Minutes of Annual General Meeting
February, 26th. 2005
The Annual General Meeting of Cumann na mBunscol was held
in the City Hotel, Armagh on Saturday, 26th. February. The meeting
was chaired by Jim O’ Reilly and he welcomed all the delegates and especially
Seán Mc Cann ( Oifigeach Gaelach, Coiste Contae Árd Mhacha ), Eibhlin Ward & Pat
Morrissey ( Hertfordshire & London ), Lisa Mitchell ( Liathróid Láimhe ), Jimmy
D’Arcy ( Coaching Games & Development ) and Alison Mc Cormack ( Camogaiocht ).
He thanked Árd Mhacha and in particular Kathleen Woods, Malachy McGeeney and
Paul Duggan for their hospitality. He also thanked Seán Ó Ceallaigh for his
attendance at our function the previous night. He congratulated the national
committee for all the excellent work that they had done over the year. Apologies
from Catherine Byrne, Liam Mulvihill, Pat Daly, Moira Graham, Jerry Grogan, Pat
Trainor, Richard Bowles and Éamonn Mullen. Jim also congratulated Richard Bowles
on the recent birth of his baby daughter Clare and he wished Pat Trainor and
Jerry Grogan a speedy recovery from their recent illnesses. He also sympathised
with Éamonn on recent bereavment.
The adoption of the Standing Orders
was proposed by Bernie Ryan ( Sligo ) and seconded by Kevin Wrafter (Offaly).
G.M. Minutes were read
by Jim and the following suggestions were made;
Any relevant material in relation to website
should be sent to Margaret.
We should show our appreciation to Allianz for
€300,000 sponsorship money by submitting Allianz PR material in September.
County secretaries should distribute details concerning
Roadstone Awards to schools in their county.
Our PRO Jerry Grogan was still acting as PRO and
Jim urged counties to forward PR material to Jerry.
It was fantastic to see so many attend the Handball
Exhibition Games in Croke Park. One county expected All-Ireland medals and
they had to be informed that it was an Exhibition Game.
Details of the O’ Neill’s competition 2005 could be
obtained in this booklet and on our website.
Jim thanked Cumann na mBunscol An Mhi for inviting the
chairman and secretary to their 25th. Anniversary dinner. He also
congratulated them on reaching their 25th. Anniversary.
The adoption of the GM minutes
was proposed by Tom Ryan (Dublin) and seconded by Gerry O’ Meara (Leinster).
Raffle:
A raffle took place and John Burns from Meath won a beautifully framed picture.
Correspondence:
ØA letter from Hertfordshire Primary Schools’
Board requesting affiliation with Cumann na mBunscol.
ØA letter from Liam Mulvihill refusing
permission for the Allianz Exhibition Games to be played on day of Allianz
League Finals.
ØA letter of appraisal for Cumann na mBunscol
from Eamonn Mullen thanking the national executive for their friendship over the
years. He also congratulated teachers on the wonderful work that they are doing
in the schools to promote Gaelic Games. He wished Paul Duggan well as his
successor in the role of Development Officer.
Chairman’s Address:
Jim O’ Reilly said that it was his fourth year as
cathaoirleach and it was a great honour for him to be able to serve Cumann na
mBunscol.
ØHe thanked Cumann na mBunscol Árd Mhacha on
hosting the AGM and he praised them for the wonderful hospitality that they
showed to delegates on their arrival in the hotel.
ØMost of what he was going to say was covered in
great detail by our very efficient rúnai, Margaret, in her excellent report.
However it was important that he should highlight the main activities undertaken
in the past twelve months.
ØHe thanked Roadstone for their help and
sponsorship on the Annual Awards’ night last November. In ways it was the end of
an era as it was Michael Grogan’s last awards night as Managing Director. His
personal interest in the scheme helped to drive the night to its present
heights. Our sincere thanks to Ronnie Delany who acted as liaison between
ourselves and Roadstone. Mile buiochas freisin do Marty who not only was M.C. on
the night but also put the night together. Thanks to all the adjudicators and a
sincere congrats to everybody who was nominated on the night.
ØThe INTO/GAA Mini-Sevens continues to provide
six great days out for 240 primary school children from all over Ireland. After
nine years at the helm, Timmy Maher has stepped down as National Organiser. Jim
has seen not only Timmy’s commitment over the last four years but also that of
his wife Neasa and family. Our sincere thanks to all the Dublin teachers who
give freely of their time putting up goal-posts for games etc. Mile buiochas
freisin to Jerry Grogan who has a full page in the programme for these games. He
would also like to thank INTO President,Austin Corcoran, who attended on all six
Sundays. Words couldn’t express his thanks to Moira Graham ( Croke Park ) who
provides us with invaluable support. He expressed his thanks also to John Carr
and Catherine Byrne who increased the INTO sponsorship again this year.
ØTwo days of handball ably organised by Malachy
McGeeney took place again this year. Though not having the same following as
other codes, the families and players showed great enthusiasm on both days. It
would be great if more teachers accompanied their pupils on their big days.
ØThis year a project and colouring competition
sponsored by O’ Neills was launched. We were very happy with the response to
these competitions and we look forward to greater entries this year. Our sincere
thanks to Tom Ryan who co-ordinated last year’s event with great efficiency.
ØIn December we met Allianz to renew our
sponsorship. We are delighted to accept a three year deal worth €300,000. A
special word of thanks to Caroline Meany in Allianz who gave us great help. Jim
asked each county to get the Allianz logo or Allianz name in newspapers and
submit it for PR. It was a case of no Allianz publicity, no money. Thankfully
Allianz are back on board again. However, each unit ( County & Provincial ) must
make the effort of including our sponsor’s name and logo on all PR material. A
meeting for PROs will be held sometime after the AGM.
ØSince 1st. January, 2005 it is
compulsory for all players under the age of 18 years to wear helmets with facial
guards. He was aware that most schools will not field a team unless all players
are wearing their helmets. However, it’s important to note, and thanks to Gerry
Mc Donnell for bringing it to our attention at the Munster AGM, that only
helmets with CE mark will be approved by the GAA. This information should be
circulated to all schools who play hurling and/or camogie. Failure to abide with
this directive could lead to legal problems in the future.
ØThe Go Games will be launched shortly and Jim
believed that this was the way forward for primary school children. While the
main inter-schools’ competitions will remain as an important showcase for us,
the Go Games provide more activity for younger players.
ØJim concluded by thanking all his fellow
officers for their great dedication over the last twelve months. He also thanked
officers at provincial and county level and also those people at the coalface,
the primary school teachers of Ireland who promote Gaelic Games in our schools.
Secretary’s Report:
Its adoption was proposed by Martin Short ( Antrim ) and
seconded by Tony Kieran
( Armagh )
Matters Arising
ØAllianz Sponsorship
was discussed in great detail and Cumann na mBunscol Náisiúnta was congratulated
on securing sponsorship for another three years. If any county has difficulty
getting the Allianz logo into their local newspapers, they should contact their
local Allianz rep. for advice and help. A Sciath na Scol photo with the Allianz
logo on it won a national award in photography.
Ø Jim thanked everyone who had helped to make
the Roadstone Awards such a
success story. A special thanks to Mary Hanafin
T.D.( Minister for Education &
Science ) and Sean Ó Ceallaigh ( Uachtarán C.L.G.
) for attending the banquet.
Ø Jim thanked Tom Ryan for organising the
mini-games in Croke Park on the day
of the All-Ireland Camogie Final. He also
congratulated Tom on organising the
pleasant function in Croke Park for the O’
Neill’s Presentation.
ØJim urged counties to keep a record of all
their All-Ireland tickets for fear of
them being sold on the black-market.
ØAn Coiste Náisiúnta would be meeting with the
Schools’ Work Group in Croke
Park on Wednesday, 9th. March to discuss
how Croke Park could best help
Cumann na mBunscol.
ØCounties were urged to have a Coiste Gearáin
because when there is a problem, everyone has the right to appeal. Also what
happens at county level stays at county level. We always have problems with the
Mini-Sevens over the age requirements.
ØP.J. Fitzpatrick ( Clare ) Bhi athas an domhain
ar P.J. go raibh camáin agus sliotair ins na málai Buntús. The principal
was involved and it was an insult to Cumann na mBunscol when they had been
excluded. John Burns ( Meath ) felt that there should be more hurleys and
sliotars in the Buntús bags.
ØPaddy Corbett ( Mayo ) felt that there was no
need for Cumann na mBunscol to use the services of Odyssey Internet Portals
for the development of websites. Paddy felt that there was enough talent amongst
our own ranks to help counties in the development of county websites. Paddy
offered help to any county who wished to avail of his expertise.
ØAnn Connaughton ( Roscommon) proposed the
affiliation of Hertfordshire Primary Schools’ Board to Cumann na mBunscol and
this proposal was seconded by Frank Reidy ( Meath )
Treasurer’s Report:
The Treasurer’s Report was deferred until G.M. in
September, 2005 as our treasurer Pat Trainor was still very sick in hospital.
Martin Short ( Antrim ) thanked everyone for their well wishes and asked
everybody to pray for a speedy recovery for Pat.
Development Report:
ØÉamon Mullen was complemented on his
Development Report. It was very detailed and it was a testament of his great
work on the National Executive as Development Officer.
Mini-Sevens:
ØTimmy Maher said that it was his ninth year as
co-ordinator and he was stepping down as national coordinator.
ØThe Mini-Sevens have been in operation for 20
years and there is no chance of it becoming stale as we have a different group
of children participating every year.
ØHe was still very concerned about children
playing twice in Croke Park. This matter should be detected at local level and
not at national level.
ØParticipation in the Mini-Sevens should be
spread out and it shouldn’t be giving the same child several chances to play in
Croke Park.
ØTimmy thanked everybody for their huge
contribution to the Mini-Sevens and Jim thanked Timmy for all his marvellous
work as national coordinator over the years.
ØPaddy Conroy ( Clare ) wondered if anything
could be done about age advantage for smaller schools. Paddy was advised to put
it forward as a motion at next year’s AGM.
ØJim O’ Reilly offered to act as national
co-ordinator until a replacement was found
Public Relations Report:
ØThere was no PR Report as our PRO Jerry Grogan
was out on sick-leave. Everyone wished Jerry a speedy recovery.
Go Games Presentation:
A presentation on the Go Games was made by Jimmy D’Arcy
from Croke Park. After the presentation a Question and Answer session ensued.
Michael Hanley ( Down ): Are the Go Games not similar to
what we’re doing already in our schools?
Jimmy D’Arcy: The Go Games are conditioned 7-a-side to a
maximum of 11-a-side mini-games with no subs whereas the current practice in
larger schools is 15-a-side with subs. A study found that children in the
mini-games worked harder, had more touches on the ball and expressed a greater
level of enjoyment and perceived competence as compared with participation in
15-a-side games.
Michael Hanley ( Down ): Are we expected to promote
these games?
Jimmy D’Arcy: Yes and you’ll be invited to a launch in
September, 2005.
Michael Hanley ( Down ): Will schools in the 32 counties
receive equipment?
Jimmy D’Arcy: Yes in September, 2005.
John Byrne ( Meath ): We seem to be phasing out juvenile
games under 12yrs. Is there a formal plan to implement this?
Jimmy D’Arcy: Croke Park will need to look at how it’s
going to be implemented. It’s still in its infancy stages in Dublin.
John Byrne ( Meath ): It’s really only a training
schedule and it won’t replace our present system.
Jimmy D’Arcy: If these games are played, it’s hoped that
they won’t be eroded by competition. Croke Park were looking at parallel
structures.
Bernie Ryan ( Sligo ) : Will there be county coaches to
demonstrate these games for teachers?
Jimmy D’Arcy:There will be a county launch and a DVD will
also be made available.
P.J. Fitzpatrick ( Clare ) : These Go Games would need to
be researched and piloted before being implemented.
Tom Ryan ( Dublin ) Under 8, 9, 10 and 11 Go Games were
already being implemented in Dublin. These games would be reviewed and modified
accordingly.
Michael Weed ( Donegal ):Any recommendations on what
goal-posts should be used?
Jimmy D’Arcy: 10’ x 6’ goal-posts for the first two
stages.
Martin Short ( Antrim ) : Any idea on what equipment
we’ll receive?
Jimmy D’Arcy: Nothing definite as the finished product
was not in place yet.
Election of Officers
Eamonn Mullen, our Development Officer was stepping down.
Eamonn was unable to attend so a letter from Eamonn was read out to delegates.
Eamonn thanked members of the National Executive and sub-committees for all
their help. He enjoyed his role as Development Officer on the Coiste Náisiúnta
but he felt that it was time for him to step down. P.J. Fitzpatrick ( Clare )
thanked Eamonn for all his hard work and help over the years. Paul Duggan (
Armagh ) was welcomed to the top table as Eamonn’s successor.
All officers were proposed en bloc by Robert Hanley (
Limerick ) and seconded en bloc by Liam Weir ( Munster ).
Uachtarán----------------------------------------------Malachy
Mc Geeney ( Armagh )
Development
Officer-------------------------------------------Paul Duggan ( Armagh )
Delegate Central
Council--------------------------------------Timmy Maher ( Dublin )
Motions
1.
That Coiste Naisiunta in consultation with Provincial and Co. Treasurers of
Cumann
na mBunscol, explore the possibility of drawing up a standard
type for annual financial supports.
Co. Thiobraid Árann
Accepted
2. Constitution Section F, Sub-section ( d ) be amended to read
:
That the national A.G.M of Cumann
na mBunscol be held in Dublin, or at a
suitable
central location.
Co. Thiobraid Árann
Lost
3. To be included in the Mini-Sevens Rules:
Any school entering an overage player in the
Mini-Sevens games may be
disqualified from entering that competition in their
own county in the
following year.
Uladh
Carried
The
Mini- Sevens Coordinator should send out correspondence in relation to the above
motion for Mini-Sevens 2006.
4. Constitution Section
: National Handball Skills Programme Section 5 (1 ) be
changed to read:
That the current Under 11 age group in handball should
be changed to an
Under 12 age group on 1st. July.
Uladh
This
motion would need to be discussed in detail by Provincial Handball Reps. and
then submitted as a motion at our AGM in 2006.
Handball Report:
ØMalachy welcomed Lisa Mitchell ( Handball
Officer ) from Croke Park to the meeting.
ØThe Munster Finals in handball would take place
in Cork next Saturday, 5th. March, 2005.
ØThe Ulster Finals in handball would take place
in Belfast next Saturday, 5th. March, 2005.
Handball Presentation by Lisa Mitchell ( Comhairle
Liathróid Láimhe na hEireann:
Lisa stated that there were 175 handball clubs in the
country and Ireland had won 34 world titles in handball. Former Cumann na
mBunscol pupils have won world titles in handball.
She emphasised the following advantages of playing
handball:
ØIt was easy to teach and set up time was
minimal
ØLow cost – a ball and a wall
ØIt’s not dependant on the weather
ØIt’s not time consuming
ØIt provides a solid foundation for other sports
ØSetting children up for sport for life – up to
70yrs. of age
ØHandball is ranked as N0. 1 in fitness
ØOpportunity for Cumann na mBunscol children to
play in Croke Park
ØComhairle Liathróid Láimhe na hEireann are
willing to organise coaching
sessions in counties and schools. Schools should
notify Comhairle Liathróid
Láimhe na hEireann if they are willing to avail of
these coaching sessions.
ØMini-Handball Kits will be sent out to all
schools in the near future
Chuir Seán fáilte roimh gach einne and he apologised for
the absence of his chairman and secretary due to other engagements. He welcomed
all delegates to Armagh and especially delegates from London and Hertfordshire
schools. Mhol sé an obair crua a dhein Malachy ins na bunscoileanna Árd Mhacha.
It was a great privilege for Armagh to host the AGM. It was the final year of
Malachy’s presidency and he praised Malachy on his tremendous work over the
years. His great work is deeply appreciated throughout Armagh and the whole
country. Dermot Marsden and Óisin Mc Conville won All-Ireland skills
competitions in Croke Park. This competition was a predecessor to the
Mini-Sevens.
Kathleen Woods ( Cathaoirleach Árd Mhacha ):
There was a special surprise for Malachy. Kathleen Woods ( Cathaoirleach Árd
Mhacha ) presented Malachy with a beautiful photo of Armagh supporters at the
All-Ireland. The secretary Margaret Cunningham was also presented with a
beautiful bouquet of flowers. Kathleen also thanked Paul Duggan for all the
great work he had done in preparation for the AGM. Paul also organised the
crannchur for delegates which was a resounding success.
Many thanks also to Seán Ó Ceallaigh ( Uachtarán Cumann
Lúthchleas Gael ) and John Campbell ( Vice-Chairman of Armagh Co. Council ) who
welcomed and mingled with delegates on the eve of the AGM.
AOB:
P.J. Fitzpatrick ( Clare ) questioned a letter from Croke
Park stating that only Mycro helmets were feasible for use in our games. P.J.
felt that our games could not be implemented if we followed the directives of
this letter.
