Gate-receipts boost board coffers
DUHALLOW has bucked the trend from more recent years by reporting healthy finances.
According to Board officers at Monday convention, increased gate receipts and keeping a tight rein on expenditure has helped keep the board in the black.
Treasuer Tony McAulliffe says that despite the current economic climate, he was happy to report that the board kept its head above water in 2013. Outlining a detailed financial summary and the extension of sponsorship across championships and leagues contributed significantly to the board's wellbeing.
Gate receipts rose by almost €5,000, that contributed to a €9,333 surplus at the year's end to offset more than a €9,900 deficit on the previous season. In an extensive Secretary's Report, Steven Lynch said a number of clubs basked in divisional and county glory climaxed on a county IHC victory for Kanturk.
"From divisional football competitions, many clubs had a lot to celebrate at the end of another long season, with fantastic and somewhat unexpected victories for Pobal Uí Chaoímh in U21 A Football Championship and Lyre in the Kanturk Credit Union JAFC. In hurling, it was Kilbrin who really showed their dominance, having annexed all divisional titles available to them."
The Secretary added the running of a games programme is never an easy task with a number of obstacles particularly inter county activity proving a crux.
"Clubs often have conflicting interests regarding dates of fixtures and there are also many other considerations which arise. All is fine in theory when Clubs seek the maximum number of games for their teams.
"The Board published its Fixtures Master plan in February and, while dates and fixtures were circulated earlier to clubs, a number of problems did arise and some competitions did overlap and subsequently held up.
"The Board has shown itself to be most accommodating to Club requests.. Across all our competitions, we had deadlines to meet for county championships orLeagues and credit to Clubs for their cooperation," he said.
Sponsorship is valuable and thanks were extended to Ducon Concrete, Kanturk Credit Union and EPS for their support of games in addition to North Cork Co-Op backing of divisional teams.
The Secretary lauded a loyal band of referees for their sterling service to the Association.
"Unfortunately, we face a shortage unless we can encourage people to take up the whistle. On a number of occasions during the year, referees from outside the division had to be sourced. We need new refs to take on the mantle," he said.
Development Officer Seán McAulliffe related meetings focused on games, IT, pitch maintainence, strategic plans and the importance of positive community relations.
Cultural Officer Jerry Doody reported on the progress and rate of success enjoyed by Duhallow clubs in Scór at county, provincial and national levels . Boherbue collected All Ireland Scór na nÓg honours in figure dancing and Muireann Vaughan (Kanturk) landed a Munster title in solo singing.
Warm wishes were extended to indisposed Board President Frank Healy.
County Treasurer Pearse Murphy congratulated all involved in the efficient running of affairs within Duhallow and commended clubs on their outstanding facilities, the ongoing maintenance and development that's reaping benefits. Also addressing convention were Tracy Kennedy, Co. PRO; Ciaran McCann Co. Cultural Officer and Marc Sheehan, Chairman Rebel Óg.
Freemount delegate Denis Carroll initiated discussion on the eligibility for the County Junior B leagues. Vice Chairman Joe Kerins spoke of the labour intensive schedule at underage level that's putting pressure on parents and members in addition to keeping players interested on long lay off between county championship games.
The 2014 Officer Board is President: Frank Healy (Kanturk), Chairman: Richard Murphy (Lyre/Banteer), Vice Chairman: Joe Kearns (Kanturk), Secretary: Steven Lynch (Boherbue), Treasurer: Tony McAulliffe (Lismire), Development Officer: Seán McAulliffe (Kilbrin); Cultural Officer: Jerrry Doody (Millstreet); PRO John Tarrant (Millstreet).
Proceedings opened with a Mass celebrated by Rockchapel's Fr.Denis Stritch and delegates were welcomed to Kanturk by club chairman Joe Kerins.
