Press report on Clare County Ladies Board April meeting

Press report on Clare County Ladies Board April meeting Venue: West County Hotel Date: Tuesday, April 8th.

Before proceedings commenced officially Clare Ladies Board Chairman Johnny Hayes gave an eloquent eulogy in respect of two great servants of Clare Ladies Football, namely the late Tom Malone and the late Maureen Kenny, who were sadly recently deceased. Chairman Hayes praised both the deceased for their immense contribution to Clare Ladies Football during their life time. After a minute’s reflection in remembrance of both, Mr. Hayes then adjourned the meeting for a five minute period as a mark of respect to both the deceased.

Transfers:

The Kilrush Club submitted an appeal in respect of the five underage players from Shannon Gaels’ Club who were refused permission to transfer to their club at the March meeting. The meeting heard that the issue of three of these players had been resolved amicably between both clubs but that two players were still contentious between both clubs. After hearing submissions from representative of both clubs the board again voted by a large majority to reject Kilrush’s appeal. The matter must now proceed to Munster Council if Kilrush wish to appeal it further.

An unresolved transfer from the March meeting, regarding Cooraclare senior player Claire Walshe’s request to transfer to the Banner Ladies in Ennis, was also discussed. Ms. Walshe’s regular place of residence was at issue and although her current club Cooraclare had no problem with the transfer request the Board felt it still needed further evidence of her bona fide address before it could sanction her request. Ms. Walshe in person declared she would furnish such evidence by means of a utility bill or something of a similar nature and this was accepted by all in attendance.

Injury Fund:

Development Officer Mary Keane informed the meeting that the Ladies Football Association would be scrutinising more intensively injury claims submitted in the future. This has come about due to last year’s expenditure for the scheme exceeding income for the first time ever. County secretary Michael Fitzpatrick informed the meeting that some players were claiming off their private insurance and the Injury Medical Fund at the same time. In future he stated the Injury Medical Fund will only cover the excess of their private health insurance.

Club Officer Training Night:

Ms. Keane reminded all delegates of the upcoming club officer training night this Friday in the West County Hotel. Starting at 7.30pm all clubs must have their main officers in attendance. All clubs in attendance gave assurance that there would be a good representation.

County Development Committee:

Mary Keane (Fergus Rovers), Sharon Malone (Éire Óg) and a representative of the newly formed Kilrush club were agreed to be part of this committee. Its main initial task will be to organise an eleven a side tournament for club adult teams exclusive of players playing for the Clare Intermediate team.

U-14 Grading for 2008:

The following grading for the 2008 championship was agreed.

A Standard: Banner A, Miltown, Wolfe Tones, Newmarket, Clooney-Quin, Doora-Barefield.

B Standard: Coolmeen, Burren Gaels, West Clare Gaels, Kilmihil, Cooraclare, Fergus Rovers.

C Standard: Kilrush, Banner B, Doonbeg, Liscannor, Shannon Gaels, Éire Óg.

The first two teams in each division will contest the final. Third, fourth, fifth and sixth teams will play in a semi final & final series for a Divisional Shield. Fixtures and dates will be produced at the May meeting.

U-12’s

It was agreed that the recent U-12 blitzes, while very successful in their own right, did not simplify the grading of teams as hoped. The meeting agreed that a further series of blitzes would proceed and Michael Murphy-Edwards of Kilrush agreed to co-ordinate this.

Féile Peil na nÓg:

Banner ladies, Newmarket, Fergus Rovers and Wolfe Tones will contest the semi-finals of this year’s Clare Féile after qualifying from very successful qualifiers in Kilmihil and St. Flannan’s last weekend. The semi-final and finals will be played on Tuesday April 22nd with a 6.30 start. Venue not yet arranged but hopefully St. Flannan’s Ennis.