Reliable Seery continues to do his bit for Sligo Ladies Football
THIS AFFABLE Cloonacool native has become the man for all seasons in the Sligo Ladies Football arena.
Martin Seery is the new chairperson of Sligo LGFA, the latest role for the multi-tasker who quietly get on with his work in an unassuming manner.
A familiar face on committees, along sidelines and at the gates of GAA pitches around the county, he also chaired the Sligo LGFA Executive Committee back in 2004.
When previously elected to this important position he actually missed the AGM of 2003 as he was recovery from surgery at the then Sligo General Hospital (now Sligo University Hospital).
He spent 2004 and 2005 in the chairperson’s hotseat, two years that saw Sligo finish runners-up in the LGFA All-Ireland Junior Championship (they contested a third successive final in 2006 and won, beating Leitrim at Croke Park).
This year marks the 20th anniversary of his first spell as chairperson.
“I think the same challenges are there now as back then [2004],” Seery maintained.
“But there are more financial pressures on the County Board now. We have the Club 300 fundraiser and I think there could be scope for other fundraisers. We have some very good sponsors as well.”
“There is more interest in Ladies Football and, thankfully, more participants. Getting people involved to help is an issue – we always need more coaches, more volunteers and more people for committees.”
At County Board level, Seery has held almost every role – over the years he has been secretary, PRO, treasurer and vice-chairperson.
He has been one of Sligo LGFA’s delegates to Central Council and has been involved with Connacht LGFA, most recently as treasurer.
For the coming year, Seery would like to develop the progress made by his predecessor, Raymond Carden.
A big thing for Sligo LGFA would be the county’s adult team winning the TG4 All-Ireland Junior Championship title. It is also vital that they retain their Division Three status in the Lidl Ladies National Football League – after two games they’ve drawn with Offaly and lost to Clare, both away fixtures.
“In any committee of any organisation you’re relying on good people around you.
“On the pitch, I would love to see Sligo build on the success of the U-16 and U-18 teams from last year. Getting to two All-Ireland finals in those grades was a phenomenal achievement.
“It is now 18 years since we won the All-Ireland Junior title – it would be great to be a contender this year.”
He continued: “We have to make sure that the clubs are catered for – I think we have plenty of competitions are underage level.
“There is also great work being done in our schools – look at St Attracta’s contesting to Connacht finals [Junior and Senior] and winning one of them.”
The eventual integration of the GAA, Ladies Gaelic Football Association and the Camogie Association is something that Seery welcomes. “Will it work? Go to the grassroots – there are a lot of clubs that field teams in Ladies Football, hurling, Gaelic football and camogie. These clubs put in the effort and make it work.
“But I do think that Ladies Football clubs that are established standalone clubs, the likes of St Nathy’s and Eoghan Rua for example, will be retained when integration happens.”
Seery, who has been dealing with people and situations for over two decades in the LGFA, has a simple mantra that he aims to adhere to.
“I always try to be fair with people. If I have a difference of opinion with someone today and I
The number of years since Martin Seery was first chairperson of the Sligo LGFA executive.
LADIES Football is 30 years in Sligo, with Seery first getting involved in December of 1998 after being approached by fellow Cloonacool man Michael Rowley. “There are probably easier hobbies!” Seery says. “But I have an interest in sport and the LGFA were the first organisation that I got involved in. I have encountered some terrific people through the LGFA. There are so many who do a lot of unseen work for Ladies Football.
“It is always good to bring in new faces where possible because every year some great people move on from roles [on the County Board].”
Seery, who is in his 50s, would also like to see more female coaches and managers in Ladies Football. He is also enthused by the fact that so many former county players go back to their own clubs to take up coaching and administrative positions.
Seery added: “In 12 months’ time I would love to be able to look back on a successful year for Sligo teams and that clubs would have enjoyed another year of Ladies Football.”
With Seery at the helm for 2024, Sligo LGFA is in good hands.