Imokilly division's year to remember but real need to grow referee pool and reboot football team

The Centenary Year of Imokilly GAA certainly proved memorable for all involved, with successful storylines on and off the field.

As we stand just two weeks shy of Christmas Day, three clubs from the barony will proudly take to the fields this weekend bidding to book a golden ticket to All-Ireland Club Finals in Croke Park early in 2025. For Sarsfields, Watergrasshill and Russell Rovers, who all face northern opposition, their memories of 2024 will stand the test of time.

Recently, the Imokilly Annual Convention was held with the division's sixth County Senior Hurling triumph a milestone in an action-packed year. Within the barony there was no shortage of entertainment and the flagship Junior A finals were tremendously exciting. 

Killeagh were crowned hurling champions after an epic replay in front of a huge crowd at Paddy Walsh Memorial Park. The win ended a 29-year wait for the famous Jamesy Kelleher Cup to return to Glenbower. Castlemartyr's football famine spanning 33 years eventually ended with a solitary-point win over Carrigtwohill.

Imokilly chair Avril Geary gave a glowing report to the convention, highlighting the various special events held to commemorate the 100-year celebrations. These climaxed when almost 300 people gathered at a gala celebration dinner at Garryvoe Hotel where GAA President Jarlath Burns was the special guest. 

The occasion also marked the launch of the newly updated history book of Imokilly GAA which is a hugely comprehensive 470-page review of games and activities over the past 100 years, costing €40 it is currently on sale at O'Flynn's Mace in Ladysbridge.

In his very comprehensive report on the large assembled gathering, runaí Patrick Mulcahy highlighted the huge number of games completed in 2024. He presented a detailed recap on all competitions, while zoning in on that memorable day at SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh when the Sean Óg Murphy Cup was regained.

"This year though is one of mixed emotions for me. It is superb to be part of a senior county-winning hurling structure... nothing will beat that day. 

"But, the topic of the senior football team will need to be raised again. This might need to be a sole topic of discussion at a meeting in the New Year. 

"Personally, the role of divisional secretary gets more demanding as the season moves on, but it is so enjoyable. 

Have no doubt, there have been many special moments over the past 12 months, but the one that really stands out for me was handing over the Jamesy Kelleher Cup to my own club, Killeagh."

Number crunching the season shows us that up to mid-November when there were 132 football matches played and 156 hurling games. With a handful of other games to follow, it brings the overall programme to roughly 300.

CHALLENGING

Referees Administrator Ger Sweeney, in his first year in the role, admitted that the first five weeks of the season proved extremely challenging, due to the inclement weather.

"This year we were operating with a panel of 26 referees and hopefully that pool will grow. It is disappointing that we had eight clubs in the division with no referee," commented the Glenville clubman.

I would encourage these clubs to have a serious look at trying to support some of their members to take up the role of refereeing."

As 2024 draws to a close, so many great memories are being recalled of a year that will live in the memory bank. 

East Cork GAA is in a very solid place. Teams continue to compete and win at all levels, facilities continue to be enhanced at so many venues across the barony. 

The widespread work of the greater GAA family is very evident. Take a bow Imokilly GAA.