As we head towards the end of the first designated window for the club season there can be no denying that our club championships have been given a fantastic opportunity to take centre stage. Just as our club players have been put on centre stage, so too have our dedicated referees and match officials and it has never been more important to single them out for special appreciation. But actions need to speak louder than words when it comes to respect for our referees because alle-gations around the actions of a small few has cast a shadow over the entire Association.

To be the embodiment of the GAA manifesto, Where We All Belong requires that no one is left out or left behind. The people who act as match officials make a contribution that our games cannot exist without. They are as important to the GAA as every player, coach, committee member and volun-teer. They are dedicated to Gaelic games, have a passion for their vocation and have families who are proud of the contribution they make. How we treat them says something about us, and the only treatment we should tolerate is one of utmost respect. I have referenced previously the prevalence of inflammatory language and a culture of negative criti-cism and what one American commentator has called ‘the corrosive assault on civility’.

The GAA we want is one that is truly Where We All Belong, where respect for all of its members is not a slogan but enshrined in our ethos. I believe we have the opportunity and ability to ensure that our GAA community sets the tone for where Respect for all of our members should be, and I’d urge all of us to show courage to make sure that this opportunity is not lost.

Does your club supply referees?
If not, why not?

If your club supplies referees, do they feel sup-ported and appreciated for that contribution?
If not, why not?

Does your club set and monitor a code of best practice and standards for behaviour on the field and on the sideline?
Again, if not, why not?

Are parents of juvenile players in your club aware of the standards that we insist upon at our games?
The standards we set in our own clubs, on our sidelines, among our own members need to be clear and unequivocal.

All of those involved in our games must adhere to our standards of discipline and we will not tolerate abuse of players, coaches, members or match officials.

There is nothing complicated about any of the above.

But we need to get out of our comfort zone and shake off an air of complacency around Give Respect, Get Respect that has allowed our levels of discipline to drop.

Crucially, when we fall short of the standards that we set for ourselves, we need to face up to it and accept the associated punishment. Last spring the Association launched a five-year strategic plan that placed referee recruitment and retention as one of its central pillars. This month we launch a review in several key areas that include the penalties for infraction against Match Officials, how these are handled within the disciplinary sys-tem with the aim to make motions to 2023 Congress and a full review of the current Give Respect Get Respect initiative.

Let’s make the GAA a place Where We All Belong and we are all respected. Ar aghaidh linn le chéile.
Is mise le meas,

Labhrás Mac Carthaigh
Uachtarán

Down GAA Strategic Planning Exercise 2023-26
https://forms.office.com/r/vc5SbMeBYp

A chairde,

I want to take this opportunity to introduce a very important exercise that Down GAA has embarked upon. The time is now right for the development of a Strategic Plan (2023-2026) for the county, one that can provide a guide as we move forward and articulate a vision and plan for the next few years and beyond.

I have set up a strategic planning group that has been charged with producing an ambitious and targeted plan that aims to sustain, grow and enhance our association in Down.

A Strategic Plan has to be relevant for everyone - clubs, members, supporters, teams, officers.  Consultation and engagement with our clubs and members is vital in shaping a realistic and meaningful plan for us all.

As part of the consultation process the planning group will be hosting a number of regional workshops through which Clubs will be able to inform and influence the content of the strategic plan. Details of the workshop have already been shared with Clubs.

In addition, Clubs and members and other stakeholders are encouraged to complete a survey setting out what they see as the key challenges and areas of focus in any new strategic plan.  See link below

I encourage all Clubs and members to use this opportunity to get involved and support the planning group in shaping an ambitious plan that will transform what we do and how do things across the County.

Is mise le meas,

John Devaney

Seán Ó Duibheannaigh

Cathaoirleach
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael an Dúin        

Down GAA Strategic Planning Exercise 2023-26
https://forms.office.com/r/vc5SbMeBYp

Saval recorded a comprehensive 3-20 - 0-07 victory over St Paul’s in the Parador Lodge Intermediate Championship on Sunday afternoon. From early on Saval were dominant and led 1-11 - 0-05 at half time. Two further second half goals significantly enhanced the margin of the win as St Paul’s battled gamely with Daniel Eastwood and Finn Collins each kicking 0-03 to keep their fans interested.

In the same competition in a fixture played in Rostrevor at the same time Ballymartin saw off the challenge of Newry Bosco who’s wastefulness infront of goal proved their downfall as ten first half wides gave them little chance in the game. At the other end the lilywhites were clinical and Paul Quinn netted twice on his way to shooting a personal tally of 2-02. By the break Ballymartin led 2-06 - 0-01. In the second half it was Ballymartin who missed most chances while Patrick Ruddy kicked some nice points from range for the Newry side. A comeback was never likely to materialise though and Ballymartin eased themselves into the winners pot with the final scoreline reading 2-14 - 0-06.

The action kicked off for the day in the Morgan Fuels Down Senior Football Championship at 3:00pm in An Riocht where a first half Ballyholland goal from Mark Walsh ultimately proved decisive as they edged past Division Two league champions, Longstone. Leading 1-05 - 0-05 at half time, the Harps had Stephen Grant to thank for his unerring free taking, the corner forward ending the day with 0-05. It was a tally matched by Ryan Kelly for the Stone and while Michael Ireland also kicked 0-04 there were some missed frees that proved costly. In the end a late score from Jamie Doran made the win secure as Ballyholland moved into the winners pot; 1-12 - 0-13 the final score.

After a tight opening quarter in Downpatrick saw Carryduff lead Bryansford by a single point the men in purple and gold finished the first half well to lead 00-6 - 0-03 at the break. Having gone five behind Bryansford fought back to close the gap to two with two Ryan O Higgins scores bringing them close but the loss of David McKibben to a second yellow was costly and Carryduff pulled away as Joe Tunney’s palmed goal help seal the deal. The point taking ability of Joe McFlynn was also to the fore with the half forward ending the evening with 0-5 as his side won 1-12 - 0-06

Warrenpoint had a convincing nine point win over Saul. Cattail Arnold was the only man to score more than once for Saul but Warrenpoint had Donagh McAleenan and Jamie Grant on song as they scored 0-03 apiece while Aaron ‘Joe’ Magee kept his recent goalscoring form going, bagging 1-01 during the game as the Point won 1-11 - 0-05. The Blues controlled most of the game having hit the front early and led 0-09 - 0-03 at the break, consolidating that in a quieter second half.