Fifty not out for Frank
St. Martin’s Treasurer in it for the long haul
AS THE GAA enters a new era given the impact of Covid-19 over the past twelve months, it can be said that without doubt the Association is best served by its club officers throughout the country.
While annual meetings generally bring an end to the careers of some officer or other, the St. Martin’s club can proudly claim to have one of the longest-serving officials in the country.
Recognised as a club that leads both on and off the pitch, it was only last year that dedicated Secretary Jack Roche stepped aside after more than 20 years in the post.
But 2021 took on a whole new life of its own when, at the club’s recent annual general meeting, the members saluted the service of Frank Codd, who is setting out on his 50th consecutive year as club Treasurer, making him surely one of the longest-serving club officers in the entire country.
Such is the longevity of the popular official, that he has even managed to outlive his namesake Frank (Murphy) who stepped aside as Cork supremo after some 46 years.
When the popular St. Martin’s clubman does decide to step down, there is no doubt that he will take a nostalgic trip down memory lane to look over the great days in the club.
Apart from the many titles won, there’s also the structural development, taking it from a timber-framed two dressing-rooms in a green field, right up to the present day when it is now one of the top clubs in the country.
Frank took on the role of club Treasurer for the first time back in 1972, when Ireland had not even voted yet in a referendum to join the EEC.
Given all those years behind him, one can fairly assume that it’s a record and quite remarkable achievement to have one person in the same senior officer role in a club for so long.
Born, raised and still living in the parish, in the townland of Drinagh with his wife, Kathleen, it was there that they raised their sons, Shane and Ciarán.
Frank worked in the Department of Agriculture in Johnstown Castle. From a young age the St. Martin’s GAA club was his passion and he played both hurling and football, while also getting involved in the committee workings at a very early stage.
He has been club Treasurer through all its major developments, from the purchase of club lands from the state in 1981, to the development of the centre.
That was followed by the purchase of more land, and more recently the building of the hurling wall, coupled with the installation of floodlights.
Through all of this he has managed the club’s finances with great prudence and has been a constant and calm hand overseeing all developments over those years.
During his 50 years as club Treasurer he has worked with eight different chairmen while continuing to unfailingly keep the club on a steady financial path.
Outside of the GAA, Frank’s other sporting passions are table-tennis and golf.
He was a very talented table-tennis player and was part of a formidable partnership with Jack Roche, who last year stepped down from the club committee after more than 30 years, with more than 20 of those as Secretary.
Frank’s interest in golf remains undimmed and he is now an honorary member of the Rosslare club in recognition of his years of service there, having spent ten years as Secretary.
St. Martin’s club Chairman, Cian O Lionáin, described it as a phenomenal achievement and one Frank can rightly feel proud of. The club is indebted to Frank and proud of his record contribution to St. Martin’s.
THE ENNISCORTHY Hockey Club Six Nations fundraiser top five leaderboard was updated during the week and we’ve seen some familiar faces holding on tight, with some new faces pushing on as we head into the final few weeks of the tournament.
Remember to get your predictions in on the club website form before 12 noon on Saturday, March 13, to be in with a chance to push ahead in the fundraiser.
Our Junior and Youth Zoom extravaganza will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 13. There is still time to sign up, so please email enniscorthyhockeypro@ gmail.com if you want to join in on some fun activities.