Secretary Report AGM 16th December 2002

A Chairde go léir,

We are gathered here today to review what can only be described as yet another successful year for our Club. We have retained our Cork Senior Hurling Title and the City Championship and we are also into the semi-final of the Senior Hurling League. As things stand, there is a strong possibility that we will once again bring the three trophies to Blackrock for the second year in a row.

The cry now is of course, let's make it three counties in a row and with the help of mentors and our excellent panel of players, there's no reason why it can't be done. It certainly would be a great achievement and a just reward for the time and effort which has been put into our games by all concerned.

Mentors

We are very lucky in Blackrock to have so many excellent people who are prepared to give their time and talents to prepare our teams. They are a dedicated and highly organised group of people who always seem to get the best out of our players. To Tim Murphy, Tom Cashman, Maurice Duggan, Jim O'Brien, Allan Russell, Pat Deasy and Jim Cashman we say thank you for a job well done. We would also like to acknowledge the huge contribution made by our team doctor, Dr. Paddy Hayes, our Physio, Carol O'Callaghan, John O'Driscoll First Aid, and team trainer Richard O'Flynn. Now that Noel Flaherty has retired from the "day job", he seems to be spending more and more time (if that's possible), looking after the hurleys for all our adult teams and ensuring that there is an adequate supply of hurleys for each game.

Committees

We would like to place on record our appreciation and thanks to all the various committees who are operating at all levels throughout the Club and who give so freely of their time and talents on behalf of the Club. To each and every one of you we say a sincere thank you for all your efforts. This Club has now become a huge concern and without the combined efforts of all the committees at all levels, it just wouldn't be possible to carry on.

The Players

Three Senior County Championships in four years is a record any Club would be proud of, and for this most of the credit must go to the players. The amount of time they put into preparing for games is just tremendous and we are very lucky in Blackrock to have such a talented and dedicated panel of players. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude for all the thrills and excitement they continue to bring to our lives each year.

Officers

To my fellow officers and committee members, I extend a sincere thanks for all your help and co-operation throughout the year and for making my job easier by sharing the workload.

To all those who submitted reports for this A.G.M. we extend our sincere thanks.

Grounds Committee

The newly elected Grounds Committee of John Bennett, Patsy Lyons, Terry Hassett, Dave Cummins, Jack O'Keeffe, John O'Keeffe Aidan Long and Roger Ryan, plus voluntary helpers Jim O'Brien and Larry O'Driscoll certainly had a busy year due to excessive rainfall and flooding of pitches. Thanks to their combined efforts the pitches were kept in excellent condition throughout the year. The Convent field is still subject to regular flooding though and is in need of a major overhaul.

Condolences

We extend our sincere condolences to all those members and supporters of the Club who suffered bereavements during the past year. The Mass in St. Michael's Church, Blackrock yesterday was offered for the repose of their souls.

Ruairí Ó Riain

Rúnai