Another successful Cork year reviewed

Cork Ladies Football AGM. Sponsors Castleands

Another successful year reviewed with major plans for 2008. By
Fr Liam Kelleher.

The AGM of the Cork Ladies Football Board was held at the Oriel
Hotel in Ballincollig on Friday last. There was a good turnout
from the 60 clubs in the Co. Once gain a most successful year
was reviewed at every level and major plans for development for
2008 were discussed. Sharon O’Keefe who has been an excellent
Secretary for the Board for a number of years presented a very
comprehensive report and her dedicated service and huge workload
will be very hard to maintain.

Secretary’s Report 2007

It is my privilege on this my 6th year of Office to present the
Secretary’s report for the past season of Cork Ladies G.A.A. 2007
season began with many new faces on the board & also without any
major sponsor, we were all delighted when Castlelands joined forces
with the board as our backer for what was to prove another successful
year, with our U16’s & Minors regaining & retaining the All Ireland
Titles, the Senior B’s claiming the first Aisling Mc Ging All
Ireland Trophy & the seniors creating another piece of history
with their 3 – in a row.

As usual I begin my Round up on the inter county scene U14’s.
With only a few of last years panel available for selection at
U14 , It was always going to be a daunting task for the panel
to achieve the high standards of previous U14 squads. First taste
of the tough Challenges to come were at the U14 All Ireland Blitz
, when despite the 2nd Cork Combination winning the All Ireland
B grade; our first squad failed in their bid for the A title.
In the Munster Championship , when Clare played Cork in Nemo in
the semi final ,one felt the squad was settling down to their
usual high standards with an impressive victory over the Banner
Side. At the Kerry Camogie Request the Munster final was changed
to a late Sunday evening match in Listowel. The venue & time made
it difficult for a large rebel support to attend ( & given the
fact the Munster hurling semi was on in Thurles a few hours earlier),
with the Kingdom relishing in a large attendance , this combined
with first time nerves from the girls playing their first Munster
final meant Cork never got motoring & Kerry after 7 years trying
ran out U14 victors. However the back door option was available
– Dublin in the ¼ finals. In what was probably the best U14 match
of the year , the scoresheet was well filled with both sides playing
some inspiring football , however Cork were to loose out on a
scoreline of Cork 7-11 Dublin 9-11. Triona , Robbie , Eamonn ,
Charlie & Fr Liam put in a huge effort with the Under 14 beginning
in November & we thank them for all their hard work.

The U16’s began their defence of their Munster Title in great
style when they defeated Limerick in the first round of the Munster
u16 Campaign. Then it was Clare – tough opponents for the semi
final – one knew the talent Clare possess but Cork had the skill
on the day to gain another Munster Final qualification. Kerry
were the opponents again, played in Nemo, Cork Captured the Munster
U16 Title in Style. On to the All Ireland Quarter finals & Leitrim
their opponents , rather than condemn the U16 Leitrim side to
a humiliating defeat , the Connaught runners up decided it was
in the best interests of their Ladies Team’s development to award
Cork a walkover. So it was Kerry in the semi final – who had recorded
a good win over Dublin. Played in Killorglin Cork faced a much
improved Kerry side and it took a last minute converted penalty
to seal Cork’s All Ireland final qualification. Donegal were the
opponents played in Tuam – but nothing was going to stop these
rebelettes from re-taking U16 All Ireland Honours. Coaimhe O Callaghan
their captain received the All Ireland cup from Geraldine Giles.
Well done & congratulations to the management . Minors Cork began
their Munster Campaign by defeating Waterford in Carrigtwohill
in the Munster Semi Final. Next Cork travelled to Tralee to meet
Kerry in the Munster final where Cork recorded their 6th Munster
Minor Title in a row with ease. Galway were to provide the semi-final
opponents played in Parteen Co Clare , Cork Minors continued their
good form to book their All Ireland Place . Dublin were the opponents
played in Templemore Co Tipperary. Cork finished the season victors
winning 6-08 to Dublin 2-10. The Management was the same for both
the U16 & Minors Squads With Charlie Mc Laughlin, Fr Liam Kelleher,
Con O Sullivan, Kathleen Kearney, Ted O Donavan & Neilus Carroll
& well done to them on their season successes.

Much debate loomed from Central in the early part of the season
as to whether Counties would be allowed enter second teams. White
smoke was seen & the launch of the Aisling Mc Glin Memorial Trophy
for Counties Senior B Teams was commenced. This was to be a league
system of two groups , with on average 1 match per month. Cork
sailed through qualification to top their Group & face Meath in
the All Ireland Semi final ( which clashed with the U16 All Ireland
Final) A 5 point victory saw them face Dublin in Toomevarra on
Sunday Sept .30th. A large Cork Attendance witnessed a magnificent
display by the Cork Girls storming through the Dublin Challenge
– Player of the match went to Annie Walsh , Niamh Hickey had the
honour as captain of accepting the Aisling Mc Ging Cup for the
first time. Well dome to Fr Terry , Noel , Peter & Jason & all
involved with Cork’s Senior B’s for 2007.

At the start of this season our Cork Senior Footballers were in
search of even more history when they began their defence of their
League & Championship titles with the aim of retaining both for
an unprecedented 3 time in a row . The league Campaign got off
to a positive start & with Cork introducing new players for 2007
, the squad was looking in great shape. Cork went through the
qualifying stages of the league campaign blooding new players
& this was to prove a worthwhile exercise in the coming months.
When Cork faced Mayo in the League Semi final , we had just secured
our new sponsor. Cork were seeking a record 31 games without defeat
– however Mayo spoiled the party & ran out victors. ,So to Munster
& a first round match v Kerry. Still drained from the league campaign
Cork struggled in gaining victory over their opponents. Their
well earned summer holiday rejuvenated the Cork Seniors & when
they met Waterford on a damp June evening nothing was going to
stop them winning their 4th Munster title. The new National Championship
league system to the All Ireland ¼ finals while providing games
did not succeed in much else but causing a backlog in Cork’s domestic
fixtures. However Cork eased through these stages & qualified
to meet Dublin in Wexford Park. Televised live on TG4 it was possibly
the only way the Cork supporters could see the match – hardly
a halfway venue. Cork began showing the form of Champions easily
dismissing the Dubs. Laois were next in the semi –final – played
in Portlaoise. There was a cloud over this game with the serious
illness of Laois mentor Lulu Carroll – ( who later died the following
day… R.I.P.) but in fairness to both teams a great sporting game
was shown out live on TG4. Cork continued with their impressive
display of football & qualified on course for the 3 – in a row.
Croke Park Sunday was a week earlier this year, & everyone was
predicating a cracker of a final between league Champions Mayo
& reigning All Ireland Champions Cork. – We did get an exhibition
match – one of Cork’s sheer talent as they took Croke Park by
Storm in what was the best All Ireland winning team to grace Croke
Park in 2007. Mayo got 2 very late consolation goals – but still
were defeated convincingly on a Cork 2-11 Mayo 2-06 scoreline.
Brid Stack got player of the match for her “women marking defence”.
Captain Juliet for the 3rd year running jointly received the Brendan
Martin Cup with legend Mary O Connor. Well done to our Senior
Management of Mary Collins, Eamonn Ryan, Jim Mc Evoy, Ger Twomey
& Frankie Honohan.

Cailini Oga 2007 – With no Munster Competition in this grade being
arranged – there was huge disappointment from girls around the
county as this is always used as a chance for them to play for
Cork when they may never have that opportunity again. The Secretary
tried to arrange an invitational National tournament , but this
was refused by the Office in Dublin. Finally permission was granted
by the Munster Secretary for an invitational Munster Blitz however
with the change in date of the social & outstanding matches at
U12 / U14 both at county & divisional it was unfortunate but this
had to be cancelled. I would suggest that maybe this could be
arranged earlier next year during the summer & confined to girls
who have never been a member of any county team. Minis Games Croke
Park As our Seniors had reached the All Ireland Final Cork were
allowed to select a Mini Game panel to play at half time in Croke
Park. Mentored on the day by Sharon O Keeffe & Bridget O Brien,
the girls who played were. Megan Allen, Grenagh ; Ornagh Feehan
,Boherbue ; Michelle Lucey, Gaberials;Grace Bunce, Carrigtwohill;
Kate Howard, Rockban; Laura Murphy, Newmarket ; Ellen Murphy,
Glanmire; Jessica Sheehan, Kinsale; Kayleigh Sheehan , Dromtarriffe;
& Laura Hayes , Eire Og .

Golf Classic 2007 – An Annual Golf Classic took place in Kanturk
Golf Course in April. We had 66 teams which entered on the day
and 40 tees & greens sponsorships. – it was fantastic to have
a full time sheet. Our Treasurer Anthony Dempsey’s team won the
event. It was a long day from 8 am to 10 p.m. & I am grateful
to my daughter Sarah & my husband Mike who helped with the running
of the event allowing me a short break during the day & also they
both helped in putting up the sponsorship signs. Also I wish to
include in my thanks Tony Mc Aulliffe & his staff in Kanturk Golf
Course – for their co-operation & hospitality as always.

Social 2007 – The board wished to honour the victories teams within
the playing year & so the social was arranged for November 3rd
– however only the smaller function room was available so a successful
county deserved to celebrate in comfort necessitating a change
of date to November 1st. 350 guests celebrated with the board
officers on the night in the Rochestown Park Hotel where a top
class meal & band were enjoyed by all. Special thanks to 3 people
for the work during the social, Bridget O Brien – the Assistant
Secretary , organised the band who kept the dance floor full.
Pat Lynch recorded every historic moment & finally Sarah O Keeffe,
my daughter, organised the medals & presentations with Bridget
& also helped with the preparations before hand.

Dog Night 2007 – This is the last official County Function before
the AGM & I ask one and all to make this the success it deserves
. I wish to thanks all who have helped with finance this year
but most especially , Anthony Dempsey, Fr Liam Kelleher & Jim
Mc Evoy – the county is indebted to you all. Don’t forget November
22nd.

On the Munster Championship Club scene Junior A Ballingeary.
Represented Cork well in their first Munster Campaign – losing
out in the Munster semi final to the current All Ireland Junior
Finalists from Clare. Intermediate Mourneabbey taking Munster
by storm to claim their Munster Intermediate Crown .They qualified
for the All Ireland Intermediate final in impressive style with
a 0-20 to 2-05 victory over their Sligo counter –parts in Sligo.
At the time of writing Mourneabbey will play Ulster Champions
Glen in the All Ireland final & we wish them every success in
their bid for All Ireland Honours. Senior Inch Rovers first time
county winners straight into a Munster final, it an exciting Munster
final claimed a 1 point victory over Kerry Champions Southern
Gaels. In the All Ireland semi-final they delighted their home
supporters with a 2-10 to 1-05 victory over Errigal Ciarán from
Tyrone & the time of writing Inch Rovers will play Carnacon in
the All Ireland Final & we wish them also every success in their
bid for the Senior All Ireland 2007.

On the Domestic Front: Congratulations to all our County winners
& runners up 2007. I am sure Neilus as fixtures Secreatry will
have a run down of County Fixtures & results in his report . Congratulations
To our Cork players who have been nominated & those who will receive
All Stars for 2007 . Congrats also to Elaine Harte & her husband
John Doyle on their recent wedding – The Board wishes them both
a lifetime of happiness. Congrats to Juilette Murphy – Cork 103
& 96fm player of the month for September . Brid Stack received
the Irish Star award for her All Ireland performance. Briege Corkery
Vodaphone Ladies Footballer of the Year. Rena Buckley & Catriona
Foley – our two “footballing” Camogie All Stars. Valerie Mulcahy
won the Cork North City & District Sports award for September.
The Fixtures Committee Under our Fixtures Secretary Neilus Carroll
– with another very successful year on the County Scene – fixtures
in 2007 within the county sometimes had to take a back seat. All
the committee put in a huge effort again in 2007 & we thank them
for this. Special thanks to two officers of the board Brian Enright
& Dan Buckley for their work with fixtures on top of their board
officership. Bridget O Brien Bridget again looks after our Accident
fund professionally. This is a huge portfolio with the huge amount
of clams processed weekly. Bridget is always on hand to lend a
hand with County Board functions & co-ordinated again this year
our Home-coming. I hope Bridget will continue in her role as Assistant
Secretary as our new county secretary will be able to rely on
her expertise.

Fr Liam At the AGM 2006 – the board welcomed back Fr Liam to his
former role as County Pro. It is extremely difficult for a County
Pro – doing a voluntary role to cover the county of Cork with
our 60 clubs. Fr Liam shared the role of County Pro with that
of Minor & U16 fitness coach & selector- not to forget his profession.
His enthusiasm is endless & the board needs people like Fr Liam
to keep our profiles in the spotlight. One small disappointment
was this years senior Press night. Arranged in conjunction with
Senior team training at the Farm, & with fading light it turned
out not to be a suitable venue for this media & players liaision.
The previous 2 years it had been held in the Mardyke – a venue
of this calibre should be used for our Seniors meeting the press
prior to an All Ireland to give justice to our Management’s &
players for the status they have reached.

Anthony Dempsey . Anthony now in his 4th year in the board changed
Officership from Fixtures to Treasurer. With Smart Telecom & a
few other events of 2006 leaving the board with a debt of Close
to €60,000 at the start of the year – it was a job that many would
wash their hands of – but not Anthony. First Project – County
Board Table quiz – a great success & very enjoyable night, won
by the first chairman of the Cork Ladies Board & his team from
Ballydaly. Compere on the night was Fr Terry. Followed by our
County BAG Packing sessions – raising further valuable income.
Next was the Club Directory – delays in publication & getting
sponsorship saw this not come out till July but the blue print
is now in place. Anthony ( with other board officers) formed the
first Cork Ladies Football Golf Society & they enjoyed 3 days
of Golf & he finished off the year with the Dog Night. I hope
Anthony will continue with the hard work done for 2008 – he has
been a valuable asset to our board.

Tom Luddy As Chairman of Cork Ladies Football in his first year,
one of Tom’s first duties was to welcome the Underdogs to Páirc
Uí Rinn in December- to play our All Ireland Champions. Of Course
no Underdog team could match our brilliant footballers & this
was to be Tom’s first taste of Rebel success. Next Task was to
secure a major sponsor for our Inter-County Teams. Finally in
April construction company Castlelands from Mallow, put their
money on the table. The launch was held in the fantastic new Mallow
GAA Facilitates. Tom is a very hands on Chairman , representing
the board at both Munster & Central Meetings (also congress 2007)
, attending our inter-county matches, & chairing the board’s meeting
with professionalism. Finally Tom was the envy of the other Cork
County Boards’ Chairpersons , when on September 24th in Cork City
he welcomed home our Victorious Senior Football Team & Management
for their 3 rd Homecoming to Cork. I expect Tom will wish to stay
on as Board Chairman for 2008 as I am sure he has a lot more to
give our board.

Brian Enright & Micheál O Ciaradha At the 2006 AGM a tie for this
position resulted in 2 Vice Chairmen of the board , while it is
fantastic to see personnel involved with the board this Officership
does not require 2 individuals as the main function of the role
is to Chair the Gpc. Most meetings during the year were chaired
by Brian Enright & Brian was also a member of various sub- committees
during the year. While I hope we will have only 1 Vice Chairman
for 2008 – I hope the Other Candidate will consider another portfolio
within the board – as it is vital to help with the running of
our board all willing personnel are encouraged to stay on board.

Thank You’s – First in the line of thanks to Castlelands for your
financial backing of our Board for 2007. We would also especially
wish to thank anyone who in anyway contributed to the running
of the Cork County Board in 2007, those who Refereed & stewarded
our matches. The clubs who prepared their pitches for our use.
Those who collected gates on our behalf a large organisation like
Cork Ladies Football Board needs these volunteers & does appreciate
all who give of their time for the board. To the Evening Echo
for their continued coverage of Ladies Football. To all business
who sponsored ads in our Contacts book for 2007 & those who supported
us throughout the year. To Castle Hotel & Eire Óg GAA for allowing
us the use of their premises for our regular meetings. To Dr Lucy
Fleming for her outstanding Voluntary Service to Cork Senior Ladies
Football Team. To Dan O Mahony for organising our Schools competitions.
To the Staff in the Office especially Eileen & Patricia for their
help all year. To every player that has worn the Cork Jersey during
the 2007 season – thanks first to your parents & families for
their support for you to play for our county, to each and every
one of you – your commitment to training and the long distances
you have had to travel to both matches within and outside our
province, take our pride in your achievements with you , enjoy
the break refreshed for another season of Cork successes in 2008
and Management’s at County Level, It is without doubt we have
talented & committed players in Cork, but what we also have is
management’s who can read the game, who can make decisions to
out wit their opponents, who put their lives on hold for the benefit
of the county, to you the words “Thank you” seems understated.
We are very grateful in Cork for all the efforts which have yielded
such successes in so many of our Inter-county teams. Hours upon
hours have been put into our County teams training’s & team tactics
discussions – all which bore our rewards of 2007 . To you our
supporters for supporting our games, encouraging the girls throughout
the year, especially those who travelled around the country when
Cork teams were involved in the All-Ireland series’. To our divisional
boards and their officers for their work throughout the season;
and the Managments of the Divisional teams for our Blitzes. To
all who worked on the GPC throughout 2007 chaired by Brian Enright
& Micheál O Ciaradha . To our Senior Selection Committee , Tom
Luddy , Brian Enright, Arthur O Leary , Ted O Donovan. If I have
left out any person or group of people who have worked on behalf
of Cork Ladies Football during 2007 – my apologies and thanks.

Officers of Cork Ladies Board 2007 – Once again to my Fellow Officers,
Tom , Brian , Micheál , Fr Liam , Fr Terry , Anthony, Bridget,
Neilus , Ted , Charlie, &Ger & our Gpc Representatives Mary Power
, Eamonn Lane , Robbie Smythe & Arthur O Leary, I would like to
thank all for your help and support – also for the amount of work
you have put in for the benefit of Cork Ladies Football, and to
those who are continuing in Office for 2008 I wish you all a very
successful year.

Congratulations – To players who have announced their engagements
during the year or club personnel who have had family additions
during 2007 Sympathy Our sympathy to all those who lost loved
ones in 2007. May they have eternal rest.

Final Thoughts – What was pleasing about the AGM 2006 was the
challenge by two people to go for the Vice Chair position & the
election of a new County Chairperson. However the AGM left open
the positions of Treasurer & Secretary. Anthony Dempsey capably
took over as our Treasurer while I agreed to continue as County
Secretary for what I was promised was definitely my last year
– just to keep some continuity as the top board positions all
had new officers. I am delighted to see two very capable Ladies
nominated for the 2008 County Secretary & I hope that whoever
takes over the role will have a very successful year , I know
you the clubs will co-operate fully with our new county secretary
as you have done with me during my term. I would also hope that
for future years in Cork more of the officership of the board
will be held by females – especially past club/ county players
. I must say it was an absolute privilege to be Ladies Football
Secretary of Cork and as we are getting more recognition – the
position will hold more of a status in future years. I can’t leave
without my expression of my deepest gratitude to those Club Officers
who throughout the 6 years have been co-operative & helpful –
every board Officer I have worked with since November 2001, especially
Mary Power who is a legend in her own right and a valuable member
of any board. The Most important thanks I must impart on leaving
this board as your Secretary is to my family: the kids- Sarah,
Daniel & Gavin, have grown up on Cork Ladies Football, 6 years
of having me answers phones while out with them – coming home
to find me on the computer, piling into the car to go to matches,
their support is immeasurable , & of course my husband Mike –
my Rock. Wishing everyone who takes on board an Officership for
2008 a very successful year both on & off the field & to you the
delegates, I hope 2008 will bring you all continued enjoyment
of Ladies Football both at Club & County level. Finally my wish
of a very peaceful Christmas & fulfilling new year, to you one
& all.

There were tributes all round for the wonderful work of Sharon
and the wish that her family would see more of her now the huge
workload and dedicated service to the Co Board was at an end for
the present.

PRO Fr Liam Kelleher presented a comprehensive report much of
which is included in the secretary’s report. He thanked all the
media for their continued support and coverage of the ladies game
and urged clubs to send in reports on their games during the coming
year. All the local newspapers are only too willing to give coverage.
The Evening Echo were given special mention they give huge coverage
to the Inter-co scene and the Senior championship but here was
a fall off during the past year in coverage given to underage
games. Clubs are partly to blame for this for not submitting the
material. Hopefully there will be an improvement in 2008 with
an extra effort being made to develop a comprehensive website
on the sport.

Treasurers report.

Treasurer for the year Anthony Dempsey produced a very detailed
account of the financial state of the Board, there was huge turnover
of in excess of €300,000. The incoming deficit was in the region
of €80,000 and about €107,00 in excess over the 4 previous year
was raised. A lot of this money came from the fantastic support
of new Sponsors Castlelands, while previous sponsors Smart Telecom
were complimented for honouring their commitments from the previous
year. The table quiz and bag packing raised a substantial amount
of money early in the year as did the golf classic due to the
efforts of Sharon O’Keefe. The only downside was the poor support
for what was expected to be the major fundraiser of the year,
the sponsored Greyhound benefit evening at Curraheen Park recently.
There was very poor support from the clubs and the players involvement
was virtually nil with just 6 of the 160 inter-co players involved
with Cork during the year present.The majority at the meeting
agreed that it was the wrong time of the year in the middle of
a school week, with the Senior panel involved with their own fundraising
activities for a well deserved holiday to New York, having a major
bearing on the situation. The consensus was that the players venture
should come through the Co Board and the general feeling expressed
was that the Co Board would be only too willing to lend its support,
but all finances must be channelled through the Co Board. In future
more communication must take place, and with new management teams
appointed for the various teams round table discussion between
all involved must take place before the commencement of the 2008
season. Those who made the effort to contribute to the support
of the various Co teams, which was a great help to put the Co
Board back in the black, were commended for their efforts. If
the Dog night had been the success that had been anticipated the
Board would be in a very healthy position going into 2008. As
it is €33,000 remains to be paid for sports gear for 2007 and
with the remaining sponsorship to be paid early in the year the
Board’s finances are in a very healthy state. The treasurer thanked
all for their great help and especially previous treasurer Mary
Power for her huge help. The important thing was, that huge lessons
were learned this year and we can look forward to a very positive
2008, when hopefully the tremendous sponsorship of Castlelands
will continue.

Chairman’s address.

In a very positive and well thought out address, Chairman Tom
Luddy finishing up his first year complimented everybody involved
at every level for their work and achievements during the year.
He stated that his family came first, then his work and then,
ladies football but never realised, that there was so much time
involved, at so many levels. He was sorry, he could not attend
more Senior games but was at most of the Senior B games with his
daughter Jenny, involved with this team. His hope was that next
year he would be able to go to more of the Senior games. With
Cork having more games at home in the league it would make it
easier. His term began with the hosting of the TG4 underdogs final
at Pairc Ui Rinn. This was a huge success and raised a substantial
amount of money for charity. The year ended with the captains
of the various Co teams visiting CUH with presents of Teddy Bears
and signed Cork jerseys for the children courtesy of the Sponsors
Castlelands, this was very much appreciated. In between it was
non stop activity. On the inter-co scene the Seniors lost out
to Mayo in the Suzuki League semi their first in over 30 games.
The Under 16’ and minors won All-Ireland titles thanks to Charlie,
Ted Nullius, Kathleen and Fr Liam and one must no underestimate
the fantastic work done at underage. The under 14’s although scoring
7-11 lost out eventual champions Dublin in a thriller, while this
was the only team to miss out on National honours the B team did
win Division 2 of the All-Ireland blitz. The Senior A and B teams
scored tremendous All-Ireland wins.

Thanks to Mary, Eamonn, Jim, Frankie, Eileen Fr Terry. Noel, Jason
and Peter and their back up teams. Special thanks to Mary Collins
for delivering three in a row. Thanks to Sharon and Bridget for
organising the team for the Mini game. Tom went on to state that
he Co Board would not survive without the help and support of
GAA clubs around the Co, who put their facilities and personnel
at our disposal. He went on to mention, the great work done by
his fellow officers, GPC and other committees and hoped that there
would be no gaps in officers accepting positions at the election
of officers. He appealed to all the incoming officers to put their
shoulders to the wheel to ensure the smooth running of the Board.
He thanked Dan O’Mahony for his work with the Post Primary Schools,
there would be no games only for him. He also thanked the 4 regional
Boards and their officers. He particularly thanked Charlie Mclaughlin
for his development work with the School of excellence, The Summer
camps, his work with the schools and of course with all the underage
Cork teams. For the past number of Saturday mornings he marvelled
when he brought young players from his club Mallow to the School
of excellence for under 14’s at Nemo Rangers. Each Saturday there
were over 100 players from 9.30am to 1.30am divided up into 2
groups. All organised by Charlie with his helpers, Robbie Smythe,
Eamon Lane, Fr Liam and new recruit Jamsey O’Callaghan. He was
particularly impressed with the work and the coaching skills of
Niamh O’Keefe and Aoife Scally from last years under 16 teams
and their rapport with the younger players. He also thanked those
who collected at gates ensuring we had the highest ever incomefrom
this source. The Co Directory was a new innovation and a welcome
one which can be improved on next year. With regard to awards
he stated there was for and against. A big effort was made to
upgrade trophies during the year and that would continue in 2008
with shields be replaced by cups There was good suggestion from
GPC that Donoughmore would be given the Senior trophy in recognition
of 11 co wins in a row and a new trophy provided for the Senior
competition. He said that the creating of a few new post were
essential like a kit officer, a purchase order person and any
other position that would spread the workload. Thought must be
given to the structure of Co adult competitions. The Senior was
competitive with 8 teams. The Intermediate had just 2 teams the
Junior a 4 Junior B 12 and Junior B 36. A Major effort will be
made to get the grounds issue back on track. The 17 acres in Innishannon
purchased in 2,000 for £200,000 was three quarters paid for and
those who gave loans will be reimbursed. With planning permission
turned down, for the Innishannon site, we must look for other
sites around the CO to develop. Again thanks to all for their
help, players parents clubs team mentors referees and everybody
who helped to make my year such an enjoyable one. Everybody elected
to positions will have to work equally as hard during the coming
year and we must reinvent the wheel to ensure we keep ahead of
the posse. The Chairman apologised at the end of the meeting for
omitting to congratulate Mourneabbey for their fantastic All-Ireland
Intermediate win and Inch Rovers for giving their best on the
day, but their day will come sooner rather than later.

Munster Council Officer Dan O’Mahony took the chair for the election
of officers and this year there were no gaps. In fact most time
was taken up in trying to approve of an extra assistant secretary,
without having to wait until next year and after a lot of unnecessary
discussion, it was unanimously approved from the floor.

Officers elected. President Arthur O’Leary Carrigtwohill. Chairperson
Tom Luddy Mallow. Vice Chair. Brian Enright Boherbue and Michael
O Ciaradha Eire Og Hon Sec Gobnait Ni Laoi Ballingeary Inchigeelagh/Ballingeary.
Asisstants. Bridget O’Brien Rockban, Catriona McManamon Ballincollig.
Treasurer Anthony Dempsey Carrigaline. Assistant Robbie Smyth
Carrigaline. PRO Fr Liam Kelleher Grenagh. Assistant Tom Scally
Eire og. Fixtures Sec Nelius Carroll Glenworth. Registrar Dan
Buckley St Vales. Cultural Officer Michael O’Suilleabhain. Ballingeary/Inchigeelagh
Senior Management team Jim McEvoy Justin McCarthy, Eamonn Ryan,
Noel O’Connor. Minor and under 16 Charlie McLaughlin, Ted O’Donovan,
Kathleen Kearney, Brian Enright, Nelius Carroll and Fr Liam Kelleher
Under 14 to be confirmed and completed and will include Eamonn
Lane, Robbie Smyth. Jamsey O’Callaghan, at the next Co Board meeting.

The motions before the meeting met with a lot of discussion and
nothing major was changed with many just recommendations The meeting
was brought to conclusion well after midnight, but the marathon
4 hour event left one with the distinct impression that a new
era is about to begin for Cork Ladies Football. Tom Luddy with
a years experience under his belt and a glutton for work, and
with an excellent team under him, the previous high standards
will not only be maintained but surpassed, hopefully it will come
to pass.