Cork GAA County Committee Bulletin 16/01/24
Cork GAA County Committee Bulletin 16/01/24
A meeting of the County Committee took place on Tuesday, January 16th in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. The following matters were discussed/approved.
1. Management Committee
Election of Club and Divisional Reps to County Management
The following Delegates were elected;
- Denis Harrington (St Finbarr’s) Senior Clubs
- John O’Mahony (Macroom) Intermediate Clubs
- John O’Donovan (Clann na nGael) Junior Clubs
- Derek Connolly (Seandun) Divisional Committees
Delegates were informed that all other subcommittee membership would be brought for approval at the February meeting.
2024 Bye-Laws
The 2024 County Bye-Laws, as approved by County Convention have been reviewed by the National Bye-Laws committee and once finalised, the approved County Bye-Laws for 2024 will be circulated.
2025 Bye-Law Review
A review committee was approved to consider particular Bye-laws for 2025, namely Bye -Laws 1 (Terms of Office) and 3 (Subcommittees). The membership is this group will comprise of Chair Willie Ring (Uachtaráin), Kevin O’Donovan (Rúnaí) and Denis Calnan (Finance manager). A report is to be provided to County Management on February 20th with a view to holding a Special County Convention, if required, on April 2nd, before the County Committee meeting.
Motions to Congress
The strategy for promoting the Cork motion to Congress was outlined, with consideration being given to alignment with possible motions from other counties.
Election of Congress Club Delegates
Willie Ring (Imokilly) and Denis Kelleher (Glanmire) were elected to attend GAA Congress as part of the county delegation.
Communications Policy
The Cathaoirleach and Rúnaí both outlined rationale behind the change in policy with regard to media presence at meeting, while importance of the media in the promotion of Gaelic Games was also noted.
2. Games Administration
The Updated Master Fixture Plan and League programme were approved by County Committee. It was agreed to meet with Divisional committee representatives to iron out any issues in relation to coordinating fixture plans.
A significant number of Independent teams were approved ahead of the upcoming U21 Club competitions. However, the Rúnaí encouraged all clubs to endeavour to field their own teams in order to maximise participation. A 13-aside County C competition would be arranged in both codes to this end. A number of temporary transfers were also approved.
The draws for the ‘Confined’ Junior B and C County Championships will take place at the February County Committee meeting. The deadline for entries is 9pm on Wednesday, January 31st.
Club Developments
Three applications in relation to club developments were approved (Kilworth, Ballygarvan, Kilbrin) on the recommendation of County Safety and Facilities Officer, Tony McAuliffe.
3. Games Development
GDC Roadshows
The series of regional meetings for club officers now underway to provide a briefing on the new Cork GAA Games Development structures was outlined.
4. County Teams
Upcoming fixtures in the Munster Senior Hurling League and the McGrath Cup Final were discussed.
Team Liaison Officers were appointed to the County teams for 2024 as follows;
- Senior Hurling & Football – Pat Horgan and Noel O’Callaghan.
- U20 Hurling – Derek Connolly; U20 Football – Donal McCarthy.
- Minor Hurling – Ronan Dwane; Minor Football – Donal McSweeney.
5. Finance & Governance
The appropriate method of distribution of the €1 million donation by the JP McManus Fund was considered and it was agreed to distribute the funds based on status as an affiliated club across the four codes.
6. Commercial
The Rúnaí presented a report on the commercial activities of Cork GAA / SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, outlining twenty-four commercial agreements (Powerpoint presentation below). Progress reports were provided on Premium Seats, advertising, Rebels’ Bounty, Rebels Online, Munster Rugby, Concerts, One Cork and Naming Rights. He confirmed to delegates that there was engagement with SuperValu on naming rights and that with discussions ongoing, no proposal would be brought to County Committee yet.
A statement was issued; https://gaacork.ie/2024/01/16/statement-from-cork-gaa/
In relation to a possible name change of the stadium, a number of delegates expressed a desire to maintain the Ó Chaoimh name as part any change, while others suggested leaving all options open. The challenging nature of the Board’s finances was also recognised, as was the significant progress on gaining multiple commercial partners over recent years.
7. Facilities
Members were informed that a six-month arrangement was now in place with Seandún regarding the use of Ballinlough GAA teams by inter-county teams.
Preparations are ongoing for the Munster v Crusaders Rugby game on February 3rd and the start of the National Leagues.
A stewarding course would follow in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on January 20th.
The importance of appropriate maintenance budgets in both SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh and Páirc Uí Rinn was discussed.
8. Council Reports
Munster Council Delegate Joe Blake provided a report on the recent Munster Council Convention, which was held January 12th in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Central Council Delegate Tracey Kennedy provided an update on the most recent Central Council meeting. Best wishes were conveyed to her ahead of the election for the position of Representative of Congress at the upcoming GAA Congress on February 23rd / 24th.
9. Next County Committee meeting:
Tuesday, February 13th at 8pm in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
