Secretary's Address to Club AGM - 1 December 2019
2019 has probably been the busiest year I have had since becoming secretary of Aodh Ruadh. It has been non-stop since December 2018, but I have thoroughly enjoyed every single minute of it.
It was straight into organising the Dinner Dance and with some people thinking they were transferring at the beginning of the year; January was a hectic month! However that was nothing compared to what was to come………
And what was to come was probably the highlight of my time as secretary and that was The OsKaRs. William first ran the idea of the OsKaRs past me, I think the day after he became Chairman and from the start, I knew it was a great idea. We both met with Kevin Rowe in December and from then I knew there was no turning back. It gave people, who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to do so, the chance to get involved with the club. So much so, that the Best Actor winner has been nominated for a club officer position this evening.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who sponsored the OsKaRs, Kevin Rowe Events for their professionalism and support throughout, all club members who helped in the lead up to and on the night of the event but most importantly a huge thank you to the group coordinators and all the actors who took part. Without their commitment to this project it would not have been the success it was.
Other fundraiser events also took place by sub committees throughout the 2019 season and thank you to all who supported these. I must reiterate the importance of running all fundraising ideas / dates past the executive officers. This will ensure no fundraising events will clash, thus maximising the potential of all fundraisers.
Congratulations to all the successful underage teams and management this year. It is a testament to all the hard work and effort being done by the managers and coaches and thanks must go to all the managers and coaches at underage levels who have dedicated a huge amount of time into all our underage teams.
To the players themselves, thanks must go to them for their commitment and efforts throughout the season. They go out on a weekly basis and represent this club and always do so in a respectful manner.
2019 seen the ladies return to play under Aodh Ruadh. Many thanks to the few dedicated people who made this happen and ensured the ladies fulfilled their fixtures. Many thanks to Sabrina who has stood down from her role as Ladies Secretary. I would like to wish the incoming officer, Kathleen, the very best of luck in the role.
This year it was great to see the return of senior hurling. From Ciaran Rami approaching the executive officers, to Conal and Barry taking on the Secretary and Chairman roles respectively, the team, under the leadership of John Rooney went from strength to strength throughout the season, ending with the Junior Championship Title on August 31st. Congratulations to all involved.
Many thanks to Aidan and Anthony for their dedication to the reserve team. It was not always easy to get players, especially for away games but thanks to the 2 of them and the committed players, we were only ever in a position once where we could not field a team. Both Aidan and Anthony have decided to take a break from management this year and I would like to wish them both the very best of luck and hope to see them back managing in the future.
Thank you to the senior management, Barry & Philip as well as Gregory, John, Leona, Ronan and Brian. It was a pleasure to work with you all this year and even though fine margins made the difference in the end, it was a year, when working with a very small panel, of huge positivity within the senior football team.
On that note, I would like to take this opportunity to give a special mention to Philip, who after 2 years of dedication and commitment to the senior football team, has decided to step away from the management set-up. I wish Philip, Sarah and the boys the very best of luck with everything in the future.
Thanks must go to the park committee who work tirelessly all year to ensure we have two very well-maintained pitches and park facilities. The Park Committee are currently selling National Club Draw tickets, and all proceeds this year have been allocated to the Fr Tierney Park Pitch Re-Development Project. This project will be a huge undertaking and I ask that all members support this draw by either buying a ticket or taking a book and selling tickets.
Thank you to Sheila & Louise Boyle and Deirdre & John Clarke who provided and served food at all our home senior games. Thank you to Johnny & Peter Gallagher for your help all year and also thanks to all the volunteers who helped with the shop and gates for our home games.
A special thanks to the people who so kindly sponsor our teams. This sponsorship is very much appreciated by the club and teams involved.
Lastly, but by no means least, a huge thank you to William and Sabrina. It has been an absolute joy to work alongside you both this year. We may not have always agreed on everything but have always found a compromise in the end, even if it was 2 against 3??.
If chosen to stay on, I look forward to working with, not only you both, but with you all again in 2020.
Mise le meas,
Lisa Nic Thiarnan
Rúnaí
Last modified: Tuesday, 2 June 2020 at 3:54pm