GAA club reflects on a year like no other at online AGM
THE hon. Secretary of Charleville G.A.A. Club, Christy Dennehy, gave a very comprehensive report to the club’s annual general meeting for 2020, which was held on Zoom.
He said that everybody will remember the past year for different reasons. For many it has been a very difficult year, for the club members it was hard to see how the year would progress in a safe environment, and thanks to all who ensured this was possible.
A highlight for the year was the senior ‘A’ hurlers victory, winning the Cork County Championship, This victory gave everyone a great lift at this time, and we also acknowledge how fortunate we were to have this competition completed.
Senior Hurling
In his report, Mr. Dennehy stated: “Our Division 1 hurling league campaign was due to commence on the 16th February against Kanturk but was postponed due to weather conditions.
“We began our campaign with a home game on 23rd February against Killeagh which we won 1-17 to 0-13. In round 3 we travelled to Newcestown, where a very late goal for the home team denied us our second win of the league, final score 1-14 apiece. Unfortunately, that completed our league programme due to the Covid-19 restrictions.
“The senior hurling championship commenced on the 1st August, our group consisting of Charleville, Bandon, Mallow, Fermoy with the top two to qualify for quarter finals. In round 1 we played Bandon in Mourneabbey, we dominated the first quarter and were up 6 points but an injury to Jack Buckley seemed to upset us and allowed Bandon back into the game, however a good scoring spree in the second half saw us emerge on a score of 3-21 to 0-17 for a very convincing win.
“Our next game against Mallow turned out to be a very hard fought and at times very physical game. We
won on a score of 0-22 to 1-16 where Cian Collins had a great penalty save late in the game which would have left only a point between us.
“In our final game in the group saw us play Fermoy in Kildorrery on the 29th August. Having dominated the game from the start we won comfortably on a score 3-21 to 0-15 to top the group. In the semi-final we were pitted against Kanturk in Mallow on 26st Sept and after a terrific game we won 2-26 to 3-17 to qualify for the county final against Fr O’Neill’s.
“The final in Páirc Ui Chaoimh on 4th Oct played in blustery conditions saw us trail at half time 1-11 to 0-5. We dominated the second half but Fr O’Neill’s ability to get goals at crucial stages allowed them to stay in the game. We survived to win 1-23 to 4-13 to qualify to play in the premier grade of hurling for 2021.
“Our thanks to the management team of Claude Gough, Mervyn Gammell, Brendan Dennehy and their backroom team.”
Continuing, he said, “The year was certainly unusual as all games
were played with very few spectators allowed, our thanks to all for being so understanding in this situation.
“To facilitate all those who could not attend all games were streamed and we are grateful to Brian Fitzgerald for being able to do this for us. Sincere thanks to Eddie O’Connell, Maurice O’Brien and James Kennedy for their commentary on the games.
“I welcome Mark Foley to the club as manager of the senior hurling team and wish him and all involved all the best for the year ahead.”
Junior Hurling
Charleville participated in the Junior hurling Championship in a group with Buttevant, Ballygiblin and Harbour Rovers.
We played Buttevant in round one, but were defeated 2-13 to 3-18 having
led for long stages. Ballygiblin and Harbour Rovers both beat us in the next two rounds.
This was a very young team many of whom were playing at this level for the first time, however they acquitted themselves well playing against very experienced opposition.
Thanks to the management team of Brian Barrett, Mark Dineen and Brian O’Connell.
Football
We played Buttevant in our opening game of U/21B Football championship and won 1- 6 to 1-2 but Clyda Rovers beat us by a point 2-7 to 1-11 in our second game and we failed to qualify for final stages.
In Junior football we only played one league game against Ballyclough on 1st March winning 3-16 to 2-8 before the league was abandoned due to Covid-19 pandemic.
The championship commenced without spectators, and here, where Charleville recorded good wins over Ballyclough, Liscarroll/Churchtown and Kilshannig. They then met Kilworth in the semi-final in Kildorrery on the 19th September winning by a point 1-9 to 0-11, to qualify for the final against Buttevant, which has yet to be played.
Our thanks to Pat Donnelly, PJ Halloran, Rory Herbert and Moss Fitzgibbon for their dedication and passion they brought to the football in Charleville this year.
Finance
On finance, he said that this year our ability to generate income was reduced greatly while our outgoings continued.
We are indebted to Martin Condon and Cavanagh’s of Charleville for their most generous support. Thanks also to Lee’s Centra and SuperValu for their continued support throughout the year
“The Club lotto is our only source of income at present which is also available online and I would encourage every member to join. I urge members to support the County Board Draw (Rebels’ Bounty), which has some very attractive prizes, the first prize each month being €20,000 rising to €30,000 for April and September and €100,000 for December. In addition, there are thirty other prizes each month,” said Christy.
Sympathy
“The club would like to extend sincere sympathy to all who suffered bereavements during the year and these will be remembered at the Annual Club Mass which will hopefully be celebrated later in the year if restrictions allow.
“Finally, I wish to thank the officers and committee for their help and support over the past year and wish them the best for 2021,” he concluded.