Congress 2012 - A Successful Weekend for All

From the evening of Friday the 9^th to lunch time on Sunday the 12^th of March Breaffy House Hotel in Mayo was the site for the 39th Ladies Gaelic Football Association’s Annual Congress.

The 2012 Congress saw the addition of many new delegates as every County is now allowed to send three as opposed to two delegates, one of whom must be a current player. This new addition of players to the event was very well received for its first year in existence.

 

As there was a Special Congress in December 2011 and January 2012 to revamp the Ladies Gaelic Football Official Guide, many decisions had already been passed earlier in the year. One new addition to the usual scheduled presentations was those given by the three Regional Games Development Officers of the LGFA. They dealt with issues that are extremely current within the Association – the inclusion of a small sided games structure within Counties, planning County development and accessing funding. Each of the presentations ignited plenty of debate and discussion.

 

One addition to the playing side of things was that Goalkeepers now have the option to use a kicking tee for kickouts. From the administrative side, there are now clear guidelines in place in relation to Post Primary School Provincial Sub Committees. The delegates also voted in favour of supporting the ‘One Club Model’ which would see all codes of the GAA family being integrated into a single unit at club level. This does not mean that it is compulsory for clubs to integrate but that the LGFA support any club who wishes to do so.

 

It was also passed that Congress 2013 will be held in Co. Cavan.

 

It must also be mentioned that the Mayo Ladies Gaelic Football County Board could not have been more organised or helpful across the entire weekend. Many thanks to all involved for your preparation and hard work over the course of the weekend.