New head of Coiste na nOg is ratified
CIARAN Banville (Donaghmore/ Ashbourne) was ratified to succeed the late Jim Condra as chairperson of Coiste na nOg at last Tuesday night’s county committee meeting in Nobber.
Andrew Lenehan (St Patrick’s) is the new vice-chairperson, while Ciaran Flynn (Dunsany) continues as secretary. Aidan Quinn (Ballinabrackey) moves from PRO to assistant secretary, with Fintan Porter (O’Mahony’s) now the PRO.
Skryne delegate Joe O’Brien sought clarification on the number of teams to be relegated from the Junior Football Championship at the end of the year.
Peter O’Halloran, chairman of the CCC, said that the regulations state that one club will be relegated.
Children’s Officer Michael Bennett reminded club delegates that all persons involved with underage teams must be Garda-vetted. He also stated that it was now a criminal offence for anyone to be involved with underage teams who is not Garda-vetted.
The onus is on the individual and club concerned and the Children’s Officer urged delegates to bring this message back to their club and said it was the law of the state and not a GAA law. Umpires, linesmen and all involved with underage games must also be vetted, according to the legislation.
Joe O’Brien said parts of the legislation would be impossible to implement as it was very difficult to get umpires and linesmen for some matches. Coaching officer Noel Dempsey urged clubs to contact their public representatives in an effort to bring some sanity to the legislation.
Nominations for the position of Meath senior hurling manager will be with the clubs in the coming week, with outgoing manager Martin Ennis yet to indicate his intentions for 2018.
Treasurer Jim Mullery outlined the admission charges for forthcoming club championship matches. Admission for adults up to and including the championship quarter finals will be €10. It will be €15 for semi-finals and €15 for finals. Admission for students/OAPs up to the semi-finals will be €5 - €10 for finals.
The treasurer apologised for some confusion at venues where students and OAPs were charged €8 for admission to opening-round football games.
He also warned clubs not to abuse the system where 38 passes are issued to players on match days - 30 for players and eight for club mentors and officials. He said that in the past a number of people had appeared with passes who were not involved with teams.
Tributes were paid to former Carnaross stalwart Aidan Gillic who passed away recently, while chairman Conor Tormey sent best wishes to his predecessor Barney Allen who is recovering from illness.