Tuarascail an Runai 2004

Gaeil Roscomáin

Again it is my pleasant duty to report on the events in the Club for 2004, a year in which it took part in practically all competitions in Football, Hurling & Ladies Football at underage & senior level within the County. As a club we affiliated 5 Adult & 8 Underage teams to compete in 7 adult & 10 underage competitions. Some teams took part in tournaments so when these are totalled you can appreciate how busy the club has been on the playing fields. The Ladies teams are not included in this count.

Underage This is by far the busiest where teams take part in all competitions often entering 2 teams in an age group. The Club owes a hugh debt of gratitude to all those involved, spearheaded by Ml. Gleeson & Jimmy Menton for the time & effort they devote to the coaching & training our underage members. All details of their year will be available at the Minor Board A.G.M.

Senior Football. Immediately after the AGM 2003 the newly appointed Senior Management contacted and met with players who were willing to commit to Senior team. We had a no of welcome additions from previous year so initially the panel approached 40. O Rourke Cup competition began in late Feb. involving 13 rounds. Some of these games took place mid-week while others were under lights. Gaels did well and topped the table by end of June. In the S Final playoff we lost to Naomh Faithleach who went on to win this League. The format of this competition worked well for us this year, it gave players regular football over a four month period but with a smaller panel on another year it may not . The championship this year was scheduled for a late July/Aug. start. Gaels had good wins over Clan, N.Faileacht,& Castlerea to reach Final v near neighbours .In that Final in Oct. which was brought forward by one week we overcame Kilbride by 2 points to record a fifth title in eleven years. In the subsequent Connacht Club Champioship we waited 5 weeks to meet Ballina Stephenites, where, in the rain of North Mayo we were well beaten on the day.

To those in charge, Kevin McStay, Aidan Heneghan & Deckie Hoare as well as the players involved , we say well done for your efforts & commitment throughout the year.

Junior Football. Within the club, we had 32 players from 2003 who were not eligible for Junior grade while only 4 could be regraded. This resulted in a limited pick but did not deter the new Management who soon had a sizeable panel in training. Team played in Tansey Cup, a group of 13 with 12 games, where they competed well, winning 3 of the first 4 games beginning in early April. However we did not hold that position and finished in mid-table.

In the Mid South Championship we were grouped with Oran, Na Piarsaigh & Creggs and began against Na Piarsaigh at the end of June. On the day the Woodmount side were stronger. After 3 games the team were beaten by Creggs in a playoff . This year saw a new approach with Senior & Junior panels & it seemed to work well. Training for Juniors was well attended. League, Championship & numerous challenge matches meant that everybody who wanted to play got football. To manager Noel Penny & Kevin Boyle & others like Conor Merriman & Mark Shannon we say well done & to the panel of approx. 30 players, you prepared well and with a bit of Luck & less injuries you deserved more.

Senior Hurling. Senior hurlers commenced training, under new management, and for the most part used the new facilities in Lisnamult. Within the Co. S.H. Competition is run on a League basis with every team getting a minimum of 6 games. Gaels first match was against P.Pierses on 2 May, where we played some fine hurling but were caught on the scoreboard in the end...no joy. On the 20 June against Dominics , it seemed our day had arrived . leading by 5pts as the clock ticked down. A two goal blitz by Dominics left everyone reeling. With an understrength team against Oran we had no answer to their goal scoring. In our game v Athleague , we played all the good hurling but again suffered a 1pt . defeat. Our hurlers are skillful . manager Ml. Brehony & trainer Andy Hession prepared them well, surely their luck will change some day & they get the results they deserve.

U-21 Hurling: As usual with this age group Competition began at Oct/Nov W/end. Gaels were drawn against P.Pierses again in the first round. On the day P.Pierses were winners with 4pts to spare but had Gaels taken their scoring chances, the result would have been different.

U-21 Football: Management team of Noel Penny/Kevin Boyle from the Junior team plus Mickie Menton/Pat Kelly from Minors worked well..these were people who had been with these players earlier in the year & were familiar with them. They played 2 challenge matches before Champioship but lost out to W. Gaels in the Losers Group.

Two of our most promising U-21 players spent the year recovering from injury..we wish them a speedy return.

Insurance: As Insurance Officer I want to remind you that Club paid £4450 thru. the Co. Board to the Players Injury Scheme last year. It is vital for everyone within the Club, whether player, trainer, manager or other to report all cases of injury immediately they happen. As a club we cannot be expected to pursue or reimburse for Medical expenses incurred months after they occur. There is a procedure there ..a very good scheme & if the report is done on time , everything is simple and easy.

Shops/Programs: From the balance sheet you will see the revenue which these activities generate for the club. We are very grateful to the core of people who undertake this task for every match. But I appeal to others to help-out even on n an occasional basis. Why not come along an hour before matchtime & do a little..it would help a lot.

Meetings: The Chairman will remind you of the no of times, when he himself mailed 100+ notices for meetings which had to be abandoned due to lack of attendance by members . I want to thank the members who do attend diligently give of their time and input to the affairs of our club.