Tuarascáil an Rúnaí 2008. Is mór an pribhléad domh an tuarascáil bhliantúil seo ar imeachtaí na bhliana atá imithe a chur ós bhur gcóir. Adult Club Championships and Leagues. By the end of September 2008 a total of 747 adult games were played, 557 League, 163 Championship agus 27 cluichí i gComórtas Peile na Gaeltachta. One disappointing aspect of our games programme is that the number of walkovers up to mid November was 54. Championships. . The Senior Football Championship was won by St Eunan's who defeated Termon in the final. . The Senior Reserve Football Championship was won by St Eunan's who defeated Dungloe by a goal in the final. . The Intermediate Football Championship was won by Seán Mac Cumhaill who defeated Na Rossa in the final. . The Intermediate Reserve Football Championship was won by Naomh Naille, defeating Seán Mac Cumhaill by two points in the final. . The Junior A Football Championship was won by Carndonagh who defeated Robert Emmett's by five points in the final. . The Junior B Football Championship was won by St Eunan's who defeated Convoy in the final by four points. . The U21 A and U21 B Football Championships are at the semi final stages. . The Minor A Football Championship was won by St Eunan's who defeated Naomh Mícheál in the final. . The Minor B Football Championship was won by Naomh Ultan who defeated Letterkenny Gaels in the final. . The Senior Hurling Championship was won by Setanta who defeated Burt in the final. . The Junior Hurling Championship was won by Buncrana who defeated Burt in the final. Leagues As in previous years our leagues were very competitive again this year with St Eunans winning the Division 1A title, on November 30th , by defeating Naomh Conall in the final. Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta . Bhain Gaoth Dobhair an Comórtas áitiúil sa sinsear nuair a bhí an bua acu ar Chill Chartha sa chluiche ceannais. . Bhain Cill Chartha an Comórtas áitiúil sa sóisear nuair a bhí an bua acu ar Naomh Mhuire sa chluiche ceannais. . Rinne Cill Chartha éacht mór nuair a bhain siad an Comórtas Náisiúnta i ngrád na Sinsear Comhghairdeachas le Naomh Columba CLG a reáchtáil na babhtaí ceannais den Chomórtas Náisiúnta Peil na Gaeltachta ag deireadh seachtaine na Cincíse i mbliana. Setanta performed well in the Ulster Hurling Championship but were defeated in the final. The organising of a games programme is an important and indeed a difficult task that requires the co-operation of all participants. The Competitions' Control Committee have done excellent work this year in order to ensure that a streamlined schedule of games was in place and we offer them my sincerest thanks for their dedication. Mile buíochas ach go h-araithe don Chathaoirleach P.S. Mac Gabhainn agus do'n Rúnaí, Aodh Máirtín Ó Fearraigh. Ulster Inter-Club Senior Championship. 2 November St Eunan's 2-10 Clonoe O'Rahilly's 1-08 in Coalisland 16 November St Eunan's 0-08 Crossmaglen 0-11 in Enniskillen A great second half display saw St. Eunan's win their first ever Ulster Club game against the Tyrone Champions Clonoe O'Rahilly's. In the Ulster semi-final they were defeated by three points by an experienced Crossmaglen side. However their fine displays over the two games should provide an inspiration for them in the future. They have proven themselves worthy ambassadors for our County. Inter County Football. Gaelic Life McKenna Cup 2008 3 January Donegal 1-12 UUJ 2-13 13 January Donegal 0-12 Tyrone 0-11 16 January Down 5-14 Donegal 0-13 Having lost two of the three games we failed to qualify for the knockout stages. Alliance National football league 2008. Final League table Division 1 2008 Allianz NFL Div 1 Pld W D L For Ag Diff Pts Derry 7 5 0 2 5-88 5-65 23 10 Kerry 7 5 0 2 2-81 1-72 12 10 Galway 7 5 0 2 8-79 7-76 6 10 Dún na nGall 7 4 0 3 5-74 4-79 -2 8 Tyrone 7 3 1 3 2-77 2-80 -3 7 Mayo 7 2 1 4 5-92 10-77 0 5 Kildare 7 1 2 4 6-58 4-82 -18 4 Laois 7 0 2 5 5-78 5-96 -18 2 Dún na nGall Results Saturday, 2 February, Donegal 1-08 1-07 Kerry Sunday, 17 February, Mayo 0-16 2-11 Donegal Sunday, 2 March Kildare 0-12 0-11 Donegal Saturday 15 March Donegal 1-12 1-11 Galway Sunday, 30 March Tyrone 0-11 0-09 Donegal Sunday 6 April Donegal 1-14 2-08 Laois Sunday 13 April Donegal 0-10 0-15 Derry Dún na nGall had a good run in the National Football League However, the defeat in the last game against Derry was disappointing. Nevertheless, we congratulate our neighbours Derry on winning the 2008 National Football League. Ulster Football Championship & All- Ireland Senior Football Championship Qualifier June 1st Ulster GAA Football Championship: Donegal 1-12 Derry 1-14 July, 19th Qualifier Round 1 Donegal 3-11 Roscommon 1-09 July, 26th Qualifier Round 2 Donegal 0-15 Monaghan 0-16 Expectations were high this year and the defeat to Derry in Ballybofey was not part of the plan. Having lead at halftime by three points (1-07 to 1-04) Donegal missed a few good chances and the game turned in Derry's favour. Five Paddy Bradley points in succession turned a deficit into a lead and Derry went on to win by two points. An eight point win over Roscommon in the 1st Round Qualifiers match played in Ballybofey raised expectations once again, however, Monaghan, for the second year in a row ended our participation in the All Ireland Senior Championship. Brian Mc Iver We wish to thank Brian Mc Iver, selector Michael Kelly, trainer and coach Ryan Porter and all the backroom staff for the dedication and commitment shown during 2008. The manner in which Brian was treated during a County Board meeting later in the year was nothing short of disgraceful. Two clubs that had, between them, nine players on the county panel, sponsored a motion of no confidence in Brian McIver. The motion was proposed by the delegate from Naomh Adhamhnáin and seconded by the delegate from Gaoth Dobhair. Brian McIver who had just completed his report to the county Committee felt that he had no option but to resign. Brian, who brought National League honours to the county for the first time in 2007 deserved better treatment than to be hounded out of Donegal. John Joe Doherty. On 3 November The Team Manager Selection Committee recommended to An Choiste Chontae that John Joe Doherty be appointed as Senior Team Manager and this was accepted. We wish John Joe Doherty, his selectors Tony Boyle and Tommy Ryan, every success in the years ahead. Under 21 Football Championship March 17 Donegal 0-15 Monaghan 1-06 March 22 Donegal 1-11 Armagh 0-10 March 26 Donegal 0-07 Tyrone 4-13 A tough nine days of football, in the U21 Ulster Championship, ended with a defeat by Tyrone in Omagh, however, this run in the U21 championship was an improvement on the previous two years when we exited in the first round. Sean Clerkin and his backroom staff are bridging the gap between minor and senior for many players and their leadership and management skills are an invaluable asset to our county. Míle Buíochas dóibh agus ádh mór orthu sa bhliain 2009. Ulster Minor Football Championship Donegal 2-12 Derry 4-10 Derry led by three points after 13 minutes and by 2-5 to 0-6 at the halftime. They scored two goals in either half and overall were convincing winners in a game played at Mac Cumhaill Park prior to the Senior championship match. We thank the Donegal manager, Martin Regan, his selectors and all his backroom staff for their efforts in preparing this team for the League and Championship. Inter County Hurling. Alliance National Hurling League 2008. Final League table Division 3 2008 Allianz NHL Div 3 Pld W D L For Ag Diff Pts Donegal 4 4 0 0 4-67 4-44 23 8 Louth 4 3 0 1 16-39 7-50 16 6 Longford 3 1 0 2 5-41 6-27 11 2 Tyrone 3 1 0 2 5-39 7-38 -5 2 Sligo 4 0 0 4 7-37 13-64 -45 0 Sunday 10 February, Tyrone 1-10 1-17 Donegal Sunday 17 February, Donegal 1-20 3-08 Louth Sunday March 16 Donegal 0-16 0-13 Longford Sunday 23 March Sligo 0-13 2-14 Donegal Sunday 13 April 13 Final Donegal 0-11 1-16 Louth After an impressive run in the league it was disappointing not to lift the trophy at the end. Having beaten Louth in the league game by twenty one scores to eleven hopes were high going into the final. The greater power and pace of Louth was too much for Donegal who had to play without Justin McGee, Paddy Hannigan and Danny Cullen. Ulster GAA Hurling Senior Hurling Championship Saturday 17 May Donegal 1-14 Muineachán 1-15 Donegal competed in the Ulster Senior Hurling Championship for the first time in over fourty years. The Nicky Rackard Cup Saturday, June 28 Donegal 2-11 Tyrone 2-12 Saturday, July 12 Monaghan 0-19 Dún na nGall 1-15 A controversial end to Donegal's run in the Nicky Rachard Cup as the referee initially declared Donegal the winners and later declared that Monaghan had won after he consulted with his officials. Great credit is due to Eamonn Campbell for the work done by him during his term as manager. Drawing from a small pool of players he has moulded together a good team who keep the Hurling flag flying for the county. We wish him every success in the future. U21 Ulster Hurling Shield Saturday 2 August Donegal Fermanagh Saturday 9 August Donegal 1-14 Tyrone 1-10 Saturday 16 august Donegal 6-21 London 1-02 Saturday 23 August Donegal 0-09 Carlow 4-19 Donegal were crowned Ulster U-21 Hurling Home shield Champions at Celtic Park having produced an impressive display of good hurling. Then they travelled to London and defeated London in the final. They were defeated in the All Ireland series by the eventual winners, Carlow. Congratulations to Eamonn Campbell, his management team and all the players for their efforts and achievements during 2008. Ulster Hurling Minor Championship Sunday 25 May Donegal 0-13 Derry 6-12 Ulster Hurling Minor League Division 2 Team Played Won Lost Drawn Points For Points Against Points Diff Points Down B 5 5 0 0 92 44 48 10 Armagh 4 3 1 0 89 35 54 6 Donegal 5 3 2 0 59 111 -52 6 Fermanagh 4 1 3 0 39 55 -16 2 Tyrone 3 0 3 0 21 29 -8 0 Antrim B 3 0 3 0 41 67 -26 0 Our thanks to Rory McGonigle and his backroom staff for their efforts during 2008. Handball David Mulhern, will present his report to convention today. Referees Prionnsias Ó Dochartaigh, Referees Administrator, will present his report today. We would like to thank him for his work in advancing the standards of refereeing in the county. His persistence and patience in the appointment and reappointment of referees for all of our adult games is greatly appreciated. It is most pleasing to record that a Donegal referee had the distinction of refereeing the Ulster Senior Football Final and an All Ireland Semi-Final this year. We congratulate Jimmy White who was the first Donegal referee to do so. He also received the 2008 Award for Refereeing by the Ulster Sports Writers and has just returned from Bahrain where he officiated at the Annual 7-a-side tournament. Congratulations also to Robbie O Donnell, Sean McLaughlin and Hugo Wallace on receiving appointments in Ulster this year. Coiste na nÓg An t-Óifigeach Ógra, Liam Mac Giolla Chonnaigh will be presenting his report to convention today. Special acknowledgment must be made of the dedication of the officers of the Northern, Southern and Inishowen Boards in ensuring that a programme of games is in place for our youth. This work is fundamental to our future progress and strength. Coaching and Games Development An Oifigeach Oiliúna, Seamus Mac Conamha, will be presenting his report to convention to day. Public relations and media An Oifigeach Caidreamh Poiblí Seamus Ó Domhnaill, will present his report to convention today in which he gives an account of an extremely busy year. The role of a P.R.O. continues to expand with the increase in the number of media people who cover our games. The 400,000 hits, in ten months, on our website is also an indication of the public's interest in our affairs. The automatic updating of results and league tables on the website has greatly enhanced its value to our members and to the public in general The high point of the year for Seamus was his visit to Croke Park on Sunday 10th August where he was presented with the McNamee Award for 'Best GAA Yearbook' by An tUachtarán, Nicky Brennan. We congratulate him and all those associated with the publication. Gaeilge agus Cultúr Tá Alan Ó Baoid ag cur a thuairisc os comhair na Comhdhála inniu ina bhfuil cur síos déanta aige ar imeachtaí na bhliana. Forbairt An t-Oifigeach Forbartha, Toirlach Mac Fhionghaile, will be presenting his report to convention today. Terence McGinley has now completed his five year term of office and we thank him for the valuable service rendered to this county as Development Officer over those five years Páirc Sheáin Mhic Cumhaill The upgrading of facilities at Páirc Sheáin Mhic Cumhaill needs to be addressed early in the New Year. The following requirements have been identified as critical: 1. A good playing surface 2. Player accommodation 3. Medical facilities, 4. Facilities for referees and match officials, 5. Adequate toilet facilities at River end entrance 6. Adequate toilet facilities at Jacksons side entrance 7. Reconstruction of the riverside terrace in order to comply with safety requirements 8. Reconstruction the small terrace on the riverside of the stand 9. Erection of a full size ballstop at the river end 10. Provision of a catering area for sponsors, guests etc at rear of stand 11. Installation of a computerised counting system in the turnstiles 12. Upgrading of the seating in the stand. We meet Antrim in the first round of the Ulster Senior Championship in Ballybofey next year and the upgrading of our facilities is a necessary requirement for the hosting of that game. The Centre of Excellence. There are several reasons why a county should have a Centre of Excellence . It is a statement of a county's ambition for promoting our Games . It relieves the burden on clubs who provide facilities for the training of our ever increasing number of county panels and development squads. . It locates facilities in a single central location within the county. . It reduces the need to travel to various locations . It reduces team expenses . It will meet the county board's need of an administration facility. The purchase of a site at Convoy is being finalised at present and considerable work has been done by our architects regarding the layout of pitches and design of a building. It is hoped to have the following facilities provided within the Centre of excellence: . 4 good quality pitches, including one floodlit match pitch. . 1 artificial surface full size playing pitch with floodlights . 6/8 changing rooms to cater for men and women . Medical & first Aid room. . Referees Room . Equipment store . Kitchen . Public toilets . A hurling wall / Handball Alley . Adequate car parking A draft plan together with costs and funding proposals will be ready early in the New Year and it will be then presented to County Committee for consideration. The Five Year Strategic Plan A review of our current strategy and structure was undertaken over the last year and the results are incorporated in this report. The following issues raised during that process have been addressed in this comprehensive document. . Managing the GAA in Donegal . Running the Games . Coaching and Games Development . Club and Community Development . Hurling and Camogie . Infrastructure . Irish Culture and Heritage . Urban Donegal . An Inclusive GAA . Health, Wellness and Lifestyle . Marketing, Communications and PR . Funding Donegal It is hoped to launch this Strategic Plan early in 2009. Administration & Finance An Chisteoir will present a detailed Income and Expenditure Account to convention. I wish to put on record our appreciation of our Cisteoir, Charlie Cannon has now completed his five year term in office and we thank him for the sterling service rendered to this county over those five years. His dedication and commitment is worthy of great praise. . ? 152, 518 has been paid out in the current year under the player injury insurance scheme . ?150,000 has been raised again this year by Club Dhún na nGall Corporate Membership under the chairmanship of Michael Mc Loone. . Ár mbuíochas do RTÉ Raidio na Gaeltachta a rinne urraíocht ar an Chraobh Shinsear Peile sa Chontae. Acknowledgements My sincere thanks to my fellow Officers who assisted me since I was appointed Fulltime County Secretary on August 1st. I wish in particular to pay tribute to Cróna Ní Riagáin who was County Secretary until the end of June 2008. Her assistance to me during my first few months in office is greatly appreciated. She was a most dedicated and committed Officer and we hope she will serve the Association in other capacities in the future. Na Marbh Gúim suaimhneas siorraí ar na baill agus ar ghaolta baill a fuair bás i rith na bliana. Ar dheis Dé go raibh siad. An Chríoch Is cinnte go raibh bliain an-ghnóthach ag an gCumann sa Chontae ina raibh go leor fadhbanna agus ábhair conspóide go mór mór le cúpla mí anuas ach tá súil agam go mbeidh an bhliain seo chugainn torthúil agus rathúil. Guím Beannachtaí na Nollag agus Áth-Bhliain faoi shéan agus faoi mhaise ar ár mbaill go léir. Cathal Ó Dónaill, Rúnaí Tweet

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