Duhallow GAA clubs battle declining numbers with U21 grade now vital stepping stone

Duhallow GAA chairman Steven Lynch is a strong supporter of the split-season and told the divisional convention the format affords an assured and clearly defined window in terms of co-ordinating competitions.

“The split season has helped in terms of planning leagues and championships and their completion in a timely manner. That’s positive for players and clubs, the season’s structure sees the inter-county season finish in July before the club championships take centre-stage."

To mark the 140th Anniversary of the founding of the GAA, Kilbrin hosted the Duhallow Convention, the occasion saluted an outstanding figure Thomas William Croke, the Kilbrin native became the first patron of the GAA and his name has lent itself to the great stadium Croke Park.

“Fittingly, the convention took place in the Dr Croke Rooms, acknowledging a proud son of Duhallow who became the GAA’s first patron, remembered at the iconic stadium on Dublin's Jones Road which has played host to memorable games for more than a century," said the Duhallow chairman.

Board Secretary Liam Buckley reported 19 clubs affiliated for 2024 and referred to the importance of U21 competitions to develop players.

Declining population numbers in rural areas is having a major impact on clubs' ability to field second teams even when clubs are permitted to play games in lower-grade competitions with reduced numbers. 

"With most clubs amalgamated at the U21 grade it is proving to be a very important grade in the development of younger players."

Duhallow vice-chairman and County Safety and Facilities Officer Tony McAulliffe spoke of a tremendous amount of development work being undertaken by clubs throughout the county as they strive to improve and extend their facilities to cater for an increasing number of participants playing Gaelic games.

“The Croke Park loan scheme provides finance to a club up to a maximum of €100,000 at an interest rate of 1.9%. It is likely that this scheme will reopen to applicants in the new year. It is important for any club who receives a loan under this scheme to be in a position to draw down the loan promptly as there are strict deadlines governing the drawdown time and any club which fails to draw down the loan on time will have to reapply."

There is also a facility for clubs to put money on deposit with Croke Park at a rate which is preferential to most other financial institutions. 

Meanwhile, Donie Nealon and Simon Moroney have resigned as GAA trustees effective from December 31, 2025, the importance stressed any club with either of those signatories as part of their club trustees need to take immediate action to update their club trustees.

Outgoing Cork GAAA PRO Francis Kenneally from Kanturk addressed the meeting and spoke of the role of a county PRO as hugely challenging and time-consuming for a volunteer, paying tribute to his family, the county PR Group, Kanturk club members Donal Desmond and Geraldine Larkin and Duhallow Chairman Steven Lynch for their input.

Officers elected for 2025 were 

Uachtaráin: Tom Dennehy (Kiskeam); 

Leas Uachtaráin: Eugene O'Sullivan (Meelin); 

Cathaoirleach: Steven Lynch (Boherbue); 

Leas Cathaoirleach: Tony McAuliffe (Lismire); 

Runaí: Liam Buckley (Kilbrin); 

Cisteoir: Joe Kearns (Kanturk); 

Runaí Cúnta: John Tarrant (Millstreet); 

Oifigeach Caidreamh Poiblí: John Murphy (Newmarket); 

Oifigeach Cultúrtha: Margaret Kiely (Boherbue). 

County Board delegates: Steven Lynch and Joe Kearns.