A return to the status quo in the Players Injury Benefit Fund is a must for GAA. 

It is hoped that there will be a remedy to the loss of wages cover to ensure club players are properly covered by the Players Injury Fund.  It was mooted in late 2020 that due to the massive drop in GAA income changes to the Fund would mean that players who suffer an injury during GAA activity which results in having to take time off work will not be covered by the fund for loss of earnings.  Heretofore, players were covered for up to €300 per week for a maximum of 26 weeks. Indeed, up until recent years, the fund provided cover for loss of earnings for a maximum of 52 weeks.

However, after several meetings and much discussion the GAA have now come up with two proposals.  The first one being:  Apply a 25% increase / levy to all Clubs on top of their 2021 Player Injury Fund Club premium and re-instate the “Loss of Wages” cover back into the existing Player Injury Fund. Provide a Loss of Wages insurance policy for all our Clubs and / or Players through a GAA endorsed and independently administered scheme.  The second one being: Chubb Insurance will provide a “Club Loss of Wages” policy directly to all our GAA Clubs. The “Club Loss of Wages” policy premium will cost €30 / £30 per adult playing member capped at a maximum of 25% of a clubs 2021/22 Player Injury Fund Premium. While it was set down that clubs who choose not to take out a “Club Loss of Wages” policy, Chubb will provide a “Player Loss of Wages” policy and this will be available at a cost of €50 / £50 per player.

Our County Board and our Central Council representative, Tracey Kennedy, have been vocal in ensuring a push-back against this cost cutting measure effecting the players injury benefit fund. It was stressed that players may well be reluctant to take the risk of any injury that might prevent them from working if they are expected to take the financial hit themselves.  A further clarification to the latest proposals has been sent to Clubs and a final reply to policy will be discussed at a special county committee meeting and submitted to Croke Park.  This matter must be resolved sooner rather than later as it is imperative that players benefits are restored.  As a rider to whatever deal is drawn up it must be agreed that this is a once off only and return to the status quo after all without players there is no game.

Castlelyons GAA Development Update and appeal for more assistance.

The Club are motoring on with the details of an ambitious project to develop its recently acquired and existing grounds.  The development involves the refurbishment of the Clubhouse with a fully equipped gym, the construction of a new full sized playing pitch, a large size astro turf playing area, a hurling wall carpark, driveway, community walkway, fencing, plus consideration of other works.  There will be a presentation to all club members shortly on the details, costing, and phasing in early June.

The development project will probably be on an elongated time scale as it will take considerable funding.  The facilities will provide sporting amenities in the years ahead for our club, parish, and the wider community and we are extremely grateful some benefactors for assisted in paying for the property. The real challenge now is funding the project through a variety of sources which include the Sports Capital, GAA, State, other grants, and consideration of community assistance.

Leo Sexton, Chair with Mick Spillane, Mary Fenton, John Coleman, and Helen Hussey are currently heading up a finance subcommittee.  There is room for more members as the idea of funding a development is meaningless without a masterful execution and they need your help.  So, a special request to camogie, juvenile club, and members of the adult groups to come forward and join this subcommittee to allow for a better spread of the workload and you can be assured it will be an interesting and rewarding challenge.

Club Bar and Squash Court both shut for good in Clubhouse refurbishment.

It was a different Ireland in 1904 when the Kings majesty introduced an order of registration for clubs in Ireland. The Act has stood the test of time with very few modifications. It has enhanced gatherings at clubs for social events through the sale of excisable liquor to the members and visitors who are invited or in the company of members and yielded a fair few bob into the bargain. It wasn’t all tennis, golf or card games as Cumann Lúthchleas Gael showed great entrepreneurial vison and opened massive social centres with bars attached.  Castlelyons officers showed great vision too over 40 years ago and were one of the first country clubs to apply for registration and were granted a certificate. There were some hectic nights and early mornings following great celebratory events in games, squash and drama in the bar and Centre.

The Certificate was renewed even up to September 2021 but alas the pandemic has led to closure with the last 15 months and tough going for the wet pubs and clubs.  Alas, it has now been decided to discontinue with the facility in the refurbishment of the Clubhouse. But it will not be lonesome to stand in the bar with no beer as bending the elbow can be replaced with full press-ups because the fitness boom is strong over in Castlelyons.

Squash came from the UK and other countries in the early ‘70’s. Castlelyons again were to the forefront in promoting Squash as a game for both ladies and gents and constructed two Courts in the boom time of the in the seventies. Then due to lack of numbers one of the Courts was converted into dressing rooms some years ago. The remaining Court was later unused for some time, but an enthusiastic committee did revive the game and had up on 60 club members in 2019.  They put forward a strong case for the retention of this Court during discussions on the Clubhouse refurbishment. 

However, it was decided to discontinue with Squash as there was no area for the Gym.  So now, like other Clubs, we will have a Gym located in the former Squash area.  Striving for the perfect body through gym work is the latest fitness boom and utilised as a big part of field sports fitness.  Let’s hope it’s not another fad and merits such changes in a once very social and enjoyable Clubhouse.  This refurbishment and modernisation will be part of the first phase of development, and it will take smart work to ensure the future scene matches the great enjoyment of the past. 

Rebel Bounty Draw for May on this Thursday 27^th May at 7pm

The May Rebel Bounty draw will take place this Thursday evening at 7pm and it will be live will be live on the Cork GAA Facebook and probably the Examiner Website.  The top prize is €20,000 and there are a total of thirty other strong cash prizes.  So, watch the Draw live and have an enjoyable evening with your family, the pod or whoever you choose. Sure, you could be a winner too as our Club has had three winners already.  Including May there are still eight monthly draws left with the first prize €20,000 each month and don’t forget the first prize for Christmas is €100,000. A sincere thanks to all our members who joined us this year and best of luck Thursday night.

Castlelyons taking place new style East Cork Football Junior A League Cup

The Club is making a welcome return to football competition this year and are taking part in the East Cork Junior A football league and championship competitions. We are in Group 2 and play Cloyne, Carrignabhfear and Bride Rovers in the League with the first game away to Cloyne on 7.6.21.  The championship is not drawn to date.  We have fair numbers training now so we should be able to field a strong side.

Castlelyons GAA Weekly Lotto Jackpot now at €12,800. 

This week’s draw was held Monday 17.5.21 and the numbers drawn were 1, 10, 17 and 20. There was no winner, and the Jackpot is now at €12,800. The Lucky Dip winners were as follows: - Cian O’Leary, Killian Smith, Nora Ryan, Donal O’Callaghan, Julie Lonnie, Catherine Verling, Fiona Feeney, and Tommy O’Brien.

The results of the Club Lotto are published on both the Avondhu and social media.  The next draw is Monday 31.5.21 at the Centre. Thanks so much for your support and please advise your friends that they can play our Lotto, ONLINE or purchase tickets from the usual outlets.

Votes of Sympathy.

Castlelyons GAA wish to extend sincere sympathy to the Kelly family Fermoy and Castlelyons on the sudden passing of Marie Kelly. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sí.

Club Main Sponsor: ZEUS Packaging Group.

Notes by Kieran McGann: Castlelyons GAA PRO.