Dunshaughlin GAA Annual General Meeting Wednesday 14th December 2011

Transcription

1 Dunshaughlin GAA Annual General Meeting Wednesday 14th December

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3 Clar 1. Minutes of Previous AGM 2. Secretary s Report 3. Treasurer s Report 4. Chairman s Address 5. Ratification of Trustees 6. Election of Presidents, Officers and Committee 7. Election of Team Management 8. Motions 9. Any Other Business 3

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5 Secretary s Report 5

6 Welcome to the and thank you for your attendance. And so we have arrived at the end of another season we take this time to look back at another eventful year both on and off the field of play was our most successful playing year in recent times, while we are left wondering what could have been, we also have to be thankful for the Feis Cup which takes pride of place tonight. Again, 2011 has proven to be a year of great progress off the field as our playing facilities really have taken shape, and the landscape of Dunshaughlin GAA changed for the better. On the field of play.. Over the course of the 2011 season Dunshaughlin GAA took to the field on 54 occasions (ten more than last season) for competitive fixtures at four grades in eight different competitions. Training for the 2011 season began after the cold snap under the continued stewardship of Senior Manager Gary Farrelly. Despite the sub zero temperatures training was well attended and enjoyable for the most part. Senior Football Championship The draw for the Senior Championship threw up a mixed bag of opposition for the group stages. While Navan O Mahony s would be favourites going into the Championship, there was also formidable opposition in the shape of Seneschalstown, Donaghmore/Ashbourne and 2010 surprise package Rathkenny. We were also pitted against 2010 Intermediate Football Champions Nobber who would be somewhat of an unknown quantity. Not a straight forward group by any means. Our Championship opener couldn t have asked for a bigger effort as 2010 beaten finalist Seneschalstown were the opposition in Pairc Tailteann. What was viewed by many outside the club as a surprise win, our opening round victory was to prove something of a launch pad for a very memorable season. By the end of April we had four Championship points in the bag and sat on top of Group B after a hard fought win over Nobber. Out first reversal of the 2011 campaign came at the hands of neighbours Donaghmore/Ashbourne on a balmy May evening. We didn t know it at the time but we we re to have another day out against this opposition when the result would mean a lot more. We managed to get ourselves back on track in mid June when we comfortably saw off the challenge of Rathkenny, a win which put us on six points in the group. Baring a bizarre set of results in the last round, the win effectively guaranteed a Quarter Final berth. Our final game in the group was a bit of a dead rubber given that both sides had qualified for the Quarter Final. While we made a good start against O Mahony s, a crazy couple of minutes in which the Brews Hill side got two quick goals turned this game on its head and as a contest the game was over at half time. As we departed Dunsany we learned of our fate and the Quarter Final match up would pair us with another Navan side Simonstown Gaels. We witnessed an epic contest with Simonstown Gaels in the Quarter Final, the tie going to extra time after a see-saw battle. Fortunately for us we came out on the better side of the slimmest of margins. It set up a rematch with our group stage adversaries Donaghmore/Ashbourne in our first Semi Final appearance for seven 6

7 years. A thrilling encounter played out before our eyes on a very memorable September Sunday. After sixty minutes of intense action Dunshaughlin managed to reverse the early season result to win by a point and secure our first Senior Football Final appearance in nine years. We had to wait nine years for a Final appearance only to have two in the space of as many weeks. There isn t much that hasn t already been said or written about two enthralling days out. When we look back we were one point up in both games going into time added on, only for Summerhill to dramatically claw their way back to parity. 120 minutes of football failed to split the two sides but ultimately it was Summerhill who went on to have the better of extra-time. On balance, while it may have been a bitterly disappointing end to the Championship, 2011 should be viewed as a year of great progress, a year of realized potential, a year in which Dunshaughlin reclaimed its rightful place at the top table of Meath football. Let s hope, just like defeat in 1999, that 2011 is a stepping stone to greater things in the future. Senior Football Championship Group B Round 1 Dunshaughlin 1-10 Seneschalstown 0-09 Round 2 Dunshaughlin 1-12 Nobber 1-07 Round 3 Donaghmore/Ash 0-14 Dunshaughlin 0-08 Round 4 Dunshaughlin 0-11 Rathkenny 1-05 Round 5 O Mahony s 3-14 Dunshaughlin 0-08 Q-Final Dunshaughlin 0-16 Simonstown Gaels 1-12 S-Final Dunshaughlin 1-09 Donaghmore/Ash 1-08 Final Dunshaughlin 0-10 Summerhill 0-10 Replay Summerhill 0-14 Dunshaughlin 1-09 Team Played Won Lost Drawn For Against Diff Points Navan O Mahony's Donaghmore/Ash Dunshaughlin Rathkenny Seneschalstown Nobber Junior B Football Championship It was yet another topsy turvy year for Dunshaughlin in the Junior B Football Championship. Our consistency in the ACFL B League Division 1 was not mirrored in the Junior B Football Championship, despite some unusual result in the group stages we progressed to the Quarter Final stage again. We couldn t have asked for a tougher assignment in the first round when we were paired with the well fancied Clonard, and Kevin Foley s charges were much better prepared for the challenge. Despite the first round defeat, we picked ourselves up against St. Mary s in Bellewstown. Another one of the fancied first team sides, a mammoth effort paid off with a four point win. Big wins followed against neighbours St. Pauls and Blackhall Gaels before we were brought crashing back to reality with one of the most unusual results of the year, a one point defeat to lowly Seneschalstown. 7

8 Drumree lay in wait in the next round and normal order was restored with a convincing win our nearest neighbours. Four wins was enough to secure qualification to the knock out stages. It was another neighbouring club who provided the opposition in the Quarter Final when it was eventually played. Ratoath s second side were on something of a roll having secured a play-off berth with some very positive results. Dunshaughlin started the match the better and looked comfortable when leading early on, but a storming second half performance from Ratoath saw the side from Sean Eiffe Park progress. While failure to progress was disappointing, qualification to the knock out phase was an improvement on 2010, and some up and coming younger players got their first taste of adult football which has to be a positive for the clubs future. One would hope that with a little more effort and commitment in 2012, we could make a push for honours at this grade again. Junior B Football Championship Group A Round 1 Clonard 0-13 Dunshaughlin 0-06 Round 2 Dunshaughlin 1-12 St. Mary s 0-11 Round 3 Dunshaughlin 1-16 St. Paul s 2-04 Round 4 Dunshaughlin 1-20 Blackhall Gaels 2-05 Round 5 Seneschalstown 1-08 Dunshaughlin 1-07 Round 6 Dunshaughlin 1-12 Drumree 1-05 Round 7 Dunshaughlin Gaeil Colmcille n/a Q-Final Ratoath 2-06 Dunshaughlin 1-07 Team Played Won Lost Drawn For Against Diff Points Clonard Seneschalstown Dunshaughlin St Marys Gaeil Colmcille Drumree St Pauls Blackhall Gaels Junior C Football Championship It is a credit to our club that in these turbulent economic times that we are still able to field a third outfit in the Championship (and League). One of the indicators this year that clubs were being ravaged by emigration was the withdrawal of teams from the lower grades due to lack of players. While initially it may have appeared that we we re facing a similar situation, it was great to see so many young players come through to make their bow on the adult scene. 8

9 Unfortunately it was a frustrating campaign as the other teams in our group were quite strong and three defeats (despite valiant efforts) saw us propping up the table at the end of the round robin stage. Our Junior C team consisted of a blend of youth and experience and is, and always will be, a valuable grade for our younger players to make their first steps in adult football. Junior C Football Championship Group C Round 1 St. Michael s 2-04 Dunshaughlin 0-05 Round 2 Na Fianna 5-11 Dunshaughlin 0-09 Round 3 Oldcastle 1-13 Dunshaughlin 0-07 Team Played Won Lost Drawn For Against Diff Points Na Fianna Oldcastle St Michaels Dunshaughlin

10 ACFL A League Division 1 Despite our good form in the Senior Championship, we struggled to find any form in the league, if fact our only consistency was our inconsistency. Taking only one point from our opening four games, we languished down at the wrong end of the table but towards the latter part of the season our form improved and we picked up vital points with wins over Summerhill and Walterstown and a frustrating draw at home to Dunboyne. There is definite room for improvement in the league after a second successive campaign where some tight games could have gone our way, which could have put a completely different look on the league table. ACFL A League Division 1 Round 1 Dunshaughlin 0-09 Blackhall Gaels 0-14 Round 2 Duleek/Bellewstown 2-07 Dunshaughlin 0-13 Round 3 Dunshaughlin 1-09 Wolfe Tones 1-11 Round 4 St. Pat s 1-15 Dunshaughlin 0-09 Round 5 Dunshaughlin 1-11 Seneschalstown 1-09 Round 6 Skryne 1-11 Dunshaughlin 0-13 Round 7 Dunshaughlin 1-10 St. Peters, Dunboyne 1-10 Round 8 Summerhill 0-08 Dunshaughlin 3-08 Round 9 Walterstown 0-08 Dunshaughlin 2-15 Round 10 Dunshaughlin 0-12 O Mahony s 1-10 Round 11 Dunshaughlin Donaghmore/Ash n/a Team Played Won Lost Drawn For Against Diff Points Navan O Mahony s St Patricks Summerhill St Peters Dunboyne Blackhall Gaels Donaghmore/Ash Wolfe Tones Skryne Dunshaughlin Duleek/Bellewstown Seneschalstown (R) Walterstown (R)

11 ACFL B League Division 1 As a result of a brilliant season we contested our second ACFL B League Division 1 Final in three seasons. Despite a shaky start against Duleek/Bellewstown, we went undefeated for seven of the following eight rounds of the league. We showed a superb level of consistency and performance in some of the hardest fought and entertaining games throughout the ACFL B League Division 1 campaign Unfortunately the long break between the last round of the league and the Final affected us more that Donaghmore/Ashbourne, as they managed to reverse the earlier group stage result to capture the title. All in all, a very good season for this team. ACFL B League Division 1 Round 1 Duleek/Bellewstown 1-16 Dunshaughlin 0-12 Round 2 Ratoath 0-04 Dunshaughlin 0-12 Round 3 Dunshaughlin 2-07 Seneschalstown 0-12 Round 4 Dunshaughlin 2-10 Wolfe Tones 1-09 Round 5 Dunshaughlin 2-12 Donaghmore/Ash 1-13 Round 6 Summerhill 0-15 Dunshaughlin 3-13 Round 7 Navan O Mahony s 1-10 Dunshaughlin 0-08 Round 8 Simonstown Gaels 1-07 Dunshaughlin 4-13 Round 9 Dunshaughlin w/o Blackhall Gaels scr Final Donaghmore/Ash 1-10 Dunshaughlin 0-08 Team Played Won Lost Drawn For Against Diff Points Donaghmore/Ash Dunshaughlin Simonstown Gaels Summerhill Seneschalstown Navan O Mahony s Duleek/Bellewstown Wolfe Tones Blackhall Gaels (R) Ratoath (R)

12 ACFL B League Division 3 For four seasons now our third team has been playing in ACFL B League Division 3 against other clubs second teams on a regular basis. Finally this year the strain has taken its toll as the season passed by without a single win and some very heavy defeats along the way. Perhaps ACFL B League Division 4 will provide a more competitive level of football in This is a really important grade of competition for the club as it gives us the opportunity to introduce players coming out of Minor to adult football and for the continued participation in our games of more players. Thankfully the full programme of games was scheduled. ACFL B League Division 3 Round 1 Dunshaughlin 0-05 Donaghmore/Ash 0-14 Round 2 Syddan 0-21 Dunshaughlin 2-06 Round 3 Simonstown Gaels 1-14 Dunshaughlin 3-05 Round 4 Dunshaughlin 0-08 Castletown 2-12 Round 5 Duleek/Bellewstown 3-17 Dunshaughlin 0-04 Round 6 Na Fianna 4-17 Dunshaughlin 1-3 Round 7 Dunshaughlin 0-14 Moynalvey 5-15 Round 8 St. Ultan s 3-10 Dunshaughlin 2-08 Round 9 Dunshaughlin scr Dunderry w/o Team Played Won Lost Drawn For Against Diff Points Dunderry Moynalvey Donaghmore/Ash Castletown Na Fianna Syddan Duleek/Bellewstown St Ultan s Simonstown Gaels (R) Dunshaughlin (R)

13 Feis Cup 2011 The Feis Cup is a funny old competition. The only true knock-out contest left in the county at Senior Football level, it still holds a special value in everyone s eyes. So to win one, while it might not be a Keegan Cup, is still an indication of a successful season. When the competition started off is was a welcome distraction from League and Championship fare. Our first sojourn in the Feis Cup this season was in May and the road led us to Enfield to take on a high flying Na Fianna. Going well in the Intermediate Football Championship, it was a potential banana skin and coming on the back of a tough Championship encounter it was going to be a difficult tie. With injuries and emigration, it was an unfamiliar line-up that took to the field. The result was never in doubt as three goals put us up early and we never looked back. In Round 2 we faced another daunting away day in the form of an excursion down to Oldcastle on a sodden evening. Both sides had to be commended for their commitment despite the inclement conditions and some strange refereeing. The one point win came at a cost; a serious shoulder injury to Tommy Johnson meant it felt like somewhat of a pyrrhic victory when returning home down the new M3. The quarter final provided unfamiliar Intermediate opposition in the shape on Longwood in Summerhill. Despite leading convincingly in the early stages, it was to prove a titanic battle towards the end. There was no place for the shrinking violet in the closing moments as the minimum was between the sides and momentum with the opposition. But we managed to hold out for a win and book our place in the Semi-Final. The extended run in the Senior Football Championship meant the Semi-Final didn t take place until October. The opposition strangely enough was far from unfamiliar as our County Final nemesis Summerhill lay in wait. At the third attempt we finally managed to break the hoodoo as we were victors by five points. A mouth watering Final contest against neighbours Blackhall Gaels was set up. The first Saturday in November 2011 will go into the history book as the weekend Dunshaughlin won their second Feis Cup. While the contest was far from a classic, the result will live long in the memory. Particular tribute should be paid to the full panel of players who contributed throughout the entire Feis Cup campaign. Feis Cup 2011 Round 1 Na Fianna 3-07 Dunshaughlin 3-13 Round 2 Oldcastle 1-07 Dunshaughlin 1-08 Q-Final Dunshaughlin 1-11 Longwood 1-10 S-Final Dunshaughlin 1-15 Summerhill 1-10 FINAL Dunshaughlin 1-10 Blackhall Gaels 1-06 Under 21 After a couple of difficult seasons in the Under 21 Championship, we were graded in the Under 21 A Championship in 2010 and were disappointed to exit at the first hurdle. With those past encounters in mind it was hard to predict how the 2011 season would pan out. Signs were promising after the long summer of Championship action but the draw saw us paired against Seneschalstown again, and we all know what happened when we met the at the same stage last season. Fortunately for us, the result was emphatically reversed with a fine display signalling our intent in the competition this year. A second round trouncing of Na Fianna meant Dunshaughlin faced into a Semi-Final against a Kilmainham/Drumbaragh combination side. 13

14 Unfortunately, the flair and ability shown in the first two rounds deserted us in Simonstown against a gritty and determined Kilmainham/Drumbaragh side. We struggled to get going and trailed throughout, never looking like we were going to forge anything out of that game. Four goals was the difference on the score board at full time but in truth Kilmainham/Drumbaragh were by far the better team on the day. It was a really disappointing result for a team that had fantastic ability and the potential to go all the way to the Final. Graham Dowd, Michael McHale and Simon Farrell are to be thanked for mentoring this group. Under 21 A Football Championship Round 1 Dunshaughlin 2-14 Seneschalstown 1-08 Q-Final Dunshaughlin 1-19 Na Fianna 0-05 S-Final Dunshaughlin 0-07 Kilmainham/Drumbaragh

15 Team Management I would like to take this opportunity to thank the various mentors who looked after our teams during the 2011 season. Earlier in my report I have mentioned the number of times the club took to the field in 2011 but this is thin end of the wedge when put into context with the number of times our players and mentors have met for training. At a time when work commitments are to the fore of everyone s mind, we must be thankful for the sacrifices players and mentors alike make to commit to the cause. We were fortunate to have Gary Farrelly on board again this past year as Senior Manager. Gary worked with Pat Maloney and brought (sort of) new recruit on board in the shape of TP Toolan. I wish to thank the senior management team for their efforts and commitment throughout the year. In particular I would like to thank them for their cooperation on Championship days. We look forward to working with Gary and his team again in 2012, hopefully we can go one step further next year. To TP, Graham Dowd and Michael McHale, many thanks for looking after the Junior B and B League Division 1 sides. To Lally McCormack, David McCormack and Hugh Lynch, thank you for looking after the Junior C and B League Division 3 side. In particular to Lally McCormack, the effort he puts into ensuring that our third string always takes to the field is unbelievable. Finally to Graham Dowd, Michael McHale and Simon Farrell, many thanks for looking after our Under 21 side. It really is fantastic to see so many former players involved in mentoring our teams. They have built up a wealth of knowledge when it comes to football and it s great to see them giving something back to the younger generations. I would love to see more players, both past and present getting involved in some shape of form with our teams. Our success in 2011 is now history, we look forward to starting over again in 2012 and with the appetite whetted slightly by this year s success, a big effort is required to try and improve on There were two unsung heroes in the background this year, making sure tea and biscuits were always there for the players after a hard training session, many thanks to Chris Purcell and Caroline Malone for keeping the refreshments coming. I would like to pay tribute to all our players who represented Dunshaughlin at county level over the past 12 months. And also well done to our players who won many honours over the year in their schools and colleges. 15

16 Committee The Adult Committee met ten times this year. I would like to thank our Committee members for their commitment this year as all meetings were well attended. Outside of the Committee there are several other sub-committees doing excellent work. The Fundraising, Development, Finance, Golf Society, PR, and Pitch Maintenance sub committees have all met numerous times throughout the year. But there work is never done, and I would encourage anyone who has some time spare, to lend a hand. As the saying goes many hands make light work! I would also ask that anyone allowing their name to go forward for the committee in 2012 do so by giving a firm commitment to work as hard as they can to push this great club of ours forward and onto the next level. It doesn t matter how big or small the task; there is a place for everyone to participate in our club. Membership In 2011 we had over 120 adult members and upwards of 250 juvenile members. I would urge all members and players to make an effort to have their membership paid early in Over the past few years we have done our best to maintain membership rates at a very low level. The membership fees paid go towards covering the cost of affiliating and insuring our teams and players in competition. The costs of affiliation and insurance have continued to rise, and in order to balance the outgoing payments it will be inevitable that we will need to increase our membership rates. We will do so reluctantly, but we hope you will understand the need to balance the books. In 2012 I would like to see more parents of juveniles engage in the activities of the club, and the first step to this is by becoming a member of the association. Membership of the association will entitle you to a vote on how your club is run going forward. Players Injury Scheme As our Insurance Officer Linda Devereux has had yet another busy year dealing with the numerous injuries our players suffer while wearing the black and amber. It is becoming an increasingly difficult task as every single injury must go through a lengthy process before being refunded. The GAA Injury scheme is a supplementary scheme and I would encourage every player to seek their own personal insurance cover to make sure they are completely covered while playing our games. Again, I would like to commend Linda for her efficiency in ensuring all claims were processed in a timely manner. The onus is always on the player to ensure their manager and Insurance Officer is informed as soon as there is an injury, but Linda was always there for the players to help them with their claims. 16

17 Finance At this point I would like to thank Tom Finn for his efforts over the past twelve months. The Treasurer role has been a very active role as our accounts for the year show. Tom has been especially engaged in the Development Committees activities as well as working closely with the Fundraising Committees. Our main source of funding for day to day activities still comes from the Weekly Lotto. Our online sales continue to grow and we must see this as a way forward for reaching more and more people on a weekly basis. I would encourage all members to tell there family and friends about the online lotto, they can purchase their weekly lotto online and will receive regular updates about what is going on in the club. We have been very active in fundraising for the development of the facilities we have, and now, we are beginning to see the fruits of our labour. We had a number of fundraisers this year, the memorable Scrap Day Collection, a very successful Golf Classic in the Black Bush Golf Club and we are currently running our Christmas Draw. In previous years we have fundraised purely to get development going, and as Tom mentions in his report, we are now starting down the road of paying off our current Development loan. The club has become a business of sorts and many of the Finance meetings this year have been spent carefully managing our income and outgoings to ensure the club maintains a stable financial footing. We have to be especially thankful to all those who helped organize and run fundraising events in the past year, in particular to Ronan Gogan who spearheaded many of the efforts. Dunshaughlin GAA are very grateful to all those who have supported our fundraising events in the past and look forward to your continued support of future fundraising efforts. Pitch We are the envy of many a footballer in the county as we have what is possibly one of the best playing surfaces in the county. Pat Maloney and Christy Purcell have invested so much of their time into ensuring we have a fantastic pitch and well kept facilities. We are very fortunate to have these two men. We now have our Astro Turf facility up and running and in 2012 our new sand based pitch will be ready for use. Our facilities is growing and with that, so too does the maintenance team, welcome onboard Francis Darby and thank you for your efforts so far this year. Many thanks also to Liam Carey for manning the gates on match days, and to all the other volunteers who help on match day around the ground. Development Throughout the course of 2011 the landscape of the clubs grounds has changed dramatically for the better. Come 2012 we will have a fully floodlit Astro Turf facility and a Sand Based Pitch. Finally we will have playing facilities that will manage to cater for the all our teams. I would like to thank the current Development Sub-Committee for the long hours they have put into this project. They have worked closely with Tom Finn to make many presentations to Meath County Board and Leinster Council and well as our financial institutions. In particular, Michael McHale, Martin Reilly and Donnacha Lloyd have made a massive personal contribution over the 17

18 past 12 months to the facility we now see before us. I would also like to acknowledge our contractors for a fine example of craftsmanship. Many thanks to Mairead Delaney in her role of Development Officer for guidance with submissions to the County Board of the past twelve months. In addition, we were fortunate to receive some Leinster Council funding and I thank Paddy O Dwyer for his efforts in helping secure this funding. Underage Matters Our underage section held their Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 6 th December 2011 and I have included the report. It was another hugely busy year for the juveniles and it wasn t a year without success either. There was also the annual Easter Camps and Summer Cul Camps which attracted huge numbers of children to learn new skills and have an enjoyable time. I would also like to thank the Juvenile Committee and the Managers of our Juvenile teams for their commitment over the past 12 months. From the nursery right up to the Minor team they are nurturing the future of our club. I d like to thank Jim Mitchell for a job well done in his first year as Chairperson of the juvenile section. Of course, possibly our most important group, the Nursery group continue the get large numbers in attendance as the tiny tots takes there first tentative steps on the GAA fields. It was also great to see so many of our younger juveniles participating in Mini Games during the Senior Games in Pairc Tailteann. It is a fantastic initiative which makes for a very memorable day and here s to more of the same in Registration for the 2012 season will be held in early January. Refereeing Matters I d like to extend the clubs gratitude to Frank Gallogly and his backroom team for representing the club on the field of play this year. Love them or loathe them, our games could not go on without referees and officials and Frank and his team have been exceptional throughout the season. While on the matter of discipline, it was disappointing that we let ourselves down on a couple of occasions this year. There were a number of unfortunate incidents that could have been avoided if our discipline was a little better. Our mentors need to lead by examples and our players follow their lead, in the same way that out adults must show example to our youth coming up through the ranks. It must be remembered that while on the field of play, or on the hill watching on, our words and actions reflect on our club. Tributes Despite the difficult economic period we are going through, Dunshaughlin GAA was lucky to be able to partner with our four main sponsors again for Supervalu committed their support to our Adult teams while Kealy Construction, Golden Phoenix and PizzaMia get behind our juvenile teams for Our sponsors commitment to the community they serve is testament to the importance that they place on community life and we are happy to align ourselves with companies that shares so many of our own values. 18

19 Alas, Carlo and PizzaMia have ended there association with our Under 14 team and we hope to announce a new sponsor for that team in the very immediate future. We were excited to add a further team sponsor in 2011 with BEKO coming on board to sponsor our Under 10 sides. Many thanks to Paul, Richie, Aidan, Simon and Shane and we look forward to a long lasting and fruitful partnership. I would ask you that when you can, you support our sponsors in I would also like to extend the club deepest gratitude to the friends of Dunshaughlin who provided sponsorship at different occasion throughout the year, with particular thanks to those who helped us out in the run up to the Senior Football Championship Final. I would like to pay tribute to Ronan Gogan, Tom Finn, Garbhan Blake and Don McLoughlin for their efforts with the Dunshaughlin GAA Golf Society this year. Now in its second year, the society is going from strength to strength with more outings and even an overnight trip to Mullingar this year. It gives our former members a valuable social setting to catch up with each other. Thanks you also to Ronan for the summary I ve included later in the report. We also have to thank our dedicated lotto sellers who hit the pubs on a weekly basis to sell the tickets that are the bread and butter for running our club. I would also make a plea to anyone who feels they could help selling tickets to please step forward. Congratulations also to our three big jackpot winners this year, Philip Bevan, Brendan O Mara and Ray Cooke. When not on RTE, Christy Purcell and Patsy McLoughlin were visiting a familiar face in Aras an Uachtarain. One the many functions Christy Purcell attended for the GAA Social Initiative, the Aras visit was a more formal event. On their visit both Christy and Patsy met President Mary McAleese. President Mary McAleese even got her photo taken with Christy and Patsy. The County Final of Scór na nóg, the GAA s talent competition for young people under 17, took place Friday 2 nd December in Dunsany. Representing Dunshaughlin in the recent Scór na nóg, in Tra na gceist were Sean O Neill, Niamh Hetherington and Jack Hetherington. The team did Dunshaughlin proud as they were in the lead up to the final round and were narrowly defeated by Ashbourne. Also doing Dunshaughlin proud was Amy Stantley from Ardlea with her rendition of Siuil a Run. She also finished in second place in the solo singing competition. Many thanks to Claire Hetherington and Jamie Minnock for their help in organizing our team. Our Senior FC Semi Final weekend was punctuated by one of the best social engagements the club has seen for many a year. The brain child of Michael McHale, the Open Weekend was an opportunity to showcase the new facilities as well as the many facets of the club. The day was marked by the opening of the Astro Pitch by GAA President Elect Liam O Neill. A night of craic and ceoil followed to round of a very successful day. Many thanks to Michael and his Committee for their efforts in making the day such a huge success. Thank you also to Aidan McHugh and Fearghal Gogan on getting the website up and running. Pup to date with fixtures and reports and for the excellent newsletter that was published. To our tweeps following us on and, Dunshaughlin GAA there support in With the greater role that the Internet is playing in our normal lives it is only natural that the Internet will play a far bigger role in the clubs in the years ahead. 19

20 This is the clubs window to the world which is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. The next step for clubs is to embrace the opportunities and potential to be realized from the Club Website in terms of : Online Membership Registrations, Payments and Management Selling The Club Lotto to a far wider audience (The Parish is now The World ) Sell Fundraising Draw/Raffle Tickets Online Listing Club Merchandise for Sale Communication with Club Newsletter / Club E-Zine At this point I would like to thank our administrative representatives at county level. It is a great honour for the club to have Cyril Creavin (Runai) and Mairead Delaney (Development Officer) representing the club on the Meath County Board, and to Paddy O Dwyer for his involvement at Leinster Council level. Thank you also to Paddy Ward for acting as the Club Delegate this year and for his attendance at County Board Meetings. Some wonderful people and Club Members passed away during this year, and the Club is all the poorer for their passing. To the bereaved we extend our sincere sympathy and ensure everyone that they are always in our prayers. May the Lord have Mercy on their Souls. Ar dheis De go raibh an-anamacha go leir. Finally, I wish to thank a number of people on the Committee who have been a terrific support to me in It gave me tremendous pride to undertake the role of Runai this past year. To Chairman Jim Smith, Vice Chair Donnacha Lloyd and Juvenile Secretary Caroline Malone, I wish to extend a heartfelt gratitude for their support over the past twelve months. They have always been at the other end of the phone whenever I needed to talk. After two thoroughly enjoyable years I feel it s time to step aside and let someone else bring their experience to the role. I have endeavored to always do what I felt was right for the club in the past two years, but perhaps a fresh face will bring renewed energy to the position and keep pushing the club forward. That concludes my Secretary s report, thank you for your attendance, safe home, and may I wish all our members a Merry Christmas, and successful sporting New Year. Niall O Duibhir Runai 20

21 Treasurers Report 21

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23 Dunshaughlin GAA Income & Expenditure Account for the Year Ended November 30 th 2011 Summary Total Income 131,153 Total Expenditure 114,200 Surplus before Loan Repayments 16,953 Loan Repayments 14,030 Nett Surplus 2,923 Lotto Jackpot Outstanding 3,600 Certified Bank Balances Current Accounts: Adult 3,999 Juvenile 329 Development 15,947 Loan Account ( 125,000) Development Expenditure to date: Preparatory Works/Planning 30,742 Main Contract 448,383 23

24 Income & Expenditure Account for the Year Ended 30th November 2010 Income Expenditure General Team & Training Expenses Juvenile Lotto 52,282 Registration & Affiliation 5,440 Registration 1,304 Membership 4,440 Team Training and Meals 14,827 Equipment 1,531 Gates 2,880 Physio 5,455 Astroturf 1,075 Club Gear & Merchandise 2,538 Medical Out 1,567 Meath Match Tickets 4,740 Equipment & Fit frame 3,848 Buses, Tickets, Food, Referees, Videos etc. 2,098 Fun Day 3,017 Dry Cleaning 420 Total 6,008 Gaelic Telecom 429 Warrenstown Hire 675 Fund Raising Expenses Golf Society 1,180 Videos 400 Golf Classic 2,940 Total General 71,506 Total 32,632 Sportsprophet 1,000 Sponsors Field & Clubhouse Expenses Scrap Day 370 Supervalu 2,500 Pitch Maintenance 7,723 Xmas Raffle Golden Phoenix 2,000 ESB Phone Water 1,612 Total 4,830 Pizza Mia 2,000 Clubhouse Maintenance & Equip 2,353 Kealy Construction 2,000 Total 11,688 Private Donations 3,120 Administration Overall Total Expenditure 114,200 BEKO 500 Admin & Promotions 4,678 Hoardings 150 New Website 3,388 Total Sponsors 12,270 Total 8,066 Juvenile Donations Registration 5,070 National School 500 Bag Packing 4,851 Other Contributions 470 Bus Money 210 Total 970 Total Income 131,153 Astroturf Fees 1,570 Other Total Expenditure 114,200 Total Juvenile 11,701 Lottery Winners & Admin 33,571 Surplus before Loan Payments 16,953 Fund Raising Match Tickets 5,060 Loan Repayments 14,030 Scrap Day 16,794 Co Board Gates 1,810 Nett Surplus 2,923 Golf Classic 12,515 Club Gear 3,317 Sportsprophet 1,120 Bank Charges 628 Xmas Draw ,997 Golf Society 1,150 Race Night balance 2,250 Fun Day 4,065 Total Fundraising 35,676 Referees 405 Overall Total Income 131,153 Total 50,006 24

25 Bank Loan Funding approval received for a loan of up to 300,000 from Bank of Ireland. This will require annual repayments of up to 28,000 per annum over 15 years, based on interest rate of 4.7%. A final loan amount will be agreed with Bank of Ireland when the development is complete. A Successful Year 2011 was one of the busiest year ever on the financial front in the clubs history with the advancement of the major development project, managing day to day financing, getting final loan approval and major fund raising schemes. We reported a surplus of 2,923 after loan repayments, which is encouraging. My thanks to all members and supporters for their help in particular the Lotto group, the fund raising committee under Ronan Gogan s stewardship, the Development Committee who managed the development project within budget, Liam Carey for his gate duties and Caroline Malone for her help with the juvenile finances. Future Funding The club is taking on a significant debt for the first time in its existence requiring repayments of up to 28,000 per annum. We have demonstrated ability in 2011 to generate surpluses of this magnitude and the momentum must be maintained for future years. The club must plan each year for major fund raising activities such as draws, golf classics, race nights or other innovative ideas such as the scrap day project in Members, supporters and local businesses have been extremely supportive to date and we look forward to their continued involvement with the club. Tomas O Finn Cisteoir 25

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27 Chairpersons Address 27

28 A Chairde Gael, You re all very welcome to our Annual General Meeting in this our 125 th year in existence has been a very good year both on and off the field of play. While we have been very busy with our development of our new pitches it can be note that we haven t taken our eyes of the ball with regard to the most important part of our club our teams and their performances. In any given year this would be described as a great year but I suppose we are all disappointed that the Keegan cup is not in our presence tonight having come so close. Our senior team and management should be very proud of their achievements this year and to win the Feis Cup directly after their massive disappointment of losing the Championship final was brilliant. Our junior B team will be the first to admit that they under achieved this. To be beaten by the second team from a junior club in the knockout stages is disappointing. However most of these lads went on to contest a very good league campaign culminating in narrow defeat in the final. Once again we fielded a third team at championship and league level, something few clubs can do today. This team is so important for our young players coming up from u17 and minor to mould them into adult players for the future. Our U21 team showed great promise for 2 outings and then possibly had their eye on the final rather than reaching it. We can learn from this and go all the way in this competition next year. To our players and mentors of all our teams I say well done and the very best of luck in the coming year. At this time I want to pay tribute to all the mentors, players and committee of our juvenile teams who are progressing each day. Many thanks to Jim & Caroline for all the hard work they and their committee put in during the year. Congratulations to all our players who have represented Meath during the year. Well done also to our club referee Frank Gallogly and his team of umpires. Frank won t be around forever as a referee and it is very important that find a suitable replacement or two to carry on a great tradition of referees from this club. As everyone can now see our new pitch is almost complete and our Astro turf is up and running (apart from our unwanted intrusion by robbers). We re only half way there as we have now got to move on and endeavour to upgrade our clubhouse to a standard that is required. With an annual mortgage of 28,000 to pay back we must continue our fundraising efforts to achieve our goals. Can I take this opportunity to thank our development committee of Martin Reilly, Michael McHale, Donnacha Lloyd, Pat Maloney and Pat Herlihy along with our contractors John Clince and Kealy Construction for all the help and hard work they have put into this project. Two dates stand out this year off the field of play that make me proud to be associated with this great club. First of all we had our scrap collection weekend which was a brilliant example of how we can all work hard as a community. There was a fun element to the hard work we all put in that weekend and it reaped great dividends. The second day 28

29 was the opening of our astro pitch by Patsy and Liam O Neill. I had waited almost thirteen years for this day to come but I can now say it was worth all the effort. When it comes to looking for sponsors for our various teams we are indeed very lucky in these tough times to have great sponsors in the club. A thousand thanks to Paul Healy of Super Valu for his generosity over the last three years and it s great to announce that Paul will be on board for another three years also. To Kealy Construction, Pizzamia, Golden Phoenix and Beko we are deeply indebted. I can also announce that all of these companies except PizzaMia are on board for 2012 again. I also want to say a big thank you to Brian Reilly who has been so generous to this club over the past 12 years. Also to all our local businesses who have supported us throughout the year I say Thank you. To our outgoing committee and sub committees can I say well done for 2012 but more effort is needed in some quarters. Too small a number seem to carry out the bulk of the weekly chores. To those committee members who are standing down can I say don t walk away as your help and expertise is always needed. Can I say a special word of thanks to our Secretary Neil who is standing down due to work commitments. Neil has been a fantastic Secretary during the year and I m sure he will be back very soon to a role which he has served well. (by the way there are no flowers as you don t qualify under the years of service act!) Once again I say thank you to Christy Pat and now Francis for keeping our grounds in pristine condition all year round. Thanks to our Co Committee officials Mairead and Paddy O Dwyer who have helped secure some much needed funds for our develop. To Paddy Ward & Frank Gallogly who represent us at board meeting throughout the year thank you again saw the first tentative steps being taken by the national governing bodies of the GAA, the Ladies Gaelic Football Association and Camogie Association to adopt a One Club Model. Our doors are always open to our friends in Royal Gaels if they wish to come and explore the idea with us. In early October this year a lot of things were put in perspective when the Club lost an inspirational leader in Seamus Reilly. None of us will ever know what this great man might have achieved through his leadership and dedication to our young boys. The way in which he dealt with the hand he was given when he became ill over a year ago should be an inspiration to all of us to strive to achieve our goals in the time we are given to do so. Seamus is and will be sorely missed by us all here in the club but much more by his wife Ger and his children Thomas and Petra. To all members of the club who have lost loved ones during the year can I pass on the clubs condolences. Ar Dheis De go raibh a nanamacha go leir. Finally after six years at the helm there may be some people or items I have failed to mention in my address. If so I apologize. If I have crossed swords with any individuals during the year I only had the very best interests of the club at heart and we move on. It is now high time that someone with fresh ideas and vigour moves into this seat and takes the Club to the next level. Go raibh maith agaibh go leir Seamus Mac Gabhann Cathaoirleach 29

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31 Ainmniuchan 2011 Nominations 2011 Presidents Chairperson Vice Chairperson Secretary Treasurer PRO Club Registrar Irish Language and Culture Officer Players Representative Underage Chairperson Committee Junior B Selectors Junior C Selectors Under 21 Selectors P. McLoughlin, Fr. J. Clavin, V. Dowd, J. Smith, J. O Sullivan, T. Everard, T. O Dwyer, S. McTigue (outgoing) Jim Smith (outgoing), Donnacha Lloyd, Ronan Gogan. Donnacha Lloyd (outgoing), Ronan Gogan, Jim Smith, Michael McHale. Neil O Dwyer (outgoing), Caroline Malone Tom Finn (outgoing), Ronan Gogan, Caroline Malone Fearghal Gogan (outgoing), Aidan McHugh, Neil O Dwyer, Ronan Gogan. Shane Kelly (outgoing), Neil O Dwyer, Linda Devereux, Padraig McHale, Caroline Malone. Jamie Minnock (outgoing), Niall Kelly, Mairead Delaney, Dominic Devereux, Claire Hetherington. Ronald Yore (outgoing), Martin Reilly, Padraig McHale, Ronan Gogan, Anthony Johnson. Jim Mitchell (outgoing), Caroline Malone, Paddy Ward, Donnacha Lloyd, Paul Murphy, Paul Moore. Neil O Dwyer, Ultan Blake, Jim Smith, Dinny McCarthy, Paddy O Dwyer, Ronan Gogan, Michael McHale, Christy Purcell, Martin Reilly, Gabriel King, Pat Maloney, Caroline Malone, Mairead Delaney, Niall Kelly, Aidan McHugh, Tom Finn, Pat Herlihy, Paul Murphy, Seamus Traynor, Jim Mitchell, Padraig Sherry, Anthony Johnson, Donnacha Lloyd, Tom Rusk, Linda Devereux, Paul Sheehy, Fearghal Gogan, Jamie Minnock, Noel McTigue, Simon Farrell, Paddy Ward, Shane Kelly, Ronald Yore, Con O Dwyer, Liam Carey, Michael McHale, Graham Dowd, Richie Kealy, Donnacha Lloyd, TP Toolan, Noel McTigue Simon Farrell, Billy McCormack, Francis Darby, Hugh Lynch, Padraig McHale, Graham Dowd, Donnacha Geraghty, Shane Kelly Michael McHale, Martin Reilly, Denis Kealy, TP Toolan, Anthony Johnson, Graham Dowd, Raymond Maloney, Simon Farrell, Donnacha Geraghty, Frank Gallogly 31

32 Motions 1. Charging with the ball rule be removed from rule book or be enforced by referees 2. Club Senior Captain should be on Committee 3. That Underage Chairperson and Underage Secretary be on the Adult Committee 4. All mentors of teams, both adult and juvenile be paid up members of Dunshaughlin GAA 5. All mentors of team who have underage players on their panel must have Garda clearance. 6. No player should be allowed play any game including challenges until they have paid their membership fees. 7. Under 21 mentors should also be involved at Minor level with a view to developing an Under 21 panel and getting to know the player coming up through that level. Likewise Junior B/C selectors should have an involvement in Under 21 team. 8. Club Vice Chairperson should be Chairperson of the Underage section. We need to develop the link between underage and adult sections of the club to help our development in the future. 9. There should only be one committee combined from adult and juvenile sections. 10. In future there should only be one meeting for Senior-Underage as it will give underage parents an insight into the running of both senior-underage teams. Suggestions 1. That a rota be made for the sale of the lotto in pubs. This rota to include every adult player once in a year 32

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34 Dunshaughlin GAA Golf Society Update Now in its second year, the Golf Society is proving hugely popular with current members and friends of the club. A total of six outings were held in 2011 Rathcore, Headfort, Luttrelstown, Royal Tara, Mullingar and Knighstbrook. All were keenly contested and thoroughly enjoyable. Our Captain's Prize was held in Mullingar and included the first overnight trip. The Golf Society is open to all players, former players, members and supporters and caters for golfers of all ability. New members are always welcome. We wish to thank everyone who took part in 2011 and we look forward to seeing you all again in We also wish to especially thank anyone who donated prizes for the outings in 2011, your generosity is much appreciated by the club Results: Rathcore Headfort Winner Don McLoughlin Winner John Prenderville Runner-Up Noel Curran Runner-Up Fearghal Gogan Senior Ronan Gogan Senior Don McLoughlin Intermediate Owen Herlihy Intermediate Kit Carey Luttrellstown Royal Tara Winner Ronan Gogan Winner Brian Keenan Runner-Up Tommy Brennan Runner-Up Brian Reilly Senior Mark Devaney Senior Noel Curran Intermediate Kit Carey Intermediate Kevin Moyles Mullingar Knightsbrook Winner Ronan Gogan Winner Mark Devaney Runner-Up Hugh McCarthy Runner-Up Hugh McCarthy Senior Denis Staunton Third Tom Finn Intermediate Dessie Caldwell Fourth Fearghal Gogan Fifth Trevor Dowd 34

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