Fr. Dunne praises clubs
WICKLOW GAA President Fr. Liam Dunne got proceedings underway at County Convention on Monday evening with a passionate address to delegates at county buildings in Aughrim.
‘Another year has passed, and we come together to review a past year and to make plans for the future,’ he said. The secretary, in her report, has given a comprehensive review of activities of the year. The various subcommittees have also outlined their reports in great detail. I compliment them on their presentations.
‘All those reports indicate a county that is striving for success; something that has alluded us for a long time, and for far too long.
‘The year under review is gone, and this evening is an opportunity for us all to review and make changes where we feel is necessary.
‘We should not be afraid to address the issues that need to be addressed. It’s a very healthy sign when we are not only capable of but willing to face up to our faults and failings.
‘While success on the inter-county scene was limited, the amount of work that went on within the county was relentless. When we examine the number of volunteers involved and their commitment and loyalty, then success, I believe, will eventually come.
‘So, let us not be disheartened. Keep in. You, the clubs, are the very heartbeat of the association. How many times have we heard that? But it is true.
‘It is important then, that in spite of population shifts and present-day financial constraints that all our clubs continue to make progress in every sphere that they set out to do’.
Fr Liam warned that Wicklow GAA must ensure that ‘further erosion of our clubs must not take place’ when he spoke about the ‘decimation’ of rural communities before turning his attention to communication.
‘Communication plays a big part in our efforts to get our message out to the general public,’ he began.
The President paid tribute to this newspaper and the county PRO Bridget Kenny for her work, highlighting the annual yearbook as a ‘credit to her’.
‘One of the disappointments for me, and I speaking for myself, over the past year was the fact that East Coast Radio failed to broadcast the county Senior football and hurling finals. Two of the biggest sporting occasions in our county, events that have an interest far beyond the borders of Wicklow and indeed of our country.
‘Finally, I thank the Cathaoirleach and his fellow officers for all their work, and on our behalf and you the delegates for your efforts in continuing to work for the promotion and expansion of our Gaelic games in your respective areas and throughout our county,’ he added.
Fr Liam Dunne then concluded his address with a prayer:
‘Direct, we beseech you, O Lord, all our actions and accompany them with your assistance that every prayer and good work of ours may be begun by you and through you be likewise ended,’ he said.