CONVENTION ROUND UP
- Jan 15,2024
ULSTER MEMBERSHIP NOW OVER 40, 000
Ulster Ladies held their annual convention on Sunday last and those present were told that the membership figures had taken an unprecedented increase and now stood at over 40, 000. Secretary Colm Murray provided a very comprehensive report and described the up to date membership figures as both incredible and phenomenal. Amongst the many items reviewed by Colm was the new strategic plan, the setting up of an events committee and positive steps taken by Monaghan in appointing a Development Manager, suggesting that this may be the way forward for all counties.
Colm’s report wass followed by Paul Swift’s PRO update, which mentioned a number of new initiatives on the Public Relations front. Paul also noted a facebook following increase of 3,000 since the last AGM, an increase in the number of games streamed and new revamped website.
The CODA report outlined details of disciplinary matters and appeals. Cultural and Language Officer Caroline Brady deliver her report as Gaelige and praised the increased numbers seeking Gaeltacht scholarships.
Development Manager, Ciaran Murtagh took us through a very detailed Development report. Since last year the Develoment team has changed but he looks forward to working with Eunan, Michaela and Hannah in 2024. The report reviewed the teams involvement in PR and Marketing, Volunteer Development, Coach Development, The PPS All Stars, Player Development and Referee Development.
Registration figures were excellent. Registrar Antionette Mc Cusker confirmed that we now 40,313 members which is a 19% increase on last year. All counties increased their membership by over 10%. Tyrone, Donegal and Down have over 5000 registered members. Overall we have 293 clubs in the province. The popularity of Gaelic for Mothers and Others continues to increase with 4139 registered in the nine counties.
Treasurer Paul Kelly and the experienced Annette Boyle did an excellent job taking care of our finances. Our gates had improved greatly thanks to the return to competitions. The bank balance is healthy going into 2024.
Ronan Mc Carthy and Colm Murray delivered a very detailed and comprehensive fixtures report. 112 games were played. These can be broken down as 90 inter-county and 31 club games. The games were refereed by a panel of 26 whistlers.
Gerry Doherty then delivered his President’s Address paying tribute to all who assisted him throughout the year. Gerry thanked the officers, volunteers, full time officials and sub committee members who help keep the ULGFA show on the road.
National President Michael Naughton was also in attendance. This is his last year as at the helm and he took the opportunity to thank everyone from Ulster for their support. Concluding he said it was a pleasure to be at home with his people.
The election of Officers then took place and the following executive was elected.
President – Gerry Doherty
Vice president – Hugh Devenney
Secretary – Colm Murray
Assistant Secretary – Philip O Hare
Treasurer – Paul Kelly
Assistant Treasurer – Annette Boyle
Registrar – Antoinette Mc Cusker
PRO – Paul Swift
Development Officer – to be elected at the next meeting
Culture and Language Officer – Caroline Brady
The various Ulster sub committees and Ulster delegates to National committees were ratified.
The meeting concluded with the various draws for the 2024 competitions which get underway on 17th February.
This year’s Senior and junior championships will be straight finals however there are five teams in the Intermediate championships. Down will host Cavan in the preliminary round game on Sunday 21st April with the winners away to Antrim on May 5th. Monaghan and Tyrone will meet in the other semi-final. The final is scheduled for 19th May.
