Geraldines had plenty to celebrate and savour in 2019
IT was an a year when the club’s ladies became the king pins of the county, winning the senior crown for the first time. So Geraldines had something to b e very proud of as they reviewed the past season, when the senior men also re-established themselves as contenders for silverware, and the club with much to savour.
For instance the redevelopment of the main pitch was completed and opened again in May while the back pitch reopened in March after undergoing maintenance works.
Probably however, the big highlight and the social event of the year in the parish was the Mighty Marquee weekend incorporating the club’s own version of the popular Strictly Come Dancing and it’s very own Oscars.
Secretary Paula Hand reflecting on the ladies performance in her annual report, commented they enjoyed another ‘fantastic year,’ which saw them nearly pull off a league and championship double, being beaten by Cooley in the league final when missing eight of their starting 15. But they gained sweet revenge when they defeated the Peninsula ladies in the championship final
They went on to win the subsidiary league against a very good Roche team with the Minor and some U16 players
Steward Wilson Grounds Supervisor at Croke Park who oversaw the redevelopment of the main pitch remained in contact over the year when further improvement work was undertaken.
The secretary said a new lawn mower was purchased in February and came in very handy in among other ways in the filming of the Father Ted segment of the Oscars, while the back pitch gained a new set of goal posts, sponsored by The Neptune Pub
The Secretary referring to the Mighty Marquee weekend stated it was the club’s major funding raising event in 2019.
Thirty six dancers took part in the Strictly Come Dancing competition, with five fantastic films portrayed, involving a line-up of 55 budding actors and actresses
The secretary said those ‘who took part in both events cannot be thanked enough for the time, commitment and more importantly the sponsorship money they brought to the club. New friendships were formed, and some groups are still partying to this day! Thank you must go to the Social Committee and those club members who worked endlessly before and during the event.’
In her overall assessment, the secretary concluded ‘ this year has been a great year for our club with highs and lows. We had a great football season, but we lost some great friends and colleagues along the way, including Gerry Reenan our past Chairperson.
‘With so much football as you see from juvenile report, I am confident our future is in safe and secure hands. This is due to the tremendous work the managers, mentors and committee put in at all levels.
‘Many of our senior men, ladies and underage players represented the club on county teams which again is a testament to the fantastic managers and mentors we possess - long may this work continue.’