Secretaries Report 2008

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Kilworth GAA Club

Date: Friday November 28th 2008

Venue:  Clubroom

Annual general meeting of Kilworth GAA club held in the clubrooms on Friday November 28th, 2008. 

Rev. father, club president, fellow members it is my privilege to present to you my report on the activities of the club both on and off the playing field for the year ended 2008.

First I will deal with playing activity.  The year began with a minor football league game on February 10th and ended on Sunday November 9th with a minor hurling county league semi final.

INTERMEDIATE HURLING

First we will look at the Evening Echo sponsored intermediate hurling championship. 

In the first round we played Kilbrittain on May 4th in Ballgarvan.  After a very poor performance where we trailed 1-11 to 0-4 at half time, we mounted a mini revival in the final quarter, however, we lost out on a final scoreline of 1-15 to 0-11.  This was a very disappointing result one we did not have much time to dwell on as there was less than two weeks to round 2 where our opponents were St Vincent’s.  This was played on May 16th in Rathcormac, and the importance of winning this game was huge as defeat would have meant a relegation battle to maintain intermediate status for 2009. Again we started very slowly and trailed 0-10 to 0-4 at the interval. We fell 9 points behind at one stage in the second half and things were not looking good. We were extremely lucky to pull this one out of the fire scoring two goals in the last 5 minutes to win on the score of 2-11 to 0-17.

We were drawn to play Milford in the third round on June 15th   at Buttevant. On the night we were defeated 3-8 to 1-11 by a hungrier and more accurate team. We only scored 5 points in the first half and our wide’s tally was to prove costly in the end.

This was a most disappointing championship campaign where the exertions of the previous few years appeared to catch up with the players.

In the Rochestown Park Hotel Intermediate hurling league we played 5 games winning 4 that qualified us for the quarter final against Eire Og. This game is yet to be played.

In the Seam O’Murchu cup we won our 3 group games and qualified for the semi final against Kilbrittain. This game is fixed for tomorrow evening, Saturday November 29th at Balincollig under lights at 6.15.  The team also played a number of challenge games in the early part of the year. The coach and selectors in their first year in charge put in great time and effort in preparing the team for championship and it’s a pity we made our exit at such an early stage.

JUNIOR HURLING

In the first round of the Shreelawn Oil junior hurling championship we faced Shanballymore in Mitchelstown on May 31st. In a tight game we were unfortunate to lose by two points 2-13 to 1-14.  In the second round we played Ballyhea in Glanworth and ran out comfortable winners by 6-11 to 0-6.  We now faced near neighbours, Araglin in the quarterfinal on July 26th in Ballygiblin. We started well in this game and led for most of the hour but the concession of frees kept our opponents in it.  This coupled with the fact that we did not score enough in the second half cost us in the end as Araglin came from behind to win by 1 point 0-17 to 3-7. A key feature of this game was the poor performance of the referee. While it was disappointing not to advance further in the competition there was vast improvement in terms of preparation from last year and the benefits of training with the intermediate’s earlier in the year was very evident. We struggled to get mentors for this team and I would like to thank the coach and his selectors for their time, effort and a fine job done once appointed.

In the division 3 hurling league we played four games winning 3 with 1 draw and received a walkover to qualify for the semi final where our opponents were Liscarroll.  This game was played under lights in Kildorrery on September 30th.  We struggled to field a team and a depleted side were well beaten 3-11 to 1-6.  After making good progress in the championship, it was disappointing not to gain promotion to division two for next year.

JUNIOR FOOTBALL

In the Fermoy Credit Union junior football championship we played Awbeg Rangers in round 1 on May 23rd at Shanballymore. As we had very little preparation done before this game and were minus several players from the team that reached last years final we didn’t know what to expect. However, on the night we played very well, especially in the first half and won 4-5 to 1-8. Our next round was a quarterfinal tie against Kilshannig in Kilavullen on July 5th. In a good tough game we pulled away in the last quarter to secure a comfortable 2-9 to 0-8 win.  We had now reached the semi final where we met Ballyhooly in Castletownroche on August 2nd.  In a poor game we got vital goals at key stages to emerge winners by 2-5 to 0-10 and secure our second final appearance in succession in this competition.  The final was played in Mitchelstown on September 14th with Glanworth winning 1-9 to 0-9.  Conditions were dreadful for football but this was the same for both sides.  We fell 5 points behind in the lead up to half time and this was to cost us as it provided a gap two much to bridge in the closing stages. It was disappointing to lose a second final in a row but as we could not get selectors for this team at the start of the year it was a great achievement to reach the final and the team manager, coach and selectors are to be congratulated for a job well done. Who knows maybe in 2009 it may be third time lucky and we can go one better and win this championship for the first time in the clubs history.

In the division 2-football league we played 6 games, winning 4, losing 1, with 1 draw and conceded 1 walkover.  This qualified us for the semi final where we defeated Kildorrery, 4-8 to 1-11 under lights on October 5th. This win gained us promotion to division 1 for 2009. This was the team manager’s key aim when he accepted the role earlier in the year and this was achieved.  In the league final we had the added bonus of victory as we defeated Ballyhooly 2-09 to 1-10 under lights in Ballyhooly on October 16th.

U21 HURLING

At U21 level we reached the North Cork final in both codes.

 In hurling we received a bye to the semi final where we took on Buttevant in Castletownroche on August 16th. In this game we started and finished strongly on a bad night for hurling, qualifying for the final on a score line of 3-16 to 2-11.

In the decider a strong Milford side defeated us, 3-21 to 3-16 on September 6th at Shanballymore. This was a fine game of hurling and the game was a lot closer that the score suggests, and doesn’t reflect fairly on the lad’s efforts on the night.

As is often the case in recent times this particular grade gets pushed out towards the end of the fixture list, which belies a talented and entertaining grade. A big thank you and well done to the coach and selectors for getting this team to the final.

U21 FOOTBALL

We went one better in U21 football capturing the title for the second time in 3 years with a thrilling 1-10 to 0-7 win over Clyda Rovers played in Doneraile on April 11th.

This was a great win in difficult playing conditions on a bitterly cold night. We kicked some excellent scores especially in the second period and even though Clyda were reduced to 14 players we were the better team on the night and deserving winners.  It was a vast improvement on our semi final display against Charleville played on March 22nd in Mitchelstown.  As only 4 clubs were in this particular grade this was our first championship encounter. We emerged winners by 2 points 1-7 to 1-5 to qualify for the final.  The pleasing aspect of this win was some vital point scoring against a strong wind in the second half that helped keep our noses in front until the death.

This was a great start to the year for the club, in winning a championship we did not expect to with such a young team. We struggled to get a coach and selectors for this team at the start of the year but in the end it worked out fine with the clubs first silverware of the year secured. Congratulations and well done to all concerned.

MINOR

At minor level, going solo as Kilworth for the first time in a number of years we acquitted ourselves very well in both codes and there are very promising signs for the future in terms of the emergence of intermediate and junior players.

MINOR HURLING

In minor hurling championship we had comfortable wins over Buttevant, Clyda Rovers, Ballyclough and Blackwater Rovers to top our group and qualify for the semi final.  Our opponents in that semi final were Kilshanning in Castletownroche on July 29th.  On a greasy night for hurling with slippery underfoot conditions the lads never performed to their potential or to the standard they displayed in the group stages and were defeated by the bare minimum 2-9 to 2-8. They found scores hard to come by against a more physical team, who went on the win the championship.

In the league we won 3 group games and received 1 walkover topping our group and qualifying for the semi final where we defeated St Marks 3-13 to 0-10 on October 12th. In the final we easily accounted for Ballyhea 1-17 to 1-08 on November 1st at Charleville. After the disappointment of semi final defeat in the championship it was great to see the lads get something out of the year that they thoroughly deserved.

They have since qualified for the County league final following a 5-9 to 0-6 win over Kinsale in the semi final on November 9th. This game may go ahead next weekend and we wish all concerned the very best of luck. Our minor hurlers also defeated St Catherine’s in Ballynoe receiving a cup for their efforts in a tournament game earlier in the summer.  This was a fine game of hurling and it’s a case of what might have been as St Catherine’s went on to win the county at this grade.

Congratulations and well done to the team coach and his selectors on capturing the league and for their dedication to this team all year. Remember it hasn’t finished yet and these lads under the guidance of the coach and selectors are still training every Thursday night in Loretto in the build up to the county league final.

MINOR FOOTBALL

In minor football championship we topped our group with 6 points following wins over Blackwater Rovers, Erins Hope and Clyda Rovers to qualify for a semi final meeting with Ballyclough.  Played in Castletownroche on September 29th   and missing one of our influential midfielders through injury, we were defeated by a physically strong side 2-7 to 0-8.  The game was closer that the final score suggests as we led at half time with Ballyclough getting a second goal in the dying moments as we pushed for a goal ourselves.  It’s a pity the lads didn’t progress to the final as they gave some fine performances in the group stages. I would like to thank the coach and selectors for their time and work with this young bunch.

In the minor football league we played 3 games only winning 1 thus ending our interest in the competition.

In all we played 76 games during the year, with 52 competitive games and 24 challenges played across the various codes and grades.

THANKS

I would like to thank all players, selectors, trainer, mentors, coaches, and managers for their time, effort, dedication and commitment to Kilworth GAA club in both hurling and football during the past year. I would like to also thank them all for their cooperation and courtesy in any dealings I had with them during the course of the year.

While the year started on a high with the U21 football championship win, the exit of our intermediate hurlers at an early stage of the championship put a damper on the year.  However, with good league title wins for our division 2 footballers and minor hurlers along with very promising performances in junior football, U21 hurling, minor hurling and football championships; our continued involvement in the Intermediate hurling league, Sean O’Murhcu cup and a minor county league final to look forward to, the year can go down as a satisfactory one and we can look forward to 2009 with certain optimism. 

CONGRATULATIONS

I would like to congratulate the juvenile club on another busy and successful 2008 and compliment officers, coaches and selectors for their great work and dedication with such a large number of players.  Championship hurling titles were won at U13 and U15, with the U16’s capturing a league and championship double.  The U16 footballers also won the U16 A football league.  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 congratulate Kilworth National School on their hurling success in the North Cork Schools finals during the year and thank the teachers for encouraging our games amongst their pupils.

I would like to congratulate the handball club, especially Michael Dunne for the great work they are doing and wish them well for 2009. Another very successful year was had, with a fine hall of county medals secured, with some players going on to represent Cork. It was encouraging to hear at the Sports Complex AGM on Wednesday night that there are 47 juvenile members playing handball this year that is an increase of close to 30% on last year. Former players are also getting involved with coaching and this can only be good for the future of the club.

Sean Keane continues to flourish at racquetball and I would like to congratulate him and wish him continued success for 2009.

I would like to congratulate the squash club and it officers following its re launch after a lapse of two years and wish them well for the future.

I would like to congratulate Liam Whelan and Kieran Lane who were part of the Cork U17 team that won the inaugural Eugene Carey Memorial Cup tournament in August.

I would like to congratulate Adrian Mannix who was part of the Cork Intermediate hurling team for 2008 and Kieran Walsh who was sub keeper.

I would like to congratulate all club players and members who represented the Avondhu division at any level during the year be it as player or mentor. I would like to say well done to club players who represented St Colman’s College, Colaiste An Chraoibhin or any third level colleges over the past year.

DEVELOPMENT

Our development committee under the stewardship of Alan Kenny have been very busy and proactive throughout the year.
In April we launched our very successful Pitch lighting draw.  I would like to thank Emmet Coffey for his voluntary work in putting together the launch article for the Avondhu Press.  This fundraising initiative consisted of 3 monthly draws during the months of May, June and July. We collected a very impressive €42,040 in total. Prize money amounted to €6k in total. Many thanks to all the sellers and especially to coordinator’s Alan Kenny and John Hegarty for their dedication to make this draw a success.

LOTTO GRANT

Early in the year we applied for National Lottery funding for pitch lighting.  Alan Kenny and John Hegarty put together a very detailed, professional and impressive application for this that amounted to a portfolio running to over 80 pages. In early August we got word that we were awarded €70,000 towards pitch lighting. I wish to extend my sincere thanks to Alan and John for the time and work put into this project.

DEVELOPMENT SPONSORSHIP

It is very disappointing to report that the 5-year development sponsorship deal with Alan Reidy proprietor of Centra, announced late last year has not materialised.  The deal worth €25,000 formed a big part of our National Lotto application. The first instalment of €5,000 was due last December with the second amount due around now. Several attempts were made to secure these funds but to no avail. Alan indicated early in the year he was still committed to the sponsorship deal and that the first payment would be made in April.  However, we have made several attempts to contact him since then but to no avail.  There has been no correspondence or communication from him since April. We set September 4th the date of our EGM as the cut off date for receipt of the first payment. As we have not heard anything from Alan, unfortunately we have to take it that the sponsorship deal has ceased which is most disappointing. 

EGM

As mentioned in the minutes earlier the club held an EGM on September 4th  with regards pitch lighting.

TRAINING AREA

In June after much deliberation a decision was taken to develop a training area located in the bottom corner of the club grounds adjacent to the road and the Sports Complex grounds. Following consultation with Cork County Council, Coillte and the Department of Agriculture with regards the removal of a tree to maximise the space available to us we recently got the final go ahead to proceed and commence construction of the training area.  Sean Kelly has being lined up to construct the training area. It is planned that work will commence before Christmas but it will be February or March next year before it will be completed, depending on weather conditions.

PLANS FOR 2009

In terms of development completion of the training area will take precedence at the start of 2009. In conjunction with this we aim to begin work on the erection of floodlights on the second field early in the New Year. We have received preliminary approval from the planning authority for this with full planning due before the end of December. Discussions are ongoing with the contractor (John Keane Electrical) regarding this and John sees no reason why the work cannot be completed in early 2009.

Following the success of our three-month draw in the summer of 2008, we have decided to hold a golf classic on the 15th of May 2009 in Mitchelstown Golf Club. This Golf Classic, along with the National Lottery Grant, will be the main source of income to be used towards the development in 2009. We are in the initial stages of organising this classic and would ask that anyone with a little spare time or with any ideas on how to increase the success of the event to speak to either Alan Kenny or John Hegarty. 

SCHOOL

With the new school completed in time for the new term back in September, the prefabs that housed the kids for the previous school year were removed from the club grounds. One of the prefabs, the property of the school was left to the club and this will come in very hand for much needed storage of equipment. A new fence was constructed between the school and our club grounds and the speed ramps are now in place on the roadway. We should look at lining the car park in the New Year to maximise the number of spaces available.

 I would like to thank the principal of the school and Fr Leahy for their help and cooperation throughout the year.

MEMBERSHIP

At the time of writing there are 153 paid up members in the Club. This is down on last year. It would be great to see many new members joining, as well as old members re-joining the club for 2009.

WEEKLY CLUB LOTTO

Our weekly club lotto is our main source of income and it is important that it is well supported. A bigger effort will have to be put into this draw going forward to ensure sufficient funds to run the club.  The more people selling would increase the money taken in, for the day-to-day running of the club.

A special word of thanks must go to Dave Hogan, John O’Connor and John Condon for the running of this draw on a weekly basis.

In March when our lotto licence was up for renewal we increased the cost of tickets from €1.50 to €2.00.  Yearly membership is available for 2009 at a cost of €90 for 50 weekly draws.  This works out at 5 free draws for those who avail of this option.

COUNTY BOARD MEMBERS CLUB DRAW

In the County Board Members Club draw we have 192 members.  This draw is of huge financial benefit to the club and I would like to thank Patsy O’Mahony, Sean Hegarty and Mossie McNamara for the time and work put into it.  As with our lotto a bigger effort is required in selling this draw to help in the day to day running of the club. More sellers are required and this is something that should be looked at for 2009.

SPONSORS

I would like to thank all our sponsors for their support and wish them every success in the future and I would urge all our members to support our sponsors whenever possible

SYMPATHY

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

CLUB MEETINGS

We held 48 weekly club meetings since last years AGM on December 10th and I would like to thank all those who attended these meetings. We had between 10 and 15 on average attending each week.

THANKS

I would like to thank Tom Howard for the great work he is doing in keeping the pitches in such fine condition and all those who helped with pitch tidy ups during the year. We sanded the main pitch again this year the benefits of which are plain to be seen. A County Council grant was received that covered the majority of this cost. 

I would like to thank Mick Twomey for making himself available as club referee for the past year and those who helped out with games played at our venue 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. He helped me out on numerous occasions and for that I am very grateful. Thanks also to the Assistant Secretary, Mark O’Callaghan for his help during the past year.

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

Special thanks also to Mike Walsh in his capacity as Insurance officer and team medic during the year. Thanks also to club registrar Brian Sheedy and Development Officer Aidan Kenny.

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

 

YEAR OF CHANGE

 

A prominent feature of the year under review was change. Last years AGM elected 4 new officers in addition to the serving Treasurer.  Our Chairman, vice Chairman, Secretary and PRO were new and this inevitably required a period of settling in and adjustment. It was a steep learning curve in our first year in the roles but I believe we are all more knowledgeable and experienced in the needs and requirements of the posts as a result.  The outgoing Secretary, John Twomey, served with distinction continuously for the previous 19 years. Obviously an adjustment is inevitable after such a period of continuous stability at the helm.

 

Finally, 2008 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 and I would like to wish the club every success for 2009.

 

Go raibh mile maith agaibh,

 

Is mise le meas,


Sean O’Tobin,

Runai


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