The 2018 GAA Handball National AGM took place on Sunday morning, 4th February 2018, as delegates from counties descended on Croke Park Stadium for the second day in a row, following the previous nights All-Star Awards.
After Dublin Chairman John Molloy welcomed delegates to the capital, Uachtaran Joe Masterson reinforced the welcome, thanked everyone for their commitments throughout the year, and provided an update on the health of absent National Manager John Kelly, who is in a stable condition recovering from his recent health scare. The Uachtaran proceeded to go through John Kelly's comprehensive Annual Report, which can be read here.
GAA Finance Manager Joan Kelly went through the GAA Handball Accounts for the previous 12 months before GAA Handball Fixtures & Events Officer Austin McKenna gave a short presentation on his role and the complexities involved in managing the congested GAA Handball fixture list annually.
This was followed by a presentation by Development Officer Deborah Foley on GAA Handball's new Social Media Guidelines Manual, which will be released on the national website this week.
National Development Officer Darragh Daly presented an overview of current, new and future Coaching & Development Initiatives. This included the recent release of a new Coaching Video Series & Coaching Manuals. Daly proceeded to inform and detail to delegates of new initiatives due to be released in the not too distant future, including a new Club Standards Programme (Club Iontach), a National Handball Academy, and a new Referee Education & Pathway.
There was only one Motion on the table, proposed by Wexford, and it was passed by a large majority.
"That entrants in all provincial and national singles and/or doubles championships be considered to have taken part in that championship as soon as they appear on a circulated fixture list or championship draw. A player(s) withdrawing, conceding a walkover or failing to turn up for a game is deemed to have taken part in that championship and cannot reappear as a replacement or substitute in the same championship in the same year. Circulated means by email to county secretaries or via GAA Handball website. Championship means any singles or doubles championship ran by provincial council or GAA Handball."
In a final address by special guest Uachtaran CLG Aogan O'Fearghail, the delegates were informed that after years of disruption, building on the new National Handball Centre, located at Croke Villas, behind the Cusack Stand, will commence in March. This was very much welcomed by all attendees and signals a great boost for the next generation of Handballers having a world class centre available to showcase our game to the masses.
