Barryroe GAA

Report on Barryroe GAA Club AGM 2020

Wednesday 16th December saw another little bit of club history made when Barryroe GAA held our first virtual AGM via Microsoft Teams.

Outgoing club secretary Richard Murphy had issued his detailed report in advance of the AGM and on the night Outgoing Chairperson Sean de Barra expertly navigated his way through a presentation. Sean noted how the pandemic has had a significant impact on our community and the impact on the GAA club cannot be underestimated. Sean spoke with great pride about how, when reading the end of year reports from each section, it is very evident that the Covid-19 pandemic impacted on every aspect of club life, from games to administration, to club events and cultural activities but remarked how each of the challenges we faced, were overcome with diligence, hard work, planning and each challenge was managed with good humour, strong leadership across the club and adherence to the Covid-19 guidelines.

Little did we consider that, when we turned out the lights out in Páirc Uí Mhurchú on Wednesday 11th March after a camogie training session, that we would not hear the sound of the big leather ball or the clash of the ash until the 29th June when GAA clubs could resume activities.  Sean, on behalf of the senior committee expressed a deep sense of gratitude to our club members, players, coaches, mentors, administrators, parents of underage children and supporters for their co-operation and patience during these challenging times. Sean paid tribute to club members who gave so generously of their time to assist with the club Covid 19 Response Plan and also noted our appreciation for club members who worked on the front line, in the emergency services, our local community shops which continued to function and to service our needs during the lockdown. Sean also complemented everyone who had volunteered over to undertake some much-needed maintenance works and singled out Vincent O'Donovan, Norman Fleming, Paul Hunt and Danny Buckley for special praise in relation to their efforts. Sean also noted that after years of dedicated service, Patrick Barry vacated his position as club groundman in mid-August. The club is indebted to Patrick and we thank Patrick for his efforts in keeping the pitch in pristine condition during his tenure and wish him the best for the future. Kenneth Santry has recently taken up the position as club groundsman and we wish him well in the year ahead.

Finally, the detailed secretary’s report noted the great pride and community ethos the GAA fosters within Barryroe as evidenced in recent times with the phenomenal response to our fundraiser which was launched in the Autumn. The money raised was required for essential works to the playing surface of the main pitch. Development Chairperson John Fleming briefed the members on the works completed and outlined that works to the eagerly anticipated extension to the amenity walk will commence in early summer 2021. No doubt this will be an extremely popular amenity for all the in the community to utilise.

The PRO Report was briefly reviewed by John O'Leary where the main item of note was the launch of the Club Archive in March of this year. John remarked on the volume of information within this archive totaling some 2,600 records but stressed that information still exists in households in the parish which the club would love to compile and record for future generations to consume.

Click on the links for copies of the Secretary Report and PRO Report for 2020.

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. Michael thanked all involved in getting the new ground to a state where it can now be used for games with a new ball catcher net and some surface improvements works undertaken over the summer months. The importance of the club lotto also became quite apparent and the lotto committee were thanked for their trojan work during 2020. Mike noted many of our club sponsors have unfortunately had to cease normal trade or have had to curtail their normal operations to help prevent the spread of the virus and encouraged all in the community to support local in every way we can in their time of need when the opportunity arises in 2021.

All reports were 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, Kevin McCarthy, Vincent O'Donovan, Densy Whelton and Gearoid Whelton for their work with the adult teams on the playing fields in 2020. Sean thanked Brendan for his dedication and efforts over the years as he takes a year out for managing the adult teams. 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 noting he was stepping down from his role of Chairperson and wished the club all the best for the season ahead.

The meeting swiftly proceeded to discuss membership for the year ahead. 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.

One of the final acts of the night was the election of officers and under the stewardship of Outgoing Chairperson Sean de Barra the following positions were filled for 2021;

• Patron: Fr. Dave O'Connell
• President: Vincent Sexton
• Vice President: Fr. John Sexton
• Chairperson: Eoin McCarthy
• Vice Chairperson: Sean de Barra
• Treasurer: Michael Coleman
• Asst. Treasurer: Vincent O'Donovan
• Secretary: Richard Murphy
• Asst. Secretary: to be filled
• PRO: John O'Leary
• Registrar: Jerome O'Brien
• Irish Language & Culture Officer: Danny Buckley
• Development Chairman: John Fleming
• Delegates (Cork): Vincent O'Donovan & John Byrnes
• Delegates (Carbery): Eoin McCarthy

New Chairperson Eoin McCarthy wrapped up proceedings shortly before 10:30pm and stated we look forward to brighter days ahead and urged all members to stay safe. Barra Rua abu!