AGM
The Hugh Daniels Cup (JFC) and Hugo Slevin Memorial Cup (Scór Novelty Act) adorned the top table at our AGM which took place in the Scoil an Chlochair GP Room last Sunday evening.
There was a terrific turnout for the annual gathering which reviewed a very successful and busy year, while also looking ahead to 2024. In his first chairman’s address, Adrian Carroll described 2023 as an “excellent year” with the JFC and MFC Division 3 successes along with the formation of a Mothers & Others team being among the highlights.
“I feel the core of the club is very strong. Our main objective was to be more connected to the community. I think it’s been a strong year for this and has opened a lot of people up to being back involved with the club,” he enthused.
“We have worked with the Tidy Towns, SWEETS, Brosna Residents’ Group and many others. We hope to reach out further next year to other groups in the community.”
Reflecting on the JFC triumph, Adrian said: “Winning the Junior 1 Championship this season is a huge achievement and well done to all involved. We bowed out to a fine Milltown (Kildare) team in the semi-final of the Leinster Championship after a great run in that competition. I’ve no doubt next season will be another success.”
Adrian also singled out James Claffey, who stepped down as secretary, for special praise.
“James has been fully committed to the club. No stone was left unturned in his efforts this year. Without James, there is no way I could have functioned as chair. James will continue to be on the committee and help with the grants he and the sub-committee submitted this year,” the chairman added.
For his part, James presented a superb secretary’s report in which he looked back fondly on the year. He welcomed the allocation of €45,000 in Clár funding for our walking track and new LED lights for the Astroturf, and thanked the fundraising committee and sponsors for their work and support.
“Our fundraising and sponsorship committee has worked hard over the past year to identify new sponsors and new methods to fundraise. To our sponsors, a massive thank you for your continued support.”
James also encouraged club members to turn out in large numbers for filming for the popular RTÉ TV programme Operation Transformation later this month.
“The club is hosting the Ad Break Challenge as part of Operation Transformation 2024,” he revealed.
“It will be filmed in the pitch on December 28 and is an excellent opportunity to showcase our community and club.”
Detailed reports on underage and Scór activities were also presented, while Mel Kiernan’s treasurer’s report showed the club to be in a healthy state financially. While the position of secretary wasn’t filled, Martin Dowdall and Niall Carey were elected as joint-assistant treasurers in succession to Brendan McMahon. A vacancy has also arisen for one of the county board delegate positions following Adrian Carroll’s decision to step down, and will need to be filled at the January monthly meeting too.
2024 management committee – chairman: Adrian Carroll; vice-chairman: Paul Daly; secretary: unfilled; assistant secretary: Damian McLoughlin; treasurer: Mel Kiernan; assistant treasurers: Niall Carey and Martin Dowdall; PRO: Randal Scally; county board delegates: Shaun Pidgeon and one other to be added; Children’s Officer: Christy Maloney; registrar: Shaun Pidgeon; underage chairperson: Martina Rochford; underage secretary: Sabrina Nannery; Designated Liaison Person (DLP): Evonne Dunne; Other committee members: Ann Dixon, Brendan McDonnell, Bernie Barrett, Colin Draper, James Claffey, Dermot Smith, Conor Delaney, Kelly-Ann Mealiffe and Nigel Scally.
Management staying on
It was announced at our AGM that intermediate team manager Niall O’Brien and his selectors Willie Daniels, Dermot Smith, Kevin Smith and James Mullins are remaining at the helm in 2024.
This is great news as we strive to build on this year’s JFC success. “It would be difficult to find individuals more dedicated to Kilbeggan Shamrocks,” James Claffey noted in his secretary’s report.
Player Darragh Coffey is joining Niall O’Brien’s backroom team as a strength and conditioning coach for the coming year.
Scór Table Quiz
A festive table quiz in aid of Kilbeggan Scór will take place in McNamara’s Bar on Friday, December 15 at 7pm.
Tables of four cost €40. There will be Christmas-themed questions in each round, while a spot prize for the best Christmas outfit will also be up for grabs. For more information, contact 087 945 8045.
Lotto
Last week’s lucky numbers were 1, 9, 12 and 21. Mary Fitzgerald, Martin Rattigan, Marie Lynagh and Martina Rochford were the Match 3 winners. Thanks to everyone for their support. The jackpot is capped at €15,000. You can purchase your tickets in local shops or online.
St. Stephen's Day fun run / walk
Club stalwart Dermot Smith’s annual Kilbeggan 6k fun run / walk in support of CHI at Crumlin takes place on St Stephen’s Day.
Starting time is 12 noon, with registration taking place in the Kilbeggan Parish Centre. You can also register online or make a donation by logging onto www.myrunresults.com. For more information, contact Dermot on 087 776 7887.
Open to all ages, the event is a great way to work off the festive feastings.
