SeanKelly's Speach

Yavvy

In a year of many highlights, the Special Olympics because of their
uniqueness and broad appeal and voluntary effort stood out. The
ceremonies at Croke Park showcased the G.A.A. to a whole new world and
brought admiration and widespread respect from around the world. As a
result our public acclaim was probably never higher but in a less
public, yet very real way it brought home to the organisers and general
public at large, the enormous voluntary effort of our members and their
unique ability and generosity in mobilising and leading community
support and involvement. We can now ensure that the Special Olympic
spirit is not lost by continuing to encourage and involve special
Olympians and people with disabilities in our games and activities. I
have asked our Social and Recreational Games Committee to speedily come
forward with recommendations to give effect to this most noble desire.

Our decision to alter the date of the 2006 All-Ireland to facilitate the
Ryder Cup brought further honour and almost too much praise on the
Association but it revealed that in this modern age, even small gestures
of co-operation gain widespread approval and greatly improve our public
image and generate invaluable goodwill.

All games are important, all finals are special and all victories are
memorable. The victories of small clubs like Newtownshandrum and Caltra
in the AIB Club Championships reflected all that's good in G.A.A
community life and will have proven to every player and every club in
the country that fairytales can and do happen. If Charles Kickham were
alive today he would have much more to write about the honour and glory
of the little village, not now, perhaps of Knocknagow, but of Caltra and
Newtownshandrum.

The All-Ireland Finals are still the biggest days in the sporting life
of the nation each year. 2003 continued to reflect the enormous public
interest and concomitant demand for tickets, which is now part of the
great build up. Scarcely has an Uachtaran had the pleasure of
presenting the major trophies (Sam & Liam) to two such sporting icons as
I had this year in the persons of the incomparable D.J. Carey the finest
hurler of our age, and the man long since known by the sobriquet Peter
the great. Comhghairdeas mar sin do Chill chainmigh & Tir Eoghain.
Thuill said a mbuanna & taimid uilig broduil astu.

While Kilkenny's prowess and achievements have been nightly acclaimed
the same generosity and credit hasn't been fully bestowed on Tyrone and,
indeed, to a lesser extent on Armagh last year. This was regrettable
and somewhat churlish. Apart from the phenomenal achievement of winning
the All-Ireland for the first time, these counties overcame enormous
psychological and physical difficulties. Playing the game they loved
often aroused suspicion and led to serve recriminations and unjustified
punishments and reprisals. But officials and players alike kept their
dignity, never lost courage and reached the Holy Grail. Winning Sam was
a triumph of perseverance over adversity, modernism over history, and
intelligence over brawn. It was a cause celebre like we have never
witnessed before. The respect shown to the National Games, the National
Flag and especially National Anthem brought pride and patriotism to a
new level in modern Ireland.

Why then the Churlishness?
Style was the answer opined the critics. But it wasn't Tyrone or Armagh
that invented the short passing, possession game. But they invented a
very effective way of counter-acting it and in so doing may help to end
it. As the former Irish Team Manager, John O'Keeffe has suggested, the
ball can travel faster than any man and kicking is the essential, if
weakest skill in the game at present. A return to long accurate kicking
would negate the possibility of blanket defence and would do wonders for
the game as a spectacle.

Also Tyrone's training system with the emphasis on quality rather than
quantity, player-centred rather than team centred, should be emulated by
coaches at all levels and would do much to bring more enjoyment and
longer careers for our players.

Hurling:
I promised last year not to forget the small ball. The H.D.C, which I
set up has done Trojan work in a short space of time and their radical
proposals, based on deliberation and consultation are before you today.
They are now embarking on a major initiative for the promotion of the
game. Hurling, our national treasure, must be preserved and promoted.
This is a view that is gaining credence among the public at large right
up to the Minister for Sport, John O'Donoghue and the Taoiseach Bertie
Ahern. I await the H.D.C.'s deliberations keenly and we must all
resolve to go the extra mile in pursuit of this glorious ideal. It may
be our last opportunity.


Hurlings sister sport, Camogie is celebrating its centenary this year.
We invited its President, Miriam O'Callaghan to address us last night
and in this very special year for Cumann Camogaiochta na nGael, we hope
to see a rise in participation, recognition and fortune for the male and
female versions of our national treasure - the greatest game of all.

We are endeavouring to give hurling a higher profile at every
opportunity. The playing of the Inter-provincial championships in Rome
and the All-Stars in Phoenix, Arizona provided an incentive and reward
for the players and showcased our game to new audiences. We hope to
continue these endeavours and we are currently discussing the
possibility of playing the inter-provincial finals in Australia as a
curtain raiser to the very successful international rules series next
year.

Also, this year marks the 30th Anniversary of Ladies Football and we can
only admire and congratulate them on the great progress they have made
in their relatively short life span.

The Integration process for all three Associations which I chair is now
beginning to take shape and we hope, in a few months, to have a clear
picture of where we want to go. Arising from this we will give
direction to clubs and counties and put in train a process of
implementation. My own evolving thoughts at this stage would envisage
the possibility of comprehensive or even total integration at club
level, which some clubs already have, partial integration at county
level with the closest co-operation and integrated sub-committees at
National level. This would lead to 3 autonomous bodies under the one
umbrella, pooling resources for the betterment of all three and thus
strengthen family ties and further enhance unity of purpose, community
identity and community spirit.

The Ard-Stuirthoir has pointed out that "a regular schedule of well
administered club fixtures is the single most important challenge facing
the Association". This is an accurate if extraordinary statement. -
accurate because it's true, extraordinary because it's entirely within
our own remit to rectify it. I established a club fixtures committee to
deal precisely with this problem. Some of their recommendation are
before this congress, others have already been implemented - such as the
playing of the cross-county South Ulster League, Mid Lenister hurling
club league and Munster club leagues. More initiatives are in the
pipeline. And while some blame has been attached to county managers,
they alone aren't culpable when activity for juvenile players starts in
April and May and finishes in July and August. That can't be the fault
of the county manger. When players tell me that they'd love to be
playing hurling and football regularly but have no choice but to turn to
other codes if they want a game, it's serious and its sad. It's time
that each county looked at the entire number of games available to all
players from adult to senior, annually and take remedial action where
necessary. For juveniles in Meath they play U 13, 15, 17 in the fall of
the year and play U 12, 14, 16 in the spring and summer time. Where
there's a will there's a way and a way must be found to solve this
conundrum.
Provincial Council's have had the power for a number of years to monitor
the situation in their respective provinces. I think myself, a national
G.A.C. freed from the responsibility of discipline, could do a great job
in assessing and remedying the current and for too long continuing
malaise. It is imperative that they are given the responsibility and
the wherewithal to do so.

Yavvy

Dublin S.R.C.:
During the past year I have chaired the committee dealing with the
advancement of the G.A.A. in Dublin. After a few years of virtual
stalemate I am pleased to record substantial progress in recent times.
This is due in no small measure to the hard-work and co-operation of
John Bailey and the Dublin Co. Board, Nicky Brennan and the Comhairle
Laighlean and the other members of the committee. After initial
difficulties we are now putting structures and personnel in place which,
I have no doubt, will impact positively on our support in Dublin,
strengthen established clubs, set-up new clubs and increase greatly our
market share. Dublin is the country's capital. Its needs to be the
G.A.A's capital as well.

Arising out of the work of the Social Awards committee, which I set up
last year. All-Ireland winning football captains were honoured in Sam
Maguire's home place in Dunmanway last September. It is hoped to
similarly honour the successful Liam McCarthy captains this year. Also,
an initiative known as the Presidents Awards, to honour largely unsung
hidden heroes will take place in June. It is hoped to revamp the
McNamee Awards and in October this year we will be holding a Youth
Congress to be followed in 2005 with a club forum for all clubs in the
Association. This is an example of a voluntary committee, getting
things done. The PR and Presentation Committee, the Marketing
Committee, Club Fixtures and Weak Counties are other new bodies who have
already made a big impact. There are many more that have worked equally
hard and effectively and you will see from the accounts that there was
significant reductions in the overall spend on sub-committees last year.
There are many committees whose work to date has been sporadic. I
didn't intend all committees and task forces to sit for 3 years. And
I'll be expecting a number to conclude their business and then disband
over the next few months.

Táim sásta gur eirigh linn dul chun cinn suntasach a dheanamh I gcursai
chultuir agus teanga I rith na bliana. Beidh comortaisi ceannais de
Thrath na gCeist Boird ar siul I bPairc an Chirocaigh ar an 8u
bealtaine. Nil ann ach tosu beag. Taim ag suil go bhfeadfannis I bhfad
nios mo o dheanamh, gan an iomarcha dua amach anseo. Da nideanfach gach
duine beagainin beag, dhearfadh se difriocht mhor. Also I would ask
officers at all levels to promote encourage and attend Scor. The number
of self-styled great Gaels who never attended Scor is mesmerising. It
would be well to remember that our recently departed idol, Cormac
McAnallen, was due to represent his club in the Tyrone Club Scor Finals
on the Sunday after his tragic death.

Cormac was an exceptional man from an exceptional family. He combined
the idealism and intellectualism of Pearse with the courage and
Leadership of Collins in a modern way befitting a New Ireland. His
loss, above all as a role model, will be keenly felt. Deanaim Comhbhrom
aris lena chlann, a ghra-geal Ashlene agus a chlub agus a Chontae.

Let us resolve however to cherish his memory by being loyal to his
ideals - Christian and Gaelic. And if we do that none of us will go too
far wrong. Also we remember other wonderful sportsmen who departed this
life recently, particularly Francie McMullan and Enda Colleran. They
like so many more, who died in the past year were invaluable members of
our Association and gave of their all on the hurling and football fields
of Eire. Ar dheis leat De go raibh a n-anamacha.

Rule 42:

The fact that no motion on Rule 42 appears on the Clár despite being
submitted by eight counties has disappointed and indeed angered many.
The past Presidents have borne the brunt of much of this anger. This is
unfortunate, as each of them has given life-long and distinguished
service to the Association and they, no less than anyone else are
constrained by the rules of the Association. Nevertheless the fact that
motions now out of order were deemed in order, in previous years, has
perplexed many and has let to unsustainable conspiracy theories. As I
indicated last year, when announcing the setting up of a Rules Revision
Committee, our rules are too complicated and often too negatively
written. For instance the motion committees role is to judge whether
motions are in order, not to put them in order and the President can
rule a motion out of order, not in order.

It is particularly disconcerting that clubs and county boards have no
support mechanism available to them that guarantees motions are in
order. When top officials in the Association and even the bye-laws
committee, known masters of the rules, can't guarantee, that despite
their best efforts, that motions are in order, it is time for a rethink.
When and where are voluntary officials supposed to gain the necessary
expertise to master the rules?

I would welcome a situation, where if motions are passed at County
Conventions, a committee at National level would have the authority to
put them in order. This would get rid of the convoluted system that we
have at present and encourage our voluntary members to table motions,
forward good ideas, happy in the knowledge that they will be discussed
on the only floor that matters the floor of congress. How does it
progress our association when a perfectly laudable, well-thought out
idea can't be discussed because it's technically out of order?

Besides when knowledge of the rules is the preserve of a few, this
confers a certain power on these few, which is unhealthy and
undemocratic. Are there 40 people in this hall who could confidently
put a motion in order for Congress? Are there 30? Are there 20? Are
there 10? I emphasise this because it doesn't have to be like this,
it's not like this in most other organisations and it mustn't be like
this much longer. Hopefully the Rules Revision Committee, who have done
much work over the past year can re-draft the Rule Book that makes it
relatively easy for voluntary officials to master.

The Strategic Review Committee having undertaken a comprehensive in
depth investigation and an extensive market research process made the
following recommendation re the use of Croke Park. "The G.A.A. should,
as soon as the surface of the Croke Park pitch has proved its stability,
re-draft Rule 42 of its official guide to ensure that 'the right to
make decisions in relation to the use of Croke Park should be delegated
to Central Council rather than being covered by general rule"

This committee in the words of my predecessor Sean McThaidhg whose
brain-child it was, was made up of "a cross-section of Irish Society
best placed to comment of the needs of the Association" and some of the
top administrators in the G.A.A., namely, two iar-Uachtarainn, Peter
Quinn and Joe McDonagh, tow provincial Chairman, Christy Cooney and
Nicky Brennan and the then four Provincial secretaries. Their
recommendation makes good sense to me and I have said so when asked and
indeed, I look forward to the day when this recommendation like other
recommendations of this fine report, which have not already been dealt
with is debated at Congress.

Some individuals have questioned the right of the Uachtaran to express
his personal opinion on this matter. One assumes that these critics are
expressing their own personal opinions, while wishing to deny me an
tUachtaran the right to express mine. Well, I have news for you
gentlemen. When you have the same mandate as I got from Congress two
years ago, then and not till then shall I be silenced by you or anybody
else. I was elected to lead, not to be led, to praise not to be
praised, to serve not to be served. As I said last year "in
endeavouring to serve all, I'll ask myself one question - 'What is best
for the Association'. I do not have any other agenda either sporting,
personal or political. I'll listen carefully, consult widely, ponder
deeply but ultimately make up my own mind and follow that without fear
or favour" that's what I have done and that's what I'll continue to do.
Like Johnny Cash, I intend to keep my eyes wide open all the time, keep
a close watch on some friends of mine but when it comes to walking the
line, I'll walk no line but my own, the line that I think is best for
the G.A.A.

If memory serves me right the same tactic was applied to the
Ard-Sturthoir when first he produced his annual reports. He was chide
that his report should contain an account of events during the previous
year not his personal suggestions. Fortunately, he had the good sense
to follow his own judgement and the Association is all the better as a
result.

Wouldn't it be a remarkable state of affairs if everybody in the country
was entitled to comment on what changes the country needed except the
Taoiseach, or if all the world could suggest policy changes for the
Church save the Pope? Likewise, in our Association? How else are
changes to be brought about, improvements made and debate initiated
except by suggestions? People expect leadership from the top, people
are entitled to know one's views and everybody is entitled to express an
opinion and be respected for same, regardless of whether people agree or
disagree with the articulated thoughts.

Criticism doesn't bother me too much. In fact, a little controversy now
and then should be relished by the wisest men. It would be a dull world
if we all agreed. Organisations like ours need and indeed can thrive on
divergent views. But, ultimately, we're all serving the same cause and
pursuing the same goals.

Yavvy

Players:
Remarkable progress was made during the past twelve months in the area
of player welfare. Players, in particular, appreciate these
improvements. We must continue to be vigilant and responsive to the
needs of our players and even issues such as burnout, training and match
schedules, facilities etc have to be constantly monitored and assessed.
I do know, from my discussions with many of them, that the dual players
feel unnecessarily pressurised and discriminated against. Many would
like to play both codes at the highest level. Every effort should be
made to accommodate them rather than issuing ultimatums at the start of
the year. It might be wiser to try and accommodate these totally
dedicated athletes. I would urge county boards and managers to give
them a chance. After all if they are not good enough, you don't have to
select them. If they are good enough, why leave them out?

I am also somewhat disappointed that while players are much happier now
with their lot and feel much more respected, little progress has been
made in the area of formal representation.
An opportunity to elect a players committee at national level didn't
find favour for one reason or another. Nevertheless, official
representation is desirable. The G.P.A. have come but have not gone as
many predicted and probably hoped. Is it the monster that was feared?
Is the gap between the G.P.A. and the G.A.A. narrower or wider than it
was four years ago? As realism sets in I feel the gap narrows. I know
too, in building parlance, if we were starting from a green field site,
an arrangement could be reached with players without too much
difficulty. Can the same be said for those that represent or purport to
represent the players, namely the G.P.A.? I'm not sure but maybe its
time to find out.

Croke Park:

The completion of the Northern End / Hill 16 area in the Autumn of this
year will bring to a conclusion the redevelopment of Croke Park and it
will be a source of immense pride for the entire Association and indeed
the entire country. The completed Croke Park will be as fine a stadium
as there is in the world. The Stadium allied to the hotel which is due
for completion in about a years time, will greatly enhance the whole
area and hopefully will add immeasurably to the enjoyment and
convenience of players and supporters for many years to come.

I have also asked our Project Committee to re visit the possibility,
indeed to my mind the probability, of a rail link adjacent to Croke Park
which would make access and egress much more orderly and convenient for
everybody. It is my intention to explore every avenue to ensure that
this rail link becomes a reality and "no" isn't an answer I'll be
entertaining easily.

The debacle on St. Patrick's day was an eye opener for all and indeed,
as Uachtaran I have written to the four clubs involved apologising for
the major inconvenience caused. Lessons have been learned and will be
put into practice so that such a scenario doesn't reoccur. The whole
system of ticket allocation and distribution needs a major overhaul and
presently we are exploring ways to avail of the whole scope of
technological change which is going to involve a change in mindset and
practice for many people but which ultimately will be more user friendly
and help us reach a wider audience. With more emphasis on marketing and
advertising, many more people can be encouraged to come to our games and
I would entreat the Provincial Councils, in particular, to start
marketing and promoting their respective championships which are now
only a few weeks away.

The marketing committee, which I set up last year have done some
invaluable ground work for us and I await their final report shortly.
With the report in hand we can then make confident strides and impact
ever more greatly on Irish Society. The IT and MIS Committee are also
propelling us forward at a rate of knots and delegates mustn't forget
that we have already taken a decision to have communication by email
from October next.

I am grateful to Coise Bainisti, Ard Chomhairle for allowing me change
the congress format this year. The workshops were revamped and I am
particularly grateful for cooperation in facilitating a presentation to
the whole Congress of an overview of our activities overseas. Through
the expansion of new competitions for clubs and counties wonderful
opportunities await to encourage involve and recognise the great work
being done overseas in the promotion of our Games. The more contact we
have with the overseas units the better and I hope all units will have
continuous links with overseas on a regular basis.

Clubs:

Every G.A.A. person knows how important the club is to our Association.
Many measures have been and are being implemented to help the clubs,
some coming before you today by way of motions. But organisation and
administration at club level is absolutely vital. We are, therefore,
combining coaching, game development, club planning and administration
under the one department in Croke Park. We are initiating a scheme to
help drive recruitment, administration and organisation at club level
and over a 3-year period we intend visiting each club in the country
four times to present them with the great new modules that have been
developed. This is of the essence and participation is essential and
may have to be linked with All-Ireland ticket allocation etc. If we
have thriving well-organised clubs, there will be no need to worry
unduly about competitions or what happens elsewhere.

In conclusion, I am happy that the G.A.A. has a very bright future. It
behoves all of us to play our part in the true tradition of the gael to
continuously promote our gael in games and culture and guarantee that
future. That commitment involves generosity, tolerance,
broad-mindedness dedication and support. We have the product, we have
the infra-structure, we have the vision. All we need is the drive to
make it happen. Ladies and gentlemen, the future is ours; Let's grasp
it with open-arms, open minds and open-hearts.

Rath Dé oraibh go léir and go raibh míle, míle maith agaibh .