KNOCKADERRY GAA CLUB NOTES
LOTTO JACKPOT €11,600
There was no jackpot winner. Numbers drawn were 5,14,26,32.The following are lucky dip winners: Martina Wrenn promoter Online, Jerome Scanlon promoter John Sheehy,Mark Danaher promoter Ted Danaher, Tomas O Donovan promoter Bord na nOg ,Betty O Sullivan promoter Online. Promoters Prize Martina Wrenn. Please contact your promoter to purchase tickets if you normally purchased weekly tickets. All monthly and upfront subscriptions are automatically in the draw also the Club Lotto can be played online on https/knockaderrygaa.clubifyapp.com/categories/lotto/products, all on line entries must be logged before 8pm on the Thursday evening of the draw.
The next Club Lotto draw will be held virtually on Thursday December 3rd. Your support is greatly appreciated.
COMBINED PARISH DRAW
The 2021 commencement of the Parish Draw which was due to take place this Thursday is postponed until January in which a double will take place. Please contact your promoter for details or give your subscription. Thank you for your continued support.
DECEMBER CLUB LIMERICK DRAW
No Club winner in the November Club Limerick Draw. The December Double Draw will be held on December 12th. 1st prize €10,000, 2nd prize €3,000, 3rd prize €2,000 with 28 additional cash prizes of €500, €250 and €100. There is also an exclusive star prize of €100 vouchers for Timmy Macs Bistro at The Woodlands House Hotel. New members welcome by contacting Mary Collum. Please contact your promoter or Mary Collum to settle any outstanding subscriptions for 2020.
CLUB FACE MASKS STILL AVAILABLE
There are still some club face masks with Club crest available for purchase at a cost of €5. If interested please contact Ger Corkery.
ALL-IRELAND SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
With a clean sheet, Limerick are back in the All Ireland Hurling Championship Final. History is being made as this will be the first time in the history of the GAA that Limerick and Waterford will contest this much wanted final for the Liam Mc Carthy Cup. Huge congratulations to the Team and management on a victorious win last Sunday.
KNOCKADERRY FC ANNUAL 7K WALK
The Knockaderry FC Annual walk on St. Stephens will be a virtual one. It runs for the month of December. To join contact Pa Downes for the QR code or request the link. It can also be sourced on their Facebook page. For further details contact Pa Downes. Thank you for your continued support!
KNOCKADERRY CLUB GEAR
Club gear can be ordered from the Knockaderry site on O’ Neills. All Club gear has being updated. Htpps://www.oneills.com/shop-by-team/gaa/Ireland/Knockaderry-gaa.html.
KEEP IN TOUCH www.facebook.com/CnocandoireCLG-Twitter @KnockaderryGAA. You can also contact us by email secretary.knockaderry.limerick@gaa.ie or pro.knockaderry.limerick@gaa.ie
QUOTE OF THE WEEK!
There will always be people in your life who treat you wrong. Be sure to thank them for making you strong!
Knockaderry GAA – Successful historic Online AGM held on Saturday night.
The following officers were elected on the night.
· Chairperson Richard Wall
· Vice-Chairperson nominated by club executive
· Secretary Gerard Corkery
· Assistant Secretary nominated by club executive
· Treasurer Sean Condon
· Assistant Treasurer Mary Collum
· PRO Nora Condon
· Irish Language Officer Donagh O’Sullivan
· Registrar Diarmuid O’Sullivan
· Health and Wellbeing Officer Orla Ambrose
· Club Development Officer Ted Danaher
· Club executive committee All outgoing – Tbc at Jan meeting
Knockaderry GAA (incl Bord na nOg)– Secretary Report 2020
When writing this report, I was conscious of the historic nature and significance it may have in time to come and hopefully this account will capture from a GAA perspective what was truly a year like no other due to the Covid-19 global pandemic. Little did we know this time last year what was facing us in a matter of weeks but incredibly we did see some club action during the year and at present in the middle of a unique inter county season which see Limerick chasing All Ireland glory once again.
Like my previous secretary reports, I will concentrate both on on-field matters as well as off field developments in a year where undoubtedly pride of place went to our victorious Minor Hurling Champions.
On the Field:
Intermediate Hurling Championship
Knockaderry participated in the Intermediate Hurling Championship grade for the 16th year. On reflection, we were very competitive but unfortunately got knocked out at the ¼ final stage in a restructured championship. Our opening game was against Newcastlewest and was played in Quaid Park on the 26th July. We had a very bright start and led 1.05 to 0.02 after nine minutes but NCW rallied and led at half time by a point. The second half was a real shoot out as both teams exchanged points. It was NCW who finished slightly stronger and won by a point in a game that could have gone either way. The final score 1.15 to 0.19. Defeat meant we were back out in action a week later against St Patricks in Mick Neville Park. This was a game we were really up for and helped by a very strong third quarter we were victorious on
the night on a score-line of 0.15 to 0.11. All of this meant a safe passage through to the knockout stages of the championship and a ¼ final meeting with near neighbours Feohanagh. This game was played on Sunday 6th September and because of Government restrictions, the game had to be played behind closed doors. The first half of this game was one to forget as we never got going. At the water break we were down 1.09 to 0.01. We rallied in the second quarter but were still behind by 8 points at the break. In fairness to the players, we played much better in second half reducing the deficit to just two points before the last quarter but Feohanagh added a few important points and were deserving winners 1.15 to 0.15 at the final whistle. That ended the Intermediate hurling championship for 2020. Newcastlewest went on to secure county glory with a hard fought extra time win over Na Piarsaigh. A huge acknowledgment and thanks needs to go to the players led by captain David O’Callaghan, management team of Darren Moynihan, Ger Ambrose and Eamon Fitzgerald and to the backroom team Katie Condon, Colum Moloney, Mike Mortell and Muiris O Connor in very testing at times circumstances due to Covid-19. We parted company with Darren a few weeks ago and would like to put on record our sincere appreciation and thanks for all the effort he put in over the last 2 years. Full list of Results and Table of IHC can be found in Appendix.
Co Hurling League & West Hurling Championships
Because of Covid-19 there was no county league or west competitions played in 2020.
Junior B Football
The football championship has yet to be completed. We did however get two championship games played winning both against Ballysteen and St Senans respectively. At the time of lockdown, we were due to meet Adare in the West semi final. It is hoped that if restrictions do ease that the competition will recommence in December with potential county competition post-Christmas. Thanks to the work to date by the management team comprised of Johnny Lavelle, Muiris O’Connor, Mike Downes and myself.
U21 Hurling
For the first time in well over a decade, we fielded our own 13 aside team at U21 grade. In hindsight this was a hugely successful competition. The competition commenced back in February and our opponents in the opening round were Hospital Herbertstown. We were very competitive on the night but lost out by 4 points. We had good victories over Crecora and Claughaun before lockdown kicked in in March. The U21 competition was the first competition to return to play in July where we recommenced with a great one-point victory over South Liberties. This all meant that we qualified for the semi-final played in Adare on August Bank Holiday Monday where once again South Liberties were our opponents. The game was evenly contested in the first half and we led by 2 points at the break. South Liberties came out stronger in the second half and with just 7 minutes remaining led 2.11 to 0.13. Knockaderry showed great resolve in a pulsating final 5 mins which saw us net 2 quality goals and were victorious on the night 2.15 to 2.13. The final against Crecora was played 2 days later on Wednesday 5th Aug in MNP. We were up against it from the start and trailed by 6
points at the water break and at half time we were down by 5. In the second half Crecora really kicked on but credit to our lads they never threw in the towel but lost out to a better team on the night – 2.21 to 2.11. Many thanks to Ted Danaher and Ger Downes as well as the minor management who oversaw this very successful campaign. The U21 football competition was postponed and it hoped a restructured competition will be played in early 2021.
Minor Hurling
As referred to earlier, pride of place in 2020 went to our Minor hurlers as they brought county honours back to Knockaderry at this grade for the first time since 2007. The competition commenced on the 7th August where we had a well deserved win away to Askeaton. We lead 1.11 to 2.04 at half time but Askeaton rallied in the third quarter reducing the deficit to a point before the water break but we had a strong final quarter winning on a score-line of 1.20 to 2.11. We played Ballybricken Bohermore Feadamore a week later in Knockaderry which was a very one-sided game and we won comprehensively on the night. Our final group game was away to Caherline on the 21st August. Again, we were hugely dominant in this game – but a late rally from Caherline saw us only winning out by 4 points in the end 3.22 to 4.15. We topped our group which set us up for a ¼ final meeting with Drom Broadford played in MNP on the 9th September. This was a game that we were always in control of and ran out winners 4.11 to 1.07 on the night. Our opposition in the semi-final were also west opposition in St Kierans played again in MNP on the 16th September. We were too strong for St Kierans on the night and were comfortable winners 2.19 to 0.09. So, a County Final lay in store – our opponents were the amalgamated Feohanagh and Feenagh Kilmeedy team of Belville Gaels. This was played in Mick Neville Park on 24th September. The first quarter was very even but we pushed on a gear after the water break and led 1.08 to 0.05 points at half time thanks to a great Kieran Storin goal. Belville Gaels came out strong in the second half and were level by the 51st minute. It was point for point in the last 10 mins but deep into injury time, Eddie Foley was fouled we were awarded a free which was converted by Kieran Storin and won us the game – crowning us Minor B Hurling champions on a score line of 1.13 to 0.15. On a personal note, it was a huge honour for me as county board official on the night to present the cup to the winning captain Bryan Mortell. This was a fantastic achievement for this group of players and credit must go to all panel members, families and their management team of Noel Molloy (who was also Covid supervisor), Tom McGrath, John O’Connor and Sean Condon.
Minor Football
In the minor football, you could argue we were victims of our own success as fixture congestion impeded our progression in the championship. Our opening game of the championship was played on the 28th August where we had a good 7 point win over Kildimo Pallaskenry. A week later we travelled to Athea where we had a very comprehensive win and we were awarded a walkover from Caherconlish in our final group game. This meant we topped our group and were paired against Mungret B in the ¼ final – played in MNP on Sunday
20th September. This was a very disappointing performance but at the same time understandable as we were not full strength and only days away from the County hurling final. We were beat on the day 1.15 to 2.05. Thanks to all the management team for their time and effort over the year.
Bord na nOg
I would like to acknowledge the continued proactive work that has been done at underage level. I would like to acknowledge the work that Johnny Lavelle, Ger Downes, club officers, coaches and parents are continuously doing year on year to promote our games. This was especially the case this year as Covid restrictions really hampered all activities. When we did get back to play, it was fantastic to see such enthusiasm by all players at all grades. I really need to acknowledge all the coaches and Covid supervisors for all the added work and responsibility in what was a hugely disruptive year. We done to all team at all grades from U6 to U16. Well done all!
Bord na nOg Secretary Report – Ger Downes
In the final line of the secretary’s report to last year’s AGM I had suggested that in 2020 challenges would be encountered that the club would have not faced in previous years. That was in reference of course to the impending season where we would play with our own colours right the way through the club, a departure from the norm of amalgamation for the previous decade or so. But it is fair to say the challenges were of a much more significant proportion than those expected at that time. While the season was disrupted and eventually condensed, I am glad to report that all teams entered by the club got to play in their respective competitions and that as we reflect this evening we can do so knowing that on the field in 2020 many green shoots were evident which leads us to hope of brighter days ahead. The club fielded eleven teams in total in both hurling and football from under 6 right up to under 16 level, reaching finals in three competitions, u14 thirteen a-side shield hurling and football and u16 division 2 hurling shield while we had 90 children attend this year Kelloggs Cul camp in August. The u12s were very unlucky to have seen their finals days in hurling and football postponed due to the second lockdown and this was one of the few downsides of an otherwise extraordinary season.
Under 6’s
The youngest team in the club set out in July, training each Monday evening at the back of the goals in the main pitch under the supervision of James O Connor, Pheilm Mullane and Ger Downes. An average of 20 very enthusiastic attendees, boys and girls, progressed each week developing their fundamental movement skills, grip and swing and learning to play games. There was a very positive response from parents whom attended in numbers each week to support their children and while it was felt that the group were not ready for a game from an opposing club team they did have many games between themselves to ready them for next year. The group finished in mid-October with an internal blitz and afterwards each player
received a medal and a goody bag as a thank you for the year’s efforts. Thanks to James, Pheilm and Ger for looking after the team each week.
Under 8’s
The under 8’s played their first game on Thursday August 6th at home against Monagea and concluded the season just 10 weeks later with a training game between themselves with medals and treats for all twenty players. In between the team played games in hurling and football against St Senans, St Kierans, Shannon Gaels, Monagea, Killeedy, Askeaton/Ballysteen and Adare packing a huge amount of activity into a few short weeks. This year instead of blitzes we played in a local league with a series of one-off games and the format was very amenable as games were scheduled more regularly than blitzes and all around better for the players and coaches having those chances to play weekly. Numbers are very healthy at this age and these lads are very committed and brave in their efforts and as consequence have developed very well over the short season. Thanks to Ger Ambrose, Eoin O Grady, Declan Nash, John Power, Johnny Lavelle and Orla Ryan for coaching the team in 2020.
U10’s
Similar to the under 8’s the season was sandwiched in between both lockdowns but so much was jammed packed into such a small window. Without doubt the highlight being the Peter Butler Cup, the groups last outing in 2020, played in house this year due to restrictions. On that morning the fruits of the toil over the previous weeks came to the fore and after much endeavour on both sides it was left to Maurice Hartnett to be presented with the trophy, by Peter, as he accepted it on behalf of the whole panel. Previous outings saw games with Bruree, St Kierans, Drom Broadford, Granagh Ballingarry, Monagea, St Senans, Fr Caseys, Shannon Gaels, Feohanagh and Adare. Similar to the u8s the u10s had games on a weekly basis as part of a league and this was a great assistance to the coaches in developing the players skills and tactical abilities. This is an age group where we do not have huge numbers but we are blessed with a very tight knit group whom have a great spirit. Thanks to Oliver Dowling, Eoin Barrett and Richard Wall for steering the ship in 2020 through what, as you can see, was a very hectic schedule.
U12s
We took part in the u12 all county league in this competition and having played all our group games we were all set to play in the finals day but due to the imposed restrictions that finals day fell by the wayside in both codes. This group are definitely one of the most hard working groups with regards to frequency of training and games and as a result the ability of the players individually and collectively have improved significantly again in 2020. Games against Crecora, Cois Laoi Gaels, Ballybricken, Cappamore, Granagh Ballingarry, NCW, Kilmallock, Castletown/Ballygran, Tour/Killeedy and Adare to name but a few kept them very busy in the window from July to October. While it was disappointing not to finish both competitions
entered it must be said that the season was a very positive one overall with the final few weeks coaching sessions held by guest coaches from the club which proved to be very well received by all as they concluded the year. Thanks to Pat Windle, Sean Ahern, Darragh Moloney, Anthony Meehan and Con Enright for their guidance and input with the boys and girls all year through.
U14s
The u14s played in the 13 aside championship in both hurling and football. A big win over Claughaun in the first round of the hurling competition led to the club receiving a walkover for St Patrick’s in the next round. Defeat to Granagh/Ballingarry and Kildimo/Pallaskenry saw us qualify for the shield final against Claughaun. However just three days beforehand we received a walkover in the final from Claughaun. Meanwhile in football we were in a group of three with Granagh Ballingarry and Athea. We were defeated narrowly in both games and ended up in the shield final also against Claughaun. Again, as in the hurling, we received a walkover just days before the final was to be played. These walkovers left a sour taste in the mouths of all involved and it was a very disappointing way to finish the year in both competitions. Limerick Bord Na Nog were in contact and had sourced another club to replace Claughaun in the finals in the weeks after but the second lockdown quelled that prospect. The 13 a side competition does offer a team with small numbers, like ourselves with just 19 players and with a number of players being just eleven years of age, a chance to play and compete. However, this competition does present the prospect of walkovers, as we experienced, and also the possibility of playing teams that could well be more suited to the ‘C’ 15 a-side grade but decide the easier route and opt to play at this level. It would be my opinion that we should try to field in the ‘C’ 15 a-side competition after this experience where we would be exposed to more games and to meet teams of similar ability.
Thanks very much to Chris Moloney, Andrew Faughnan, Anthony McMahon and Don Hanley who joined the coaching team through the season for their excellent efforts with the players all through the year. At this age level we have a number of very skilful hurlers and the experience of playing as a Knockaderry team will have stood to them for the campaign in 2021. Well done to all.
U16s
Having captured the u15 division 2 county championship in 2019, albeit with the help of Monagea, our u16s carried much expectation into the 2020 championship and they didn’t disappoint. The redrawn championship meant that we had just two games in the new format and little margin for error. The first game in the hurling was against old rivals Belville Gaels and it was a humdinger that was right in the balance until the final whistle, however a flurry of late scores saw Belville win out by an unflattering score line of 2-19 to 1-14. In the final group game on the last day of August we defeated Killeedy/Tour by 2-18 to 1-13 to give ourselves a place in the shield semi-final. After winning a toss for home advantage we faced Hospital/Herbertstown/Knockainey and had a very comfortable victory setting up a final with
Kilacolla Gaels. On Sunday September 13th in Knockaderry, after winning another toss for home advantage, we came up short against a very impressive side. The beautiful September sunshine was coupled with a very stiff breeze blowing directly into the dressing room end and a whirlwind start saw the eventual victors well out in front by half time. Our lads fought gallantly in the second half but lady luck just was not with us and it is very fair to say that the final score line does not do justice to our efforts on the day, for the record it was 5-26 to 0-15. In football we defeated Croom, 3-10 to 1-8, but lost to Kilacolla, 5-12 to 3-9, to set us on the route into the shield semi final where on Saturday September 19th we fielded an understrength side and lost out to Claughaun, 3-16 to 2-4. Thanks to Tom Foley, Mark Danaher and Steven McMahon for all of the time and effort that they put in with the lads in 2020 and to Nora Condon for attending at each meeting to look after first aid. In hurling, each team we played through the year were that of combined clubs and they showed that they could mix it with the very best of teams. This is promising for the future as we have some very skilful and stylish players in the grade. Well done to everyone again on a great season.
Kelloggs Cul Camp
Despite having reservations early on in the year about hosting the camp in 2020, we decided to host in the final week of the summer, right before the schools reopened and it proved to be a very wise decision. In total we had 90 boys and girls participating each day in what was the best ran camp that we have ever hosted. We had more coaches and therefore the groups for coaching were smaller, we used the stand as the area where all players dropped their gear, had their lunch and sheltered from the rain and the pick-up and drop off ran very smoothly all of the week. Sean Finn paid the camp a visit on the Thursday afternoon and was very generous with his time and advice for all present. Thanks to Paul Browne, his team of coaches and to Noel Hartigan for helping us host the camp in 2020, a camp to remember!
Covid Supervisors
Before June the term Covid supervisor didn’t exist but it was well and truly part of the narrative around every teams WhatsApp groups before training and games in 2020. The role carried much responsibility as the person had to ensure that all players present had declared themselves healthy to attend prior to attending along with ensuring each person sanitized before and after each session. It is with great satisfaction that I report tonight that we had 100% compliance from parents and players and that our Covid officers carried out their duties diligently and without any fuss for each session. On behalf of the club we extend a huge thanks to Jean Gooley, Sandra O Connor, Cathriona O Donovan (u6’s), Johnny Lavelle (u8’s), Richard Wall (u10’s), Pauline McMahon, Matt Clarke, Joanne Windle, Tina Magner (u12’s), Chris Moloney (u14’s), Rosa Foley and Nora Condon (u16’s).
Jersey sponsors
Thanks to Tom McGrath Carpentry and to Tom Foley and his company NCW Glass for the sponsorship of two sets of jerseys at the beginning of the year for the u12 and the u16 teams.
Easter camp
As part of one of the aims of the clubs five year strategic vison and action document the clubs coaching officer Eoin Barrett had set in motion a plan to run an Easter camp in April. Eoin had secured sponsorship from Smith Demolition, thanks very much Eoin and all at Smith Demolition, for the camp and parents had registered their children to attend in early March. As part of the camp we had organised with James Ryan of Ryan Sports that each child would receive a club training jersey, crested togs and socks at the end of the camp which was to take place over the Easter break. We were forced to cancel the camp due to the lockdown and we had then hoped to run it at Halloween but alas the second lockdown put an end to that plan also. Thankfully the gear came through to us and we have managed to distribute it to all who had registered and it’s design has received many compliments. Well done Eoin, we hope for better luck with next year’s Easter camp.
Ahalin NS
Thanks to Ms Leahy and all her staff and in particular Mr Behan and all the games teachers in the school whom continually encourage and foster a love for our sense of place and all things Gaelic Games to the pupils in the school. While we had no coach in the school this year on behalf of the club due to the lockdown we are still very proud of the strong connection between the club and the school and are very thankful to the present staff for maintaining that healthy relationship. Here’s hoping for a better 2021 on the playing front for Ahalin NS.
With the county
While the year was very short with the academy we did have three boys whom made the u16 county hurling panel namely JJ Condon, Eddie Foley and Gearoid Fenniman. We wish the boys well as they prepare for minor (u17) trials that will be upcoming in the new year.
Thanks
A few special acknowledgments must go to a number of people whom are almost invisible in the background when it comes to doing certain jobs – thanks to Johnny Lavelle for managing the field bookings throughout the year, he is in regular contact with each age group and his job at times is not easy trying to ensure everyone has a space to train and play on. To Richard Wall, Mike Downes and Liam Kennedy for all matters regarding the upkeep and preparation of the pitch for games, our pitch once again was in pristine condition in 2020 and this comes in no small part to the efforts of these men. To Orla Ryan and her team of lotto sellers whom sell tickets week in week out at Bord na Nog training. This is a vital source of income for the club and thankfully we have very generous supporters each week whom also must be acknowledged. To Nora Condon for her excellent coverage of all our activities in the local papers and also to Ger Corkery for keeping all of our teams to the forefront on social media. To Margaret Bridgeman who helps with so many different small, odd jobs through the year – your help is greatly appreciated. To all of the parents who supported any initiatives and in
particular followed all the Covid guidelines very respectively throughout the year. Thanks to my fellow officers Richard Wall, Ger Corkery, Sean Condon and the committee of the senior club. A huge thanks to chairperson Johnny Lavelle for his calm and measured approach to managing all the affairs of Bord na Nog in 2020. Finally, to all of the coaches whom give of their time year in, year out, in the promotion of our games and who put themselves forward to guide our young people through the formative years. Without the help and assistance of coaches our games would cease as would our club and on behalf of the club we say a huge thanks to you as a collective group for all of your efforts in 2020.
2021
The very recent news that 2021 will bring a change of age groups for championship competitions from the even ages of u14 and u16 to u13, 15 and u17 has to be welcomed by the club. This change gives us an as you were in 2020 with effectively the same age groups playing again next season but at an age grade higher. 2020 was to be a red letter year with the club being able to field teams on our own at all ages and like in any breakout year it is the subsequent years that can be the most tricky to manage and maintain. This change is coming exactly at a time when we need it to build on the progress of this season past. As the year has gone on I feel that people not directly involved in the GAA can see the value of our organisation and what we do for the community and for our young people. As a club I feel that we will be stronger in 2021 with this support and we will need all the help we can get to step forward once again. As the pace of improvements quickens we need to be able to meet the opportunities that present themselves to us. This year was disappointing from the viewpoint of the progressing with development of our playing facilities, completely outside of our control of course. I would suggest again examining how best we can develop and utilise the training pitch in the short term. Coach education and mentoring has also got to take centre stage. If we are to develop and challenge players to new levels of ability and have ambitions at winning silverware at adult level we need to have volunteers, who are willing to engage with continuous education and take on roles within the club with confidence, equipped with the relevant knowledge and best practices to be able to manage and coach all of our clubs teams.
Happy Christmas and happy new year to one and all.
Cnoc and Doire abu!!
Gearoid O Dubhain
Runai, Bord na Nog,
Cnoc and Doire
28/11/2020
Field
Unfortunately, due to Covid, the facilities were closed a large proportion of the year but I would like acknowledge the work carried out throughout 2020 by various club officers assisted for some part by Liam Kennedy (Community Employment Scheme). A special word of thanks to Mike Downes as his work in the field didn’t go unnoticed either. The field and facilities were in excellent condition during the course of the year. We hosted the County Ladies Football Finals in Knockaderry on the 27th September which was a great success. Thanks to all lead coaches (incl Camogie club) for liaising with Johnny Lavelle who as always did an excellent job in relation to field management and booking.
Communications
In 2020, Knockaderry GAA continued to have a big presence on Social Media through both Facebook and Twitter and more recently Snapchat and Instagram. We also have weekly notes in the Limerick GAA website as well local newspapers. This was very evident during the lockdown and a special word of thanks to Nora Condon for the submission of weekly notes/photos. In later times thanks to Caoimhe Danaher for helping out on the social media platforms.
Finances and Fundraising
As the Treasurers report will outline, the running costs of the club again irrespective of lockdown were pretty substantial. The following is a breakdown of Fundraising events for the year:
Lotto
Again, due to the lockdown, we did have to suspend the weekly Lotto for a number of months over the summer. We were able to re commence in August and currently the jackpot is €11,600. The Lotto continues to be one of the most consistent fundraisers and we are now selling tickets online which is showing relative success. It is envisaged again for 2021 that Registration packages incorporating club lotto would be continued. The promotion of these packages will start again ASAP via online platforms. I would like to acknowledge and thank the Lotto committee and all the promoters under the guidance of Tom Sheehy for their continued work. I would also like to thank the Community Council and Scanlons Bar for facilitating the draws during the year.
Munster Junior B Football
Due to a number of factors and ultimately Covid restrictions, we did not get to conclude 2019 Munster Junior B Football competition.
Club Limerick Draw (Mackey Draw).
The club continued to support the Club Limerick Draw in 2020 and had roughly 65 members signed up. I would like to acknowledge and thank our Assistant Treasurer Mary Collum for co-ordinating this.
Clouncagh Knockaderry Combined Parish Draw
This turned out to be a huge success in 2020. We had circa 280 subscriptions. The organisations involved are GAA, Camogie, Community Council and Ahalin NS Parents Association. The profits from the draw were split as follows:
· GAA = 50%
· Community Council = 25%
· Camogie = 15%
· Ahalin NS Parents Association = 10%
Mary Collum is treasurer on behalf of the GAA club and from the last 12 months of the draw we were able to draw down €9,500. The new year of the draw is due to kick of in January where the December and January draws will take place.
Development Plan
The obvious Covid restrictions have paused any field development over the last year. The chairperson will give an update on current developments but it is envisaged that grant and funding opportunities will become available in the coming months.
Sympathy
On behalf of the Club I would like to extend our sympathy to all members, players and supporters who suffered bereavements during the year. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Sponsors
I would like to acknowledge and thank Darragh Moloney, Tom Foley and Tom McGrath who sponsored jerseys for individual teams this year. We also had anonymous sponsorship of €1000 for Bord na nOg in February and in the last few weeks another anonymous sponsorship of tops for the winning minor hurling panel and management. We wish to express our thanks to all sponsors throughout the year.
Limerick GAA
Limerick hurlers have had an exceptional 2020 so far with league and Munster title already secured. The All Ireland semi final pairs us against Galway and will be played Sunday 29th November in Croke Park. The best of luck to Tom Condon, all the Limerick team and management and let’s hope Liam McCarthy can return to Limerick in a few weeks time. Congratulation to Tom and Sarah on their marriage during the year.
And Finally….
I would like to thank all fellow officers and committee members for your help and support over the past unique and strange year. I look forward to working with you all again in whatever capacity in 2021.
I would like to give a special mention to Knockaderry Camogie Club and especially clubs officers Orla Ambrose, Bernie Molloy and Zara McGrath for their help and assistance throughout the year especially in relation Covid 19 and return to play protocols.
Many thanks also to Knockaderry Community Council and Scanlans Bar for the use of facilities over the year.
It is hoped that society can get back to some normality in the coming months. We have to be ready when it does if we want to progress with our development plans. New fundraising ideas also have to be explored and I think we really need to promote our online lotto to achieve more subscribers outside the parish. 2020 did bring a lot of challenges but also brought positives. Affiliating teams on our own was a huge achievement and as seen from my report, we were very successful especially with our minor team. We need to build on this for 2021.
From an Intermediate Hurling management perspective, a sub committee has been set up and is currently identifying suitable options for the coming year. We will keep everyone informed on developments.
As you would know in February of this year, I had the honour of being nominated and ratified as Limerick GAA County Development Officer. Many thanks to all of those who supported me in this role. As you can appreciate being a club secretary and county board officer does take up some time and I think it only fair that I put members on notice that it is my intention to step down as secretary in 12 months time. I have seven years completed so far so I think it is time for some freshness in this role. Notice given!!!
I wish all the teams in Knockaderry GAA and Knockaderry Camogie the very best of luck in what I hope will be more normal 2021. Finally, I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy Christmas and a Sporting & above all Healthy New Year.
Cnoc an Doire & Luimneach Abú
Mise le meas
Gearóid Ó Corcora, 087-6303040
Runaí Cnoc an Doire