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Yeah the talking is all done now, we have been to every club in the county, set out our reasons for going forward as a group and answered questions as best we could. The response from every club was very warm, gracious and respectful. No media campaign, no social media campaign, no YouTube videos.....power within the County lies with the clubs and that is where we have spent the last 5 weeks. Its now over to the clubs and their delegates.

We can collectively decide to stick with what we have, or change things. On Monday night we will know.

An unfortunate intervention from 'Clover'. Whether one agrees with the views expressed on this board the discussions have been for the most part positive and without resorting to abuse. It would be helpful all round to keep it that way between now and December 7th and beyond in fact.

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"I would also hope that if BrendanBelfast wins the PRO job, that he would get Sean Kelly on board with him, clearly a guy with a passion and a vision.  The work he has done with Belfast Hour alone would prove what a benefit he would be to any administration, and I'm sure there is a role for him on some sub-committee, for we need all the positive press we can get."

No issue there at all and in fact I have discussed this with Sean. If he wins, he'll do a great job I have no doubt. If I make it, I'll be asking Sean to join a PR sub committee right away. He knows that.

Have to say too that our ongoing tour of clubs is a very encouraging experience. We have had a great welcome all round the county and in some way this probably amounts to the deepest and most comprehensive survey of clubs ever undertaken. Extremely worthwhile and - if we are successful - those opinions, observations, passionately made points on key issues, will inform how we set about our task. I have no doubt that notwithstanding a few ruffled feathers, this whole undertaking has been refreshing for our County and will prove to have been beneficial.

I opted out of this thread some time ago, and I'll just re-iterate for now that, notwithstanding the letter issued today in the name of the South Antrim An Cathaoirleach we have no intention of getting into a public, negative tit for tat with fellow Gaels. We'll keep talking to the clubs and will be happy to answer any queries and take on board any observations in clubrooms across our county. 

I'm all for reasoned and positive debate but this isn't it. I'm opting out of this thread; over to the clubs.

"BrendanBelfast how does the team plan to get around the recent frustrated outburst? Surely it has played into some peoples hands? And please don't let on you are not familiar with this, the dogs in the street have heard it and the MMS is circulating like wildfire... BTW I totally understand the frustration..."

I haven't heard the 'outburst' but I know that: (i) its a voicemail left following the circulation of a misleading email to all clubs about the intentions of the group re divisional boards, and that it named one person from our group specifically; (ii) the person who left the voicemail has subsequently apologised to the recipient; (iii) the recipient has in turn apologised for sending the original email. But the mutual apology doesn't suit the narrative and therefore isn't part of the story.

Listen, ours is an honest attempt to initiate positive change. That was frustrated almost immediately we contacted clubs and led to an angry outburst - big deal. We pledged at the outset not to get involved in finger pointing or 'tit for tat' exchanges with fellow Gaels and we'll do our best to stick to that.

Bannside - we are contacting clubs and have met a number already - all so far have welcomed the debate and acknowledge the need for a change of approach. But, clubs have their own decision making processes and we'll respect that.

I'll say it again - there is no proposal to remove Divisional Boards, thats not stated in our letter and is not the case.

The fact that it was circulated among clubs that the group of people seeking election was also seeking to remove divisional boards was not based on fact. Being kind you could say it was an accidental mistake.

If the new group gets elected en masse then everything is changed, its a chance for the county to make a new start.

I'm quite happy to explain why I'm prepared to go forward again; I think I can (i) do a good job as PRO and (ii) play a useful role as part of a wider group which has a shared vision for our county. It is also clear to me that the group seeking election are prepared to put in the effort and energy to try and change Antrim for the better.

So on the basis that we can either wait around and hope for change to come about, or try and actually change things, I'm going with the second option.

"brendan I wonder why u would go back to the trough again after being there before!?"

Trough? That says a lot. 

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Be prepared for much more of this in the coming weeks. They lay it on in buckets. Although, you should know.
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I do know that, but it's a pity.

have any/many of you had a read at the "saffron vision"

"they want to demolish divisional boards & make all leagues all county, to help county teams & dev squads"

That's not the case and the letter sent to all clubs does not say that.

No money Brendan..................Jeez we had a lotta people parting with their hard earned dough in attendance at the three senior championship games at Ahoghill this year.......................Cargin v Gall's 4/5000 @ £5 each = £20 to £25k.....Cargin v Creggan 3/4000 @£8 =24 to £32k.....Cargin v L Dearg 4/5000 @£10 =£40 TO £50k.
Now my maths aint good but does that not come to appx £90 to £110k..................and then we have the hurling as well as the Intermediate and Junior c'ships...................now we have no money you say.

No, I didn't say that.

"bannside what calibre has collie donnelly got?! at the end of the day, him and his croonies can promise the world and more, but fact is we havent any money to do things!!"

Cronies? Good to see you giving a positive welcome to those who are prepared to step up and try and change things. Good man.

The Watson article was rubbish, a discredit to a normally decent paper.