Seo
dhíbh a chairde mo thuarascáil ar imeachtaí Cumann
Lúthchleas Gael I gCiarraí i rith na bliana 2005. Seo
é an triú uair a chuir mé ós bhúr
gcóir é agus ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas a ghabháil
do gach éinne a chabhraigh liom i rith na bliana.
The
co-operation and support of GAA Clubs, officials, and supporters was
invaluable in what was a very busy year for the County Board.
Defeat
hurts!
The contrasting fortunes of sport can be summed up in the Croke Park
September visits by Kerry Seniors in 2004 and 2005. Last years success
could not be matched as Tyrone emerged as All-Ireland Champions.
Having
just failed - on scoring difference – to make the National League
semi-final, Kerry Senior footballers progressed as Munster Champions
with victories over Tipperary, Limerick and Cork.
Victories in the All-Ireland qtr-final (Mayo) and semi-final (Cork)
ensured the Kingdom’s appearance in their fifth All-Ireland final
in nine years.
Players, Management and County Board did everything possible in preparation
for retaining Sam. Some may point that the easy passage to the final
was not the ideal test for the intensity of the Tyrone team, who had
to play nearly every week throughout the summer. On the day however,
Tyrone proved the better team and we congratulate a great team on their
2nd All-Ireland Title.
Now
we must look forward to another year – building for the future
and ensuring that the tradition that is Kerry football is maintained.
Manager
Jack O’Connor, his fellow selectors Ger O’Keeffe Johnny Culloty
and Trainer Pat Flanagan have committed themselves to this task for
2006. The time and commitment given by them and the players is not easy
to sustain. We applaud their efforts in the past and wish them the very
best in the year ahead. During the year 13 games were played –
10 wins and 3 losses.
Hurling
A new Management Team took over in 2005. Though success eluded the team,
it was encouraging that all fixtures were fulfilled; the Christy Ring
Cup semi-final was narrowly missed, the U21 hurlers lost out in All-Ireland
final after extra time and a record number of games at Inter-County
Senior level were played (12 in all).
The
above would suggest that all was well. However the absence of a number
of players all year and the poor commitment of others for vital games
and training was really the stumbling block to ultimate success.
Over
the years different management teams had similar problems. Club hurling
was never stronger and the county team can only prosper if clubs and
players give full commitment and co-operation.
The
County Board continues to be fully committed and the appointment of
a full time administrator for hurling in South Kerry area is to be welcomed.
The
Kerry Minor hurlers will continue in Munster (despite heavy defeats)
but their involvement in the All-Ireland “B” and the Cork
Divisional League is a realistic target.
Minor
Football
Having lost the Munster Final Kerry Minor footballers have their best
display in the All-Ireland qtr-final with a comprehensive victory over
Leinster Champions Laois. A heartbreaking one-point defeat followed
in the semi-final to Mayo.
U21/Juniors
The Kerry Juniors lost out to Cork in the Munster Final while the U21
footballers also lost out to Cork in the first round.
Management
Teams 2005
Senior Football:
Jack O’Connor, Ger O’Keeffe, Johnny Culloty, Pat Flanagan
U21 Football: Charlie Nelligan, Jackie Walsh, Kevin Griffin,
Mike Sheehy, Mossie Spillane
Minor Football: Sean Geaney, Seanie O’Leary, Tim Coffey,
John Galvin, Christy Walsh
Junior Football: Tomás Hannafin, Donie O’Leary, Tom
Brennan, Jim Foley, Ger Savage
Senior/U21 Hurling: Jerry Molyneaux, Dan Healy, Mike McKenna,
Denis Flaherty, DJ Leahy, (Tom Healy).
Minor Hurling: Mike O’Halloran, Brendan Dunne, John Joe
Canty, Paudie Dineen.
I wish to place
on record the Boards appreciation of all of the above especially Charlie
Nelligan, Sean Geaney and Tomás Hannafin who have stepped down.
Also to the other selectors who have worked for the success of Kerry
Teams.
May I wish the
new Management Teams every success in 2006.
Inter
County Games 2005
SENIOR FOOTBALL
CHAMPIONSHIP
All-Ireland Final 25-Sep Tyrone 1-16 Kerry 2-10
All-Ireland Semi-final 28-Aug Kerry 1-19 Cork 0-09
All-Ireland Qtr-final 07-Aug Kerry 2-15 Mayo 0-18
Munster Champ Final 10-Jul Cork 0-11 Kerry 1-11
Munster Champ Semi-final 19-Jun Limerick 0-10 Kerry 2-10
Munster Champ Rd 1 29-May Tipperary 0-13 Kerry 2-22
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIV 1 A
Round 7 03-Apr Kerry 2-17 Tyrone 3-08
Round 6 27-Mar Mayo 0-15 Kerry 1-16
Round 5 19-Mar Kerry 2-11 Westmeath 0-07
Round 4 13-Mar Donegal 1-10 Kerry 1-09
Round 3 05-Mar Kerry 2-13 Dublin 2-11
Round 2 12-Feb Kerry 2-13 Offaly 0-16
Round 1 04-Feb Cork 1-12 Kerry 0-08
U/21 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
Munster Champ Qtr-final 12-Mar Cork 2-13 Kerry 1-14
MINOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
All-Ireland Semi-final 28-Aug Mayo 1-12 Kerry 0-14
All-Ireland Qtr-final 01-Aug Kerry 0-14 Laois 1-04
Munster Champ Final 10-Jul Cork 3-08 Kerry 1-11
Munster Champ Semi-final 29-Jun Kerry 1-17 Clare 2-06
Munster Champ Rd 1 06-Apr Limerick 1-07 Kerry 2-16
JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
Munster Champ Final 06-Jul Cork 2-13 Kerry 0-08
Munster Champ Semi-final replay 23-Jun Kerry 0-09 Limerick 1-04
Munster Champ Semi-final 19-Jun Limerick 0-09 Kerry 1-06
Munster Champ Qtr-Final 29-May Tipperary 1-14 Kerry 2-12
HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP - CHRISTY RING CUP - GROUP 2B
5th Rd 16-Jul Kerry 3-15 Carlow 2-08
3rd Rd 09-Jul Kerry 3-11 Wicklow 2-14
4th rd 02-Jul Mayo 0-12 Kerry 5-16
1st Rd 04-Jun Kildare 4-12 Kerry 1-17
NATIONAL HURLING LEAGUE DIV 2B
Sect 2: Rd 3 23-Apr Kerry 2-09 Derry 1-16
Sect 2: Rd 2 17-Apr Offaly 8-22 Kerry 2-07
Sect 2: Rd 1 10-Apr Kerry 6-10 Westmeath 4-18
Rd 5 27-Mar Kerry 3-09 London 1-12
Rd 4 20-Mar Kerry 5-24 Wicklow 2-03
Rd 3 12-Mar Meath 3-13 Kerry 3-12
Rd 2 27-Feb Kerry 6-19 Sligo 4-08
Rd 1 20-Feb Carlow 2-11 Kerry 1-11
U21 HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP
All-Ireland "B" Final 10-Sep Meath 1-17 Kerry 0-16
All-Ireland "B" Semi-final 23-Jul Kerry W Roscommon L
Munster Champ Qtr-final 08-Jun Limerick 4-19 Kerry 2-05
MINOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP
Duhallow Tournament 2005 09-Jul Duhallow 1-12 Kerry 1-05
Duhallow Tournament 2005 25-June Duhallow draw Kerry
All-Ireland "B" Qtr-final 02-Jul Roscommon W Kerry L
Munster Champ Rd 1 01-Apr Cork 4-28 Kerry 0-01
Club
Scene
South Kerry take pride of place with the Senior, Minor and U21 treble.
This was a truly remarkable achievement and reflects great credit on
the work done at Board and school levels in the division.
Finuge
achieved the ultimate with success in the All-Ireland Junior Football
Final and at the time of writing Ardfert remain on course for
success at Munster for this year.
The
introduction of these competitions at National level has certainly added
enormous interest to our own internal competitions.
The
Credit Union County Leagues must remain the main focus for clubs
if we are to maintain a regular games programme. The absence of Inter-County
players is causing difficulties for some clubs, which is unfair in a
promotion/relegation situation.
We
continue to try and streamline the AIB Senior football Championships.
The main complaint is the gap between Round 1 and qtr-finals. Here again
Inter-County activity along with international activity intervenes.
Motions to Convention will ensure discussion on this topic.
Despite
the increased Inter-County hurling activity most of our internal competitions
were completed – exception – U21 Championship.
Lixnaw
deservedly won the AIB Senior Champions and were unlucky in the Munster
Club to Thurles Sarsfields. St. Brendan’s proved too strong at
minor winning both league and championship. Kenmare and Kilgarvan had
success and show signs of a re-emergence in the South.
The
Munster League is a good idea for Kerry clubs but more regular
games are necessary. Kilmoyley must be complimented for their involvement
in the Cork Minor League despite cost and travel.
However
the situation at minor level needs urgent attention, as only two clubs
are now able to field a team on their own.
Fixtures
I wish to pay tribute to Peter Twiss, Chairman of GAC, on his
excellent work in ensuring that the various competitions were completed.
GAC Members:
Chairman -Peter Twiss, Secretary -Éamon O’Sullivan, PRO-Willie
O’Connor, Referees - Michael O’Sullivan, Billy Enright, Michael
Slattery, Jimmy Foley, JP Daly, John O’Connor, John Twiss, Ger
Galvin, Michael Carey, Pat Everett, Pat Delaney.
Kerry
continues to be unique in terms of fixtures in that both county and
divisional boards run similar competitions at all levels in recent years.
It is apparent that some competitions are overlapping, others are far
less than the required standard expected and the rules governing “A”
and “B” lists needs to be standardised across the whole county.
In
particular I think we need to review:
(1) Senior Club Championship format
(2) U21 County Championship
(3) The vast difference in standards by teams in Minor County Championship
(4) The need for all players with potential to play at a higher standard
of competitions within the county.
(5) The possibility of county and divisional running different age groups
(to avoid overlap).
(6) Upgrading the U16 divisional championship to ensure exposure and
experience for potential minors.
(7) Re-examine schedule of games especially at Minor/U16 which seem
to be all run in a hectic 5 weeks in April/May.
(8) Seriously examine the lack of regular competitive game for senior
club players in the July/August and possible September period.
We
have sufficient competitions and games, which have served us well over
the years. But we now need to evaluate these in light of falling numbers
in rural areas, more emphasis on urban areas and the changes for players
and mentors at work, home and leisure.
Discipline
There has been a notable increase in discipline matters over the past
year. In addition to those mentioned in GPC report, a further 44 received
automatic 4-week suspensions.
Divisional Boards and Coiste na nÓg also apply suspensions.
The rules of suspension are now more complicated and are little understood
by players and club mentors. If referees Reports are specific then general
rule must be applied.
We must encourage respect for referees who provide and invaluable service
to our games.
County
Committee must also keep improving the refereeing standards as teams
and mentors expect and deserve only best.
Coaching
The Coaching and Games Development Committee report will highlight the
extent of financial, voluntary and professional expertise, which is
now available.
The clubs and divisional boards are expending large resources in this
area. But the full benefit will only be seen if the work is continued
at club and school level by voluntary, trained people.
There is no doubt that recruitment of people to take charge of teams
within clubs is increasingly becoming more difficult. Yet the corner
stone of the Association has always been the vast amount of activity
undertaken by volunteers be they players, mentors, officials, teachers,
referees or parents. This must continue and the Association at district,
county and national levels must make sure that all necessary support
is given to enable clubs to progress.
The club leadership programmes and Code of Ethics for club officials
have generated a very good response to date. It is hoped that more clubs
will take on board these courses in the New Year.
Administration
The workload of all officers at both County and Club level continues
to grow.
The proposal at National level for a full-time Administrator (non-executive)
to be appointed in every county has met with a mixed response.
After an initial grant it is expected that each county should fund this
appointment from within.
It is difficult to find fault with the overall proposal but we must
now examine:
(a) Terms of reference of an Administrator
(b) The need or otherwise of same
(c) The existing administration system in the county and how it works
(d) The provision of funds for such appointment.
These are issues that we must address in the New Year and report back
to County Committee in due course. Your views and opinions will be welcome.
Tickets
The Board dealt with 11 games involving tickets in 2005. I would like
to place on record my appreciation to all involved – Breda, Kate,
Catherine, Laura, Peter and treasurers John McMahon and John Joe Carroll.
All worked way above the call of duty.
The
Kerry County Board Bye-Law which honours All-Ireland Medal holders with
entitlement to ticket has always been operated by this Committee. Indeed
relatives of those involved have also been accommodated and have appreciated
same.
It was therefore most disappointing to have a local politician air his
critical views on radio on the above subject without courtesy of call
to the Board to establish procedure. Even more surprising when he himself
avails of the byelaw – indeed Kerry is the only county with such
a scheme – and rightly so.
As a politician Mick – you should know that a call to the office
would nearly always solve the problem – not a complaint on local
radio!
Fund-Raising
The Financial Report shows how important fund-raising is to the Board.
We are indebted to the clubs, association and individuals who contributed
to all aspects of fund-raising over the past two years.
Sponsors
Kerry Group continue to sponsor all of our Inter-County teams. Their
invaluable support makes it possible to provide first class conditions
and back-up for our players at all times.
I
also place on record our appreciation of competition sponsors –
namely AIB, The Credit Union, Castleisland Mart, Garveys, P.K’s
Killorglin.
O’Neills
sportswear also provide excellent back up re team gear.
The
AIB “Man of the Match” function continues to be part of County
Final weekend. This year Maurice Fitzgerald and John Griffin were popular
winners.
Congress
Congress 2005 saw the deletion of Rule 42 from the Official Guide. The
Congress was a personal triumph for Uachtaráin Sean O’Ceallaigh
who steered a very difficult issue in a most fair and understanding
manner. The Congress decision put an end to a debate that had the potential
to divide the Association.
Sean will complete his 3-year term at Congress in Killarney next April.
There is no doubt that he has left a deep progressive impression on
the Association and we in the GAA in Kerry can be extremely proud of
his stewardship. The “Person of the year” Award in September
was richly deserved.
Comhairle
na Mumhan
Congratulations to Munster Council on the opening of its new office
complex in Limerick.
The Council continues to support all activities in the county especially
coaching and field development. We congratulate our own Willie O’Connor
who was elected PRO of the Council in April. This was due recognition
for the magnificent work which he continues to do here in the county.
We extend thanks to the Council officers – especially Runaí
Simon Moroney for their help and support.
Media
All aspects of the media continue to publicise, promote and sometimes
criticise the activities of the GAA in Kerry and beyond.
We must continue to put our best profile forward, but as voluntary people,
time does not allow us to always be perfect in what we do.
I
wish to thank Kerryman, Kingdom, Kerry’s Eye and Examiner for local
coverage and Radio Kerry for the high profile given to all our activities.
As an organisation we must constantly review our public profile and
the Ciarraí Abu programme gives us a chance to do this. Other
promotions are to be considered in the New Year.
Once
again I wish to pay tribute to John Barry of the Kerryman who retired
this year for his enormous contribution to GAA coverage over many years.
It
is also appropriate to pay respects to the late Jack Mahon of Galway
who was always available to give advice and encouragement in media matters
and as a former All-Ireland medallist was extremely positive about the
GAA.
Achievements:
Congratulation to the following on their achievements during the year:
-
All-Stars
2005: Diarmuid Murphy, Tomas Ó’Sé, Colm Cooper, Mike
McCarthy
- Christy Ring all-Stars: John Mike Dooley - Causeway
- Person
of the Year: Sean Kelly
- GAA
Presidents Award: Bernie O’Connor – Legion and Fitzgerald
Stadium
- McNamee
Awards: Paul Brennan – Kingdom/The Kerryman
- Weeshie Fogarty – Radio Kerry
- Sigersons
All-Stars: Tadhg Flynn – Causeway/UL
- All-Ireland
Scór na nÓg: Glenflesk
- All-Ireland
Scór Sinséar: Spa
- Kerry
person of the Year: Jack O’Connor
- Shinty
International Team: John Mike Dooley
- Irish
Team (Australia): Eoin Brosnan, Tomás Ó’Sé,
Colm Cooper
- Handball
Player of the Year: Maria Daly, Ballymac
Sympathy
The GAA in Kerry did not escape the sadness of bereavement of both young
and old during the year.
Siobhan
Cotter of Churchill had given freely of her time and expertise to young
people all of her adult life. She became very involved in Scór
and Scór na dPáistí and her sudden death left a
deep sadness – not least for her parents Liam and Teresa and sister
Sinead. The large crowd that attended her funeral was testimony to her
popularity and a fitting tribute to her community involvement.
Dr.
Crokes and Skellig Rangers had to come to terms with the tragic deaths
of young players Ciaran Cahillane and Liam Courtney.
Many
other stalwarts went to their eternal reward including Martin Bracker
Regan, Tim Healy, Haulie Keogh, John O’Callaghan, and Michael Fleming.
All made a significant contribution to the association both on and off
the playing fields.
To
members of GAA in the County who suffered bereavements we extend sympathy
especially Ger Whyte, Willie McAulliffe, JP Hussey, Donie Sheehan and
Pat Egan.
As
I write news is at hand on the death of Tadhg Prendiville (Desmonds)
former Treasurer of County Board and Ciaran O’Neill of Croke Park
who had retired at 2005 Congress from position of Insurance Officer
in GAA.
Guim
Rath Dé ar a namacha uile.
Buíochas
-
2005 was another very busy year for the Board. I wish to record sincere
thanks to all my fellow officers for their great work and cooperation
especially in August/September. The County Committee met on 8 occasions
with the Officers meeting more regularly and bringing forward policy
and decisions to the County Committee. All officers were actively involved
in many sub-committees both within the county and beyond.
-
I
wish to thank the field committees of Austin Stack Park and Fitzgerald
Stadium – especially Vincent Linnane, Pat Egan, Bernie O’Connor,
Mike Looney and Billy Doolan.
-
To the members who give many hours to the Association on our various
sub-committees.
-
To
Tony O’Keeffe and Sean O’Leary at National GAC level; to Danny
Nelligan and his staff at Croke Park Ticket Office and to Kathy Slattery
and Joan Cooney for their help throughout the year from Croke Park.
-
To the teaching staff at Castleisland Community College for their co-operation
and to my family for their understanding of the time involved.
-
Finally to Chairman Sean Walsh sincere thanks for guidance and help
to me. He once again led by example and the Association in the County
continues to progress under his stewardship.
We
will look forward with confidence to 2006.
May
I wish you all a Happy Christmas and a sporting and successful New Year.
Is
mise le fior mheas,
Eamon Ó Suilleabháin
Runaí C.L.G. Chiarraí
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