Philadelphia G.A.A. Divisional Board A.G.M. 2012
Sunday, March 4, 2012

The Philadelphia G.A.A. Divisional Board A.G.M. was held on Sunday, March 4th, at the Irish Center, Commodore Barry Club. There was a large crowd of gaels in attendance, similar to the October 2011 Weekend, where the Philadelphia G.A.A. welcomed Past President, and Current Overseas Committee Chairman, Joe McDonough. Joe flew into town to meet with Philadelphia Officials from the Board and its respective clubs; and to observe and report on the progress of the Limerick G.A.A. Facility. That same weekend, we had G.A.A. Officer Training & Club Planning Workshops, where we welcomed the Mid-Atlantic G.A.A. Gaels. The Workshops were administered by Liam O'Sullivan & Eibhear O'Dea, of the Munster G.A.A. Council. Liam & Eibhear followed up with glowing reviews of both the Philadelphia Gaels' attendance and enthusiastic participation during the Weekend. As Eibhear O'Dea wrote, "we were delighted with the enthusiasm and energy among clubs in your area, to work together and build a brighter future".

Last Sunday, there were representatives from every men's football club, the hurling club (Allentown Hibernians), the ladies' football club (2010/2011 Senior National Champion, Mairead Farrells), as well as representatives from the Games Development Board. Additionally, there were representatives present from the new men's football club, Saint Joseph's University. We are hearing that we will see the anticipated return of the 2010 Ladies Intermediate National Champion, Notre Dames; and the successful hurling club, the Philadelphia Shamrocks.

There was lengthy discussions regarding the Limerick, Philadelphia G.A.A. Facility. Thus far, a great amount of work has been completed; but there is much more to be done, and a plea for additional volunteers was entered by Divisional Chairman, Sean Breen. Paul McCarthy, Vice-Chairman of the North American G.A.A. County Board gave a brief synopsis of the Insurance Schemes for Club Liability and Player Injury Insurance, two (2) separate policies. Two (2) Motions were passed, One (1) was ruled already administered by the Competitions Control Committee (C.C.C.), and the Others were withdrawn.

The Two (2) Motions which passed were submitted by the Naomh Peregrine Philadelphia Club. The first addressed the procurement of a Lightning Detector Device, used as necessary by the Competitions Control Committee (C.C.C.), and the Suspension of Games, and their Resumption based on readings from the device. The second addressed Scheduling of the Philadelphia Divisional Board A.G.M., which was proposed for the Last Sunday in October of the outgoing year. This year's 2012/2013 Philadelphia Divisional Board A.G.M. has been tentatively scheduled for Sunday, October 28th, 2012. These Motions are pending, as Ratification of the Regulations is necessary every year.

Philadelphia will be hosting the 2012 North American Gaelic Athletic Game Championship Finals, this coming Labor Day Weekend. Further details will be readily available within the next month. The Philadelphia G.A.A. Divisional Board, like many Divisions and Clubs around the Globe, was left scrambling when the Web Domains and Hosting that was previously available when out of service earlier this year. A New Divisional Website will be launched within the next week (www.PhillyGAA.net), in a partnership with the respected eSports Manager development form. A Twitter and Facebook Account for News, Events, and Live Score Updates is in progress, to keep fans around the globe in touch with the Gaelic Games in the City of Brotherly Love & Sisterly Affection.

Official Correspondence from the Divisional Board, its affiliated clubs, and other respective governing bodies will come from only the Divisional Secretary.

Positions for the 2012 Board of Officers were filled by four (4) outgoing officers, and four (4) new officers. New to the Board for 2012, is Patsy Duddy; who was the Board's trusted Treasurer for many years in the late 1990s, and early 2000s. Sean Trainor, who has been involved in the Philadelphia G.A.A. for over forty (40) years, at numerous levels. Bernadette Truhlar, who has been involved with Donegal, then the Four Provinces, and now Saint Patrick's. Paul McCarthy, who is the current Vice-Chairman of the North American G.A.A. County Board. Returning for another year of service are Sean Breen, Shane Callaghan, Patrick Bourke and Pete McDermott. Best of Luck to the new board and all of the clubs in the coming year.

The Newly Elected Officers for 2012:

Honorary President: Patsy Duddy • (Saint Patrick)
Chairman: Sean Breen • (Kevin Barry)
Vice-Chairman: Sean Trainor • (Mairead Farrell)
Secretary: Bernadette Truhlar • (Saint Patrick)
Treasurer: Paul McCarthy • (Allentown Hibernian)
Registrar: Shane Callaghan • (Young Ireland)
PRO: Pete McDermott • (Naomh Peregrine)
Youth Officer: Patrick Bourke • (Saint Patrick)

Current Positions for 2012 (Non-Elected):

Philadelphia G.A.A. Trustees: Peter Bradley, Frank McCartan, & Aidan Trainor
Philadelphia Games Development Administrator: Ciaran Porter

Pete McDermott
Philadelphia Gaelic Athletic Association
Public Relations Officer
[email protected]

Peadar MacDiarmada
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Philadelphia
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