Smooth juvenile AGM goes off without issues

The AGM of the Killavullen juvenile group took place last Thursday night, February 3 and ran off without any controversies, bickering or dissent, largely down to the top table being very much on top of their briefs, and chairperson Liam Vaughan in the manner that he conducted the meeting.

Liam welcomed the good sized crowd to the meeting and without fuss went on to remark how good it was to be at the meeting, in front of fellow Killavullen GAA members, and great to have people looking up at you again as distinct from the Zoom online meetings. Liam asked Gillian Forde to give her secretary’s report and one very wide-ranging report it was.

Gillian had received reports from each age cohort in advance of the meeting and compiled them all expertly into one comprehensive and well-structured report. Gillian stepped through the feedback from each of the coach leads, from the nursery age group through to the U17s. Each of the coaches were unanimous in their praise of the children in their care and their enthusiasm for the games and the training sessions, for the variety and for the chance to run around with their friends.

The U17 report was listened to intently, as this group had success in 2021. The report of their coach, David Brosnan, went as follows;

Both U17 hurling and football teams were graded in Division 1 for the 2021 season – a great achievement for this group of players.

On the hurling front, the North Region Division 1 was a very strong group with Mallow, Charleville, Kanturk, St Colmcilles, St Catherines and ourselves. Overall we found the level of hurling to be a bridge too far to qualify from the group. Competitive performances from the lads were pleasing to see in the majority of games but unfortunately we failed to win a game in the group, with a comprehensive defeat by Mallow a particular disappointment. To play at this level it became very apparent that we can’t rely on one scoring forward – however with four of the starting six forwards underage again for 2022 this experience will stand to them.

On the football front, the division 1 group consisted of Buttevant, Fermoy, Newmarket, Clyda and Duarigle Gaels. With Kilshannig moving up a grade the favourites tag duly fell on this crop of players and they duly delivered. Five wins from five in the group stages, with wins against Fermoy when it looked like defeat was looming and a powerful display against Buttevant, both were of satisfaction in terms of team development. The championship final v Duarigle Gaels was a tough battle, but the Killavullen lads dug deep to come out on top playing over 25 minutes, with 14 players during the game. A fantastic result to win the first ever division 1 football championship in the club.

Special mention to Niall Murray and Patrick O’Grady, who we are very proud of, representing the club in the Cork minor footballers.

Gillian then stepped down through a month by month report of the major occurrences in the club, that were of relevance to the juvenile group and when you see them all, written down on a sheet of paper, it reminds one, once again, of the hard work that goes on, each and every week, to make things happen seamlessly.

Of particular note was the Cúl Camp in July in which 180 children participated, and that needed a helper / volunteer / coach per child at a ratio of 12: 1 at it. That in itself is a tall order.

A special word of thanks must go to the following people, according to Gillian;

All the management and coaches of all the groups we cater for who give up their time tirelessly for the players. To Fiachra for all the work he did on an ongoing basis for our coaches and making sure our coaches all have relevant qualifications. To Dominic Lynch Club Children’s Officer who works diligently ensuring all our coaches are Garda vetted. To John O’Donovan for promoting our fixtures and events during the year and the amount of work he has done on Killavullen GAA website. To our adult club officers during 2019, Finny Magner, Joe Howard, and Sean Turner for all their help and advice throughout the year.

To Rosemaria Taylor our PRO. Liam Vaughan who as club delegate attended the Rebel Óg meetings on the clubs behalf to report on the Boards activities and juvenile fixtures and also for texting results to the Board along with doing pitch gates when needed. Thanks to all who helped when we were hosting matches in the pitch during the year, ticket sellers, car parking, manning gates, lining pitch, score board, putting up tricolor etc. To Michael Rea for completing printing jobs that we needed throughout the year.

To our coaches, both male and female who helped with our younger teams in the pitch with training all year. To our young referees and to our umpires. This coming season we need to encourage more players to train as referees so that we can supply some for games. To the parents of the children we cater for. To all those who respected and adhered to all Covid-19 guidelines and restrictions so that training could go ahead and the matches we were fortunate enough to play were allowed

Congratulations to our U17 footballers who won North Cork Division 1 football Championship v Duarigle Gaels. Killavullen Ladies U14 team who won U14 League title. Well done to all their mentors and trainers and we wish them every success in the coming year. To all the girls who have played with this club at juvenile level and have now moved on to play ladies football and camogie with ladies teams. And with our ladies club in place we are sure that in future they will bring many honours home to Killavullen. To all our juvenile players who played for the North Cork Region and Cork squads this year and to all representing the club on the developmental panels.

Gillian concluded by thanking her fellow officers, Liam Vaughan, Fiachra O’Suilleabháín, Dominic Lynch and in particular Rosemaria Taylor and Tommy Cremin who were always on hand to direct her and advise her since she started out as secretary 2 years ago.

Quickly and immediately, Tommy Cremin gave a most comprehensive treasurers report, outlining the major source of expenditure and income for the year. The clarity of the report was well received, with the expenditure on coaching, on equipment and facilities very obvious.

Liam then gave his address, in which he was fulsome in his praise of his fellow officers, coaches and children and remarked of the unity of the club in which all people were appreciative of the efforts of the players, the coaches and of the parent club.

With more and more children coming on stream to play with Killavullen it has put enormous pressure on the club to provide better facilities and more space. Representatives of the adult club were at hand to hear this news and promised to work earnestly to provide such. Already plans are in motion to provide additional dressing rooms and to lease more ground from Denis Linehan, the proprietor of the adjoining field.

The meeting concluded with the election of the three main officers of the club; Chairman for 2022, Liam Vaughan, no change. Secretary for 2022, Gillian Forde, no change. Treasurer for 2022, Shane Crean, new for 2022. The ratification of coaches for each age group is to follow quickly in the coming weeks.

NO WINNER OF THE LOTTO JACKPOT

There was no winner of the lotto jackpot of €1,200 last Tuesday night, when the draw took place in the Community Centre. For the incredible 5th week in a row, the number 5 ball came out again. The numbers drawn were 5, 21 and 36. The jackpot on the night was, at €1,200. Next week, the jackpot will be €1,300.

The winners of the lucky dips on last Tuesday night were as follows; €50 Jimmy Dunlea, Freemount, seller online sales; €30 Billy Feore, seller Billy Feore; €20 Mike Hazelwood, seller John Angland. Purchase your ticket from any committee member or from our website - Killavullengaa.com.

MEMBERSHIP 2022

Membership for all aspects of the club is now due for 2022 and the club would be grateful if members will pay the appropriate fee on the new Central GAA App – Foireann and select Cill An Mhuilinn as your club.

Anyone experiencing difficulties on the platform can play their subscription to any committee member or make arrangement to pay directly to the club treasurer Sean Turner at 086-6015779 or membership officer John O’Donovan, on 086-3934232. It is also possible to pay via the club website now.

FORTHCOMING FIXTURES

Killavullen drew Kilworth / Araglin in the U21 B grade football championship, and that game is due to be played on February 13. The venue is Glanworth, and the time is 12.00. U17 football is scheduled to kick off, on February 20. Div 1 and Div 3 football league is scheduled to begin on the weekend of March 6.

REBELS’ BOUNTY DRAW

Join the Rebels’ Bounty Draw today. Killavullen GAA are inviting members, expats and parishioners to come on board and support the Rebels’ Bounty Draw. Tickets cost €100, 12 draws for the price of 10, with 360 prizes on offer to the value of €500,000!

MOTTO FOR THE WEEK

We respect the past, but we do not pine for the past. We do not fear the future; we grab for it - attributed to Barack Obama.

CLUB SPONSOR

Howard Farm Feeds.