Club Person of the Year
Brendan McCarthy was selected as club person of the year and proved to be a very popular winner. As a former chairperson, Brendan continues to be actively involved in the club and the lotto. Brendan was also the goalkeeper in the famous 1966 hurling team. Congratulations Brendan and thanks for all you work.
AGM
The community hall hosted a well-attended AGM last Saturday.
In his address, chairperson Jonathan Woods acknowledged it has again been an extremely difficult year for the club, its officers and for the community at large. He acknowledged the other club executive officers who carried out a substantial and unsustainable workload over the last 12 months. He paid a special thanks to Kevin Crowley as he steps down as treasurer of the club. Kevin has made an enormous contribution over the last 2 years. As well as the GAA club, he has managed the finances of the community sports field, a considerable role when you view transactions associated with the current and ongoing development. On top of this Kevin also manages the U17 team, runs the goalkeeping workshops and sits on the gym committee. Jonathan asked all members to have a think about what more could they do to help support the club.
Jonathan thanked all the members of the club committee before he went on to acknowledge the time and effort that Mickey Whelan has given as chairperson of the juvenile club. Where he had four years of service and is well deserving of plaudits as he steps down as chairperson. Jonathan wished him well in the coaching role he continues during 2022. Jonathan also thanked Richie Holland who steps down as vice treasurer of the adult club and treasurer of the juvenile club, and acknowledged the time and effort he has given to both arms of the club.
The junior management and coaching group were thanked for the time and commitment they gave to the management of the adult teams this year. Their commitment and volunteerism were second to none. The improved financial structures that they, along with the players have put in place around the adult teams will lead to a more sustainable future for the club. He thanked the players not only for their efforts on the field but also for supporting and working with the management team as these new procedures were put in place.
He went on to say how disappointed everyone was that the junior A hurlers did not have a more successful year on the playing pitch but it’s obvious to all that the structures the management group are putting in place will lead to a more positive future. Huge strides have been made on the football end and we went undefeated in the league, only losing out in the football semi-final by a kick of the ball.
The administrators and coaches within the juvenile club were thanked for providing a meaningful supply of activities for our younger members in difficult circumstances and noted that it’s a key target of the club to provide fair, meaningful and worthwhile playing time for all juveniles, both male and female. The development of players for the adult teams and providing a social and recreational outlet for the children of Ballyhooly is a primary focus.
Kevin Cogan was thanked for taking on the running of the Cúl Camp, and the enormous undertaking it is to manage 200 kids plus 20 coaches for a week. It involves the co-ordinator taking a week off work to do so. The parents and kids of the parish are indebted to Kevin for this. Jonathan acknowledged the great strides being made in developing the Ballycastle LGFA club and said that the club executive is here to facilitate in any way they can. He congratulated Therese Holland and her executive on their recent successful funding from the Sports Equipment Scheme.
Killian McCarthy was thanked for running the team who have looked after the ongoing maintenance of the facilities and Brian McCarthy for his work in project managing the ongoing developments in the community grounds. Tomar and Clann Credo were also thanked for their support. Anyone interested in getting involved in either the development or maintenance group with the pitch improvement and floodlighting project upcoming please contact any member of the executive.
Jonathan thanked Kevin, Olan, John, Maureen, Pete, Brendan, Pat, and Mike who form the backbone of the lotto committee for the enormous unseen work that they do throughout the year. The work of the gym grouping of Brian, Kieran and Kevin was also thanked. It was noted that all the outstanding debt on the gym was paid off in Q1 2021 as agreed before any new works started.
Club secretary Richard Campbell gave a report on games played in 2021 and the key takeaways being that despite topping our groups in both football and hurling we failed to reach the final in either code with both defeats coming by the narrowest of margins. We fielded 2 teams in league and championship in football and hurling and that is a testament to the work being done within the club at adult and juvenile level.
In his treasurer’s report Kevin showed the club to be a healthy position and the players were thanked for their contribution to the cause.
MEMBERSHIP
The executives of both the Juvenile and Adult club met pre-Christmas to agree a joint proposal for membership rates for the AGM. It was agreed that membership would remain at €60 for adults, students and juveniles. OAPs will remain at €30. Family membership is €180 where one parent is a member and €210 where both parents are members.
MASS FOR DECEASED MEMBERS
Mass for deceased members will be said at the 11.15 service on Sunday, February 13.
LOTTO
There was no winner of last week’s lotto worth €3,400. The numbers drawn were 2, 23 and
26. The 5 lucky dip winners of €20 each were, Caroline Philpott, Catherina Hartnett, Kevin Crowley, Deirdre O’Driscoll, and Marie c/o Josie. The jackpot is now at €3,600 and the next draw will draw will take place in Grindel’s on Friday, February 18. We would continue to encourage as many as possible to use the online facility at Clubforce, or alternatively, tickets can be purchased in the shop, the Roundy House, or your usual seller. Thank you most sincerely to all the lotto players, ticket sellers, etc your support is greatly appreciated in these difficult times. Remember that any profits made on sale of lotto tickets goes towards the upkeep of the facilities. As you can all see works are ongoing at improving the community sports field.
REBELS’ BOUNTY
With the deadline for the first Rebels’ Bounty draw of 2022 fast approaching we would ask all our supporters to please renew or buy a ticket. We have hit our quota and the proceeds of all future ticket sales will be for the benefit of Ballyhooly GAA club, plus all Rebels’ Bounty holders have a chance to win some significant cash prizes at the same time! All funds raised will go to the development of the facilities at the community sports field including improving walkways, lighting, gym extension and pitch drainage. You can join today online or contact any member of the executive. For €10 a month or €100 upfront payment you could be in with a chance of winning prizes worth €25,000 per month. Enter online and select Ballyhooly on the club menu. All support is greatly appreciated and thank you to everyone who has already joined.
U21 FOOTBALL
Our U21 Ballycastle Gaels football team are down to play Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels in Buttevant on Sunday, February 13, time is to be confirmed.
MAIN CLUB SPONSORS
We have joint sponsors, Ballyhooly Homes and Quintas, please support if you can. In these difficult times it is great to have this support from our sponsors.
Please keep an eye on Ballyhooly GAA social media for updates on club related events. And stay safe out there.