Tubberclair GAA hosted a very well attended AGM within the surrounds of their clubhouse in recent times.
A thorough account of the club’s numerous underage and adult teams was relayed to those present with each mentor from nursery grade to championship contenders at U17 providing a detailed report of which the underage secretary, Adrain Dolan, read out in full.
Minor chairman, Tom Slevin, thanked all the various mentors/parents for being hugely involved at the different age groups and although numbers are tight in some groups, it is imperative to keep all players interested and proud of playing for Tubberclair.
Treasurer, David Martin, gave a detailed statement of the club’s financial affairs, the various fundraising initiatives during the year, club lotto, golf classic, race night and numerous draws. He was sincerely thanked by those in attendance for his diligent approach to the club’s finances.
Kevin Keegan provided a report on the registrar numbers and Alan Keegan updated his report on the injury fund administration.
John O’Meara, in his role as adult secretary, provided a comprehensive report on the football achievements of 2023, division 2, intermediate championship, division 5 and Junior B championship. Although the first team reached the semi final of the intermediate championship and were narrowly beaten by the eventual winners St Malachys, it was seen as a poor end to the 2023 season. This disappointment stems from the fact that the team had lost a replay in the final 12 months previous and ambitions were high in 2023. The secretary urged the players to “plough on” and to get out onto the pitch and play with a smile on their face.
The second team, in contrast, had a good season, narrowly missing promotion from division 5, beaten by the two promoted teams, also reaching a Junior B final and being pipped by the more senior team of Coralstown Kinnegad. Management of the first team, Martin McCabe, Dermot McCabe, Daniel Sammon and both co-ordinators Matt Keegan and Seamus ‘The Bomber’ Greene were thanked for their efforts in trying to get the lads to the ‘promised land’. Gerry Walker and Dermot Claffey and co-ordinator John O’Meara were thanked for their efforts at Junior B level.
The new management of Daniel Sammon, Gary Connaughton, Paul Madden and Danny Sammon were wished the best of luck for the coming season. The secretary also thanked the ladies for taking up the baton on some very important positions and projects, both Gillian Buckley and Jackie Killian for looking after Child Protection/Liason Officer respectively.
The chairman, Bob McGonagle, thanked and praised everyone for both their efforts and diligence to the club, outlining some capital projects for the year, ball stoppers, new floodlights, new fencing and new scoreboard. He was confident that the club should receive support through the Capital Grant Programme, but may have to undertake a special fundraiser to match the contribution costs.
The chairman covered a summary of all the reports and indicated that the club was in a healthy position and was hoping that a number of the winning minor footballers from 2022 and beaten finalists in 2023 would go on to play in the adult ranks in the near future.
With there being no motions the meeting progressed to the election of Officers to the Club for 2024, those elected being Honorary Presidents Sonny Farrell, Jim O’Hara and Paddy Sammon.
Chairman - Bob McGonagle; Minor Board Chairman - Tom Slevin; Treasurer - David Martin; Assistant Treasurer - Matt Keegan; Adult Secretary- John O’Meara; Assistant Secretary - Adrian Dolan; PRO - Grainne Walker; Coach Development Officer - Barry Rafferty; Child Protection Officer - Gillian Buckley; Child Liason Officer - Jackie Killian; County Board Reps - Michael Fagan, Gerry Walker, Willie John McCormack and Tom Slevin.
