On behalf of the Shelmalier GAA Club I would like to welcome you to our Annual General Meeting of 2009 and the first to take place in this magnificent new complex building.
The AGM is an important event in the life of any club as it gives all members an opportunity to reflect on the year past and plan for the year ahead. This planning is needed to cater for ongoing development in the club both on and off the field of play, together with the centenary celebration of Castlebridge’s famous All Ireland 1910 victory. In a continuing uncertain and unstable employment and financial environment the challenge facing the club, its members and supporters is greater than ever before. The need of the club to support and assist all the people of the parish with a strong community and social dimension is an essential part of this development.
Hurling
The Senior Hurlers had a disappointing year on the field of play with little success achieved during the season. The league campaign started with a poor result in Monamolin against eventual champions Buffers Alley. Steady progress was evident during the campaign and a well-earned draw in our final game against Rathnure in Rathnure was the highlight of a disappointing campaign.
The Senior Leinster League ended following a draw with Mount Leinster Rangers and a narrow one point defeat to Clara which put paid to our chances of progression to the Quarter Finals. The Senior Championship proved to be one to forget where an opening round defeat by Rathnure after a strong performance was followed by defeat to both Blackwater and Glynn/Barntown following poor performances. In the B championship we defeated Duffry Rovers before defeat to the Faythe Harriers in the semi final ended our year.
The Junior Hurlers made the step up to Junior from Junior C this year, however two defeats and one victory was not good enough for us to progress to the Quarter Finals. The League campaign was an eventful one with two wins, two defeats and one draw, which had seen us reach the semi finals where an agonising one point defeat to Buffers Alley ended our chances of silverware.
The U-21 Hurlers did the club proud this year when they recaptured their premier title. Strong victories against Duffry Rovers (round 1) and Ferns St. Aiden’s (semi final) set up a final against Sliabh Bhui Gaels. After a great performance victory was once again ours. Well done and thanks to all involved in hurling over the last year.
Football
2009 was a busy year for Shelmalier football – there were 4 adult teams in action – Junior C, Junior, Senior and U-21. With a total of 33 games played, 70 adult players lined out for the Shels (not counting any minor players).
The Junior C team, managed by Ibar Murphy, had an action packed year. They entered the All-County league for the first time and qualified for the final where they were beaten by Kilmore. However they have been promoted to a higher division now for 2010. In the Championship, things didn’t go as well – the team ended up in the relegation final. But their status was preserved for 2010 when they received a walk over in the relegation final from Sarsfields. In total this team had 13 competitive games between league and championship!
` The Junior team, managed by Eddie Doyle, reached the semi-final in the league where they were beaten by Kilrush. In the Championship they did not qualify out of their group. They beat Glynn-Barntown but were beaten by Geraldine O’Hanrahans and Clonard. Their status is preserved for 2010. In total they played 9 competitive games.
The Senior team, managed by Tom Tynan, had a poor league where they beat Clongeen but were beaten by Kilanerin, Adamstown, Gusserane and Horeswood. However in the Championship, things were different – the Shels qualified out of the group by beating St Annes and Fethard; but were beaten by Duffry Rovers. After a memorable game the Shels beat Kilanerin in the quarter final to reach the semi-final for the 2nd year running. Unfortunately, St Annes prevented them from progressing further as the Shels lost by one point. In total they played 10 competitive games.
The U-21 team, managed by Eddie Doyle, were beaten by Glynn-Barntown in the 1st round for the second year running. The timing of this Championship leaves a lot to be desired as it runs mid-week during the Senior and Junior Championships.
County Duty
To all the Shelmalier players who donned the Wexford jersey during the year. Special congratulations to Stephen Banville on receiving the “Vodafone Player of the Month” for May, also to Benny Barron who captained the Minor Team.
Social Activities Group:
In answer to a request from many members, parents and supporters to promote greater social activities in the club a Social Activities Group was formed under the chairmanship of John Banville. This group immediately set about planning and organising a number of social events to involve the broad spectrum of the people of the parish. In their short period in existence the group have organised, underage and adult badminton, ladies keep fit classes, family fun quiz, social gatherings for parents after matches, to mention but a few. The great response that to these events from not only the members of the Shelmalier GAA Club but the general public was extremely encouraging and certainly begins to caters for the social obligation of the club.
Club Barbeque committee:
The club barbeque turned out to be one of the social events of the year with over 500 people attending the event in the complex in Sept. Under the Chairmanship of Francis Neville this barbeque is now etched in the social calendar for many years to come. Great credit is due to this enterprising committee, which was made up of many people who were not previously active in club, but whose individual skills made it a night to remember for all who attended. It also showed the great potential of the complex as a social venue and helped the people of the parish to view the complex in a positive way.
Walkway committee:
Under the chairman of Michael Kelly a walkway committee was formed to provide a walkway in Hollymount in answer to our stated commitment that such a facility would be provide to the general public. With enormous voluntary support and effort from many members this facility is now a reality and is used by large numbers of the general public on a daily basis.
Public Relations committee:
Once again Chairperson Angela Griffith has further developed and enhanced the public relations side of the club during the year. The outstanding Shelmalier web site is constantly updated with club news and activities and now supporting commercial ads. The demands and commitment in keeping this news and information up to date is enormous and would be greatly helped if all managers, members and supporters assisting the committee in the supply of up to date information on a regular basic. The local papers also feature Shelmalier news on a weekly basis.
Dog night committee:
In a climate of financial restraint the Shelmalier Dog Night again proved to be both a great social and financial success. Even though the weather was very wet, the attendance was on a level of previous years and we thank the many supporters who attended on the night. We would also like to thank our sponsors and the players and members who sponsor the dogs. This committee was chaired by Denis Kelly.
Coiste na nOg committee:
Even though the same level of dedication and commitment was evident both on and off the field of play at the underage section of the club this year as in previous years, we failed to win any silverware in championship. This hard work will no doubt reap its just rewards in the future. We thank Chairperson Aidan O Leary, his Coiste na nOg committee, managers, selectors, players, parents and supporters for their work in insuring that all our young players continued their progression. The committee has also ensured a solid financial statement through various fundraising events during the year.
2010 Celebration committee:
As we enter this important milestone in the history of the club the 2010 committee are planning an extensive and ambitious programme of events to properly commemorate for the occasion. The events are varied and span the full year and will be highlighted to members in the near future.
Field committee:
We would like to thank this committee under the chairmanship of Larry O Shaughnessy and Andy O’Brien for the excellent manner they presented and prepared all the playing fields during the year. A lot of this hard work is done when Hollymount is silent and deserted but without properly mowed and prepared fields the playing of our games would not be possible. We are always looking for additional help in this area.
Maintenance Committee:
This new committee under the Chairmanship of Charles Kavanagh has only recently taken on the task of carrying out the general day to day maintenance work of our club grounds. This task will be ongoing and will play an important part in the upkeep, presentation and appearance of our club environment.
Club Gear Shop:
With an ever increasing demand for club gear we have recently set up a club gear shop and ordering system where both players and parents can order a range of club gear. It is hoped to expand the range in the New Year. This shop should ensure that the Shelmalier colours are even more evident at all our games.
Coaching and Games Development committee:
In order to tackle the problem of decreasing numbers of boys playing our games at the lower age levels and particularly in the Castlebridge catchment area, a Coaching and Games Development committee was formed under the Chairmanship of Noel Feeney. The results of their hard work was very evident with the various underage blitz’s, parents receptions, over the water leagues, specialised coaching sessions and the weekly training session in the Complex for under 8, 10 and 12 boys. The clubs participation and involvement in the local National Schools together with the participation of the local teachers and Principals will surely benefit the club for many years to come.
Open Forum and Players Forum.
Two forums took place during the year to give both players and members and supporters an opportunity to discuss, propose and agree the best way forward for the club. It also allowed for reflection on past events in the club both on and off the field of play. Both forums were very constructive and rewarding experience for all present and availed of the opportunity to voice their concerns and suggestions in order for the club to reach its full potential. The points raised will form the framework for the future direction of the club.
Development
We are delighted that the lotto allocation finally came through for the complex. While a large proportion of this money has already been allocated, it does however give us a clearer picture of our financial commitments for the future. In this uncertain financial environment there is a great need and challenge to set out a solid sustainable financial plan, which is supported by all the people in the parish. Elements of this plan is presently been set out and initially includes the transfer of the development lotto from Carlow Town to a locally run one. I would appeal to all members and supporters to give their every assistance to this new project, which is hoped to start in mid January. While financial matters will always be to the fore, it is very heartening to see the complex becoming the centre of community activities on a nightly basis and highlights the future potential of such a venue. Our thanks go the development committee for their hard word and effort during the year and to all others who worked on or financially supported the project in 2009, we look forward to your continued help and support in 2010.
I would like to thank everyone involved in the club during the past year, sponsors, team managers and mentors, supporters and players.
I would like to particularly thank my fellow officers for their help and corporation. Chairman, Seamus O’Leary, Treasurers, Deirdre Tobin and Denis Kelly, PRO Angela Griffith, also Paul Tobin, James Horan, Larry Banville, Michael Kelly, John Banville all who have helped me over the year. Also to Noel Ryan and Anne McGrath who served with me during the early part of the year.
If I have omitted anyone from this report, it is by accident only, and I will conclude by offering my sympathy to everyone who has suffered bereavement during the course of the year, and by wishing everyone well for 2010.
Is Mise,
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Máiréad Uí Cheallaigh
Rúnaí
Nomination for 2010.
Chairperson Seamus O’Leary
Vice – Chairperson Sim Donohoe
Secretary Peggie Kelly
Assistant Secretary Paul Tobin
Treasurer Deirdre Tobin
Assistant Treasurer Denis Kelly
PRO Angela Griffith
Registrar James Horan
Irish Officer Paul Tobin
Co Board Rep Ibar Murphy
Players Rep Seamie Harding
Management Committee: Colm Flanagan, Larry O’Shaughnessy, Michael Kelly, Charles Kavanagh,
Neil Hurley, Larry Banville, Noel Feeney, Murt Hanrahan, Aidan O’Leary, Sean Kelly, James Mythen, Myles Doyle