Secretary's Report AGM 2003

A Chairde go leir,

It's that time of year again when we gather to take stock, to review the past year, and to look forward with optimism to the year ahead.

Despite our failure to capture the elusive three-in-a-row Senior Hurling County Championship, it was nevertheless a very busy and successful year for our Club.

We reached the final of the Senior Hurling Championship; we won the City Junior Hurling Championship after a lapse of 30 years, and competed actively in all other grades. Individual reports have been submitted for all other teams, and all their activities are covered in these excellent reports.

Lest We Forget

The reason for the above heading is that in sport there is a saying that "you are only as good as your last game" and people tend to forget all the success after losing one game. Well this is a time for reflection - not recrimination, and we should not forget the many victories that this present panel of players has achieved over the past 8 years. So, lest we forget, let us recall some of those momentous events.

In 1996 we suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of our southside neighbours St. Finbarr's. The following year 1997, the team resolved to do much better, and showed a marked improvement by reaching the semi-final of the Championship and losing out to Sarsfields who scored a goal on the stroke of time.

In 1998 we went one better and contested the County Final against Imokilly. This was a great achievement in a short space of time and while we were defeated in the final, we all felt that it was only a matter of time before this team would win a County Final.

And win it we did. 1999 was a glorious year for us and a turning point for this brave team. The general feeling throughout the County was that we would retain our title in 2000 but it wasn't to be, and we were defeated by Midleton. This was a chastening experience for us all. But we more than made up for it and went on to win a rare two-in-a-row in 2001 and 2002.

In 2001 we defeated U.C.C. in the final and in 2002 we overcame a strong challenge from Newtownshandrum. Add to that, the fact that in one year we won every competition that was available to us in Cork - the County Championship, the County League and the City Championship. Three trophies in one year, now that's some achievement from any team, and one that's not likely to be repeated - unless by Blackrock of course.

So, that's not a bad record by any standard, and this panel of players will take its place alongside all the other greats that this Club has produced in its glorious history. And the good news is that this team isn't finished yet, and both the players and selectors are eagerly looking forward to 2004.

Senior Hurling League

We finished the current league at the top of the table after winning 11 games out of 12 and then defeated St. Finbarr's is the semi-final. The final versus Cloyne is due to be played in early February 2004. The 2002 league is also due to be completed and we are down to play Erins Own in the semi-final, and if we are successful, we will meet St. Finbarr's in the final. All these games are due to played off in February.

Thanks

I wish to record my thanks and appreciation to my fellow officers and committee members for all their help and co-operation during the past year and for their dedication to the Club. We are a very big Club now and it takes a lot of hard work to keep it running. Many thanks also to all the various committees who work so diligently at all levels within the Club and who give freely of their time and talents in the promotion of our games and in the interest of our Club.

The Mentors

The mentors in charge of the many teams are the unsung heroes of the Club. They work diligently to prepare our teams, and this often involves being available three or four nights a week as well as giving up their weekends. This is dedication at the highest level and we are lucky to have such a dedicated group of people in charge of our teams.

Thanks to the expertise and care of our Club Doctor, Dr. Paddy Hayes, our Physio Carol O'Callaghan and First Aid man John O'Driscoll, our players were kept in tiptop physical condition throughout the year.

The Players

I have always maintained, and it's worth repeating here, "Our players are our greatest asset". We can have the finest buildings and grounds in the country, but they are of little value if you don't have a dedicated panel of players. They give our club a sense of belonging. They give us a reason to be in the club, and over the years have brought lots of trophies and honours to our club and will continue to do so into the future. We are indebted to our players for all the enjoyment and heart stopping moments that they have given us. Our lives would be a lot duller without them and for that we say a sincere and heartfelt thank you.

Grounds Committee

The past year has been a busy and rewarding year for the Grounds Committee who was helped in no small way by the excellence of the weather. In contrast to other years, both pitches remained open for almost the entire season, and were in pristine condition. Following a busy season some serious repair work now needs to be carried out and following a recent survey, the re-sodding of the goal areas will be undertaken by a contractor next week.

A major repair job also needs to be carried out on the chainlink fencing surrounding the pitch. This fence also has been subjected to regular vandalism. The repainting of dressingrooms No. 1 & 2 has commenced and should be finished shortly. We will then start work on dressingrooms 3 & 4.

The four trees, which we planted in the front of the building, have certainly enhanced the appearance of the Clubhouse, and we recently planted some Polyanthus at the base of each tree. These should look really well when in bloom. Hopefully we will be able to plant up all the beds just inside the wall this year.

Vandalism

Vandalism is now a serious and expensive problem for our Club. To-date the fencing has been regularly damaged around the field, the entire car park is regularly littered with bottles, cans and crisp bags. The area just in front of the Club is now covered with chewing gum, and the gutters have been broken on several occasions by people playing football and hurling. Indiscriminate parking of cars is also causing a problem in front of the Pavilion and some of the kerbing is already damaged. The cover of the gas meter has also been damaged on several occasions. This behaviour is not only causing damage to our property but it is also preventing people from entering our premises, because of fear of getting hit. Some serious steps will have to be taken to curb this vandalism.

Congratulations

We extend congratulations to our Club Captain Wayne Sherlock who was named Hurler of the Year by the Munster Council G.A.A., and who got married during the year.

Congratulations also to Alan Brown on his appointment as Captain of the Cork Senior Hurling Team. Alan also got married last year.

Farewell

We bade farewell to Alan Cummins after the County Final. Alan emigrated to Australia, where he is now domiciled with his new bride.

We also said goodbye to John Browne who is now based in England. Hopefully John and Alan will be back with us in the not too distant future.

Reports

Many thanks to the following people who submitted reports for this A.G.M.:

1. Treasurer's Report Andy Hayes

2. Senior Team Report Tim Murphy

3. Junior "A" Report Alan McGee

4. Junior "B" Report Redmond Quirke

5. Under 21 Report Pat O'Neill

6. Minor & U/Age Report Richard Murphy

7. Membership Report Donal Downey

8. Hall Development Report Noel Carroll

9. Social Committee Report Terry Hassett

10. Ladies Report Maureen O'Keeffe

11. Camogie Club Report Mairéad Ní Mhaoileóin

The quality of all the reports is excellent as usual.

Condolences

On behalf of the Club I wish to extend our sincere condolences to all those who have suffered bereavements throughout the past year. The 10.30am Mass in St. Michael's Church this morning was offered for the happy repose of their souls.

Mise do chara

Rúairí Ó Riain

Rúnaí