AGM 2005

Rathcline GAA Senior Executive

Secretary Report 2005

A Chairde Gael

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the AGM of the Rathcline GAA Club, the first in our splendid new clubhouse. It is an honour for me to present to you my report on Rathcline GAA for the year 2005.

My aim in this report is to give an account of the club's activities both on and off the field of play.

Firstly, I would like to start with our performances on the field of play.

Senior

The Senior team started off the year by competing in the Bertie Allen Cup. We played 5 games, winning 4 and losing 1. We finished second in the group.

Div 1

We kicked off our league campaign at Emmett Park, Killoe and suffered defeat by 5 points. In round 2 we defeated Abbeylara in Clonbonny 2-3 to 5 points. In round 3 we travelled to our neighbours Cashel and came away with a draw 2-7 to Cashel's 13 points. In round 4 we played Longford Slashers under lights in Farneyhoogan and again came away with a draw at 10 points each. Round 5 saw us travelling again, this time to Ardagh where we defeated Ardagh by 3 points, 1-7 to 0-7 points. In round 6 we had a bye. Round 7 we defeated Clonguish in Clonbonny by 5 points 1-10 to 8 points. In round 8 Colmcille came to Clonbonny and went away defeated 2-11 to 1-9. Round 9 Ballymahon came to Clonbonny and went away with a 3 point win under their belts 1-13 to 1-10. Dromard came to down to Clonbonny and also went away with the points 11 points to 6. We then travelled to Drumlish and came away with a draw which left us needing to play Colmcille for a place in the Leader Cup semi-final. Unfortunately we succumbed to them in the second half and that ended our participation in this competition. We finished fifth in the league.

Intermediate Championship

Champions! - Doesn't that word have a sweet ring to it? We kicked off our campaign with a win over Legan Sarsfields winning by 8 points, 13 points to 5. Then we beat Dromard second string 1-18 to 1-4. The semi-final saw us playing Legan again, this time we won by 7 points, 11 points to 4. That left us facing Ardagh St.Patrick in the final on 2nd October. In a hard fought encounter we came out on top by a point, 11 points to 1-7. Rathcline were Intermediate Champions for 2005. Captain Ciaran Kenny collected the Hennessey Cup with Ronan Clyne picking up the Man of the Match award. Senior Championship 2006 here we come.

Leinster Intermediate Championship

Rathcline went on to represent Longford in the Leinster Championship. Our first game saw us making the trip to St. Mary's of Rosslare in Wexford. In terrible weather conditions we overcame the challenge of St. Mary's and came away with our first win in a Leinster championship competition with a winning scoreline of 2-3 to 7 points. Next round was a home tie against the Louth champions Geraldines. In a tough encounter we eventually ran out winners by 6 points, scoreline 2-8 to 8 points. The semi-final brought the Kildare champions Maynooth to Clonbonny. Rathcline played some excellent football and raced into a commanding lead and even though Maynooth staged a late comeback, it was not enough to stop Rathcline on their path to the final.

For the final we travelled to Laois to play the Laois champions Crettyard. Unfortunately it wasn't to be our day and we came out second best on the day. We were defeated by 2 points with the scoreline ending at 13 points to 1-8. It was the end of a long season and I would personally like to thank all the players, manager Denis Connerton, selectors Joe Rooney and Adie Farrell and their backroom staff, Maura Moran the physio, Brendan Rhatigan, physio, Padraig Kenny, coordinator and Michael Coffey, jerseys, for their dedication during the year and for the good memories we will carry away with us from the 2005 season. Once again, thank you all.

Junior

Junior Championship

The Rathcline junior team kicked off the championship trail in Group 1 against Dromard in Clonbonny and ended up with a convincing winning scoreline 3-13 to 1-5. Then it was Cashel in the next round and we also came out on top with a scoreline of 1-18 to 3-4. In round 3 against Longford Slashers we came away with another win of 3-7 to 3-5. The quarter finals saw us play St Munis of Forgney and we ran away convincing winners 5-14 to 6 points. We faced Moydow in the semi-final in Emmett Park, we scored a goal with the last kick of the game to snatch a draw. Extra time was played and at the end of extra time Moydow scored a point to equalise, Rathcline 3-7 to 16 points. In the replay, Rathcline managed to scrape through by a point scoreline 1-6 to 8 points.

Fr Manning Gaels provided the opposition in the final. Rathcline played with a strong wind in the first half but we did not take advantage of it and kicked a countless number of wides. It was to prove our downfall and in the second half we ended up chasing the game. The Gaels ran out winners by 3 points with a scoreline of 1-10 to 1-7.

I would like to say thank you to all the players, manager Seamus O'Brien and selectors Joe Rooney, Declan Connor, Dominic McGrath and Brian O'Brien for their efforts in getting us to the final. It was the fourth junior championship final Rathcline have lost in 5 years. Surely in 2006 we can go one better and win the cup for the first time since 1999.

Under 21

Our under 21's kicked off the "C" Championship against Ardagh in Cashel. In a tight game we managed to come away with a 3 point win 2-10 to 1-10. Next up were Ballymahon Forgney in Farneyhoogan. Unfortunately we were beaten by 4 points, scoreline 12 points to 8. That ended our participation in this years championship. Special thanks to the players, manager Liam Connerton and selectors Johny Hanley and Joe Kiernan.

Division 4

Our Division 4 intermediate league team had a mixed year this year, finishing 7th in the league with 6 points. Many thanks to Sean McDermott for his efforts with the team.

Division 3b

Our junior league team did not fare too well this year, finishing bottom of the league. I would hope that in 2006, more effort would be put in by players on the division 4 and division 3b panels.

Underage

Under 8

It is very encouraging to report that the under 8 scene is very strong from the point of view of player and parent participation. There are 2 teams from the club attending the gym in Kenagh playing underage football. Reports I have received from parents attending these sessions indicate that it is a very enjoyable session.

Under 10

The under 10 scene is also very strong. They did very well in the under 10 fun league this year and were beaten by St. Faithleach's in the final of the Faithleach under 10 tournament. There was a very successful under 10 parish league held in Clonbonny this year with a large amount of children taking part. Many thanks to Joe O'Brien, Michael O'Sullivan and Johnny McCormack for sponsoring the prizes for this competition. Special thanks to Sean Kenny and Brendan O'Sullivan for looking after the under 10's and for organising this league.

Under 12

The under 12's have gone through this season unbeaten. The enthusiasm shown by these children is infectious. Many thanks to Albert Cooney, Kieran Feeney and Jimmy Brennan for their commitment to the children at this level

Schools

The Fermoyle school team did the double this year by winning league division 3 and the championship. Tribute must be paid to Denis and Padraig Connerton for continually turning out winning teams for the school each year.

Under 14

The under 14's did not win anything this year but they finished well up in the league. Thanks to Brendan Rhatigan and Dominic McGrath for taking charge of the under 14's this year.

Under 16

Under 16's reached the final of the 11 a side special juvenile league only to be narrowly defeated by Clonguish. Many thanks to Joe Rooney, Seamus O'Brien and Seadna Ryan for their commitment to the team.

Minor

It was a very disappointing year at this level. The minors participated in the special 11 a side league and after a number of games pulled out. It is very sad to report that players on the minor panel just were not interested in playing football at this level for the club. I cannot remember a Shannon Gaels minor team not participating in the minor championship and I believe the situation will not change in 2006 due to lack of numbers and therefore we may have to look at the possibility of an amalgamation with another team at this level for the next 2 years. It is imperative that the good work being done at under 8, under 10, under 12, under 14 and under 16 is maintained to ensure that we will have a minor team within the club in 2 years. I would like to thank Kieran Feeney for his endeavours with this team.

Ladies

Under 16

The under 16's reached the league final but lost the replay against Killoe. Well done to them for the effort they put in during the year.

Minor

The minors were beaten by Ballymore in the Championship

Senior

The senior team were beaten in the first round of the championship but went on to capture the league title, beating Clonguish in the final. I would like to pay tribute to Tommy Donoghue, Brendan Rhatigan and John L Farrell for all the hard work they have put in with the ladies club.

Scór

In February this year we participated in senior Scór in 3 competitions, solo singing, instrumental and Trá na gceist. We did not have any success but had a thoroughly enjoyable night. I would like to see more people participating for the club in 2006.

Club Development

oday the club is proud to hold their AGM for the first time in their new clubhouse. It is a magnificent facility and the envy of a lot of clubs around the county. It is a credit to everyone involved, from the vision of ex chairman Louis Skelly for getting it on the table and the Trojan work done by our present chairman Sean McDermott for making it a reality. An excellent job has been done on the grounds surrounding the building. Special thanks to John L Farrell and his team of FAS workers, who have worked diligently for the past year on our grounds, in the clubhouse and also in the development of the carpark, outside the club grounds which includes putting all services under the road. Thanks to M&D construction for the building of the clubhouse. We have also upgraded the pitch lighting and I think the club should look to erecting a full lighting system like our neighbours Cashel are just after unveiling, to incorporate nightime football. There has been a lot of work done at our grounds within the last 12 months and we should continue to keep improving our facilities during 2006.

Funding

Christmas Draw

The club ran a very successful Christmas draw at the start of the year. The money raised went towards the registration and affiliation of players, public and property insurance, coaching and referees, all monies which have to be paid before a ball is even kicked. Many thanks to all the sellers for their dedication to make this draw a success every year. Tickets for this years draw are out now at a cost of €20. The draw is to take place in the Lough Ree Arms on the 7th January.

Golf Classic

This year our annual golf classic was held in the Longford golf club. It proved to be an even bigger success than our inaugural golf classic last year. Many thanks to the Ladies club who were a great help on the day, to the organising committee who went out and got sponsorship for the day, to Brendan Rhatigan who has a great knack of squeezing money out of people and last but not least to Padraig Kenny, the coordinator who kept the whole show running like clockwork from day one. Thanks also to Ray Hogan who did all the organizing on the golf end. Special thanks to our main sponsors Lough Ree Arms Hotel, Killashee House Hotel, Ibotz Ltd and all associated sponsors for this event.

Leinster Council Grant

There is definitely a money making air in Carrowstrawley. One night in mid October I called up to Padraig Kenny's house with an application form for a Leinster Council Grant. We set to work on it with his brother Ciaran and over the next week we put together a portfolio for the grant. The portfolio was delivered to the Leinster Council offices in Portlaoise on the closing day for applications. We then got our man in the know, Seamus Flynn to work behind the scenes with it. To our delight, just before the Leinster Intermediate final it was announced that we had received €20,000, the highest award given out. The money will go towards paying the first instalment of the loan that was taken out to help construct the clubhouse. I wish to extend my sincere thanks to Padraig and Ciaran Kenny for the time and work put into the project. Special thanks too to Seamus Flynn for his lobbying at Leinster Council.

Fortnightly Lotto

On the fortnightly lotto, I would like to issue a plea to the members today to help out with selling tickets for the lotto. It is continually left to 3 or 4 people every fortnight to sell envelopes. The more people selling would make it a lot easier for everybody during the year and would increase the money taken in, for the day to day running of the club. So come on members, give us a dig out here.

Sponsors

This year the club has had an exceptional amount of sponsors. The cost of the daily running of the club is increasing every year, so I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors who have helped us out this year; · The Swan Tavern · Chris Cullen Construction · The Lough Ree Arms Hotel · Joe Fallon Plant Hire · Tormey Solicitors · Tom Kearns · Skelco Construction · Byrne, Carolan & Cunningham Solicitors · Crinigan Engineering · Gordon Skelly · Tupoor Ltd · Gerry Kiernan's Bar · Connolly Races · Lanesborough Tourism Co-op

Many thanks also to everyone who contributed to the team training fund, too numerous to mention and to the people who sponsored breakfasts for the team on Sunday mornings. Also Paddy Fayne for his contribution in collecting sponsorship.

Press and Website

I would like to thank the local press for their coverage of our games and for affording us space for our club notes and to Shannonside for giving coverage to our golf classic and announcements at short notice. I would also like to thank our outgoing PRO, Kieran Feeney for the work he has done over the last 12 months and wish him well. Thanks to Mark Kenny who continues to keep a very impressive Rathcline GAA website.

Membership

At the time of writing there are 116 paid up members in the Club, consisting of 50 players and 66 non-players. Whilst the number is up on last year, it would be great to see many new members joining, as well as old members re-joining the club.

Congratulations

Congratulations to John James O'Reilly who was a member of the Longford Masters All Ireland winning team.

Sympathy

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy on behalf of the Club, to all officers, players, members and friends who have suffered bereavements during the last year. I was standing at Joe O'Brien's corner on Sunday waiting for the bus to bring me to Croke Park to see Longford play Dublin in the Leinster championship, when the tragic news came through that Owen Kelly had died in a car accident earlier that morning. The news was greeted with shock and disbelief in the club, Owen had been a member of the 2004 under 21 panel and was also eligible to play this year. The last game he played for the club was against Ballymahon Forgney in the under 21 championship 2004 wearing the number 14 shirt. His larger than life personality will be sorely missed, not only within the club, but also within our community. To his parents, Eugene and Mary and family, we extend our deepest sympathy.

A few months later, the community was again rocked by the tragic death of another young man, Murray Connaughton, Knock. Murray was a great supporter of the club, whenever we were selling tickets he always put his hand in his pocket. This very likeable young man will be fondly remembered by me for the banter we used to have when I would be trying to flog him lotto envelopes. To his parents Mike and Maime and sisters, we extend our deepest sympathy. This year also saw the passing of Mike Dowd who played football for the club back in the forties. To his relatives and friends we extend our deepest sympathy. Suaimhneas siorai da n-anamacha uile.

Club Meetings

Seven Executive and four Club meetings were held during the course of the year.

Conclusion

Finally, 2005 has been a very busy but enjoyable year for me. Watching Ciaran Kenny lift the Hennessey cup on the 2nd October and putting us back into senior championship for 2006 and the completion of our clubhouse were, I think we'd all agree, the highlights of the year. I would like to thank my fellow members of the executive for their help and support throughout the year. I would like to extend thanks to Una Clarke for keeping the jerseys spick and span. A big thank you to our umpires and linesmen on match days, especially Mike Hanly Snr, who never says no. I also would like to say thanks to all our ticket sellers for their help during the year, to Joe O'Brien who sold club merchandise in the run up to the intermediate final. To the people of Lanesborough and the Parish of Rathcline, I would like to say a big thank you for putting your hands in your pockets to help Rathcline win the intermediate championship. Your contributions have helped the team in no small way and you are very much a part of bringing the championship to Lanesborough. Thanks to all the supporters who followed the team through the Leinster championship and travelled in force to Crettyard, in all my time with the club I have not witnessed support in that magnitude. To Sarah I would like to say thank you for the paperwork, for typing out correspondence and for her patience.

I would like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy and successful 2006 both on and off the football field and please God at the next AGM we will have the Sean Connolly cup replacing the Hennessey cup here in front of us.

Donnchú Ó Crunneágan

Runai

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