Latest General News

General News Training course for refs ALL clubs have been notified to forward names of referees for training for the coming season. The Referees’ Administration Committee has arranged a foundation training course commencing on Monday, February 7, continuing on Saturday, February 12, and concluding on Monday, February 14. The seminar for current referees in the county will be held on Sunday, February 20. The East and South Down Boards have been notified not to arrange any MFL games for that date. 29/12/2004 SPORTS PROGRAMMES ON TG4 - Christmas 2004 20/12/2004 Down GAA Year Book 2004 AVAILABLE IN SHOPS AND CLUBS FROM FRIDAY 13/12/2004 FORUM ON RURAL CLUBS - For the attentation of Clubs 15/12/2004 Club Down - New Committee Brian Cunningham of Warrenpoint (formerly Dundrum) has been elected Vice-Chairman of Club Down. Other officers are: Sean O'Neill (Chairman), Gerry O'Hare (Secretary), John Mc Shane (Treasurer), Sean Magee (Co-Ordintaor), Maurice Hayes (President). 15/12/2004 Low-key Down GAA Convention 06/12/2004 Secretary's Report for County Convention 29/11/2004 Motions for County Convention 29/11/2004 Football and hurling DVDs on the web 26/11/2004 3rd Annual Club Down Sports Banquet-Selction of Images 23/11/2004 New South East SFL starts next February Eight of the Down Division One teams have entered the new South East SFL which commences on the 12/13 February next - Castlewellan, Liatroim, An Riocht, Bryansford, Ballyholland, Shamrocks, Longstone and Kilcoo will play in mixed groups with teams from Cavan, Fermanagh, Armagh and Tyrone. It should prove a very interesting competition to start the 2005 football season and give the clubs good competitive match practice. 22/11/2004 Screening on the agenda 14/11/2004 Club Down Sports Banquet 2004 07/11/2004 New appeals System on the Way 02/11/2004 Down Supporters Club AGM The anual general meeting of the Down Supporters club will be held in the Canal Court Hotel on Wednesday 10th November. Our special guest for the evening will be Gregory Mc Cartan anyone wishing to attend would be very welcome as we are looking for new members the evening will start at 8pm and refreshments will be available. 01/11/2004 Club Planning and Development Programme Launched 24/10/2004 Invitation to a Celebration of Scor in Down 07/10/2004 East Down Development Squad The East Down Development Squad will play Mid Armagh on Sunday 10th October 2004 in Armagh at 12-00pm.Transport will leave Lower Square Castlewellan at 10-15am. All cl;ubs are responible to get there player's at Castlewellan. See Squad List 06/10/2004 Attical win Down Golf Championship 20/09/2004 Granco Trucks Golf Championship is a Sell Out 05/09/2004 Bredagh Club Event - Review of the season in Ulster and a preview of the All Ireland Finals 03/09/2004 Minor Football Championship Draw 01/09/2004 U14 Skills Qualifiers 2004 01/09/2004 McNamee Awards 2004 for Down Year Book 01/09/2004 Next Round Championship Draw 11/08/2004 Club Championship Details 20/07/2004 Club Down All Ireland Draw - Results 14/08/2004 Down GAA Clubs Golf Championship, being held on 17th September 14/08/2004 Down Yearbook 2003 wins McNamee Award 04/08/2004 New coaching initiative THE county coaching and development panel squads have been brought into line with a directive from Croke Park. The U-15 and U-16 panels will have a maximum of 40 players while the U-17 panel will consist of 30 players. The U-14 squads are organised by the East and South Down Boards and will have a maximum panel of 40 players. In hurling the U-16 squad will dovetail with the county U-16 panel. The emphasis will be on coaching rather than playing games with squads rather than teams and coaches rather than managers. 20/07/2004 Passing of Down's First Lady Down GAA Gales deeply regret the death of Sighle Nic An Ultaigh, Warrenpoint who passed away on Wednesday morning after a short illness and tender to her entire family circle their deepest sympathy. Sighle was affectionately known in GAA circles as "Down's First Lady". It is a title she richly deserved. From the middle twenties she was closely identified with Gaelic life in the Mourne County and in that time she rarely missed a Down game in either hurling or football. She has accompanied Down teams to every county in Ireland, to London's Wembley Stadium, to far away New York, Chicago and San Francisco. Her other great love is Camogie and she served with distinction as Chairperson of the Ulster Council 1947 - 49 President of the Association 1949 - 53 and Ard Runai from 1953 - 75. 07/07/2004 Redevelopment of Canal Terrace nearing completion - Bring the Capacity of Esler Park up to 18,000 View of the new terracing from the stand. County Chairman Eamon O'Toole, Project Architect Brian Laverty & Brian Cunningham of Club Down discuss the further development of the project. View of new terracing Feis Sunday winners in football, hurling and camogie 13/06/2004 Fans angry over qualifier price hike 10/06/2004 Down Web-Site Recieves Good Review in Gael Sports Monthly 26/05/2004 Sport, a force for good on the island? A discussion about sectarianism in sport - The Irish Association Spring Seminar - Tuesday 25th May 2004 6:30-8:30pm The House of Sport, Upper Malone Road, Belfast 21/05/2004 Notes from Adjudicators' Seminars - Scor 21/05/2004 GAA and Guinness announce extension of Hurling Sponsorship 12/05/2004 President's Awards Scheme on the way 12/05/2004 Photos from Golden Cow Youth Games 08/05/2004 Future of Castlewellan Pitch up for debate 08/05/2004 UNDERDOGS: WE NEED YOU - SEO DO SHEANS 06/05/2004 League Finalists lose out as Croke Park fails to break even 04/05/2004 Breen Morgan Memorial Golf Classic a success 03/05/2004 Special Congress on Croke Park issue rejected 17/04/2004 Down go to the races 08/04/2004 EU to outlaw grass bank terraces 07/04/2004 Brights Day At The Races Will Be Held At Downpatrick On Sat 15 May 2004 At A Cost Of £30 Per Head For Further Details Contact Noel Deegan On 44617055 04/03/2004 Ex Down manager McGrath confirmed as Ireland Manager 30/03/2004 Down Club Hurling and Football Championship Fixtures 2004 25/03/2004 New Club Crest for St Pauls 24/03/2004 Local Clubs receive Sport Lottery Grants Boost 19/03/2004 Cormac McAnallen RIP 02/03/2004 Annual Seminar for Existing Football Referees 03/03/2004

Waggle Chat Flinky Waggle - Cause for Optimism 22/01/2004 Out with the Old, in with the New 05/01/2004 Flinky Waggle Writes to Santa 14/12/2003 Flinky Waggle Speaks for the first Time to Downgaa.net 01/12/2003

 

Newcastle refs seminar 03/03/2004
The annual Seminar for existing football referees will be held in the Donard Hotel, Newcastle, on Sunday, March 28. The guest speakers will be Frank McDonald, Dan McCartan and John Gough (Antrim). The seminar starts at 10am and finish at 5.30pm. Lunch will be provided. All clubs are reminded that NO games should be arranged for that day as all referees are expected to take part in the seminar. The hurling referees’ seminar will be held in Downpatrick on a date to be arranged.

Golf Classic Dedicated To Memory Of Breen Morgan 01/03/2004
The second annual Club Down Golf Classic, to be held at Ardglass Golf Club on Friday 30th April, is being dedicated to the memory of the popular Breen Morgan, who died in early February, the first playing member of the great Down All-Ireland Final teams of 1960 & 1961 to pass away.
The Breen Morgan Memorial Golf Classic will be sponsored by O’Reilly Transport Ireland and will feature guest teams of former players who played with and against Breen in that famous era.

Giants of the Game 25/02/2004

Down hopeful over Newry 15/02/2004
Down officials remain hopeful that they will be able to avail of home advantage in their Ulster Football Championship game against Cavan on 16 May.
The game will take place in Newry providing redevelopment work at the venue is completed to the Ulster Council's satisfaction.
Work to bring the Pairc Esler capacity up to 17,000 is scheduled to finish before the end of April.
Down reached last year's Ulster Final where they were beaten by Tyrone.

Park Esler Redevelopment Work Resumes 11/02/2004
Press Release by Sean Magee, Club Down

Insurance premiums to hit clubs 10/02/2004

CLUB REGISTRATIONS for 2004 are NOW due.

This year as last registrations must be completed in an electronic form, i.e. by e-mail or by post in the form of a floppy disc. Clubs should follow the simple steps listed below:

• Open last years registration form on your computer.
• Simply delete any members who have left, deceased etc.
• Add in any new members (incl. minor), names, addresses, d.o.b. etc.
• Save your new document and remember to keep a copy.
  
  Then either e-mail to myself tony.burden1@btopenworld.com or post a floppy disc copy to myself at 7 Longstone Court, Annalong, Co. Down, BT34 4YG.

GAA announce upgrade of Players Injury Scheme 21/01/2004
GAA has announced an upgrading of its Players Injury Scheme. Under the scheme, for which subscriptions will be mandatory, the cost to clubs for adult teams will be more than doubled to £450 while youth teams face a substantial rise to £138.
Escalating costs in administering the scheme have contributed to the rises, particularly as some 6,000 claims have been processed in recent years.

Insurance disclaimer notice at Club grounds 19/12/2003
Clubs are again reminded that they should display an insurance disclaimer notice at their grounds.
A recent survey carried out showed that notices were displayed at only 23 of the 41 grounds visited.

East Down awards dinner 19/12/2003
Annual East Down awards presentation dinner will be held in the RGU club rooms, Downpatrick, on Friday, February 20. Clubs should note the date and not arrange any club function on that night.

Padraig McFlynn becomes Down President 14/12/2003
At Convention on Sunday Paddy McFlynn who was President of the GAA in 1979 was appointed President of Down GAA. Paddy replaces TP Murphy, who died earlier in the year as County President.

Club Down Merchandise 12/12/2003
Bargainland, Downpatrick and Celtic Corner, Canal Street, Newry have been appointed official agents for Club Down merchandise. They are also stocking the Paddy Doherty Tribute video which is also available at the GAA Shop in Castlewellan.

McCormack wants more access to Croker 09/12/2003

County Convention 11/12/2003
Convention takes place this Sunday afternoon (1.30 pm) in Newcastle but it is likely to be a fairly quiet affair with few contests or interesting motions up for debate.
The only major contest of note will be for the position of Public Relations Officer.

Fintan Mussen has held the office since 1992 and has done sterling work in promoting the GAA both at home and on a national stage but he has decided to step down this year. Two men have been nominated to replace him - Sean Óg McAteer who is a former Down PRO and Matt Fitzpatrick who is the current hurling board PRO.

Down Supporters Club AGM 01/12/2003
The annual general meeting of the Down Supporters Club will be held in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry on Wednesday night the 3rd Dec at 8 p.m.
Hopefully there will be a big attendance at this meeting. With Down football on ‘the up’ it is important that there is a progressive and vibrant Supporters Club to help them on their way to success in the coming season.
The Supporters Club is looking for committee members from all areas but especially the Ards Peninsula, Carryduff, Downpatrick, Drumaness, Hilltown, Mourne, Newcastle and Belfast.

Nickey English attends Club Down Banquet 25/11/2003

Photos from Club Down Banquet 25/11/2003

Down GAA Centenary Celebrations 03/11/2003

Photos from Down GAA Centenary Dinner 10/11/2003

Appeal system no help to players 02/11/2003

Giants of the Game Competition - Competition winners Announced 27/10/2003

East Down GAA Board for 2003

Front Row: Paddy Murray, Sean McCashin (Secretary), Martin Fitzsimons (Chairman), Matt Fitzpatrick (Treasurer) Midddle Row: Paul Lynch, Malachy Sharvin, Liam Murphy, Columban Fitzsimons. Back Row; PJ McAlinden, Seamus O'Hanlon, Pat Rooney, Al Dillon, Brian Kennedy

 

INTERNATIONAL RULES

Three test next time? 01/11/2003

Australia pinch series win on home soil for first time 31/10/2003

Coulter sets up irelands second goal 31/10/2003
Ireland scored only two goals in the second test - both goals coming in the opening stages of the game. Ireland created two goal chances before a long ball in from Padraig Joyce was fisted to the net by Armagh's McDonnell amongst a clatter of Australian bodies and immediately a soccer style cross from Benny Coulter was collected by Beano who rounded his man and finished to the net for goal number two. At the end of the first quarter Ireland led 22-4.

Australia announce playing squad for second test 23/10/2003

Scarlett, Bickley Out of Second Test 29/10/2003

Coulter rues poor finishing 27/10/2003

Australia claim first test 24/10/2003

Ireland announce playing squad for first test 23/10/2003

Australia announce playing squad for first test 23/10/2003

Count Down to Test Match 21/10/2003

Irish Squad arrive in Australia 18/10/2003

International Rules - Australia Name Test Squad 13/10/2003

Championship Finals - Timetable for Championship Finals 29/09/2003

Championship Finals - Special County Final Programme 29/09/2003

Gaelic Gear Supports Down Centenary 20/09/2003
New Down kit suppliers, Gaelic Gear, are giving their support to the Down GAA Centenary celebrations by providing a full set of team jerseys for a free draw between the clubs attending the Centenary Dinner Dance in the Canal Court Hotel on 31st October. The kit will be supplied in the colours of the winning club and 12 footballs will also be provided to be given away as additional prizes at the event.

Down - The Years Of Glory 19/09/2003
A virtual "who's who" of football heroes will assemble for this event, in the Slieve Donard Hotel on Saturday 11th October. Great Down players from the 60's attending include the three winning captains, Kevin Mussen, Paddy Doherty and Joe Lennon, as well as Sean O'Neill, Jarlath Carey, PJ Mc Elroy, John Smith, Tony Hadden, Larry Powell. George Glynn, Eamon Mc Kay, Leo Murphy, Pat Rice, Tom O'Hare, Brendan Sloan, Danny Kelly, Mickey Cole, Peter Rooney, Willie Doyle, Jim Milligan and Ray Mc Conville.
Captains of the 91 & 94 teams Paddy O'Rourke and DJ Kane will also be there as will a host of former 'greats' from other counties, among them Greg Hughes and Paddy Mc Cormack of Offaly, Seamus Hoare (Donegal), Jim Mc Keever (Derry), Thady Turbett and Jody O'Neill (Tyrone), Mickey Whelan (Dublin), the original "Peter The Great" - Peter Mc Dermott from Meath, who has a celebrated association with Down's past successes, Jim Mc Donnell (Cavan), Eamon Grieve (Antrim) and many more.
The joint Masters of Ceremony for the night are Miceal O'Muircheartaigh and Gene Fitzpatrick and it is expected that the President of the GAA Sean Kelly will also be there.
Regarded as one of the greatest footballers of them all, Galway's Sean Purcell will make a rare visit to County Down for this Night of Stars.
If you want to be there it is, sadly, already too late.
The event is completely sold out.
Sean Magee (Event Manager)

McCague to be guest at Down Centenary Dinner 15/09/2003

Kelly condems death threat 04/09/2003

Sunday Game and Breaking Ball out class End to End and The Championship 01/08/2003
Voters in the last Down GAA poll have voted that the Sunday game (44%) and Breaking Ball (24%) are the best GAA shows on TV. Both RTE programmes out voted BBC's The Championship and UTV's End to End.
voting has began on who do you want to see win the All Ireland Tyrone or Armagh.
Make your vote count

Croker to be finished 01/09/2003

National poll may be key to opening Croker 26/08/2003

Tyrone into all Ulster final
Tyrone ensured we will have a first ever All-Ireland football final between two sides from the same province as they completely overwhelmed a poor Kerry team in a at times ugly All-Ireland semi-final.
Tyrone 0-13 Kerry 0-6

On 22nd August we celebrated our 1st birthday - In are first year we had over 53,800 hits

Down GAA Centenary Celebrations - Special Dinner Dance 19/08/2003

An Riocht Launch New Website 18/08/2003
www.anriocht.com

Club Down - All Ireland Ticket Winners 18/08/2003

GAA TV games a roaring success 05/08/2003

Killyleagh club returns 01/08/2003
Wolfe Tones GAC, Killyleagh, may soon be back in action and taking part in East Down juvenile competitions. At a recent meeting a new committee was elected.
Priorities will be to have Wolfe Tone Park put in order and dressing rooms made ready for use. The new committee is: chairman, Eamon Kent; secretary, John Keenan; treasurer, Colm Maguire. Good luck to them.

Out of Competition drug testing deferred 31/07/2003

Croker Hotel given go-ahead 31/07/2003

Croke Park work to be fast tracked 28/07/2003

Qualifiers promise bonanza 27/07/2003

Alcohol abuse Task Force meets Mr Sean Kelly 25/07/2003

Summer Camps 2003 - Dates and Venues 24/06/2003
This year, a record of nine Gaelic Games Summer Camps will be held at various venues throughout the county.
Click here for more details

Poker Classic 02/07/2003
In association with Club Down - a Poker Classic will be held in Cue Club Newry on Wed 9th July for the Down Training Fund. Top prize £500
Contact Gavan Magee at Cue Club 028 3026 6066 for more details.

Leaked draw embarrasses GAA and RTE 01/07/2003
The GAA and RTE have been left red-faced by the fact that the pairings for next weekend's All-Ireland football qualifiers were known hours before the draw was shown on RTE television last Sunday night. As is the norm, the draw was recorded at around 7.30pm for a delayed showing on “The Sunday Game” which started two hours later, by which time news of the pairings had spread all over the country. Those attending the closing ceremony of the Special Olympics in Croke Park had earlier learned that Dublin had drawn Armagh, courtesy of Dublin forward Jason Sherlock who was on stage.
The event was being broadcast ‘live' on 2FM, so listeners were aware that the draw had been made. RTE are anxious to make the draw ‘live' on “The Sunday Game”, but that would cause problems for daily newspapers who have deadline considerations. GAA president Sean Kelly said he was unhappy with the situation and promised to review procedures before next Sunday night's draw for the second round of the All-Ireland hurling qualifiers.

Interested in raising funds for your Club as well as earning some spare cash for yourself? 17/06/2003
The finance section of AIB Club of vthe Year St Malachy's Castlewellan have come up with an adventurous scheme that can earn participating GAA Clubs and other sporting organisations in the region of 40k+ as well as providing additional income for individuals involved.
If you or your Club are interested in participating please contact the Club at castlewellangac@gaelmail .com or telephone Kevin Sweeney 07747803804 or Miceal Crilly 07734159766.

The Glory Years Celebrating the Golden Era of Down Football in The Sixties 13/06/2003
All eyes may be fixed on the events at Clones on Sunday 22nd June as Down's footballers take on the challenge of Fermanagh in the Ulster Semi Finals . . .
Click here for more details

Giants of the Game - Short Listing - Club Down 13/06/2003
The short listed nominees are now posted on the Club Down web-site:
www.clubdown.com . . .
Click here for more details

Club Down One Year On 07/06/2003
It is just a year ago that a group of committed Down GAA people got together to discuss the need to drive forward the redevelopment of Park Esler at Newry. . . .
Click here for more details

Feis An Duin Sunday 02/06/2003
The heavy rainfall in Newcastle on Sunday past brought an early end to Feis An Duin Sunday, but before the organisors had to give way to the rain they completed four finals: Senior Hurling, Junior Hurling, Minor Football and Junior Football. . .
Click here for more details

New benefits for GAA players 25/05/2003
The GAA have approved increases in benefits for intercounty players, based on the recent findings of the Amateur Status Committee. . . .
Click here for more details

PlayGAA: The OFFICIAL Fantasy Game of the GAA 14/05/2003
Today sees the launch of PlayGAA the OFFICIAL fantasy game of the GAA in association with the Irish Daily Star. It is the second year that the Official fantasy game has been run on behalf of the GAA by Fantasy World Sports. The game can be played either online at www.playgaa.com or by telephone using information printed every Saturday in the Irish Daily Star.
The top prize at the end of the game is a real sports fan’s dream trip in the form of a 13-day trip to Australia for 2 people which will incorporate: 26th October Australia v Ireland: International Rules Series- Perth 31st October Australia v Ireland: International Rules Series – Melbourne 1st November Ireland v Australia Rugby World Cup – Melbourne 4th November –The Melbourne Cup for more details check out the www.playgaa.com website

McNamee Awards Entry for the 2002 14/05/2003
McNamee Awards is closing on Friday May 23rd. There are 3 relevant categories as follows:
Best Article in a GAA Yearbook
Best County Final Programme
Best Club Media Presentation (Yearbook, Club History, Programme, etc.)
All entries should be sent to: Feargal McGill, GAA Headquarters, Level 6, Páirc an Chrócaigh, BAC 3

L to r Aidan OPrey vice captain senior football team, Paddy ORourke, senior football manager, Eamon OToole chairman Down county Board Danny Stewart MD Gaelic Gear, Jimmie OReilly senior Hurling team manager, Simon Wilson senior hurling team captain.	L to r Brian Bell manager minor hurling team, Paddy Hughes minor hurling team captain, John McParland canal Court Hotel, team sponsor, Danny Stewart MD Gaelic gear, Simon Wilson senior Hurling team captain, Jimmie OReilly senior hurling team manager.

Down Sign up with Gaelic Gear 12/05/2003
The Down County GAA Committee today announced a three year agreement with sports clothing manufacturer 'Gaelic Gear '. . .
Click here for more details

Breaking Ball Back on are screens
Breaking ball is back - starting Friday 7.30pm RTE1, repeated on Saturday 3.15pm on Network 2.
Some good features to start with including one that should interest Limerick football fans and Munster Rugby fans alike. Their is also a preview of the Armagh and Monaghan match - Down play the winners

51 teams play in Greg Blaney Golf Classic 05/05/2003
The beautifully situated links-like course at Ardglass, with its new holes in competition for the first time, hosted 51 teams in the Greg Blaney Classic, sponsored by O''Reilly Transport Ireland, on Friday 2nd May . . .
Click here for more details

Photos from Greg Blaney Golf Classic

Over 50 Teams for Ardglass 30/04/2003
Over 50 teams have entered the Club Down Greg Blaney Golf Classic to be held at Ardglass on Friday 2nd May. Early starters are the team from Burren, led by 91 All-Ireland corner back Brendan Mc Kernan, who tee off at 8am, and the event runs throung to the last team to start, Warren Properties, at 5.30 pm. Will they get back before dark? There is much interest in the Hole In One competition, the rules of which have been relaxed to give EACH AND EVERY player the chance of winning a Renault Megane - yes, more than one could win this fabulous prize as any player hitting the target at the 10th can claim a car.
Not content with that, the organisers have also designated the 5th, 7th and 12th Par 3 holes for additional Hole In One prizes, which include sets of golf irons and weekends in Paris and Brussels. The evening will conclude in the clubhouse with a cabaret featuring Jack Daniels (the singer, not the borboun - although there might be some of that as well) and Gene Fitzpatrick

Car Prize for hole in one at Golf classic 26/04/2003
Fifty (50) teams have entered for the Greg Blaney Golf Classic at Ardglass on Friday next, 2nd May.
And to add to the occasion, the organizers have come up with the ultimate prize - a car to the value of £16,000 for a hole-in-one. . . .
Click here for more details

Ulster Fleadh in Warrenpoint 26 April 2003
The Ulster Fleadh will take place in Warrenpoint in the summer and it is expected the St. Peter’s GAA Club Rooms, Mary Street will be one of the key venues during the Fleadh weekend.

Croke Park pitch to be protected 23/04/2003
Organisers of the Special Olympics have ensured that the Croke Park playing pitch will not be harmed during the opening and closing ceremonies. The ceremonies will take place on June 21 and 29, during the height of the championship campaigns, so it will clearly be vitally important that the pitch is well looked after.
The events will involve building one of the biggest stages the country has ever seen, a 250-foot wide by 85-foot high platform on Hill 16. However, it will be the installation of 14,000 square metres of protective covering and the addition of 10,000 temporary seats on the pitch to help accommodate an invited attendance of 75,000 which will be of most concern. The opening ceremony will include a parade of the 7,000 competing athletes on the playing surface which will stage the Leinster hurling final on July 6 - a week after the closing ceremony.
The GAA headquarters will be protected with a permeable covering to allow light, air and moisture through to the semi synthetic surface. A spokesman for the organisers said: "We did Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney for an event last summer and the technology we use will not do any damage whatsoever."

Uninsured players may face lay-off 17/04/2003
The GAA is considering banning uninsured players from action if numbers contributing to the players' insurance scheme do not rise.
At present just half of all children and adults playing both codes have availed of the scheme. GAA corporate manager Ciaran O'Neill said: "There's nothing to stop us making it compulsory and if the numbers participating in the scheme don't voluntarily come up, that's what we will do." The present scheme, which is voluntary, allows players to supplement the benefits of the standard injury scheme through personal insurance at the cost of €15 for juveniles and €30 for adults.

Sending off County v Club 14/04/2003
In a development at the Congress which took place in Belfast over the weekend a motion was passed concerning penalties for category C and D - less serious sending-off - offences shall only apply at the level the offence occurred. Inter-county players will therefore no longer be suspended from county games when sent off while playing for their clubs, or vice versa.

GAA pays out €12m in compensation 10/04/2003
The GAA has paid out a whopping €12m in compensation to injured players over the last three years, it has been revealed. The GAA's National Insurance Committee will present the figures to this weekend's annual Congress in Belfast. A total of 7,500 claims were lodged last year, a rise of 1,000 on the previous year.

Giants of the Game 09/04/2003
Club Down's Free On-Line Competition The 'Giants Of The Game' competition can be accessed on www.clubown.com.
Entrants can nominate players for a Down team selected from those who played senior county football in the 70s, 80s or 90s, but were not on any of the Down All-Ireland winning panels. . . .
Click here for more details

Live Games Announced by RTE 08/04/2003
The GAA has announced that it has finalised arrangements with RTÉ TV for this summer's live televised Championship matches. The first match will feature the Bank of Ireland Munster Football Championship between Cork and Limerick on the 11th of May. Its also been decided that the Saturday evening televised games will now have a 4.15 start in June instead of 6 o'clock. There'll be live games throughout the season right through until the All Ireland football final on the 28th of September . . .
Click here for more details

New county jersey deal 10/04/2003
THE county committee has signed a deal with Gaelic Gear for the supply of jerseys, replica jerseys, togs, socks, wet gear and other equipment.

Down's First committee was in 1903 One Hundred Years Ago This Month (April)
James Denvir - First Down County Board Chairman	John Fitzpatrick - First Down County Board Secretary
THE first ever Down County Committee was elected one hundred years ago on April 12, 1903. To celebrate the centenary of that historic occasion, the Down County Board is putting in trend several ideas, functions and historical articles to commemorate the occasion. It is also hoped that the local media will remember the occasion with a review of one hundred years of achievement. The first meeting of the newly formed County Committee was held in Drumroe Hall, Kilelief, on 26th April, with James Denvir, Ballynarry, Kilelief, in the Chair. Also present were: J. Fitzsimmons (Treasurer), John Fitzpatrick (Secretary), D. MePolin (Cuan), T. McConville (Red Hand), J. Buckley :Hearts of Down), J. Denvir, J. Croskerry (Downpatrick), P. Rice and Chas. WcCorry (Newry Faugh-a-Ballaghs). To mark the 100th anniversary of that historic occasion, the next meeting of the current county committee will be held in Kilclief on Thursday, April 24. The evening will start with a special centenary mass.

Testing time for the refs 27/03/2003
A FITNESS test for all referees will be held at Clonduff Park, Hilltown, on Saturday, starting at 11am. For those unable to attend there will be another test at Liatroim GAC next Thursday, April 3. At the recent written test on the rules for the first time ever six whistlers attained 100 per cent. So it looks like a good year ahead.
By Matt Fitzpatrick

Referees on the increase 27/03/2003
FOURTEEN new referees have been trained for the coming year. At Ulster level it has been revealed that there are now 50 referees on the provincial list. This means that there are not enough games to give some even one game. However, with referees being appointed as linesmen and fourth officials it means that all will be involved in some way in several games
By Matt Fitzpatrick

Hill 16 Redevelopment get go ahead 19/03/2003
The GAA today welcomed the news that they have been given the green-light to move ahead with the final phase of their redevelopment of Croke Park. An Bord Pleanala upheld an August decision by Dublin City Council to grant permission to the GAA to replace Hill 16 with a bigger stand, with capacity for just over 13,000 fans. Local residents had raised their objection to the development, however, the board found in favour of the GAA. Croke Park will host the opening and closing ceremonies of the Special Olympics in June, so building work on 'The Hill' cannot take place until the Games are over.

Greg Blaney Golf Classic - Club Down 17/03/2003
PRESS RELEASE - Club Down - Club Down Association announces that the Greg Blaney Golf Classic will be staged at Ardglass Golf Club on Friday 2nd May 2003 . . . .
Click here for more details

GAA Centenary Celebrations School's Essay Competition 13/03/2003
The Closing date for the Centenary Essay competitions organised by Comhairle Uladh/The Ulster GAA Council is drawing near. . . .
Click here for more details

Down one of eight counties to forge stronger bond 02/03/2003
President Mary McAleese was in Croke Park on Tuesday the 25th February to launch an historic pilot scheme which is designed to integrate the GAA, the Camogie Association and the Ladies Football Association under one overall umbrella . . .
Click here for more details

East Down Award Winners 2003 02/03/2003

Ulster Says YES to major upgrading of its IT system 02/03/2003
The Ulster GAA Council has given the green light to the major upgrading of its IT systems across the province . . .
Click here for more details

Club Down Competition on line 02/03/2003
Club Down is introducing a unique free on line competition called Giants of the Game and members are being asked to select players to make up a special Down football team, comprising players who starred for Down over the past 40 years, but who were NOT part of the All Ireland winning panels in 1960, '61.'68, '91 and '94.
All you have to do is click on the Club Down GAA website, www.clubdown.com and follow the instructions.
Terrific prizes can be won at the various stages of selection. It is so easy. Just click, pick and win.
A special panel will make the final team selection from those nominated.

First committee in 1903 02/03/2003
THE first ever Down County Committee was elected one hundred years ago on April 12, 1903. To celebrate the centenary of that historic occasion, the Down County Board is putting in trend several ideas, functions and historical articles to commemorate the occasion.
It is also hoped that the local media will remember the occasion with a review of one hundred years of achievement

Admission price rises for Inter County Games 22/02/2003
Croke Park has annonuced that their will be an increase into Inter County games this summer. There will be no increase for the first four rounds of the All Ireland qualifiers, but for double headers, semi-finals and finals the stand and terrace prices will rise by 5 euro.

The full list is:
Qualifier rounds 1 & 2 - stands 15 euro, terrace 12 euro;
Qualifier rounds 3 & 4 - stands 20 euro, terrace 15 euro;
Quarter-finals single game: stands 25 euro, terrace 15 euro;
Double headers - stands 30 euro; terrace 20 euro;
Semi-finals - stands 35 euro, terrace 20 euro;
Finals - stand 50 euro; Hill 16 25 euro.

Toyota announce sponsorship Deal 11/02/2003
Giant car manufacturers Toyota announced a lucrative sponsorship deal with the GAA today, Tuesday, February 11 . . .
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South Down Scor Sinsear 2003 Details 04/02/2003

County Convention to be shortened 07/02/2003
County conventions in past years have been all-day Sunday affair with a lot of time wasted in long debates. From next year the county convention will have a 1.30pm start.

Down GAA Website wins Golden Web Award 2003 - 2004
03/02/2003
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Child Protection Law 05/01/2003
The European child protection law became effective on the 1st Jan 2003. The GAA and all sporting bodies must ensure . . .
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Seminars for club officers 05/01/2003
Seminars for newly appointed club chairmen, secretaries, treasurers, PROs and those in office for a short time are being . . .
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A Review of 2002 - As the Months went by 27/12/2002
Article that appeared in the Down GAA Yearbook 2002 - Details on what happened in Down GAA from January until October 2002 . . .
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Debunking manager hype (Irish Indepentent Article) 22/12/2002
"In certain instances the influence of the manager in successful teams is over rated," agrees former Down manager, Peter McGrath. "Some teams that have won All-Irelands probably needed better managers than others . . .
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Down Convention a low key affair 16/12/2002

AT a low key Down County Convention in Newry yesterday, outgoing chairman Eamon O'Toole, who was returned unopposed for a fourth year, told the 100 delegates that he fully supports the vast majority . . .
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Eaman O Tuathail Cathaoirleach - Speech at County Convention 15/12/2002

Once again it is my honour to address you as Cathaoirleach Coiste Conndae An Dun.
Under the 3 year rule which was in place when I became chairman this should have been my last convention in the position . . .
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Click here to see which officers have been elected to county committee for 2003 15/12/2002

Down Convention this Sunday 12/12/2002
The Down GAA County Convention takes place this Sunday at the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. County Chairman Eamon O'Toole, secretary Donal McCormack, treasurer and assistant treasurer Hugh John Harper and Tony Burden . . .
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Down GAA Yearbook 2002 - 10/12/2002
An ideal Christmas present. The Down Yearbook is now available from local GAA clubs and usual outlets - Price £6.00.

South Down GAA Awards 10/12/2002
The 2002 South Down GAA Awards were held in St Mary’s GAA clubrooms, Burren last Friday evening. Guests at the function included Jerry Quinn Vice Chairman . . .
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East Down Convention 05/12/2002
East Down convention was held on Monday night in Kilclief . . .
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Over 400 attend Club Down Banquet 01/12/2002
Over 400 members, sponsors, supporters and guests attended the inaugural Gala Sports Banquet in the Slieve Donard Hotel on Friday 22nd November . . .
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Newry and Mourne announce new sports strategy and grants 01/12/2002
Newry and Mourne Sports Development Officer Dermot Russell has recently announced a new sports strategy and grants for the council area . . .
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March Seminar for referees 22/11/2002
A SEMINAR for referees in the county will take place in the Donard Hotel, Newcastle, on Sunday, March 16, 2003 . . .
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AIB Club of the Year Awards 2002 - Closing Date Friday 29th November - £100,000 Euros to be won

TP gets Services to the GAA Award 15/11/2002
At last nights Bass/Ulster GAA Writers Association's annual awards banquet Down GAA President TP Murphy was . . .
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First GAA medal in Down Stolen 12/11/2002
The first ever GAA medal in County Down has been stolen from a house in Warrenpoint. The medal, which dates back to 1889, was taken as burglars ransacked the home . . .
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Press Release Re "Destination Newry" by County Chairman 08/11/2002
Statement from Eamonn O’Toole, Chairman of the Down County Committee of the GAA

Senior Officers of the Down County Committee were advised in August that proposals were being mooted by a consortium . . .
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Press Release Re "Destination Newry" by Club Down 08/11/2002
Support For Existing Project Club Down Association feels obliged to make a statement on the “Destination Newry” document, which includes reference to the possible incorporation . . .
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Complete backing to Down Co Board Response 07/11/2002
The Club Down Association has, unsurprisingly given its complete backing to the Down County Board in their response . . .
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AIB announce major prize money increase 04/11/2002
AIB have announced a trebling their investment in the AIB GAA Club of the Year Awards scheme for the coming 12 months. . . .
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Down man on review Committee 03/11/2002
GAA President Sean McCague has set up a sub-committee to review a number of the association's rules in an effort to prevent further . . .
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Club Down Banquet on November 22nd 31/10/2002
The inaugural Club Down sports banquet will be held in the Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle on Friday night, November 22nd . . .
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Special Congress 29/10/2002
All players under 16 to be prevented from competing at more than one grade above their own level . . .
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Famous cap donated 24/10/2002
On Sunday past, former Meath player and manager Peter McDermott donated his famous cap to the GAA museum in Croke Park before the second International Rules test
. . .
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GAA's Player Injury scheme continue to grow 24/10/2002
The GAA has been operating an internal Player Injury scheme in one guise or another since as far back as 1929 . . .
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Insurance 17/10/2002
All Down GAA clubs are reminded that they must be covered by insurance for the builders or any one carrying out redevelopment . . .
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Newry set for £250 million Sports development 16/10/2002
Details have been revealed by Busness men in Newry that they want to develop £250 million state of the art sports . . .
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Special Olympics Support 14/10/2002
Next year the Special Olympics will be held in Ireland, (the first time the Games will ever have been hosted outside the USA) with the opening ceremony at Croke Park on Saturday 21st June . . .
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