Carden is confident that LGFA will thrive
Raymond Carden steps down after four years as chair of Sligo LGFA
GAA EVENT: Sligo U-20 goalkeeper Ethan Carden, centre, is pictured with family members at last Friday’s Sligo GAA gala banquet in the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa. At this event the winning Sligo U-20 squad (Connacht winners and All-Ireland runners-up) and senior squad (Allianz Football League Division Four champions) were presented with their medals. Carden’s dad, Raymond, this week stepped down as Sligo LGFA chairperson after four years in the role.
RAYMOND Carden believes that Sligo LGFA has a bright future ahead. The Enniscrone man, who stepped down as chairperson of Sligo LGFA after four years in the role, was enthused by happenings on and off the pitch this year.
2023 marked the 30th anniversary of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association in the county and Sligo won two provincial titles and then contested two LGFA All-Ireland ‘B’ finals at U-16 and Minor level (losing to Kerry in both). In his address to Monday’s Sligo LGFA annual general meeting at the Clayton Hotel, Carden reflected positively on his four years in the hotseat.
“I will look back fondly on my four-year term as chairperson. I’m honored and proud of the work I’ve done along with my fellow Executive Committee members, since 2019,” said the west Sligo man, who spent five years as chairperson of
Eoghan Rua LGFA Club.
He has had a variety of roles in Sligo LGFA and has represented the county as a provincial and national delegate. Carden maintained that positions on the Executive Committee are demanding and time consuming.
Indeed, he cited additional work and family commitments as the reason behind his decision not to seek another term in the chair.
The outgoing chairperson maintains that the LGFA must improve and streamline certain matters, including the female squad charter (for intercounty players), national fixtures schedule and funding.
“Of course we want to secure the best for our [adult] intercounty players at this level but it does not allow for the use of funds to help build from the bottom up. “The rising costs of providing for an adult county team can force County Boards to fund these costs using money ringfenced for the
The number of All-Ireland finals contested by Sligo LGFA underage teams in the 2023 season. development of other teams. “Although there is a grant provided by Croke Park, this would not even cover meal costs for adult county teams. It is simply insufficient to meet the female squad charter and to implement it effectively.
“The LGFA [at national level] needs to take accountability in providing substantial funding to County Boards.”
He explained how Sligo LGFA’s membership has grown and so too have the costs associated with overseeing the sport. But financial issues were dealt with he says.
“When I stepped into this role, Sligo LGFA’s finances were not in a healthy position, with a deficit of €25,000 and an annual turnover of approximately €110,000.
“Now, in 2023, our annual turnover is approximately €185,000 with an annual surplus over the last four years, despite additional and rising costs.
“Our expenditure for this year was €176,000. This included extra costs
SLIGO LGFA COUNTY BOARD
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FOR 2024: Martin Seery (chairperson), Gerry Quinn (vice chairperson), Aoife Connolly (secretary), Laura Walsh (treasurer), Colm McGurran (Connacht LGFA delegate), Paul Healy (Connacht LGFA delegate), Raymond Carden (LGFA Central Council delegate), Martin Seery (LGFA Central Council delegate).
The following four roles have yet to be filled – assistant secretary, registrar, public relations officer, cultural and Irish language officer.
incurred by the success of two of our underage teams in reaching AllIreland finals, joyful costs to bear as it were!”
Carden said that funds have been set aside for a development fund (it is currently almost €27,000) and Sligo LGFA hold a cash reserve of €63,000. Prudent spending has helped as well as regular fundraising. Carden emphasises that resources have been allocated when and where it is needed by county teams.
“When I became chairperson, we had to chase sponsorship. This has changed greatly over the past four years – now it is a case of businesses and individuals approaching us, looking to sponsor our teams and our organisation.”
All in all, Carden steps down having enjoyed the experience of the chairperson’s role.
He added: “I’m satisfied and proud of where Sligo LGFA now stands. I’ve met some wonderful people and have been afforded many great opportunities in the role as chairperson and for that I am extremely grateful.
“I’ve watched the organisation flourish. Thanks to hard work and a determined attitude we have achieved a lot. Sligo LGFA is in a better place heading into
2024.”
Carden’s successor is Martin
Seery, a longtime selfless stalwart of
LGFA.