The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Healthy discussion at Community Games AGM
KERRY Community Games held its annual AGM last Sunday at the Grand Hotel, Tralee. Our special guest of honour was Michael Sheahan of Limerick Community Games and also National Committee.
Chairman Sean O’Sullivan welcomed everyone to the 45th Annual General Meeting and presented the Chairperson’s Report to the meeting. County Secretary Margaret Culloty presented her Secretary’s Report, and we also had the PRO Report, PRO Press, Treasurer Report also presented to the meeting.
Guest speaker Michael Sheahan informed the AGM that he was extremely impressed with how we run our events. He is from Monalee area in Limerick and also ran the Quiz under a new format which he felt worked very well.
He informed the meeting that the May and August National Festivals would be held at the Nationals Sports Campus in Abbotstown, Blanchardstown in Dublin. The date for the May Festival is May 6 with Gymnastics, Judo, Marathon, Swimming, Badminton, Basketball, Cross-country, Draughts, Chess, Futsal, Mixed Distance Relays, Quiz, Spike Ball and Tag Rugby all on the program for this one day competition.
He advised that areas should be looking at sourcing accommodation as travelling up on the morning of the competition would not be advisable because of the possibility of traffic problems, parking, location of events etc. He also stated that he hoped that the Nationals would be based in UL for 2018 and felt that Limerick’s UL was well equipped to host the Games with both its sports facilities and accommodation.
Reflections over the past year was made by County Secretary and discussion took place on various topics.
On-line Registration
Now fully operational but some problems in 2016 due to deadlines not being adhered to or when competitors were omitted. The onus now on areas to register in plenty of time and to double check their entries. It was also recommended that areas print off their panels for the Team Manager to avoid any confusion. The AGM attendees were also informed that the password protocol for online registration will be changed and any problems should be addressed with David on the Helpdesk.
Garda Vetting
All committee members and team managers must be vetted - forms were distributed at the AGM. The process is that each person must compeleted the Vetting Invitation and submit to their Area Secretary or Children’s Officer who will check Id and sign form and return to applicant. The form then needs to be sent to Nationals. An email will be sent to applicant who will have to go online to complete the vetting procedure.
2017 May Festival
Margaret Culloty advised that the May National festival will return with one day of competitions being held in Dublin. Our calendar of events will need to be commence in January. Fixture dates will need to be organised with more events scheduled for Saturdays. There has been some difficulties with dates especially for Basketball and Soccer. Areas were invited to give their views on more events being scheduled for Saturday.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasuer Trish O’Neill was un- able to attend the AGM and in her absence her report was distributed to the attendees at the AGM. Some queries were raised and answered by the County Secretary.
AGM Motions
These motions were discussed at length and voted upon:
1. That the rules relating to disqualification in swimming are clearly explained to competitors before the start of each session, particularly in relation to false starts. [Accepted]
2. Rule change U14 over 12: 80m Hurdles. There will be 6 hurdles 70cms high and spaced 10 meters apart with 15m run up and 15 finish. [Rejected]
AGM Motions – Out of Order
1. Kerry Community Games to rent amplification for athletics weekend at an Riocht Track. [not our facility]
2. Guidelines/rule books for club facilitating and managing events e.g. Indoor Soccer. [Co-ordinator received Panel Forms.]
3. Dancing Competition – both Modern and Contemporary Irish to be reinstated at County Level. [separate motion need to be made for each age group and category]
AGM Recommendations
1. That, if possible, the marking on the running track at the County Finals be made more visible, in particular the change over zones in relays. [The AGM was informed that it was hoped that the surface will be upgraded in the near future – fundraising is being carried out at present]
2. All team competitors to get play time in as far as is reasonably possible.[All children have to be played at Nationals – at county it is very hard to enforce – and it is the responsibility of the manager to promote this.]
3. Adequate stewarding of all events. [This is all areas’ responsibility – more helpers are always required to assist with our county events]
Election of Officers
The following officers were voted upon and duly elected.
President: Brian Lewis (Kenmare)
Vice-President: Kit Horan (Moyvane/Knockanure)
Chairperson: Sean O’Sullivan (Spa/Muckross)
Vice-Chairperson: Patsy O’Connell (Abbeydorney)
Secretary: Margaret Culloty (Firies)
Minutes Secretary: Linda O’Reilly (Rock St/Caherslee)
Treasurer: Patricia O’Neill (Fossa)
Assistant Treasurer: Joan Murphy (Boherbee/Cloghers)
Development Officer: Owen Stack (St Brendans/Oakpark)
PRO Radio: Nelius Collins (Duagh/Lyre)
PRO Press: Margaret Dineen (Castlegregory)
Cultural Officer: James O’Neill (Ballydonoghue)
Childrens’ Officer: Clarissa Michaux (not an elected post)
Youth Officer: Cassandra Myers (Keel/Kiltalagh)