Connacht can be proud of its support for coaching

THE GAA's decision to open Croke Park was indicative of a broad-minded organisation with confidence in its future, according to outgoing Connacht GAA council chairman, Tommy Moran.

He told last night's provincial convention that the acceptance of that decision by members opposed to it also showed 'a special big-mindedness' that had to be admired.

Mr. Moran, a former national referee and ex-Leitrim county secretary, said there would be many 'calls' on the extra income raised by rugby and soccer internationals at Croke Park.

"Certainly, the GAA is sharing in the affluence of present-day Ireland, but many clubs are still in difficult financial circumstances in their efforts to provide the very best in facilities for their members," he commented.

"There will be many demands for the extra revenue ... and no doubt these clubs will be standing in line hoping for a share of the pool."

Mr Moran stressed the importance of character formation at youth level, in addition to skills development, saying that the Connacht council could 'hold its head high' because of its support for coaching and games development programmes.

"The most recent structural changes in the counties will enhance this work even more and give every youngster in the province, and every student at all levels, even more glorious opportunities to be the best they can. Our coaching initiatives are costly, but the council and our counties are prepared for the necessary financial outlay to make them successful.

"Education, in the true sense, means the development of the whole personality of the child, and so our coach education programme means we must do more than skills coaching.

"Our young people are part of our GAA family and so we should have concern for their full development."

In this context, Mr Moran said that focusing on healthy, sporting lifestyles should help steer them away from the 'lazy, destroying culture' of over-indulgence in drink and drugs that seemed to be bedevilling the country.

"Scarcely a day passes but we have another reason to bemoan this excessiveness, but it did not come over-night; it has been creeping up on us for years," he added.

Expressing confidence that the inter-provincial competitions would survive, Mr Moran said that few players represented Connacht with "such excellence and style" as Sean Purcell, Jack Mahon and Mattie McDonagh.

"These three great Gaels went to their reward last year. We remember with pride their artistry on the field of play, whether with their Clubs, with Galway or with Connacht and we acknowledge their life long contribution to the Association."

* The new chairman is Sligo man Lauri Quinn from the Shamrock Gaels club.