Chairperson McGrath fends off Murphy's challenge

Date Published: 15-Dec-2010

Eoghan Cormican

OUTGOING Chairperson Geraldine McGrath was successfully reelected to the post after fending off the challenge of Ardrahan’s Martin Murphy at the Galway Camogie Board Convention at the Lough Rea Hotel & Spa on Monday evening.

Victorious by 37 votes to 24 vote, McGrath thanked all clubs who supported her, but quipped: “there has been a lot of dirty washing put out about me in recent weeks, but I’m prepared to leave that behind. 2011 is a big year with Feile coming to Galway.”

In her Chairperson’s address, McGrath said it has been a “wonderful year for Galway camogie with two All Ireland Cups, five All Stars and the young player of the year award.” She also made it known that the number of clubs in the county is to rise to 35 with Abbeyknockmoy to field their first camogie team in 2011.

Frank Duane (Killimordaly) was re-elected Vice Chairperson with 54 votes, overcoming the challenge of Bernie Daly (Mullagh) who polled seven votes. “This is my fourth year involved and I would like to thank everyone for their support. I’m a bit of a late starter, but whatever you want I will do my best to help,” said the Killimordaly business man.

The position of Secretary was deferred until the next meeting with many delegates in favour of a joint Secretary to be carried out by Emma Mooney (Killimor) and current Secretary Ann Kearney.

Ann Cunningham (St. Thomas’) was also elected President of the Galway Camogie. Cappataggle clubman Noel Finn was unopposed in his re-appointment as manager of the senior camogie side.

Although selectors Helena Huban and Noel Power along with trainer Bertie Sherlock were ratified, Finn stated: “there will be a change in my background team,” indicating that a fourth person would be added early in the new year.

In the Secretary’s report in relation to the senior side, Ann Kearney said: “We as a county have to learn from the defeat in Croke Park. Next year the management should look at the area of strength and conditioning as many girls were too easily pushed off the ball.”