Hugh clarifies fixtures role Cream of the Wicklow GAA crop announced
Extensive report produced
‘SOME clubs are getting away with murder,’ wrote Wicklow GAA games manager Hugh Kenny in his extensive report to convention in relation to abuse directed at referees from some coaches and parents within the county.
The impressive record of work and events and games was displayed for all to see in a separate booklet at convention on Monday night and Hugh Kenny’s observations on difficulties and problems being faced by officials and administrators made for interesting and worrying reading.
‘Some of the abuse coaches and parents give referees is also a concerning issue, and in some cases they are never reported by the referee, or if they are there is never a follow up and suspensions or fines issued. Until we get our house in order with this matter, some clubs are getting away with murder,’ he wrote.
Other difficulties highlighted by the Baltinglass man were clubs calling off fixtures at the last minute, referees not turning up for games, teams dropping down divisions after a few rounds, poor response to seven-a-side under-17 football and hurling games at Ballinakill, walk-overs, and ‘selfish’ clubs who look to play in divisions they can win rather than by competing at a higher level where they might improve their standard.
‘Another concerning matter that occurred during the year was that some clubs never paid referees. This is unacceptable despite whether you agree or disagree with a referee decision. If a coach wants to question a referee’s decision on any of the rules, remember to ask yourself first, have I done a referee course, and what do players think of me when I question a decision and remonstrate in front of children,’ added Hugh Kenny.
The Wicklow GAA games manager also advised that a separate CCC be created for Coiste na nÓg for 2019.
‘There’s one thing that I should mention. The juvenile board certainly need a separate CCC to deal with our games, as this this year it was dealt with by one board for the county. With so many games played during the year I don’t think one body has sufficient time to deal with all match reports and queries and things like that, so I’d be advocating after seeing it on the ground for the year that the County Board could look at a separate CCC going forward for 2019,’ he said.
The efforts and achievements at all age groups were highlighted in Hugh Kenny’s well executed document and at the back the Baltinglass man sought to clarify his role within adult fixtures.
It has been brought to my attention that at a recent fixtures review at which a representative of Leinster Council attended, my role and its involvement was raised. I take this opportunity to clarify by involvement.
‘In early January 2018, there was a review of the workings of the GAA within the county and fixtures was one of the top issues. When that was being addressed, many people mentioned to me that I was the person being identified to provide support for the fixtures programme. I clarified this by telling them I was not aware and had not been approached by anyone within or outside the county on this matter.
Hugh Kenny went on to add that the entire adult fixtures programme was then put together and that he was not part of the process whatsoever. He explained that it was only in early February at a meeting with Shane Flanagan from Leinster Council that he was requested to support Bridget Kenny in her role.
‘With great difficulty I accepted to take phone calls only from the clubs and report back to Bridget for decisions. I also took on the role of sending out the fixtures programme to members of the CCC and the Wicklow People, county PRO, Garda Síochána, county secretary and some other relevant people. I would also send them to Kieron Kenny to input referees. On return I would then forward them to everybody,’ he added.
Hugh Kenny went on to say that a a midterm review meeting on July 4 a description of his role was presented to him and Liam O’Neill from Leinster Council stated he was ‘unaware I had not receved clarification as to my involvement.
‘To avoid any misunderstandings, I wish to clear some points:
‘I never made the fixtures, or was I consulted.
‘I am not a member of the CCC, nor was I ever asked to attend a meeting.
‘I do not or ever have appointed referees to any games.
‘I am not, nor never was the fixtures secretary.
‘Some of the communications sent out by clubs I was never privvy to and not included on hence more confusion.
‘I never selected venues for games.
‘I do not work the Servasport system for adult fixtures.
‘I have no authority to change any fixtures, referees or dates.
Hugh Kenny went on to explain that his role was to assist Bridget Kenny who he says was unavailable to take calls during the day due to her job in the teaching profession.
Hugh explained that is role in fixtures has greatly reduced his time with the development squads in terms of coaching.
‘Ever since I was appointed in a full-time capacity with the County Board I have endeavoured to give my best efforts. I have taken great pride in what I do. I have always worked and contuine to work to progress the GAA in our county. To be identified as a person who was in some way responsible for lack of communication with the adult fixtures in the county is most disappointing.
‘Bridget Kenny has had a difficult year and I feel sorry for the way she was treated on a number of occasions. But if rules are rules it should only be a matter of just administrating the fixtures as everybody had a chance to review them before they became official.
‘This position is a poison chalice in all 32 counties and no amount of support is of reassurance to the person who holds this position. I’m also disappointed but not surprised to hear Bridget will not be seeking this position in 2019, and I wonder why?’ he concluded. WICKLOW GAA announced the winners of the Garden County GAA Star awards for 2018 at convention on Monday night as the heroics on the field of play at all grades was celebrated.
Players and officials from clubs right across the county were selected as award winners.
Senior county footballer of the year for 2018 is Dean Healy who gave everything to the cause of the Wicklow outfit in a year that saw them achieve a great victory over Offaly before succumbing to the mighty Dubs and then disappointing at the hands of cavan in Aughrim. Healy led the Wicklow charge all year.
The club player of the year at senior level for 2018 is the maestro from St Pat’s, Stephen Duffy. Duffy‘s creativity and flair and intelligence helped steer Casey O’Brien’s men to a truly magical county final replay victory over the neighbours and this the selection of Duffy as the award winner will find no objections from any corner.
Tinahely captain Stephen Dillon will collect the Intermediate footballer of the Year award in January at the gala event in the Arklow Bay Hotel. Dillon’s bravery and class was on display throughout the Intermediate adventure and he guided Alan Costello‘s men back to Senior football after having suffered relegation the year previous.
Kilcoole’s long-awaited but precious Junior ‘A’ victory over Valleymount is further celebrated with the news that Danny Kavanagh is the JAFC Player of the Year award winner for 2018.
Kavanagh is a lethal attacker for the Goosebank men and gave his all throughout what was a tough campaign.
Stephen Burke was announced as the JBFC award winner after helping Hollywood to a hardfought win over Avoca in Aughrim in the county final.
Tinahely stalwart David Dillon can add another gong to his trophy cabinet when he collects the JCFC Player of the Year award after a stunning campaign by Tinahely’s second team.
Éire Óg’s magical victory over Baltinglass in the Minor ‘A’ decider in Pearse’s Park in Arklow was reflected with the talented Luke Dorgan scooping the Minor Player of the Year award while the man with the safest hands in Wicklow football, Mark Jackson, will collect the Under-20 Footballer of the Year award after helping Baltinglass to the ‘A’ crown by beating AGB.
The County Senior Hurler of the Year award goes to the talented Warren Kavanagh from Glenaly and his club colleague Cian Staunton will collect the Club Hurler of the Year award after a sensational campaign for the netminder in 2018.
Avondale warrior Ray Nolan will cap a marvellous year in terms of hurling when he collects the IFC Hurler of the Year award.
Not only did he inspire Avondale to the IHC crown but he also collect the Man of the Match award on the day of the final.
Barndarrig’s Andrew Kavanagh’s performances during the JAHC campaign sees his pick up the JAHC Player of the Year award while Tomacork’s Eoin Kavanagh follows up his wonderful season on the field with the Minor Hurler of the Year award.
AGB’s John Murphy and Shillelagh’s Paul Behan were announced as joint winners of the Club Person of the Year award while Pat Doyle will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement award along with Stratford-Grangecon’s Jim Bollard, both deserving winners to say the least.
A fantastic season for Blessington’s Kim Connors has earned her the Ladies Footballer of the Year award.
Knockananna’s Jessie Byrne caps off a wonderful season with the camogie award and following their All-Ireland Senior club win recently, Coolboy Handball Club are worthy winners of the Handball award.