Tuarascáil an Rúnaí 2005
Again it is my pleasure to report on the events in the Club for 2005, 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 competed in 8 adult & 10 underage competitions as well as tournaments; when these are totalled in games 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, sometimes entering 2 teams in an age group. The Club owes a huge debt of gratitude to all those involved, spearheaded by Ml. Gleeson & Jimmy Menton, for the time & effort they devote to coaching & training our underage members. All details of their years’ activities are available at the Minor Board A.G.M.
Senior Football; As recorded in the A.G.M. minutes, we had not succeeded in having any management in place for this team at that time. By mid-February, we were delighted to have Deckie Hoare & Declan Molloy with help from Padraic Oates agree to take charge for the year. O’Rourke Cup competition began 27/Feb. involving 14 games. We lost the first 2 games but as training improved so did our results. We played all our games as scheduled sometimes with a weakened team and ended the series with 11 pts. When all teams in the competition had completed their games, months later in some cases, we find Gaels sharing third place from the bottom and facing a play-off to avoid relegation. This is the situation awaiting in early 2006. The format of the League suited us in 2004, this year not so well.
In the championship, we qualified for the Q/Finals where we were drawn against Naomh Bríde. Despite injuries leading up to and during that game, our players put up a very determined battle but lost by the narrowest of margins. On another day, the result might have been different. St Bridgets went on to win Co Title and acquitted themselves well in Connacht Club Championship To those in charge, Deckie, Declan and Padraic Oates who travelled from Galway to assist as well as the panel of players involved, we say well done for your efforts & commitment throughout the year.
Junior Football; Junior ‘A’ competed in Tansey Cup, a group of ten teams. We fielded a team for 8 of our 9 games and ended with 3 wins. Some of these games were played on dates which were very inconvenient for some of our players, yet we managed to compete well in most cases. In the Championship, we lost out narrowly to Creggs in a play-off in Kilteevan, they in turn went on to greater things. To manager Owen Hoare and those that helped him along the way, well done at a job that is very difficult at the best of times.
Junior ‘B’ This team competed in the Mid South League and though they didn’t have much success they did have some moments of brilliance to remember
.Senior Hurling: The previous years Management of Ml Brehony & Andy Hession continued on and began their program early, based for the most part in Lisnamult pitch. With the Co. Senior Hurling run on a league basis, every team gets a minimum of 6 games. In the earlier games Gaels hurlers got everyone’s attention with their skilful and determined hurling. They were well prepared and eager to win. For the first time in many years they qualified for the Co. Semi-finals. This game was played in Athleague on a day when most people’s minds were focused elsewhere.
On the day, we were beaten but the team have learned and now realize that they cannot only compete but are capable of winning as well. Well done to Mick & Andy for the huge effort they put in for the year. Lets hope the panel of players can take it one step further next time.
U-21 Hurling; This competition, again, has not yet got going .
U-21 Football; A Management team similar to last year ..Noel Penny with Mickie Menton/Pat Kelly/Harry Hoare from the Minors took care of our U-21 team. They were well prepared and had a surprise first round win over Western Gaels.
In a delayed Semi Final the experience of the opposition made a difference, Gaels players competed well especially in the second half and with a little more luck in front of goal the result could have been different. This is a young team, so we look forward with much confidence to next year.
Insurance; The club contributes quite a lot of money each year to the Players Injury Scheme, a very good scheme for those who need to avail of it. It is vital for everyone within the Club, whether player, trainer, manager or other to report any case of injury immediately. As a club we cannot be expected to reimburse for Medical expenses or pursue claims months after they occur. The procedures are there and when followed on time are easy for everyone.
Shops/Programs; The balance sheet shows you how much revenue these activities generate for the club. We are very grateful to the core of people who undertake this task for matches. But could I appeal yet again for a few more to offer to help out even on an occasional basis, give a little and it would mean a lot.
Meetings; Our meetings during the year were reasonably well attended. I want to thank the members who do attend diligently to give of their time and expertise to the affairs of the club.
On my own behalf, I want to record my sincere thanks and appreciation to all managers, selectors & helpers for their input during the year. To my fellow officers who have worked so hard, nothing can reward them for the effort they have put in all year save the satisfaction of a job well done. To the many others who supported us in whatever capacity, your contribution is vital & very much valued. Thank you to the Hyde Park Committee headed up by Micky Menton & Michael Flahive for your co-operation at all times. Also the ladies who volunteer & help in the kitchen at times of need at short notice.
Congratulations to members of the Club who represented us on Co. teams during the year & those who won National Honours in whatever code.
Finally to those in the club who suffered bereavements during the year we offer our sincere sympathy & at this time we remember all those who served the club in the past, who have now gone to their eternal reward
Gabhaim gath dea ghuí oraibh go leir don bhlian atá romhain. Nollaig shona dhuibh go léir . Go mbeirimíd go léir beo ag an am seo arís
Prionnsías Ó Duarcáin
11 Nollag 2005