A meeting of the County Committee was held online via Teams Live on Tuesday November 3rd. County Chairperson Tracey Kennedy welcomed delegates, explained the delay in having a meeting and thanked all who had worked so hard for Cork GAA throughout the past few months. She also noted the success of the new County Championship format.
Runaí Kevin O’Donovan gave an update on SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, noting the quality of the pitch last Sunday despite the bad weather and thanking all sponsors who had come on board with purchasing pitch advertising. He noted the work of commercial manager Sinéad O’Keeffe in this area. In response to queries, the runaí reported that it was hoped to have an update on the audit of the stadium accounts later this week, and that they were due to be presented to the stadium board at its next meeting. No information had yet been received about government funding for GAA clubs. The Chairperson thanked Niamh and the staff at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Richard Murphy, Michael Byrne and the event team and John Murphy and Stephen Forrest who look after the pitch for all their hard work on the staging of recent games.
In an update on finances, Kevin O’Donovan noted and thanked county championship sponsors Co-Op Superstores and Bon Secours Hospital also The Irish Examiner for coming on board as streaming partners. He confirmed that The Irish Examiner had paid a fee to Cork GAA for the rights to stream games for 3 years. Kevin thanked both Sinead O’ Keeffe (Commercial Manager) and Michelle Hussey (Accounts Manager) for all their work in relation to both Cork GAA and SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. He also thanked the season ticket holders and the premium seat holders for their understanding in relation to ticket distribution for the county championship games. Chairperson Tracey Kennedy added her thanks to the sponsors for coming on board and said she was delighted to have really strong brands associated with Cork GAA, particularly in this challenging year, and looked forward to the development of those relationships into the future. She also noted the contribution of Sinéad O’Keeffe to these partnerships.
Kevin O’Donovan again outlined the plan for the new Rebels’ Bounty fundraiser and dealt with various queries submitted by clubs. The launch date had been delayed by Covid-19 but he hoped that this could take place in the coming weeks. In terms of a brochure, as requested by many clubs, Kevin reported that this and other promotional material would be supplied to clubs as soon as possible. Clubs were reminded that a recording of the webinar has been emailed to them, which they may wish to use at meetings. The approval process was outlined and clubs will be contacted in relation to this in the very near future.
In relation to inter-county teams, since the last County Committee meeting the Under 20 Footballers had lost the Munster Final to Kerry in March. Last month the Minor Hurlers had defeated Clare and the Under 20 Hurlers had defeated Kerry. The Minor Footballers were due to play Kerry this weekend. The two Minor competitions along with Under 20 Hurling competition were currently paused. The Senior Hurlers lost to Waterford last weekend and play Dublin this Saturday while the Senior Footballers play Kerry this Sunday. The Chairperson said that the Hurlers’ game would be shown on Sky Sports but people with Sky didn’t need Sky Sports to watch it as the game was on Sky Sports Mix and the Runaí informed delegates that there was was also an option to purchase a day or month pass on Now TV. The Chairperson wished both senior teams well in their vital games this weekend.
The runaí reported that a sub-committee of the Executive had submitted a report on independent teams, which had been discussed and approved by the Executive and referred to the CCC, which would set up a sub-group to monitor and support such teams.
An update was given on County Convention, which will be held online on Monday December 7th . Those wishing to seek nomination would need to do so by clubs as per normal but a shorter time would be given for people to withdraw their name (nominations by 9am on Monday November 9th; withdrawals by 9am on Thursday November 12th). Votes received by ordinary post would be allowed but no votes could be hand delivered. It is asked that clubs would not submit motions unless strictly necessary due to the complications of online voting, and the chairperson pointed out that a special convention could be held during the year if necessary, if restrictions were lifted. A returning officer and tellers would need to be put in place for officer elections and the Executive will contact clubs further on this.
In officer reports, Development officer Pat Horgan listed the developments that had been approved by the Executive during the year. He also spoke about upcoming AGMs that would be held online at Club and Divisional level. He would be meeting with Terry Brady (IT Officer) and Joseph Blake (Cork PRO) to discuss and they would in turn be in contact with the clubs and divisions. Pat also mentioned about how Office 365 training had not been fully finished in March due to Covid-19. Coaching Officer Ronan Dwane had submitted a report on coaching in the Progress Report.
Vice–chairperson Marc Sheehan, gave a CCC update. He said that remaining county championships would be completed next year, but that would not happen for the county under 21 championships. Marc also referred to the first presentation of the Jim Forbes Cup.
The County Chairperson congratulated the 3 County Champions, Blackrock, Charleville and Blarney on their wins and thanked the CCC for their dedication, noting the particularly difficult decisions they had to make this year.
In other business, the County Chairperson also congratulated Larry Tompkins and Denis Coughlan on their recently published autobiographies and wished them well with them.
Votes of sympathy were read and this concluded the business of the meeting.
The next meeting will be Tuesday November 24th.
