Fresh faces on the Western Board after convention
Attending the Western GAA Board AGM 2024 in Lawlors Hotel were Billy Devine, Treasurer, Pa Lyons, Chairman and Pat Casey, Secretary. Photo Sean Byrne
There were four changes to the top table at last week’s Western Convention in Dungarvan.
Billy Devine (Ballysaggart) replaced Pat Casey (Affane/Cappoquin/Tourin) as secretary of the board after serving as treasurer for the past five years. Padraig Nolan (Affane/Cappoquin/Tourin) will step into the role of treasurer for 2025. Gráinne Flynn (Shamrocks) is the new vice-secretary while Máiread Veale (Ballysaggart) will serve as vice-treasurer.
All four were elected unopposed. Kevin Casey of Colligan decided not to put his name forward for the positions of secretary and vice-secretary. Tom Mansfield (Affane/Cappoquin/Tourin) chose not to stand for the role of vice-treasurer.
Pa Lyons (Mellerary/Glen Rovers) will continue as chairman. Ardmore’s John Supple will remain as vice-chairman while Katie Walsh of Modeligo will stay on as PRO.
The board posted a profit of €9,707.84 in their 2024 accounts. Income totalled €71,401.28 including €57,721.28 in gate receipts. Expenditure came in at €61,693.44.
County vice-chairman Neil Moore thanked the board and outgoing treasurer Billy Devine for their support of the recent refurbishments in Fraher Field. The board put €24,000 towards the new railing on the bank and €51,000 towards the new wheelchair facilities. Moore added that they have a number of projects in mind for the Dungarvan venue next year.
Pat Casey stepped down as secretary after completing his five-year term. “I have mixed feelings,” he told the room. “I enjoyed the work.”
He expressed alarm at the shortage of referees in the county. “We were not successful in adding to the referee panel here in the division during the year and it is worrying that there is not a readymade supply of referees coming through to assist with our current panel. It is the one area that is very worrying for the future of the staging of our ever-increasing programme of games. I am making a plea to all of us to help with the recruitment of referees and see if we can encourage and identify people to attend the referees’ training/induction courses and see if they would like to take up this vital role within the association.”
He thanked the current panel of match officials. “All the referees have been very loyal to the board. Last week, we had to get a referee two hours before the match. His words were ‘I won’t let you down.’ I’m extremely grateful to the loyal band of referees that are doing a job that no one else wants to do.” Abuse of referees must be eradicated in his view. “We all have a responsibility here and let’s ensure that we manage our own sidelines and lead by example.”
Casey was glad to see the Junior C football championship return this year. It was the first time the competition was held since 2016. Melleray’s win in the Junior C hurling final was another highlight of the year.
Central Council delegate Brendan Tobin remarked that the Western championships are vital for small clubs. “If the divisional boards are done away with, the likes of Melleray and An Sean Phobal won’t get these days in the sun.”
Fourmilewater representative Paddy Joe Ryan agreed. “It will be a sad day if the divisional boards go.”
The deadline for affiliations and transfers is Friday, January 10 at 5pm. Neil Moore told delegates that the CCC will be strictly enforcing the underage bye-law in relation to transfers. “Unless that player is living in your parish, it won’t be sanctioned.”
