Cork Youth League look back and outline new rules and regulations ahead of the new season

The Annual General Meeting of the Daly Industrial Supplies Cork Youth Leagues took place on 25th of June in Ballyphehane Community Centre.

Their Chairman Sean O’Sullivan welcomed the club delegates and opened the meeting by asking those present to stand for a moment in remembrance of those who had passed away since our their meeting.

Minutes from the 24/25 AGM, which had been circulated prior to meeting, were deemed in order and were accepted.

Fixture Secretary James Fogarty reported to meeting that were 109 teams in competition, 1,345 games played over the season and 24 trophies presented. 

The season finished ahead of schedule due to cooperation on all sides. 

He pointed out clubs were competitive at provincial and national competitions with Cork Youth Inter-League team retaining their Munster and FAI National Cups which was a great achievement by the management team and players. 

Clubs, Leeside and Douglas Hall had success in Munster Youth Cup’s and Midleton did well reaching the semi final of the FAI Youth Cup.

Treasurer Richie Browne presented his report to delegates and it showed an excess of income over expenditure and that the League funds were “healthy”. 

He answered that some of the expenses were carried into this year's account due to the FAI Interleague not being completed in March 25. 

He did advise that it is expensive to hold cup finals in Turner's Cross, however, the league will continue to use the venue as it is the dream of all players to play and win there. 

Richie added that the league would be slow to increase gate fees, as it is mainly the parents and club members who support the League at these finals day in day out, we have been realistic when families come to the gates.

Discipline Officer Peadar O'Leary reported that they had being an improvement in discipline over the season with 78 sending offs, mostly for second yellow cards, however, there were six for the use of offending remarks, and this can lead to a ten game ban. 

The league have discretion to give five and suspend five games, but if the player re-offends, he will get ten and the five added so that is basically his season wiped out. 

He asked all clubs please advise coaches to talk and explain to players what penalties that can be handed down and it’s important that they need that explained.

Eddie McEvoy, the Registrar, presented his report to the meeting and he gave a brief overview of season just passed. 

It did show that the league had very strong numbers involved at the three age groups with U17 the highest and U19 the lowest, but a growing grade. 

A major positive in this season past has been the full integration and use of the FAI Comet app for fixtures and match administration, which was a significant success.

Chairman, Sean O'Sullivan thanked all the clubs and officials for their help over the season, he also praised the management of the Inter-League Youth team for their success and commitment and hoped they would taking be willing to take on the task again next season. 

Sean pointed out that clubs have upgraded their facilities and congratulated those on their continuing hard work, however, he added that grants at national and local level are a very valuable source of funding. 

He also praised clubs on achieving their FAI Club Mark and thanked them for engaging with the programme, but stated that Garda Vetting is a must and clubs are advised to keep their register up to date.

Walk-overs was the most irritating aspect of the past season, especially as there were too many at the end of the season that decided some leagues, and it’s just not good enough, as it shows no respect to the opponents and the league in general.

Sean paid a glowing tribute to the late Samantha Doherty, who had been the first female member of the committee. 

She passed away only a short while back and there was a beautiful tribute and appreciation in The Echo a few weeks ago that showed what an incredible person she was for her club Clonakilty FC and the League committee.

He thanked all the referees who had officiated during the season, he also thanked sponsors Daly’s Induction Supplies and Garry McCarthy Trophies for their continued support.

He paid special thanks to Kieran Doherty of The Echo for his reports and coverage on the League over the season and thanked the paper for its extensive coverage of local grassroots football.