Working to a new beginning

A LOW-KEY meeting at the end of a very turbulent season — that was the major outcome from the Limerick GAA County Convention of over 300 club delegates in Kilmallock last night.

The turbulence that tore the county asunder in the early months of the year (senior hurling panel/management dispute) got a mention, but not much more than that. “My function is to implement the decisions of the club delegates,” said chairman Liam Lenihan in a lengthy address, rejecting any criticism that the board could have acted more decisively to end the dispute.

He went on to thank controversial manager Justin McCarthy and his selectors and backroom team for their contribution in the 2010 season, along with the players who stepped in to take over from those who were in dispute, before welcoming new manager Donal O’Grady on board.

“I appeal to everyone to work together in 2011 for the common good of Limerick hurling,” he continued; “We must work together to promote the county — let it begin tonight.”

On the financial front, however, there was major fallout from the dispute, the county left to count the cost. In the accounts as presented by treasurer Owen Hayes, there was a drop-off of over 50% in the Limerick Supporters Club income, down from €72,997 in 2009 to just €32,308 for the current year, and a similar drop in income from the Dublin branch of the Limerick supporters, down from €45,764 in 2009 to €20,895.

The Mackey Stand Draw also suffered, down by more than €100,000 on the figures from last year (from €1,308,304 to €1,200,420), though this would have been worse but for a recovery in numbers as the year progressed. Overall, the board recorded an operating loss of €148,485 (income €1,254,586, expenditure €1,403,071), reduced somewhat by a one-off sale of a plot of land in Rathkeale for €48,832.

“From an administration point of view, it’s been a very difficult year,” said Hayes.

“The revenue from the development draw (Mackey Stand) is vital to club and county, but there was a drop-off of 1,000 members this year. I accept there was a recession, but a major disappointment is the people leaving the draw because they disapprove of board policy. This draw supports underage activity and the development of the Gaelic Grounds; looking at the draw, some clubs are giving great support, but some are not. Those clubs need to reevaluate where they stand — if you talk the talk, walk the walk.”

All that controversy very firmly put behind them, however, let’s look to the future — that was the message to emerge from last night, and in that respect Limerick GAA is about to go global, with new initiatives to ensure that all fixtures, results and even previews are made available immediately online, including through the use of Facebook and Twitter.

Facilities came in for mention. Secretary Mike O’Riordan bemoaned the fact that enough use isn’t being made at either provincial or national level of the Gaelic Grounds. From the local perspective, however, their own development of the superb facilities in Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale, for the full use of all county teams, continues apace.

“A new 3G Synthetic Pitch was laid, combined with a full floodlit capability,” reported Mike; “The additional lands that were purchased last year were developed into full-size sand-carpet pitch and are also fully floodlit. The stand and ancillary facilities are due for completion in mid-2011, and the existing sand-based pitch and club-side pitch are in full use at the moment.” The good news doesn’t end there either.

“In autumn 2011 our coaching and games personnel will be moving to the University of Limerick which will provide the county with access to their new facility. A new, full size 3G grass pitch will be complete by mid-summer with the viewing area, office, catering facilities and dressing rooms completed by September 2011.

“Further to this, all the academic experience will be made available to our coaches.”

On the playing front, the revolution in the city continues, said chairman Liam Lenihan, with massive work being done by the GAA clubs within that division and by the division itself, all orchestrated by the county board.

Lenihan said this is resulting in “huge increases in the playing numbers at underage.”

2011 Officer Board:

Chairman – Liam Lenihan (unopposed, outgoing); Vice-Chairman – Oliver Mann (unopposed); Assistant Secretary: Pat Creed (unopposed, outgoing); Treasurer: Owen Hayes (unopposed, outgoing); Assistant Treasurer: Michael McDonnell (unopposed, outgoing); Development Officer: Liam O’Sullivan (unopposed, outgoing); Coaching Officer: Joe Quaid (unopposed); Irish & Cultural Officer: Liam Ahern (unopposed, outgoing); Youth Officer: Tony Roche (unopposed, outgoing); PRO: Helen Cross (unopposed, outgoing); Munster Council Delegates (two): Denis Holmes (first count) & A.N.Other; Central Council Delegate: Rory Kiely (unopposed, outgoing).