Post of incoming Vice-Chairman to be filled at Co. Board meeting
THE vacancy of Vice-Chairman of Cavan Co. Board following the resignation of Noel Rodgers (Knockbride) will be filled at the first meeting of the incoming Co. Board.
This was decided at the annual Cavan GAA Convention in the John P. Wilson Sports Complex, Mullahoran on Thursday night last.
The surprise resignation of the Knockbride official who had been chairman of the competitions control committee which deals with referees etc. was joined by two of the committee members Brendan Keaney (Killygarry) and Anna McCabe (Crosserlough), the latter who was also the referee's representative and who also disagreed with aspects of the way referees were not getting the support expected at a time when some were the subject of abuse at games.
The other major news to emanate from the convention was the appointment of Martin Cahill (Denn) as treasurer.
He replaces Tom Boylan (Ballyhaise) who held the position for 27 years and didn't seek re-election.
A number of tributes were paid to the treasurer including one from the incoming Director-General of the GAA Paraic Duffy (Monaghan) who was a guest at the convention. Martin Cahill will have the services of an Assistant Treasurer for 2008, Tom Moore from the Ballinagh club.
The only election was for three delegates to congress and the voting was as follows. Oliver Galligan (Cavan Gaels) 113, Barney Cully (Arva) 93, Tom Reilly (Shannon Gaels) 87, Mark Gillick (Cavan Gaels) 69 and Orla O'Reilly (Redhills) 64. Galligan, Cully and Reilly were elected.
Officers for 2008 – Hon. President to be filled by Co. Board; Vice-Presidents: Phil Smith, John Andy McCabe, Packie Smith, Paddy Donohoe, Jim McDonnell and Tom O'Dowd. Chairman: Phil Smith (Kingscourt); Vice-Chairman: to be filled. Secretary: Liam McCabe (Belturbet), Assistant Secretary: Orla O'Reilly (Redhills); Treasurer: Martin Cahill (Denn); Assistant Treasurer: Tom Moore (Ballinagh); PRO: Mark Gillick (Cavan Gaels).
Chairman, Youth Board, John Argue (Cootehill); Secretary Pauline O'Brien (Cuchul-ainns).
Chairman Bord Peil na nOg: Brian Seagrave (Drumlane); Secretary: Sean Faulkner (Redhills); Cultural Officer: Peader Neary (Kildallan); Youth Officer: Patricia O'Reilly (Killeshandra); Coaching Officer: Tony Brady (Castlerahan); Development Officer: Declan Woods (Killeshandra); Central Council Rep: George Cartwright (Cornafean); Ulster Council Reps: Oliver Galligan (Cavan Gaels) and Tom Reilly (Shannon Gaels); Delegates to Congress: Oliver Galligan, Barney Cully and Tom Reilly. Delegates to Ulster Convention: Mark Gillick, Francis McManus, Declan Woods and Barney Cully.
Two motions
There were only two motions on the agenda and both were passed with a recommendation to be discussed at the first meeting of the Co. Board.
The first one was from Lavey which asked that referees who take two umpires to games should get an extra E20 in expenses.
The other proposal came from Drumgoon Eire Og which asked that the Co Board assign an independent referee from outside the county for championship semi-finals and finals in order to avoid accusations of bias.
Chairman's address
The Chairman said this time last year when he took office he had been well aware of the task that was required to facilitate and drive the GAA in Cavan forward.
The objectives as set out at the start of the year were centred around the completion of the 5 year strategic plan which would help the Co Board achieve its goals. Changes in the plan would probably occur over that period in a number of areas at national, provincial and indeed Government levels in both the north and south of the border.
Changes within the administration will be implemented throughout 2008 making more effective the workings of sub-committees, doubling up of roles as well as county board meetings and the attendance of club chairmen and secretaries at these meetings.
At present there were 22 sub-committees within the Co Board and a review of these will be undertaken during the course of next year.
Under the direction of central council a full-time secretary will be appointed in counties where the application is successful.
In January 2008 the application will be advertised in Cavan for the role on the basis of Cavan's application to central council will be successful.
Strengthen links
The Chairman said one of the objectives of the GAA was to strengthen the links between club and county. Clubs had their own objectives to reach and with the help and assistance of the Physical Development Committee they will be able to support this programme.
The various regional meetings held last spring had helped to strengthen that link.
Strategic planning by each club was vitally important and it was in their interest to strive towards that.
The Chairman said over the past twenty years the general standard of club facilities had improved considerably while some clubs were currently providing state of the art facilities for their youth.
"However the development of material things is fine and is important in itself, however clubs shouldn't forget the development of young players at all levels. We need to get back to the basics where we are interactive with our young people throughout the schools and colleges. The link-up with the schools and colleges is vital to the success of our clubs in the long term".
Concerns
The Chairman said the GAA acknowledged that one of the biggest concerns facing clubs was the role of the volunteer who was willing to give of his time to the various roles within the club.
During the year the Ulster Council held meetings and workshops in order to examine ways and means to sustain and recruit new members to areas which required leadership and members.
The disappointing aspect of these workshops was the poor attendance from clubs where no more than an average of 40% attended.
He recommended that clubs should set up a small committee to seek out potential workers as well as those who had achieved coaching certificates within the past five to ten years.
New initiatives
The Co. Board launched a number of initiatives during the year under the headings Integration, Alcohol Substance Abuse, Child Protection, Insurance and Player Welfare. He appealed to clubs to take on the role of Club youth officers in the role of child protection officer.
He also complimented clubs who have provided floodlit facilities including Mullahoran and Kingscourt who were excellent examples.
Last year saw the emergence of floodlit games at club and county level and 2008 would see more domestic fixtures arranged under lights when required. The evening fixture would be non-optional in fulfilling the fixtures.
Primary schools structures
The Chairman said after thirteen years the structures of the primary schools coaches had undergone a revamp. In conjunction with the HSE a new programme was extended to all primary schools was initiated with a series of regional meetings with clubs.
At the present time there were 18 clubs who had established links with their schools to help facilitate coaching.
They were aware that the process would be slow to change and difficult to implement however the sign-up of 18 clubs was encouraging. At second level they had met with 95% of the schools and a review of the progress at various schools levels would be reviewed in the Spring of 08.
Revitalising St. Patrick's College
The Chairman voiced his concern at the failure of St Patrick's College, Cavan to put forward teams in the Ulster Colleges football championship.
The Co. Board had taken a first step by appointing Brendan Sweeney (Ballymac-hugh) as Gaelic Games Promotion Officer in the college.
A major investment into the colleges sports curriculum was essential in what was at one time regarded as the nursery of Cavan football.
The Co. Board had an excellent working relationship with College President Liam McNiffe.
Following the withdrawal of the team from the MacRory Cup the officers of the Co. Board had sought a meeting with the college authorities and it took place on Tuesday last to discuss the decision. Key players from the team had withdrawn due to club commitments and educational purposes however. the Co. Board didn't accept the decision.
He said they had also made a financial commitment to Cavan Institute which had been extended to a second year with the addition of a scholarship bursary.
Three potential county players of the future had been brought into the scheme and was an investment for the future.
He praised teachers at various levels for their dedication to coaching teams from juvenile upwards as well as individuals from the various clubs.
Hurling
The Chairman in referring to hurling said it was the poor relation of football in the county. Although a great effort was being made in certain parts of the county it had been a struggle to revitalise the sport, although the efforts in coaching at schools level has been encouraging.
A hurling work group was set up to undertake a root and branch analysis of the sport in the county and a final draft has now been completed and will be discussed and implemented in conjunction with the incoming hurling board.
He congratulated Erne Gaels on their Rounders All-Ireland success and to Sean Hughes, Gowna who was the recipient of the President's award for his contribution to the sport.
The chairman also referred to the work being done in camogie and ladies football.
Handball
Turning to handball the chairman said Cavan achieved many awards at club and county level, particularly Paul Brady and complimented him on his tremendous achievement in winning the US and world titles.
His achievements only served to show the phenomenon Paul Brady has been in his particular sport throughout the world.
Top-class stadium
The Chairman said the future plans for Breffni Park will see the Co. Board applying for top national and provincial fixtures. The marketing viability of the stadium was tremendous and they would continue to develop the commercial opportunities as they arose.
With the upcoming attraction of Cavan's home games in the national league against teams like Dublin, Monaghan and Cork, they intended to capitalise at every opportunity.
In February 2008 they would be launching Club Breifne. They were well aware of the success of Club Tyrone and it was intended to have over 300 members making a contribution of €1,000 each.
It will entitle members to gain entry to club and county games. There will be a launch night and a pre-game reception as well as the addition of a Club Breifne jacket. Co. Board clubs will be given first option to seek members.
On the subject of public relations and marketing the chairman said the GAA in Cavan needed to market to a greater degree the positives in relation to the association.
The communications committee were doing an excellent job in organising events and publishing big match programmes. However they needed to extend this to the clubs and the various sub-committees in what they were achieving.
He had asked PRO Mark Gillick to extend his remit by seeking and publishing information to the media and keeping everyone briefed in what they as a unit were contributing to the GAA's youth within the county. The criteria applied to the clubs where information from county board meetings through e-mail to the club secretaries was delayed in reaching people at the coalface.
"In today's world with most people having access to e-mail I would ask clubs to use this mode of communication when contacting the local media.
Finance
On finance, the chairman said while expenditure was in excess of €1.5m, income was slightly greater. The Co. Board was a business and had been for many years. Areas like administrative expenses for teams and staff, upkeep and maintenance of grounds, coaching and games expenses exceeded €1.2m.
He said from an incomes perspective they relied very much on their sponsors, advertising, Friends of Cavan, the Dublin branch of the Supporters Club and the clubs of the county to generate the funding to help finance the board.
He thanked main sponsor Kingspan for their loyalty and commitment.
Big year for Cavan
The Chairman said 2008 would be a big year for Cavan football. They were now where they wanted to be, playing the top teams. The present panel comprises youth and experience and every player in the county was given an opportunity to stake his claim on the county panel. Some players grabbed the opportunity while others were not prepared to put in the effort and refused to participate.
They had dispensed with the services of Paul Grimley and Julie Davis and thanked them for their efforts. They recruited Conal Sheridan as the new team trainer.
Adult development squad
An Adult Development squad was set up in September led by Donal Keogan, Martin Lynch, Terry Hyland and Peter Reilly. The objective was to identify potential county players at U-21 and senior who, in the long-term, would be mentally and physically prepared to achieve success for the county.
The committee had outlined the criteria required by regionalizing the county into six sections. The competition was at a midway stage and will be played annually with twenty or so players picked and coached in the various disciplines, bringing it up to county standard.
Statement of accounts
In his final report as Treasurer Tom Boylan reported an increase in income over the previous year of €179,502. Total income was €(1,542,304 compared to €(1,362,802. On the expenditure side, the figure was €(1,535,687 compared to €(1,365,464 for the previous year, leaving an increase of €170,223.
There was an operating surplus of €6,617 compared to a defecit the previous year of €2,662. He said grants received during the year included national lottery €142,500; Kingspan Group £40,000; central council €150,000 and Ulster Council €31,750. Included in the surplus for the year were club levies relating to the development of Breffni Park of €92,588 compared to €91,667 the previous year. Also included in the surplus was income from the sale of five year tickets of €11,937 compared to €13,566 the previous year.
Gate receipts
Gross gate receipts for the year amounted to €284,752 compared to €270,633, an increase of €14,000. The share of the national league pool amounted to €71,017 (€31,073), an increase of €44,000. Commercial income (sponsorship) came to €421,605 (E292,388),; Fund-raising activities including Corporate Night and Dublin Branch of the Supporters Club €199,662 (E193,344),. Other income amounted to €353,587 (€334,793),. Advertising in Breffni Park €64,680.
On the expenditure side referees expenses (net) came to €65,438 (€26,493),. County team players travelling expen-ses €300,245 (€252,516),; Players Hotel Expenses €80,647 (€64,257),. Sports gear and equipment (sponsorship deals) €45,772 (€83,778),; Medical expenses €81,920 (€110,383),.On the item, upkeep and maintenance of county grounds the figure was €92,502 (€68,623),. Heat and light, including floodlighting €23,605 (€12,737),.
Receipts from the Cavan senior final between Cavan Gaels and Gowna and minor final, Cavan Gaels v Lurgan amounted to €40,929.
The Intermediate final between Ballinagh v Lavey and the junior final between Killeshandra and Shannon Gaels played as a double bill brought in €29,555.
Tributes paid to late John P. Wilson
Tributes were paid by the Chairman to the late John P. Wilson, former Tanaiste and Minister and a former member of Cavan and Mullahoran teams in the forties after whom the Mullahoran GFC complex has been named.
He said it was a great honour bestowed by the club to one of the Cavan's greatest players and it was a fitting memorial to the late John P. Wilson.
He had won two All-Ireland senior medals in 1947 and '48.
The Chairman of Mullahoran club Noel Reilly welcomed the delegates to the convention which was the first time it had been held in Mullahoran. The club was very proud to host the event and provided the opportunity for the delegates to view the newly-constructed complex. He welcomed the Director General of the GAA Paraic Duffy for his first official visit since his appointment to the Breffni county.
Noel Reilly said it was fitting that the convention should be held in their new John P. Wilson sports complex. He was arguably the club and county's most popular son, who, at the time of his death, was honorary president of Cavan Co. Board. The decision to hold the 2007 convention in Mullahoran was a deeply symbolic one for the parish.
He said the foundations of this facility and the organisation behind the project went back two generations.
People like John Wilson, Phil and Danny 'Gunner' Brady, Johnny Joe Brady and countless others laid the foundations for this club over the years. The administrators that followed helped to build on those foundations not just in Mullahoran but throughout the wider GAA community.
He said there were many people who had given gave up their time to work tirelessly on behalf of the GAA on a voluntary basis for the betterment of the organisation, among them Co. Board treasurer Tom Boylan. As he would testify fund-raising was a difficult task and the club had been working hard over the past twelve months to raise money on behalf of the sports complex.
They were currently selling tickets for a €25,000 draw and like many before them had turned to other clubs for their support.
Treasurer's last report
Tom Boylan in his final comments as outgoing treasurer said he first took up the position at the convention held in St. Patrick's College in January 1981.
He had many long and fond memories of his involvement with the Co Board even though the work of a treasurer wasn't easy. He had worked with five chairmen during his time as treasurer and he would say they had given everything to Cavan football, including the county team and the improvements to Breffni Park.
He said it hadn't been for the lack of effort that the county hadn't achieved what they might have achieved.
He also worked with five county secretaries as Secretary and Treasurer of the County Board who worked particularly close together.