Hugh Griffin's Chairman's Address 2003

The minor club and 2003

Achievement is relative to expectations, so in reality means ‘different strokes for different folks.’ So I suppose a recipe for happiness might be to have low expectations. This probably means in practice,’ if you haven’t what you like, like what you have with a passion.

For me 2003 was very successful year for the minor club. We succeeded in this, by providing lots of fun and excitement for lots of people from U-10 up to parents and mentors.

Fun for players and mentors was my target when taking office 2 years ago. I hope for most, this target was somewhat realized for 2002 and 2003. I know we are looking forward to more fun in 2004. 2004 is a huge milestone in the history of this great club in that is the 50th anniversary of our foundation.

A programme of events is in the planning stage and to this end a meeting of all interested parties (people who would like to be involved in any way) takes place to­morrow night at 9pm to progress this further.

On the playing field 2003

U-18

Our expectation at beginning of year was modest. Total available numbers were limited. Approx. half of team coming up from u 16 (2002) were expected to be full of enthusiasm while older age group were expected to be less committed for various reasons with two or three exceptions. This in practice is how it paned out during the year. The target for the year might have justifiable been, to ensure fielding in all competitions and ensure the younger, keener players got plenty of football.

Great credit is due to the mentors involved that they achieved so much, with a panel limited in physical strength and real commitment from the older players.

The team had a good run in the 11 a side competition at start of year wining games and being piped in others. 

Any chance of progress in the league was minimized by the manner in which the competition was run May to November. Championship started off with a good win over Cashel/Killashee. Were piped by Granard -Ardagh in second round in a game they might have won. The start of this game was delayed by one hour, having venues changed a number of times and at last minute change from Pearse Park to Colmcille.

To Players moving on from this age group, I hope you made many friends, enjoyed and benefited greatly from your years in the minor section of Slashers. I hope to see many of you performing heroics at senior level in the years ahead.

I would like to pay a special tribute to the Minor mentors for their great efforts in circumstances where keeping the show going was an achievement in itself and for the many hours of your time they gave to the cause in 2003

Donnie Sweeney, Tom Mulligan, John Casserly. Well done indeed.

U-14

At the start of the year the pundits predicted for the u 14 a similar fate as for our minors. The younger players having the foot-balling ability with for some reason the older more powerful players being less endowed.

However over the year, very noticeable progress was made in developing the general standard of play and skills at u 14 especially with the younger players. The arrivals from u12 should make for an interesting 2004 at this age group.

In all competitions this team played 14 matches plus challenge games. They acquitted themselves well and had we a few strong players in key positions- who knows? Roll on 2004. Gerry Barrins as usual gave it his all, as did Don Murphy, with Tom Chapman, Kevin Hughes and Hal Carey also doing their best.

U-10

I have no doubt that, it was at this level football was most enjoyed in 2003 and not a cup in sight or care about it either. Michael Walsh ran his own restaurant at this age group all year. Recruiting part time staff on a weekly basis, which usually included his son Ian and often his wife Moire among others. The weekly recipe he produced must have some of Eddie Maher’s secrets in it, as the eager young customers returned in numbers week after on time mad for action. Michael was sensitive enough to open for business when he knew he could get maximum customers and fed them a varied diet with different spices and boy did they go home happy.

Over the year they were fed bits of drills, small games, challenge games, a 3 day well supported blitz in May. Summer camp in August, a few weeks well earned holiday. Big activity again from September onwards. Some play under floodlights etc. In fact he was lucky to be allowed pull the shutters down for Xmas.

Well done Michael. And all that helped along the way including the neighboring clubs who played challenges. Parish schools for their help in the blitz etc.

Summer Camp

We had a marvellous summer camp again in 2003. We even bettered 2002, which broke all records. Well done to Ray Donlon and his fellow county coaching staff for the huge amount of work and dedication, resulting in 4 days of outstanding enjoyment for the large number of our young numbers who participated.

Schools

It was a great year once again for activity in the schools. In spring Emers and Melview had a great run in the championship. With Melview going on to winning the B Championship for the first time in its long history. Well done Melview and to Mentors Ray Donlon and Michael Mc Donnell. It was a great occasion for the school and for the many of that team that had later in the summer, more to off Slashers. In the autumn, Stonepark hard work over the past few years was rewarded when they went all the way to the final of the schools league. Well done to all concerned and to the Slashers players and parents involved.

U-12 and U-16

During my address last year I referred to the fact that up on the wall there were two Vacant places for photographs. There, waiting for a team or a player to join the many Slashers great’s stretching over many years. One of those spots was to the right of a photo of Big Hal Carey and smaller Don Murphy. I wondered if we could do anything in 2003 to fill even one of the blanks. I am very proud to night to be in a position to fill the two blank spots.

U-12

First up to set the seen was U-12.

To take this championship to the club for only the second time is an outstanding achievement. This achievement did not come without a lot of hard work over a period of time. I must acknowledge: The huge contribution made by the local schools in 200 1/2002/2003 for their very active and successful involvement with this group.

The mentors involved, for they’re timely and well-structured training/coaching programme’s throughout the year. To the more senior mentors involved I must acknowledge the masterstroke they pulled in allowing and actively supporting young Cohn Smith to get involved with this group of lads. I think the success of this and also other under age player involvement at U-l0 should be examined more closely in times ahead.

I must most sincerely complement all concerned for the fun and enjoyment you gave us all in 2003 at u12. Mentors: Kevin Hughes, Ray Donlon, Cohn Smith, with great support Michael McDonnell, Nail Gannon, Eddie Valentine, Eddie Maher, Tony Dowler and others.

U-16

This age group in 2003 really validated the expression that ‘patience and perseverance’ made a Bishop of his reverence. Having worked and fought hard at u14, many of them were piped in the replay of the league final in 2002. This committed team, under the expert guidance of a younger (Jerry) and little older (Peter) mentor really responded to each other in 2003. This combination and a serious amount of hard work resulted in this team producing performances in the league I have not seen in my time with Slashers. In my view this u 16 team was the best in the county in 2003. In hindsight the double was possible. Going out while (flat) and under strength in the Championship to eventual winners was one of those things. However some of these things can have a silver lining. It gave players and mentors great resolve to win the league and in the process these lads developed out of all recognition and played marvellous football into late autumn.

It was evident that great bonding was taking place among the players and mentors as the year progressed, resulting in marvellous league final battle when men were called for.

The win was achieved in style on the day.

This first final win was badly needed for this group of players and we all will follow them with interest as they move through minor grade. I believe there is more there. Peter Creamer, Gerry Clarke, Bernard Duffy, Ray Donlon and all the others who helped along the way, very well done

Development Committee

Mick Gilleran, Kevin Smith, Tony Mannion, Seamus McRory.

To make progress or ensure a forward progression, it’s always of vital importance to continuously evaluate what we are at. For those of us at the coal face both at administration and coaching side of things, we can often get so involved in day to day activity that we don’t have time to evaluate effectively what we are at. It was with this in mind that I set up a specific development committee for 2003 Committee Brief

1) What are the strengths and weaknesses of the way we administer or coach at the various ages as against recommended best practice?

2) Are there some simple ideas or concepts we might adopt to make our huge work effort at minor level even more productive?

3) Produce at end of year a short typed report on findings and recommendations. This committee has worked away like ‘pub spy’ all year. The report is ready. The only thing to decide is when to present it.

May I suggest it form part of a small workshop to be organized immediately the new committee and mentors are in place.

Many thanks to committee, for doing this very important job.

Thanks to the press

Thanks to our Sponsors Maxol, Eugene McGee, Andy Lyons, Eddie Valentine, Mickey Lynch. Thanks to Slashers limited and its dedicated management for the outstanding work being done on complex. For moneys provided as per accounts to finance our activities at minor level.

Fellow Officers

Vice-Chairman Bernard Duffy.

Secretary Oliver Barry

Treasurer Tom Mulligan

PRO Raymond Donlon

Registrar Tom Chapman

Co. Board Delegates Peter Creamer, John Casserly, Hugh Griffin.

Thanks to everybody for your support over last 2 years as chairman. It was an honour to work with you all. I hope the great friendships I made as chairman will last forever and that Slashers will be a focal point for its expression.

Hugh Griffin - Chairman

Oliver Barry’s Secretary’s Report 2003

Reflecting on the last year one would have to say it was one of the most successful in recent times with the club winning two trophies; the Juvenile League and the U-12 Championship.

At U-1O level we concentrated on coaches at different times in the years. We also organized a blitz tournament. In August we held the Summer Camp which attracted in the region of 200 boys and girls.

U-12: The under twelve campaign started with a loss to Northern Gaels. However as the league progressed the team’s performance improved greatly. We reached the final and in a trilling encounter edged out Northern Gaels on a score line of 4 goals 6 points to 14 points.

U-14: Our U-14 teams experienced mixed fortunes throughout the year. They won one game and lost in the Feile competition. We failed to reach the final stage of the league. In the championship we were unlucky to lose to the eventual champions Northern Gaels on a score line of 2 goals 8 points to 10 points.

U-16: In the championship we played Mostrim in the quarter final and lost by 2 goals 11 points to 13 points. We were well behind at half lime but produced a great comeback in the second half however we left it too late and Mostrim went on to win the championship. The league campaign was a very drawn out affair and we eventually reached the final drawing our final two games against Killoe and Mostrim. In the final we bet Mostrim on a score line of 2 goals 111 points to 13 points. We built up a good lead in the first half Mostim came into The game in the second half but a goal by David Sheahan in the 56~ minute settled the match.

U-1 8: At minor level the season commenced with the special league which was played without county players. We won only one match against Drumlish who went on to win the competition. The league campaign was very drawn out. We were in contention for a spot in the final for a long period but eventually lost out. The break in competition from when we lost in the competition did not help. This competition was only just before Christmas.

Congratulations to Alan Madden on winning the U-16 Player of the Year and to Gareth Hughes on winning the u-14 player of the year

I would like to congratulate all players who played with the county teams. Longford lost in the final of the Fr. Manning Cup. Andrew Lyons, Mark Smith and Ronan Duffy were on the panel.

County Minors- Cohn Smith

I would also like to congratulate Adrian Murphy, Cohn Smith and Martin Tarmey who were involved in St. Mel’s Leinster Championship winning team.

Oliver Barry - Secretary

Hugh Griffin's Chairman's Address 2002

The following is a review of the year of Longford Slashers Minor Club given at the AGM in the Clubhouse in January 2003 by Club Chairman HUGH GRIFFIN

Longford Slashers Minor Club AGM

On taking office I gave as my aim for the year. '' FUN for Players Fun for Mentors''
(few lighted hearted comments)

The timing of our AGM coincides with the demise of winter and the coming of spring.

 It allows us the opportunity to reflect on what was and what might have been? If only we did; If only they did; If only he did; there is one thing for sure, if he stuck that ball in the net it might have being a goal.

Reflection is very useful, but only if it is used as the food for future endeavour. Allowing our batteries to be recharged, our spirits lifted by flashing memories of excitement and elation from some game or event in past year, its the stuff that drives us forward with renewed vigour for the coming year.

In the heat of battle the words this year, of our renown Vice Chairman, Bernard Duffy comes to mind. ''Quote''  ''It¹s the Buzz Lads, The buzz, sure you couldn't miss this for anything'.'

It was reported in the international press that after the drawn u16 league final that John Casserly was seen walking around the dressing room wondering where he had left his shampoo.  

It's also reported that :

1) Peter Creamer has submitted a bill to our treasurer Tom Mulligan for hair loss during the same game and that Tom is refusing to pay, citing the fact that he had suffered a more serious lose of 15.5% increase in his grey hair count.

2) Our executive Financial Controller John Murphy has proposed that in his considered opinion the only fair and equitable way to solve this serious and potentially damaging dispute is on the basis of 'The law of damage limitation.'

3) John maintains that were it not for the ''marvellous pressure point of the year'', scored from the sideline deep in injury time by Colin Smith, we would now be in position where Peter would be totally hairless and Tom 100.5% white rather than grey.  

4) Hot of the press this afternoon has come the news of one of our most esteemed and enthusiastic members has acquired a new pair of sideline shoes and a loudhailer for the coming season. Where is Kevin Hughes?

5) The same report quotes Gerry Barrins as insisting that such instruments or aids are totally illegal and as a man of the law will nip such activity in the bud at u14 level in any case.    

More Serious.

Reflecting back over past year 2002 naturally will arouse different thoughts and memories for every body present here to night. For any of us our since of achievement will be relative to our expectations at the beginning of the year. Naturally in a group of this size this will give a wide spread in levels of satisfaction and since of achievement.

As your chairman for the past year I must confess it has being probably the most satisfying year I have in GAA sport for a long time.

This statement will sound strange with no silver ware around and I thus could be accused of having low targets. Far from it, as I know most of you were aware that the year gone by was a year that needed a focus on basic development especially at u10 and schoolboy level.  I will come back to this later.

Great work was done at all age groups in the past year. In many cases facing hurdles and obstacles totally outside our control, e.g. At minor level its accepted by most other clubs and now by Co Minor board that not running some type of competition early in year was a huge mistake. The man above also had his say with the weather he gave us.

To be chairman of Longford Slashers Minor Club I have no hesitation in saying that its an honour and privilege in itself.

To have the opportunity to work voluntary with all the tremendous people we have associated with the minor club and in other areas of the club is a unique and very positive experience.

We come from different directions, with all kinds of different things happening in our lives, placing constraints on our time and individual interests.
Through out the year it was fantastic to see groups of people digging in at the various tasks and activities, in good times and bad. Keeping the show on the road and ensuring the best was done or provided for our playing members and others.

On a personal level, I feel very proud or should I say humbled by the total positive response shown to me from all involved at all levels through out the year.

To some extent I feel we had a Slashers community in the making. If we had a handful more people spread over certain key areas I believe we all could have had party.

I know I speak for all mentors, officials, and other helpers when I state that we are privileged to have the opportunity to be involved with groups of tremendous children and young men. They are a credit to themselves and their families.

I particularly I would like to welcome the group of young men with us here to night.
A very dedicated group both in their commitment to training and on the field of play.  

I have no doubt that many of ye lads, in a few short years will be playing senior football with Slashers and your team photo will join the many Slashers grates on that wall.

There is a spot for a photo there, just to the right of Hal Carey and Don Murphy. Ye will then be able to tell them the good teachers they really are.

I would particularly like to thank ye lads for much appreciated help ye gave in officiating during the u10 development programme and at u12, the parish schools floodlit competition and the summer camp.

One of you acted as home referee for county schools leagues with distinction. It was marvellous to see the great respect and friendship ye developed with the younger players as the year progressed.

When it came to referring the parish schools finals. Ray Donlon had to deal with serious canvassing for the job.

At Minor Level

Well done to county minors on a very successful year. Their marvellous achievement made promoting football at club level easier, well done to all concerned.      

Was the 3 in a row possible for Slashers?

Under a normal competition situation with regular games early in the year Tony Mannion believes this was possible.
 
The Minors gave some great displays during the league especially of forward play until the last few games in deep winter when interest had waned and many players were away at college etc.

In the championship we went out to eventual title winners of competition despite scoring 2-9. The question will always remain --What  would happen if we had our full complement of backs on the day?  

Now I have to come to the slight nostalgic bit.

Some years ago a group of kids came under the influence of a man, or men. They were to be influenced in a very positive manner by these men, resulting in all of us being supplied with many years of tremendous fun enjoyment and pride in our club.

Apart from a clean sweep at u12 and u14, back to back u16 and minor championships were won. A marvellous achievement.  

The problem I have is when I ask Tony Mannion how he did it? He tells me its very simple --- He just let Mick Gilleran get on with the work.

When I ask Mick Gilleran, he says, Tony is the Man and we also had marvellous help from Denis Kellegher, Angus Mannion, Seamus McRory, John Ward, Donal Brady and many others along the way.

To try to pin the secret down I sought Donald Brady's opinion. Donald took off his cap looked at me and smiled '' lad- my boars had nothing to do with it anyway'.'     

Information for new and younger members.

When we look up at the Photo's on the wall, we see Tony and Mick on championship winning teams with Slashers. You might not rocognoise them but the tall one is Mick. Mick is a native and has been anchorman on all of the very many projects that took place here in Slashers as well as his involvement in football.

Tony (like myself) was run out of Galway many years ago. Tony was granted refuge here in Longford. He  was luckier than I was. He was allowed back to Galway ( Tuam) to collect his wife, the daughter of the best footballer of all time Frank Stockwell.

Tony later went on to manage Slashers senior teams to several county final wins in the late 80s and early 90s. The photo's are on the walls.

Why am I going through all this? Those two great men are going no where. They are great Slashers people. We won't be able to get them out of here if we tried.  

Tony and Mick are now taking a well-deserved break from coaching/ managing/ selecting in the coming year and what a CV they take with them.

It throws out a great challenge to the rest of us in the minor club to come up with a simple way that allows us to cash in on the knowledge, wisdom and gravitates those two great gentlemen have acquired.

When they are well rested, say after next week we will gently approach them with what we have hatched for them.

U-16

Being involved with the u16 was  an example of where solid and timely work really paid off. The team was based around the u14 team that was well beaten in the championship final two years ago. We blazed through first leg of home and away league unbeaten, playing in the process some marvellous football.

We eventually reached the league final, drawing the first day in a great game of football.

In the replay we were beaten in the last few minutes. Again this was a great game in more difficult conditions.

After last years AGM. I was taken on a grand tour of the schools by Tom Chapman to meet the various people involved and get familiar with ups and downs of school football. I was aware that the schools in the parish had not made an impression in the county schools competition for some time.

I was also very conscious that in the previous year, efforts to get under 10 coaching going in Slashers was less than successful. I figured a new approach was needed. It was a serious situation for the future of Slashers.

Also, at minor club meetings over the years, it was stated that school leagues may not make Slashers people out of young lads. Identification with school and identification with Slashers etc.  

A committee evolved to address this problem consisting of Tom Chapman, Ray Donlon, Hugh Griffin and TJ Ward (County coaching officer)

Our agreed banner for the year was' GET the kids up to Slashers and make sure they had lots of fun'. We decided not to take on to much but what ever we did make sure it was done as well as possible.

A basic strength and weakness study was done with each of the four schools in the parish. This involved the teachers in the schools who involve themselves with GAA activities. The chairman of our minor section and the county coaching staff.

The strengths and weakness of each school varied. For  example one school had poor pitch facilities but well developed coaching, while another had good pitch but less well developed coaching activity and so on.

Key Action Points Identified

Quality of school pitches, Coaching, Kids interest in GAA, Referee availability, transport, balls, playing gear and parent involvement were key issues. The relationship between Slashers club and schools not as close as it might be.

None of the four schools in the parish made any impression in the county school competitions for many years.

Having examined in detail our study of each school a plan of action was drawn up with the aim of maximising limited resources and involving as many people as possible.

The task in hand was broken down into two main areas namely:
1 Immediate solutions for immediate problems.
2 Ongoing development.

Immediate Solutions

Pitches

Our existing club pitches were newly drained and updated and a new all weather pitch playable. The club now is in a happy position to have excellent training and playing facilities available to the schools. This was offered and freely availed of buy the schools in need.

Our club pitches now has become the home ground for 3 of the schools this has obvious benefit for the ongoing development of pupil-club and school relationships.

During 2002 our state of the art floodlights were installed on two pitches. This new facility was widely used by the schools in the parish and for finals of schools competitions within the county. This was a major success both for kid's enjoyment from playing under floodlights and for attracting parents along. I will refer to this later.

Transport. - Sorted
 

Transport of kids to matches and training was solved quickly. We identified parents with kids in schools and had available transport. We also had a few backup people available at short notice, but eventually were surplus to requirements.

Footballs and playing gear. ­ Sorted
 

The club supplied new footballs to the four schools and where playing gear was a problem we sorted it out.
   
Ongoing Development

February 2002 Hugh Griffin organised a club workshop focused on above identified school needs. The main thing to come from this workshop was the large number of members present, bought into the need for the club to become actively involved with schools. There was also a willingness to help out.
From workshop came idea of coaching course, which was organised for end of February and March.

Coaching Course

The county-coaching officers conducted this excellent programme in the club. Attending courses were selected adults with training experience and a group of sixteen and seventeen year olds. Most of above younger people were targeted for schools age group.

March Onwards

Ray Donlon conducted coaching sessions on a planned rota basis at the four schools.
Hugh Griffin and Ray Donlon attended most of schools games home and away. (U13)
Hugh Griffin kept record of strength and weakness for later use and for coaching and problem solving.

Planed for 10 teams 7a side with 5 games played at one time. Two games per session and over 3 Saturday evenings in May. We had about 9 players per team. About 90 players in all.

All games were refereed and officially by 14 of our u16 and u18. Players with as many more senior people looking on.

At the end of serious of games all players were presented with a pack containing of a Slashers vest, (with Slashers Logo across front.) crisps, bars and minerals.

Followed were 3 Saturday evenings coaching and games conducted by Ray Donlon, and 8 of our u16 players dressed out in Slashers and other GAA gear.

Above was very well enjoyed by all, the kids, coaches and the very many parents who came along.
After this we had 2 further Saturdays of games.

Summer Camp

Our club hosted the Playstation 4-day summer camp.
It was our target to maximise the benefit of this 4-day event.
We had put a great effort into promoting the camp all year especially at the schools.
We had the grounds etc fully geared up for the Monday to Thursday. We also had extra people on standby to help out.

Our good work for year to date paid off with 180 plus kids turning up for what turned out to a marvellous extravaganza of GAA sport. The good working relationship cultivated between the schools and Slashers over the year was a major factor in the outstanding success of this camp. Large number of Slashers players attended the camp.

The u10 league didn¹t go ahead in September due to weather. We had planned to run the league involving the parish schools, two neighbouring schools and two schools from Leitrim. The bad weather and the fact the senior schools league started this year in Sept. as opposed to spring upset our plans. We will have a look at this for coming year

Senior School Boys

The county school leagues and championships were played in February to May 2002 Ray Donlon and myself attended most of these games involving schools in the parish. None of the 4 schools made a serious impression in these competitions. Big Improvement was about to take place. Having being training and playing with the club over the summer returned to school in September. The school leagues began immediately with our 4 schools involved. (A change from previous year)

John Barry was now well established in Emers .The good work that he started in the spring was already reaping rewards.

Michael McDonnell was doing Trojan work in Melview helped by Ray Donlon and here one could see almost weekly, the rapid development in all round football skills taken place.

Two of our schools Emers and Melview having played many games in the top division played each other in a fantastic game of football here in Slashers producing a draw match. Sufficient to allow Melview to reach the league simi- final. (Emers needed the win).

Melview were denied a place in final by a controversial referee's record of the full-time score.   
The other two schools Stonepark and Michael's won games in the league and will be much stronger in the present year. Its marvellous to see Michael's up and running again and with Nail Gannon their teacher doing Trojan work. As is Flor Leen in Stonepark and Carmel Brown in Melview at u10.

Our u16 players referred all home games, with other club members helping out.

Floodlit Parish School League

The highlight of school football in the parish this year was the parish school league played under our new floodlights and all weather pitch.
The competition was played on league basis over four nights Tuesdays and Thursdays, with top two teams playing in final.
Two games per night 15 per side.
The games were refereed and officiated by our juvenile players who by this stage had become very competent and confident and had great respect from the players.
The league was an outstanding success for many reasons:
The novelty of the floodlights.
The teams were very well matched with only a point or two in each game. Only two point's margin won the final itself.
All players were presented with a bag of goodies.
A large crowd of parents turned out each night especially on final night.
We were blessed with fine weather each night.
The winning school and cavalcade of 30 cars did a lap of the town and surrounding area.
This league got extensive local press coverage in print and photo.
The event ran very smoothly and was a real winner for the kids and all concerned.
Two of our schools can look forward to schools championship in spring with high expectations and the other two schools will do well.
A recent follow up visit to schools teachers indicates this year has created a great GAA buzz and excitement. Roll on 2003

I would like to thank all the people helped at this area of our activities over the last Year. The school teachers who were so actively involved, and the school principles for there marvellous co-operation and the friendly reception Tom, Ray and myself always got when visiting there schools.
I am confident that our combined efforts in football here in Slashers and in the schools, will enrich greatly the lives of all the young people involved.   

The following under age players, (who as I mentioned earlier did a marvellous job) in various capacities and deserve to be congratulated: Johnny Griffin, Barry Gilleran, Nial Mulligan, Connor McGee, John Hynes, Paul Griffin, Conor Murphy, Colin Smith, Daniel Sweeney, Shane Casserly, Cathal Cremer, Ronan Duffy, Ian Walsh and Conor Barrins.
 
I would like to mention and acknowledge the huge contribution from Ray Donlon .He was literally to the forefront in all above activities. He secured great press coverage at all stages. He was always first man here at Slashers in all kinds of weather. Above all he was like Santa Clause at different stages pulling from his huge bag. Our accounts are much the better for this. Well done Ray.

Senior Team

I would like to congratulate the senior team who took the first step on the road to their rightful place. A prosperous senior team is vital to success at under age and visa versa.
Facilities.
I would now ask everybody here present to reflect on the following for a few minutes.
Over the next few weeks all teams will be awaking from winter hibernation.
They will come here to nice clean dressing rooms at all times.
They will run out to play or train in lovely well drained ''flood lit'' pitches.
In short the facilities are real division one.
Let us never forget that things like this don¹t happen without a lot of really very hard work, to gather this money, planning and getting the job done.
Let us congratulate the many people involved in making all this happen in their spare time. I ask the Chairman of Longford Slashers Limited. Aiden O'Brien, to pass on our thanks from the minor club to his voluntary committee and to Martin and his staff.

Finally

I would like to most sincerely tank my fellow officers for all there help and encouragement in 2002.
President Brendan McDemott,
Vice Chair Bernard Duffy,
Secretary Oliver Barry,
Treasurer  Tom Mulligan
Pro and Registrar And man for all seasons. Ray Donlon
Co Board Delegates Brendan McDermott, John Casserley, Michael Farrell.
School Liaison officers Ray Donlon and Hugh Griffin.
Development Officers Tom Chapman and Mick Gilleran.

Mick Gilleran did massive work on membership Committee etc. Tom Chapman, what can I say about Tom? The nursery rhyme comes to mind. ''Every where that Tom went I was sure to follow' but if I didn¹t follow he brought me on a lead. I don¹t have to tell anybody, the massive roll Tom played this year and over many years past and will long into the future. Working with Tom is an education. I envy his natural ability to command respect from all around him and his great capacity to get work done.

2002 is now history

We are only as good as our last game.
Together lets organise ourselves to attack 2003
Lets join together to make the best of fun, for our own kids and their friends.
Lets work together to contribute in what ever way we can, to create that BUZZ that excitement, that feeling on the line, that can often make fools of the best of men
As parents and adults lets work together to learn and understand that common language and Buzz of sport that has been a channel of communication between Father and Child, young and old down the generations.
This channel was never more required than now and I guess into the future.
Go raib mile mait agaibe go leir.  
 

Hugh Griffin - Chairman