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Check this out and see if it reminds you of anyone in particular!!!

"Grass roots level to benefit
19 August 2007


At an extraordinary meeting of Central Council on Saturday, it was agreed that significant financial funding would be made available to further develop the grass roots level of the GAA.

The funding is set to come from the revenue gained from hosting soccer and rugby internationals at Croke Park over the coming years, while the figure reported to be considered is in the region of €38 million.

The funding includes €8.5 million for county boards specifically for club associated development projects. In addition and because of rapid demographic changes, special urban initiatives will be funded, as will new hurling development initiatives.

There will also be a number of training facilities around the country brought up to a standard where there will be floodlights and all-weather pitches developed over the coming years.

Mr Nickey Brennan, the President of the GAA, emphasised that this is a once off investment additional to funding made available on an annual basis from the GAA's traditional income sources."

The above from Central Council has got to be good news, however, I wonder if any of it will find its' way to Britain.

Thoughts?

I see some of the so-called experts are calling for the scrapping of the Provincial championships. Interesting? I've been suggesting that for ages. The way I see the game moving forward to everyone's benefit would be as follows:

The eight quarter-finalists to be seeded (winners 1, runners-up 2, losing semi-finalists 3 and 4 etc). These provide the first county in each of eight gropus A - H). An open draw would then follow to fill each of the other three places in the groups. This will enable ALL counties to have a minimum of three Championship games and the winners of each group progress into the All-Ireland quarter-finals. The Provincial's could be played another time if the counties really wanted to keep them in place.

Thoughts?

St. Benedicts are embarking on a major fundraising drive to further facilitate the club's development. We are in negotiation with Leeds City Council for a pitch with changing rooms, and proposals for a clubhouse, which requires a 25-year lease. We are also developing a Hurling team and a Ladies' team. These require a large input of time and investment on behalf of the club. They are necessary because we have already developed in a major way with last year's under 16's reaching the All-Britain final and the excellent progression shown by our open-age teams. Last year's under 21's won the Yorkshire Championship for the Chris Noonan cup. Our younger age groups are also showing consistent improvement and represent Yorkshire at under 14's, 16's and minor levels. Our club has consistently supplied many of the squad for the Under 14 Feile Peil na nOg held every year in various Counties in Ireland.

St. Benedicts Harps (Leeds) have already embarked on internal fundraising drives with the introduction of a Member's lotto and our "Annual Event" on August 4 at the Tara Suite in the Leeds Irish Centre. Tickets are £20 each and the event will see a buffet, band (Nicky James Trio), a Disco (Joe Moore) and Leeds Comhaltas and a great night's craic. The ticket price also includes entry into our draw where the 1st prize is a brand new Ford Fiesta (purchased from Ringways Leeds), 2nd prize is a week's holiday to Portugal with flights and transfers and self-catering accommodation, 3rd is a Plasma TV and 4th prize will be a laptop. Other prizes will be on offer on the night. As this is designed to be a night full of the craic, casual attire is preferred. We think you will agree this represents great value for money and we ask for your support for August 4. Tickets can be ordered via email: wfmullan@hotmail.com or by calling 07770 608694. We are aware that this date may not suit everyone; however, ticket purchase guarantees entry into the draw.

I see the new rulebook has ben published. Rule 132 states that an under 16 cannot play under 21 or open-age games. This could have a serious effect on clubs in Britain. I know counties can apply for deviation, but what do people think about it?

St. Benedicts Harps are a Gaelic football club in Leeds. We play Senior, Junior and all under-ages. We are a friendly welcoming club with many dedicated people on board. We are always looking for new players, so if you are, or yoiu know of anyone coming to Leeds to work or study contact the club Secretary on wfmullan@hotmail.com for details of games. Check out our site http://stbenedictsharps.intheteam.com.

Also, Aug 4 sees our annual event during which we are having a draw for a Ford Fiesta. The event includes a buffet, ceili, band and disco. Tickets are £20/30 euros. This includes entry into the draw. Tickets available by email or via the website.