Secretaries Report 2011

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 

Kilworth GAA Club

Date: Friday November 4th 2011

Venue:  Clubroom

Rev Father, fellow members it is once again my privilege as runai of Cumann Cill Uird to present to you my report on the activities, both on and off the playing field of the club during the past year.

Personally the achievement of winning the North Cork junior hurling title was the playing highlight and was huge for the club lifting the spirits on what was an otherwise disappointing year in terms of silverware accumulated, while off the pitch the 1961 North Cork winning 50th year anniversary social was a huge success enjoyed by all in attendance. It was also a very sad year with the passing of two club icons Bill Magnier and Pat Coughlan, who both gave a life time of service to the club.

Firstly I will deal with playing activities, the season commencing on February 28th with a Division 2 football league game and concluded to date with the junior hurling championship final on Sunday October 16th

JUNIOR HURLING

Where better to start than with the Shrewlawn Oil North Cork junior hurling championship. Following final defeats to Buttevant in 2009, who went on the win the premier final in 2010 and Harbour Rovers last year following a replay the lads showed great resolve to get back to a third final in a row.

We opened our campaign with a preliminary round clash with Churchtown at Kildorrery on June 19th. Following a very disciplined performance in a tough bruising encounter we emerged winners with three points to spare. After 22 minutes the sides were level but we pushed 2 points clear 0-9 to 1-4 by halftime. The second half was again very tight for long periods with the score deadlocked 0-16 to 1-13 entering the final quarter. Our better accuracy with 3 excellent points in the closing stages saw us run out victors by 0-20 to 1-14.

We had a long wait until September 28th for a quarter final tie with a youthful Doneraile side who lost out narrowly in the All Ireland JBHC club final earlier in the year. This was a tough battle at Glanworth where we trailed by 5 points, 1-6 to 0-4 at the break following the concession of a soft goal. A number of positional switches at half time, contributed significantly to a very impressive and superior second half display. We got an early goal that provided the spring board to propel us to a 7 point winning margin in the end by 2-14 to 2-7.

This win provided huge incentive as our semi final opponents were near neighbours Fermoy. Hunger and desire would not be an issue entering this game and U21 defeat to the same opponents a few weeks earlier was still fresh on a lot of minds. Played in Araglen on October 2nd with the pitch in good order considering all the rain that fell in advance of the game we started very well and led 0-9 to 0-5 at the interval. In truth we should have been further ahead at this juncture. By the 40th minute it looked as if this would prove costly as Fermoy upped their game rattled off two rapid goals to move ahead by 2-7 to 0-10. Their lead was extended to 4 points midway through the half. The lads never gave in or left their heads drop and didn’t panic with the concession of two goal so close together and fought back right into contention. The first of two well taken goals made a one point game of it before we drew level 2-9 to 1-12. Fermoy’s response was immediate with a point putting then ahead again with the clock running down fast. Our second goal, in the last minute of normal time with a dangerous ball in deflected to the net put us two points head. The final whistle sounded shortly with the final score 2-12 to 2-10 and a place secured for a third final in succession. Given the opposition any win over them is sweat, but the manner in which this victory was captured right at the death made it more special.

To reach the final for the third year in a row was a huge achievement but this would count for nothing if defeat was our lot once more. A well prepared, focused and skilful team contested the final at Buttevant on October 16th with a youthful, physical and fit Kilshannig side our opponents.

We started the game well enough and were 1 point up at the break 1-3 to 0-5. We were lucky not to concede a goal or two but for some excellent goal keeping and defending all through. Kilshannig equalized on the resumption but we bagged our second goal soon after. Points were exchanged and the Glantane side were well in it just two points behind 2-4 to 0-8 approaching the final quarter. From here on in the lads really upped it with our defense commanding figures and went on to dominate the remainder of the game, displaying great hunger, desire and a never say die attitude, finishing the game in the ascendency outscoring Kilshannig 1-6 to 0-2 to leave it 3-10 to 0-10 at the death, with the lads crowned champions after losing the last two finals. Some of the older players were key to this victory showing attitude and real leadership capabilities and this complemented the younger players. The team displayed great heart and spirit throughout the campaign, were a very united bunch, and played a nice style of hurling.

After the game Julia May O’Leary in the presence of board chairman Christy Morrissey presented the Foxy O’Leary cup to John Hegarty. Sean Beecher who was a colossus all through picking off 3 points in doing so was a deserving man of the match recipient.

This junior championship win is the boost the club needed, and continues the clubs proud tradition.

On behalf of the club I would like to thank Jason O’Sullivan of Centra for sponsoring Lucozade Sport for the final and to the Village Inn, Jimmys Bar and an anonymous donor who funded a team meal at the Corbett Count after the game.

Our junior team regularly competing is of great benefit to the club as a whole and provides a higher standard of hurling for our younger players coming through the path to intermediate ranks. It is important to have the junior team playing to a high standard with players on that team and those emerging from minor grade pushing for places on the intermediate team.

Again this year the benefit of the junior panel training with the intermediates is very evident and benefits both sets of players.

 I want to congratulate the full panel of players and team management and thank Noel Daly and his selectors, Declan Walsh, Mick Slattery and James McCarthy for their tremendous work with this bunch of players. The hours were put in at the pitch and a number of challenge games were also played during the season. The full panel of players and team management can all feel proud of this championship win, and they have done the club proud by the manner in which they approached this championship, and they have certainly moved hurling up to a higher level within the club with our second team competing at Premier junior level for 2012. The management team instilled massive belief in the side. With 32 players togged out for the final, 19 players used during the intermediate championship, and a number of players overseas, with hopefully some of them coming home we have a solid platform to build on for next year.

While we rode on the crest of a wave in championship terms, it was disappointing to be relegated from division 2 following one season at the grade. We had wins over Mallow and Doneraile but suffered defeats to Clyda Rovers, Newtown, Churctown, Kilshannig, Ballyhea, Harbour Rovers and Araglen. We suffered 1 point defeats in three of these games, had depleted sides for a lot of them due to double or treble club fixtures on certain weekends. On a positive note we beat some of these sides when it came to the cut and trust of championship and that’s win it matters most.

INTERMEDIATE HURLING

Last year a new two year cycle for the intermediate county championship was introduced. Provision was made for what was effectively a third chance for club teams. As with last year the intermediate championship started at a later date, the first Sunday in June.

In last years report I alluded to the fact if we were to be missing key players for 2011 then we had to set realistic goals and maintaining our intermediate status had to be the number one priority for the team and management for the year.  This scenario materialized and like many other clubs we have been hit hard by emigration which is disheartening but a sign of the times.

In the opening round of the Evening Echo Cork County Intermediate championship we faced a young Blackrock team in Rathcormac on Sunday June 5th.  This game was a potential banana skin as Blackrock were yet to make their debut in the senior championship and had a big panel to pick from. However, the team played very well, winning on a score line of 1-17 to 1-10 and maintaining our intermediate status for 2012 to the relief of the team, mentors, club officials and supporters.  We were quickest out of the blocks in this game and opened up a 4 point lead with almost 20 minutes on the clock. Former Cork senior and All Ireland medal winner Alan Browne was introduced and he quickly found the net. Blackrock began to settle but our more clinic forwards combined with the Rockies inaccuracy in front of the posts meant we lead 0-8 to 1-4 at half time. Blackrock were on top on the resumption finding their rhythm in the first ten minutes and led 1-7 to 0-9 on 40 minutes. We fired home a goal on 43 minutes which dramatically altered the course of proceedings. The score was now 1-11 to 1-7 in our favour and the lads did not look back and seized control of the encounter. We stretched the lead to 7 points and maintained this to the end as the match finished 1-17 to 1-10. This was a massive win for the team and club down a number of influential players from last year. The relief was huge, intermediate status secured for 2012, no rocky path through the back door and the threat of relegation alleviated. A major factor in this victory was a master class from Paudie Lynch and a scoring tally of 9 points. His loss for the remainder of the season was immeasurable.

We had a long wait for the fourth round draw where we were pitted against an emerging Kanturk side. Due to inter county involvement for two of their key players this eagerly anticipated winner takes all game went ahead on August 7th at a superb Milford venue. Waiting a full two months for this game was less than ideal but the team and management prepared as best they could.

We played well early on, into the wind and pushed 4 points ahead, mainly through free taking. We led by 2 points before Kanturk hit the net on the 25th minute and they kept up the pressure until the break to lead 1-9 to 0-10 at the interval.

Kanturk hit the ground running on the resumption, hitting 4 points without reply in their best spell of the game. We hit back with some nice points to come within two points inside the last ten minutes. A bullet of a shot from a 21 yard free was some how kept out by the Kanturk rear guard as they stretched their lead out to 1-18 to 0-16. We tagged on a point before a second fiercely struck free billowed the net and meant a one point match, however the clock won out with the final score 1-18 to 1-17 and Kanturk progressing to the quarter finals. If the game went on for another minute we could have snatched a draw or even victory but there was no doubt the better team won on the night, we were under the cosh for most of the second half, and half way through the half it looked like a big defeat was on the cards but the lads toiled hard gave all they had to come within a point at the death. Kanturks Cork players were ultimately the difference between winning and losing while we were missing some of our players with Cork experience. In fact we were down 8 players who played some part in last years championship which at this level is a major blow.

Players gave 110% on the night and all season and could not be faulted for their efforts in a testing season missing so many influential players. The panel stuck together showed their commitment, but unfortunately lost out by the bare minimum. There is very little to separate the sides in this grade, after 2 defeats last year we ended up at the semi final stage, while St Catherine’s who qualified for this years semi final defeating Kanturk in the quarters, were in a relegation final last year.

In 2010 we took the scenic route, lost twice, got to a semi final playing 6 championship games in total while this year we played 2 championship games with a two month gap between them al be it knowing our status was secure for 2012 it was hard for players and management to keep the show going with league and challenge games for such a long spell of time with out a championship game.

We have to take the positives from the year, one of which was maintaining our Rochestown Park Division 1 Intermediate league status for next year, ensuring we will consistently be playing games against premier intermediate sides providing a chance for some of the younger players coming through to blend into the team, improving their game, playing teams at a higher level at championship hurling, and in turn further improving our overall game. We completed our 10 game league programme, all against premier intermediate sides, amassing 8 points with 4 victories over, Inniscarra, Castlelyons, Arigadeen Rangers and Carrigaline and 6 losses to Blarney, Courcey Rovers, Tracton, Youghal, Ballincollig and Watergrasshill. The team played I reckon 21 games since last years AGM with 12 competitive games between championship and league and 9 challenge games.

Following the completion of the teams championship campaign the management team indicated to the club they would not be seeking re appointment for next year. I would like to complement the management team of Mick Twomey, Fred Sheedy, Fergal O’Dowd, Declan Walsh and coach Jack Russell who were selfless in their time and left no stone unturned in their efforts. The players have improved significantly under Jack in the last few years. Despite many set backs during the year with injuries etc on top of the players we lost from last year they lads fought every inch of the way, giving everything they had, unfortunately it was not to be. The level of commitment of the players is commendable.

Weather you agree or not the club is mostly judged by the status and achievements of our intermediate hurling team. With the benefit of winning the junior title and some promising minor and U21 players coming through the ranks it augers well for the future, there is potential there and hopefully we can build on this for 2012 as competing well and maintaining intermediate status should again be a priority for the coming season. 

COUGHLAN CUP 

The playing season isn’t over yet for this team and hopefully Kilworth will become the first home of the new North Cork Board competition the Coughlan Cup. This cup will mean a lot for our players and officials as it represents the memory of the late Pat and Bill Coughlan. The cup was presented to the board recently by the Coughlan family and it will perpetuate the memory on both Pat and Bill. Our first game in the competition for Intermediate and the top premier junior sides in the division will be a semi final tie against the winners of Fermoy and Charleville.

JUNIOR FOOTBALL 

In the Fermoy Credit Union junior football championship we played Clyda Rovers in a preliminary round on May 22nd in Castletownroche. Having very little preparation in advance of this game the lads played very well especially in the second half and recorded a good win, 1-10 to 2-5. The appointed referee never showed for the game leading to a 30 minutes delay in throw in time. This distraction was evident as we conceded two soft goals within the opening 5 minutes. The lads began to settle got one goal back quickly and trailed by only 2 points at the interval. A great second half display followed, with outstanding displays from our mid field pairing ensured safe package to the quarter final.

We had a long wait until July 23rd for our next game a quarter final tie against Mallow played in Ballyhooly. This clash resulted in a very disappointing 4 point defeat our season coming to an end on a score of 1-7 to 1-3. Whilst Mallow were the better team for long periods the goal chances we missed during the second half could have changed the final outcome of the game. We never got into our stride in a low scoring game, taking the wrong attacking options at times, lacking a scoring threat with the better team winning on the night.

Scores were at a premium during the early exchanges and by the 22nd minute the sides were level 0-2 each. From here to the break Mallow made most of the running and led 1-3 to 0-2 at the short whistle. On the restart we enjoyed a fair share of possession but found it hard to register scores. We were given a lifeline in the 32nd minutes when awarded a penalty. However the spot kick went narrowly over for a point. It was Mallow who upped their game from here on and it was in the last quarter they began to see off our challenge as they led 1-6 to 0-3 by the 52nd minute. The lads refused to surrender but in the last 10 minutes a number of goal scoring opportunities were missed. A great save by the Mallow keeper was followed by an attempt off the cross bar. We finally got a goal we craved in injury time, while deeper in time added on we missed another goal chance to set up a close finish when the Mallow keeper saved well. However, the final whistle sounded soon after with Mallow emerging victors and booking their place in the semi final.

Given the squad available on the night it was a pity we couldn’t pull of a win but the lack of preparation was telling. While we had a big panel for both championship games we struggles at times in the league and in challenge games. A week before the opening round of the championship we had only 16 players for a challenge game and things were at a low ebb. However, a big effort was put in the days before the game with players putting in a big effort and it shows what can be achieved with a small push from the players. As with last year this was a championship we were capable of challenging for. Going forward if we are to have any chance of seriously challenging for the junior football championship a better effort is required.

In Division 2 of the Cavanagh’s Fermoy league, we recorded 1 win over Mitchelstown, a draw with SBM and two losses to Glanworth and Fermoy. We failed to progress to the knock out stages and are relegated to division 3 for 2012.

Even though team management struggled for numbers at times our league programme was completed with no walkovers conceded like the previous year and I thank all concerned for that. I want to thank the team manager Liam Kenny and his selectors Labhras Flynn, Aidan Hyland, Brian Carey and Donal Kenneally for their time and efforts, it was a tough and frustrating year for them as they were playing second fiddle to the hurling but they did their best to prepare and work around this.

U21 

We had high hopes for both our U21 teams this year and with the talent that we had available I feel we underachieved in both codes. 

U21 HURLING 

In the Barnes Fermoy U21 A hurling championship we recorded a big win 2-18 to 0-3 over Harbour Rovers in a very one sided game played in Ballyhooly on August 19th. While the lads played very well, the opposition were very poor on the night. This win set up an appetizing quarter final tie with near neighbours Fermoy on September 11th.

At a wind swept Glanworth venue we suffered a 4 point defeat 0-17 to 1-10 following extra time. A strong end to end almost gale force wind threatened to destroy the game and to a large part made it a lottery. However, thanks to the skill and the determination to overcome such obstacles by the players on both sides, the rival spectators were treated to a really great battle between two very committed sides throughout. This was a game we were always chasing, with Fermoy enjoying the majority of possession and built up a 4 point lead during the opening quarter. Our tight marking defence kept Fermoy out on a number of occasions with their keeper alone standing between 2 certain goals for us. The lads clawed their way back into contention before the interval cutting the lead to 3 points the halftime score reading 0-6 to 0-3.

We turned with a strong wind at our backs for the second half, but Fermoy upped their game frustrated our lads and kept their noses in front. We drew level 1-7 to 0-10 in the 52nd minute when a long rang free deceived their defence and goalkeeper. It was the opposition who responded faster to the goal forging 2 points clear but in a finish of welter and excitement we drew level almost on the stroke of time with the score board reading 1-9 to 0-12.

Extra time was played with Fermoy making the use of the wind advantage in the first period, scoring 3 points and leading 0-15 to 1-9 at the interval. As we attempted to get back into it in the second period Fermoy upped it and finished the game much stronger looking overall adding a further 2 points to our 1 to leave it 0-17 to 1-10 at the final whistle. The lad’s efforts could not be faulted but a 2 point return for play was a poor reflection, with the fitter and stronger team prevailing to the semi final.

 I would like to thank the management team of William Hegarty, Alan Kenny Sean Carey and Micksey O’Brien for their time and efforts with this team. This championship was disrupted by postponements, cancellations and holiday plans and this didn’t help them in their preparations which must have been frustrating but they are to be commended for their professional approach to managing the team. 

U21 FOOTBALL 

In the opening round of the O’Sullivan Lewis Mitcheltown U21 B football championship we played Buttevant in Kildorrery on March 12th. With very little preparation ahead of this game, following a very disciplined performance against poor opponents we had a very comfortable 3-13 to 0-3 win. Buttevant got back in via the backdoor as this was introduced into the championship this year and we were again paired together in the semi final. The facile victory we recorded in the first game was to provide our down fall as we suffered a one point defeat 3-8 to 1-13 played at Mallow on April 9th.  We were down two prominent players on the day due to injury and conceded three soft goals. It was obvious Buttevant had done a lot of work since the first round and got a number of players back; they also had the advantage of the losers group and helped mould them into a much better side. Our lads all tried their very best but their efforts were not good enough on the day. This was a very disappointing end to the championship campaign our management thought we had a good chance of winning. In truth it was one left after us as Buttevant went on the claim the title with ease. Thank you to the management team of Ciaran Hynes and John Twomey for your work with the U21s in 2011. 

MINOR

A key component of the GAA Strategic Vision and Action Plan 2010-2015 related to underage structures, fixtures and competitions. The recommendations were discussed with all clubs late in 2010 with the aim being the establishment of Coiste Na nOg for a two year trial period as the main underage fixtures programming and policy making body in the county supported by four regional committees. Avondhu and Duhallow made up the Cork North region Coiste Na nOg Tuaidh. Following the independent grading committee recommendations we were graded Premier 2 in hurling which would come under the auspices of the central region and Minor A in football under the control of the North region.

We appealed our hurling grading and following a very detailed submission we were successful and we took our place in the Minor A hurling league and championship for 2011. While at minor level in Avondhu last year the championship league structure was replaced by knock out with a back door reprieve, this year it was a straight knock our competition. 

MINOR HURLING 

In the first round of the minor A hurling championship we had a very comfortable win over Mill Rovers in Kildorrery on July 25th. We were the better side throughout and were lucky not to sustain injuries against a physical side. We were down 4 important players, two of which were injuries for this game. This win set up a semi final tie with Cuchulainns played at Doneraile on August 8th. Here we were to suffer defeat 5-13 to 0-14. The final score did not do justice to the lad’s efforts. We led 0-5 to 0-1 at the end of the first quarter but the concession of 2 goals before halftime left it 2-4 to 0-7 at the break. We pulled it back to a point by the 40th minute but the Kanturk / Lismire combination went on to dominate the remainder of the game, with goals at crucial stages proving the difference on the night. The final score wasn’t a true reflection of the game with soft goals conceded at bad times from our point of view. However we came up against a more balance side that would not have been out of their depth at premier 2 grade and in my opinion they were graded incorrectly.

In the minor A hurling league we received a walkover from South Kerry and Glanworth, had victories over Ballygiblin and Mill Rovers and 1 defeat to Fermoy. We qualified for the semi final but were forced to concede a walkover to Cuchulainns due to the unavailability of players. I would like to thank team manager Noel O’Brien and selectors Mossie McNamara, Aidan and Darren Kenny for their time and commitment with these young lads. 

MINOR FOOTBALL 

As with the U21 football championship Buttevant were also to prove our downfall at minor level in following a replay in the opening round. The draw game was played at Castletownroche on July 30th. We performed well in the opening half against a strong wind but were poor on the change over. With the sides all square after 60 minutes extra time was called. The same pattern ensued in the extra 20 minutes with the team against the wind playing the better. We got a fortuitous goal in extra time, to ensure a replay with the final score 2-9 to 1-12.

The replay at the same venue was played on August 15th.  We had little or no preparation since the drawn game due to a number of championship games at different grades and this was very evident as we suffered a heavy defeat by 4-13 to1-4. We started well enough but conceded 2 soft first half goals and the game was effectively over as a contest at half time as we trailed 2-5 to 0-1. We got a peach of an early second half goal, had a chance of a second but it went over the bar, with Buttevant responding with a sweeping move down the field finding the net to kill off the game. This was a disappointing end but we could have no complaints on the night.

We made no impact in the minor A football league securing our only points following a walkover from Glanworth. We suffered defeat to Buttevant, Kilshannig and Buttevant. Thanks to the team management of Pat O’Brien, Micksey O’Brien, Maurice McNamara and earlier in the year Paudie Lynch they had a trying time and their work is very much appreciated.

As set down at the outset the establishment of Coiste Na nOg was for an initial 2 year period experimental phase as per the decision of county Convention 2010, with a review at the end of the 2011 season and this review has commenced. The aim is to establish the view and opinions of clubs and underage mentors in terms of their experience of the Regional Structure during 2011. The meetings are to provide an opportunity for clubs to engage in a detailed discussion and to identify areas of strength and areas of concern that require attention for 2012.

In my opinion there were plenty teething problems in the first year of this trial period. U15, U16 and minor games were scheduled together which beggars belief when most clubs have a big overlap of players in these age groups. Also championship was straight knock out with no second chance while the leagues were extended with a lot of travel. Games were played on home and away basis when we were let to believe games would be played at neutral venue. As it was the first year of the process the benefit of the doubt will have to be given and we should reserve final judgment until this time next year where the two year experiment will have concluded and a final recommendation will be framed for going forward. However, issues with fixture, grading and to a lesser extent travel will have to improve significantly if the new format is to be successful and effective for 2012 and beyond. 

THANKS FOR PLAYING ACTIVITY

In all we played over 60 games throughout the course of the year.

In summing up playing activity thank all our players for their commitment to the club throughout the season and for the many hours of enjoyment they gave us. We must never lose sight of the fact that our playing activities are the reason for our existence as a GAA club and therefore our players are our greatest assets and we are grateful to them all for the sacrifices they make and the immense pleasure they give club supporters each year.

Every team needs leadership and guidance and for that we depend on our managers, coaches, selectors and mentors who are to be commended for their huge efforts throughout the year.

I would like to thank the very dedicated work of all players, team managers, coaches’ selectors, mentors, backroom teams, and team medics for their time, effort, dedication and huge commitment to our club in both hurling in football during the past year. I would like to thank you all for your co operation and courtesy in any dealings I had with you during the course of the year.

Again this year it is a major plus to have some former and current players getting involved with mentoring our minor and U21 teams in hurling and football. The players have great respect for them and in turn the commitment displayed helps with improvement in performance.

One such player who sustained a very serious injury earlier in the year is Mickey O’Brien. Along with recovering from his injury he invested his time getting involved in coaching and mentoring teams and this is great to see and he is to be commended for this.

Despite only one trophy to show for the year it was never the less a busy year on the playing field and we acquitted ourselves well in most competitions. Given the players we lost this year winning the junior championship and maintaining our intermediate hurling status for 2012 are significant achievements on which we can build on.

There is huge potential within the playing pool of players available to this club. My wish for the coming season is for us to get back on track, takes the positives from this season, learn from our mistakes and push forward with optimism for 2012. Hopefully the economy will turn the corner in the near future and the scourge of emigration will be halted.

JUVENILE CLUB 

I would like to congratulate the juvenile club on another busy and successful 2011 and complement officers, coaches and selectors for the great work and dedication with such a large number of players. Again this year, a phenomenal amount of work is being done at juvenile level, and great credit is due to those who give so much time and energy to ensure a bright future for our club.

As part of Coiste Na nOg this was the first year with no competitive U12 action. U13 is now the starting point for competitive fare. The U8s to U11’s played a series of blitzes home and away against a good variety of teams from all over Cork and beyond. The U10s took part in a blitz at Pairc Ui Chaoimh which was a big occasion for them.

The inclusion of a number of strong teams from Duhallow had an impact on our prospects for success this year at U14 and U16 grade where previously championship wins were realistic. Hopefully the evidence of this year will feed into the 2012 grading process and improved the balance of the competitions going forward. The club hosted the Corbett Court, Lar Sheehan and Eugene Condon Cups and the U14 hurlers won the Albert Griffin tournament in Ballynoe.

Sam Maguire visited the school in January, the annual social and club draw were big successes along with the Cul camp with over 90 kids taking part in July.

This is just a summary of some of the clubs activities during the year, I would like to thank runai Steve Casey for the detail, as always great work is being done for the young of our community and we wish them every success for the future. As with minor level it is good to see some current and former adult players getting involved in coaching at juvenile level. This is very welcome and should be continuously encouraged.

I would like to thank the club for their efforts in promoting the League winners draw late last year and earlier this year and for the Scrap collection fundraiser. This initiative was suggested and driven by the juvenile club for the benefit of both sections of the Kilworth club. 

I would like to thank the teachers of Scoil Naoimh Martin for encouraging and promoting our games amongst their players.

I would like to congratulate the handball club, especially Michael Dunne for the great work he and his helpers are doing and wish them well for 2012. Another very successful year was had; one of the highlights was competing in the final of the Feile 40*20 Division 2 boys competition played in Galway during the summer.

I would like to congratulate Kilworth Squash club and its officers following another successful year.

Club player Damien O’Donoghue’s Fit Camp continues on our training area and I wish Damien continued success with this venture.

Handball, Squash, racquetball and fitness classes would not be possible without the fine Sports Complex adjacent to our grounds and I congratulate the officers and committee members who continually maintain and improve a priceless facility for the young and not so young of the community. Paddy Whelan, Fergus Flynn, Mike Walsh, Declan Walsh and Jack Quirke represented the club on the complex committee this year.

I would like to congratulate Brian Roche who represented the Cork Vocational schools team during the year, Liam Whelan and Will Condon who were part of the UCC Fresher’s hurling team that won the All Ireland title earlier in the year, and Michael Wade who was part of the Cork U16 team who won their U16 All Ireland competition at Semple Stadium during the summer.

I would like to congratulate all club players and members who represented the Avondhu division at any level during the year be it as a player or mentor. I would like to say well done to club players who represented St Colmans College, Colaiste An Chraoibhin or any third level college during the year. Sean Beecher collected a second Man of the Match award during the year for his performance for our junior footballer in their win over Mitchelstown in the Division 2 football league. Sean’s father John represented him at a presentation night at sponsors Cavanagh’s show rooms recently.

DEVELOPMENT / MAINTAINANCE 

A number of improvements in terms of development and maintenance were made to our grounds and facilities during the year under the stewardship of Alan Kenny and I want to thank all those who helped in any way. The lighting of the training area involving installation of a separate ESB meter was completed along with lighting the carpark area. These lights are on timers.  A permanent fence was placed around the generator for the lights on the second pitch. Maintenance work was also carried out on the showers along with the goal mouths in the main pitch.

This work was mainly completed over a number of Saturdays and great credit is due to all who helped out. We had up to 15 here one Saturday for standing light poles for the training area and it shows what can be achieved at little of no cost to the club when we pull together.

1961 SOCIAL 

At a club meeting back in February Patsy O’Mahony suggested we honour the 50 anniversary of the clubs first North Cork Junior hurling title win in 1961. With that Patsy and Paddy Whelan set the about planning and organizing the event that took place in the Grand Hotel on June 25th and it was a huge success enjoyed by all in attendance. A lot of time and effort went into holding this nostalgic occasion. The most important aspect for Patsy and Paddy was making sure the full panel was identified and each one of them or their representatives invited. The reason why this was a difficult task was no one team photo from the year existed and club minutes are only available as far back as 1972. A decision was made to piece together a number of different photos to make a master copy of the full panel. This was copied and framed and presented to each panel member and mentors or their representatives on the night. Thanks to Mike Walsh for his work in organizing the presentation photo and to Maura Hynes who decorated the room for the night. The display of photos and newspaper cuttings from 1961 was excellent and very popular will the guests. Patsy acted as MC for the night with club chairman, County Board chairman, North Cork Board secretary, Team representative Michael Dunne and Kildorrery representative Andrew O’Dea addressing those present.  Patsy and Paddy are to be congratulated and thanked for the work and time put into this event. The historic information collected and presented on each player and mentor by Patsy as they were presented with their memento by Gerry O’Sullivan and Denis Twomey on the night was magnificent. The appreciation felt by those invited was very evident, with some invited wanting to pay for their tickets and the club received a number of emails and letters of thanks in the aftermath. It was great to see Bill Magnier, panel member and chairman from 1961 at the social only a few short months before his passing. Nights like these don’t come around too often and it will live long in the memory for those who were part of that massive achievement for the club 50 years ago.

CLUB DEVELOPMENT DRAW 

At the time of last years AGM we were in the midst of organizing and selling tickets for the Cavanaghs, Fermoy, League winners Club Development draw. Cavanaghs who very generously sponsor the football and hurling leagues divisions 1, 2 and 3 in Avondhu and in a effort to make the leagues more interesting and competitive for clubs they very generously decided to award the six winners, 3 football, 3 hurling. To this end they very generously sponsored 2 cars which the six winning clubs could sell tickets for with the plus being that all monies raised in the sales be retained by the individual club. A committee to run draw had been formed made up of adult and juvenile sections of the club namely John Hegarty, Patsy O’Mahony, Mike McCormack, Fergus Flynn, Maura Hynes, Robert Abernethy and Nuala Hegarty. This was a once off chance, a wonderful opportunity to make serious money and pay off a big chunk of our loan and it was a huge success with the huge effort put in and I thank our excellent ticket sellers and all those who purchased tickets. We collected €21,900 the second highest of the 6 clubs involved. The shifts on the cold winter weekends standing outside Centra selling tickets with the car on display paid off as did the many miles Patsy O’Mahony, John O’Connor and others put in travelling the division and beyond selling. Every town land and estate in the parish was covered and thanks to all those who looked after their own areas and to John Hegarty who took on the co-ordinator role. Thanks to Brian Carey for making the car available to display at various locations around the village, it certainly helped with our sales.

After a number of month’s hard work, and money collected, the preliminary draw took place on March 25th at Cavanaghs showroom. Each of the six clubs had separate drums and five lucky people from each clubs tickets were draw. Our five qualifiers invited to the draw finale on April 15th again at Cavanaghs Fermoy showrooms, were Fergus Flynn, Bob Allen, Paudie Kissane, Barry O’Dwyer and Kilworth Pitch & Putt Club. The 30 people drawn out were all guaranteed to win something on the night as there were 20 prizes of €100, 4 prizes of €250, four prizes of €500, a Ford Ka and first prize of a Ford Fiesta.  A big crowd was in attendance on the night, with plenty drink, refreshments and music provided. It turned out to be a great night for the club with the final two to remain in contention for the cars being Paudie Kissane, who purchased a club ticket from Kieran Walsh and our club chairman. Fergus won the KA with Paudie winning the Fiesta.

Congratulations to the winners and congratulations and a very sincere thanks to the management and staff at Cavanaghs for the huge amount of work that they put in in relation to the leagues. Dr Tom Cavanaagh spoke on the night and said he was delighted that his idea of getting more players playing meaningful games during the leagues was a success and indicated his desire that the sponsorship would continue. 

GOLF CLASSIC 

On Friday May 20th we held our third annual Golf Classic our first at Fermoy Golf club. Following excellent planning and preparation again this year by Alan Kenny, John Kenny and John Hegarty this event was huge success. Hot on the heals of the league car draw,  a big thank you to all those who played, sponsored teams, tee boxes or prizes, helped with the organization or contributed to the success of this event. Thanks to Denis Motherway who secured a number of teams for the event. Thanks to Caroline O’Brien, Mike Walsh, Declan Walsh and Fergus Flynn for the work on the day, selling raffle tickets, distributing refreshments to the players and collecting entry fees.  A special thanks to Cavanaghs of Fermoy who again this year came on board as main sponsors for the classic to the tune of €1,000. Cavanagh’s have been superb supporters of Kilworth GAA over a long number of years. Thanks to Brian Carey for helping secure this valuable sponsorship. Thanks also to Jason O’Sullivan of O’Sullivan’s Centra who provided refreshments for the players on the day. We had a super turnout giving the times we live in with 38 teams taking part. This was a great number giving the current economic climate. We also had a number of sponsors of tee boxes, greens and prizes and for this we are extremely grateful. The course was in top order and the club staff were very helpful providing great food and hospitality. Thanks to Jimmy McCarthy and McCarthy’s bar for hosting the prize giving on the night of the event. Brian Carey representing the main sponsor for the event presented the prizes. Congratulations to the main winners John Kenny, Mark Kenny and Mark Gallaher. The event made over €6k profit which was a fine return and contributed significantly to the funds required for this year’s loan repayment. To clear this profit so soon after the League draw is testament to the effort of the organizing crew and to our supporters who put their hands in their pockets once more.

LOAN

Due to the money raised in our Golf Classic and the Cavanagh’s league draw we are two years ahead on our loan repayments which are a good position to be in. Full details of repayments during the year and loan balance remaining can be seen on the treasurer’s report.

Due to AIB internal controls in the prevailing economic climate an annual review of our loan account took place again this year. Mike Walsh met AIB officials during the year, and was advised our loan account is impeccable which is re assuring news.

DIAGEO

During the year the Community including the GAA club was successful in securing a €5k grant in the Diageo Gifted awards. The initial proposal submitted to secure these funds was to enable a well to be dug that will supply our club, Kilworth National School and Kilworth Sports Complex and be of benefit to all 3 organizations. To date it is viewed that the well may not be a runner so plans are to distribute the money equally between, the club, Community Council, Sports Complex and Scoil Naoimh Mairtin. Our portion may now be put towards paying off some of the lights cost but a final decision is yet to be made on this.

The community is benefiting from the Diageo Ireland ‘Gifted Programme’ where vice chairman Jack Quirke as an employee of Diageo was able to nominate voluntary groups for a donation from the company. In fact in total Diageo is donating €50k to 18 groups on the Island of Ireland this year, This is a most generous award one the club is extremely grateful for and I would like to thank Jack for bringing this opportunity to our attention and going ahead and securing the funding.

MEMBERSHIP 

At the time of writing we have 145 adult members down 4 on 2010 mainly due to players overseas. The collection of membership fees is so important to the finances of the club. Considering the cost of affiliating teams (in excess of €7k last year including insurance) that must be paid early in the New Year it is imperative that membership is paid in full at the earliest possible date. A lot of time this year went into collecting membership and this is something that the club should not have to spend time on. It is also very important from a player protection and insurance point of view that all players have their membership paid before they take to the field of play. The GAA on line registration system is now the only acceptable method of registering players and member. A player’s membership number must now be confirmed on all injury claim submissions. My thanks to Development Officer Alan Kenny and all who collected membership during the year.

WEEKLY CLUB LOTTO 

Our weekly club lotto continues to be a vital and main source of revenue for the club. A special word of thanks must go to John Condon, John O’Connor and John Twomey for the efficient running of this draw on a weekly basis. The money John Condon brings in weekly is vital to the weekly cash flow of the club. Our lotto is over reliant from a sales perspective on a few and extra sellers are welcome. Yearly/quarterly memberships are available which guarantees steady income for the year. Thank you to our dedicated sellers and to our many supporters who make the lotto such a success. I would like to thank sincerely John O’Connor who is stepping down tonight from his role on the Lotto committee since its formation. He will be a tough act to follow. John deserves a break and I hope he will stay involved in the club in some shape or form as he is always on hand to help out and always speaks his mind at club meetings and on club issues and is always listened to.

Winners of the jackpot to date this year have been:

Joint winners: John ‘Chelsea’ Condon and Christina Quirke: December 20th, 2010, Jackpot of €2,050 shared between them (€1,050 each)

Clodagh & Alison Murphy March 14th 2011, jackpot: €2,350

Maria McCormack, August 16th, jackpot: €4,150

Congratulations to all. 

CORK GAA CLUBS DRAW 

The Cork GAA Clubs draw continues to be an important means of raising funds for the club. The 2011/2012 draw commenced last Friday night with the September and October draws taking place at Pairc Ui Rinn. We had 127 members included in the draws which will net the club €5,715. We are down 9 from 136 members in the 2010/1011 but given the prevailing economic climate this is a satisfactory number.  As in the lotto it is unfortunate that a small number of people are responsible for most of the ticket sales and it is very important that more people make an effort. Tickets can still be purchased for the November and subsequent draws. I would like to thank our draw Co-coordinators Patsy O’Mahony and Mossie McNamara for all their hard work, and my thanks also to all our sellers who help to secure this important source of income for the club.

Your ongoing support for the lotto and the clubs draw is much appreciated.

SPONSORS 

I would like to thank all our sponsors for their support and wish them every success in the future and I would urge our members to support our sponsors whenever possible. While we had no main sponsor in 2011 which was disappointing but it is a sign of the times we live in and the prevailing economic conditions, we did get a number of contributions from a number of sources, and for this we are extremely grateful. I would like to thank the following: Mike Walsh, The Village, Inn, Jimmy McCarthy, Dinny Twomey, Jason O’Sullivan Centra and also 2 anonymous doners who came forward during the year. A full list of sponsors can be seen on the treasurer’s report. 

CLUB MEETINGS

We held 47 meetings since last years AGM on November 26th, 2010 and I would like to thank all those who attended these meetings. The approximate average attendance was 13. While this is a reasonably good attendance, it was disappointing that members of certain management teams did not attend meetings to report on championship games played. This should be rectified going forward. It is also very important that anyone who commits to taking up a position on the Executive Committee of our club is willing to work hard for the club in whatever way they can. There is a radical need for new blood and new volunteers in attendance. I would like to thank the committee members for their help and co-operation during the year. 

THANKS 

I would like to thank the Board of Management of Scoil Naoimh Martin along with Father Leahy and school Principal Eileen O’Keeffe for the use of the school grounds for parking during the year.

I would like to thank Tom Howard for the great work he is doing in keeping both pitches in such fine condition. They are always presented excellently for games. Tom’s hard work ensures we have two pitches to be proud of. With the lights up and running on the training area common sense should prevail for early season training and the facility should be utilized as much as possible and spare our pitches.

Thanks to Tom and Declan Walsh for taking on the task or organizing nets and flags on match days.

Thanks to all those who helped with pitch and stand tidy ups during the year.

Kiworth Village Renewal as part of their submission for 2011 asked that the club buy into the spirit of the competition in terms of committing to completing something tangible that they could include in that said submission. We committed to paint the dressing rooms and place hanging baskets at the gate and we followed through on these. The dressing rooms were power washed in advance of painting. I would like congratulate village renewal committee for another increase in overall points this year.

Thanks to those who helped out with games played at our venue this year. We had a big weekend in June hosting 3 championship games within 24 hours. We held the premier North Cork junior hurling championship game between Ballygiblin and Ballyhooly on the Saturday evening, with a county football championship double bill on the Sunday. With four local teams involved, namely Araglen v Grange in the junior B football championship and Fermoy V Glanworth in the Intermediate championship these games drew a big crowd to our venue. Everything went off smoothly and we had plenty people helping out on both days. Again it shows how well things can go and how smoothly they run if the workload is shared.

Thanks to Sheila O’Mahony and Sheila O’Brien for providing refreshments on a number of occasions during the year, one such occasion was the county championship games

A big thank you to Catherine Mannix who took on the onerous task of washing all our sets of jerseys again this year. This was much appreciated by the club and players.

Thanks to Gary Mahon for offering his services as club referee during the year.

CONGRATULATIONS

I would like to congratulate John Twomey on his election to the GPC of the North Cork Board for 2011. It is well deserved and reward for his years service to his club and the board. I would also like to congratulate Patsy O’Mahony following his appointment as Treasurer of Coiste Na nOg Tuaidh.

Following Johns appointment to the GPC we were left with a vacancy as North Cork Board representative one which we need to fill for 2012. Following Johns elevation to the GPC he continued to report back to the club with fixtures and board developments and I thank him for that.

I would like to thank County Board representative Fergus Flynn for attending the fortnightly meetings and reporting back to the club.

Thanks also to Paddy Whelan in his role as Irish and Cultural officer.

INSURANCE SCHEME

Special thanks to Mike Walsh in his capacity as Insurance officer and team medic during the year. Mike liaised directly with Caroline Coughlan who came on board as club physic again for the year with very competitive rate. Group physic sessions were organized and this helped keep the cost down with players contributing €10 each per session. Mike co-coordinated this, was the point of contact with Caroline and the team managers and it worked very effectively. Thanks to Darren Kenny who acted as team medic for our minor hurlers. Mike organized a first aid course earlier in the year and this was run by Darren Kenny and his colleagues from the FCA and we are very grateful for this. One member from each management team was requested to attend. This was an intense but enjoyable 3 hour course that covered both general first aid training and defibulator training.

Mike as Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention officer also put together a Alcohol and Substance Prevention Policy during the year. This was a directive to all clubs from the County Board.

I would like to thank the local press especially the Avondhu for their coverage of our games and affording us space for our club notes on a weekly basis throughout the year.

I would like to thank the secretary and PRO of both the North Cork and County Boards and Mairead and Barbara in Pairc Ui Chaoimh for their help and co operation during the year.

All club secretaries and county board delegates are now on a texting service and this has become a very useful communications tool when clubs and or delegates need to be contacted urgently.

The new GAA email system in its second year has been a revelation and continues to be a vital source of communication between club and county. It is now the primary means of communication between country board officers, divisional board officers and the clubs as well as between Croke Park and the clubs. During the year this was further extended with the role out of gaa.ie email addresses to club chairpersons and PRO’s.

Thanks to the spouses, partners and girlfriends who make the sacrifices and put up with the time commitment the lads give to the club, whether as players, managers, mentors or administrators.

SYMPATHY

Unfortunately every year that passes brings some loss with it. The past year saw the passing of two club stalwarts, Bill Magnier and Pat Coughlan. Club President and Vice President respectively at the time of their sad passing, both club trustees of the main pitch since its purchase, both presented with the North Cork Hall of Fame awards for their contribution to the association, both former club chairmen, players and mentors of note. It was said by many people since their deaths that we have lost two legends, two GAA and clubmen the likes we will not see again, two most genuine of men whose heart and souls were in this club. Both were great men to go to for advice on any GAA matter as their knowledge was immense, both were very much respected by everyone and no one had a bad word to say against them.

Paddy was a former club player, selector, North Cork Board representative, and club chairman. He served on the GPC of the North Cork Board, and was a former Avondhu player and selector and a former cork junior hurling selector. In 1982 he was awarded the North Cork Hall of fame award as recognition to his contribution to his club and the division. The cup the Coughlan family has presented to the board will help ensure his name will live on.

Bill or ‘the Boss’ as he was affectionately known was a father figure for the club going way back, He was truly the Boss.  He served as secretary and chairman, was a referee and a player of note in his day. Going back to the 50’s when the rent of the pitch had to be found, Bill always found it even if he had to pay it himself. He received the North Cork hall of fameaward in 1995. In later years he always still kept a keen interest on club activities keeping a breast with club developments on and off the pitch. A great neighbour only in March he asked me for a copy of last years financial report so he could cast an eye over expenditure. While he attending the Intermediate win over Blackrock in June he was unable to make the Kanturk game in August but we got the phone call to be sure and ring with the halftime and full time score. I along with Declan and Brian attended many Kilworth and Cork games with Bill and Maureen when we were younger and they are great memories. A conversation with Bill on any topic would leave you more knowledgeable as he always had something of value to say

Bill and Paddy along with John Finn lay the foundations for the fine facilities we have in place today where they were involved in the purchase of the club grounds. We found out from John Finn at the grave side oration at Bills burial that £35 an acre was paid for the land when offered to Bill on a take it or leave it basis in the 50’s.

The send off both men got is testament to the high regard they were held in. The club can be proud of our help and support to both families. Time takes its toll but the GAA flows on like a river.  The will be sorely missed.

On my own behalf and on behalf of the club I would like to offer sincere sympathy to the families of Bill and Paddy and also the families of former players and club members Bill Kiersey and Paddy Loggy O’ Sullivan and to all those who suffered bereavements during the year.

Ar dheis de go raimh a n-ainmneacha. 

SUMMARY

As I sign off on my fourth and final annual report I would urge more members to get actively involved in the club. Consider what contribution you can make to the club for the coming year. Think of the great work Bill Magnier, Paddy Coughlan and others who have gone before us did for this club to ensure the flame was carried on for future generations.

Your club would not exist without the volunteer workers who give freely of their time. However, few people are doing a lot of work. If a few more came forward to help with the jobs which must be done, putting up and taking down nets, preparing the field for matches, helping out when we host championship games, selling the lotto or clubs draw, helping out with the golf classic etc this would help greatly. Don’t always leave it to the same few. We face significant challenges in the years ahead in terms of fundraising and the maintenance of our facilities, as well as ensuring the highest standards on the field of play, and we really need more active, committed volunteers who will be ready to make the effort required.

Let us hope the hard work, team spirit, dedication and hunger displayed by our teams this year will encourage us all to strive harder to achieve our common goal for the coming year - the success of our club both on and off the field.

In concluding my review of 2011 I would like to thank our PRO and Assistant Secretary, Declan Walsh for his excellent reporting of games and club notes in the local press over the year. He has been a great help to me and for that I am very grateful. He was always available to fill in for me on the occasions when I couldn’t’t make matches or meetings. He even got a stint on national radio on the Pat Kenny show earlier in the year, speaking very well as part of a panel discussion on emigration and its affect on clubs. Thanks also to assistant PRO John Hegarty.

At last years AGM the position of vice chairman wasn’t filled. On request from the executive committee Jack Quirke took on the role and covered as Chairman on a number of occasions during the year and I thank him for that. Tonight we will appoint a new club President along with a number of new officers and in the near future we need to appoint 2 new trustees for the main pitch.

I would like to thank my fellow officers Fergus and Mossie for their help support and co-operation over this year and the last 4 years. The club and I as secretary were very fortunate to have two very dedicated and hardworking men as Chairman and Treasurer.

It was another challenging year for Mossie in terms of balancing the books, however the purse strings are in safe hands and I must acknowledge his vital contribution to the financial stability of the club once more in 2011 ensuring a satisfactory end of year position following a challenging year. To be in the black considering the money it costs to run a club this year is a significant achievement.

I want to thank the chairman for his continued support during my reign as secretary and for skillfully steering the club through another year. Again this year like the previous 3 Trojan work was put in a lot of it unseen.  I have worked closely with him over the past 4 years and have seen at first hand the hours and commitment he put into the role. He has indicated that he is stepping down tonight and his experience and know how will be missed from the top table. I hope he will stay involved in the club in some capacity as he has a lot to offer going forward.

I want to apologies to anyone or anything I may have inadvertently omitted in my report.

Finally the role of secretary continues to be a demanding one, a challenging and time consuming role to ensure the continued administration and running of the club. I wish to thank you all for your co operation and encouragement over the past 4 years and in particular Sandra and Mia for their support in all my endeavors to ensure I fulfilled my role of secretary to the best of my ability.

Best wishes and a speedy recovery to any club members who are ill or knocked out at present.

I would like to wish the club every success for 2012 and wish you and your families all the best of health and good luck for the year ahead.

Go raibh mile maith agaibh go leir

Is mise le meas

 

Sean Toibin

Runai



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