Cork clubs to count cost of accidents on properties

A WARNING for clubs on the consequences of carelessness in the use of their properties was sounded by County Secretary Frank Murphy at Saturday evening’s annual convention.

Pointing out that Cork accounted for 15.6% of the total public liability claims at national level, he said that this would seriously impact on their premium; leading to the possibility of paying ‘a double premium.’ Clubs should ensure that safety officers were put in place to monitor facilities in an effort to prevent the type of ‘accidents’ that are happening, he said, because the premium they will pay (to the Association’s public liability) will be based on the number of the county’s claims and not the number of clubs.

Glen Rovers delegate Liam Ó Tuama (who is bowing out after 60 years of involvement with the club) complained about the effects relegation was having on clubs like his. Sean McCarthy (St Finbarr’s) and Bishopstown chairman Jerry Buttimer supported him, but Ballinhassig representative Donal Coleman wondered if the same fuss would be created if a number of county teams had been relegated.

Buttimer made the comment that if the Board was serious about the promotion of the games in the city they should re-examine the issue.

Later, Ó Tuama asked if clubs would benefit from the money earned by the GAA through the renting of Croke Park for rugby and soccer. “How do we get hold of it, do we have to make an application,’’ he asked.

In response, he was informed that it had been determined that the money would have to be spent on specific capital projects and that clubs could qualify under this system.

There was only one motion debated. It came from the Ballinora club, asking that the County Board ‘strictly adhere’ to the bye-law relating to meeting deadlines for fixtures and it received the unanimous support of convention.

On the proposition of Youghal delegate, Liam Ó Laocha, Christy Cooney was formally ratified as a candidate for next year’s Presidential election.

There was just one contest, for the position of Development Officer. It saw Jim Murphy from the Kilmurry club elected in succession to Declan Walsh who completed his three-year term. One of three candidates, he received 116 votes, ahead of John O’Brien (Clonakilty) with 84 and Michael Lyons (Araglin) with 68. In the second count, Murphy triumphed 163 to 102.

Following the death of Con Murphy, the position of President of the Board has become vacant and it was decided by 97 votes to 51 not to fill it until next year after the ‘criteria’ for the position have been determined.

Officers: Chairman: M. Dolan; Vice-Chairman: J. O’Sullivan; Secretary: F. Murphy; Development Officer: J. Murphy; Cultural Officer: J. O’Neill; Coaching Officer: D. Cullinane; Youth Officer: D. Gowen; PRO: B. Ryan; Munster Council delegates: F Murphy and P Murphy; Central Council delegate: B. Honohan.