Castleisland DesmondsGAA Club held its club AGM on Saturday December 10th in the River Island Hotel.
Attendees heard comprehensive reports from the top table of successes both on and off the field – with the club’s senior men’s footballers winning division 2 of the county League, the ladies senior footballers reaching the county senior championship semi final, as well as successes across the ladies and men’s, junior, minor and juvenile clubs.
Among the new raft of officers elected on the occasion was David Nelligan as public relations officer and it was David who compiled the following report.
Activities During 2022
“Senior officers reported on their activities during the year, while a summary of the reports of all other officers was read out.
During the AGM, there was a very open and positive discussion regarding the club’s activities over the past year, plans for the coming years ahead and the club’s strategic development plan.
A minutes silence was observed in memory of members who passed away during the year.
Desmonds GAA would like to thank and express its gratitude for the fantastic financial support provided by sponsors, loyal members and the local community.
Debt-Free Hand-Over
Election of officers: A new executive committee was elected on the night.
Incoming Chairman Kevin Lynch, thanked the outgoing board for their years of commitment and dedication to the club, in particular Willie Dom O’Connor, Jimmy O’Connell, Denis O’Donovan and Eilish O’Leary.
All at Castleisland Desmonds want to acknowledge the tremendous contribution that our outgoing Chairman Willie Dom O’Connor has made to the club during his tenure.
We are indebted to Willie Dom for his leadership and contribution during this time. In particular in leading the club, with Angela Ring and the executive team to be financially debt free.
We wish all the outgoing board members the very best in their future endeavours and we know they’ll continue to be involved with the club.
Chairmanship – An Honour and a Privilege
Kevin Lynch also expressed his excitement and gratitude at taking up the role, saying he’s honoured and privileged to be elected in the position:
“It is a club and a family I am very passionate about, and it has instilled in me the values and character which has stood to me in my adult life. I owe it and the people a great deal,” he said.
Speaking on the election of new executive committee, the chairman said: “I am also very excited with the new executive team which we have assembled. We have created a number of key, new roles to focus on strategically important areas which will help transform the club and achieve its potential in the years ahead.
All exceptionally talented people who are passionate about Desmonds and are 100% committed to its future.”
New Officers Elected
The following officers were elected for the forthcoming year: Chairman: Kevin Lynch; Secretary: John Kelly; Assistant Secretary: Peggy Brosnan; Treasurers: Maurice Hickey and Mícheál Walsh.
Bord Na Nóg: John Breen; Child Welfare Officer: Eileen Brosnan; Ladies: Aileen Lynch and Denis Kerins; Registrar: Angela Ring; PRO: David Nelligan; Marketing: Tadhg McGillicuddy; Development Officer: Michael McMahon; Player Coach Development Officer: Patrick Hickey;
Insurance Officer: Denny Lyons; Head of Fundraising: Mícheál Walsh; County Board North Kerry Board Delegate: Bobby O’Connell; St. Kieran’s Delegate: Pat Hartnett; Pitch Officer: Tommy Roche.
The Promise of 2023
2023 promises to be an even better year. The club is currently working on an exciting new strategic development plan which will involve a cross section of members across the club in formulating this new strategy. It will focus on three key pillars: Underage; Player and Coach Development; Structure and Key roles; Increase player participation and numbers; Increase parent involvement and support; Compete at the top level of all age groups; Club Development and Facilities; Develop two full sized playing pitches; Build new practice areas which are all weather; Enhanced floodlights on playing and practice areas; New club house and changing rooms; Other exciting facilities for the community; Fundraising; A renewed focus on fundraising will be needed; We will need the help of local businesses and the wider community to help achieve our goals and build first class facilities for all members; The goal is to develop and build facilities which will compete with any club in Ireland, which all our teams will be proud of – ladies, mens and juveniles, as well as the next generation of Desmonds
We Need Volunteers
To achieve the above we will need your help. Volunteers: Castleisland Desmonds GAA Club is looking for new volunteers to help re-energise and drive our club into the future.
Our recruitment drive begins with the most basic unit of voluntary commitment, which is an hour.
While it might appear a small amount, one person volunteering just one hour per week can make a massive difference.
Desmonds GAA would love you to get involved. So why not give becoming a custodian of the club a go?
The Vital Contacts
If interested, please contact our club chairman Kevin Lynch at chairperson.castleislanddesmonds.kerry@gaa.ie or Secretary John Kelly at secretary.castleislanddesmonds.kerry@gaa.ie or any board member or via social media –
@castleislanddesmondsgaa / Instagram, Castleisland Desmonds GAA/Na Deasmunaigh
Oileán Ciarraí CLG – Facebook, @GaaDesmonds – Twitter – to see what area of the club you might like to get involved in, in the One Desmonds Plan.
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