Kerry's return to the top of the Gaelic football standings and Kilkenny's continuing monopolisation of hurling would lead many onlookers to conclude that 2009 was a year that offered little in the way of change or progression. And at first glance it is easy to see why people would come to this conclusion. The frequency of Kerry and Kilkenny's success is matched by the frequency of other counties failures. The Dublin and Mayo storybooks present a similar read and remind me of a Mickey Coleman (country and western singer and ex -Tyrone footballer) ballad where heartache and loneliness inevitably arrive in the final verse after the initial euphoria of new found bliss and promise is finally crushed by the frailties of mankind. Perhaps "failures" is too strong a word to use in this scenario. Is it a failure when an athlete cannot win the high jump contest when the bar has been set at an unrealistic height? Is it deemed a failure if the Irish soccer team doesn't win the world cup? The obvious answer is "no". Team performances on the GAA field therefore should be put into context and if the team fails to live up to over ambitious expectations then it is better to say that their progress only took them so far rather than call them a failure. With reference to the two teams mentioned it is indeed right to say that both sets of supporters did feel heartache and disappointment this year but maybe we all had the bar set too high. The Mayo supporters would probably have a more genuine excuse to feel despair since their team made steady progress under John O'Mahony in 2008 so progression at a similar rate in 2009 would have realistically suggested a chance of silverware at the end of the season. The unwavering support and high expectation displayed by the Dublin supporter is admirable and the hysteria that this generates every year lights up Croke Park and brings a spark to the Championship. Unfortunately, the high expectations of eventual success only increase the pain of defeat when it hits. Perhaps a less ambitious approach and a more realistic study of form by the supporter would soften the blow when it came but then this would surely temper their passionate support and lessen the spectacle for us all. However, Pat Gilroy has obviously decided on a more pragmatic approach and has recognised that there is a bit of building to be done. He has wisely advised his supporters that it is unlikely (though not impossible) that success will arrive immediately. Let's not forget that the vast majority of teams throughout the country, at county and club level, have all experienced defeat this year. Those few who are left in the All-Ireland club competitions are the only teams that have yet to sit back and reminisce on the what-might-have-beens of 2009. They will of course have a county title under their belt so it will be easy to conclude from their analysis of the year that they have made meaningful progress. The aim of every other club or team should be to carry out a positive analysis of their season and recognise the progression that has been made even though there is no silverware there to confirm it. Drop that bar an inch or two before carrying out that analysis and you may find that the forward strides may be bigger than originally assumed. Already you'll find you have a positive place to start and now raise that bar another notch and set your realistic goals for next year. As I have mentioned previously defeat should be looked upon not as a failure but as a pointer to one more method that does not work and can be stroked of your list. So, what of An Cumann Lúthchleas Gael itself? What progress have we made in 2009? While 2009 will always be remembered globally and nationally for the economic recession that is bringing hardship and stress to so many it is amazing to see how the GAA is blossoming throughout the country. The economic downturn is only now starting to have a noticeable effect and with 1 in 5 households experiencing difficulties with repayments it won't be long until the knock-on effect has some impact on the GAA. Simple issues like admission fees will have to be closely looked at in the future but being such an integral part of the social fabric of Irish life I believe that a greater responsibility will be thrust upon the GAA in the coming years. However, that's a bigger discussion for a later date. At present the GAA is involved in the development of several "centres of excellence" all over Ireland. Tyrone, Donegal, Roscommon, Meath, Antrim, Kildare, Mayo, Wicklow, Dublin and Carlow are just some of the counties involved in large projects what will amount to many millions of euro and sterling. At a time when many people are critical of the standard of football being played in some of our competitions I believe that many of these people cannot see the forest for the trees. They are so engrossed - thankfully so - in the everyday running of our clubs that sometimes they don't get the opportunity to lift their heads above the parapet and admire the vast body of good health that they are part of. It is difficult to appreciate just how much the GAA has grown in recent years. It truly is phenomenal what has taken place in these last ten years alone. Croke Park, our treasured home, that we cared for and protected like one of our children - keeping it safely locked away and hidden from strangers - has blossomed into a national treasure and one that is now on the lips of many sportsmen throughout the world. The name of Croke Park and the GAA has spread even further in 2009. Promotional aspects aside what a fantastic venue for the GAA follower to attend. Anyone who has attended this stadium on a big match day will know exactly what I mean and anyone who attended the Tyrone v Dublin opening league match in February 2009 will never forget the spectacle that was put on display that night (football included!). Something to be proud of. Our games are now more popular now than ever and I know this can be witnessed in every county. Here in Tyrone the games are flourishing. This is evident in many ways. Excellent playing facilities, attendances, TV and radio coverage, club and county gear worn at all occasions. Another sign of progress is the increased number of youth involved. Adult teams that for years carried the experienced, hardened stalwart until he was almost wheelchair bound are now introducing their younger talent much earlier. The old adage "the old dog for the hard road" is beginning to lose favour and although it is good to keep a couple of old bulldogs in the pack the talented pup is now the preferred option in many teams. More significant, I believe, is the fact that it is now 'cool' to play Gaelic games. People are aware that great strides have been made when it comes to team preparation, player welfare, facilities (on and off the pitch) and improving overall enjoyment. Ladies football has blossomed and now both sexes have something in common thus developing a greater social bond. Of course Tyrone's recent success is naturally going to boost numbers for a while but it can also be said, with quite a degree of confidence, that it was this inherent nurturing of youth that eventually contributed to Tyrone's success. The county town of Tyrone, Omagh, has experienced fluctuating fortunes as a GAA club over the years but the St Enda's Gaels are now one example of GAA progression in 2009. A clean sweep of all underage titles (at Grade 1) and a very narrow defeat in the senior championship is the culmination of many years' hard work and belief shown by their youth leaders. A town that has a strong soccer, rugby and golf tradition was always going to provide some alternative for a disgruntled or disillusioned teenager that was expected to toe the line in a traditional GAA club. Many would have been lured away over the years but thankfully now the GAA club would certainly be the strongest sporting body in the town and would enjoy great favour from among the youth. I think this trend is evident in many towns and cities throughout Ireland especially in the likes of Dublin, Armagh, Cork and Limerick and although we know that we cannot rest on our laurels we can look back at 2009 and see that our planting and nurturing continues to bear fruit. A massive step in the overall development of our Gaelic Games took place recently with the official recognition of the GPA by An Cumann Lúthchleas Gael. It is hoped that the GPA will be fully incorporated into the GAA by October 2010 thus helping to eliminate any conflict or distrust and hopefully develop into what should be a good working relationship. Though the GPA will still maintain its autonomy it is expected to take up residence in Croke Park. Although the proposal has yet to be passed at congress next April there is a feel good factor already evident from this agreement - an agreement that can only do good for the GAA. Happy Christmas to all and may 2010 bring you everything you dream of! Tweet

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