In the senior championship the team recorded a fine win over Westport in the Semi -Final only to be followed with a poor display in the final against old rivals Tooreen. He thanked the Crossmolina club for providing their facilities over the season. At under-age level, Mr T.J. Tyrrell, County Board Chairman, reported great success with Ballina winning the U-14 title for the third year in succession, the U-16 title for the first time and the Feile competition at U-14 level. He said that 10 members of the U-16 team were members of the All-Ireland winning County U-16 squad. He was happy to report that Crossmolina would be fielding a team at under-age level this season and that training had commenced at Kilmurray. A club was also to be formed in the near future in Belmullet. He revealed that the County minor team had started preparations for the championship. Team manager Charlie Collins stressed the importance of a new manager with a new approach. He found it difficult to both concentrate on his game and on team strategy. He also complained of team officials being given the task of umpires and linesmen during games and it caused many problems. The situation should not be allowed to happen again. Mr Luke Fitzmaurice, who was elected Chairman, paid tribute to the former chairman for the manner in which he carried out his work. He also praised the players who funded the club out of their own pockets. "This was beyond the call of duty and something will have to be done to rectify this situation," he added. He called for a more positive approach to be taken both on and off the field for 1992. Votes of sympathy were extended to the Dunlea Family, Crossmolina, and the Barrett Family, Glencastle, on their recent bereavements. Officers: Joe Moffatt-President, Luke Fitzmaurice-Chairman. Jimmy Martin-Secretary, Sean Campion-Treasurer, Pat Armstrong-P.R.O., Pat Walsh-Team Manager. A players meeting will take place in the Crossmolina clubrooms on March 3rd at 8.30. New players welcome.
BIG WIN FOR RICHMOND N.S.
Richmond N.S. 4-4 Glenmore N.S. 1-6 In the first round in the Balla area Cumann na mBunscoil Gaelic Football competition Richmond N.S. had a big win over Glenmore N.S. in very windy conditions at Moygownagh. The losers played with the wind in the first period and led by 1-6 to 1-0 at half time, but thanks to some great work by the winners goalkeeper Aidan Crowley, Francis Mc Hale and Brendan Heffernan, Glenmore failed to score in the second period.
NEWPORT/MULRANNY Quiz brains of Mayo. A team of pupils from Holy Family School Newport took on and beat the rest of the County last week when they romped home in the County final of The National Schools Sports Quiz, organised by Cumann na mBunscoil Mhaigheo. The members of the winning team were Walter Sammon, Thomas Conway, Fergal Hoban, Thomas Patten and Johnny Killeen as Substitute.
NEWPORT N.S. SUCCESSFUL IN QUIZ FINAL The County finals of the Sports Quiz, run by Cumann na mBunscoile, took place on Wed. night last in Davitt College, Castlebar. 24 teams from all over the County took part and after an extremely high standard of answering the eventual winners turned out to be Newport National School with 70 points from a possible 100. In second place was Logboy with 68 points and 3rd place went to Balla with 67 points. Carrowkennedy and Coguala N.S.'s also took part. Newport: Thomas Conway, Thomas Patten. Walter Sammon and Fergal Hoban. Logboy: Gareth Burns, Raymond Prendergast, Deirdre Swords, Sean Cunnane, Michael Boyle. Balla: Padraic O Neill, Colin Sheridan, Michael Walsh, Joseph Heneghan, S Niland. Quiz Master for the night was Liam Horan, Ballinrobe. In the "Guess the All-Stars Competition" the following were awarded prizes by Mayo footballer Colm Mc Manamon, Edel Mullin, Daniel Carey and Andrew Casey-Gortjordan N.S., Martin Mc Manamon-Newport N.S., Derek Beattie-Scoil Padraig, Ballina and P.J. Brady, Foxford N.S. Defending Division one County Champions, Crossmolina B.N.S. were severely tested by Scoil Padraig, Ballina, in this first round of the current championship. Colin Reilly emerged the Crossmolina hero with three goals. Others who caught the eye were Tiernan Moore, Mark Cawley, Eamon O Malley, Glen Reilly and Mark Reynolds.
BALLINROBE WIN MINI-SEVENS Ballinrobe Boys N.S., competing in the mini-sevens for the first-time, defeated Gortjordan N.S. in the local final at Kilmaine. Gortjordan streaked into a 5 points lead early in the game but Ballinrobe gradually gained control to win by 7-1 to 1-5. The Ballinrobe team was Padraic Costello, David Colleran, Sean Grimes, Conor Grimes, Michael Keane, Paul Finnerty, Gerard Grimes, Brian Finnerty, Chris Farragher. Fixtures: Division One Boys: April 13th-Swinford V Kiltimagh, Foxford V Ballaghaderreen. Division Two Boys: April 15th-Culleens (Ballina) V Belmullet, Killala V Breaffy, Currabaggan V Rehins. Division 3 Boys: April 15th: Parke V Snugboro, Ballintubber V Ballyglass, Ballyheane V Killawalla, Derrywash V Crimlin, Errew V Scoil Raifiteri, Belcarra V Carnacon. Division 4 Boys: April 15th: Rathnamagh V Crevagh, Banagher V Mount Palmer, Keenagh V Bofield, Richmond V Garracloon. Girls Football: April 15th: Meelick V Bohola, Kiltimagh V Foxford.
Mini-Sevens Cumann na mBunscol have fixed Saturday, May 9th, as the date for the County finals in boys and Girls Football, Hurling and Camogie. The quarter-finals will be played on May 4th/5th and the draws are Swinford area winners at home to Ballaghaderreen winners, Erris winners at home to Ballina winners, Castlebar winners home to West Mayo winners and Claremorris winners home to Ballinrobe winners. The 4 winners contest the County finals at a central venue. The following schools have already won their respective area finals in Mini-sevens:Bonniconlon N.S., Ballinrobe N.S. and Neale N.S.
All details re the Mini-Sevens Hurling are available from Jackie Coyne, Knock N.S.
Youth Committee. Cumann na mBunscol,Mhaigheo, are to meet the newly formed Mayo GAA Board Youth Committee at the end of April.
Handball Promotion. 11 Primary School have officially entered the inaugural Cumann na mBunscol handball competition and the arrangements are (1)-4 venues will operate round one-Claremorris, Newport, Charlestown and Bofield/Bonniconlon. (2)-Claremorris B.N.S., Meelickmore N.S., Ballinrobe N.S. in Claremorris. (3)-Charlestown N.S., Ballaghaderreen N.S. and Foxford N.S. in Charlestown. (4)-Bofield N.S. and Ballyvary N.S. in Bofield. (5)-Drumgallagh N.S., Newport N.S. and Castlebar Boys N.S. in Newport. The County Finals will be held in Bofield and the County Organisers are Chris Slack, N.T., and Pat Collins, N.T. |
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