The Phoenix Ulster GAA Elite Academy will bring together Ulster’s most promising young GAA athletes for a two day residential at the University of Ulster’s Jordanstown campus on the 2nd and 3rd July. The Academy aims to recognise and develop the skills and abilities of 90 young players who have impressed playing for their club, school or county underage teams in both Gaelic Football and Hurling.

The Phoenix Elite Academy will encourage the young players to look after their health and wellbeing while developing their skills in Gaelic Games. Areas such as nutrition and hydration, fitness testing, functional movement analysis, skill development and flexibility will be some of issues tackled at the academies.

One of the key highlights of the Phoenix Academy will be the opportunity for the lucky 90 players to be mentored by a high profiled player, who will have the experience of coming through an Ulster GAA Elite Program.

Ulster GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail stated, “We are delighted to announce the 2012 Phoenix Elite Academy which will put the spotlight on the stars of the future. Through the Academy these players, 45 Gaelic Footballers and 45 Hurlers, will develop their skills and abilities working with Ulster’s finest coaches and mentors. The selected players will be treated like professional players over the 2 day camp which will help them explore the important factors that impact on their playing abilities – such as skill development, nutrition and hydration and fitness testing.

“We hope through the Phoenix Elite Academy that the stars of the future, from all nine counties in Ulster, will be inspired to achieve the highest they possibly can with their club, schools, universities and county.

“The players will also have the opportunity to pull on the Ulster Jersey as they will represent their Province in an inter-Provincial game.”

Alastair Pollock, Business Development Director of Phoenix Natural Gas, said: “Phoenix take its corporate social responsibility very seriously and we have a long history of supporting young people. We feel that our young people need all the help they can get to help them reach their full potential, whether that be through the arts, education or on the sports field. We are delighted that our award-winning community programme now includes a partnership with the GAA”.

Past Academy participants include Michael Murphy (Donegal), Peter Harte (Tyrone), and hurler Neil McManus (Antrim), to name but a few.

For further information Contact:
Tony Scullion: 02837517180

Photo Caption: Ulster GAA launches 2012 Phoenix Elite Camp with Tony Scullion (Ulster GAA Coach), GAA Director General Pauric Duffy, Ulster GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail and upcoming Derry stars.

GaelGo has been funded by DCAL as part of a project to promote the creative industries in Northern Ireland, which included the development of two apps one for Ulster GAA and Comhaltas and the second for the Ulster Historical Foundation.

The GaelGo app keeps locals and tourists alike up to date with Irish culture and its music and sporting communities. The bi-lingual resource uses an interactive map to profile upcoming games, concerts, and Fleadhanna. Users can find Irish traditional music sessions near to them and watch videos from the latest GAA and Comhaltas events.The Ulster-Scots Experience app includes information on 200 locations which demonstrate the strong historic and cultural links that unite Scotland and Ulster. The sites include towns and villages, castles and churches, graveyards and monuments, and archives and industries.

Welcoming the development of the apps Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said: “Ireland is renowned internationally for its culture, art and heritage. This rich cultural tapestry can inspire people to visit our shores to discover our stories and traditions. Increasingly people also come from across the world to explore their roots in this part of our island. More and more people access information through their smart phones. These apps are therefore making information more accessible to everyone promoting events and places of interest. I am also hope they can be used to encourage our local digital and creative industries to seek inspiration and commercial success through partnership with the culture, arts and leisure sectors”.

Ian Graham, Chief Executive of Momentum, said: “The digital content sector can help to transform our tourism offering and bring our stories and history to life. Our local digital companies can carve out a global reputation for innovation in combining technology, tourism and culture.”

Ulster GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail said: “As Ireland’s largest sporting, cultural and community organisation, the GAA is committed to promoting Irish culture home and abroad. The Ulster Council GAA is delighted to be helping to lead efforts in using technology to achieve these goals.”

Seamus McCormack of Comhaltas, said: “Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is a global movement to preserve and promote Irish culture and traditional music. The Gaelgo Cultural Event Finder further extends that global reach but can also inspire people living in Ireland to connect with their culture and rich traditions.”

Fintan Mullan of the Ulster Historical Foundation said: “With over 50 years of experience helping people trace Irish and Scots-Irish ancestors, the launch of the Ulster-Scots Experience will help the Foundation to increase interest in the history of the province of Ulster and inspire pride in Irish and Ulster heritage and culture”

GaelGo is now available for download from the App Store for free – it includes all up-to-date information on GAA games, events and activities. The app was developed by Derry based company, BT48.com

For further information Contact:
Sharon Haughey: 02837517180

Photo Caption: Comhaltas President Seamus McCormack and Ulster GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail launch the new GaelGo app which is culture at your fingertips, along with developers from BT48.com Fearghal O’Kane and James Cunningham.

Related:
- GaelGo App Launch Gallery

Ulster GAA, in partnership with Comhaltas, and with the support of DCAL, have launched GaelGo will promote all events and activities taking place in Ulster to include our traditional games, scór, Irish language, song and dance. GaelGo is communications on the move and can be downloaded for free at www.GaelGoApp.com

Ulster GAA has also announced two new Ulster GAA 2012 Championship TV Preview Programmes, which will be launched this week by on www.ulster.gaa.ie or by viewing the Ulster GAA Facebook page www.facebook.com/UlsterGAA or Youtube channel www.youtube.com/UlsterGAA

Presented by Adrian Logan and Emma Canavan the magazine programme looks at the build up to the 2012 Championship and reviews some of the action and excitement from 2011. Episode 1 which is now online gets the thoughts of the Managers and sees niece vs uncle when Emma Canavan interviews Uncle Peter about this new role as Fermanagh Manager. Also giving their thoughts on Ulster GAA 2012 are: John Brennan, James McCartan, Mickey Harte, Liam Bradley, Jimmy McGuinness, Terry Hyland and Eamonn McEneaney. Monaghan fan and GAA Director General Paraic Duffy, Antrim Fan and Sports Minister Caral Ni Chuilin and Cavan Fan and Ulster GAA President Aogan O’Fearghail also share their thoughts. Episode 2 gets the thoughts of the players in advance of Ulster 2012 Championship and looks at the exciting games ahead this season and will go live later in the week. Produced by MXB and the Ulster GAA Communications and Marketing Team Ulster GAA 2012 Championship Preview episode 1 is online now.

Facebook users are also asked to support their County team by downloading their free Championship 2012 cover image by logging on to the Ulster GAA facebook page or www.ulster.gaa.ie and placing their County crest as their backdrop. Finally a new ‘Tag Me’ Facebook competition has been put in place with winners who tag the new Ulster GAA match branding winning two tickets to each match, a print of the match programme cover signed by the County Managers and also being placed into a competition to win £2500 worth of playing gear for their Club at the Ulster Final in association with McKeever’s Sports and the www.thegaastore.com

Ulster GAA President Aogàn Ó Fearghail strongly encouraged Ulster GAA fans to access the social media channels: “We have free ticket competitions, TV Shows and tonnes of information on our Facebook, Twitter and Youtube channels. This is where everything is at now for our supporters young and old so I encourage everyone to get online and this summer, support your County team and everyone should remember nothing beats being there!

“We hope the GaelGo app will help to promote all our games and cultural activities, and I have no doubt that Gaels across Ulster will be downloading GaelGo onto their smart phones and mobile devices, and will find it a really useful resource to keep updated on all that’s going on. “

The 2012 O’Neills Ulster Poc Fada will take place on Divis Mountain on Thursday 21st June, commencing at 7.00pm and all challengers are welcome to come along and do battle with Ulster’s Provincial and All Ireland Champions.

Competition Categories:
Hurling: Senior*, Under 16*, Over 40
Camogie: Senior*, Over 35
Football: Senior
* Winner qualifies for National Poc Fada Championships.

The main events of the evening will be for Senior & Under16 Hurling and Senior Camogie, with the winners qualifying to compete in the National finals, which are held each year at Ardnaverna in the Cooley Mountains, Co Louth.
Other fun events will also be held for Over 40 Hurlers, Over 35 Camogs and Senior Footballers, who will compete in an inaugural invitational ‘Cic Fada’ event.

To apply to compete in the O’Neills Ulster Poc Fada 2012 please contact:

Hurling: Jimmy Darragh
Email: jimmy.darragh.ulster@gaa.ie
Mobile: 0044 7920429204
Work: 028 375 17187

Camogie: Ciaran Kearney
Email: ckearney@camogie.ie
Mobile: 0044 7825855718
Work: 028 357 17180

Ulster Senior Football Championship Preliminary Round
Cavan v Donegal, Throw In 3.30pm at Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan

Ulster Minor Championship Preliminary Round
Cavan v Donegal, Throw In 1.45pm at Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan

Nothing Beats Being There!

Ticketing:

Terrace:
U16′s FREE
OAP – €10/£9
Student – €10/£9
Adult – €15/£12

Stand & Unreserved Seating:
U16 – €5/£5 (Available through County Boards)
Senior Citizen – €15/£12
Adult – €25/£20

Tickets are available through Clubs, County Boards & tickets.ie

Tickets can also be purchased from the following stores:

Cavan:
Tarpey’s SuperValu, Cavan Town, Co Cavan
McEvoy’s SuperValu, Virginia, Co Cavan

Donegal:
Kavanagh’s SuperValu, Donegal Town, Co Donegal
Kavanagh’s SuperValu, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal
Rooney’s SuperValu, Killybegs, Co Donegal
Cosgrove’s SuperValu, Bundoran, Co Donegal
Kelly’s Centra, Mountain Top, Co. Donegal

Travel Info:

Turnstiles will open at 12.30pm.

Patrons are advised to lock their cars and not leave valuables in sight.

Patrons should respect the residents in the area in respect of parking and litter.

Patrons are asked to co-operate with stewards at all times and to adhere to the ground regulations, which will be printed in the match programme.

Players and Managers from both codes were in high demand at the media launch which announced the fixtures and new reduced pricing structures for Ulster Championships 2012.

Speaking at the launch Ulster GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail said, “The hurlers of Armagh and Derry will open the Ulster Hurling Championship on Sunday 17th June at the Morgan Athletic Grounds, and it’s sure to be a game of passion and glory, and the start of an exciting Championship.

“None of us can deny that Antrim is the side to beat as they go for their 11-in-a-row Ulster title, however I am confident that the other three competing counties are up for causing an upset.

“Hurling in Ulster has been strengthened in recent times with the introduction to the Tain Club League, last weekend’s success of Ulster Counties in the Christy Ring, Nicky Rackard and Lory Meagher Cups. And Donegal’s participation in this year’s Ulster Minor Hurling championship proves that Hurling is on the up in Ulster and we hope the Ulster Championship will inspire young people to take up the hurl.”

Speaking about the NWP Ulster Camogie Championship, Ulster Camogie Chairperson Kathleen Woods said, “The league this year has been an amazing window of opportunity for the Ulster ladies. Derry have led the way by winning their section of the league and taking Ulster back to playing with the big girls. We have our Ulster Division One side. The Ulster Camogs are definitely making their way up through the ranks.

“I look forward to a very exciting and wonderful Ulster Championship.”

The Finals took place in Pearse Óg Park and Armagh Harps GAC, in Armagh and a magnificent day of hurling and camogie was enjoyed by all those in attendance.  The standard of play improves year on year and spectators were treated to a fine display of all the skills of hurling and camogie.  It was noticeable that all teams have been working hard on skill development as the defensive skills of blocking and hooking were very much in evidence throughout the competition.   The Results of those Finals that were played are outlined below:

Hurling

Camogie

Due to a clash of date with Confirmation and the Antrim Feile Football Finals three finals will be played at another date that suits the fixtures programmes of the participating teams.

Ulster GAA is indebted to those clubs that give up their facilities to host the group stages of Féile Uladh and also Pearse Ógs and Armagh Harps for hosting the finals.  We are also grateful to the referees, without whom we could not run the competition, and those members of the Ulster Hurling Development Committee and the Ulster Hurling Development Staff who organised the event and co-ordinated the fixtures programme at each venue.

Tyrone Bainisteoir Mickey Harte and captain Stephen O’Neill, Cathaoirleach Ciarán McLaughlin, National Social Initiative Co-ordinator Seán Kilbride and Provincial Officer Cuthbert Donnelly were joined by players Justin McMahon, Dermot Carlin and Michael McCaughey to show their support of the programme.

A Social Initiative group from Trillick travelled to Dublin to avail of the offer of dinner and match tickets in Croke Park at a reduced cost. Music on this memorable trip was provided by sár ceoltóirí Conor and John Woods. An excellent day was had by all.

The finals took place on Saturday 28^th April with a double header at Kingspan Breffni Park and a triple header at Casement Park.  There were successes for Ruairi Og Cushendall (Aontroim), Slaughtneil (Doíre), Knockbridge (An Lú), Robert Emmetts Cushendun (Aontroim) and Clonguish (Longfort).

Congratulations to all involved and we look forward to the 2013 competition with renewed hope in this important area of hurling development.

For many teachers being involved in the actual lessons instead of observing them in the school environment really brought the whole PE lesson to life. After a brief introduction the morning session included the traditional warm ups of pathways, directions, speeds and levels. We also included fun tag games like toilet tag, bridges and rivers, etc. We also progressed the warm ups to challenge the children and how to include balancing, mobilisation, and strength work as part of a warm up. After break the teachers went through a series of games including Fill the Empty Corner, Tower Ball, Over the River, Rotate the Defender, and Captains Ball. The teachers were shown how to make these games harder or easier and how to develop movement on and off the ball.

Speaking after the event Cara Fegan Carrick Primary School, Burren said, “Thanks so much for the great day of fun and learning!! It was very helpful and worthwhile. It provided me with a clear outline to a PE lesson, warm up, skills and activities and games for a range of sports. In particular ways these can be progressed. The types of skills were highlighted, ABC’s, kicking, throwing, rolling, fisting, attacking and defending. The boys shown effective ways to use facilities, equipment and resources. Ways to amend a PE lesson to suit the needs of your class were identified e.g. time at a game or the size of the area being played.”

In the afternoon the teachers were then shown a range of practical elements of how PE can be linked to literacy, numeracy, and the world around us. We used PE to reinforce curricular skills in a practical and fun element where the children were having fun and improving their number work or spellings, etc.

In total there were 30 teachers across both venues and the Down DENI coaches would like to thank all teachers who came and participated on the day and made it so worthwhile for both the coaches and the teachers involved.