New sense of optimism palpable in Wee County
FOLLOWING many years of stagnation and inactivity under previous regimes, there was huge appetite for change at last month’s Louth GAA County Convention in Darver.
The old guard therefore were unceremoniously voted out, with the new chairman Peter Fitzpatrick and the other newly elected officers receiving overwhelming support from club delegates.
In his acceptance speech Fitzpatrick promised an open and transparent board going forward and assured the delegates that no stone would be left unturned in the pursuit of improving Louth’s football fortunes.
His enthusiasm and passion for the job of work ahead was refreshing and that positive, feelgood factor ensured everyone departed the annual gathering with a renewed sense of hope for 2020 and beyond.
However, with a General Election looming large on the horizon, I was a little unsure as to when Fitzer’s work would actually begin.
Those doubts were soon dispelled, however, with the pace of change that has been sweeping through the corridors of Louth GAA headquarters in recent weeks.
Despite the fact he was only elected to the role a few days before Christmas, the new County Board chairman has wasted little time in getting stuck into the key issues that have crippled football in the Wee County over the previous decade or more.
The first County Board meeting of 2020 attracted a burgeoning attendance of 200 where open debate finally returned. Discussion was encouraged and key issues were debated and probed on the floor without fear of sanction from the top table.
The long-standing problem of fixtures structure and scheduling is being tackled, with input from all stakeholders.
The specific problems of football and participation levels in our two main urban centres was also addressed, with two separate meetings, one each in Drogheda and Dundalk, already having taken place.
Previously ostracised media members, who merely did their jobs in highlighting the deficiencies of the previous board, were welcomed back into the fold and actually elected onto the PR/IT Committee.
Fitzpatrick also personally contacted a group of 16 past inter-county players (including this columnist) seeking their help in assessing what and where Louth football can improve on.
The group met last Friday night in Darver, the first time many in the group had set foot inside a meeting room in the building, where all the current ills of Louth GAA were openly debated.
Following two hours of solid and passionate discussion, four keys areas were identified, namely Development Squads, Primary Schools & Underage, Coach Educations and Second & Third Level.
Four working groups were appointed and tasked with coming up with proposals to improve each area.
Each group will present their ideas and findings to the main group and other stakeholders at the next meeting on February 17th.
With the work of the new Stadium Committee continuing at pace, there is a renewed sense of optimism for Louth GAA in the coming year, something many Louth Gaels could not have countenanced just two months ago.
Finally, well done to Aidan Shevlin and his Under-20s squad who followed up their victory over Tyrone the weekend before last with another Leo Murphy Cup win on Saturday, this time away to Antrim in Belfast.
That win, coupled with the drawn clash of Down and Tyrone, has earned Louth a final berth against Mayo next weekend.