St. Mary's/Sean Finns GAA Club, Rathkeale : Report from AGM The Annual General meeting of the club took place in Rathkeale House Hotel on last Friday 5th December at 7.30pm and it was heartening to see so many committed members in attendance. Apologies were read from a number of members who were unavoidably absent. Pádraig Feehan chaired the meeting, having been elected from the floor to do so, and the meeting proceeded smoothly. Officers presented their reports to the members present who acknowledged each one positively. All spoke about the successful events of the past year, both on the playing field and in the organization as a whole. Our Secretary, Pat Sheahan provided his detailed and comprehensive report, in which he recounted the many successes both on and off the playing field, and the significant progress made by the club in 2008. He paid tribute to the dedicated group of coaches who gave of their time freely and willingly to guide and mentor the various club teams. He outlined the structural works being carried out in the Bog Garden and thanked the Co. Board for the use of Mick Neville Park throughout the year since our own field was closed off. The secretary's report finished with an account of the fundraisers undertaken during the year, which were very well supported by both the public and business community. The Treasurer, Mary Liston then presented a clear and detailed account of the financial affairs of the club. She outlined and verified her accounts with the relevant bank statements. She thanked the Trustees, the Assistant Treasurer, Mary Frawley and the Finance Committee as a group. The Treasurer of Bord na nOg, John Lyons then gave another comprehensive account of financial affairs of the under-age branch of the club. He thanked all Bord na nOg officers and supporters and expressed his satisfaction with Bord na nOg events of the past year. The audience adopted both financial reports, appreciating that a great deal of time and effort had gone into keeping the financial affairs correct and up-to-date. It is clear that running a club such as ours needs an ever-increasing supply of funding, and while fundraising is not easy for anyone, it can be achieved more easily with the co-operation of many members. Having heard the various reports, the acting-Chairman, Pádraig Feehan then addressed the meeting and presided over the election of new officers. Pádraig reiterated the votes of thanks already expressed by different speakers and he had a special word of praise and congratulations for the outgoing officers who had worked tirelessly at GAA activities in the past year. He reminded members to support our local businesses as they support us. He congratulated the various teams and their management for their achievements on the fields of play and remembered great games played during the year when both senior teams and juvenile teams had shown their skills and given us all so much enjoyment. He then proceeded with the election of officers. The new officers of the club are as follows: President : Tom McNamara; Vice- President : Fr. Willie Russell; Chairman :Joe O'Connor; Vice-Chairman & Chairman of Bord na nOg : Brendan O'Reilly; Secretary : Pat Sheahan; Joint Assistant-Secretaries & Secretaries of Bord na nOg :Tom Keating & Karen Fahy; Treasurer : Mary Liston; Assistant- Treasurer: Mary Frawley; Treasurer of Bord na nOg : Mike Stackpoole; P.R.O. : Shivaun O'Connor; Registrar : Philip O'Donnell. The incoming Committee of the club is as follows: All names already listed as club officers in addition to Anthony Frawley, James O'Connor, Thos. O'Connor, Barry Dillon, Ber White, Tom White, Brian Duggan, John Lyons, Brian Wilmott, Mike Keating, Mary Sheahan, Paddy O'Grady, Gerry Molyneaux, John Brennan, Pat Donovan, Richard Naughton, Padraig Feehan, Tom Lyons, Neil Ryan, Mike O'Sullivan, Mark O'Sullivan, Mike Sheahan, Alan Johnson, Mike Barrett, Dave Malone, James Feane, Kevin O'Sullivan. The 1st business to be discussed by the newly-elected officers and committee was our entry to the various competitions for 2009 and the selection of team managers. A good discussion took place on the various issues to be decided, and many present were happy to play a role in the management of the various football and hurling teams. A complete list of mentors will be available in a few weeks. The final business of the AGM was the setting of membership fees for 2009. A decision was made on the following fees: Individual Adults (over 18's) ?20; Youth members ?10 and Family Membership ?50 (parents and Juvenile/Student members). These fees may be paid to Philip O'Donnell, Registrar immediately. At the conclusion of the meeting, a minute of silent prayer was observed in memory of club members and their loved ones who have passed to their eternal reward during 2008. West Scor na nOg success for Aimee: The West Limerick Scor na nOg finals took place on Friday 28th November at Ardagh Hall and as usual we were very well represented. We had entries for Recitation and for Question Time and all did us proud. Aimee Fitzgerald of Ballyvinterourke recited "Micheál Bocht" with perfect delivery and dressed in costume for added effect. She won the Recitation/Storytelling competition and will represent West Limerick at the Co. Final at Pallasgreen on this Friday 12th Dec. Our Quiz team of Sean Sheahan, Michael Keating and Ciaran English also put on a great performance and eventually came in second place to St. Kieran's after the quizmaster used three sets of tie-breaking questions to find the winning team. Well done to you all. 57th Annual Christmas Draw: With Christmas approaching fast we are reminded of annual events and traditions that go together automatically. Our 57th Annual Christmas Draw has been around for longer than most of our members, and with 50 prizes on offer, it provides us with many chances to win. This year, the tickets are again priced at ?2 each with a book of three tickets for ?5. The draw will take place as usual at the Rathkeale Community Centre on Thurs. 18th Dec. just a week before Christmas. This annual draw continues to be a vital source of income for the club and we appeal to all members, players and friends to support the draw and enjoy a little flutter. The funds raised last year helped us to finance many expenses of the club during the year. Many thanks to the Draw Co-ordinators, the three Mary's: Mary Liston, Mary Frawley and Mary Sheahan who have already given up much of their time and energy working on this event, and who will no doubt be extremely busy right up to the 18th ensuring that everything is in order. Tickets can be purchased from any member or player of the club and we look forward as always to a successful draw and many happy winners on 18th Dec. Members are requested to return ticket stubs this coming weekend or as soon as ready. Congratulations & Best Wishes: Congratulations to Pat and Roisin Madden on the birth of their son Luke Tony last week. The proud parenta are delighted to have a future Limerick star in their hands. Congratulations also to Brian and Valerie O'Sullivan on their new arrival recently, a sister for Ian and Jody. Go maire sibh go leir an chead!!! Congratulations also to Gavin Lyons who won ?250 in the November Limerick GAA Development Draw, which took place in Monegea on 28th Nov. The final draw of the year will take place on this Friday 12th Dec. at Dempsey's Bar in Meanus. Last buy by no means least, congratulations also to the lads of St. Mary's Athletic Club who captured Gold in Cross Country Running in Cavan on Sun, when they ran as Limerick and Munster Champions. Congratulations to Steve O'Reilly, Darren Jones, Eoin O'Donnell, Martin Roche and the Mullane Brothers of Croagh. Secretary's report at AGM (By Pat Sheahan) 2008 - A Year of Highs and Lows 2008 was a mixed year for St Marys/Sean Finns GAA Club. On the positive side we captured 4 west titles on the playing field, namely, West U12 Football Summer League and West U12 Hurling Summer League, West U14B Hurling Championship and West Junior-B Hurling Championship. We were also victorious in the County U21B Football Championship which means that overall we won 5 trophies in the year. On the negative side, our Minor & U16 teams failed to live up to expectations and failed to make any real impression in the championships. Representation on county & divisional teams Congratulations to Damien Quaid (U21 Hurling) and Eoghan O'Connor (U18 Football) who represented our club on the 2008 County teams. Also to Damien Quaid and Mark O'Sullivan who represented our club on the Western Gaels 2008 team. Special mention also to the following Bord na nOg players who represented our club on various underage county teams during 2008, Sean Sheahan (U16 hurling), Anthony Supple (U16 Football) Mike Keating (U15 Football), Eoin O'Donnell (U14 Football). Minor Hurling Our Minor Hurlers played in the County 12-a-side competition, during the league stage of this competion, they beat Crecora (2-05 to 2-08) & Castletown/Ballyagran (3-09 to 4-10)., and lost to Glenroe (0-9 to 2-14) and Dromin/Athlacca (2-04 to 5-19). They received walkovers from Bruree and Caherline. These walkovers qualified us for the county semi-final, but a lack of commitment and injuries to other players meant we had to give a walkover to eventual champions Dromin/Athlacca Minor Football Our Minors footballers failed to make the knockout stage of the West Championship.an early loss to Ballysteen (2-09 to 1-08) was followed by wins over Knockaderry (1-07 to 3-13) and St Senans (6-11 to 1-02). Struggling with commitment and numbers after the exam break, a loss to Granagh Ballingarry (3-09 to 6-06) left us needing victory over either Cappagh or Drom/Broadford to qualify for one of the semi-final spots. However, we failed to field a team in both of these games and thus made a very disappointing exit from the competition. A big come-down from the previous year when we won the West A-Championship. U21 Hurling Our U21 hurlers played in the West 12-A-side competition. We are currently in the west final of this competition where we face Monagea. Following numerous deferrals, this game is being held over until St Patrick's Day of 2009. U21 Football This team provided fantastic early season entertainment when they were narrowly beaten in the West final of the U21B football championship following a last minute goal by Drom/Broadford. However they underlined their class by going on to beat the same opposition in the county final to capture the first County Limeric championship of the 2008 season. We were undefeated in the league stages of the west championship with wins over Bunoke Gaels and Drom/Broadford and a walkover from Athea. In the West semi-Final we beat a very fancied St Senans side (2-10 to 1-16) in a very exciting game to qualify for the west final where we were desperately unlucky to lose to Drom/Broadford on a score of 0-11 to 1-10. We beat Cappamore (3-09 to 1-10) in the county quarter final and overcame Killulta Gaels (0-09 to 0-05) in the semi-final. The county final was a classic game and we gained revenge for our earlier west final loss to beat Drom/Broadford on a score of 1-16 to 2-10. Congratulations to all the players and the management team of Niall Ryan, Seamus Dollery and Denis Guiney. Sean Finns U21B Football 2008 County Champions Junior Hurling Our Jun Hurlers competed in division 6 of the All-County League. Where we finished 3rd with wins over Abbey Sarsfields(3-14 to 1-06) and Camogue Rovers(2-22 to 1-06) and Templegalntine (walkover). A draw against Milford(1-09 to 0-12) and losses to Staker Wallace(4-23 to 1-03) and Garryspillane (1-12 to 1-04). In the west Junior-B league we also finished third thus failing to qualify for the semi-final spots. Victories over Croagh(2-11 to 2-12) and Kilcornan(3-09 to 3-05) were offset by losses against Knockaderry(3-17 to 0-8) and Askeaton (walkover). As the summer wore on our results were improving and come championship time we peaked. A narrow first round win over |Kilcornan (0-10 to 0-09) was followed by a defeat to Granagh/Ballingarry(2-13 to 0-10). Another narrow win over Newcastlewest(0-13 to 2-09) and a walkover from Askeaton meant that we had qualified in third place for a quarter final spot against Feoghanagh. We won this easily (1-07 to 4-17) and earned a tilt at West League champions Kileedy in the semi-final. The semi-final played in Newcastlewest on the night of the big floods was abandoned at half time due to torrential floods wilth both teams tied on the scoreboard. The replay was a close affair and after a great game we came out winners on a score of 1-07 to 0-14. Local rivalry came to the fore in the west Final where we met neighbours Granagh/Ballingarry. The first game, a tight tedious affair, ended in a draw (0-09 to 0-09). The replay was a different story and in a great game we overcame the neighbours on a final score of 2-10 to 1-10. to claim the championship honours and retain the trophy. However, hopes of a county title were dashed when we again went down to Doon in the county quarter final on a scorline of 0-12 to 2-10. A very disappointing end to the year as it meant that our goal of winning the county championship was not achieved. However, as the saying goes, there's always next year. Well done to all the players an the management team of Pat O'Donovan, Thos O'Connor and Mike O'Sullivan. A special word of thanks also to Pat Madden who was trainer for this team. St Marys (Rathkeale): 2008 West Limerick Junior-B Hurling Champions. Junior-A Football Our junior footballers were withdrawn from the West league as we failed to get someone to look after the team in time for this competition. Following frantic searches, Michael Barrett, Gus Ryan and Pat Neville stepped into the breach and began preparation for the championship. An early victory over Granagh/Ballingarry (0-12 to 0-07) brightened the horizon only for it to be darkened again by a bad loss to Cappagh (1-07 to 2-14). We regrouped and a draw against Monagea (2-09 to 1-12) gave us a chance. This was followed by a loss to Glin (1-12 to 1-08). We narrowly qualified for the last quarter final spot against Castlemahon when we were eventually beaten on a score of 2-13 to 1-15 after extra time. Thanks to the aforementioned management team and all the players and hopefully next year will bring better results with an earlier start to preparation. Bord na nOg Our underage teams recorded some great successes also in 2008 with our U12s recording their own double with West titles in both hurling & football. Our U14 hurlers won the west championship and lost the div-2 County final to Claughaun by the narrowest of margins. The u14 footballers lost in the West semi-final to Fr Casey's. All in all a very competitive year for these lads and hopefully they will benefit from the experience in the years ahead. Our U16 hurlers and footballers withdrew from their championship early in the season. This is the 2nd year in a row that we were forced to withdraw the U16 hurlers from the competition. This situation needs to be addressed urgently. St Marys 2008 U12 Hurling team. Coaches/Managers It seems to get harder and harder every year to fill team management positions so a big thanks to all the people who took on teams during the year. Some were more successful than others but in taking on the task you have endeavoured to bring honour to the club and everyone should be grateful. Bog Garden We closed the bog Garden at the start of the year with the intention of re-developing the pitch. However the awful summer has meant that very little progress has been made in this. Following a break in the terrible weather we finally managed to start work in September only for the rains to return and we were forced to stop work again after only 1 week. At this stage we are praying for a good spring and hopefully we will be underway early in 2009. We are indebted to the county bord for the use of Mick Neville park during 2008. Thanks to Helen Cross and her team for the assistance in booking the field and for the excellent condition that it is maintained in. Work in progress in the re-development of the Bog Garden in September. Fundraising - Christmas Draw This years Christmas Draw is scheduled to take place on 18th December. Tickets have been delivered to all our members and have some people have started to return the tickets at this stage. Please ensure that you return your tickets by next Friday 12th Dec. Various selling expeditions have been made by a dedicated few to the Rathkeale Coursing, and other matches over the last few weeks. Fundraising - Limerick GAA Development Draw Congratulations to Tom Keating who won the Car in the December 2007 Draw and to Kate White-Hickey who won the car in the Jan-2008 draw. During the last 12 months we have had 10 winners as follows: December 07 Draw Tom Keating Car or ?14,000 April Draw Kay White Hickey Car or ?14,000 May Draw Conor Lyons ?250 May Draw Patrick Wilmoth ?150 June Draw Celine Mulcahy ?500 June Draw Rathkeale GAA ?1,000 July Draw John Lenihan Foreign Holiday September Draw Pa Ryan ?500 October Draw Pat O'Connor ?150 November Draw Gavin Lyons ?250 Tom Keating (Top Prize winner in December '07 Draw) with club promoter Mary Frawley pictured receiving his ?14,000 (Car) prize from Dan Hickey of the Limerick GAA Development Draw. Happy 2009!! Finally let me take this opportunity to wish all our members & supporters a happy and sporting 2009. Is mise Padraig O'Siochain (Runai CLG Naomh Mhuire/Sean Fionn) Tweet

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