UACHTARÁN CHUMANN LÚTCHLEAS GAEL LAUNCHES CLONDUFF’S NEW FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN
DÚCHAS AGUS DÁIMH!
Clonduff Clubroom was positively ‘buzzing’ on Saturday night 18th January for the launch of the Club’s vibrant and innovative five-year Strategic Plan which put a big emphasis on its community involvement. The launch marked the culmination of months of hard work by Development Co-ordinator Grainne Killen and her committee, who brought it all together following numerous consultations and collaboration with various groups within the Club Community.
Local musicians Paul Kelly and his brother Sean, accompanied by Neil Óg O’Hagan and Matt McGinn welcomed guests and supporters to Clonduff Club with fabulous traditional music – some of the musicians were also there at the close of the event!
Fear an Tí Ciarán Dunbar got proceedings underway by welcoming the huge crowd of young and not so young members of the local community; he had a special word of welcome for the invited Guests – Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Jarlath Burns, na cathaoirligh (the Chairs) of Down GAA Maureen O’Higgins, Down LGFA Mike Barnett, Down Camogie – our own Teresa Carr and the Principals of the two local primary schools Mrs Geraldine Smith (St Patrick’s) and Mr Niall Geoghegan (St Paul’s), before introducing the speakers.
The first speaker of the evening was Grainne Killen, Clonduff Development Co-ordinator who outlined the process behind the final plan. She thanked all involved and had a special word for Michaela Sherry Ward who was responsible for the graphic design and final production.
Ciarán then called on na Cathaoirligh of the three County Boards in turn – Maureen O’Higgins, like all the other speakers, congratulated Clonduff on the innovative plan and spoke of her past connections, (Camogie Player) with Clonduff and how the club had earned the respect of all Down Clubs by fielding teams in all field codes, Handball and Scór. Teresa Carr, Chair Down Camogie, wished Clonduff all the best and spoke humorously about her connections with Clonduff. Mike Barnett, Chair Down LGFA referred to his hilarious introduction to Gaelic Games, as an Englishman, it happened in Clonduff Park and like the two previous speakers thanked Clonduff for their contribution to the County Board.
Fear an Tí Ciarán explained the philosophy behind the new strapline – Dúchas agus Dáimh – which will appear on all future Clonduff merchandise and communications. He was tasked with devising a short, snappy phrase that would embody everything that Clonduff was, is and aspires to. After much research, consultation and soul-searching ‘Dúchas agus Dáimh’ fit the bill superbly – encompassing Culture, Tradition, Fellowship and Community.
There then followed a short video shot and assembled by Clonduff members – Steve Gilbey (Drone Photography), Matt McGinn compiled the final video into a beautiful cohesive arrangement which was narrated with the dulcet tones of Club President Fintan Mussen.
Next on the platform was Cathaoirleach Chluain Daimh Ross Carr who thanked all involved in the formation of the five-year strategy and went on to outline the six strands which it encompassed – Community and Culture, Coaching and Games, Health and Well-being, Facilities Development, Governance and Finance and Communications and spoke about what it was hoped the Club would achieve in the lifetime of the strategic plan. He urged everybody to ‘join hands on this journey, to share ideas, expertise and resources to work together towards the common goals’.
Guest of Honour, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns on speaking of the Clonduff Strategic Plan, congratulated Clonduff on its structure and content. He spoke of his connections with Clonduff going back many years. He referred to Clonduff being a beacon for other clubs, not only by fielding in all codes but particularly with their community involvement with special reference to Lorcan’s funeral last year – he was honoured to have been present at Lorcan’s funeral mass and the show of solidarity for the family.
The final speaker of the evening was Uachtarán Chumann Chluain Daimh Fintan Mussen who spoke of some early memories of Clonduff and how they had been true to themselves but were not afraid to move forward embracing change. They had served the community very well in the past and currently and no doubt this Strategic Plan was a worthy ‘roadmap’ to ensure the future of Gaelic Games and Culture in Clonduff and ultimately throughout the county, the province and the country.
The formal proceedings concluded with Fintan and Ross making a presentation to Jarlath – a hand painted picture of him as President holding aloft the Sam Maguire Cup with his son Jarly Óg when Armagh won the All Ireland Football Final in July 2024.
Following light refreshments and photo opportunities, Jarlath moved on to fulfil another engagement but many of the Clonduff faithful remained to reminisce, discuss and contemplate.
DÚCHAS AGUS DÁIMH!
Culture, Tradition, Fellowship, Community
Thank You Message from An Cathaoirleach Ross Carr
Hi everyone,
I would like to thank you all for your attendance and support at last night’s launch.
The turnout was great and led to a super atmosphere.
We have made a serious commitment to our members now and it will take a huge effort from us all to lead this change.
Thanks again,
Ross
