New football manager for Imokilly

At last Wednesday’s East Cork Board meeting Eoin O’Neill of Aghada was announced as manager of the Imokilly football team. Eoin takes over from Shane Supple who vacated the position due to work commitments some time ago after making a great effort. Eoin O’Neill is both a hardworking and high-profile man who has put a lot into the game for club and county at many levels.

Eoin has assembled a formidable backroom team also as Noel O’Riordan (Glenville), Pat Mackey (Youghal), Gerry Sparrow (Glanmire) and Clive Cremin (Carrigtwohill) join him. Martin Enright, Castlemartyr will looking after strength and conditioning duties. They are coming in at a time when the number of games played in East Cork in league and championship has increased and is highly competitive. This coupled with a bit of football tradition already in the division as the Andy Scannell Cup has come East a few times should stand to the lads in guiding the peileadóirí agus go n-eirí libh.

The appointment of a manager for the hurling team is taking a little time but there should be some news shortly.

CLUBS VOTE IN MAJOR CHANGE FOR JUNIOR GRADES

There was a lively debate at the recent County Board meeting on the reduced timeline available to play the junior football and hurling championships. The combined effects of the split season and rigid Munster deadlines meant that a total of seven weekends were available for the completion of both junior football and hurling championships in the divisions. A window of twelve to fourteen weeks would be more appropriate.

There were three options put forward A, B, and C (status quo). Under Option A, the lowest Intermediate grade in each code (4th grade) would be renamed as Premier Junior and the winners of that 12-team competition would represent Cork in the Munster Junior Championship annually. It would facilitate the Munster Junior deadline and the current split season. Then Option B had the lowest Intermediate grade to be renamed as Premier Junior, but in this case, it would be the fifth grade. Again, it would facilitate the Munster deadline and the split season and seemed an ideal fit as it had had a lot of traction in discussions prior to the meeting. Finally, Option C was the Status Quo, and it would not facilitate Cork representation in Munster Junior competitions. A number of delegates from junior clubs spoke in favour of Option A, but Option B won the day in a tight vote. This will mean a premier junior tier going forward. The split season will no doubt come up for debate again but hopefully Cork have addressed their championships in a meaningful way for a few years.

DELEGATES ADDED TO THE EAST CORK BOARD EXECUTIVE

At least Wednesday’s East Cork Board meeting, the following delegates were elected to the Executive; Martin O’Sullivan - Russell Rovers, Patrick Mulcahy - Killeagh/Glenbower Rovers, Jerome O’Brien – Cloyne, Maurice Ahern – Dungourney.

BOARD DRAFTING THE EAST CORK LEAGUES AND CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Runaí Daniel and executive are currently drafting the East Cork Leagues and Championships. These will be forwarded to clubs for review and ratified at the next Board meeting.

SCÓR NA NÓG IS BACK FOR 2022

Scór na nÓg is making a comeback to the stage in the next month in East Cork. So, we are calling all young dancers, singers, musicians, actors, and quiz mates in Imokilly Clubs, including the camogie and ladies football clubs. We would really like clubs to be represented in as many categories as possible. Competitors who represent the club must be U17 on January 1, 2022. The East Cork competitions will take place shortly and the categories include Figure Dancing; Solo Singing; Recitation and Storytelling; Ballad Group; Instrumental Music; Novelty Act; Set Dancing; Quiz. If your club would like to get involved, please contact Liam O Laochdha Oifigigh Cultúir agus Gaeilge Uí Mac Coille.

TICKETS FOR REBELS’ BOUNTY SELLING WELL

Tickets for the Rebels Bounty draw are selling very well. The Rebels Bounty Draw is becoming a key now fundraiser for clubs while providing excellent value for the punter at just €100 per ticket. There is over €500,000 in prize money, 12 draws in the year and with over 30 prizes monthly, including €20,000 each month increased to €25,000 for Easter and August and a massive first prize of €100,000 in December. If you wish to buy a ticket you can contact any member of your club committee or visit gaacork.ie/rebelsbounty and make sure to name your club.

COMHBHRÓN

East Cork would like to express our sympathy to the Morrison family, Conna on the passing of Dick and to the Barry Family, Rathcormac on the passing of Mick. Both men were outstanding clubmen with St Catherines and Bride Rovers respectively and will be fondly remembered. Also, to the Hayes family Ladysbridge and the O’Sullivan family Shanagarry on the passing of Ellen Hayes (née O’Sullivan). Go dtuga Dia suaimhneas síoraí dá n-anam dilís.

EAST CORK BOARD MAIN SPONSORS

East Cork Oil – hurling.

Michael O’Connor Motor Factors – football.