Any  Clubs who won Cups during 2017 and how has still not returned them to the County Office can you please do so by Friday afternoon of this week.

Down County Committee Open Meeting takes place this Wednesday 26th September in the Burrendale Hotel at 7.30pm.  All clubs should be represented by their County Board Delegate and either their Club Chairperson or Secretary.

Clonduff Club Notes – Sunday 23rd September 2018

CLONDUFF ARE CROWNED JUNIO HURLING CHAMPIONS for 2018

clonduff Hurlers put the heartache of last year’s championship defeat to bed on Sunday afternoon in St. Patrick’s Park, Newcastle, to run out Junior Hurling Champions for 2018.

Playing with the wind, Newry Shamrocks were first to settle any championship nerves finding themselves first on the scoreboard and into an early lead. Clonduff were soon to follower, however, and right from the off this looked to be set for an enthralling encounter between the two sides.

Despite some great defence work from the yellas, Shamrocks chipped away at their points and quickly went two points ahead, domineering the field of play. Shamrocks had now found great momentum and seized the opportunity of a free, rattling the back of the net to put four points between the teams on a score-line of 1-03 to 2 points. Clonduff however benefited from previous experience of a championship final and with a score from Rían Branagan began to build momentum of their own. The Clonduff defence picked up pace and Shamrocks began to struggle on the attack while at the other end of the field, Clonduff took every scoring opportunity that came their way with some fantastic frees taken by Christopher Young. Shamrocks once again came at the Clonduff defence but a phenomenal catch from Patrick Branagan prevented any score and the line was cleared by Shea Murnin who then earned a free for Clonduff, which, with great team work, resulted in a Clonduff score bringing the sides level in the 33^rd minute. In a quick and fiery attempt to grab the lead back, Shamrocks raced up the pitch with their aim on goal, however Niall Quinn did well to clear the line as the half-time whistle blew leaving  the sides all square 1-3 to 6 points going into the dressing room.

The Clonduff side received a mighty welcome back on to the pitch from their supporters which seemed to spur them on as they got off to a fast paced start to the second half with Christopher Young sticking the ball over the bar.

This was certainly a game that was not going to be easily won and despite edging a two point led early in the second half, Clonduff conceded a second goal which gave Shamrocks the advantage, the scoreboard read 2-9 to 10 points. But this was to be Clonduff’s day and they soon saw the net themselves as Shane Murray scored a goal to regain their two point lead. Clonduff never looked back and despite Shamrocks levelling the scores again, the yellas looked in control of the game. A long range free taken by Shamrocks left the Clonduff support on the edge of their seats as it looked to have gone over the head of goalkeeper Niall Quinn, however, this was simply an illusion and as the ball made its way back up the field the cheers echoed the stand in St. Patricks Park- an exciting, closing 10 minutes were guaranteed! Both teams made the most of scoring opportunities as well as frees awarded and as the scores stood at 1-13 to 2-9 Clonduff were awarded a side-line ball. John Murphy stood up to the line giving the ball a mighty hit as it travelled up the pitch going wide, however, it did not matter as the Shamrocks goalkeeper hit the ball, the final whistle blew.  The Clonduff supporters were elated as they made their way onto the pitch to congratulate their players. In a cracking game for any neutral, Clonduff ran out victors by a single point.

Final Score: Clonduff  1-13  v Newry Shamrocks  2-09.

Sean Downey the Clonduff captain stepped up to receive the Junior Hurling Cup from the county chairman Sean Rooney. But before any celebrations, Sean gave an emotional but very fitting tribute, not only speaking highly of his team mates and management but remembering their brother Peárce Branagan who had tragically passed away in June this year. Sean believes that Peárce played an intrical role in their championship victory and with this in mind invited Peárce’s girlfriend Ellen McCrilly to help him lift the cup in Peárce’s honour!        

Clonduff Team: Niall Quinn, Declan Rooney, Sean Downey, Lorcan Branagan, Paddy Branagan, John Murphy, Jamie Lynch, Chrissy Young, Shay Murnin, Fionnbharr Murphy, Rhys Ward, Darragh Downey, Mark Downey, Shane Murray, Rian Branagan, Liam Mc Parlan, Ryan Jackson, Danny Nugent, Gavin O’Hagan, Chrissy Lynch, Dylan Downey, Conor Pio Gribben, Paul Bloomfield, Martin Rooney, Jamie Curran, Jamie Lowry, Paddy Grant, Christopher Brown, Christopher Hynes, Declan Hudson, Gerard Coughlin and Lorcan McAteer.

Management: Delcan Napier

Selectors: Francis Quinn and Paddy Branagan.                                                                                                                                                                                                   

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

This year’s AGM will take place on Wednesday 28^th November at 7pm in clubrooms.
Do we have a valid email address for every member over 18 years old? Not sure - send email to secretary.clonduff.down@gaa.ie
Please spread the word with family and friends!

CLONDUFF DATES FOR YOUR DIARY!
Juvenile Awards - Sunday 28th October - New Format - Details later
Deceased Members’ Mass – Wednesday 14^th November @7.30pm in Clubrooms

Clonduff Annual Dinner Dance – Saturday 17^th November @7.30pm in Clubrooms

CLONDUFF CHRISTMAS CLUB
It may only be September but in order to guarantee your club gear arrives in time for Christmas you need to contact Goretta/Noleen in Club shop asap.
Shop will be open:
Sunday mornings 10.30-12 noon
Wednesday evenings 6.30-8pm
 

Friends of Clonduff Lotto numbers for Monday 17^th September were 14,23,21,27.
Two match 3 winners – Winners receive £50 each                                                                                                                                                                               Next Week's Jackpot £2,300

HANDBALL

SOCIAL HANDBALL
Down Handball plans to run a social handball league for beginners and ‘beginners again’. The games will start in October.
If interested please give names to Club or County Board.
It’s a great way to keep fit during the winter – Please spread the word!

CAMOGIE

U12 – Well Done to the U12 camogie team who won the Ellen Finnegan tournament in Castlewellan on Sunday afternoon.

U16 - Congratulations to the U16 Camogie team who were crowned league champions in Tuesday evening in an unbeaten campaign! They saw off Castlewellan to claim the title and will face Breadagh on Saturday 29^th September in the Championship Final – Good Luck Girls!

MESSAGE FROM OUR COUNTY STARS                                                                                                                               The ten girls from Clonduff who played for the County this year would like to thank all those who supported them on the journey, the three buses that took off on the Sunday morning and all those who wished them well and to those who sponsored the girls, to those who bought good luck signs and to the wonderful men who decorated the village in red and black we thank you!!                                   We encourage all the younger members of the club to continue to work hard and train hard and some day you too could be entering the fray in the fabulous Croke Park wearing that famous Red and Black jersey! We are and always will be proud to wear the 'yella' jersey and to represent Clonduff on the County teams!

Congratulations to our senior team for reaching the Senior Championship Final after defeating Ballygalget in a hard fought battle on Saturday afternoon.

There will be no sessions for the Down u15 ETS Football Squad for the next 2 weekends. The next planned session will take place on October 6th.

The Management team of the u15s would like to wish all members of the squad involved in upcoming club championship games the very best of luck.

I would ask that the following details be passed on to those responsible for the kids who are attending the u12 Croke Park activity day, next Saturday, 29th September 2018.

1. All players / parents are asked to meet the full time Down GAA staff members at the CUSACK STAND entrance (Museum Entrance) to Croke Park at 8.30am SHARP on Saturday morning. Children from the same clubs should congregate together so that they are easily recognisable.

**Please note that parents will not be permitted to park their cars in the Cusack Stand Car Park. 

Parking for spectators / parents will be in the Davin Stand (Canal End) Car Park.  Enter via St Margaret's Terrace off North Circular Road. 

Please note that you will have to walk from this car park around to the Cusack Stand entrance with your children who are taking part, which will take 15 - 20 minutes.** 

2. Upon arrival, Down GAA staff will escort the players into the changing rooms. Club Coaches / mentors / parents from each club will be asked to take their seats in the Cusack Stand at this point.

3. All children are asked to come in their club colours with a full club playing kit (including jersey) underneath if possible. Children who will be playing hurling / camogie should bring their own hurls and helmets with them.

4. Children will have a maximum of 30 minutes playing time on the Croke Park pitch. At various stages, children will be required to sit in allocated seats in the stand either before / after their playing time. These seats will be separate to their parents / guardians and will be supervised by Down GAA staff.

4. ALL Children must bring a good packed lunch.

5. The games will take place from 9.30am sharp to 11am. During this time supporters attending can watch the games from the Cusack Stand. Parents / guardians / club coaches MUST NOT encroach onto the playing area either before, during or after the games take place.

6. The children participating in the activity day will get a tour of the Croke Park Stadium from 11.30am to 12.30pm. Parents / family members CANNOT accompany their children on the tour.

We would ask that parents / family members do not book onto their own separate tours during this time as they will need to collect their children once the group tour has finished.

7. At 12.30pm, following the conclusion of the Museum tours, children will be returned to the care of their parents outside the museum entrance. From this point onwards the children are the responsibility of their parents / guardians etc.

8. It is essential that children / adults are on time at all stages of the day to ensure the smooth running of the event from start to finish. Down GAA will have staff present at all stages to help out and run the event. It is essential that children and parents respect the staff at all times and do exactly what they are asked at all times.

9. PARENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO ENTER THE PLAYING AREA AT ANY TIME / STAGE THROUGHOUT THE DAY. Given the time of year, Croke Park officials will take a very dim view on parents encroaching onto the pitch which could hinder the event being held in coming years.

Finally we would ask that parents refrain from trying to send additional children into the group who have not been nominated / selected. This puts the staff in a very difficult position and will lead to the child being returned to their parents, likely upset and embarrassed.

We hope that all players / parents  / guardians and family members have a wonderful day in Dublin. I would stress however that it is vitally important that everyone is present at 8.30am on Saturday 29th.

The GAA have again reiterated their commitment to the ongoing educational development of its players and members by announcing details of the 2018/2019 GAA National Student Bursary scheme.

Now in its eleventh year, the GAA has invested over €2million in the past decade that the Bursary Schemes have been in existence.

The scheme is open to members of the Association who are only attending a full-time Higher Education course.

The schemes are administered by the respective Provincial Councils and recipients will again be selected based on a range of criteria, including their playing, coaching or administrative commitments to the GAA. A number of awards in each province will be reserved for those excelling in the areas of coaching and administration.

Ulster GAA welcomes applications from those students from our province regardless whether their attendance is at a college inside or outside of Ulster. Applicants must:

– be attending a full time undergraduate course at a University or third level College;
– be eligible, under Comhairle Ardoideachais Constitution and Bye Laws, to play in Higher Education GAA Competitions;
– be in their second year of study, or above, i.e. ‘freshers’ are ineligible to apply;
– not be in receipt of any other Bursary/Scholarship or Sports Academy Scholarships, where they are in receipt of ‘in kind’ benefits;
– be actively involved in their Higher Education GAA Club;

Students who have received an award from the Ulster GAA Student Bursary Scheme in the past are ineligible to apply for a second award.

Senior Inter-County players who were on their County’s Senior Panel in 2018 should apply for Bursaries via the Gaelic Players Association; further information at www.gaelicplayers.com.

Applications in Ulster for the scheme will be considered by a sub-committee of the Ulster Council.

Application forms for this year’s scheme are available to download below. Students should apply using the relevant application form to the Provincial Council of their home GAA Club.

All completed forms should be returned to the relevant details on the application form and the closing dates for applications is Friday October 5th.

Application forms can downloaded here

Three Down Clubs were recently announced by Ulster GAA as successfully achieving Club Maith accreditation at the relevant standard;

St Joseph’s Ballycran – Gold
St Patrick’s Mayobridge – Platinum
Liatroim Fontenoys – Platinum

Each club received their certificate of accreditation from Ulster GAA President Michael Hasson at a presentation event held in Market Place Theatre, Armagh on Thursday 23rd August.

Speaking at the event the Ulster GAA President commented that:
“This is a significant achievement for each of the clubs involved and is not only an endorsement of the high standards of governance in place but will also be of great importance for future club development.”

A Club Maith award makes a clear, proven statement about the quality of a club right across five core areas of GAA club business: Governance; Duty of Care; Community Enhancement; Culture and Heritage; and Coaching and Games Development.

The assessment process involves the submission of a club portfolio to the Club Maith assessors at the Ulster Council which must demonstrate how the club matches up to the governance standards set out in the Club Maith framework. The portfolio is then assessed and as part of the overall assessment, Assessors also visit the club to review coaching standards and discuss the portfolio with the relevant club officers.

There are many benefits to going through Club Maith for your club. Feedback from clubs who have gone through the process say they have been able to make huge improvements in their club by going through Club Maith without having to spend a lot of money, or having to completely over-haul how they conduct their business. Clubs have reported that they have recruited new volunteers into the club as a result, and the club has become a more relevant place for members of their community who would have stayed away from the club.

Ulster GAA will support clubs through the process but ultimately a club’s application should be developed by the Club so as to be relevant to the club’s needs.

Should your club have any queries regarding Club Maith please email
fionntan.odowd.ulster@gaa.ie and support will be on hand.

All-Ireland football final will remain a September event in 2019.

By rule, the All-Ireland finals must now be completed by the end of August, but because September 1 is the 35th Sunday in the year, it must be played on this date to fall in line with the GAA's existing fixtures schedule.