'Hen parties' causing havoc with camogie fixtures in Galway

“GETTING the house in order” was just one of the recommendations made in relation to the fixtures debate which brought stirring arguments from many of the delegates who attended the County Camogie Board AGM at the Lough Rea Hotel & Spa on Monday evening.

Chairperson Geraldine McGrath argued “that many clubs had stooped to the lowest levels” to get matches called off during the summer. Clearly, infuriated, the Chairperson went on to say that “hen parties and 21st birthdays” were the excuses used week on week to have games postponed.

“Until we get our fixtures going, we are going nowhere”, added the Chairperson. She said it was a credit to the fixtures committee that all competitions, with the exclusion of the minor championship were concluded by early November, but said next year the possibility of playing clubs matches while the All Ireland senior championship was in progress would have to be looked at.

The Camogie Board stressed it is their prime aim to finish the minor competitions by the end of the calendar year. The U18 ‘B’ final between St. Thomas and Salthill will go ahead this weekend, despite a proposal from St. Thomas' delegate Marline Connolly that the final be re-fixed for next February.

The minor ‘A’ semi finals featuring Sarsfields against Mullagh, and Killimor against Athenry will also go ahead this weekend, with the final to be played the following week.

Assistant Secretary Pauline Mitchell thanked everyone for their courtesy and co-operation with regard to fixtures, but stated that “getting the mindset right” was crucial for future years.

In relation to finance, the County Board experienced a deficit of expenditure over income of €18,165 this year. That gap is expected to be narrowed considerably as much of the money from the car draw had still to come in from clubs. However, many delegates pointed out that due to the current economic climate, they were finding it extremely difficult to finance their own clubs, let alone provide for the County.

Chairperson Geraldine McGrath pleaded with clubs to “come up with a solution for a fundraising idea” as clubs cannot continue to be “exhausted” in this regard.

Accountant Mary Thornton alluded to the extreme costs of the senior team, which was also picked up by Athenry delegate Julie Carr. However, it was revealed that the cost of the senior team decreased dramatically in comparison with 2008 with the total sum for 2009 coming to €30,383. Camogie Board Secretary Ann Kearney said that County teams only received the “bare minimum” this year.

Cappatagle clubman Noel Finn was unopposed in his elevation from intermediate to senior team manager. Nine clubs, Oranmore/Maree Kiltormer, Mullagh, Portumna, Kiltullagh/Killimordaly, Cappatagle, Ardrahan, Turloughmore and Ballinasloe, supported Finn for the position.

Salthill delegate Joe Maguire proposed Finn for the senior job at the meeting and it was seconded by Kiltullagh/Killimordaly delegate Frank Duane. The decision is subject to ratification by the Executive Committee, but that will be a formality after outgoing manager Liam Donoghue informed the board prior to the meeting that he was not interested in seeking a second year.

Finn, who has guided Galway to two All Ireland Intermediate titles this decade plus the junior crown in 2003, pointed out that there will be a change in his background team for the upcoming season.

Chairperson Geraldine McGrath stressed the need for a “good relationship between the senior and intermediate players” but warned that only players that were needed be used by the senior management in 2010.

For more, read page 46 of this week's Galway City Tribune