The 16th O’Neill’s Ulster GAA Coaching and Games Development Conference will take place on Saturday 9th November at the Derry GAA Centre, Owenbeg.

The theme of this year’s conference will focus on ‘Developing Hurling and Camogie Performance.’

The format of the conference will take a new look in 2019, with two on pitch practical sessions being delivered on how to optimise your training to make your team more effective.  This will be followed by a discussion with the coaches on the breakdown of their session.

There is a top class line-up for this year’s conference which will be headlined by Derek McGrath the former Waterford hurling manager. He will be joined by the All Ireland winning Cork camogie manager Paudie Murray and the National Director of Hurling Martin Fogarty.

Others taking part over the course of the day are:

• Kevin Murray (Cork Senior Camogie Coach)
• Cairbre Ó’Cairealláin (Tipperary Senior Hurling Conditioning Coach)
• Eoin McNicholl (Ulster GAA Sport Science Officer)
• Damien Young (Performance Analyst Tipperary Senior Hurlers)

Kilcoo 1-12

Cumann Pheadair Naofa, Warrenpoint 0-14

Dylan Ward's 51st minute goal proved decisive as Kilcoo regained the Down SFC title with a narrow victory over St. Peter’s, Warrenpoint at Pairc Esler.

Former county star Conor Laverty set up the midfielder for the only goal as the Magpies put the disappointment of last year's loss to Burren behind them to collect a seventh title in eight years. Ross McGarry could have had a goal at the other end moments later, but failed to find the target as Kilcoo edged a titanic battle.

Seeking their first title in 66 years, Warrenpoint took an early lead through county player Ryan Mallon. The sides were level five times thereafter in a tense first half before Aidan Branagan's fisted point gave Mickey Moran's men a 0-6 to 0-5 lead at the interval.

Ward doubled Kilcoo's advantage after the restart before Warrenpoint replied with three unanswered McGarry points to take the lead. Paul Devlin and Ryan McEvoy hit back with frees before the underdogs got their noses back in front through sweeper John Boyle.

Ward's goal, coupled with points from Jerome and Ryan Johnston, propelled the winners into a four-point lead, but Cumann Pheadair Naofa took it down to the wire and were unlucky not to force a replay.

An earlier start to the 2020 Sigerson Cup could see college teams excluded from the upcoming Dr McKenna Cup.

College and university sides have used the Ulster football pre-season competition as preparation for the Sigerson Cup for over a decade, but with this year's Sigerson Cup throwing in a few weeks earlier than usual on January 12, there would be a direct clash with the McKenna Cup.

According to the Irish News, the Ulster CCC has come up with two options for the 2020 McKenna Cup, one which is for counties only and one which includes college teams. In the event of it including college teams, the McKenna Cup would start on December 14/15. But if the college teams are excluded, it would get underway two weeks later on December 29.

A decision on the matter will be made on October 22.

Today the world of Down GAA has been rocked by the sad news that one of our most favourite sons Eamonn Burns has passed away suddenly. Eamonn was a double All Ireland Medal winner and a former County Senior Team Manager. To his wife Sinead, Sons Cathal and Thomas, brothers Malachy and Colum and sister Mary we extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathy.

Eamonn Burns was the youngest of three brothers who all would wear the green and gold of Bryansford and the Red and Black of Down. Having graduated through the ranks Eamonn made his Senior County debut in 1987/88 and will be best remembered as midfielder on the All-Ireland winning team of 1991. Down fans will remember Eamonn’s two points from play in that win over Meath as Sam Maguire returned North for the first time in 23 years. In 1994, Eamonn was once again to the fore this time at right half back on the team that defeated Dublin playing through the pain barrier to ensure that his beloved Down made it five All Ireland titles. Indeed, it is only a few short weeks ago that Eamonn and the boys of 1994 once again adorned the sward of Croke Park as they were introduced to the crowd as the Jubilee team of 25 years ago on All Ireland Final day.

After his distinguished playing career with both Club and County, Eamonn took on coaching and managerial roles guiding Bryansford to a Down Senior Championship success. In 2015 when Jim McCorry had resigned as Down Senior Football team manager Eamonn Burns stepped up to the mark and took on the role of County Senior Football team manager. For Eamonn it was a case of serving his County when he was needed and at a time when Down football was not enjoying the best of fortune, Eamonn Burns remained a dignified figure at all times who only ever gave of his very best in the cause of Down.

In 2017 there were memorable days as relegation was avoided in Cork and the Ulster Championship saw us record victories over Armagh in Newry and on a particularly special night in the Athletic Grounds a win over Monaghan and against all the odds Eamonn Burns had guided Down back to an Ulster Final. Success was to elude us against Tyrone but pride had been restored in our County in no small way due to the efforts of Eamonn Burns, a man who himself had great pride in the Red and Black.

After the Championship of 2018, Eamonn resigned as County Senior Team Manager and he did so in a manner fitting of the man, quietly, with dignity, decency and with only the best interests of Down in mind. Eamonn was a great ambassador for Down as a player and as a manager. He was one of the good guys, always about the greater good, always selfless with his time and only wanting to give of his best in any task that he undertook. Down GAA have been privileged to have Eamonn Burns amongst our sons, he gave us as supporters many magical moments, he brought a smile to our faces and in those days of 1991 and 1994 he helped bring us glory days.

Eamonn has been taken from us too soon, we will miss you Eamonn but we will smile in the memory of the days that you gave us. You were a true son of Down.

On behalf of the family that is Down GAA we offer our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Sinead, Cathal, Thomas and to Malachy, Colum, Mary and the Burns and Mullan family circle.

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam

Seán Óg Mac an tSaoir

#GAAyouth Forum - Back for 2019!

The #GAAyouth Forum 2019 will take place on Saturday 26th October in Croke Park!

The application process is open from Friday 4th October to Sunday 13th October.

This year's Forum is organised by the GAA YouthReps and run in partnership with Sky Sports. It is FREE and will be fun and informative with a mix of interactive exhibitions, workshops, a youth congress, high profile speakers and a Q&A session.

With workshops designed for three specific age groups (12/13; 14/15; 16 - 21 years), players will have the chance to learn invaluable tips and tools that will help them to develop as a player and as a person.

We have a number of activities confirmed for the Forum so far:

• The Exhibition Zone will return for 2019 with interactive demos and stalls for all - don't forget to drop by the selfie stand for a pic with Sam and Liam as well as pick up your goodie bag!
• Behind the Scenes Tours will be held with selected age groups and players will have a chance to see the Stadium like never before;
• Workshops and Talks will take place throughout the day on a range of issues that effect young players;
• A Youth Congress will be held with the oldest age group to discuss and debate matters of importance in Gaelic games today;
• The Q&A Panel will take the hot seat at the end of the day - stay posted to see who we have lined up to answer your questions;
• Lunch Hub - keep the energy levels high and enjoy the best grub Croker has to offer... all for free!

Registration is from 9.30am, the Forum commences at 11am and concludes at 4.30pm.

This FREE event will fill up fast so make sure to sign up as soon as possible.The deadline for applications is Sunday 13th October and all successful applicants will be informed by Friday 18th October.

APPLICATION PROCESS

There are two ways to apply to attend the 2019 #GAAyouth Forum.

Individual Application

• All applicants should be an active member of a GAA Club (or LGFA/Camogie Club) and details of an Adult Club member will be required as part of the application e.g. Club Secretary, Chairperson or Coach. All applicants under 18 will require parental consent to apply and will be required to complete a parental consent form upon being selected as a successful applicant.
• Click here to apply now: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=hrxFrNSvpUKfwz6H4bd_zpB8CXztbMhNhE-GYfD5PK5UOFlHQU1MVTVWNllSWE9aN1hHTjVITUpHNi4u

Club Application - a Club may apply to send up to 4 players

• All Clubs are invited to complete an application form to nominate up to 4 players from the Club to attend the #GAAyouth Forum. The Club will have to nominate a contact person with whom the organisers can liaise. Full details of all applicants must be included in the form. All applicants under 18 will require parental consent to apply and will be required to complete a parental consent form upon being selected as a successful applicant.
• Click here to apply now: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=hrxFrNSvpUKfwz6H4bd_zpB8CXztbMhNhE-GYfD5PK5UOVVIUjVWRk9NTVQ1N1dKUDJUVzRFQVNSUy4u

This morning’s 2020 Ulster SFC draw threw up the mouth-watering prospect of a Donegal versus Tyrone quarter-final clash.

Declan Bonner’s men inflicted a 1-16 to 0-15 semi-final defeat on the Red Hands this summer en route to capturing the Anglo Celt Cup for the second year running.

Defeated finalists Cavan will renew acquaintances with Monaghan in a preliminary round fixture.

The Breffni County knocked their neighbours out of the running at the quarter-final stage this year.

Elsewhere, Derry have been paired with Armagh while Fermanagh will take on Down in the other two quarter-final fixtures.

2020 Ulster SFC draw

Preliminary round

Monaghan v Cavan

Quarter-finals

Monaghan/Cavan v Antrim

Donegal v Tyrone

Derry v Armagh

Fermanagh v Down

Semi-finals

Donegal/Tyrone v Derry/Armagh

Fermanagh/Down v Monaghan/Cavan/Antrim