In moving forward with the Canadian County Board's 2012 - 2015 Strategic Plan, the President from Ulster Council and a Vice-President of the Gaelic Athletic Association (Aogan O Fearghail), the President of the Toronto Divisional Board (Sean Harte) and the President of the Canadian County Board (Brian Farmer) met with the Western Divisional Board of the GAA and club delegates from Western Canada.

There was a willingness to develop and work together in providing similar support mechanisms for the development of Gaelic Games in Western Canada, as has been provided to the clubs in Ontario and Quebec. Efforts to unify for a National platform for our games along with an open forum for all starting points found in the Strategic Plan were on the agenda.

From March 31st to April 3 in Calgary, a variety of people were in dialogue. Club histories were presented by the Fort McMurray Shamrocks: Shane Gilhooley, Brian Walsh and Gary Dolan; Edmonton Wolfe Tones: Robert Murphy and Jessie McKitrick; Red Deer/Lethbridge Eire Og: Rory Lynch, Blaine Lavery and Daniel Kerr; Vancouver Irish Sporting and Social Club: Ronan Matthews and Jerry McCarthy; and Calgary Chieftain's Barry Sinclair.

The Western Canada Divisional Board's history was shared by Chair Kim Budd (Edmonton). Toronto's Divisional Board History was shared by Chair Sean Harte and the Strategic Plan was highlighted by Chair Brian Farmer. Aogan O'Fearghail added his international and well-thought out perspectives on the Strategic Plan also.

Discussion points that followed included the May 26th Ladies Football All Star visit to Toronto, a Canadian National Championship over the Labour Day Weekend in 2013 and every year thereafter, a one day referee course in Edmonton before the start of the playing season, Youth and Coaching Development, along with insurance related questions.

The Canadian County Board is grateful to be twinned with Ulster Council and appreciated the willingness to assist with the development of Gaelic games in Canada. Tweet

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