Patrickswell GAA Club Notes:
AGM:
The Club Annual General Meeting was held at the clubhouse with a strong attendance. Secretary Aedin Foley delivered a comprehensive Secretary’s Report to summarise events on and off the pitch.
In opening, Aedin reflected on the Medal Presentation Night in March that honoured the Minor B Hurling County Champions, Camogie Junior B County Champions and Junior A County Hurling League Champions. The club also presented two special awards – a Distinguished Service Award to Declan Gillane and Club Person of the Year 2024 to Kevin O’Brien. The Secretary then outlined the three regular sources of income that form a vital part of the Club’s finances each year – Membership, Lotto, and the Club Limerick Draw.
Revenue from membership reached historic levels, with 453 members recorded in 2025. She acknowledged the hard work and diligence of Maurice Fitzgerald (Club Registrar) and Sinéad Gardiner (Camogie Club Registrar) for their excellent management of membership throughout the year. Our weekly Lotto remains one of the longest-running fundraisers, providing a weekly income for the Club. A special word of thanks to Maurice Fitzgerald, Tommy Reidy, Seamus O’Riordan and Christy O’Reilly for their commitment to managing the Lotto every Monday night. Thanks also to our ticket sellers and to everyone who supports the Lotto week after week. Thanks to our Club Limerick Draw members for their continued support and congratulations to all our winners in 2025. A special mention to Seamus O’Riordan and James McCarthy for coordinating the draw this year again and to our many promoters within the club.
Various other fundraisers were run during 2025, including the Spinathon, which was a great community event and the successful Michael Joyce Builder Sponsored Golf Classic. Aedin acknowledged the hard work and support from everyone who led these fundraisers and helped out in any way to make all fundraisers a huge success. She highlighted the generosity of Councillors Dan McSweeney and Fergus Kilcoyne for the allocation to the club under the CIS Scheme and thanked our longtime sponsors Duggan Systems Limited for their continued support.
Moving on to Facilities and Club Development, Aedin expressed her satisfaction that the club has been given the approval to go to tender. The project is a significant investment in the future of the club and will benefit players and the community for years to come. She thanked Paul Foley, Chairperson of the Development Committee, for his sincere dedication and leadership throughout this difficult project. She also credited Finbar O’Brien for the significant work he has carried out to deliver a top-quality development plan. Aedin acknowledged the great work performed by our caretaker Joe Mulqueen and thanked Niamh Geoghegan for coordinating facility bookings.
Aedin then turned her attention to achievements on the field of play. She congratulated the Intermediate Camogie team for winning the County Championship and Munster Junior Championship, with the great management of John Tuohy, Declan Gillane, Des Foley, Jackie Power, Celia Cawley and Justin Daly behind them. Special mention was given to the Under 14 Camogie team for winning their county title. Unfortunately, the Senior hurlers experienced a disappointing season with a relegation, but it was not for a lack of effort. She commended the senior management of Declan O’Grady, Natal O’Grady, Pa Mann, Eddie Murphy and the background team (Brendan Cawley, John Fitzgerald, Jim Butler and Christy O’ Reilly) for the work they put in this year. She asked everyone to rally behind our team, strengthen our structures and ensure that the coming year is a very good one.
The Junior A hurlers, under the management of Des Foley, Alan Murray, James Mann, Denver Morrissey and Anthony Foley, defeated neighbours Ballybrown in the City League Final. While the team produced some very good performances in the championship, they were unfortunate not to secure a win despite coming very close in many of their matches. Aedin had no doubt that this group will work tirelessly to regain Junior A status in 2026 after their relegation. The Under 20 hurlers played in a group that consisted of Garryspillane, Ballybrown and Kilmallock and we did not progress outside the group stages. She thanked the management team of Alan Murray, Tom Nolan, Pa Mann, Thomas O’Brien, Jonathan McMahon, Des Foley and all the players for their hard work in this competition.
Our Under 18 hurling team took part in the B competition, which saw them paired with Crecora/South Liberties, Belville Gaels and St. Kieran’s. While the team was unfortunate not to progress beyond the group stages, there were many encouraging performances that highlighted the potential within this group of players. The secretary thanked Tom O’Brien, Alan Enright, Thomas O’Brien, Kevin O’Brien, Calvin Carroll and Des Foley for their dedication and work they put into this team. 2025 saw our first Junior C football team in 15 years. The team topped the group unbeaten and qualifying for the semi-final against Athea. Although the team was narrowly defeated by two points, it was a great achievement to get that far. The team saw the return of many players and it brought new faces to the club too. Aedin praised the management of Paul Foley, Padraig Gardner, John O’Donnell, Kevin O’Brien and Denis Collins for their commitment & dedication to this team. The Junior C hurlers were guided by Shane Quinlan and he was assisted by Liam Quinlan, Eamon Kelleher, Kieran Carroll and John Fitzgerald.
2025 was a busy and successful year for our Juvenile and Camogie Clubs. Seeing so many young players on the pitch each evening created a fantastic atmosphere. Aedin thanked all coaches and volunteers whose work makes this possible. She complimented John Murphy for his brilliant contribution as Juvenile Chairperson over the past seven years. Denver Morrissey has now taken on the role of Juvenile Chair, and Aedin wished him well. Denver has already introduced strong development structures, including underage Strength & Conditioning, Sunday morning hurling development sessions and a fundamental movement program. Aedin thanked everyone involved in delivering these training sessions, which are very important for the future of our club. She gave special thanks to Tony O’Brien Pharmacy for their continued sponsorship of the trophies for the Parish League and to all who supported the event in any way. Aedin thanked John Murphy, Pat Barry, Denver Morrissey and all the officers of both clubs for the time and the support they give to Patrickswell GAA and Camogie Club. In 2025, the connection between the school and the club was strengthened with the reintroduction of a club coach, Billy Earls, in the school.
Aedin commended Muirne Bennis, Irish and Culture Officer and Secretary of Scór, for her role in ensuring the tradition of Scor continues year on year. She then congratulated all our hurlers and camogie players who represented Patrickswell on various Limerick teams from senior to underage throughout the year. Aedin finished by thanking fellow club officers Ray Fitzgerald and Mike McDermott for their support throughout the year. She expressed gratitude to County Board delegate Michael Joyce and City Board delegate Martin Ryan for representing Patrickswell at meetings. In addition, she thanked James McCarthy for his dedication in keeping everyone informed, especially with match updates. Best wishes were given to Paul Foley on his nomination for Treasurer of Munster Council. Aedin praised Club President PJ O’Grady for his continued knowledge, guidance and assistance. Finally, Aedin thanked to our hardworking committee, sub-committees, members and volunteers.
Afterwards, Treasurer Michael McDermott guided the members through the financial statements in detail. He was delighted to report that the club’s finances are in good health, attributable to the continued generosity of members, our club sponsor and supporters.
Chairperson Ray Fitzgerald then delivered his keynote address to the audience. He reiterated his delight in the Intermediate Camogie team winning the County Intermediate Championship and Munster Junior title. The excitement and positivity they generated gave the whole club a massive lift. The Under 14 camogie girls also added to the success story by securing their county title. Ray congratulated Pat Barry and his hardworking committee, the managements, the backroom teams and players for the special days they have given us this year.
Ray lamented that 2025 was a disappointing year for Patrickswell’s adult hurling teams. The club was relegated from both the Senior A and Junior A ranks. That said, Ray wanted the focus to turn towards regrouping, rebuilding confidence and helping this team reach their undoubted potential. It is clear there is a strong determination to do everything possible to get ourselves back to Senior A and Junior A. Ray accepted that this will not be easy. It will require our administrators, management, players and supporters to fully unite behind the team and build the momentum needed for success. Being a manager, coach, or selector is a serious commitment and can be a very challenging role, especially when results aren’t going our way. Ray sincerely thanked all of them for the huge effort they put in and the professional manner in which they carried out their work.
The club’s medical personnel also deserve enormous credit. Professor Dominic Harmon continues to freely offer his expertise and carries out a tremendous amount of work with players behind the scenes. Niamh Geoghegan provides first aid support to multiple teams across both hurling and camogie, while also managing field, astro and hall bookings. Ray also thanked Denise Darcy for her ongoing first aid help. He congratulated all our players who represented the club on development squads, school teams and inter-county teams in both hurling and camogie.
Ray noted that the club remains in a strong financial position, as outlined in the Treasurer’s report. He thanked main sponsors Duggan Systems Limited for their continued support. We also benefitted from several one-off fundraising events throughout the year to support day-to-day running costs. This year, we had the Cheltenham event organised by Pat Barry and Darragh Bennis; the Great Limerick Run led by Emma Barry and the camogie players and the Spinathon, spearheaded by Gloria O’Grady and Maureen O’Grady. The Spinathon was not only a highly successful fundraiser, but also a fantastic community event, with great participation from both members and non-members.
Our other major fundraiser this year was the Joyce Builders–sponsored Golf Classic, held in July. It was a very professionally organised and run event. Ray thanked the committee of Arthur Lynch, Denver Morrissey, Niamh Geoghegan, John McDermott, Cha O’Neill, Keith Murray – as well as Declan O’Grady and the senior hurlers who stepped in to help make it a success. Ray expressed his gratitude to McDermott’s Gala for sponsoring the first prize and to all the team, tee and green sponsors and the well-wishers.
Ray thanked Membership Registrars Maurice Fitzgerald & Sinead Gardiner and our Maintenance Committee. Joe Mulqueen was appointed Club caretaker during the summer and has done trojan work. However, the committee remained on call throughout the year and got the dressing rooms repainted earlier in the year. Sincere thanks to PJ O’Grady, Paddy Carrig, Ger McGrath, Joe Murphy, Philip Foley, Anthony Carmody, Paul Feasey, Declan Gillane, Mike Dundon and Jim Butler. We were also pleased to finally complete construction of the boundary wall with Courtney’s – with thanks to Vincent O’Doherty, Damien Gillane and Declan Gillane for their work on this.
Additional improvements to our facilities included new racks in the weights room (thanks to John O’Donnell); goals and targets painted on the ball wall by Mark Griffin and Audrey Fitzgerald and a new net installed in the astro by John O’Donnell, Damien Gillane and Arthur Lynch. This year we also purchased a camcorder and mast for recording and analysing matches and training sessions. A big thank you to Kevin O’Brien for his constant availability in recording games & training. While the initial investment was significant, the long-term benefits for our club teams and players will be substantial.
Ray noted that the Field Development process now appears to be nearing completion and we are currently finalising the tender documents. The club has been in regular contact with the Department of Sport, the OPW, our local public representatives and Minister of Sport Patrick O’Donovan. Ray thanked Michael O’Connell and his committee for their outstanding fundraising efforts, which have ensured that our grant match funding is already in place. He acknowledged and paid tribute to the development committee for their excellent work throughout the year under the chairmanship of Paul Foley, along with Mike McDermott, Aedin Foley and Finbar O’Brien.
Ray applauded John Murphy and Natal O’Grady for the excellent work they have done with our underage teams over the past number of years and congratulated Denver Morrissey on the strong start he has made in his term as Juvenile Chairman. He has a very capable committee supporting him and has already reinstated the club–school link, introduced strength and conditioning training, launched a fundamental movement programme and begun ball-wall sessions on Sunday mornings.
Ray thanked Michael Joyce for representing the club so well over the last seven years as County Board delegate and also James McCarthy, Alan Lyne and Orla Harty for their role with club communications. Ray expressed gratitude to Muirne Bennis for her work as Irish and Culture Officer and Secretary of Scor. Ray was thankful to Councillors Dan McSweeney and Fergus Kilcoyne for their continued support and very generous donations during the year. He thanked to Club President PJ O’Grady for his wisdom & guidance and all our committees, sub committees and volunteers who keep the club running. He wished Paul Foley the best of luck with his upcoming nomination for Treasurer of the Munster Council, hopefully following in the footsteps of Tom Boland.
Ray closed with appreciation to Aedin Foley and Mike McDermott for their support throughout the year. Their enthusiasm and good humour make it a pleasure to be involved with them, despite the sometimes-heavy workload. The club is extremely fortunate to have people of their calibre who give so much time and effort, always with the best interests of the club at heart.
There were a number of speakers from the floor. Fr. Mike Cussen paid tribute to the Club Officers for running such a great club. While sport focuses on results and medals, Fr. Mike reckoned that sharing a dressing room and building friendships for life is more important. Club President PJ O’Grady complimented the work ethic of the club officers. He noted that while the hurlers were not successful on the pitch, the projects in place are very positive. PJ highlighted the fact that a Council complex is planned for Lisheen Park, which could further assist with our growth. He observed that Patrickswell has contested thirty Senior County Finals in sixty years and that we will bounce back. The camogie club has laid down the path for everyone to follow.
Paul Foley spoke on behalf of the Development Committee. He mentioned the level of administration and paperwork required for a successful outcome. There are five gates in the funding process and Patrickswell has passed through three gates now. The next stage is the all-important tendering process. He warmly appreciated the support of Ray, Aedin, Mike, Finbar and Minister Patrick O’Donovan.
Gloria O’Grady spoke on behalf of the camogie club. She was thrilled by the Intermediate camogie team’s county and provincial double – in addition to the Under 14’s County title. The fundraisers were also very successful and good fun. She thanked all the businesses in the parish and Niamh Geoghegan for First Aid, Coaching and Facility bookings. She congratulated every camogie player who donned the green jersey of Limerick and thanked all coaches and the Juvenile Club, especially John Murphy and Denver Morrissey.
The final speaker was Juvenile Club Chairperson Denver Morrissey. He thanked his predecessor John Murphy and Natal O’Grady for the foundations they had laid in the past seven years. Denver wanted to ensure that talent continues to be nurtured to feed the adult club in due course. He thanked Damien Gillane for running the Hurling Wall sessions, Billy Earls for restoring the coaching link with the school and Darragh Cussen, Jordan Higgins & Liam Fitzgerald for the Strength & Conditioning. In closing, Denver gave appreciation for the work of Brid McGrath as secretary and all the Juvenile Committee & GAA Officers.
Club Membership:
Club Membership for 2026 has opened, with prices unchanged from 2025. You can now pay membership on ClubZap through instalments if you wish.
Club Lotto:
The Club Lotto draw on Monday December 1 was not won. The numbers drawn were 4, 7, 24 and 25. The bonus number was 9. The €50 Lucky Dips were won by Damien & Sharon Shanahan and Ciara Moloney, while the €20 prizes were claimed by Ashling Lynch, Stephen Hunt, Richie Quinn senior, Kieran Darcy, Sean & Cornelia O’Brien and Michael Woulfe. This week’s jackpot is €5,800.