Minor club AGM

The AGM of the Kilbeggan/St. Joseph's minor club took place before a good-sized attendance in the Horseleap/Streamstown Community Centre last Friday night.

There were two significant changes to the top table with Teresa Murphy succeeding Garrett Farrell as secretary and Darren McCormack taking over as treasurer from Michael Lynam. Both Garrett and Michael - who will remain on the executive as assistant treasurer - were praised for the energy they brought to the roles over the past number of years.

Tom Ward was re-elected chairman for a second year. In his address, Tom thanked his fellow officers and the various mentors for their work during the past 12 months. He congratulated the U14s on winning the league title and reaching the Shield final, which they lost to Shandonagh by a point after a terrific contest. He said he had high hopes for this year's U16 and minor teams who have lost only a handful of players from last year's teams.

Detailed reports on the activities of each of the underage teams were given by their mentors. Garrett Farrell said most of the teams had big numbers and recalled the club's participation in July's U8 Games at Croke Park as being one of the year's highlights. The outgoing secretary also expressed his gratitude to the mentors, parents and sponsors for their efforts and support throughout the year.

The treasurer's report provided by Michael Lynam showed the club to be in a healthy state financially, with expenditure being well down on the previous year.

A number of issues which cropped up during the year were discussed. There was a call for greater communication between mentors in relation to players whose services may be required by the team in the age group above them. However, St. Joseph's chairman and committee member Alan McDonnell warned of the dangers of players "getting too much football at a young age", which could lead to them dropping out before they reach minor.

Some mentors also spoke about the difficulties they encountered during the summer months when many players are unavailable due to holidays, the Ghaeltacht, summer jobs etc. Disappointment was expressed at the fact that some parents don't reply to text messages regarding the availability of their children for games.

While it was acknowledged that the club is lucky to have such dedicated mentors and officials, it was felt that not enough is being done to encourage new mentors and members to get involved. The lack of female and adult player participation was highlighted. In a bid to attract new members and increase parent involvement, an open night will be held in the Kilbeggan Parish Centre next month.

The officers elected were - chairman: Tom Ward; secretary: Teresa Murphy; treasurer: Darren McCormack; vice-chairman: Billy Kelly; assistant secretary: Donal Fox; assistant treasurer: Michael Lynam; delegates to county minor board: Josie Boyle, Billy Kelly and Donal Fox.

The proposed underage mentors (more may be added later) for the coming year are - U6: Ronan McDonnell, Edward Slevin, Paul Maloney, Gary Dooner; U8: Graham Corcoran, Pat Conlon, Jim McCormack, Mark Maloney; U10: Aidan Elliffe, Anselm Conlon, Ronan McDonnell, Robert Gannon, Sean Rochford, David Gannon; U12: Michael Lynam, Derek McDonnell, James Mullins, Kevin Fitzpatrick; U14: Josie Boyle, Nicky Weir, Joe Fox; U16: Martin Elliffe, Billy Kelly, Paul Maloney, Larry Claffey; Minor: Josie Boyle, Tom Ward, Martin Nannery.

The committee comprises the top table and team mentors as well as St. Joseph's chairman Alan McDonnell and his Kilbeggan Shamrocks counterpart Ken Scally.

Girls' football AGM

The AGM of the Kilbeggan/St. Joseph's girls' football club has been rescheduled for the Horseleap/Streamstown Community Centre this Friday, January 30 at 8.30pm. All are welcome to attend.

Lotto

The numbers drawn in last weekend's lotto were 1, 10, 13 and 14. There were no match 3 winners. The draw winners were Fr Brendan Corrigan and Emily Smith. Next Saturday's draw will take place in McNamara's when the jackpot will be €9,300.

Reunion

A reunion for Kilbeggan's 1972 and '73 minor championship winning teams is being planned. Many of the players involved in those successes went on to play in our senior championship final defeat to The Downs in 1980.

Moate All-Whites

Commiserations to our neighbours Moate All-Whites on their All-Ireland club JFC semi-final defeat to John Mitchel's of Liverpool last Sunday. They can be proud of their achievements.

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