TYRONE LADIES SET FOR NEW ERA

CONVENTION REPORT

 
A new era dawned in Tyrone ladies football last week as Mary Connelly stepped down from the chairmanship of the County Board after ten years in office. The affable Augher  woman who was described by delegates at the central council as the " wee woman from Tyrone who is always smiling" has decided to call it a day after virtually living and breathing the association in the last decade. Mary however, didn't get away that easy as she was installed as the first Honorary President of the Tyrone County Board at the recent convention.
In her final address to convention the outgoing Chairperson thanked all those who had helped her through the years and indeed touched on the many high spots that have stood out in the ten years and too she had a moment of reflection when she talked of those who had passed away and the sad events of August 1998.
An emotional end then to ten superb years as the figure head of ladies football in the county and certainly she has done a lot to integrate the men's and womens game in Tyrone.
Ann Marie Meehan takes the reigns and has promised to take on the role with both hands attempting to steer the course set out by her illustrious predecessor. From the Agyharan club Ann Marie had worked on the fixtures last year and was elected unopposed.
The Convention itself proved once again that ladies football i9n the county is as vibrant as ever, 99% of the clubs were represented and heard a detailed Secretary's report from Theresa Kelly who remains in the post for another term.
In her report the Secretary pointed out many of the achievements over 2005 which included the new county website, the u-14s winning the All Ireland blitz, the u-16s Ulster blitz victory and of course provincial finals for the seniors and minors, there was also a note of caution too as the association aims to work to higher standards.
The secretary wants clubs to play a more active part in the day to day running of football with a marketing committee and development committee two of the items that will be brought forward in the coming year.
In terms of new faces at the top table, Anniotte McCusker comes in as assistant treasurer while Eileen Connolly was confirmed as assistant Secretary, Ann Marie Meehan moves to chair while Leslie Murphy leaves the executive to take a main role at her Moy club, as far as the other positions go, its as you were.
As always there was plenty of discussion over motions and recommendations, the Under 12 grade will revert back to a league system again with Under 10s remaining in the blitz format, other proposals will see knock-out stages in all underage grade one leagues, a new B championship in the senior grade and the introduction of a second An Carraig mhor team to division three.
Its expected that 13 teams will compete in the junior grade in 2006, 9 each in the intermediate and senior competitions.
Clubs were also asked to forward names for a MUST DO fundamentals course planned for new club coaches and officials who will take charge of teams, The date has now been confirmed for February 12th  with most likely two venues . The point of contact is Eileen Jones and she can be called on 02887727489 on or before January 3oth.
The County presentation night goes ahead in The Village Inn Killyclogher this Friday from 8pm, all the cups and trophies will be handed out with this also marking Mary Connollys last official role as chair of 2005.
So another year reflected on and plenty of real optimism for 2006.
At time of going to press there was a possibility Tyrone opening national league tie was going to be brought forward to this weekend.Tyrone are due to play..Armagh.

2005 A YEAR TO REMEMBER

Overall 2005 will be remembered for several reasons, it was the year that promised so much in inter county football yet delivered little, it was the year of the double as far as many of the league and championships were concerned  and it was a year that saw the new Tyrone Ladies website launched and grow into one of the best in ladies football circles.
When you take time to look over 2005 it indeed was a year of growth and development of the Ladies game in Tyrone and throughout the province and beyond, 2006 though must see that development being raised to a new level.
Tyrone officials worked flat out to make congress a huge success in Cookstown yet it was disappointing that several important motions proposed by our clubs fell on deaf ears outside of Ulster. The event proved a huge success and credit is due to all who worked so hard.
The website for Tyrone ladies proved to be a massive success story of the past year, Niall McSorley has been a tremendous support and the plans are in place to make the site more interactive and bigger in the coming months, The Ulster senior final was televised on The Championship this was a massive boost for the game in the province and indeed a perfect marketing opportunity for our sponsors Strathroy Dairies.

THE PLAYING SEASON         INTER COUNTY
It was a season of disappointment at inter county level with only the Under 14s enjoying national success when they secured the Division Two All Ireland Blitz title.
The Under 16s and minors lost Ulster finals while the seniors had a hectic schedule yet reached the Provincial decider only to fall at the final hurdle.
The seniors though did have a day out at Croke Park Dublin were the opponents and despite nothing going to plan on the day the seeds have been sown for success at all grades in 2006.

CLUB LEVEL
An Charraig Mhor were the big winners of the year just past, they enjoyed yet another county championship success and added the league title, again though the Errigal Ciarans, Aodh Ruadhs and St Macartans were always in the mix.

Glennelly made it an Intermediate double with the emerging St Endas and Moy runners up.

Cappagh burst unto the scene again and claimed the junior league while Fintona returned to intermediate football after a championship victory over Cill Iseal at Loughmacrory.

The minor league and Championship  grade one and two also produced doubles for Aodh Ruadh and St Endas while Donaghmore and Cappagh shared the grade three league and championship.

 

OTHER UNDERAGE HONOURS

Juv Grade 1 League / Championship             Errigal Ciaran

Juv Grade 2 League/ Championship               Ardboe

Juv Grade 3 League Cappagh    Championship Donaghmore

U-14 Grade 1 League/ Championship           Cill Iseal

U-14 Grade 2 League/ Championship           Beragh

U-14 Grade 3  League   Clan Na Gael    Championship Coalisland