Barryroe GAA

Report on Barryroe GAA Club AGM 2019

While it is "closed season" for most field activities of the GAA, the social and administrative matters now take centre stage and so it was in the club gym last Friday night the 6th December when a large attendance was present for the club AGM. Debate and talk was the order of the night with outgoing chairperson, Sean de Barra, keeping everything moving along.

The minutes of the 2018 AGM were taken as read and this was followed by the Secretary’s report for 2019. Richard Murphy, our Secretary, was complimented by the Chairperson on presenting such a detailed report. The report comprehensively reviewed all playing action for the 2019 season and it was commented that a hopefully a corner was now turned with our victory over Na Piarsaigh in the relegation hurling play-off. The performances of the Junior A footballers was discussed at length, where it was noted that results now need to improve considerably if the club is to maintain our current status as the structure of the competition is significantly altered for the 2021 season. It is hoped that a big effort from all concerned will see the club reaffirm itself in the latter stages of championship 2020 and a decent performance in the league is the minimum expectation. In other matters the members were brought up to speed on the current status of the club grounds and it is hoped that a Club Development Plan will be issued in the not too distant future. Following this thorough review the Secretary's report for 2019 was passed by the meeting.

The PRO Report was briefly reviewed by John O'Leary where the main item of note was compliance with GDPR needs to implemented for the forthcoming season. It was also noted a Club Archive has now been completed and the ability to view thousands of Barryroe GAA records will be rolled out in early 2020 to paid up members only.

Copies of the Secretary Report and PRO Report for 2019 can be located at 2019

The treasurer’s report was the next item on the agenda which was professionally presented by our treasurer, Michael Coleman. It outlined the financial situation of the club for the year ending 2019. Michael thanked all involved in getting the new ground to a state where it can now be used for games. The importance of the club lotto also became quite apparent and the lotto committee were thanked for their trojan work during 2019. The report was then accepted by those present.

The Chairperson then said a few words and thanked his fellow officers and committee members for all their efforts during the year. The Chairperson also thanked the various teams and their mentors for their efforts and in particular; Brendan Coleman, David Coakley, William Sheehy, Tom Farrell, Kevin O'Donovan and John O'Regan for their sterling work with the adult teams on the playing fields in 2019. Sean expressed support for Brendan as he commences another season at the helm where he will be assisted by Densy Whelton and Donal Lyons, football and William Sheehy and Tom Farrell, Hurling. The outgoing Chairperson expressed hope that our current young crop of players at adult level will continue on the upward curve and show more consistency at league level which should then transform to championship. Sean finalised his address by commenting on a set of guidelines in relation to player participation is currently being prepared for the Ibane teams.

The meeting swiftly proceeded to discuss two motions tabled in advance. The first of which was an illustration of the proposed club structure for the 2020 season. The second motion on the agenda was a proposed amendment to membership fees and clarification on the different types. Both motions were accepted and subsequently membership fees for 2020 were collected. It was reconfirmed that the ability to renew membership will shortly be made available on-line and all previous players and members should be encouraged to continue to support the club. It was noted that the membership / registration day will occur sometime in early spring.

One of the final acts of the night was the election of officers and under the stewardship of Club President Vincent Sexton the following positions were filled for 2020;

• Patron: Fr. Dave O'Connell (Outgoing)
• President: Vincent Sexton (Outgoing)
• Vice President: Fr. John Sexton (Outgoing)
• Chairperson: Sean De Barra (Outgoing)
• Vice Chairperson: Eoin McCarthy (Outgoing)
• Treasurer: Michael Coleman (Outgoing)
• Asst. Treasurer: Vincent O'Donovan
• Asst. Treasurer: TJ O'Donovan
• Secretary: Richard Murphy (Outgoing)
• Asst. Secretary: Gearoid Whelton (Outgoing)
• PRO: John O'Leary (Outgoing)
• Registrar: Jerome O'Brien
• Irish Language & Culture Officer: Danny Ni Bhuachalla
• Development Chairman: John Fleming
• Delegates (Cork): Vincent O'Donovan & John Byrnes
• Delegates (Carbery): Eoin McCarthy & Ger Fleming

The officers returned to their seats and the chairperson thanked everyone for their attendance and wished the club every success in 2020. The club would like to express its gratitude to all personnel who sought positions on the night.

On the social side, the club will hold its dinner dance, which is a joint fuction with Barryroe Camogie Club on the 18th January 2020 in Fernhill House Hotel where All Ireland medalists Ryan O'Donovan and Jessica McCarthy will both be honoured. It was announced that tickets will be priced at €35 and any interested parties were encouraged to reserve their spot with club officers.