Joe Pollard steps down as tresurer to acclaim

The annual general meeting of Lismore GAA Club took last Saturday evening at the clubhouse. Chairman Colin Kearney, opened proceedings by welcoming all attendees and he asked all present to hold a minute’s silence for those who had passed away during 2023.

The chairman then complimented the works completed at the clubhouse and thanked local business Vee Construction, which carried out the refurbishments. The secretary, Emer Barry, then read out the minutes of the last annual general meeting. Matters arising and correspondence throughout the year followed and she then handed over proceedings to outgoing treasurer, Joe Pollard, for his year-end financial report. The treasurer acknowledged the continued work that the fundraising committee carries out each year confirming that the club is on a sound financial footing. He concluded by thanking all those who contributed to the club both financially and to those who give of their time voluntarily.

He extended praise to the lotto committee for tirelessly fundraising and collecting monies for fifty nights a year to ensure the day to day running costs of the club are met. Joe made it known that he is stepping down as treasurer and from the lotto committee of the club and a round of applause followed, showing the appreciation of his work over the last fifteen years.

The secretary, Emer Barry, then read out her comprehensive report for 2023. She praised the work done by both the juvenile and adult club in developing players that go on the represent the Lismore club at inter county level. The club competed in senior, junior, U20 and minor hurling. Teams also competed in junior and minor football. She thanked the outgoing senior management of Brendan Landers and his team who gave their time and effort over the last year. While results didn't go our way, we retained our senior hurling status for 2024.

She continued by emphasising how important the next few years are in terms of development and this in turn will be the key to a successful club and rewards will soon follow. She thanked both the Blackwater Community School and particularly Bunscoil Bhothar na Naomh primary school for their continued commitment on developing and honing exciting new talented and skilful hurlers who will surely in the not too distant future progress onto the senior ranks within the Lismore club. The recent Munster U17 hurling title was duly noted.

The camogie club was thanked for their continued support. To have a successful camogie club at underage and Intermediate level shows that Lismore are very well represented in both codes. Both the GAA and camogie club ran a joint Fun Day event earlier in the year and this was a huge success.

The secretary ended her report by thanking the fundraising committee who ran events including a fashion show, a golf classic, table quizzes and a Christmas Fair to raise vital funds for the club throughout the year. A new year brings renewed enthusiasm and a new season along with new facilities bodes well for the future of Lismore GAA and she offered her best wishes to all teams that will play for Lismore in 2024.

The chairman thanked the development committee and the fundraising committee on the huge work they have already carried out and will continue to do so for the next few years to bring all plans to fruition. He thanked Lismore AFC for their support throughout the soccer season as they continue to use the Astro pitch facility. The chairman noted players in attendance at the AGM and that their involvement outside of playing in the club is hugely important.

The financial sustainability of the club was hugely important and while we have a core group of tireless volunteers, we need more people to come on board. The chairman then thanked our main hurling sponsor, Maurice Dunne Motors. Maurice is a huge advocate of Lismore GAA and we are grateful of his continued sponsorship.

Next on the agenda was the election of officers. The following are the list of officers for the 2024: president: May Lawton; vice presidents: Fr Michael Cullinan, Br JL Dormer,

Dr Barry Lordan, Michael McGrath, Michael Quann, John Flynn, Christy Brien, Jimmy O'Gorman, Patsy Buckley, Eddie Nugent; chairman: Colin Kearney; vice chairman: Dan Geoghegan; secretary: Emer Barry; asst. secretary: Maria Prendergast; treasurer: TBC; asst. treasurer: TBC; PRO: Emmet Quann; registrar: Tom Hannon; insurance officer: Colin Kearney; oifigiuil na Gaeilgóir: Eimear de Barra; child welfare officer: Mark O’Riordan; health and wellbeing officer: Eric O'Sullivan; juvenile club coaching officer: Dave Barry; committee members: Maria Prendergast, Trish Morrissey, Dave Barry, Eric O'Sullivan, Jimmy O'Gorman, Aidan Ormonde, John Landers, Kevin O'Mahony, Oliver Lineen, Paddy Foley, Sharon Cummins, William Cunningham, Dom O'Connell, John Whelan, Craig Tobin, Padraig O'Neill, Joe O'Keeffe Snr, Pa Cummins, Colette Fitzgerald, Fintan O'Connor.

Field committee: Eddie Nugent, John Landers, Dave Barry, Emmet Quann. Senior and junior hurling management: Shane Kearney, John Heneghan Jnr, Brian Leahy, Craig Tobin with S&C coach Brian Howard. Junior football management: TBC. U20 hurling management: Eugene Brien, John Skehan, Fintan

O'Connor. Minor hurling and football management: Pa Cummins, John O’Dwyer, Maurice Shanahan, Paul Kearney.

The meeting concluded with an emphasis on the role of the volunteer. It is the incredible work carried out by volunteers, young and old, male and female, from every single walk of life which drives this remarkable organisation and keeps it fresh, relevant and a critically important part of the lives of Irish people.

Being involved in the GAA gives a sense of fulfilment which is unrivalled. It brings membership of the biggest club in Ireland, puts one right at the heart of Irish culture and provides a pastime for every member of the family (GAA 2024).

SYMPATHIES

Lismore GAA Club would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the O'Grady family following the recent death of Martin O'Grady, brother to Tom O'Grady. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. LOTTO

This week’s results: Numbers drawn: 5, 6, 12, 21. No winner. €20 consolation prize: Ena and Christy Brien, John O’Donnell, Eileen Tinnelly, Billy O’Shea. Next week’s jackpot will be €2,450.