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Article Date: 14/12/2009
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THE LONG GOODBYE
The five year rule took its toll again as a number of individuals who are synonymous with the Association in Sligo took their leave from the frontline. However the lyrics “I stepped in again……” came to mind as some of the most well known names in Sligo GAA circles returned to active service albeit in different roles after a decent interval on the “back benches.” The “five year rule” seems to have introduced a number of prolific writers to the Board in recent times as the Conference Reports were all detailed and informative a fact that was commented on by the Patrún John Higgins in his address.
In his detailed report An Runaí Coiste Chontae Pádraig Duffy gives a summary of all the constituent parts of the local Association. Of most interest of course is the recent progress of our Senior County Footballers. Pádraig details the steady progress of the team through Div. 4 eventually winning that Divisional final by beating Antrim in Longford,; sweet revenge for an earlier defeat by the same County.
The championship is of course summarised also, defeat at the hands of Galway, the win over Div. 3 winners Tipperary and that memorable game in Tralee with what must be the understatement of the year; “ agus bhí diomá orainn go léir an tráthnóna fluich sin i dTrá Lí”.
Johnny Davey and David Kelly are acknowledged for their respective nominations, All STAR and PLAYERS SELECTION. The Secretary believes a new approach is needed in Junior County football and he sees great potential at Minor level where he writes that it is essential that Clubs encourage their players to have the ambition to represent the County and to maximise their potential. The phrase used in the report “commit themselves to a disciplined lifestyle” will resonate with many a potential County Minor player!
The hurlers success in also winning their Div. 4 title is also noted as well as the breakthrough by Calry St.Joseph’s in being the first Sligo hurling Club to bring home a Connacht Title.
Coaching Officer Brian Henry was able to confirm the value of the efforts over the years in underage coaching when he reported on the success of Summerhill College in the junior A Connacht League and Championship. He notes that Summerhill are competing at A grade in all levels and are fielding two first year teams. St.Attracta’s were winners in junior B league and championship.
A new innovation in coaching in the County is the formation of a “Rookie” squad to help players bridge the gap between Minor and u 21.
The handball report bemoans the lack of Competition for some players to prepare them for Inter Provincial Competitions. Pauric Maye and Paddy Walsh obtained Silver in the All Ireland Ruby Masters doubles. Castleconnor,Collooney and Ballymote Clubs all hosted tournaments in 2009.
Niamh Ní Fheargail represented Connacht in the All Ireland finals of Scór na nÓg in April 2009. Naimh’s voice will be familiar to match goers as she has sung “Amhrán na bhFiann” on match days throughout the year.
Apart from the news about the possibility of developing a training ground at Scarden the Development Committee reflected on the fact that Easkey Club were the overall winners in the Connacht Council Improvement Scheme and that five Clubs had drawn down grants from Croke Park of E25000 each with another E125000 available for the proposed Centre of Excellence.
County Treasurer Peadar Niland gave a reasonably upbeat report about the County Finances. An Cisteoir explained that Sligo GAA had managed to break even during the financial year overturning a previous loss of E70,000. However he explained that in order to have sufficient Cash flow and pay creditors on time the Board should be aiming for a surplus of at least E25000-00. Club Sligo would need to target a E50000 level of income and the fact that the County Senior Footballers were now in Div. 3 should see improved gates. The treasurer explained that accounts would be audited from 2010 and a new accounts package provided by Croke Park would be used from now on as befitted an organisation with a turnover of E1m.
Ciaran McDermott left his position as central Council Delegate after an association with the County Board going back to 1983. Eamon Mullen and Joe Taffe stepped down as Connacht Council Reps. And the position of coaching officer was not filled on the night when Brian Henry completed his five year term.
Tommy Kilcoyne returns to the board as Ard Comhairle Delegate and two former Board members Joe Queenan and Timmy McGath take over as Connacht Council reps.
Chairman John Murphy paid tribute to all outgoing members and was broadly welcoming of the GAA GPA deal. Patron John Higgins was more cautious in his remarks about the same deal echoing the sentiment of many Gaels fearful that the Amateur status of the Association might be compromised.
An Cathaoirleach also mentioned the soon to be published 125 history of the Association in Sligo. The project is nearing completion and will have a January launch.
Tributes were paid to deceased members of the Association and the name of the late Johnny Stenson was mentioned several times during the convention.
Go nDeana Dia trocaire ar a Anam Dilís.
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