Castlelyons GAA Notes WE 14.12.20. 2020-12-17 09:10:00

Interesting AGM - Friday 11.12.20.

The Castlelyons GAA AGM was held last Friday night last 11.11.20 through virtual Teams Online. Fair play to outgoing chairman Con Lawlor and outgoing secretary Michael Barrett they had the arrangements well set up. The attendance was reasonable, and the meeting proved interesting as those online received top class accounts of the stewardship of the club for 2020.  However, the physical togetherness, social debates even if glazed with a little rancour and the after tipple that all underline the communal aspiration of a club was missed. So, let there be no doubt when or if these tough times depart, we will be back in the communal style meeting for sure.

Our Secretary, Michael Barrett opened with last year’s minutes and gave a thorough and excellent account of all the happenings in our club during the past year both on and off the pitch. This included the following: -

  • A brief outline of the activities of the PIH panel on making the County final and had a special thanks for the team and management on their great effort.  He also thanked the U21 and Junior B hurlers and management teams for their great effort and commitment during the year.
  • He thanked Mr Brian O Sullivan CEO of Zeus Packaging Group for providing this generous sponsorship to and Anthony O Regan for his liaison with Brian.
  • Thanked members who took up specific roles: K. McGann club PRO – also, his additional role with streaming the PIH games, J. Maye insurance officer, T Carroll club health & wellbeing officer, A. Spillane safety Officer, C. Barry club registrar, J. Barrett Cork GAA clubs draw coordinator, J. Healy clubs CES representative and ever present when hosting games, CCB representatives and to all the committee members for their due diligence throughout the year and, of course, his fellow officers.
  • Thanks to the club’s lotto team and lotto treasurer Donal O Leary for being ever present for our weekly lotto. This process runs very smoothly every week. It is the club’s main fundraiser, and I would encourage all to support.
  • Thanks to Clare Reals CWO for her work ensuring all members comply with current child protection legislation.
  • Stewards & core board operators for officiating at games hosted by the club.
  • CES workers for their work on the pitch under the leadership of Assumpta Mangan.
  • To the Camogie club who continue with their excellent performances on behalf of the Parish and who continue to promote the important role of women in the GAA. I would also like to especially congratulate the camogie junior team on winning the Cork County Junior B Championship. 
  • To all individuals who helped out with the different challenges which arose this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic
  • To the Juvenile club who continue with their excellent performances on behalf of the parish and promotion of the GAA with the younger members of the parish. Congratulate the Minor hurling team on their success.
  • All who participated in the Scór competitions.
  • Congratulations to Colm Spillane and Niall O Leary on the Cork Senior Hurling panel.
  • To the club representatives on the Imokilly senior hurling panel.
  • To Niall O Leary with UCC on winning the 2020 Fitzgibbon Cup.
  • All players who represented the club on divisional, colleges, school teams and development squads this year.
  • All the players who represented Castlelyons GAA/Camogie club on inter county, divisional and schools/colleges teams.
  • Our Secretary also offered condolences to all who lost loved ones during the year. Solas na bhFlaitheas ar a nainmeacha go léir.

Treasurer’s Report

Donal Barry, outgoing treasurer, gave his report and presented his financial statement and balance sheet. The ‘GoFundMe’ project set up to support the streaming of the games was an outstanding success.  John Barrett beavered away on the Cork GAA Clubs Draw and made money while a Cheltenham Night made some money too.

He then handed over to Donal O Leary who gave a most comprehensive report on our Lotto Draw for the year and this was most positive.  He thanked Lotto committee who assisted every Monday night, the ticket sellers, and supporters.  The figures speak for themselves as it is the main source of funding for the Club.  Donal informed the meeting that he was standing down from the Lotto but he is taking up the position of Assistant Treasurer so his great talent will not be lost to the Club.

Donal Barry then asked Gerry Healy, Chair of the Steering Committee who outlined the work and accounts relative to the last year on the purchase of new lands, repayments, and development plans.  Gerry was thankful to many people involved over the year and outlined that this Committee are moving on the development of a second pitch as a priority which will be incorporated into an overall development plan.  This overall plan will be ready for view in the near future and it will be full throttle then.

Our treasurer, Donal Barry then thanked all his fellow officers, committee members, our sponsors, patrons, and those who bought and sold tickets during the year. He informed the meeting that he was standing down.  While we might be in a virtual setting and in the comfort of our own homes one could sense a clear realisation among participants that 2021 will require a major effort by club members to ensure the routine requirements of the club are funded and the necessary cash is raised if the Club is to embark on new developments.  Well done Donal on your three years’ work and no doubt you will continue to support the Club.

Managers Reports.  

Ciarán McGann of PIH, John McCarthy of JBH and Colm Barry of the U21 teams all gave their reports.  Ciarán McGann outlined the intermediate hurlers commitment despite a tough year and almost took the championship. He paid a special thanks to his fellow selectors Peter Murphy & Sean Kenny, coach Johnny Crowley, Brendan Hoare on the Stats, John McCarthy & John Healy who helped in the background and Jo McGann on the Jerseys. John Healy Jnr really brought new levels of physio, team preparation and consultation for players and Anthony Spillane on his motivational skills as captain.   He thanked all the players including those who travelled long distances for training and games and finally the club officers for their assistance and presentation of bags and a meal on the Sunday after the final.

John McCarthy outlined the games of the Junior B hurlers and they had good numbers, played three challenge games.  They trained at all times with the intermediate panel. They defeated St Catherine’s and Aghada in the Championship before going down to a strong Midleton outfit.  John thanked his fellow selector Michael O Donovan and all who helped out.  Colm Barry gave a short report on the Under 21 and there are some games outstanding to date in this grade.

Chairman’s Report

Con Lawlor, our outgoing chairman then gave a comprehensive report and reiterated many of our Secretary Michael Barrett’s comments. He thanked his secretary, treasurer, PRO, and the Club for their great work. He spoke about the proposed development on new lands recently purchased and the value it is to the club and Parish. While there is a lot of work to be done in the future, he felt the Castlelyons is in a very good position both on and off the field going into 2021.  He reiterated that he was standing down after his three years as chairman and wished the club well going forward.

Declan Spillane took the Chair for the Election of Officers who are as follows: -

  • Life President: - Dave Hegarty
  • President: - Ned Fitzgerald
  • Vice Presidents: - Father Gerry Coleman, Seamus Sexton, Martin Dorgan, and Donal O Connell.
  • Chairperson: - John McCarthy
  • Vice Chairperson: - Vacant
  • Secretary: - Vacant
  • Registrar: - James Maye
  • Treasurer: - Mick Spillane. Assistant Treasurer: - Donal O Leary
  • PRO: - Vacant
  • Website Administrator: Vacant
  • Insurance Claims Officer: - James Maye
  • Children’s Officer: - Clare Reals
  • County Board Delegates: - John Barrett and Kieran McGann
  • East Cork Board Delegates: - Willie Casey & Michael Barrett
  • Cultural Officer: - Vacant
  • Safety Officer: - Anthony Spillane.
  • Health and Well Being Officer: - Tom Carroll.

While there were no motions there was a light discussion on finances including the Lotto, which will recommence on Monday 21st December at 8pm.  The new County Board Draw, the Rebels Bounty, was also mentioned briefly.  Well done to all who made the effort to tune into to the virtual set up and support the Club in the holding of what was an unusual and historic 2020 AGM.   The very best of luck to new men John McCarthy and new treasurer Michael Spillane for the future.

Club Lotto resuming on Monday 21st December at 8pm with a Jackpot of €20,000. 

Our weekly club lotto draw is recommencing on Monday 21st December 2020. Temporary suspended due to COVID-19 but back with a bang again and a Jackpot of €20,000.  So, for just €2 ticket you could have a real Christmas cracker if you are the lucky winner.  You can purchase tickets from the usual outlets or play Online.  Thanks again for your support. The results of the Club Lotto are published weekly on both the Avondhu and social media.

Nice touch from Senior Citizens Party Committee.

The Committee that arranges the Annual Senior Citizens Party is normally hold the function on a quiet Sunday and attract a good crowd with a great day ensured. It cannot be held this year due to the pandemic. This committee have worked hard in the background and are getting hampers to those senior citizens that attend the party.  Nice touch, a lot of work and well done by this committee.

Santa making a brief visit to the Parish.

It was a pleasant surprise despite such a wet Sunday to see Santa check out almost every house in the Parish to make sure he made no mistakes com Christmas. What a lovely thought from Santa and just imagine on a fine day, he would not be finished until closing time. In so many places the children have to be taken to meet Santa but here in Castlelyons he came free for all to see and it was appreciated.  A big thank you to James Ronayne, James Kenny, and Pat Drislane of the Community Council for all their work and driving Santa about.

Community Fundraiser for Fr Ferris Park.

Tickets are going on sale for a six week Draw commencing on Easter Sunday 2021 with weekly prizes of €300, €200 and three Prizes of €100.  There will be an extension of the walkway and a shelter in the Park for a very special Group “Little Friends Little Needs”. Tickets are priced at €50 for six draws (one free). Please as Fr Ferris Park now has numerous amenities close to the National School and is utilised by so many.

Vote of Sympathy.

Castlelyons GAA wish to express sincere condolences to the family of the late Sheila O’Riordan RIP on their recent bereavement. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm dilis.

Club Main Sponsor: ZEUS Packaging Group.




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