Local Notes: GAA club AGM, local lotto, SVP, Clár funding and more
Abbie Fitzpatrick and Stephen Coffey celebrating their sporting achievements at the 2025 Sliabh gCua/St.Mary’s A.G.M.
The Annual General Meeting of the Sliabh gCua/St. Mary’s GAA Club took place on Friday, November 28th, in Kirwan Park. Attendance was modest with several apologies noted. Chairperson Marie McDonald warmly welcomed all present and opened proceedings. Marie began by celebrating two outstanding achievements for the club.
Abbie Fitzpatrick won the U-18 C LGFA All-Ireland title and was named Player of the Match, while Stephen Coffey secured the U-17 Minor All-Ireland title. Both successes were described as proud moments for the club and Marie wished the young players continued success in the future.
In the absence of Secretary Jason Sheehan, JP Fitzpatrick read the minutes of the previous AGM. Treasurer Della Ahearne presented her first financial report, which was accepted without issue. She outlined payment options via Foireann and the newly introduced Revolut system for club and lotto payments, with reminders to follow throughout the year. JP Fitzpatrick also delivered a grants update, announcing that the club had secured €93,000 under the CLÁR Measure 1 scheme. Planned developments for 2026 include wheelchair-accessible public toilets with baby-changing facilities, a covered 30-seat spectator area, secure bicycle storage, storeroom ceiling repairs, and hall upgrades featuring historical photos.
The hurling wall will also be resurfaced with Astroturf for improved safety and performance. Jason Sheehan’s secretary’s report highlighted a year of strong community spirit despite mixed results on the field. Football faced challenges, while hurling benefited from new management.
Major achievements included All-Ireland wins for Abbie Fitzpatrick and Stephen Coffey, leadership roles for David Whelan and Brendan Tobin within Waterford GAA and significant facility upgrades. The report also acknowledged members who passed away during the year, offering condolences to their families.
In her address, Chairperson Marie McDonald reflected on a busy year for the club, which saw car park and electrical upgrades completed. Fundraising efforts such as the National Club Draw, House Draw, Déise Draw and stewarding at L’Étape Tour de France were successful.
On the field, the club retained Intermediate status after a crucial playoff and hosted major games. Social events, including the Players’ Big Breakfast and a community barbecue, strengthened bonds within the club. Marie thanked all volunteers, sponsors, and committee members for their dedication. Mike Murray delivered the field committee update on behalf of Alan Kehoe, praising Alan and his team for maintaining Kirwan Park to an exceptional standard.
Special mention was given to Donagh Condon for his tireless work cutting the pitch.
The election of officers followed with Monnie Hallahan appointed President and John Fraher elected Vice President. The 2025 committee elected were: Chairperson: Marie McDonald; Vice Chair - Tom Condon; Secretary - Jason Sheehan; Vice Secretary - Clodagh Kearns; Treasurer - Della Ahearne; Vice Treasurer - James Condon; PRO - Jack Skehan; Player’s Rep - Jack Power; Children’s Officer - Ger Commins; Designated Liaison Person - Willie Power. Committee: Donagh Condon, Alan Kehoe, Mike Murray, Brendan Tobin, Denis Coffey, Eoin Kearns, Kay Ware, JP Fitzpatrick, John O’Shea, Kevin Sheehan. Football managers for 2025 will be Denis Coffey and David Whelan, whilst the hurling manager is yet to be confirmed. The meeting concluded with Marie extending warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all members and supporters.
No jackpot winner last Sunday night with the numbers 2, 18 and 24 being drawn. The five x €20 winners were Veronica Troy, Esther Hallanan, Mon Hickey, Ann and Eoin McGrath, and Nellie Power. The promoter’s prize was won by Thomas Keane. Next week’s jackpot draw is for €1,200.
As we enter this Christmas season, your local St. Vincent de Paul (St. Mary's Conference) would like to remind anyone who may be struggling that we are here to help and support them in a discreet and non-judgmental manner. This year has seen more people under financial pressure than ever. While government measures have helped vulnerable families, many others fall outside these thresholds and are finding themselves deeper in debt. We want to support these families and ease their burden during this time. Our service area covers Touraneena, Cappoquin, Affane, Modeligo and Melleray. Our ability to assist depends on the funds available. We appeal to those who are in a position to help, to please donate to our upcoming fundraisers. Your generosity allows us to reach more families in need. Anyone requiring help this Christmas is asked to apply online for GDPR-compliant processing. We understand that some people may not be able to apply online. In these cases, we encourage family or friends to assist, or you can contact us directly at 087 163 9108 for help with the application. Please submit your requests as early as possible. We also ask neighbours and friends to please keep an eye out for elderly and vulnerable people in our community and make them aware that we are here to help. Your support, whether through donations, volunteering, or sharing this message, helps make Christmas brighter for those who need it most.
A total of €446,002 has been allocated to seven CLÁR projects in Waterford. The CLÁR programme supports rural communities across Ireland aiming to build strong, resilient and vibrant communities through the enhancement of existing facilities and the provision of new amenities. Several community projects in Waterford have received funding under the CLÁR programme to improve local facilities and amenities and Sliabh gCua were allocated as follows: Sliabh gCua Community Playground Committee: €99,000 for playground upgrade works; Sliabh gCua St Mary’s GAA: just over €93,000 for renovation of a public outdoor toilet with wheelchair access, covered seating, and astro-turf surface at the hurling wall. Other allocations were to Kilbrien National School: €57,109 for flooring, heating, and kitchen upgrades; Rathgormack National School: €51,109 to enhance their play area; Modeligo Community Centre Sports Field: €36,724 for facility improvements and Ballysaggart GAA: €43,961 for ground upgrades. These welcome allocations will help enhance community facilities, supporting strong, resilient, and vibrant local communities across the region.
Last week’s riddle was: You can’t keep this until you have given it. What is it? Answer: Your word.
This week’s riddle is: What loses its head in the morning but gets it back at night? Answer in this column next week.
Caption: Abbie Fitzpatrick & Stephen Coffey celebrating their sporting achievements at the 2025 Sliabh gCua/St.Mary’s A.G.M.
