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WELCOME PACKPACÁISTE FÁILTE

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Contents

Chairpersons Letter of Welcome 3

Club History 4

Roll of Honour 5

Club Vision 6

Club Mission 6

Club Values 6/7

Benefits of Joining our Club 7

List of Officers and Contact Details 8

Code of Conduct 9/10

Child Protection Policy 10

List of Club Coaches 11

Training times 11

List of Sub-committees 12

Club Executive 2018 12

3

Letter from Chairpersons

Congratulations on joining Castlebar Mitchels GAA Club and welcome to the oldest GAA Club in County Mayo. You have joined a very progressive and forward looking club. Your Club Membership Card will issue to you in due course.

In order to make your club membership more meaningful, I strongly encourage you to involve yourself and your family and friends in all other club activities.

We respect the views of all our members and we are open to new ideas. We plan regular activities such as social events, training workshops and other fun activities. We have a number of sub-committees in the club that welcome membership participation. Details of our sub-committees are contained in this Welcome Pack.

You will receive regular information, through our email and social media, of upcoming fixtures and events.

We hold our Annual General Meeting in November every year and the Club Executive meets on the second Monday of every month. Castlebar Mitchels GAA Club is your club. I expect that our members, the Club and you will greatly benefit from your active participation.

Once again, WELCOME to you and your family, and we look forward to having you with us for the coming year!

Yours Faithfully,

Finian Joyce Kevin DurcanClub Chairperson Chairperson, Bord na nÓg February 2018

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Brief History of your Club

The club was founded and held its first meeting in the Town Hall on Linenhall Street on 11th December 1885. Mitchels were the first GAA club formed in Mayo. Castlebar Mitchels club colours were originally green and yellow. The club took its name from John Mitchel, the Young Ireland leader who was banished to Tasmania in 1848 after being found guilty of treason. The club won their first County football senior championship in 1888 and added a second in 1903.

Mitchels won their first junior championship in 1922 and added a second in 1923. Surprisingly they had to wait 91 years until 2014 to win their third county junior title. Mitchels search to acquire their own grounds ended in the late 1920’s when the grounds now known as McHale Park were purchased in 1929. McHale Park was officially opened on the 24th May, 1931 by the President of the club Fr. Dan Corcoran. Mayo played Kildare in a challenge match on the opening day.

Mitchels had a 27 year wait for the third senior county title victory in 1930. As the 1930s dawned, Castlebar Mitchels became a real force in the county. In the early 1930s, they had their first great period when they won three senior titles in-a-row between 1930 and 1932 and another title in 1934.

The success of Mitchels continued into the 1940s, with six titles being won in 1941, 42, 44, 45, 46 and 48 winning their second 3-in- a-row from 1944-1946. The dawn of the 1950s heralded a golden era for the club. Mitchels undertook a major redevelopment of McHale Park in the early 1950’s. Nine county titles were won between 1950 and 1963, including a five-in- a-row between 1950 – 54.

Mitchels became the first GAA club team in Ireland to fly to the USA on tour in 1960. They followed this with further club trips to the USA in 1971, 1985 and 2000.

After this period of unprecedented success, the fortunes of Mitchels waned somewhat through the mid 1960s. Mitchels had to wait until 1969 to win their next senior county title. Mitchels became the first club team from Mayo to win a Connacht Club senior football title defeating Dunmore McHales in the 1969 final. They followed this up in 1970 with back to back county senior titles.

In January 1971 the club took a momentous decision to set up a separate Bord Na nÓg. This was the first of its’ kind in the country and has proved hugely successful in developing our underage players over the years. In the early 1970’s the club devoted a lot of its energy to developing its new clubhouse An Sportlann which was officially opened by Uachtaran CLG Con Murphy in June 1978.

Mitchels had to wait until later in 1978 to regain the senior title with Leo Doherty as captain. Further senior county titles were won in 1986 (captain Finian Joyce) and 1988 (captain Brian Kilkelly). In 1993 Mitchels won their 27th title (captain Tom O’Reilly). They embarked on an exciting run to contest their first All-Ireland club final in 1994 before losing out to Nemo Rangers of Cork. Following this, the club’s fortunes slipped and Mitchels were relegated to Intermediate football in 1995. The club won their first Intermediate title after a gap of 10 years in 2005. This heralded a return to senior ranks.

Meanwhile all the hard work being done at underage level was beginning to bear fruit. Minor titles were won in 2002, 2007, 2009, and 2012 and Under-21 titles in 2005, 2007 and a three-in-a-row from 2010 to 2012. This laid the foundation for Mitchels’ resurgence at senior level which has continued to the present day.

In 2005 the club signed a 50 year lease with Mayo County Board for MacHale Park. In 2010 on the club’s 125th anniversary the club dedicated its club pitches to the memory of two club stalwarts, Josie Munnelly and Gerry McDonald. Mitchels finally regained the county senior title after a 20 year wait in 2013 (captained by Donal Newcombe). They went on to add the Connacht title defeating St. Brigid’s and reached the All Ireland club final in 2014 before losing out to St. Vincent’s.

Mitchels bounced back in 2015 to win their 29th senior title (captained by Rory Byrne). Again the team won the Connacht Club final defeating Corofin along the way. After an epic battle with Crossmaglen Rangers they reached the All Ireland club final for the second time in three years. They succumbed to Ballyboden in the All Ireland club final. In 2017 Mitchels won three-in- a-row County Senior titles for the first time in over 65 years (captained by Rory Byrne). Mitchels have now won 31 Senior County Titles.

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Roll of Honour

Connacht Club Senior Football Championship 41969, 1993, 2013, 2015.

County Senior Football Championship 311888, 1903, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1934, 1941, 1942, 1944, 1945, 1946, 1948, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1956, 1959, 1962, 1963, 1969, 1970, 1978, 1986, 1988, 1993, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017.

County Senior Football League 51987, 2005, 2012, 2013, 2015.

County Intermediate Football Championship 21996 (B), 2005 (A).

County Junior Football Championship 31922, 1923, 2014.

County U21 Football Championship 91982, 1983, 1989, 1996, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012.

County Minor Football Championship 181929, 1930, 1931, 1933, 1934, 1939, 1941, 1947, 1954, 1955, 1982, 1986, 1994, 2002, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2016.

County U16 Football Championship 121937, 1938, 1949, 1957, 1963, 1972, 1985, 1986, 1992, 2000 2003, 2017.

County U14 Football Championship Division 1 101972, 1983, 1987, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2012, 2015, 2017.

County U14 Football Championship Division 6 22011, 2016.

All Ireland U14 Feile 21999, 2016.

All Ireland U10 Community Games 11996.

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Club Vision

Our club vision is to be one of the top GAA clubs in the country, with a strong sense of local community identity, an inclusive family club, where all players enjoy playing and are coached to the highest standards and where members feel welcome, valued and encouraged to show long term loyalty to a club.

Ár bhfísA bheith ar cheann de na clubanna is fearr sa tír, le féiniúlacht pobail láidir áitiúil, club teaghlaigh cuimsitheach, áit a mbaineann ár n-imreoirí taitneamh as imirt, agus iad oilte chun na caighdeáin is airde, áit ina gcuirtear fáilte agus meas roimh na baill, agus iad cothaithe chun dílseacht fadtéarmach a thaispeáint don chlub.

Club Mission

We are a community based volunteer organisation promoting Gaelic games and culture. Is eagraíocht pobail bhunaithe dheonach sinn, chun cluichí agus cultúir Gaelacha a chur chun cinn. We advance the ethos of the GAA by working to:

• Develop and promote our Gaelic games, Irish language and culture

• Enrich the local community we serve

• Provide a friendly, all-inclusive and welcoming environment for all our players, members and visitors

• Offer high quality coaching and other opportunities for our players

• Provide social and cultural events for our members

• Run our club affairs in a professional and competent manner

• Develop and maintain good working relationships with our stakeholders and with the local and national media.

• Communicate effectively with our players, members and coaches

Club Values Our values are the heart and soul of our Club. These are what bind us, what makes us unique and what attracts players, members, families, volunteers and supporters to be part of our club. Our values are set out below.

VolunteerismWe value the contribution of our players who play our games as amateurs and our non playing members who give of their time to the club on a voluntary basis.

InclusionWe welcome all those who wish to join our club irrespective of gender, creed or race. We are anti sectarian and anti racist.

IntegrityWe run our club affairs in a professional manner with the highest standards of honesty, transparency, probity and accountability. We act in an ethical manner at all times.

RecognitionWe acknowledge and take time to celebrate the contributions, achievements and successes of our players, members and supporters.

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RespectWe respect each other and listen to each other’s point of view. We respect fellow players, team officials and administrators.

TeamworkWe work together for each other in a supportive manner that fosters trust and collaboration.

EnjoymentWe facilitate a positive and welcoming environment that fosters and encourages fun for our players and members.

ExcellenceWe strive for excellence in everything we do. We are results focused while aiming to continually improve and learn.

AmbitionWe set ourselves challenging goals and always push ourselves to be the best we can be. We areprepared to take risks to achieve these goals.

InnovationWe are flexible and open to new ideas and are willing to explore new creative approaches ineverything we do.

CommunityWe represent our community with pride. Everything we do is to enrich the community we serve

Some Benefits of Joining Our Club

- Allow you to spend time with your children

- Make new friends

- Have access to training and club facilities

- Have fun in a friendly and safe environment

- Learn and share new skill sets

- Increase your knowledge and improve your skills

- Make a valuable contribution to the community

- Promote Gaelic games and culture

- Take on new challenges

- Expand your personal experiences

- Set a good example for families in the area

- Become part of a community

- Maintain fitness through your involvement

- Re-live childhood sporting memories

8

List of Officers and Contact Details

Below are the key contact details you will require in the club and please feel free to contactanybody if you have any queries or issues.

Name Position Email

Finian Joyce Chairperson/Cathaoirleach fjoyce@eircom.net

Martin Moran Secretary/Runaí secretary.castlebarmitchels.mayo@gaa.ie

James McHale Treasurer/Cisteoir Jamesmchale1@eircom.net

Nigel Quinn PRO/Oifigeach Caidrimh Phoiblí quinnnigel@hotmail.com

Michael McHale Registrar/Cláraitheoir mmhteckof@eircom.net

Kevin Durcan Chairperson Bord na nÓg Kevin.durcan@moneybutler.ie

Noelle Murphy Secretary Bord na nÓg noellecvmurphy@gmail.com

Diarmuid Gavin Treasurer Bord nanÓg diarmuid@pamex.ie

Coach Liaison Officer, Bord na nÓg Padraic Murray 087 8168477

Parents Liaison Officer Bord na nÓg Valerie Mulroy 087 6459349

Website: www.castlebarmitchels.comTwitter: @MitchelsGAAFacebook: @castlebarmitchelsgaaInstagram: @mitchelsgaa

9

Code of Conduct

Castlebar Mitchels Bord na nÓg demands and expects exemplary sportsmanship and conduct of all those involved with and or chosen to represent the club including players, officials, managers and supporters. It is the objective of the Club to have well prepared, disciplined teams representing the club at all levels – teams that club members, parents, family and people of Castlebar can be proud of. We need the help of, and active participation of parents/guardians with players and club officials to achieve our objective. The code of conduct is to help all of us.

For the Player1. All players must be members of the club in order to be considered for inclusion in club activities, i.e. training, games, and club outings.2. Courtesy must be shown to team mentors, club officials, team players, match officials, opposition teams, management and supporters.3. Bad language, foul play on or off the pitch is not acceptable.4. Bullying of any description, physical, verbal or emotional will not be tolerated.5. Club facilities must be respected and kept clean, tidy and free from litter. Players will be responsible for any damage they cause to club property or any property while engaging in club activity.6. Smoking, use of alcohol or any substance abuse is unacceptable and will not be tolerated whilst any player is participating in club activities7. Players are required to behave themselves at all times. This includes travelling to or from our grounds, at our grounds, and travelling to and from away matches. Players should remain at the ground until the training session or match is finished and then to promptly leave.8. Wearing anybody jewellery or chewing gum is prohibited during training and games on the grounds of safety.9. Players selected to play for Castlebar Mitchels are expected to give a commitment to the club and be present at appointed times for training session, matches and all other activities.10. In the true spirit of Gaelic Games, all players are expected to comply with the whole thrust of the code of conduct as outlined. Players who breach the guidelines may be disciplined or expelled from the club.11. Club colours, i.e. togs & socks should be worn for all competitive games.12. Gum Shields are compulsory & have to worn at all training and all games For the Parents/Guardians. For the Parents/Guardians1. Team mentors should be informed of any player’s relevant medical conditions, i.e. asthma, epilepsy etc. by Parents/Guardians2. Parents/Guardians are obliged to inform team mentors if a player is unable to play at a match.3. It is the responsibility of the Parent/Guardian to bring and collect their child to all club related activities.4. It is the responsibility of Parents/Guardians to ensure that both they and their child(ren) have read and understand the guidelines for young players and parents (attached).5. If a Parent/Guardian wishes to discuss any matter relating to club activities, they should contact the relevant team mentor or any of the club officials. There should be no interference with team selection.

The team manager is responsible for all decisions regarding the team. The team manager and club officers will deal with all disciplinary matters and their decision is final. A written report for each disciplinary incident will be sent to parents / guardians.

Website Address: Visit our website at www.castlebarmitchels.com for news and information

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Guidelines for Parents/GuardiansParents/ guardians have an influential role to play in assisting their offspring to adopt positive attitudes and encouraging them to maintain an involvement in sport. Parents should not attempt to meet their own needs for success and achievement through their children’s participation in Gaelic games. The following guidelines will be of assistance in this regard:

DO• Show approval for effort, not just results• Try to make words and actions match• Attend games on a regular basis and assist in the organisation of club activities• Give advice on the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle• Listen to what young people have to say• Try to appreciate the strength of a young person’s emotions - positive and negative• Realise the power of example

DON’T• Don’t exert undue pressure on young people• Don’t say one thing and do another• Don’t make promises you cannot keep• Don’t ask “how much did you score/win or lose by?”• Don’t just show approval when the team wins• Don’t criticise playing performance – seek to identify areas where improvements can be made

Guidelines for Young Players

PLAYERS SHOULD UNDERTAKE TO:• play fairly, do their best and enjoy themselves• represent their family and Club with pride and dignity• shake hands before and after the game irrespective of the result• respect officials and accept their decisions gracefully• respect fellow team members giving them support when they do well or not so well• respect their opponents• accept apologies from opponents when they are offered• be modest in victory and gracious in defeat• set high standards of fair play for others to follow• adhere to proper standards of behaviour and the Club Code of Conduct• let the Coach know when they are unavailable for training and competition

PLAYERS SHOULD NOT:• cheat – always play by the rules• bully or take unfair advantage• shout at or argue with an official• tell lies about adults or other children• spread rumours

Child Protection Statement1. Please go to our club website www.castlebarmitchels.com

2. Click on the Bord na nÓg link

3. Scroll down to the tab for Child protection statement

Code of Conduct (continued)

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Bord na nÓg 2018

Under 6: Eamon Kennedy 087 748 6167 Pat Mc Donnell 087 425 8526

Under 8: Michael Mc Nicholas 087 6229 9480 Sean Dever 086 809 1425

Under 10: Bernard Treacy 087 220 0316 John Feerick 087 2022 7720

Under 12: Pat Ludden 087 623 2353 Kieran Lavelle 087 968 1991

Under 13: Padraic Murray 087 816 8477 Richard Murphy 087 675 3698

Under 14: Brian Munnelly 087 944 3800 Conor O Reilly 087 910 0457

Under 16: James Mc Hale 087 247 6091

Minor Under 18: Paul Jordan 087 629 4191

Training Times – On The Pitch

Under 6: Saturday Morning @ 10.30am – 11.30am

Under 8: Saturday Morning @ 10.30am – 11.30am

Under 10: Thursdays @ 5.30pm- 6.30pm and Saturday 10.30am – 11.30am

Under 12: Mondays and Thursdays @ 6pm – 7pm

Under 14: Mondays and Thursdays @7pm-8pm

Under 16: Times can vary due to exams and it is advised to contact the manager directly. All training times are subject to change so it is advisable to contact the head coaches directly if you have any queries.

List of Club Coaches

Interested in helping out ?

If so, there is plenty to do in your club!

• Join a sub-committee and/or volunteer to• Sell Match Programmes. Contact Diarmuid Gavin 086 220 5864

and/or

• Work in Shops on Match days. Contact James McHale 087 247 6091

and/or

• Coach a team. Contact managers in each age group directly.

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List of Club Sub-Committees

Bord na nÓgContact Kevin Durcan Kevin.durcan@moneybutler.ie and Noelle Murphy noellecvmurphy@gmail.com

Games Development Sub-committeeContact Bernard Tracy. trackbt@gmail.com

Communications and PR Sub-committeeContact Michael McHale. mmhtechof@eircom.net

Facilities and Development Sub-committeeContact Iain Douglas. idouglas@eircom.net

Social and Cultural Sub-committeeContact Martin Newcombe. newcomm@baxter.com and Padraic Mc Keon. padraicmckeon@gmail.com

Pitch Sub-committeeContact Noel Brown. noeljbrowne@yahoo.ie

Programme SellersContact Diarmuid Gavin. diarmuid@pamex.ie

Shop VolunteersContact James McHale. jamesmchale1@eircom.net

Club Executive 2018

Position Name

Chairman Finian Joyce

Vice Chairman Paddy Mahon

Secretary Martin Moran

Joint Asst. Secretary Bernard Tracy

Joint Asst. Secretary Louie Walshe

Treasurer James McHale

Joint Asst. Treasurer Diarmuid Gavin

Joint Asst. Treasurer Martin Newcombe

PRO Nigel Quinn

Registrar Michael McHale

County Board Delegate Michael Diskin

Development Officer Noel Brown

Child Protection Officer Iain Douglas

Bord na nÓg Secretary Noelle Murphy

An Sportlann Rep. John Brennan

Irish & Culture Officer Padraic McKeon

Bord na nÓg Chair Kevin Durcan

Joint Healthy Club Officer Martin McDonagh

Joint Healthy Club Officer John ODonnell