The May Executive meeting was held Monday 11th May with a number of matters up for discussion and decision.
I recently (11th May) attended on behalf of the GAA Club an event organised by Meath County Council to mark the contribution of local Gaelic Games clubs and volunteers. This event was a worthy recognition of the vital role clubs and in particular Gaelic Games clubs play in communities. My thanks to Meath County Council, particularly Des Foley who organised the event along with Cllr Wayne Harding, outgoing Chair of Meath County Council. I would also like to thank our club volunteers who do all the work that was graciously acknowledged by the Council. Simonstown Gaels GFC are delighted to support the ongoing and positive work of Meath Council in any way possible.
Congratulations to Stephen Dillon who was successful in the recent Tractor auction and is now the proud owner of a Massey Ferguson 35. Membership is trending positively, but it is notable that there are people who are yet to pay their membership or whose membership payments have lapsed for whatever reason. Membership is the lifeblood of our club, but it is also a requirement to allow participation, volunteering, voting rights and a voice. I encourage all to check their membership status and become an active member....https://simonstowngfc.com/membership_signup
Congratulations to Stephen Dillon who was successful in the recent Tractor auction and is now the proud owner of a Massey Ferguson 35. Membership is trending positively, but it is notable that there are people who are yet to pay their membership or whose membership payments have lapsed for whatever reason. Membership is the lifeblood of our club, but it is also a requirement to allow participation, volunteering, voting rights and a voice. I encourage all to check their membership status and become an active member....https://simonstowngfc.com/membership_signup
The Club Executive unanimously reconfirmed a previous decision to undertake a review of the 'One Club' and how it is working for all. It is anticipated that it will cover all relevant areas such as membership, facilities, fundraising, costs, participation, external engagements etc. This working group will be stood up by the Executive with clear terms of reference and objectives and it is planned and hoped that the working group will produce an actionable set of recommendations that will guide the club's progress.
In terms of football, the leagues are progressing with the Senior Team continuing good form in the league. They play St Patricks this Saturday at home in Boliden Tara Mines Park and all their fixtures are in the 'Games' setting of your Clubzap app... https://dashboard.clubzap.com/clubs/2546/fixtures The bar will be open during and after this match on Saturday (16th May) with Clare v Tipperary on TV after our game. Various underage teams are progressing to their respective knock out stages and I encourage all who can to support the various teams. Our u15s will be partaking in the Regional Feile having won the Meath Division 2 competition with some great performances. They can look forward to that occasion and more details will follow on that day and how we can support them as they prepare for Feile. We have restarted our school engagement with Senior Player Fionn O'Hanluain coaching in both St Pauls and St Olivers over the coming weeks with these efforts culminating in a school's blitz in our club late June. Planning is also ongoing for our Summer Camp and the 'Super Leagues' in September. Various coaching workshops are also ongoing and I encourage all coaches to engage in these.
As regards Finance, we have a number of fundraisers ongoing with next up the annual Club Golf Classic which will be held in Royal Tara on Friday 29th May. Teams and sponsorship options are still available, please contact Alan Sweeney or visit https://simonstowngfc.com/articles/184971 Planning is also continuing for the 'Climb for your Club' event where 50 or so club supporters will take on Croagh Patrick in support of the club. This initiative is led and organised by two club stalwarts, Gerry Fitzpatrick and Raymond Brady and my thanks and the thanks of the Club to the two gents for taking this on...see https://simonstowngfc.com/articles/186674
In terms of Community, many thanks to those who took the time and effort to assist in the Club Clean Up. Planning is underway for the now annual Club Day, where there will be family and kids' activities on during the day and a social evening that night. It may also provide an opportunity to acknowledge the 2016 Senior Team who won the club's first Keegan Cup, all of 10 years ago! A planning date is Saturday August 29th, but it is TBC. Jigsaw, our Club Charity are continuing workshops with our underage teams and I encourage all to support, where possible the great work of Jigsaw. My thanks to those GAA members (players, coaches and football committee members) who attended a 'community' day in Baker Hall at the invitation of our Main Club Sponsor Glenveagh last Saturday (09 May). It was an opportunity to showcase the club and support our primary sponsor. There will be an adult awards night on Friday May 22nd next where both GAA and LGFA winning teams from last year will receive their medals. The May 200 Club Draw will also take place that night.
As regards Infrastructure, we await the final 'Go Ahead' for our current Capital Projects (Skills & Training area; New Lights on Main Pitch and portable goals) and once it is given from the Department there will be no delay in progressing these projects. Members of the Infrastructure Committee attended a recent information night on the next round of Community Sport Facilities funds held by Aishling Dempsey TD and Minister Charlie McConalogue and the club is looking forward to engaging on this positively. Separately, we have recently invested in grass cutting machinery, pitch maintenance and made other decisions as regards club infrastructure upgrades so hopefully members will see a continued improvement in the facilities and appearance of the club.
My continued thanks to all the coaches, members, players and volunteers who contribute in a positive way to the club.
