GAA as popular as ever in city division but real challenges must be met

It has been a successful year for the Seandún division and for secretary Eddie Murphy it is one to look back at with pride, but he has concerns about problems that clubs are facing in the city.

“Make no mistake there are worries that should be addressed by the GAA in Cork because we have clubs on both sides of the river that are working very hard,” Murphy said.

Murphy believes there are challenges coming down the road for all clubs.

“Of course, we have our bigger clubs and some others that are struggling to make ends meet and I think there is possibly a bigger problem in the northside.

“Clubs are trying hard and they have great volunteers, but when you put the microscope on them there is something lacking and I am calling on the GAA to have a review to help these clubs,” added Murphy.

The review needs to happen sooner than later according to the Seandún runaí.

“I think when people look into some city clubs, they will be shocked to learn of the help that’s needed and there needs to be a plan of action as we cannot afford to wait no longer than five years.

“Some clubs need help more than others and somebody must put their hand out and tell them we are there for you.”

Murphy reflected on his year when he took over the role in the City Division hot-seat.

“When I started in December I could see from the off that there was lots of work to do and we needed time to put a plan in place.”

Getting the U21 football championship off in early new year was a great stepping stone.

“We had the U21 football championship in February; that was a huge success as it freed up players to play with their clubs at other levels and everything went to plan."

Getting the various leagues up and running in March was the next priority for Murphy and his committee.

“We had four football leagues that consisted of four divisions, and three divisions in hurling and they all went off without a hitch.”

Just before the championships started some new competitions were played.

We reintroduced the Craobh Rua Cup and we also introduced the Ballinlough Cup which only finished recently and that was to help some of the lower grade clubs within their age groups.”

All championship games were a success and Murphy emphasised some great action was witnessed at the famous Ballinlough venue.

“We had five championships and we met the target to complete them in time as the County Board were awaiting the winners to continue the county championships.”

Off the pitch, there was a lot of work done and Murphy took time to thank the various sponsors.

“To Jess O’Sullivan of AOS Security who sponsored our main league and championships, many thanks and there are some more that I will be thanking in my annual report because without their contributions getting the job done wouldn’t be financially viable.”

Having Club and Referee of the Month awards gave clubs and officials a boost and Murphy praised all referees who help the division.

No game was called off and the referees were outstanding, and I do recognise the importance of them to our sport and games.”

The new committee at Seandún came in for special praise from Murphy.

“Look, I am sure previous committees all worked hard and I can only speak for the people who I worked with this season and all the officers knew what they were doing and, as a team, it went very well.”

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Colm Daly maintained the Ballinlough pitch and Murphy noted that attendances were up and many children, under the supervision of their parents, enjoyed the atmosphere at the famous venue.

The Seandún division will have their AGM at Páirc Uí Rinn on November 27 and on a final note Murphy took time to pay tribute to former officers.

“We lost Michael O’Shea, Tadgh Drinan, and Eamonn Fitzpatrick of St Finbarr’s and all these men gave years of service to our division and our thoughts and prayers go to their families who will spending their first Christmas without them.”