Annual general meeting update
The Lismore GAA Annual General Meeting was held in the community centre last Saturday evening, November 27 and was well attended by officials, members and players. The past year has been extremely challenging both on and off the field and the emergence of another new Covid variant namely Omicron means that increased vigilance will have to continue into the new season should we want to avoid another lockdown.
Club secretary Emer Barry opened proceedings and welcomed all attendees noting that we remained within the grips of a pandemic and asked for a minute’s silence for all those who had lost a loved one in the past year. She continued her opening address stating that there will be a lot to look forward to with exciting times only just around the corner with the imminent completion of our new AstroTurf facility. Committee member Jimmy O’Gorman complimented the club saying that past and present officials, members and players should be hugely proud of their achievement in getting this state of the art facility completed. The community have indeed responded en masse to fundraising and now has an amenity to match any successful club in the country.
A congratulatory note was then read out by the secretary from club president May Lawton. May wished the club all the best and congratulated members on achieving this wonderful new facility. The secretary continued her report by thanking all those who contributed to the fundraising drive and who followed through on this fantastic vision. The sub-committee were thanked who organised yet another annual golf classic. She added that there will be a further need for fundraising in the future but when people can see the fruition of all that hard work, it allows for continued support from far and wide. She thanked the club lotto committee who, week in and week out, run our successful lotto. The Hegarty and Coughlan families were thanked for their contribution to the weekly lotto. She also thanked Michael O’Leary of The Red House who has been the main club sponsor for the last two years.
The secretary continued by thanking Eddie Nugent who with the help of Community Employment Scheme workers helped keep the field and grounds in pristine condition. The secretary continued by emphasising how important the next few years are in terms of development and this in turn will be the key to a successful club and rewards will soon follow. She thanked both the Blackwater Community School and particularly Bunscoil Bhothar na Naomh primary school for their continued commitment on developing and honing exciting new talented and skilful hurlers who will surely in the not too distant future progress onto the senior ranks within the Lismore club.
Appreciation was forwarded to William Cunningham, Eric O’Sullivan and Paudie Prendergast for their work on the maintenance and upkeep of the community centre and for their contribution towards the introduction of new gym equipment. The secretary thanked members of the Lismore Tennis Club who continue to use the courts beside the Community Centre. It was great to see another facility being utilised and enjoyed to the full during the summer months. The camogie club was thanked for their continued support. To have a successful camogie club at underage and senior level proves that inter-association working is alive and well in Lismore. The secretary ended her report by stating that while Covid-19 has made it harder for everyone, the new season along with new facilities bodes well for the future of Lismore GAA Club.
The treasurer Joe Pollard then gave his annual breakdown of the club accounts. Most notably it was the impact of Covid-19 that became a significant financial challenge. The new astroturf facility is near completion and this will lead to further fundraising events being held to offset the running costs. The club is on a sound financial footing and he concluded by thanking all those who contributed to the club both financially and indeed voluntarily.
The chairman Colin Kearney addressed the attendees and thanked all for keeping faith in the black and amber. He thanked the senior management team of Dave Barry, Robbie O’Sullivan and Fintan O’Connor. While being knocked out by Roanmore, to retain our senior status was paramount and acknowledged that the senior team were in excellent shape and would bode well for 2022. The chairman thanked Jack Prendergast, Iarlaith Daly and the entire Waterford panel for giving their time and commitment in 2021. He thanked outgoing junior hurling selectors Ollie Lineen, Joe Tobin, Aidan Ormonde and Emmet Quann for their work over the last few years with the team. Eric O’Sullivan was thanked for his commitment with the junior football team. He continued by adding that the vision of development was coming to fruition and it will stand as pride of the club as we embark on a new chapter for this great town.
The chairman thanked the development committee and the fundraising committee chaired by Dave Barry on the huge work they have already carried out and will continue to do so for the next few years to bring all plans to fruition. To have the AstroTurf completed and the securing of a second pitch was indeed an historic occasion and one all members and players could look forward to in the coming weeks. The financial sustainability of the club was hugely important and while we have a core group of tireless volunteers we need more people to come on board.
Next on the agenda was the election of officers. The following are the list of officers for the coming year: President: May Lawton, vice presidents: Fr Michael Cullinane, Br. JL Dormer, Dr Barry Lordan, Michael McGrath, Michael Quann, Michael O’Leary Snr, John Flynn, Christy Brien, Jimmy O’Gorman, Patsy Buckley, Eddie Nugent. Chairman: Colin Kearney, vice Chairman: Dan Geoghegan, secretary: Emer Barry. Ass Secretary: Maria Prendergast, treasurer: Joe Pollard, ass treasurer: Emmet Quann. PRO: Emmet Quann. Registrar: Tom Hannon, ass registrar: Joe Tobin. Insurance officer: TBC, social media officer: William Cunningham, oifigiuil na gaeilgóir: Eimear de Barra, senior hurling management: Dave Barry, Robbie O’Sullivan, Fintan O’Connor and Craig Tobin. The chairman closed the meeting by wishing all teams and mentors the very best of luck in 2022 in their quest for silverware.
LISMORE GAA CHRISTMAS FAIR
Our annual Christmas fair will be held on Sunday, December 5th from 12 noon to 5pm. Stands will include; loads of varied local produce; sweet treats by Something Nice, knitted toys and handmade cards, baking by Helen, flower arranging, local honey, Tignor handcrafts, aprons and tea towels, dolls houses, patchwork quilts, teddy bears, vintage handbags, wood turning, vegan soap, dermatological skincare, body butter, beauty therapy, eye brow shape and tint available by Beauty Brazil, and Christmas wreaths by Blossom and Berry.
Woollen Wonders with beautiful woollen items, Luxury hampers will also be raffled and can be viewed in McGrath’s Butchers window. Tickets are €2 each or 3 for €5. For stall holders; doors will open at 11am for setting up. Refreshments available, tea, coffee, sandwiches, homemade treats, mince pies. Our Christmas Fair is a great family event and perfect timing for the run up to the big day, so please come along and support.
LISMORE GAA CLUB GEAR BY O’NEILLS FOR CHRISTMAS
A fantastic selection of club gear can be bought directly from the O’Neills website. Items start from €10 and make ideal gifts for Christmas. Items include bobble and beanie hats, shorts, track pants, training tops, fleeces, base layers, windcheaters, backpacks and lots more. All clothing comes with an embroidered Lismore GAA crest and can also be made to order with the individual’s initials. Simply search for Lismore GAA club gear online.
LISMORE GAA CLUB LOTTO
Last week’s result: Numbers drawn: 2, 5, 6 and 26. No winner. €20 consolation prize: Orla Russell, John Fenton, Ciara and Kevin O’Mahony, Caleb and Ethan Campion. This week’s results: Numbers drawn: 1, 4, 14 and 27. No winner. €20 consolation prize: Pat Cronin, Dave Barry, Thomas O’Brien, Marge Ahearne. Next week’s jackpot will be €3,800.