Ulster takes a breather Twelve months is a long time in sport. This time last year Ulster was perceived as the dominant force in the world of gaelic football. Roll on a few months and we have no representatives in the last four, no minor teams competing in the final nor did we have a northern county competing in the All-Ireland U21 final. Last September Tyrone's success meant that an Ulster county had won three out of the last four All-Irelands. This obviously set alarm bells ringing with many of the journalists in the capital. I can recall on various occasions having to redirect the lines of questioning regarding the Ulster renaissance. At no time did I feel that Ulster was becoming a superior force in the country. Football in the province is in a healthy state. Quality coaching in our schools be it primary, vocational and grammar have ensured that the foundations are in place to develop and encourage young boys and girls to participate in gaelic games. Most clubs in Ulster will be working with the youth from under 8 up with the emphasis on learning the basic skills in a fun environment. In recent years county development squads have been established in every county and this further challenges the more talented footballers to extend themselves. The one big advantage of the development squads is that by the time these lads reach minor age they have already been together for three to four years. The county minor manager will be taking over a group that are accustomed to playing together rather than taking over a group of strangers. From a county perspective the development squads at U15 and U16 have been very beneficial. The one concern that I do have is that it may put excessive demands on some young players. A talented U16 player from a small club would be expected to feature for his club at U16, U18 and U21 level as well as competing for his school. To add in training sessions and games with the county development squad may be a great boost to an ambitious young gael but these extra demands could also prove too much to contend with. Player burn out is a problem that keeps raising its head in Ulster GAA circles but very little is actually done about it. Ulster is no different than the other province - the number of players that lose interest and fail to participate in gaelic games after minor level is way too high. Player drop out like player burn out is an issue that needs urgent address in the association. Another factor that should keep Ulster to the fore is the role played by the Sports Institute based at the University of Ulster in Jordanstown. The concept of the Sports Institute is based on an Australian model whereby athletes are identified and benefit from the latest strength and conditioning expertise. This initiative revolves around the idea of maximising potential. Factors such as sports psychology and lifestyle management are seen as crucial if you are to perform at the highest level. At present Roger Keenan, the High Performance Manager at the Institute is organising a number of cutting edge workshops for the top GAA coaches in Ulster. The latest innovative training methods and resources are shared with the coaches thus ensuring that the profile of Ulster football remains high. At senior level the so called Ulster dominance centred on the success of just two counties. Despite all the groundwork that goes on regarding improving standards across the board nothing can inspire a county to succeed like having to sit and watch your neighbours compete, achieve and then celebrate. Without a doubt whether it be jealousy or respect Tyrone and Armagh have fed off each others' glories and have raised the bar another notch as a consequence. So what has gone wrong in '06 that has left no Ulster team within a "hound's gowl" of winning the All Ireland. As far as my own county is concerned I have already stated that the injuries to key players denied Tyrone a fair chance to retain the All- Ireland. The set-backs were well documented and resulted in Tyrone taking their bow without much fuss. I expect Tyrone to be a completely different proposition next year. First of all Mickey Harte will have all his top men back to full health again. For many of his players the extended break should be enough to recharge the batteries and they will be approaching the new season reenergised. Expect changes to the panel. Trials will be taking place well before Christmas and I'm sure that a few new faces will help enrich the squad. For many, Tyrone's exit this summer left the door ajar for the Orchard County. After watching Kerry perform so poorly in the early part of the season it looked odds on an Armagh victory. But Kerry being Kerry lulled Armagh into a false sense of security. In a riveting game the Kingdom overpowered Armagh for a deserved victory. Their capitulation to northern teams was not going to happen again. Their performance was sublime laced with a passion and intensity not seen previously. Seldom have we seen Armagh turned over in such a convincing fashion. However those rejoicing on the premise that it is the end of an era for this Armagh team would be wise to remain silent. Serious decisions will have to be made by at the most three players in the squad. The impression that they are an aging team is false but it is their two key men - McGeeney and McGrane - the real leaders of the team that are the wrong side of 30. Their defence with the exception of Enda Mc Nulty are relatively young. The half back line of Kernan, McKeever and Duffy will be there for a while and should go onto be one of the strongest half back lines in the country. Up front McDonnell and Clarke once again proved why they are the best attacking partnership in the game at the moment. And despite all the talent coming through in Ulster the experienced McGrane was still the best midfielder in the province this season. If McGeeney remains, and I've no doubt he will, then his role in next year's squad will be vital and will go a long way in determining the length of their season in 2007. The only other county in Ulster that made any sort of respectable impression this year was Donegal. For Brain McIvor's side to have reached the All-Ireland quarter-final in his first year in charge would have been an achievement in itself. McIvor has carried out major surgery since his take over and deserves credit for the progress made. Their one point defeat to Cork was agonising from the point of view that they had enough chances to win by four or five points. The experience of playing Kerry in an All-Ireland semi-final would have benefited this team immensely. However I still believe they will have learnt a lot from their campaign and will come back a stronger team next year. Players like Rory Kavanagh, Karl Lacey and Barry Dunnion have certainly left their mark on the championship. They will be serious contenders next year. So for those razor sharp journalists that feared Ulster domination it's okay - you can rest easy! As for now the word is that Kerry and Dublin are going to dominate for the next 10 years - you've been warned! Tweet

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