Minor Grade 3 League 2012
Sunday February 26 (2pm): Drumragh v Kildress
Saturday March 3 (11am): Edendork v Drumragh
Saturday March 10 (11am): Loughmacrory v Drumragh
Sunday March 25 (2pm): Drumragh v Pomeroy
Thursday March 29 (6.30pm): Aghyaran v Drumragh
Thursday April 5 (6.45pm): Drumragh v Beragh
Monday April 23 (7pm): Drumragh v Rock

League final: Monday May 21

Since the 2010 AGM there has as usual been much activity in relation to cultural activity in the club.

2011 started with our participation in the Scor Senior and the club was represented in six of the eight disciplines with three reaching the final and all reaching the semi-final.

The ballad group, comprising of Mairead Kelly, Bronagh Starrs, Oonagh Haran, Edel Taggart and Johanna McCann, achieved their usual high standard as did the traditional group consisting of Anthony Bradley, Seamus Brenna, Paddy McGovern, Mairead Kelly and Gerry McCullagh. Evidence of the huge commitment of these members was obvious as Anthony insisted on competing with the group on the day his father-in-law had died.

A newcomer to Scor but not to performance was Terry Keyes who as usual put his heart and soul into his participation and educated the assembled audiences in the true meaning of the Red Hand of Ulster. We look forward to what he has in store in 2012.

Grainne McSorley and Donna Taggart gave great performances in the solo singing and were unlucky not to reach the final. The wise heads in the quiz team (Dermot O'Kane, Brian McKenna, Eugene Duffy and Peter Donaghey) acquitted themselves well as usual.

Probably our biggest achievement in the Senior Scor this year was to field a mixed senior Ceili Dance team which were runners-up in the final. This is the first senior team since 1991 I think and one of the members remains the same. We had Louise Kirwan, Cliodhna Gallagher, Dervla Woods and Ursale Rice with Anthony Bradley, Gregory Fisher, Patrick McCaul and our original 1991 team member Ciaran McCrumlish. They did a great three tunes and enjoyed it all immensely. We were fortunate to secure the assistance of Julie Breslin to mentor the team and really without someone like her the team could not in fact actually compete.

Emigration has affected this year's potential line-up as Paddy McGovern and his accordion are currently in Australia.

Our next endeavour was the St Patrick's Concert in Clanabogan Hall which showcased all the junior and senior talent and other visiting acts from neighbouring clubs and was a highly varied event featuring song, dance and recitation. In total over 40 people kindly performed in the event and there was a great range of food etc available at no charge. A recession-beating night out. Thanks to all the club members who helped us get this particular show on the road.

The club was also represented by the senior dancers and the traditional group in the Strule Arts Centre also in March.

On relation to Irish language promotion Anthony Bradley taught some of the underage teams the national anthem during the season so we can expect them to sing it with gusto the next time Tyrone are playing at Croke Park.

After the summer Junior Scor began and the club was represented in five of the eight disciplines and two acts got to the final and all got to the semi-final.

Michael Roche and Katrina McCrory did solo singing for the first time and did the club proud. An entirely new ballad group consisting of Ellen, Clare and Orlagh McSorley, Ciaran McCann and Catherine Kelly made a great impact and managed to get to the final on their first year competing. They were prepared by Mairead Kelly and Oonagh Haran who put much time and effort into this group which paid off well and we have good reason to be hopeful for the future for this group. Ronan McManus again on his first attempt reached the final and we were disappointed he did not get placed with his rendition of The Slum. Another one to watch in the future. The quiz team of Sean Og McAnespie, Cathal Gallagher and Ryan Carroll did their best and enjoyed the challenge.

Again building upon our success in the dancing in the Senior Scor and having unearthed some promising little dancers at the St Patrick's concert we had a lovely mixed Ceil team which were the tiniest team to take part and if not the most skilled yet were certainly the cutest. These children were Ryan McGaughey, Cormac Norris, Sean Diamond and Adam Brophy. The girls were Eilish Darcy, Mia Gallagher, Shauna Kearney and Ciara Diamond. Again Julie helped us and also Marion O'Doherty but if we are to achieve any success with this team, which certainly has huge potential, we will need to find someone with dancing expertise not already associated with the club to help us and suggestions are welcome.

On addition to this competitive activity our members have represented us and performed at various charity events and most recently at the Clanabogan Seniors Citizens Christmas party and were delighted to be asked to do this. Also the ballad group sang at Fr Canning's leaving night party. Musicians played at the Camphill Community Open Day which went down really well.

Mary Campbell and Terry McGovern with Eugene and Michael have also continued to support us and perform at events in the name of the club and we are grateful to them for this.

Our two adjudicators Peter Donaghey and Cathal Lynch have presided over some quite prestigious Scor rounds and managed to get out of these venues alive which as an adjudicator is always an achievement in itself!

In total, almost 50 members have participated in events - some competitive and some not but all represent this club with distinction and the cultural committee is proud of their efforts and grateful for thweir participation.

Thanks to all the parents of these youth who were involved for their enthusiasm and support. Thanks as always to Anthony Bradley for the use of the St Colmcille's school for rehearsals.

Please keep your eyes and minds alert for any new members who you think would wish to become involved and especially be on the look out for a dancing teacher.

Thanks to all the committee for their efforts and to all who supported us. In particular thanks to Patrick Griffin for helping publicise our existence in the various mediums.

Paula McCann

Coaches can develop in three main way:
1. By completing the Award Bearing Course e.g. we had 28 participants on a Foundation Course  in June 2011. This was in addition to the 31 who attended this same course in February 2010.
2. By providing our own internal coaching seminars led for example by Ryan Daly, Stephen Quinn and Ryan Porter.
3. By being open to new ideas, observing fellow coaches in action, learning from them and discussing what works best.

Although we have been able to provide a number of courses and seminars in recent years, we have had to be mindful of the demands on the time of club volunteers. A coach with any age group from U6 to adult level is generally committed to two or three outings a week and most of these volunteers are usually also involved at sub-committees and/or main committee level as well as being involved in other club initiatives.

The reality, therefore, is that there are few opportunities for scheduling coaching events becasue we need to manage the burden on our volunteers. This places a greater emphasis on (3) above which, in turn, assumes that everyone realises that her/his development as a coach is a never ending life-long process.

Conclusion
Let us acknowledge the tireless work of all those who have coached both boys and girls squads at all age levels, the commitment of youth officer Gerry McGurgan and his committee and those ladies who provided similar leadership in 2011.

People have their own lives to lead and their own personal commitments and responsibilities but this club is blessed with a significant number of coaches who continue to volunteer so much time and energy to our coaching endeavours.

Seamus Woods

As I reflect on 2011, as with us all, there is one main and very sad time that stands out above all else, the loss of Cathal McLaughlin. Cathal was our vice-chairman for years. Cathal attended every ladies committee meeting that was organised and also represented us at county board and Ulster meetings. Cathal was a main player in the promotion of ladies Gaelic games within the club and for all the adult ladies and girls within the club will themselves have great memories of playing Gaelic games at St Pat's Park, Clanabogan, Tyrone, Ulster, Croke Park and across the water as they all progress in their own path of life as a result of Cathal's commitment.

Our first committee meeting was held on February 10. The highlight of this meeting was the votes for Amy Cox for Young Personality of the Year were to be cast which Amy rightfully claimed. We also prepared for the Asda bag pack and the start of the minor fixtures.

Next followed registration on March 19. There are 2,907 members registered with Tyrone Ladies Football Association, 70 of which are registered from Drumragh. There are 38 clubs averaging 77 members per club. We as ladies committee were very conscious of cost to club for registration. Where possible we doubled up on roles with the club.

Our senior girls maintained junior status for the second year finishing third in the League. A special thanks goes to Gavin as manager and all who helped out in any way. Thanks to all the girls for making use of their own cars to and from matches. Also a word of thanks to all the girls who participated in the fundraising events throughout the year. This can be said for all ages throughout the ladies football within the club.

I wish to take this opportunity to thank Malachy for his ongoing dedication and full commitment to the minor and U16 squads.

The minors finished third in the League this year only losing out by a single league point to reach the play-off. Our U14 league began in April. This young squad was coached by Gerry Quinn and assisted by Oonagh McMackin. Many thanks to Gerry for his invaluable contribution throughout the year.

Our U12 league started in late April. Peter Donaghey managed this keen bunch of girls. I wish to take this opportunity to thank Peter for all his help with this age group. The U10 blitz competitions started in April and finished in July. We hosted ours in May which had seven teams participating. We fulfilled all blitz fixtures and the girls enjoyed the experience of meeting other clubs and playing Gaelic football. They have had a very successful year.

This year we had an additional coaching available for the U8s girls. Numbers varied throughout the year. I wish to thank Conor Gallagher for his assistance with this bunch of girls. By the end of the year these girls showed clear improvement and this was due to Conor as coach.

To finish the year in football Tyrone Ladies introduced an U13 blitz. Both Gerry and Peter managed this team. This developed the girls further and that will stand to them in the 2012 season.

We have eight girls ranging from senior to U14 representing our club at county level presently with the highest accolade being Tyrone senior captain Neamh Woods who took this mantle over from Sinead McLaughlin again making history as back to back seniors from the one club.

The focus for 2012 must be recruitment and running costs. We all need to promote ladies football within the club. We have identified a shortage of numbers from U16 up to senior football. To sustain football within Drumragh we all must put a conscious effort into addressing thei sissue immediately. Over the winter months and before the season begins I encourage everyone to be proactive inpromoting Drumragh.

We all must take ownership of the club by contributing to the club financially. On a regular basis by means of as adults signing up to Club Drumragh for £10 per month or as a minor and below ensure you bring £1 every week to training or games. No-one should have to remind us to do so. Again I make no apology in saying this is all our club therefore we must support financially to sustain ladies football within Drumragh.

A special congratulations to our Scor na nOg participants who took part in Scor na nOg 2011 especially our ballad group and Ronan McManus for recitation who reached the county final. Well done. All these children also play football for the club.

Finally I would like to say a special word of thanks to Jackie for all her hard work in every aspect of Drumragh. Jackie attended every underage training session, every match and every blitz in which the young girls took part in. Without Jackie's commitment and dedication towards these girls they wouldn't have had as many opportunities to compete against other teams. Also for all the hard work Jackie put in as secretary behind the scenes of the ladies committee within Drumragh.

Dympna Cleary

Youth committee: Jackie McSorley/Dympna Cleary (girls), Seamuus Woods (coaching), Mickey Rodgers (fixtures/county board), Paddy Gallagher (senior youth), Gerry McGurgan (junior youth/chair) and Anne Donaghey (welfare).

Objective 1: To continue the work done across all youth teams and to build a sense of pride and belonging within our youth groups.

Objective 2: To continue to attract new youth members and increase our numbers by making Drumragh THE CLUB OF CHOICE for parents and children alike.

REGISTRATION
Youth registration day back in February saw our biggest turn out yet. More than 250 youth members were registered. This is one of the most important days in the calendar and an enormous amount of work was done leading up to registration in the development and distribution of posters and flyers (more than 1,500 homes were leaflet dropped in the parks of Omagh alone). Each of the schools were visited and the Drumragh story and invitation was offered to assemblies and in some cases individual classes. The whole point of this is to attract children back and to make Drumragh appeal to children who not participated in Gaelic Games before or who are not engaged in their current club.

MINORS
Competed in Grade 2 this year. Missed the League play-offs on the last game of the season in Greencastle. Thumped our old nemisis Eskra at Clanabogan and had a seven-point win over Galbally in Galbally and comprehensively beat Beragh. They had some games in the League and lost narrowly to Gael Naomh Padraig and Trillick by a point. Unlucky with injuries and had a skeleton squad to work with. Lost to Stewartstown in the Championship on a score of 2-18 to 3-13. Overall made great progress and contributed hugely to the senior panel next year. Thanks to Benny Cox, Jimmy Campbell and Mickey Rodgers.

UNDER 16
Very low numbers, some U13s playing for the team to make up the numbers. Competed OK in the League in Grade 4. Hammered Eskra 14-21 to 1-6. Went out to Glenelly in the Championship. Thanks to Darren Barton, Eoin Colton, Mickey Rodgers and Paddy Gallagher.

UNDER 14
Competed very strongly in the League earlier in the year. Unlucky with drawing teams at the other end of the county which makes it difficult to get teams ready for games - this will be looked into next year. Lost to Moy in the Championship. Positive signs is that 30+ players on that panel. Thanks to Paddy Gallagher, Anthony McGale and Paul Devine.

UNDER 13
Were again drawn with teams as far away as Stewartstown and whilst winning all our home games it proved difficult to win away. Positive 35+ players. Big thanks to Paul Devine, Anthony McGale, Eugene Corrigan and Peter Donaghey.

UNDER 12
Is non-competitive and Go Games. Stepped up into Dromore, Killyclogher, Omagh, Carrickmore and Strabane's group. Some great games especially beating Strabane home and away and a memorable game against Killyclogher at Clanabogan. Dromore were the standouts in this group but we held our own against the others. Again the number of children participating is between 25 and 30. Big thanks to Eugene Corrigan, Marty and Stephen Maguire.

UNDER 10
Is non-competitive and games are in a blitz format. More than 30 children participating at this level with Drumragh fielding three teams at each blitz competition. Opponents in the county groupings were Carrickmore, Omagh, Killclogher, Trillick and Dromore. Unbeaten in all blitzes and Drumragh is seen as the strongest team at this age group. Entered a number of open competitions against teams from across Ulster and reached semi-finals and finals along the way. Season culminated in our very own Ulster U10 competition which was the Lowry Cup was/ fiercely fought for. It was fantastic to Drumragh win that competition beating the likes of Truagh, St Enda's, St Galls and Trillick to name a few along the way. A huge thanks goes to Fiachra Woods who organised the competition which was regarded by many as the finest blitz run by all who took part. Big thanks to Kevin Cunningham, Ciaran McGaughey, John McManus and Niall Diamond.

UNDER 8
Continued our junior youth's fighting spirit against the so-called strongest clubs in the county. They were up against Carrickmore, Omagh, Killyclogher, Trillick, Dromore and Strabane and were regualrly beating these teams in the various blitzes throughout the year. They competed in a number of other open blitzes and it was fantastic to see some of our youngest members competing for every ball. Again we have more than 30 registered members at this level and regularly entered three teams in blitz competition. Big thanks to Brian Campbell, Stevie Coyle, Brendan Barrett and Sean Dolan.

UNDER 6 AND GAELIC START
The Gaelic Start programme for beginners and U6s attracts our very youngest of members and is still ongoing on a Saturday morning. In the Winter and Spring months the programme the programme is inside the building and we have seen as many as 40 children taking part. This programme is a GAA initiative and is designed to make Gaelic Games fun for children. In turn the children see Drumragh as a fun place to be and that Saturday means Drumragh. This is where all the hard work is done and I would argue is the most challenging of all the coaching environments. Imagine capturing the attention of 40 three, four and five year olds in a controlled way! A huge thanks to Anne Donaghey for her passionate belief in this programme and her heroic efforts throughout the year. Thanks also goes to Barry McManus who has joined the team.

DEVELOPMENT SQUADS
U17 - Tommy Murphy
U16 - Sean McGale and Cathal Gallagher
U14 - Eamonn Rae

ANNUAL EVENTS
1. Summer camp took place in July. Numbers were more than 100 for the third year running. Many thanks to all who helped out.
2. End of year youth trip for all our junior youth. 101 kids visited Todds Leap in Ballygawley for outdoor activities. This was really successful and a hugely enjoyable experience for the children participating. We were blessed with the weather and thanks goes to all the parents who came along, took part and chaperoned the children.
3. Youth presentation night with special guests Eoin McCusker, Justin McMahon and Santa Claus presenting the medals and certificates. This was held in the hall here.

FINANCES
Collections of youth training monies was stepped up this year and a concentrated effort in collecting on Saturday mornings, Wednesday evenings and for buses has produced an income stream for the youth teams. The ASDA bag pack was a great success and thanks goes to all parents, senior youth members and everyone else that helped.

CONCLUSION
No silverware came our way this year but as I reported last year the future of our club is looking very bright. Looking back on where we have come from over 10 years, numbers, facilities, coaching numbers and parental involvement to where we are today should give us all great hope. Again this year we were regularly hitting over 150 on any given Saturday which is reflected in the financial contributions of our youth draw. These are big numbers at junior youth and this is a numbers game. We are now being recognised as leaders in this regard at county board level and in the recent report we now officially have the largest youth membership in the county along with Galbally. Changed times indeed.

Therefore we mus persist in portraying Drumragh as a family club welcoming children with ALL abilities. We must be vigilant across all of our youth pursuits in ensuring that we are seen as being THE BEST CLUB to be involved with. We have successfully achieved that through hard work over these last number of years. We have changed this club's youth policy into a youth programme and have positioned Drumragh as a club which puts youth first.

The association has now removed the role of the youth officer and replaced it with children's officer. This is a huge task and one that the club must embrace fully. We, of course, made mistakes but as long as the club attracts the numbers, nurtures the children ina positive environment by following the Drumragh Way of coaching then we have a chance of succeeding on the pitch. To reiterate from last year, the overarching objective is to year after year have League and Championshi-winning teams at every age group from U14 to minor.

We are a junior club at the minute but we must think like a senior club because this is Drumragh's future. By coming together we get things going by working together we make things happen but by believing together and in each other we can achieve true success for this club.

Gerry McGurgan

I am honoured to place before you my first financial report detailing the financial health of the club. The report details where we have come from, the transactions conducted throughout the year and the position we find ourselves in today.

The job I took on this time last year has been stimulating but also challenging. I was not long in the role until I was questioning why I ever agreed to do it. I had time to reflect on the level of debt being faced, I had to field pressure from suppliers looking for payments at a time when the club did not have the means to correct the situation.

My first task then had to be the drawing up of a plan of action for the year ahead and place ir before the newly formed Finance Steering Group (FSG). From that questioning start I can now look back and feel privileged firstly for having given life to Seamus Woods's idea of having such a group and secondly for the wisdom, help and support of a talented group of individuals who have contributed so much over the past year. I feel it was probably the most productive 18 hours that any of us spent throughout the past year.

The FS, I firmly belive, gave sound direction to the club throughout the year and has developed into the key group within the club.

Turning to the debt that existed at the beginning of the year. It is still not cleared but has been reduced somewhat. Whilst the figures are going in the right direction I would venture to say they are not as good as they appear. The year ahead will be a difficult one and the same level of effort shown throughout 2011 will be required in 2012.

On reflection that debt has had many positive effects for the club. One of the key aims of the FSG was to communicate an accurate picture of the club's financial positions, warts and all, to all officials and members. The achievement of this task brought many pluses. As members became more aware of the problems facing the club behaviours changed, more consideration was given to curtailing expenditure and more extended in collecting monies each week. However, the most telling feature was through club members, many not actively involved before, initiating or contributing to a host of ideas for raising money. These ideas contributed positively to the financial well-being of the club but more importantly a whole raft of new people have stepped forward and this augers well for the future.

On the playing field we look to identify new talent within our underage players to augment and strengthen our senior teams. The same applies to those required to adminstratevthe affairs of the club. A significant number of this new brigade are blessed with great leadership skills and therefore the club is so fortunate to have such talent to nurture and promote in the years ahead.

I pose the question. Would we have come so far in such a relatively short time if we did not have any problems at the start of the year? Do not get me wrong, I am not advocating being in debt but on this, hopefully, one-off occasion it has brought us many benefits and if we all learn from the experience the future of this club looks bright and we can go forward with confidence. We will have the means but more importantly the people to lead us onwards and upwards.

I have to thank a few people. Firstly Neil McGread for preparing the income and expenditure accounts and balance sheet that you have before you. He has taken time out over the past two weeks to give us a sound professional system that we can build upon year on year. This will greatly help both planning and control. Thanks to Anne Donaghey and Neil for their help and support as assistant treasurers throughout the year. The's attendance at meetings, contribution at the meetings and the support so freely given at all other times is greatly appreciated. I take this opportunity to remember our colleague Cathal who not only contributed so much to our meetings but also gave me the benefit of his wise counsel on many other occasions. Last but not least thanks to our chairman Aidy, and Michelle our secretary for their support and guidance.

Whilst I and my FSG colleagues are reasonably satisfied that we have seen the club's operational expenses returning to a more healthy position there is no room for complacency. The club is also carrying a significant capital debt and it is possible that members are not aware of the burden it places on the club and especially Jim McGread who tends to be the one who has to do the worrying about it. Jim/Neil will no doubt appraise you of the facts and figures but there are still mountains to be climbed.

I have prepared:
1. An income and expenditure account and balance sheet for the year ended November 30 2011
2. Details of the fundraising events held during the year and outcomes
3. Details of income and costs of the key groups and other cost centres within the club.

I trust the information is clear and informative but hopefully any questions you have I or members of the team can answer. These accounts are presented as an accurate record of the financial activity of Drumragh Sarsfields GAC for the period December 1 2010 to November 30 2011.

Gerry McLaughlin

2011 will always be remembered within Droim Ratha as a year in which we experienced extreme highs, alongside extreme lows. Nevertheless, the participation, endeavour, work ethic and spirit shown by all of our members has never faltered or failed to impress. Throughout this evening’s proceedings we will be updated by mentors and leaders representing all the groups within the Club as they outline the highlights and achievements of their particular codes. My overview of 2011 therefore will be of a general nature and hopefully I can pertain to include everyone.

Early this year, the new committee, containing a few, very welcome new faces, set out to undertake what has become the most arduous task of running a Club at the scale to which ours has become. Our volunteerism was brought to the fore very quickly when we unfortunately and very sadly were involved in assisting with the wake and funeral arrangements of Michaela McAreavey, a task which our club members undertook with great dignity and sincerity. This scenario unfortunately, had to be replicated later in the year closer to home, when the same men and women stood shoulder to shoulder to say a final farewell to our very own Cathal McLaughlin.

Aside from this, our playing members were paid tribute to at our annual dinner dance and in 2012 this event will be replaced by the Club’s 40th Anniversary Gala, a very special night, planned for later in the year, which will celebrate all that has been good within the Club over the years since its inception. The Gala committee will make a presentation on this event later in this evening’s proceedings. A special 2011 Club Calendar was introduced, the brainwave of Jim McGread and in our homes it has constantly reminded us throughout the year of our achievements and history, hopefully this will be a publication that continues in the years ahead.

The talented and well versed Club members were showcased at the County Scór Sinsear finals in February and in November the junior members were represented on the same stage. Culture continues to thrive within Droim Ratha and the participation and efforts of all those involved should never be underestimated, given the hours of preparation and rehearsals involved. We thank them all most sincerely and hope that in the years ahead they will be greatly rewarded for their input. Like all other aspects of Club life, more vital support is required from all of us in order for it to progress and survive.

Membership registration and its huge success, culminated in our Club having one of the highest number of youth members within the County. The success of our youth set up is testimony to the efforts of our outgoing youth officer Gerry McGurgan and his team. We also have to pay tribute to Mary Maguire and the huge effort she puts almost single handedly into registering every last one of our members individually. The colossal amount of hours spent on this task is probably never realised and I thank Mary for all her efforts, in both undertaking the registration and for assisting myself tirelessly throughout the year.

At the footballing end of the spectrum, our Senior men set out to compete within ACL Division 3 under the new management team of Darren Baxter and Paddy Gallagher, assisted by Mickey Gallagher & Joe Edgar and trained by Ryan
Cunningham. Challenge games before the start of season showed early signs of great enthusiasm, huge work ethic and commitment and these qualities continued consistently throughout the league and championship campaigns, culminating in achievement of a promotion play off place against Brocagh in late October. The huge progress of the men’s team and the integration of the younger contingency this season has ensured that 2011 has provided sound foundations for success and promotion in the years ahead. Once again a huge tribute is to be paid to all involved in Senior and Reserve football, for their time and efforts throughout the year and beyond.

Ladies competitions also commenced and once again everyone associated with the ladies has to be congratulated on the commitment, effort and enthusiasm shown throughout the year. Ladies football continues to grow in stature from the youngest Under 8’s right through to Senior and the ever increasing numbers represents the popularity and success of what it has grown into. Commitment and endeavour are to the fore throughout all the age groups and having 2 successful role models in the guise of Neamh Woods (Senior County Captain) and Sinead McLaughlin can only help to provide encouragement. Amy Cox also deserves a mention as she represented
the Club also at County level with the minors and her fantastic rallying achievements resulted in her being named as Ulster Herald Sports personality of the Year.

Youth competitions and blitzes began and continued very successfully with all of our underage teams competing throughout the County, showing great determination, competitiveness, will to win and immense pride in the Drumragh jersey. The input of all the youth coaches has ensured that the future of Youth football in Drumragh is stronger than ever. The sea of green jerseys in Clanabogan on a Saturday morning instils pride in every last one of us and their enjoyment of the sessions throughout all of the age groups is so obvious, a true testament to all involved. The older youth groups also never fail to succeed or achieve for the Club. The under 14’s, 16’s and minors also completed very encouraging seasons and will continue to do so, given the talented influx of new players coming through the ranks. A massive thank you is due to all involved in youth football within the Club and we hope they continue with success in the years ahead.

The Gaelic 4Mothers initiative continues to be a huge success for this Club, bringing with it a wider sense of integration, community involvement and of course family fun, this year culminating in the Club hosting the Ulster Blitz very successfully. Their participation in this year’s Belfast Marathon to raise funds for transplant UK, was a huge achievement for everyone involved and they should all be very proud. Anne & the Mothers have to be applauded for the success of this very popular scheme and we wish them every success for the future in both development and competitions.

During the Summer months Droim Ratha once again held another successful Tyrone Summer Camp, where the no’s again were high and as usual thanks go to all those who helped to make this an enjoyable few days. We also, as a Club, very proudly participated in The Run for Michaela. Summer also brought some of our fantastic fundraising ventures. The second Golf Classic was a resounding success and once again allowed us to showcase our Club on a bigger stage. The small working group behind this project was made up of hard working, highly organised and very diligent members, to whom we are very grateful for achieving huge success, not only for the revenue the event produced but also for the professionalism in the way it was ran throughout. Terry Keyes must also, once again be wholly congratulated for his fantastic and also hugely successful “Clash of the Clans”. This family based competition brought to the Club a huge amount of fun, community spirit, colour and competitiveness. Families from Clubs throughout the County willingly participated with feedback being hugely positive and despite a few minor accidents entrants are full of enthusiasm to return next year. The annual Lynch’s Vivo 10K also took place in September; another huge event now ran in conjunction with Athletic’s NI, a testimony to its inaugural successful year under the supervision of Paul Donnelly and his team. The resounding success of the fundraising calendar though must go to the innovative “Todd’s Leap great Solo Run”. This unique event was the brainchild of Gerry McGurgan and after months of planning and preparation, the Run went ahead without a hitch. The ultimate success of this was not only the huge amount of money raised for the Club Development and the Michaela Foundation but the encompassment of the sprit and enthusiasm of every member, one and old, in bringing it to fruition. The whole Club is indebted to the people behind this marvellous achievement, which is the envy of every Club in Ireland in its success and historical in our Club’s long list of achievements.

The last few months have seen the Club also undertake other new initiatives which have included the introduction of Rounders by the ever enthusiastic Terry Keyes, a code which will become very important in our future application for Club Maith status, alongside camogie and hurling. The club has also been proudly represented by various youth members at County development squads, schools competitions and trials and at the County Final.

I offer congratulations to those members who’ve experienced new births, engagements and marriages this past year and also offer my sincere sympathies to all those families who suffered bereavements within this time also.
Particular mention must go to the loss of Cathal and I can only quote “No one ever really dies as long as they took the time to leave us with fond memories”. May he rest in peace.

Personal thanks are extended to all of you for your support, assistance and friendship throughout the year and indeed this last four years in my role as secretary, i hope that i have fulfilled my role to your pleasing and thank you once again for the opportunity.

Go raibh maith agaibh.

Michelle Cox

A Chairde,

Usually at our convention we like to look back and report on happy events. However, the passing of Cathal McLaughlin on October 12 2011 is one of the most tragic events that we as club members shall encounter. Cathal did everything for this club, as a player, a manager, a supporter and a friend, Cathal was but most of all as a husband and daddy. Whether helping out at Clanabogan or supporting Droim Ratha or Tir Eoghain, Mna no Fir Cathal was simply always there. We miss him incredibly and to Gerladine, Barry, Sinead and Claire, we extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathies.

It is difficult to go on, however, as Cathal lived his life and worked for this club, he just got with the business. When we stood back waiting for something to be done, Cathal just did it. Cathal's memory is enshrined in everything we do at Drumragh.

Darren Baxter's approach to management in his debut season was honest and refreshing. By his own admission he didn't know rightly what to expect but for Baxter and his charges to make the Division 3 play-offs must be regarded as a success and a stepping stone. I want to extend thanks to Baxter for all his efforts this year and similarly to his players and all those who assisted him - Mickey G, Paddy Gallagher, Joe, Ryan and Duncs. Also to the reserve panel who also stepped up in 2011 and the introduction of younger players is to be praised. Others to have played a role include Ciara McCabe, Sinead McLaughlin, Patrick Griffin, Mary McGlone for washing the jerseys, all the tea ladies Eamonn, Charlie, Cathal RIP, our fields committee, our stewards and our loyal band of supporters. To our club referees Fabian, Kevin and Jackie and others who help out on the ladies side, you do a great job. Let the good work continue.

The youth division of this club just grows and grows and to read the County Convention report which shows us to have the highest youth membership in the county with 268 members just fills us with pride.  This is due reward for all the hard work put in by Gerry McGurgan and his team of coaches. A visit out here on Satrday morning is heartwarming. Annie D at Gaelic Start has assembled a group of coaches and parents to act as zookeppers for almost 30 U6s.

The progress made by our U8 and U10s is plain to see culminating in the fantastic Lowry Cup blitx at which our U10s emerged as Ulster champions on a 2-0 scoreline. The numbers at U12, U13 and U14 are most encouraging while our U16s and U18s showed promise but finished on the wrong end of a couple of narrow score deficits. This youth development didn't happen overnight so great credit is due to all of the coaches, parents and youth members who have helped along the way.

Other aspects of the club also continue to prosper. Our participation in Scor isn't meeting the success at county level that Paula, Anthony, Dermot, Mairead and the Scor committee deserve, however, we implore you to keep up the good work.

The ladies AGM took place recently and I must urge more support for Dympna, Jackie, Malachy and our new secretary Peter Donaghey. We fully encourage parental involvement so please step forward.

One massive highlight in 2011 was the Great Solo Run over the August weekend. Credit to Gerry McGurgan and his logistics committee who organised a marvellous event leaving no stone unturned. Everyone who participated represented Drumragh with pride and the appreciation showed to us by John McAreavey and Mickey Hart of The Michaela Foundation was a genuine source of satisfaction. This brilliant initiative provided much-needed revenue to the ongoing development and in particular to the completion of upstairs. I want to thank Jim McGread and his team of volunteers who have given up their free time to keep the show on the road.

On the topic of finance, this club is now a small industry and well done to Gerry McLaughlin, Neil McGread and the Finance Steering Group for keeping the finances in tip-top shape. Every single penny is necessary for our ever-increasing financial obligations. The fundraising activities also generate a togetherness, a camaraderie, a feel-good factor as they are all-inclusive. To those who coordinated the auction, quizzes, golf classic, Solo Run, Clash of the Clans, G4M blitz, youth blitzes, football blitzes - you all played a part.

On that note I lastly wish to thank this committee who have worked endlessly throughout the four years of my chairmanship. To our club presidents - Monsignor Donnelly is more than a spiritual leader, he is a good and loyal friend of Drumragh, likewise Fr McDevitt and Fr Canning to whom we send best wishes in his new position. Eugene Duffy and Dermot O'Kane rarely miss a club event and represent Drumragh proudly. To Pat and Charlie for their 40 years of service, without them we wouldn't have come this far. Too my right-hand woman Michelle, who was always kept me in line, her assistance is fully appreciated. I have mentioned finance and thank all the treasurers of recent years - Gerry, Anne, Mary and Eamonn Loughran.

Our membership has increased threefold in no small way to the relentless pursuit of our registrar Mary Maguire. Your work is evidenced by our placing at the topvof the county league tables. And last but by no means least, to every single member of this committee and the ad-hoc committees, all of whom join in our success. We are the envy of so many clubs and our profile has been boosted to the extent that Drumragh are renowned throughout Ireland. One of our stalwarts, Seamus Woods, is one of the leading GAA administrators and I wish to thank him on behalf of this club for combining his Croke Park and colleges work with his loyalty to Drumragh. Indeed other proud Drumragh members have received national coverage recently - well done to Paul Quinn and Sean Maguire on their junior title success with Cu Chulainn's. I also congratulate Kevy D and Patrick Griffin for contributing to all this national prominence with their IT infatuation.

So lastly, remember all of our work as GAA volunteers has brought us to where we are today. Thank you to all the families for their patience, tolerance and support along this journey. Let's keep pulling together and pushing forward and continue the development of this club in memory of those who have gone before us and for the future generations. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as chairman and wouldn't have been able to do so without all the support for which I am eternally grateful. Now it is time for me to become a zookeeper.

Adrian O'Kane