Gerardene McNamara's legacy and commitment to Ballincollig soccer club will never be replicated

After more than three decades of service, commitment, and passion support for Ballincollig AFC, Gerardene McNamara has ended her time as chairperson of the club and now looks forward to replacing her busy footballing schedule with more time to spend with her 10 grandchildren.

Over the decades, Gerardene has worn almost every hat at the club. 

She has been a leader, a mentor, a fundraiser, a negotiator, a problem-solver, and sometimes even a taxi service. 

She has been there for the highs and the lows, while always showing huge determination in whatever the task was.

The club put out an emotional post in which showed what impact Geradene had at the club.

“We all know Gerardene has been more than just a chairperson. Her work as chairperson has not just been about managing a football club, it’s been about building a community. 

"A place where boys and girls, men and women of all ages can come together to play, to learn, to make friends and to belong. 

"She’s supported players from their very first kick of a ball right through to adulthood, and she’s created an environment where everyone feels welcome, whether you’re a player, a parent, or just someone walking through the regional park or the landing field.

“Geradene’s impact can’t be measured in just matches won or trophies lifted. It’s measured in the generations of players who’ve passed through our gates, the coaches and volunteers she’s inspired, and the countless hours she’s given, often without thanks, but always with heart.

“On behalf of Ballincollig AFC, past and present, I want to say: thank you, Gerardene. 

"Thank you for your leadership, your loyalty, your dedication, your kindness, your stubbornness when we needed it, and your laughter when we needed that even more.

"Now, you may be retiring from the chairperson’s seat, but don’t think for a second we’re letting you disappear. 

"You’re part of this club for life. We just hope that in your “free time” you might finally get to relax… though knowing you, you’ll still be at the pitch, “just checking in.” 

"Though you may be stepping down, your fingerprints are all over the history and the future of this club. You’ve set the standard for what it means to lead with integrity, with passion, and with care.” 

Geradene’s decision to retire wasn’t an easy one but one in which she believes was the right decision.

“I decided it was time to retire as there are plenty younger people involved in the club now with the enthusiasm and passion to take the club forward,” said Geradene.

“I held the position of secretary first and then chairperson and did any other job that was required of me during the 31 years, that’s what it takes when you are a member of a club.” 

So how does Geradene now plan on occupying her time?

“Well I have already noticed that my phone is not ringing at all as much as it did, I am not walking away from Ballincollig AFC because there is a lot of fundraising to be done for our new clubhouse and we have started to plan an event Ballincollig’s Fittest Superstars which we have had to postpone until next June, so I will stay involved with that committee to see it through. 

"Mainly, I am looking forward to spending more time with my family, my wonderful 10 grandchildren who are all involved in sport and I want to be able to go watch them.

“I have a lot of stand out memories, seeing young players go across to play with clubs in Scotland and England, winning youths National Cup, John Aldridge Legends playing Ballincollig selection in the Landing field, Cork City playing Ballincollig Senior team to open our new ground in the Landing Field, getting a home of our own in the Landing Field. 

"We have had our share of difficult times but as a club we have always pulled together through them, sadly we have had to say goodbye to some very good friends along the way but we always remember them.” 

Over three decades of hard work and commitment, but what does Geradene consider to be her most impact contribution to the club?

“I would like to think I contributed in many ways over the years, but the one thing that took all my perseverance, strength and patience was our 25 year battle for Ballincollig AFC to secure an 800 year lease for the Landing Field and we did that this year. 

This was an arduous task one we were not letting go, it paid off and now the club can look forward to building a club house and catch up with other clubs facilities wise, we have wonderful pitches thanks to our pitch maintenance committee but we need a clubhouse with dressing rooms now and I’ll hope to see that come to fruition.”