Cork GAA County Committee Report 04/02/2020
The County Committee met on Tuesday February 4/2/2020 .The minutes of the previous meeting 14/1/2020 were taken as read adopted. The Runaí complimented the Hearings Committee and Bryan O’ Loughlin for all their work over the last 12 months. A Central Council report was read out by Bob Ryan.
The Runaí noted the excellent quality of the new pitch for recent matches, and all involved were complimented, particularly John Murphy of Goldcrop who continues to oversee the care of the pitch. The Runaí also noted some recent match-day issues including scoreboards, and said these were being looked at by the stadium staff. In relation to a crowd issue, the Runaí said this was down to people arriving late.
Regarding finances, the Runaí outlined how a three-point plan was needed to tackle this area. The first point was the restructure of finance and fundraising, which was currently underway. The second point was a combined business plan to cover all aspects of Cork GAA, including the stadium, and this too had been initiated. The third point was repaying €1.2m owed to Central Council. This amount was due to be paid to Central Council in 2017 but was redirected to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh when a cash flow issue arose with the stadium, with the agreement of Croke Park, and would eventually be paid back to the County Board by the stadium. The Runaí said that the Executive had agreed and commenced a repayment process with Central Council.
It was announced a Cork GAA season ticket costing €150 would be launched shortly. This would be for County Championship games only, including County Finals, and would not cover Divisional and Rebel Óg games. There will be a limit of 1000 tickets and anyone who buys one will be entitled to buy an All – Ireland Final ticket if Cork are in the Senior Final. Further details will issue shortly.
Following on from the last meeting, the Cathaoirleach said there was an estimated 900 free County Board passes issued. She said that the Executive wished to lead from the front and hoped that delegates would approve a charge of €50 for such passes, with everyone normally eligible for a pass to have the opportunity to purchase one in this manner. This was approved unanimously.
She also reported that she and the Runaí had met the Cork GAA Clubs’ Draw sub-committee and that plans were in progress for some changes to the Draw which would be announced when finalised, and she thanked those involved in that committee for their hard work in maintaining the Draw through some difficult years.
In relation to inter-country teams, Peader Healy (Naomh Abán) was approved as a Cork minor football selector in place of James Masters, who had had to step back for family reasons.
The Runaí read out a number of inter-county match reports. The Chairperson congratulated the Cork Under 20 Footballers on winning the John Kerins Cup.
The Progress report was proposed and seconded.
Rebel Og Chairperson, Michael O’Mahony, read out the list of the Coiste na nÓg and regional officers for the year ahead, and these have been sent to clubs.
The meeting discussed the Congress motions, with decisions being taken on most, though some were left to the Congress delegation to decide on the day. Most notably, delegates supported the introduction of the black card in hurling, and opposed the proposed change to the role of Development Officer.
Championship fixtures were discussed and observations on transfers were to be in by Friday.
A report from the recent Munster Convention was given by Munster Council delegate Ger Lane.
A number of club loan applications and developments were approved.
Votes of sympathy were passed, including tributes to Beara GAA and Urhan GAA President Riobard O’Dwyer, who had passed away recently.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday March 3rd.
