Eileen Jones takes the reins in Ulster | 2019 TG4 Championship draws made

By Paul Swift

TYRONE’S Eileen Jones is the new Ulster Ladies Gaelic President. The Dungannon native took over the reigns earlier today from Michael Naughton who had served the ULGFA as President for the last three years.

Opening proceedings, Michael Naughton welcomed delegates from all nine counties and then reflected on his presidency. He wished Eileen well in her new role and offered his support going forward.

Afterwards reports where delivered by Gerry Doherty (Secretary), Paul Swift (PRO), Paddy Donnelly (Registrar and fixtures) and John Joe Brady (Finance) Ciaran Murtagh (Development) and Caroline Brady (Culture and Language).

These reports threw up a number of interesting facts including the following:
•       Our Facebook page has 8892 followers
•       Donegal’s Ulster championship win made the front page of the Irish News
•       There were over 300 applications for our Gaeltacht scholarships
•       There are 243 clubs in the province four more than last year
•       All nine counties increased their membership in 2018
•       127 games were played in Ulster competitions
•       The first game was on 10th March and the last on 9th December
•       344 girls played in an U14 Blitz back in February

A number of motions, bye laws and recommendations were then debated. A number of these are to be sent forward to the National Congress. Ulster Administrator Ronan Mc Carthy also gave an update on the new Strategic Plan which is to be launched shortly and appealed to all counties to develop their own new plans.
Delegates to Ulster and National sub committees were also ratified.

The following Executive was elected to run ladies football in Ulster in 2019

President – Eileen Jones (Tyrone)
Vice President – Hugh Devenney (Donegal)
Secretary – Gerry Doherty (Armagh)
Assistant Secretary – Martina Dillon (Tyrone)
Treasurer – John Joe Brady (Cavan)
Assistant Treasurer – Annette Boyle (Armagh)
Registrar – Paddy Donnelly (Tyrone)
PRO – Paul Swift (Monaghan)
Development Officer – Philip O Hare (Down)
Culture and Language Officer – Caroline Brady (Donegal)

CHAMPIONSHIP DRAWS
The draws for the Senior and Junior Championship were made at the Ulster Convention earlier today (Sunday):

SENIOR
Preliminary Round (Saturday 1st June)
Donegal v Tyrone
First Semi Final (Saturday 8th June)
Monaghan v Armagh
Second Semi Final (Saturday 15th June)
Cavan v Donegal/Tyrone
Final – Sunday 30th June

JUNIOR
First Semi Final (Saturday 8th June)
Antrim v Fermanagh
Second Semi Final (Saturday 15th June)
Derry v Loser of Antrim v Fermanagh)
Final – Sunday 30th June
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