Coiste na nÓg Chontae Shligigh with the support
of our sponsors Expert Electrical Sligo are delighted to launch
the 2016 Sligo Club underage hurling and football fixture programme. The
fixture programme was designed having consulted with all of the Clubs in the
County through an online questionnaire and a club forum. The fixture programme commenced
on Sunday 13th March. Between
league and championship there will be in excess of 700 games, at under
12,13,14,16, and 18 levels, catering for over 1500 players. There
will be 55 finals which will provide plenty of opportunity for silverware.
We also plan to run a number of blitz events throughout the year to
further compliment the fixture programme. This is separate
from the excellent programme administered at u.8 and u.10 level by our
full time coaches and overseen by Liam Óg
Gormley as well as the Summer Cúl Camp events. The GAA
programme of activities in Sligo for 2016 will provide a wonderful
sporting outlet for our youth.
I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of Coiste na nÓg to sincerely
thank Expert Electrical for their continued financial support which is vital in
order to help with the cost of running our underage Programme. I would
also like to thank the sponsors of our underage county teams as follows
Minor Team – Devenish Nutrition
U17 Team – Radisson Hotel and
Spa, Sligo
U16 Team – O’Dowd Storage
and Warehousing
Sligo County Development Squads –
EJ Menswear
I wish in particular to acknowledge the very significant role played
by our referees, without whom the delivery of the fixture programme would be
impossible. It has been well documented of late that there is a
significant shortage of referees. It is encouraging to see that a number
of clubs have been proactive in referee recruitment and that a number of new
recruits have recently completed a training programme. We in
Coiste na nÓg wish our new recruits and all our other referees
well for the new season. I ask that players, mentors, club officials
and supporters show respect to our referees. We would remind
Clubs that they have a significant role to play in fostering respect for
our referees.
I wish to thank the Markievicz Park Committee in advance for their
continued support by making available our county grounds for
underage finals. Every young player wants to play in Markievicz Park and in the
current year it is proposed to play most of the Finals at that venue. Finals
which cannot be accommodated in Markievicz Park will be played at our
Centre of Excellence in Scarden.
I wish to thank the Club Secretaries for their continued cooperation in the
delivery of the fixture programme in line with the fixture calendar and to
acknowledge the vital role they play in this area. I would also like to
thank team managements, mentors and parents for their respective efforts in
facilitating our underage games in the county.
I wish to acknowledge the support of Sligo County Board, and it's Administration
and coaching staff. In particular, I wish to thank the other members
of Coiste Na nÓg -Joe Murphy (Chairperson), Bill O'Kelly Lynch, John
Niland, and Padraig Clancy who have been tasked with delivering the 2016
fixture programme.
Finally, I would like to wish all Clubs well for 2016, and hope that all
will have a very enjoyable season.
Is mise le meas,
Sean McAlbanach,
Runai,
Coiste na Nog Contae Shligigh.