Chairman's Address AGM 2003

Ba maith liom-sa ar mo shoin fein agus ar son ma baill den Coiste Iomana, failte romaibh uilig go dti an Crinniu seo ar teach an bliain 2004.

You are all very welcome to the Annual General Meeting. 2003 was another year when Blackrock's proud name was kept to the forefront of Cork Hurling in all grades by the dedication of players and members.

Our three-in-row ambitions were not realised by our Senior team. This group of hurlers, mentors and backroom personnel did themselves and the club proud during the past year. This year they will continue in their drive for success and hopefully will return to their championship winning ways.

At many General Meetings, we have been bemoaning the failure of our Junior team to achieve success. They delivered in the past year and are City Division Champions after a lapse of 30 years. Again the efforts of all players, mentors and backroom teams are to be lauded. The co-operation of all the senior management with the junior counterparts was a factor in this success and is an example of what can be achieved when diverse groups work together. Their position as City Division Champions has automatically earned them the right to compete in the Intermediate grade for the coming year. We wish them well in this competitive grade and with a repeat of their 2003 efforts the Blackrock second string can be a force in this new intermediate year.

Despite the very best efforts of all the people playing and involved with our Under 21 team we made a very tame exit from the Championship at the semi-final stage. The timing of the competition and our lack of success at this level has placed the Under 21s low down in this club's list of priorities, I believe. It is certainly an area that needs the club's focus and attention.

The under age section has once again managed to carry out an enormous amount of activities in all grades from primary coaching to minor. The success of the Saturday morning coaching is bearing fruit, with Championship success this year in a number of grades.

On behalf of the Hurling Committee I thank all that have worked for the club. I certainly appreciate their efforts and commitment, as do my fellow officers and committee members.

In conclusion, I wish all our players, mentors and members health, happiness and prosperity in 2004. You can all feel proud of the part you have played in promoting the game of hurling in Blackrock and the aims and ideals of Cumann Luth Chleas Gael.

Tomás Ó Súilleabáin

Cathaoirleach