ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 

Kilworth GAA Club

Date: Friday November 26th 2010 

Venue:  Clubroom

Rev Father, club president, Avondhu board vice president, Kilworth Community Council chairman fellow members it is once again my privilege to present to you my report on the activities, both on and off the playing field of Cumann Cill Uird during the past year.

First I will deal with playing activity. The year began with our U21 hurlers contesting the 2009 U21 B hurling final on Saturday December 5^th, 2009 and ended on Saturday October 30^th, with a minor A hurling county championship quarter final.

INTERMEDIATE HURLING

First I will look at the Evening Echo sponsored Cork County Intermediate hurling championship. Under the new format we didn’t start our campaign until June 19^th when we played Eire Og at Pairc Ui Rinn. Down 3 players due to exams and a number of others with injury, we suffered a disappointing 2-13 to 1-14 defeat against a physically stronger and more aggressive side after a tough and tense encounter. While we only trailed 0-9 to 0-7 at half time our opponents were well up for this game and the concession of two soft goals after the break proved very costly. Our lads rallied and fought back well and we could have stolen it with a late goal chance, however the better team won the game on the night.

It was generally felt that our performance had been well below par compared to what had been seen in league and challenge games in the build up to this game, however we didn’t’t have much time to dwell on this disappointing defeat as round 2 was fixed for the following Sunday, June 27^th with Barryroe our opponents and Coachford the venue. The big performance expected to show the first round defeat was a once off, never materialized as again we lacked aggression against a hungrier side on the day. The team had an unsettled look about it with basic mistakes were made with soft goals conceded and we suffered a crushing 2-15 to 0-16 defeat. Based on last year’s championship format after two losses we would be involved in a relegation battle and championship progression for the season halted. However, at the start of the year the County Board proposed a new structure for the senior and intermediate championships for 2010/11. The four teams defeated in round 2 (losers round) would play off on a knock out basis. The two winners would qualify for the fourth round of the championship with the two losers playing a relegation play-off game, with the losers being relegated.

This proposal was carried by board delegates and our club voted in favour of the new format. Little did we think at the time we would require the safety net of the second losers round but that’s how it unfolded and we welcomed it with open arms.

While things were on a right downed after the previous two performances and results, once our opponents were confirmed for the third round, this helped focus the minds and all associated with the team were positive, put the negativity that was there in the aftermath of the Barryroe game behind them in the build up to this massive game for the club.  With only a six day turn around St Catherine’s provided the opposition at Castleyons in a mouth watering tie for the neutrals on July 3^rd. This game provided a huge improvement from the previous two rounds as we won on a 1-15 to 1-8 scoreline in this vitally important game for the club. We started and finished the first half well and played very well for the majority of the second half. We had a few players back for this game and their contribution on the night was huge and they inspired some of the younger players. The lads stood up and were counted on the night in a physical battle especially in the first half The relief at the final whistle was huge; our intermediate status for 2011 was secured along with our place in the hat for the fourth round draw.

Following some confusion on the county board’s behalf we were eventually drawn to play Milford in the fourth round on July 31^st in Kilavullen. This was our third consecutive year taking on our divisional rivals in the championship with one win a piece. We had one point to spare winning 0-19 to 2-12 in a tense, exciting battle.  We had a poor start overall, with Milford making all the running as we were always chasing the game in the first half. They got a soft goal to open up a lead, we cut it back to 2 points but again they got a second goal to open up a significant lead once more. The lads battled away upping the performance in the second half drawing level and then taking the lead. Milford equalized and it looked as if a draw was on the cards. We got another chance and picked off the winning score in injury time to win by the bare minimum. While we might not have complained with a draw, it was a great way to win with the battling qualities of the lads shining through. Things appeared grin at half time but we came into in half time with our half back line getting on top, the substitutions worked, the scores followed and we eventually wore our opponents down

The team had now a much more balanced look to it and his win set up a quarter final tie versus Aghada played in Watergrasshill on September 25^th.  Our roller coaster of a season continued following a narrow single point, 1-17 to 2-13 in a tough, competitive, exciting game of hurling with the side’s level on at least twelve occasions. This was a match played with outstanding skill and pace in our best championship performance of the year. At the break the sides were on level terms 0-9 to 1-6. We started the second half very well and with ten minutes remaining on the clock we held a 4 point lead, following a goal of our own and we should have built on this advantage. Aghada refused to surrender replied with 1-2 and held a one point lead with time almost up. The game was at fever pitch now as both sides went at it hammer and tongs. The lads rallied and dissected the posts with two superb late points to turn it back in our favour and we held out for the win. This game had it all, great heart, some magical scores and two very determined teams.

Eight days later we were at head quarters for a semi final clash with Kilbrittain. This game was to be our 5^th championship encounter with the West Cork club in 4 years since our promotion from junior level, with 2 wins, 1 defeat and a draw before this match.

Expectations were high ahead of this game after producing stirring recent victories. The mood in our camp was confident even though we had a number of injuries ahead of the game. Our players and mentors knew they were capable of winning this game and we were hoping to get back to the final having suffered defeat there last year; however it was to be Kilbrittains day, unfortunately for us ending in a heard-breaking one point defeat after a gallant performance. The rub of the green we benefited from in one point victories over Milford and Aghada deserted us on the day as we fell foul of a one point defeat the final score reading 0-17 to 0-16.  We had a great start and led 0-5 to 0-1 early on but missed goal scoring opportunities. Kilbrittain recovered to be on level terms at the break. Kilbrittain made the early running in the second half before we hit a purple patch rattling off four points on the trot. It was nip and tuck for the remained of the game. We lead 0-14 to 0-12 with 9 minutes remaining having saved a penalty and appeared to have the upper hand. The sides were level with six minutes to play. In a frenetic finish we fell a point behind at full time, but deservingly equalized from a free in injury time and a draw appeared likely. However, in the time remaining Kilbrittain got one final shot at the posts and the resultant white flag spelled disaster as we lost out on a final appearance by the bare minimum. There was a numb feeling at the final whistle. We had played our part in an excellent game and were unlucky to lose but this was of little consolation. The lads fought every inch of the way, showed passion and commitment and gave everything they had in pursuit of victory in a valiant performance; unfortunately it was not to be. As with last year our over reliance on one forward is a concern and proved costly as did the loss of our injured players for the game.

While we were beaten by a better team in last years county final, victory against Kilbrittain who went on to win the championship following a replay was there for the taking but we just fell short once more.

As a result of qualifying for the 2009 Rochestown Park Hotel intermediate division 2 hurling league final against Douglas we gained promotion to division 1 for the current season ensuring a better standard of opposition. Of the 11 teams in the division all but Kilworth were premier intermediate sides. We competed well in this league, acquitted ourselves well, put up a strong showing, finishing in fourth place amassing 11 points. We defeated Watergrasshill, Ballincollig, Castlelyons and Ballyhea, shared the spoils with Youghal, Courcey Rovers and Mallow while we suffered defeat at the hands of Inniscarra and Ballymartle. Our game with Tracton was not played due to the fact that neither of us could qualify for the final. Ballymartle won the title accounting for Courcey Rovers in the final. Seven of these games were played before the first round of the championship, with 3 wins, 3 draws and a defeat so our form was good ahead of the championship campaign. Thanks to retaining our division 1 status, we will consistently be playing teams of a higher standard next year, which in turn should further improve our game and bring on the younger players.

This team I reckon played a total of 29 games since last years AGM, with 15 competitive games between championship and league games and 14 challenge games.

As with last year no stone was left unturned in preparing the team with the management getting the clubs full support at all times. The coach, manager, selectors and background team put in great time and effort in preparing the team for championship. I would like to thank the full panel and their management for all their hard work, commitment, dedication and sacrifices made throughout the year. We had players commuting from Wales and Germany, players rushing home from Limerick to make training and matches in the evening, these are just some examples and it shows what playing for Kilworth means to these lads and they are to be highly commended for this.

Over all the hard work put in this year by all concerned, the progression of some of our younger players, and the strong team spirit evident throughout the season suggest that we can proceed with certain optimism in the coming year.

The importance of maintaining out intermediate status cannot be stressed enough. If influential players are not available for the coming year we have to be realistic and maintaining intermediate status has to be foremost in our plans. Every effort must be made to win our first championship match next year. Not alone does it earn us a place in round 4 under the new format, but even more importantly it preserves our grade for another playing year.  I have no doubt if this panel sticks together again next year if we have a full squad of players, we will again be a force to be reckoned with. The margins between winning and losing are so small. We ran Douglas close in the 2009 division 2 league final and while they reached a county senior semi final this year we remain 2 championship grades behind them. This year was a learning curve for our minor players who made the breakthrough. The experience of this year will bring them on. The potential is there to succeed and the number of younger players coming through to junior and intermediate ranks augurs well for the future. 

JUNIOR HURLING

In the first round of the Shreelawn Oil North Cork junior hurling championship we played Shanballymore in Fermoy on June 20^th.  A number of players were promoted to the intermediate side for their clash with Eire Og the night before with a number of others unavailable for selection for various reasons.

This game ended in a very disappointing 1-15 to 1-7 defeat. We struggled early in the game and fell well behind. We closed the gap to four points with the aid of a goal but SBM pulled away towards half time. We came into it in the second half but left ourselves too much to do missing a lot of scoring opportunities especially from frees and could not breach the gap. This was a poor performance on the night and it was hard to see how we would progress to where we did before the end of the championship.

We received a walkover from Kildorrery in Round 2. We offered to play this game at an alternative date as a walkover was beneficial to no one; however the game did was not to go ahead.

Our quarter final tie saw us pitted against Charleville. Played in Doneraile as a curtain raiser to the Fermoy Credit Union Junior A Football Championship final on August 29th, following an excellent performance, we secured a great win by 2-21 to 2-13. This was an all round excellent team performance with some great scores. We got two goals at vital stages that were crucial on the way to securing a fine win.

This was now a very different team from that which lined up against Shanballymore in round 1 and this victory set up a repeat clash with them in the semi final. This game was played in Ballyhooly on September 4^th. A team that showed several changes from the side that lost by 8 points in the first round, reversed the result and recorded another excellent win by 2-12 to 1-10.  We trailed 0-9 to 0-5 at the interval, limited SBM to 1-1 in the second half and deservingly qualified for the final for the second consecutive year. Again there were some great scores in this game. While we missed a lot of frees in the first round, that would have kept us there or there about’s we got them all this time round. We took our goal chances well and while SBM got a fortuitous goal to bring it back to 3 points the lads drove on and pulled away for a 5 point win to qualify for the final for the second consecutive year.

The decider against Harbour Rover played in Mitchelstown on Sunday September 26^th ended all square 1-7 to 0-10. In a game we could have lost but should have won, the score reflected the fact that both sets of backs were on top, with scores at a premium. There was little to choose between the sides over the hour being level on seven occasions overall. We led 0-5 to 0-4 at the end of the first half and began the second period brightly racing into a 3 point lead and it seamed we were destined for victory but our opponents struck back quickly and had the only goal of the game 10 minutes into the half to tie the scores 1-4 to 0-7. The play was tense in the closing stages with both sides striving for the win and it took a brilliantly converted 65 with the last puck of the game from us to level matters. Over the hour we had goal chances but we failed to find the target and this proved costly. We appeared to be the better hurlers but our opponents hunger was very evident. We had no competitive game for 3 weeks while the Glanworth side played the previous week. The man of the match award went to Chris Kenny.

Entering the replay 6 days later, it was hoped the drawn game would bring us on. Alas it was our opponents who learned more and they won the replay convincingly 2-14 to 1-5. Apart from a 10 minute period in the opening half Harbour Rovers were in control throughout. In hindsight the game was lost the first day with our element of surprise gone for the replay. We played against the strong elements in the first half were level after 20 minutes and were happy enough to trail 0-7 to 0-4 at halftime. It was expected we would emerge for the second half with a strong challenge but it was not to be. Rovers got the start we required on the resumption really denting our challenge scoring 1-3 to 0-0 within 8 minutes as we fell 9 points behind and our challenge was quenched in the 47^th minute when Rovers had their second goal from a penalty. We never recovered from this and the game was over as a contest. We did get a goal ourselves from a penalty in the 53^rd minute but Harbour Rovers finished the contest with a few quick points before the final whistle. Our opponents were a good side and hungrier on the day. It was hard to put a finger on what went wrong the lads were well up for it just didn’t’t perform. While we were convincingly beaten in the replay we should have claimed the title the first day. However, this defeat should not take from the huge achievement of bringing a second team to a North Cork Final, and particularly the improvement in performance after our opening round defeat.

Despite final defeat this was a very positive year for our second string bearing in mind 24 players were used at intermediate level during the year.

Again this year the benefits of the junior panel training with the intermediates is very evident and benefits both sets of players. I would like to thank the team manager and his selectors for their time and effort, great credit is due to all involved with this team. The hours were put in at the pitch and a number of challenge games played also during the season. Reaching the championship final and winning the division 3 league was a great achievement for this team.

On route to capturing the Cavanagh’s Fermoy, Division 3 hurling league we topped section B following wins over, Fermoy, Balllygiblin, Kilavullen, Kildorrery and received a walkover from Castletownroche. A big win over Dromina in the semi final set up a mouth watering final against old rivals Ballyhea. Following a very enjoyable game against a strong experienced side we emerged champions by 2-21 to 2-19 in an epic. It took extra time to separate the sides and we had to call on all our battling qualities to emerge victorious in a thriller played in Shanballymore on July 27^th. Brian Carey representing the sponsors presented captain Henry Allen with the cup and Shane O’Brien was awarded man of the match for his performance in this game. This was a heart warming display and victory and was one of the highlights of the year. It also ensured sponsored gear for the full panel and a major fund raising opportunity for the club which I will deal with later. 34 players played some part in this league over the course of the season

The importance of completing the leagues before our championship campaigns end is huge. The deadline of having the hurling league completed by the end of July stood to us this year. In the past two years we qualified for the semi final of the league but they were played in bad conditions well after we completed out championships and we struggled to field teams.

The junior team is very important for the future of the club as it gives game time and experience to the younger players. 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. 

JUNIOR FOOTBALL

In the Fermoy Credit Union junior football championship we played Doneraile in Round 1 on May 21^st in Mitchelstown. Having very little preparation in advance of this game the lads played very well especially in the first half and recorded a good win, 2-10 to 1-7. We started very well with two quick goals and it looked as we would run away with it as we led by 10 points at one stage. Doneraile who we were playing at this stage for the second consecutive year came into it in the second half as complacency crept in on our behalf. We had led 2-7 to 0-1 at one stage but only scored 3 points in the second half. These scores proved vital as they helped to keep us in front and we held out for a 6 point win.

We had a long wait until July 18^th for our next game a quarter final tie against Kilshannig played at Doneraile. This encounter resulted in a very disappointing 3 point defeat our season coming to an end on a score of 1-10 to 1-7. Our first half display was very poor but this was to be expected from the lack of preparation. We trailed 0-7 to 0-0 but fought back and really came into the game in the second half and we were in contention until the concession of a soft goal against the run of play. We also missed scoring chances and could not get closer than 3 points and unfortunately exited the championship. We had a number of players missing for various reasons on the day and we lacked a real scoring threat. Feedback from mentors and players would suggest that even a slight effort being given at training and preparation this championship was there for the taking. While we had over 20 players togged out for both championship games, we were unable to field teams in two of our first 4 league games playing in Division 1 of the Cavanaugh’s Ford League and were thus eliminated from the competition.  We were forced to concede a walkover to Buttevant in the first round and again we were unable to field against Churchtown in round 3. We were defeated heavily by Mitchelstown and Ballyhooly in the games we played. As we had 3 league games remaining against Kilshannig, Shanballymore and Mallow when we were thrown out of the competition in essence we conceded 5 walkovers at a cost of €250 to the club. This is unacceptable and we as a club have to take a serious look at whether we enter a team in this competition for the coming year. Going forward if we are to have any chance of seriously challenging for the junior football championship some reasonable preparation is required. League games will have to be fulfilled if it is decided to enter the league for 2011. At the past 2 AGMs we have decide to enter a team in the league but have conceded walkovers in both years. Even though we were relegated to division 2 last year were given the option to remain in division 1 due to restructuring of the league and the team management decided to compete in the top division.  40 text messages were sent to players in advance of the opening league game this year with only 6 players responding to say they were available, yet we had 27 players togged out for our first championship game.  In my opinion it is time to evaluate entering the league for 2011. It is difficult to justify paying the entry fee and then being fined for not fulfilling fixtures. The players should be consulted early and we should only enter a team if we can be certain of fulfilling all fixture. Thanks to the team manager, coach and selectors for their time and efforts in what proved a frustrating year for them.

U21 HURLING

Since last years AGM our U21 hurlers contested the 2009 B North Cork final against Kilshannig at Mallow on December 5^th. Played more than 3 months since the semi final the lads made up for defeat by Milford at the same stage the previous year with a 1-9 to 0-11 win. This encounter provided a good game in awful conditions. With a gale at our backs we lead 0-9 to 0-2 at the break. Kilshannig dominated for long periods in the second half drawing level before taking the lead. We got our only score of the half a vital goal that provided the winning of the game ensuring that Paddy Moakley brought the cup home.

Congratulate to the team manager and selectors for mentoring these lads to back to back finals tasting victory on this occasion after a very drawn out championship.

This season we were to reach the U21 hurling final for the third consecutive year, this time in the Barnes Jewelers Fermoy sponsored A grade. In the opening round we easily accounted for Kildorrery by 1-20 to 0-5. Played in Ballygiblin on August 6^th the winning margin could have been greater with the game called off with 10 minutes remaining. While the team has little time to prepare as a panel the majority of the lads, were training and playing hurling regularly with the minor, junior and intermediate teams. The semi final against Milford took place in Doneraile on August 14^th and we recorded an excellent 3-14 to 0-12, this was a very disciplined performance in a game that could have easily boiled over but our lads held their heads. After a few early bad wides we got good breaks with a goal in each half, and picked off some fantastic scores with the final score reflected the game and how well we played.

We had now qualified for the final against Newtown. While we were huge underdogs entering the final this is the level we strive to compete and test ourselves at against the top teams. This grade at u21 level is the equivalent of senior hurling and the task that awaited out lads in the final played in Castletownroche on September 11^th was massive. Minus two very important players on the day due to injury we were comprehensively beaten 4-22 to 1-9. Newtown were very strong and took their goal chances at crucial stages of the game. We were well in the contest in the first quarter with the aid of the breeze however Newtown had the title secured long before the final whistle having led at the break 1-11 to 0-6. We had a 21 yard free saved early in the second half which would have narrowed the gap but Newtown pulled away strongly from then on in this highly impressive performance.

There was no shame in this loss as Newtown conquered all before them en route to divisional and county success with impressive wins over fancied sides in Sarsfields and Duhallow along the way.

U21 FOOTBALL

The U21 football championship campaign was a short one this year. There were only 4 teams in this grade and we were drawn against Clyda Rovers in the semi final. Played in Kilavullen on March 20^th the lack of preparation was evident in the clubs first championship outing of the year. However, the game was there for the taking with plenty goal scoring chances created. Missed frees and not being clinical enough in front of goal cost us in the end and we suffered a 1-11 to 1-5 defeat. Our disqualification from the division 1 football league was costly as these games would have afforded many of the U21 team good games in preparation for the championship. It was a pity some of these players were not available to play in the junior league as with a small effort this was a championship we were well capable of winning. Thank you to the coach and all involved with this team for your efforts.

MINOR

At the time of last years AGM the 2009 North Cork Minor A hurling league final against the winners of Ballycoskery Rovers and Charleville was also an outstanding fixture. Played in Ballyhea on Sunday January 31^st we gained some revenge for  the 2009 championship final defeat by accounting for Ballycoskery Rovers with a very good victory by 0-14 to 2-5. After the game North Cork PRO Barry Ahern presented the cup to captain Kieran Lane. The intermediate coach was at this game and the display of some of our players on the day who were to go on and make their intermediate debuts in 2010 must have pleased him in his planning for the season ahead. It would also give confidence to some of the younger lads for the year ahead. This was the last game in charge for the coach and his selectors ending on a winning note and I want to thank them for his dedication and time over there 3 year term.

We also played the outstanding 2009 county minor B football league semi final against Kilmurry at our own venue on February 7^th. After taking this team to extra time in the county championship back in November 2009, hoped were high that we could reverse that eventual loss. However we were very poor on the day and were well beaten 2-13 to 0-6.

A motion to the North Cork AGM last year that the minor championship be run on a knockout system with a round of back door games as opposed to the league format of the previous number of years was carried and came into effect. The new format was far from a success in the A grade where we competed in both codes due to the low number of team participating in both hurling and football.

In an encouraging and progressive season at minor level were to reach the North Cork championship and league final in hurling and the championship final in football. Unfortunately we were to come up against an excellent Charleville side in both codes who proved a thorn in our side through the spring and summer months. 

MINOR HURLING 

In the minor A hurling championship we were defeated in the opening round by Charleville 1-22 to 2-13 before recovering to record victories over St Kevin’s 4-20 to 2-9 and Ballycoskery Rovers 3-17 to 2-14 to set up a rematch with Charleville in the final played in Kildorrery on July 27th. We were defeated 4-12 to 2-9 on the night. While the better team won we stayed with them for 40 minutes and we had 1 or 2 goal chances when two points behind in the second half and if we got one of those it may have made a difference.We should have been level or even in front at the break but we were rocked by an awesome 10 minute blitz from Charleville. The game was over as a contest but out lads battled and kept going until the end bagging 2 late goals. While disappointing to lose we could have no complaints with the stronger team winning on the night. They have since gone on to win the county championship. In a change to the county championship format and due to the numbers of team competing at premier 1 and 2 level we as divisional runners were informed by the county minor board that we were entered in the county championship. While not in favour of this back door, we fulfilled a county quarter final tie, struggling to field a team and were well defeated by Kiltha Og played in Castlemaryr on October 30^th. This game was played 3 months after our last championship match and this is not fair on young lads.

In this years A league, we had wins over Ballycoskery Rovers, Ballygiblin and Kilshannig thus secured a final berth against Charleville who had defeated us earlier in the league phase. We lost out on the night by 5 points 2-15 to 1-13. Following a good first half the concession of 2 goals from penalties in the last quarter was the difference on the night.

To lose both championship and league finals was a big disappointment  but we came up against a more balance side in both who would not have been out of their depth at premier level, maybe they were graded incorrectly and who knows what might have happened if they were but that’s history at this stage. I would like to thank and congratulate the coach and selectors, getting to these finals were no mean feat. 

MINOR FOOTBALL 

Having won the minor B football title we were graded A this year. Following wins over Kilshannig 2-10 to 2-09 and Blackthorns 2-10 to 0-8 we progressed to the final and a meeting with Charleville Played in Ballyhooly on September 7^th.  Missing a key player due to injury we were beaten 2-11 to 2-06. We were well on top in the opening stages led by a point at half time having converted a penalty and converted a second one shortly after the restart to lead by 4 points. Charleville were to dominate the remainder of the game with piercing runs through the centre of our rear guard and pulled away to win by 5 points. Like the hurling it was disappointing to lose but Charleville’s overall better balance team on the night was the difference.

Again as divisional runners up we had a county quarter final to play. We faced Kiskeam in Mallow on October 17^th . We suffered a big defeat by 1-17 to 1-5 against a strong team. Charleville play Kiskeam in the county final on Sunday again almost 3 months since the North Cork final. They are on the verge of a county double and we wish then well.

In the league we defeated Doneraile, and Buttevant, drew with Blackthorns lost to Charleville conceded a walkover to kilshannig. We did not qualify for the knock out stages. Thanks to the management team for looking after this team during the year and well done for getting the team to the championship final.

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

In all we played 75 games throughout the course of the year. 

I would like to thank 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.

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.

Despite the lack of championship trophies, it was never the less a long and busy year on the playing field and we acquitted ourselves well in most competitions. 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, take the positives from this season, learn from our mistakes and push forward for with optimism for 2011. 

STRATEGIC VISION AND ACTION PLAN 2010 to 2015

Over the past few weeks information and consultative meetings have taken place between clubs in the division with the North Cork and County Board with regards the new underage structures and regional leagues at adult level to be introduced in 2011 as part of the Cork GAA Strategic Vision and Action plan 2010 to 2015 that was launched and published in April. The plan is split into 11 separate sections –

Games Development, Administration Structures in Cork, Games schedule in Cork, Communications in Cork, Supporting our volunteers, Finance and Fundraising, Planning and Infrastructure, welcome people from different traditions onto our association, Urbanisation, Club, Culture and Community and Ensuring the Safety and well being of our young players.

Section 2 – Administrative Structures in Cork is the one that will have the biggest impact on clubs in the short to medium term. This section deals with structures in Cork at County and Divisional level that supports our clubs and schools it also deals with the role of the full time Games Development Team in supporting volunteers. The overall goal is to provide greater variety of games for all players.

The following are the primary recommendations relating to adult structures:

• Pilot County wide Junior B championship in 2011, evaluate pilot for 2012.

• Pilot Junior A and B County wide league competition based on 4 Regional leagues in 2011 and 2012. These competitions in the four regions will be administered by officers of the existing divisions that will be involved in each region.

• The semi final and finals will be administered by the County Competitions Control Committee. 

The following are the primary recommendations relating to underage structures:

• Pilot the establishment of County Youth Committee – Coiste na Nog to take responsibility for all under age affairs in the county to include minor grades down to U13 and including Go games to replace U12 competition for a two year period.

• The pilot will involve the formation of 4 Regions for underage competition in the County – Central, North, East and West. 

Therefore at adult level the proposal is that Avondhu and Imokilly form 1 of the 4 regions for Junior A and B leagues. The winner of the A and B league in both hurling and football will qualify for a county semi final.

At underage level the proposal is that Avondhu and Duhallow make up the North region for both league and championship. This would mean the disbandment of the Avondhu juvenile board. 

The big bone of contention that lies with the new proposal is, our junior teams going into league competition with Imokilly teams while our minor and underage teams will compete with Duhallow teams in both league and championship. The clubs of the division including our own have made our views quite clear to both Avondhu and County boards on this.

However, as these are two separate proposals in the plan they will not be changed and the proposals as they are will be presented to County convention on December 11^th. As the new proposals are for a pilot 2 year period in order for it to proceed for 2011 County By laws will have to be set aside to disband the county minor and juvenile board and the powers the divisional boards have in relation to minor teams in the current format will have to be set aside for a two year period. Officers are being appointed to these new boards as opposed to being elected. The proposed board to run the divisional leagues will be made up of 3 officers from each of the current divisions. County Board vice chairman Bob Ryan is to meet with the officers in the next few weeks to plan the league. In advance of this there is an Avondhu Board meeting to discuss next Wednesday night. It is understood if the clubs do not wish to go with the new divisional league, the leagues will run as normal in North Cork but the County Board will look for a representative in A & B hurling and football to then play the Imokilly winners to see who progresses to the county semi final.

The formation of the Coiste Na Nog board was announced at the County Board meeting on Tuesday night last as was the central board. The remaining 3 boards, North (of which Avondhu and Duhallow boards will compete), the East and West are yet to be announced but they are as good as finalised. Again 3 representatives from Avondhu and Duhallow will form this board with one of the 6 also being a representative on Coiste Na Nog. County Youth officer Mark Sheehan is to meet with the new board shortly.

We can only wait and see what the outcome of the Avondhu clubs meeting is next week to see are the clubs in favour.

JUVENILE CLUB

I would like to congratulate the juvenile club on another busy and successful 2010 and complement officers, coaches and selectors for the great work and dedication with such a large number of players over 150 in total. 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. The U16 B hurling championship was retained, while the Eugene Condon and Corbett Court Shield were also won. Teams from U7 right up to U14 took part in various blitzes both at home and way venues throughout the summer months.

The Cul Camp was another success this year as was the sponsored walk and the annual draw. A club fun day was held in May as part of the La na gClub celebration. The U14’s were taken to the Cork V Cavan senior football championship qualifier game in Pairc Ui Chaoimh, The U12’s were taken to the Pairc to watch the senior footballers train before the All Ireland final and 23 juvenile were taken to the All Ireland final in Dublin. A open night for parents of players was held last Thursday night where they could meet team coaches, officers etc. This is just a summary of some of the clubs activities during the year, 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 wish the club the best of luck with their annual social next Friday night.

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

Thanks and congratulations to schools coaches Tom Pierce and Claire Sheedy for the great work they are doing passing on the skills of our games.

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 2010. Another very successful year was had, the highlight of which was Michael and Timmy Dunne being part of the Cork U14/U15 team that won the Munster and All Ireland 60/30 championship recently. Several county championship medals were won earlier in the year. The club continues to thrive with a healthy membership with a number of girls playing competing well and winning county titles.

Sean Keane continues to climb the Irish Racquetball rankings and his reputation as a rising star of the sport continues. In October Sean, defended his Irish open junior title while earlier this month Sean traveled to Los Angeles as part of the Irish team taking part in the World Junior championships. In December last year he again represented Ireland in the World championship at junior level in the Dominican Republic.

I would like to congratulate Kilworth Squash club and its officers following a very successful year. The Division 4 team retained the Munster title earlier in the year which was a significant achievement.

Earlier this month club player Damien O’Donoghue commenced a Fit Club which is run each Saturday morning on our recently developed training area. This has started very well for Damien and I wish him well for the future 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. Significant development work was completed in 2010, with the upgrading of the changing, toilet and shower facilities and the installation of solar panels. Paddy Whelan, Fergus Flynn, Mike Walsh, Kenneth Condon and Aidan Kenny represented the club on the complex committee this year.

I would like to congratulate Kieran Lane who was part of the Cork Intermediate team that captured the Munster title in 2010. Congratulations to Nathan Byrne and Noel McNamara were part of the Cork U17 team that won the Eugene Carey Memorial inter county hurling tournament and Michael Wade who represented the Cork u14’s in the Tony Forristal Inter county hurling tournament.

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. Both Nathan Byrne and Noel McNamara played significant roles in helping St Colman’s win the O’Callaghan cup last Friday night with victory over the North Mon. They have also qualified for the quarter final of the Dr Harty Cup and I wish them the best of luck with this. Well done to Thomas Twomey who represented London in the senior inter county championship in the past year.

Congratulations to the Cork senior footballers on their fantastic win in the All Ireland final when they had a one point win over Down. Great credit to the full panel for the huge effort that they have put in over the past few years. Special congratulations to the Avondhu members of the panel Ray Carey and Paudie Kissane from Clyda Rovers and Colm O'Neill and Paul O'Flynn from Ballyclough

MEDAL PRESENTATION

A medal presentation night to acknowledge our 2009 achievements, namely U21 hurling championship win, minor football championship win, minor football and minor hurling league victories, was held in the Corbett Court on April 9^th. Before a satisfactory attendance an enjoyable night was had by all.

S

LEAGUE PRESENTATION NIGHT 

A presentation night for the 6 winning clubs in the Cavanaghs Ford, League was help in their showrooms earlier this month. The players gear awarded for capturing the Division 3 hurling title was presented to the club on the night. Austin O’Hara and Shane O’Brien were honoured at the event being presented with Man of the Match awards, Austin for his display in the win over Kilavullen early in the year, while Shane was rewarded for his performance in the league final win over Ballyhea. The sponsorship of this gear for all 6 league winners amounts to €10k.

DEVELOPMENT / MAINTAINANCE 

A number of improvements in terms of development and maintenance were made to out 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 lower section of wiring was completed behind the 4 goals, with concretes bases put in place behind the goals in the main pitch. Following a number of cars causing damage in our grounds after dark a decision was made to put a chain fence in place along the bank to protect it and the training area. By doing this it saved the cost of fencing off the training area. Barriers were also but in place behind the bank, along the entrance and between both pitches. This work was completed over a number of Saturdays and great credit is due to all who helped out, the only cost to the club was on materials.

A barrier was also placed on the bottom of the stand. A decision was also taken to lock the main gate at night with officer and team managers holding keys to the lock.

We had a number of instances this year where the dressing rooms and stand, were vandalized, so a decision was taken to reinforce the doors with dead locks and put a CCTV camera in place. While the camera worked as a deterrent for a period of time, following recent incidents we should consider lighting the stand with a sensor light in the New Year.

Both goal mouths on the main pitch were repaired in October, with seed set. This is coming along nicely but the goals will have to be protected until the spring so we see the full benefits of this work.

We plan to light the training area in the short term, and following a tendering process John Sheehan is in place to complete the ground work for this. It was agreed during the year, to install a separate ESB meter for these lights.

While development overall was down this year, this was inevitable as it was going to be hard to keep up and fund the level of development we have seen in the past number of years. We should continue to keep improving our facilities during 2011.

GOLF CLASSIC

On Friday May 7^th we held our second annual Golf Classic at Mitchelsown Golf club. Following excellent planning and preparation again this year by Alan Kenny, John Kenny and John Hegarty this event was huge success. 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 Caroline O’Brien and Mike Walsh for the work on the day of the event, 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. Cavanagh’s have been superb supporters of Kilworth Gaa club 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 with just under 50 teams taking part. This was a great number giving the current economic climate. We also had almost 30 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 Donal Kenneally and the Butchers bar for hosting the prize giving on the night of the event. Brian Carey representing the main sponsor for the event presented the prizes. The event raised €9,895 which was a fine return and contributed the majority of the funds required for this year’s loan repayment.

MUNSTER COUNCIL GRANT

As reported at last years AGM we had applied for a Munster Council grant to cover some of the cost of lighting the second pitch. We were informed in December of our award which was €5,661 and this was presented to the club at a presentation night at Pairc Ui Rinn in early February. This was less than what we expected as the number of applicants was upon previous years while the amount for allocation was down on previous years.

Again this year we have applied for a Munster Council Grant, on this occasion for the training area. Our submission was sent to the County Board for review and sign off and they in turn forwarded the documentation to the Munster Council. As the work has to be completed in order to apply for this grant both the Treasurer and Development officer of the county board inspected the completed work in September. Details of grants to be awarded are due to be announced next month. I would like to thank Alan Kenny for putting together this detailed application. All Munster Council grant applications must now be accompanied by a copy of the clubs safety statement. A statement was completed and submitted as part of our application nut we should re visit this and access potential hazards in the New Year. 

NORTH CORK BOARD GRANT

We applied to the North Cork board for a contribution to help offset some of the cost of the lighting project and we received €1,000 in return which was very welcome. I would like to thank Patsy O’Mahony for advising us to pursue this and the board for granting same. 

LOAN

Due to the money raised in our Golf Classic and the grant received from the North Cork board we paid €11k off the loan this year in addition to the €10k we paid last year. Even though under the terms of the loan the first repayment is only due by 30/11/2010, as interest is mounting up quarterly it is in our best interests to pay back the loan as fast as possible. The current balance on the loan account is €63,848.

Due to AIB internal controls an annual review of our loan account took place this year and will annually going forward... Mike Walsh met with Pt Browne acting Bank Manager in AIB, Fermoy in October, and he was advised our loan account is impeccable. It was good to hear that further funds will be made available to the club should they be required in the future. 

CLUB DEVELOPMENT DRAW

As part of the Cavanaghs, Fermoy Ford leagues a major extra sponsorship deal for the 6 league winners on top of the sponsorship which has been in place for a number of years was introduced this year. In addition to the €10k sponsorship for playing gear, another €30k of prizes were kindly sponsored by Dr Tom Cavanagh. In order for this to come about the Football leagues including finals had to be played by the end of June and the end of July was the deadline for the hurling finals to be played.

As a result of winning the Division 3 hurling league we join Buttevant, CTR, Mitchesltown, Fermoy and Araglen as the 6 clubs eligible for the League winner’s club development draw. A new Ford Fiesa and Ford Ka are first and second prize respectively, with 3^rd to 6^th prize: €500; 7^th to 10^th prize: €250 and 11^th to 30^th prize: €100. Each club will have 5 winners in the draw which is due to take place in February 2011. The only cost to the club is the cost of printing the tickets and the draw permit which amounted to €456 in total. Everything we raise after that is profit. Tickets are priced at €20 and we have received 1,250 of them in books of 5. Therefore we have a target of €25k to raise as set by Tom Cavanagh, and we should strive to reach this. We have set up a committee to run draw 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. I would like to thank them for coming on board. Every adult club member will be given a book of 5 tickets to sell. This is a once off chance to make serious money and pay off a big chunk of our loan. We should grasp the chance and I appeal to all members to go out and push this draw.

MEMBERSHIP 

At the time of writing we have 150 adult members up 10 on 2009 and halting the falling trend of the previous two years. However, we are still well down on where we were therefore it would be great to see new members joining as well as previous members re-joining the club for 2011. 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 in January it is imperative that membership is paid in full at the earliest possible date. 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 rules governing membership changed in 2010. The new membership year for the GAA now runs from April 1^st to March 31^st in the following year. The GAA on line registration system is now the only acceptable method of registering players and member. In order to be entitled to the rights of a full member, a person must have their fees paid to the club on a date before March 31^st to be registered by the club on the online system in order to have a vote in the upcoming membership year. Therefore, the old August 1^st date no longer exists.

Due to registering members on line this year for the first time Croke Park issued membership cards with unique membership numbers on same. 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 sellers. This is not a strong position to be in and extra sellers are urgently required to spread the workload around. Yearly/quarterly memberships are available which guarantees steady income for the year. Please support our lotto on a weekly quarterly or yearly basis, every €2 adds up and is valuable to our club. Thank you to our dedicated sellers and to our many supporters who make the lotto such a success.

Winners of the jackpot to date this year have been:

Aidan Kenny: August 9^th, €14,250  -  Lotto rolled over and Aidan was the first winner since October 2010

Sheena O’Connor, October 26^th, €2,250 

CORK GAA CLUBS DRAW 

The Cork GAA Clubs draw continues to be an important means of raising funds for the club.  The 2010/1011 draw has begun and we had 138 members entered for the September and October draws held on October 29^th. This is down from 151 members last year 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 December and subsequent draws and I would appeal to everyone to contribute if they can. 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 2010 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.

CLUB MEETINGS

We held 50 meetings since last years AGM on November 26^th, 2009 and I would like to thank all those who attended these meetings. The approximate average attendance was 12. 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.

NEW OFFICERS

Two new officer positions arose in the aftermath of last years AGM and were filled during the year by our executive committee. As per decision of County Convention 2009 each affiliated club for 2010 was to have a representative on An Choiste Chontae. As a double affiliated club we are entitled to 2 representatives and the county board requested names of same. As Chairman was our current hurling delegate, I was appointed football delegate for the year.

Each club in the county was also obliged to appoint a Irish and Cultural Officer (Oifigeach Gaelige/Cultur) for the purpose of contributing to the County Cultural Committee. Paddy Whelan took on this role and has attended a number of meetings during the year representing the club in this capacity.

Tonight we will also have to appoint a club alcohol and substance abuse prevention officer.

In accordance with the GAA Strategic Vision and Action Plan 2009 to 2015 all clubs are required to have a Club Drug & Alcohol Policy in place by year end 2010. The role of the Club ASAP Officer includes liaising with the County and Provincial ASAP Officers to complete this task.

An up-to-date Club Drug & Alcohol Policy will provide significant legal protection & guidance to clubs who may be faced with having to deal with substance abuse issues.

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.  Thanks also to John Twomey who maintained the training area. Thanks to all those who helped with pitch and stand tidy ups during the year.

Thanks to Mick Twomey for offering his services as club referee during the year and the members of the club who acted as umpires and linesmen for him. Thanks to those who helped out with games played at our venue this year. The biggest game we held was the North Cork U21 A football final between Fermoy and Glanworth. Even though we applied to the county board to host a number of Senior and Intermediate County championship games during the year we were granted none which was disappointing.

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 also to Joan Twomey and Catherine Mannix for providing refreshments for both teams and mentors following our intermediate hurling challenge V Tallow during the year.

I would like to thank our PRO, Kenneth Condon for his excellent reporting of games and club notes in the local press over the year. Kenneth is stepping down tonight after 3 years in the role. He has bee a great help to me during that time 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.

I would like to thank North Cork Board representative John Twomey and County Board representative Fergus Flynn for attending their respective meetings on a forthnightly basis and reporting back to our weekly meetings.

INSURANCE SCHEME

Special thanks to Mike Walsh in his capacity as Insurance officer, team medic and vice chairman during the year. Changes were made to the GAA injury scheme for 2010 and Mike had to get up to speed on this very quickly due to a delay in finalizing the scheme by Croke Park for 2010 and he has done a fantastic job on this. A significant change was the removal of physiotherapy from the scheme. This had the potential of causing huge problems for us due to the cost of  physic treatment. However Caroline Coughlan came on board as club physio 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. Mike also chaired a number of meetings during the year.

Thanks to Darren Kenny who came on board this year as team medic for our minor hurlers.

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. Thanks to North Cork board Chairman Christy Morrissey for his efficient handing of inter county tickets this year and to Patsy O’Mahony for collecting club tickets from Christy on occasion during the year.

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. I would like to include Sandra here.

SYMPATHY

Unfortunately every year that passes brings some loss with it. The past year saw the passing of two former club officers, former chairman, Dave McCarthy and secretary, Ned Cotter.

On my own behalf and on behalf of the club I would like to offer sincere sympathy to the families of Dave and Ned and to all those who suffered bereavements during the year.

Ar dheis de go raimh a n-animate

CONVENTION

Just two nights ago we hosted the Avondhu junior board convention. Early this year we wrote to the board runai applying to host the event to acknowledge the great contribution of outgoing treasurer, our own Patsy O’Mahony to the division. Patsy attended his first board meeting when asked to represent our club in 1980. He has been attending ever since. Patsy served as GPC member from 1981 until Wednesday night, served as Registrar from 1983 to 1986. He took over as cisteoir in 1986 a position he held until Wednesday night when he had to relinquish the purse strings in accordance with the new 5 year rule introduced at national level. Chairman Fergus Flynn, opened the meeting, and explained that we applied to hold the event in recognition of Patsy outstanding service to the board. Patsy was referred to a living legend by a number of speakers.

I would like to congratulate Patsy for his dedication and professionalism to the role as Treasurer over the last 23 year. With this position, the time involved and a heavy schedule he never forgot his roots and this club. He has been on the executive committee as long as I can remember and the work he does especially on the ticket selling and fundraising side of thinks is phenomenal.  I found his help and experience invaluable in my dealings with the board over the last 3 years and he was always only a phone call away when advice was required. I wish Patsy all the best for the future and congratulate him on being elected as a vice president of the Avondhu Board.

Best wished to Michael Beecher who also stepped down as board runai a position he held since 1991. My dealings with Michael were always frank and to the point, but he was fair and straight down the middle. It might not always be popular but when you are dealing with 25 clubs and County Board, you can’t please everyone all of the time. Congratulations and best wishes to the incoming officers, Dennis Twomey as runai and Denis Hickey as cisteoir. They have tough shoes to fill but I’m sure the will get the support of the outgoing officers. In a time when volunteers are a dying breed in society, it’s great to see two young men putting themselves forward for these positions.

The convention was a big success with well over 100 delegates in attendance, the biggest in a number of years... The County Board was represented by PRO Ger Lane, Irish and Cultural Officer Liam O’Laochra, while Cian O’Brian represented the Minor Board. I would like to thank the Community Council for the use of the hall and Mick Twomey for having everything in order for the night. I would also like to thank Sheila O’Mahony and Sheila Greehy for providing refreshments on the night, putting on a fine spread catering for a big number. 

SUMMARY

As I sign off on my third annual report I would urge more members to get actively involved in the club. Our club would not exist without our 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, 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.

Finally 2010 has been a very busy but enjoyable year for me. I would like to thank my fellow officers Fergus and Mossie for their help, support and co-operation over the past year. The club and I as secretary were very fortunate this year to have two very dedicated and hardworking men as Chairman and Treasurer.

Thanks to our efficient Treasurer, Mossie in another challenging year. The purse strings are in safe hands and I must acknowledge his vital contribution to the financial stability of the club.

I would like to pay tribute and thank our Chairman Fergus Flynn on his trojan work over the past 3 years. Unfortunately Fergus is stepping down tonight after a busy term in office and his presence at the top table will be missed. He is a good friend of mine and he epitomizes all that a good clubman should be always willing to help in anyway he can. I have worked closely with him over the past 3 years and have seen at first hand the hours and commitment he put into the role.  I hope he will stay involved in the club in some capacity as he has a lot to offer going forward. Fergus is well respected throughout the division and at county board level has a good rapour with members of both executives and I hope he would consider continuing as County Board rep for the coming year where his experience would be invaluable

Apologies to anyone I may have inadvertently omitted in my report.

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 2011 and wish you all the best of health and good luck for the year ahead and hope you all and your families have a happy and peaceful Christmas. 

Go raibh mile maith agaibh go leir

Is mise le meas

Sean Toibin

Runai