SECRETARYS REPORT AGM 08TH JAN 2021
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Contents Club Annual General Meeting 29th Nov 2019 in Ballina GAA Clubhouse (Squash Court) ...... 2 Checklist – Commonly asked questions about Club AGM...... 5 Agenda For Ballina GAA Club AGM ...... 9 Nominations For Ballina GAA Club AGM ...... 9 Motions For Ballina GAA Club AGM ...... 9 2020; A Year like no other:...... 10 Games Review ...... 10 Senior Hurling: ...... 10 Junior “B” Hurling:...... 11 Junior “C” Hurling: ...... 12 Under-21 “B” Hurling: ...... 13 Minor “A” Hurling: ...... 13 Junior “A” Football: ...... 14 Under-21 “B” Football: ...... 15 Minor “A” Football: ...... 16 General review of games: ...... 17 2021: ...... 17 Inter-County: ...... 17 Referee’s ...... 18 Juvenile, Camogie and Ladies Football: ...... 18 Juvenile Club: ...... 19 Camogie Club: ...... 19 Ladies Football Club: ...... 20 Community: ...... 20 Community Response: ...... 20 Lap for Pieta: ...... 20 Executive/Sub-Committee’s etc ...... 20 Healthy Club Project: ...... 21 Coaching Committee: ...... 21 Field: ...... 21 Gym: ...... 21 Children Welfare: ...... 21 Membership: ...... 22 Media: ...... 22 Finance: ...... 22
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Sympathy: ...... 22 Thanks ...... 23 Ballina GAA Club 2020 Results: ...... 23 Ballina GAA Club Championship Roll of Honour: ...... 25 Appendix 1: Club Constitution ...... 25 Appendix 2: Healthy Club Policies:...... 32
Club Annual General Meeting 29th Nov 2019 in Ballina GAA Clubhouse (Squash Court)
Present: John Joe McKeogh (Life-President); Sarah Devane & Jerry McKeogh (Vice- Presidents); Diarmaid McKeogh (Chair), Sandra Blaser, Fergus Breen, Aaron Devane, John Healy, Peter King, Gerard McKeogh, Jimmy McKeogh, Paul McKeogh, Margaret O’Sullivan, Richie Ryan & Anne Sheehy.
Welcome: An Chathaoirleach welcomed all to the meeting.
1. Standing Orders: a. Idemnify club trustees against all costs associated with Trusteeship b. Adopt Club Constitution as per TO 2019 Proposed: Peter King; Seconded: Sandra Blaser
2. Minutes AGM (30th Nov 2018) These had been circulated before hand with the secretary’s report & were accepted as a true & fair reflection of the meeting. Proposed: Sandra Blaser; Seconded: Aaron Devane
3. Secretary's Report: An Runai Gerard McKeogh went through his report on the year’s activity. He gave a detailed account of the year’s activity. Proposed: Sarah Devane; Seconded: Sandra Blaser
4. Treasurers Report: An Cisteoir Fergus Breen went through the club accounts for the year. The total loans owing were down to just under €130,000 at the end of October 2019, down from €163,000 at the end of October 2018. The club had brought in almost €145,000 in the 12 months & paid out almost €117,000 including over €6,500 in Bank interest. He said that the accounts were in a relatively good position, but needed to be continually topped up & monitored. He said that the club hoped to have a major fundraiser in October/November 2020 - “A Night at the OsKaRs” The accounts presented by the Treasurer was accepted as a true reflection of the Club’s finances. Proposed: Sandra Blaser; Seconded: Jerry McKeogh
5. Chairperson’s Address: An Chathaoirleach Diarmaid McKeogh then addressed the meeting: It was a busy year & he thanked the executive for their work during a very active year.
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He thanked the field committee of John (Healy), Jimmy (Hurley) & Eamonn (Hayes). Des from TUS also works very hard around the field. Major Drainage work was carried out in the main field in October/November. This was/will be mainly financed by a grant from Tipperary County Council. A back-up mower would also have to added to the list of requirements in the club. He thanked the various coaches Aaron Devane, Martin McKeogh, Donal Kent (Under-21), Eamonn Power, Adrian King, Pat Cosgrove (Minor), Brendan McKeogh, Brian McKeogh, John Gleeson, Diarmuid Healy, Pat Cosgrove (Senior/Junior). He said it was great to have in-house club coaches with all teams. The club Gym was up and running. The players had pushed for this and it was well used. Robert Cassidy, Paddy Quinlan and Brian Hurley were heavily involved with S&C. The club needed help with first aid & he appealed for help. He congratulated Mikey Breen on winning his second All-Ireland Senior Hurling Medal with Tipperary in August. He spoke of the great pride within the club at Mikey’s achievements. He congratulated Paul McKeogh (Chairperson) and the juvenile committee on continuing the great work. The club are now competing regularly in “A” Finals. He also congratulated Aidan Coyne & Kevin Byrne and all involved behind the formation of Ballina LGFA. The club also won a county title in its inaugural year. The Camogie club continues to go from strength to strength. Fundraising is always an important item. A lot of money was earned & put back into the club and club loans. There would be upcoming fundraisers like bag-packing, table quiz & the re-launched Investors Draw. He thanked all those who promoted and supported the Investors Draw. He thanked the Lotto committee for all their work over 25 years. The lotto is a very valuable and stable source of income for the club and parish. However we need to promote it more within the club. He said that the club were applying to be part of the GAA healthy club initiative Phase 4. He thanked Sarah Devane for her work around this. If accepted it would be a great opportunity for the club. He said that the club would now have to consider progress around the field going forward. The clubhouse needed an upgrade. Dressing rooms, hurling wall, floodlights, dug-outs & scoreboard would all have to be looked at. We would draw down as many grants as possible, but would also require finance from within. He finished by thanking his fellow officers for their work and support during the year.
6. Election of Officers: The following Officers/officials were elected: • Life-Presidents: Tom Aherne, John Joe Maher, John Joe McKeogh, Patsy Nevin & Jimmy O’Donovan o Proposed: Sandra Blaser; Seconded: Jimmy McKeogh • Vice-Presidents: Sarah Devane, Larry Flanagan, Michael Fenton, Jerry McKeogh, Paddy O’Brien & Michael Sheehy o Proposed: John Healy; Seconded: Paul McKeogh • Chairperson: Diarmaid McKeogh o Proposed: Sandra Blaser; Seconded: Sarah Devane • Vice-Chairperson: Sandra Blaser o Proposed: John Healy; Seconded: Paul McKeogh • Treasurer: Ritchie Ryan o Proposed: Sandra Blaser; Seconded: Jerry McKeogh • Secretary: Gerard McKeogh o Proposed: Sarah Devane; Seconded: Paul McKeogh • Registrar: Des Morgan o Proposed: Sandra Blaser; Seconded: John Healy • Irish Language & Culture: Michéal Kennedy (Withdrawn) – To be left to executive • PRO: Sandra Blaser
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o Proposed: Jerry McKeogh; Seconded: Paul McKeogh • Childrens Officer: Margaret O’Sullivan o This was approved by executive as per official guide • Players Rep on Exec: Aidan Hanley (Withdrawn) – To be left to executive • Other Nominations to Exec: Eamonn Power o Proposed: Aaron Devane; Seconded: John Healy o 2 Juvenile Club Reps; 2 Camogie Club Reps; 2 LGFA Club Reps; Field Committee Rep will also be appointed by executive/respective club committees • Assistant Treasurer: Fergus Breen (Withdrawn) – To be left to executive • Assistant Secretary: Michéal Kennedy (Withdrawn) – To be left to executive • County Bórd Draw Co-Ordinator: Peter King o Proposed: Sandra Blaser; Seconded: John Healy • North Bórd Representatives: Sarah Devane; John Gleeson o Proposed: Paul McKeogh; Seconded: Sandra Blaser • County Bórd Representative: Michael Sheehy o Proposed: Sarah Devane; Seconded: Paul McKeogh
7. Motions to be Considered: NIL
8. Motions submitted by club to County Convention a. That Tipperary GAA Co Bórd introduce Under-17 / Under-20 hurling & football championships in 2021. This will apply at divisional & county level. It would replace the current Minor / Under-21 Championships. Riall 6.17 T.O. 2019 to apply b. That Riall 6.17 T.O. 2019 be amended as follows: Under Age Grades: County shall determine its internal Under Age Grades for competition purposes within the parameter of Under 21 down to Under 11, subject to the following eligibility years’ span: Under 20/21 - A five years’ span Under 19 down to Under 14/13 - A four years’ span Change from current rule: Under-20 will be changed to allow a 5-year span, similar to the current Under-21. It also allows 16 year old’s the same opportunities to play 2 age grades as 15 and 17 year old’s
A brief explanation was given for the reasoning behind both motions & it was accepted to put these motions before Tipperary Co Bórd convention. o Proposed: Sandra Blaser; Seconded: Paul McKeogh
9. Membership: It is the function of the AGM to set the membership rate & closing date for membership for the coming Year. The executive had studied this & were recommending €60 per person for 2020. Maximum of €240 for family. €20 for OAPs. Life membership as passed at the 2018 AGM would also be available. The only question raised was whether this would result in a loss of members. The meeting felt this was very unlikely as it was the first rise in membership rate in over 10years. A development levy may have to be introduced in 2021 if the club hoped to update the club facilities. Proposed: Anne Sheehy; Seconded: Sandra Blaser
This concluded the business of the AGM
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Checklist – Commonly asked questions about Club AGM. **Exceptions to the below have been approved at National due to the exceptional circumstances which pertained in 2020.
1) When does membership of a GAA club officially close?
6.2 The determined Annual Subscription shall be payable on election and thereafter annually, in advance of the date and in the manner decided by the Executive Committee. The date set shall be a date prior to March 31st each year.
**(See Exception for 2020 below)
2) Can you become a member after March 31st?
Yes but you will not have voting rights at the AGM that year.
**(See Exception for 2020 below)
3) How is the committee elected at an AGM?
7.2 The Executive Committee shall be comprised of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary, Registrar, Officer for Irish Language and Culture, Public Relations Officer, Children’s Officer, one Players’ Representative, and at least five other Full Members.
4) How is the committee elected at the AGM?
7.5 The Executive Committee including the Players’ Representative, shall be elected by the Full Members present, entitled to vote and voting at the Annual General Meeting.
Exception: The Children’s Officer shall be appointed at the Annual General Meeting on the recommendation of the outgoing Executive Committee.
5) Who can be elected to the committee?
7.6 Only Full Members, whose Membership Fees are paid up to date in accordance with Rule 6.2 and who are not suspended or disqualified under this Constitution or Rules or the Official Guide, shall be eligible for election to the Executive Committee.
6) When and who conducts the AGM?
7.7 The outgoing Executive Committee shall conduct the Annual General Meeting.
7.8 The Executive Committee shall hold office until the conclusion of the following Annual General Meeting.
8.3 An Annual General Meeting shall be held at such time as shall be decided upon by the Executive Committee, but insofar as is practical shall be held before the end of November each year
**(The Executive Committee feel it is not practical to hold our AGM in November or December 2020 & hope to hold it in January 2021)
7) What business is done at the AGM?
8.4 The following business shall be transacted at the Annual General Meeting:
(a) Adoption of Standing Orders.
(b) Minutes of previous Annual General Meeting.
(c) Consideration of the Annual Report submitted by the Secretary.
(d) Consideration of the Financial Statements including the Report of the Accountant(s) or Auditor(s).
(e) The Chairperson’s Address.
(f) Election of Officers and Members of the Executive Committee.
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(g) Notices of Motion.
(h) Other Business
**(See Exception for 2020 below, but we will try to complete all this business in January 2021)
8) What is the correct procedure for calling an AGM?
8.5 The Annual General meeting of the Club shall be called in the following manner:
8.5.1 The Executive Committee shall decide upon a date, time and place for the meeting, allowing adequate time to meet the time limits set out hereunder.
8.5.2 Once the date of the Annual General Meeting has been fixed, the Secretary shall give at least twenty-eight days notice in writing to the members of such date, at the same time inviting nominations for election to the Executive Committee for the following year and motions for consideration at the Annual General meeting, also specifying that such nominations and motions shall be received by him by a date not less than twenty one days prior to the date fixed for the meeting.
**(We hope to have a date in January 2021)
9) What must the Secretary send out to members 10 days before the AGM?
8.5.3 The Secretary shall then, on or after the date specified for return to him of such Nominations and Motions, but so as to give the members ten days clear notice before the meeting, circulate to the members the following documentation:
(a) Copy of the Agenda for the meeting.
(b) Copy of the Annual Report of the Secretary.
(c) Copy of the Financial Statements, including the Report of the Accountant(s) or Auditor(s)
(d) Details of the Nominations for election to the Executive Committee.
(e) Copies of any motions for consideration at the meeting.
10) How are committee positions filled?
8.6 In the event of the number of Nominees for any particular Executive Committee position being equal to or less than the number of positions to be filled, such Nominees shall be declared elected, and any positions left unfilled, due to the lack of Nominees or Nominees withdrawing, shall be filled by the new Executive Committee, as soon as practical after the Annual General Meeting.
11) Who can vote at an AGM?
9.1 Only Full Members, whose membership fees are paid up to date in accordance with Rule 6.2, and who are not suspended or disqualified under this Constitution and Rules or the Official Guide, shall be eligible to vote at a General Meeting.
12) What majority is required when electing officers 51% or 75%?
- 2 candidates – simply majority determines the outcome
- 3 or more candidates – a) Candidate that reaches quota* deemed elected b) If no candidate reaches quota, candidate with the lowest number of votes, eliminated, and you vote again.
*Quota – 50% + 1
13) What is the procedure where a position is not filled at the AGM?
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8.6 In the event of the number of Nominees for any particular Executive Committee position being equal to or less than the number of positions to be filled, such nominees shall be declared elected, and any positions left unfilled, due to the lack of nominees withdrawing, shall be filled by the new Executive Committee, as soon as practical after the Annual General Meeting.
14) 5-year Rule:
At the club AGM of 4th Dec 2015, the following motion was passed:
A member who has served five full years in a specific Officership (Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer) shall be ineligible to hold that Officership for the ensuing 5 year period. The start / end of year is taken to be the AGM (and Adjourned AGM if held).
On Friday 2nd October 2020, GAA (Croke Park) issued the following Guidelines/Exceptions for 2020:
CLUB ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
(1) Notwithstanding the Rules and, in particular Rule 2.1 (g), the following provisions shall apply to Membership in 2020: The due date for club membership subscription be extended to 31st October 2020. (2) Notwithstanding the Rules and, in particular Rule 4.1, the following provisions shall apply to Elective Office in 2020: The due date for annual club subscription be extended to 31st October 2020. (3) Notwithstanding the Rules and, in particular Rule 6.2 of the Club Constitution, the following provisions shall apply to annual subscription for 2020: The date shall be 31st October 2020. (4) Notwithstanding the Rules and, in particular Rule 8.6 of the Club Constitution, the following provisions shall apply to the election of officers to the Executive Committee for 2021: Where a club has a limit on the length of time an officer may hold a position and that officer is due to retire at the 2020 AGM, the Executive Committee may appoint that same officer to serve until the 2021 AGM subject to the following conditions: a) there are no other nominations for the position; or b) the vacancy still arises after the conclusion of the AGM; and c) the Executive Committee is unable to find a suitable replacement. (5) Notwithstanding the Rules and, in particular Rule 8.10 of the Club Constitution, the following provisions shall apply to the need for a quorum for the 2020 AGM: Where club membership is greater than 100, 20 members will constitute a quorum for general business. It may not be practical for various reasons for a club to hold its AGM physically or virtually. An ‘incorporeal’ AGM is acceptable within Rule and where the club is confident that business can be carried out transparently and within rule. Rule 8.4 – Official Guide Part 1 – Club Constitution – Part 1 (page 171) states: The following business shall be transacted at the Annual General Meeting: (a) Adoption of Standing Orders. (b) Minutes of previous Annual General Meeting. (c) Consideration of the Annual Report submitted by the Secretary. (d) Consideration of the Financial Statements including the Report of the Accountant(s) or Auditor(s). (e) The Chairperson’s Address. (f) Election of Officers and Members of the Executive Committee. (g) Notices of Motion. (h) Other Business Where a club is not in position to hold a physical or virtual AGM for various reasons the following shall apply:
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(6) Notwithstanding the Rules and, in particular Rule 8.4 of the Club Constitution, the following provisions shall apply to the 2020 Annual General Meeting: The Executive Committee shall decide on a date for an AGM Day during which the following business shall be transacted as outlined below: (a) Minutes of previous Annual General Meeting adopted by the Executive (b) Members given the option to submit questions on the Secretary’s report and any such questions to be answered by the Executive within one week of the date selected as AGM day. (c) Members given the option to submit questions on the Financial Statements including the Report of the Accountant(s) or Auditor(s) and any such questions to be answered by the Executive within one week of the date selected as AGM day. (d) The Chairperson’s Address to be circulated at least ten clear days before AGM day. (e) Election of Officers and Members of the Executive Committee to be conducted by means of * Delivered Vote. The onus is on the voter to ensure that the vote is submitted and in time. (f) Notices of Motion to be considered by the Executive Committee (g) Other business: Members to be given the option to submit queries/comments (using the same date set down for submission of Motions) which will be considered by the Executive Committee, no later than two weeks after AGM day. It is advised that any matters that can wait to make them wait and remain conservative - 2020 is not the year to consider contentious motions. *by means of post, courier, hand delivery or other means on or before the date and time to the place specified on the ballot paper.
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Agenda For Ballina GAA Club AGM Fri 8th January 2021 @ 8pm (Online via Zoom)
1. Standing Orders 1.1. Adapt Club Constitution 1.2. Indemnify Club Trustees (See Motion 1) 2. Minutes AGM 29th Nov 2019 3. Matters Arising 4. Secretary’s Report 5. Treasurers / Financial Report 6. Chairpersons Address 7. Election of Officers 8. Consideration of Motions 9. AOB Nominations For Ballina GAA Club AGM Honourary Positions: • Life Presidents: Tom Ahearne; John Joe Maher; John Joe McKeogh; Patsy Nevin & Jimmy O’Donovan • Vice-Presidents: Sarah Devane; Michael Fenton; Larry Flanagan; Jerry McKeogh; Paddy O’Brien; Michael Sheehy (all outgoing) & John Gleeson. Executive • Chairperson: Diarmaid McKeogh • Vice-Chairperson: Sandra Blaser • Treasurer: Richie Ryan • Secretary: Gerard McKeogh (5-year rule applies) • Registrar: Des Morgan • Officer for Irish Language and Culture: • Public Relations Officer: Sandra Blaser • Children’s Officer: Margaret O’Sullivan (Appointed by Club Executive) • One Players’ Representative: Mikey Breen • At least Five other Full Members: Eamonn Power & Anne Sheehy Other Position: • Assistant Treasurer: • Assistant Secretary: • County Bórd Draw Co-Ordinator: Peter King • North Bórd Representatives: Sarah Devane & John Gleeson • County Bórd Representative: Michael Sheehy
Motions For Ballina GAA Club AGM 1. That Ballina GAA Club appoint the GAA Corporate Trustees as Club Trustees. These would replace the current Club Trustees. Submitted and passed by Club Executive Reason: We had several occasions this year, where we needed to get our Trustee’s to sign forms. Our Trustee’s were cocooning in the main. This would eliminate the need for them to sign forms or for us to call at their door.
2. That the Under-17 Hurling and Football team be organised and run by the Ballina Juvenile GAA Club. Submitted by: Gerard McKeogh Reason: The North and County Bórd na nÓg will run the Under-17 competitions.
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2020; A Year like no other: As I write this report, I don’t know who will be present at our Annual AGM. We will probably be holding our AGM virtually or maybe you can join us in a physical location in the parish. Covid-19 has been the word or the curse of 2020. This will continue into 2021, no-one knows how far into 2021. We all know the effects that the Virus had on our community, our county, our country, our world. The virus has led us to social distancing, face-coverings, washing hands (no shaking hands), wet-pubs, dry pubs, lockdowns, home- schooling, working from home, on-line shopping, zoom, zoomed-out, pods and many, many more words or phrases not considered in 2019. However for all its downsides, this past year has brought about a tremendous sense of community and helping each other, watching out for each other. On the playing fields we experienced a much shorter season. The club was shut- down, opened-up, a green space and a no go zone. We have Sanitizers around the ground, but when will have reason to use them? Games Review Senior Hurling: At the start of the year, normal plans were drawn-up, draws were made, hopes were high, training was good. Could 2020 be the year? Ballina were again in Division 2 of the Tipperary Senior hurling League. The league group was to include Carrick Swan, Golden/Kilfeacle, Holycross/Ballycahill, JK Brackens, Knockavilla/Donaskeigh Kickhams, Saint Marys Clonmel & Silvermines. Ballina were drawn against Portroe in the North Tipp Senior Hurling Championship, while the County Championship group included Saint Marys Clonmel, Silvermines & Templederry Kenyons.
In Round 1 of the county league, Ballina hosted Silvermines on Sun 8th Mar in Round 1 of the County Senior hurling League. This was a close game through-out and at the end of the hour the sides were level at Ballina 0-17, Silvermines 1-14.
Ballina were then due to travel to Clonmel for Round 2 on the following Sunday. However the news broke around Covid-19 and the suspension of all activity. The game against Silvermines proved to be the only game played in the County League.
In early April we were due to play Portroe in the North Tipp Senior Hurling Championship, but again this fell by the wayside. When restrictions were lifted, Ballina along with some other clubs expressed a wish to complete the North Tipp Championship, but the North Bórd in their wisdom decided against running a championship. When restrictions were re-imposed in October, this proved a wise decision.
In place of a North championship the North Bórd tried to relaunch the Hogan Cup. Ballina entered the competition and were in a group with Kiladangan, Nenagh Éire Óg and Roscrea. Ballina got a walk-over from Nenagh Éire Óg in Round 1 and then lock-down Number 2 meant that the Kiladangan and Roscrea games did not take place.
The main focus of the year focused around a well-run and well-planned County Championship, but with limited spectators.
Ballina started off in Cappawhite against Saint Marys Clonmel on Sun 26th July. Preparations had been going well in advance of the game, but Ballina made a disastrous start and Clonmel scored early goals and were ahead by 2-9 to 0- 7. Ballina set about closing the gap in the second half and by the water break (a new feature for 2020) had the gap down to 3 points (2-12 to 0-15) and closed it even further immediately after the break, but Clonmel finished stronger and the final score was Ballina 0-18, Saint Marys, Clonmel 2-16.
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Round 2 was against Templederry Kenyons in Nenagh on Sat 8th August. Templederry were one of the favourites for the championship and had a comfortable win over Silvermines in Round 1. On this occasion an impressive first half performance by Ballina, saw them lead by 1-9 to 0-6 at halftime. At the water-break the lead still stood at 5 points and the team were playing well. Ballina continued to maintain a strong lead, but in a period of intense Templederry pressure, they got a goal, but non the less Ballina were well deserving winners. Ballina 1-17, Templederry Kenyons 1- 13.
Ballina Senior Hurlers V Templederry Kenyons Sat 8th August
The last game was on Sunday 16th August in Newport against Silvermines. All 4-teams were on 2-points and it was winner takes all. Ballina dominated the opening exchanges, but couldn’t get scores. Silvermines were far more efficient in their shooting and established an early lead. Ballina were back into the game by half-time as the score was Ballina 0-12, Silvermines 0-13. The game continued to be nip and tuck in the second half and it was 0-17 to 0-16 in favour of Ballina at the water break. The lead continued to change hands in the final quarter and at the end of the game, it was level. Ballina 0-21, Silvermines 0-21.
Templederry (4 points) and Silvermines (3 points) qualified from the group as Silvermines had a better scoring difference (1 point) than us. It was the second year running where we needed a win on the final day to ensure qualification as we were behind our opponents on scoring difference and lost out because of a draw. It shows the value of playing a game out to the end whether ahead or behind, every score is vital, every white flag can make a difference, each time pressure is put on a opponent shooting can result in a wide and these vital margins can make or break a year.
Ballina (Team V Silvermines): Eoin Sheehy; Josh Egan, David Kelly, Michael Grace; Sam Loughran, Thomas Collins, Jerry O'Brien; Michael Breen, Steven O'Brien; Eoghan Power, Conor Maguire, Matthew Power; Dan Finnerty, Aidan Hanley, David Hickey. Subs used: David Grace & Ben King. Other players played in Senior Championship: Conor Bourke, James Hanley & Eoin Slattery.
Management Team: Brendan McKeogh (Manager); Pat Cosgrove; Diarmuid Healy; Brian McKeogh & Eamonn Power. Junior “B” Hurling: Ballina were drawn in Group 2 of the North Tipp Junior “B” Hurling League, along with Ballinahinch, Borrisokane, Kiladangan, Moneygall and Toomevara. This was due to start in Mid-April but was never held due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
The championship began in July. Borrisokane, Burgess, Silvermines and Templederry Kenyons were in the same group as Ballina.
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Ballina began the championship at home to Borrisokane on Fri 31st July. Ballina were always trailing their opponents and couldn’t seem to get to grips with the defending champions. Missed frees didn’t help our case either. Borrisokane ran out easy winner on the score-line: Ballina 0-10, Borrisokane 2-16.
Ballina then travelled to Dolla to take on Silvermines on the following Friday. On this occasion, Ballina were well up for the game and helped by a good start, ran out very deserving winners. Ballina 3-15, Silvermines 1-17.
Ballina Junior “B” Hurlers V Silvermines Fri 7th August
Next was a trip to Kilcoleman and a joust with Burgess. Burgess played Junior “A” in 2019 and would have been favourites to win the championship. Again a bad start hampered Ballina in this game. Ballina however were well able to match Burgess as the game went on, but just couldn’t get the scores to win and Burgess held out for a 1-point win. Ballina 2-19, Burgess 3-17.
The last game was against Templederry Kenyons in Ballina. When this games took place – neither side could qualify for the semi-finals. Surprisingly Templederry had suffered 3 heavy defeats in the championship prior to the game. Ballina signed out of the championship with an easy win. Ballina 2-16, Templederry Kenyons 0-05.
Ballina (Team V Templederry Kenyons): Martin McKeogh; Brian Connolly, George Kealy, Dara King; Eamon Healy, Eamon Hayes, Conor Power; Terry O'Halloran, Daire King; Robbie Breen, Corey Ryan, Brian Hurley; Enda Sheehy, Eoin Kennedy, Brian McKeogh. Subs used: Géaroid O'Brien.
Management Team: Brendan McKeogh (Manager); Pat Cosgrove; Diarmuid Healy; Brian McKeogh & Eamonn Power. Junior “C” Hurling: For the first time in a number of years, Ballina fielded 3 teams in championship hurling. One of the upside of Covid- 19 was that people were at home. The Senior selectors had advised that the felt the numbers were available for a third team, so when the opportunity arose an enthusiastic group came together for this competition. It was a mixture of experience and youth.
In round 1 – Ballina travelled to play Ballinahinch in Shallee. Affairs were even in the first half, but Ballinahinch’s greater scoring threat proved vital and they won by 7-points. Ballina 1-10, Ballinahinch 1-17.
The next game was a trip to Roscrea, where the team was competitive for the first half but eventually had to give way to a younger, fitter home side: Ballina 4-05, Roscrea 2-20.
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The next game was at home to Nenagh. Nenagh Éire Óg were probably the strongest team in the competition and would probably have held their own at Junior “B”. They were too strong for Ballina on the day and won convincingly. Ballina 2-04, Nenagh Éire Óg 2-21.
The last game was at home to Borris-Ileigh. This was an opportunity to finish the game on a high. The lads took full advantage of this and finished with a draw. Ballina 1-14, Borris-Ileigh 1-14.
Ballina (Team V Nenagh Éie Óg): Brian Hurley; Willie Carroll, John Sage, Darren Slevin; Padraig McKeogh, Stephen Stritch, Shane McCormack; Adrian King, Paul Ryan; Brian Fitzgibbon, Liam Breen, Kevin Ryan; TJ O'Connell, Pat Cosgrove, Des Morgan. Subs used: John Floyd, Christopher O'Meara, Christy Ryan, Mark Kennedy & Martin Kennedy.
Management Team: John Gleeson; Shane Ryan & John Sage.
This was a very worthwhile competition to enter and every player put in a huge effort.
Ballina Junior “C” Hurlers V Ballinahinch Sun 23rd August Under-21 “B” Hurling: This did not go ahead due to Covid-19 reasons. Minor “A” Hurling: “Come on the Posh”
The Minor Hurling team, started off with high hopes. The planned Minor Hurling League did not take place. The Championship did not start until the end of July and Ballina were grouped with Kilruane MacDonaghs, Toomevara and Kiladangan.
Ballina started off with a game against Kilruane MacDonaghs in Toomevara. This proved to be a great start to the campaign for the team as they were easy winners from start to finish. Ballina 4-28, Kilruane MacDonaghs 2-09.
The next game was in Dolla. This was a very close game through-out, but only in the closing stages, Ballina pulled ahead to win their second game in the championship. Ballina 1-21, Toomevara 2-15.
The next game was fixed for Nenagh against Kiladangan. We heard a rumour that Kiladangan were not anxious to play the game for whatever reason. But after some contact initiated by Kiladangan the game was to go ahead. However just before throw-in, for some inexplicable reason, Kiladangan conceded the game. The teams proceeded to play a challenge and Kiladangan seemed to have plenty of players, making their decision to concede all the more curious and causing great disappointment to those who had paid into the game. Ballina W/O, Kiladangan Scr.
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This result qualified Ballina directly for the semi-finals, while every other team in the competition played in the Quarter Finals. After the Quarter Finals, Ballina were pitted against Nenagh Éire Óg in the semi-finals. This game was initially postponed due to the untimely death of Karen Meagher RIP. The game went ahead a few days later, it was a close game, but Ballina were ahead for most of the game. While Ballina were always likely winners, Nenagh struck with a couple of scores, to make it a close finish. Ballina 2-17, Nenagh Éire óg 4-08.
During a water break a Nenagh player was overheard say something like: We’re not going to lose to these Posh crowd…Since when did we become Posh?
So the following Saturday, Ballina travelled to Borrisoleigh to play Roscrea in the North Tipp Minor “A” Hurling Final. Again, Ballina looked the better side, and were ahead for most of the game. However Roscrea made it difficult through-out. Ballina were able to keep Roscrea at bay and win this championship for the second time and the first time since 2000. Ballina 2-17, Roscrea 1-15.
A week later, Ballina played Cashel King Cormac in the County Semi-final. The decisive moments in this game, came mid-way through both halves. In both halves, Cashel scored 2 with-in seconds of each other. Ballina did well to recover from the first half blow, but were unable to recover from the second half set-back. Ballina 2-17, Cashel King Cormacs 4-15.
Ballina (Team V Roscrea): James Power; Cian Commins, Josh Egan, David Coughlan; Mark Lyons, Sam Loughran, Shane Kelly; Jack Collins, Dara King; Cian donnelly, Matthew Power, Daniel Tighe; Charlie King, David Grace, Cathal O'Donnell. Sub used: Braoin Cleary. Other Panel members: Simon Grace, Adam Fogarty, Jason Gleeson, Ian Larkin, Conor Meagher, Brian Bourke, Zachary Egan, Tristan Giroudiere, Jack Grace, JP Mbokha, Kevin McMahon & Adam Power Management Team: Eamonn Power (Manager); Eoin Cleary, Adrian King & Steven O'Brien.
Ballina Minor “A” Hurlers V Roscrea Sat 22nd August Junior “A” Football: The club entered a Junior “A” Football Championship Team this year. We were originally drawn in the same group as Boherlahan/Dualla and Ardfinnan in the county Junior Football championship. This competition did not go ahead, but instead the winners of each division would play in the county semi-finals.
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Ballina played Newport in the North semi-final in Portroe. A slow start seemed to scupper our chances of reaching a semi-final. However the side were well on-top, once they got going. Ballina 3-14, Newport 3-06.
The final was then set for Wed 7th Oct against Portroe, but Corona lock down struck again and this game will take place in 2021 please god.
Ballina Junior “A” Footballers V Newport Sun 27th September Under-21 “B” Football: Ballina took part in the North Tipperary Under-21 “B” Football Championship and the first game took Ballina to Dolla against Silvermines. Ballina were well on top through out and looked to be in a good place for the rest of the Championship. Ballina 6-15, Silvermines 0-03.
The next games was in Templederry against Ballinahinch/Templederry. Ballina were a bit slower off the blocks on this occasion, but once they got on top, Ballina were well on top. Ballina 2-16, Ballinahinch/Templederry 1-04.
The final was then fixed for Ballina against Clonakenny/Moneygall. However with a little more than 24 hours notice, we were informed that the opposition was unable to field. After much sole-searching we decided to offer a refixture. The game was played in Ballina & Ballina again were well on top, recording a great win. Ballina 3-14, Clonakenny/Moneygall 0-04.
The county semi-final was fixed for St. Patricks day, but again Covid-19 put paid to that. The semi-final was eventually played in October. West champions Galtee Rovers/Saint Pecaun had a very recent game in the west final and an undoubted advantage as a result. However this did not deter Ballina. Ballina were helped by good starts to both halves and a tremendous attitude to reach the county final. Ballina 1-11, Galtee Rovers/Saint Pecauns 2-05.
The final against Upperchurch/Drombane has not been fixed yet due to Covid-19 restrictions. This will go ahead early in 2021.
Ballina (Team V Clonakenny/Moneygall): Oisin Cornacon; David Slevin, Jame Hanley, Dara King; Conor Bourke, Michael Grace, Conor Power; Sam Loughran, George Kealy; David Grace, Eoghan Power (Captain), Robbie Breen; Finn Looney, Corey Ryan, Matthew Power. Subs used: Cian Donnelly, Cathal O’Donnell, Daniel Tighe, Mark Lyons, Braoin Cleary. Management Team: Aaron Devane (Manager), Eoin Kennedy, Donal Kent & Eoin Sheehy.
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Ballina Under-21 “B” Footballers V Clonakenny/Moneygall Sat 22nd February Minor “A” Football: Unfortunately only 3-teams entered the North Tipp Minor “A” Football Championship. The first game was fixed against Inane Rovers, but this didn’t go ahead due to weather warnings in place. Ballina NP, Inane Rovers NP.
The other team in the competition were Kiladangan, but they withdrew from the championship. Ballina W/O, Kiladangan Scr.
The final took place in Newport against Inane Rovers. The first half was very even, but the critical moment of the game came towards the end of the first half, when Ballina got a goal. This score set Ballina up for a dominant second-half and secured the Minor “A” Football championship for the second year running. Ballina 1-12, Inane Rovers 0-6.
Ballina will now play the west champions in the county semi-final.
Ballina Minor “A” Footballers V Inane Rovers Sat 12th September
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General review of games: The year was very much interrupted by Covid-19. The year started like every other with high expectations and great excitement. Prior to Covid-19, we claimed the North Tipp Under-21 “B” Football Championship and started the County Senior Hurling League. Then we broke for Covid. Suddenly we were in complete lockdown. As we re- emerged, the games came thick and fast. The Seniors were caught out on score difference for the second year running. The Juniors were probably undone by a couple of slow starts in important games. It was great to have a third team this year, with a great mix of youth and experience. There was no Under-21 hurling championship, while the Minors took pride of place. This Minor team will start out as the first Under-19 in the club in 2021, with the introduction of new grades.
We also congratulate Kiladangan on their historic Senior success this year.
The club had 3 Football teams – Junior “A”, Under-21 “B” and Minor “A”. All three teams went through 2020 unbeaten. However the Minors & Juniors had only played one game due to various reasons in 2020. The Under-21’s go into 2021 with a County final ahead of them.
We got to taste a split season and most people liked it. It now looks as though we will have Inter-County and Club League activities in early 2021 and then club championship action in the latter half of 2021. 2021: The split season will go ahead in 2021 as outlined above. If this goes well, it will probably be here to stay. It will definitely have benefits for clubs, as club players will have a better chance to plan their playing year. Inter-County players will not be trying to answer club and county duties. However, don’t expect plain sailing from a fixtures point of view, our schedule will be tighter, meaning that an injury at the wrong time could close a players season. There will be little or no wriggle room around fixtures clashing with 21st, weddings, J1 etc. However I look forward to the new look calendar and encourage all players and management to look at league games as a great chance to build momentum for the championship.
We will also see Under-19, Under-17, Under-15 & Under-13 competitions in the coming years. These will be a new challenge and Under-19 games will probably take place in the same time-frame as Adult games. This will be a different challenge as we will have a cross-over between Under-19 and Adult.
There are a couple of challenges, but a lot of opportunities ahead. Inter-County: 2020 was a historic year for Tipperary football and Steven O’Brien (Pictured with Colin O’Riordan). Steven was a major part of the first Tipperary team to win a first Munster Senior Football Championship since 1935. The fact that Tipperary wore the white and green of Grangemockler on the 100th anniversary of Bloody Sunday added to the occasion in Pairc Uí Chaoimh. Well done Steven. Steven now has Munster Medals with Tipperary in Minor Hurling and Football, Under-21 Football, Senior Hurling and Football. He also added All-Ireland medals in Minor Hurling and Football and Senior Hurling. Not many in North or County can match that collection.
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Not to be outdone, Mikey Breen continued his good form with the Senior Hurlers. Their run came to an end at the Quarter Final stage, but Mikey can look back on a good personal year, highlighted by a Man-of the Match performance against Cork.
Eoghan Power was part of the Tipperary Under-20 football panel, while Cian Donnelly (Hurling) and Cathal O’Donnell (Football) were part of the county Minor Panels.
With no attendance at the championship games it was a very different year. We congratulate Dublin (Senior Football) and Limerick (Senior Hurling) on their well deserved successes. We have a lot of people from those two counties (and many others) who contribute so much to our club.
I never thought that the ticket rush would come around Junior “B” matches rather than Senior Inter-County games. Referee’s We have two referees moving up the ranks within refereeing circles in North Tipperary. Well done to Brendan Ryan and Sean O’Maolain on their contribution to the running of games. Both men were always available to our club teams to referee challenge games and I hope they continue to grow their game and strife to improve, like any player would. I would encourage other members to give it a go. Its very easy to watch a game and see all the mistakes made by a referee, but it takes courage to actually go out and referee a game.
Our discipline within the club is generally good, but can always improve. I would encourage all our members, supporters, players and management to respect referee’s and their decisions. We won’t agree with them all the time, but we must remember that a referee will do his or her best. They will make mistakes, but we all make make mistakes. If you get an opportunity to talk to a referee, do so and see what its like from their point of view.
I also want to remind all members to show respect. Show respect to opposition, referees, team-mates etc. We want to make every-one feel welcome. We want to make every-one feel safe in this club. Juvenile, Camogie and Ladies Football: As a club we are slowly trying to develop a one-club model which incorporates our Adult section, Juvenile Section, Camogie Club and Lasdies Gaelic Football Club. Most of those units have a cross-over of families who are involved with Gaelic Games in the parish. So far this has been a success by and large. Indeed it has been a great success when you hear of failures and tensions in other clubs around the county and further a field. This also seems to occur at a regular basis at National level.
However, I think it is time we reviewed where we are and where we want to get to. There was great co-operation recently around our major fundraisers and use of the playing fields. Our club executive has very worthwhile and constructive input from other GAA units in the parish.
However I think its time we paused and looked at the present integration and future steps that need to be taken.
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• Membership is an ongoing thorny issue. The GAA operates on the parish rule, whereas this is not the case with Camogie or Ladies Football. Can a player associated with another club could gain membership to Ballina GAA club, simply through their association with a different leg of the club. How can we get around this. • Our club executive deals with many areas and depends on co-operation from the various GAA units within the parish. When a Camogie or Juvenile team needs a decision, it is made by the Camogie or Juvenile Committee. When an Adult Hurling or Football team needs a decision made, it is made by the Club Executive which includes many legs. Should we have an Adult club Committee which feeds into the Executive?
I want to make it clear that the notion of a One-Club model is good and correct, but we need to reflect upon it in a very considered manner. Juvenile Club: The club had another successful year. It competed strongly in all age groups. The U-12, U-14 and U-16 teams took part in the “A” section of all grades. The U-14 team won the “A” championship for the first time ever. The second team at U-12 also won their North championship. The club also provided games and training down to U-6.
Ballina Under-14 “A” Hurlers V Toomevara Tue 8th September
Next year the main age-groups, will be U-13, U-15 and U-17. The North & County Bórd na nÓg will be running the U- 17 competitions, so it is only right that our own Juvenile club will take on the mantle of running the U-17 teams within the club.
I would encourage the club to prioritise games and game-time for all players up to U-13 level. This would include semi-finals and finals. We need to encourage players to stay with us. They won’t stay without games. Camogie Club: The Camogie Club continues to attract big numbers, fielding two or three teams in many age grades. The club is still in its infancy and has done well to reach Junior “A” with a young team. The club will are also starting to provide players for County Teams. This will provide local heroes and role-models, a vital step in bringing in numbers to the club.
Carmel Bradshaw continues to fly the flag as a selector on the Tipperary Senior panel.
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Ladies Football Club: The Ladies Football Club had a quiet year on the playing fields after the lock down. The club is restricted by geography as most of the clubs in Tipperary are in the south of the county. Having said that the players continued to train and play throughout the year. Hopefully like everyone else, they can enjoy a better 2021. Community: Earlier in this report, I included a poster from the GAA. The final line says “Our GAA, where we all belong” This was seen as a marketing slogan, but was there anything else to it? In 2020, this was put to the test and throughout the country. Community Response: When Covid-19 lockdown first struck, it included large sacrifices and restrictions for a lot of people. Some people were far away from family and loved ones. Our PRO Sandra Blaser led a great community response for people who needed help. From all the community, we got offers of help and messages of support. Anyone who needed shopping delivered or prescriptions collected were helped. It was a brilliant response from our GAA club and community to the needs of others. Many people suffered during this pandemic and hopefully the vaccine is on the way. In the meantime stay safe. Lap for Pieta: During the lockdown, the Senior players decided that they wanted to help out. They chose Pieta House as a worthwhile receiver of their efforts. They decided to complete a virtual lap of Ireland was planned. Over 28 days the community, walked, ran, cycled and logged their efforts. In the end, three laps of Ireland were accumulated and €5,000 was raised for Pieta House. Well done all.
Executive/Sub-Committee’s etc Our club executive met each month during 2020, except August. As a club executive me met in the club house for the last time on March 12th. That day the government and the GAA had announced various Covid restrictions. The executive decided to take various steps to protect the members and the community. We continued as a committee meeting on-line each month since then. Well done to you all.
One major issue that has exercised the executive committee has been around Trusteeship. The executive needed to call on our existing Trustee’s to sign off on some documents. However, this was hard on the Trustee’s as many were
www.ballina.tipperary.gaa.ie Page 20 SECRETARYS REPORT AGM 08TH JAN 2021 cocooning at the time. We have decided to bring a proposal to the AGM tonight, that the club would join in with the GAA Corporate Trusteeship. Healthy Club Project: Sarah Devane has pushed the club in this direction for the last number of years. She has followed up this wish with hard work and Ballina have been accepted into Phase 4 of the Healthy Club Project. There was great plans around the project, but these have been restricted. However, one very worthwhile initiative has been Bothar na Smaoithe. A number of policies have been adapted by the club as a result of our participation in the Healthy Club Project. These can be found in the appendix to this report.
The club were also invited to take part in the GAA Green Club project. We have accepted this invitation and will follow up in the New Year. We ae excited about where this Journey might take us. Coaching Committee: The Coaching Committee had a busy year keeping various projects going during lockdown. A lot of Coaching sessions were conducted on line. There was great cooperation across all sections of the club. I would like this cooperation and hard work to continue through 2021. We need to draw up a coaching plan across all sections of the club. This does not mean restricting the club to one style or all player.
It means that we put together a list of skills for each age group. It also means that there would be a grouping for people to share plans or talk out options. Field: The field was kept in great order, by our small but busy groups of volunteers. The field committee were greatly helped by the contribution of Des Shannon. Des stepped down from his Community Employment position, but continued to help out with the field. We also enjoyed a two great club clean-ups, this was helped by many volunteers on the day. The clubhouse also got a facelift.
There are many more items around the club that need completing. However large scale fundraising will be restricted for the foreseeable future. We will of course try to maintain standards and our euromillions syndicate will go towards supporting future capital projects.
Gym: The Gym had a quiet year in 2020 as it was off limits for most of the year. Children Welfare: Again there was very little courses ran in 2020. However Margaret O’Sullivan continued to make sure that our coaches and members were compliant from a child welfare point of view.
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Membership: Membership will remain at the same rates as 2020. Membership will be closed earlier in 2021 – namely Feb 28th. With the inter-county season having an earlier start and finish in 2021, we appeal to all patrons to pay up as early as possible. The GAA have launched a new app.
In 2020, we had issues around ticket distribution, but this time for club games. We gave panel members and management first call on these tickets. We then tried to facilitate as many family members as possible. Most of the time we were unable to cater for all family members. In 2021, we may have many similar scenario’s, but club membership will be of the main deciding factors.
During the year, our players had to use this app on a weekly/daily basis to log-in before Training and matches. This will have to continue in 2021. Media:
Website: www.ballina.tipperary.gaa.ie https://www.facebook.com/ballina.gaatipperary
https://twitter.com/ballinagaa https://www.instagram.com/ballinagaa
Our website continues to be a source of Information. Our weekly notes help to keep people informed. Our facebook and twitter pages are busy. Our Facebook pages continues to be informative, while our Twitter feed was very important for match updates during the year. We also have an Instagram which was put to great use during the “Lap for Pieta”
This year we also broadcast a lot of our games live. This was very welcome during lockdown and limited or no attendance. Our PRO Sandra Blaser organised most of this coverage. She and Chairperson Diarmaid McKeogh were also responsible for much of our updates on “Whats the Score”.
This year we have photographs of all our teams. This is a great development and hopefully will continue for years to come. Again Diarmaid and Sandra have been responsible for most of these photos.
I have been looking back through some old archives and I want to emphasise the importance of naming each team in our weekly notes or elsewhere. Finance: Our Treasurer Richard Ryan will outline our financial situation. We have fared ok for the year especially considering we had no opportunity to fundraise. Our lotto committee experienced change and also went on-line. Our Chairperson Diarmaid has led this change. Also our Tipperary GAA Draw promoters and Peter King have kept our numbers consistent in the Tipperary GAA Draw. Fergus Breen has brought our investors draw through the first year of phase 2. They have now launched Year 2 of the Investors draw and it looks like it will continue as a success. The results of the first 12 months can be found on the website. http://www.ballina.tipperary.gaa.ie/Pages/InvestorsDraw2019to2022.aspx.
We are also launching a euromillions syndicate headed by Sandra Blaser. Tickets will be €20 each and we will purchase 6 lines in 80 Euromillions draws from March 30th to December 31st 2021. More details can be found here: http://www.ballina.tipperary.gaa.ie/Pages/EuroMillionsSyndicate.aspx Sympathy: I would like to extend sympathy to all those who lost loved ones during the year. I am always afraid to mention any individual in particular for fear of leaving someone out.
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Thanks I would like to thank those who have helped me and helped in the club over the past 12 months and the past 6 years since I retook the role of secretary.
I would like to mention our Chairperson, Diarmaid McKeogh; Treasurer, Richard Ryan and PRO, Sandra Blaser in particular for their help and support in the past 12 months. Diarmaid is extremely hard-working and diligent. He has a deep knowledge of all that is going on within the club. Richard has take to the role of Treasurer like a duck to water. Again he is in complete control of the finances within the club. Sandra has pushed us to the forefront of many people’s minds within the community. She has kept the wider GAA community informed of our busy schedule.
I wish to thank their predecessors Peter King, Sarah Devane and Fergus Breen. It has been a pleasure working alongside you all. I also wish to thank John Gleeson who held this role before me.
I wish to thank the Juvenile, Camogie and LGFA club for their help and support. Thanks to their various officers and also to the various members of the club executive for their work over the years.
Thanks to all the management teams and players who I worked beside. All of them have put a huge effort into the cause for Ballina. Some were rewarded with silverware, but those who didn’t achieve success in the shape of cups or trophies also put huge effort into improving the club.
Thanks to my own family – my wife Suzanne and children for supporting me in this role for the past six years. My parents too have been a tremendous help and support. I first held this role in 1999 and it was only with their support that I was able to return to the role in 2015.
Béal An Átha abú…….Stay safe Ballina GAA Club 2020 Results: North Senior Hurling Championship Rd 01 ND Ballina NP NP Portroe No Venue County Senior Hurling Championship Seamus O’Riain Cup Grp 4; Rd 01 Sun 26-Jul Ballina 0-18 2-16 Saint Marys, Clonmel Cappawhite Grp 4; Rd 02 Sat 08-Aug Ballina 1-17 1-13 Templederry Kenyons MacDonagh Park, Nenagh Grp 4; Rd 03 Sun 16-Aug Ballina 0-21 0-21 Silvermines Ryan Lacken Park, Newport North Senior Hurling Hogan Cup Grp 2; Rd 01 Sun 03-Oct Ballina W/O Scr Nenagh Éire Óg Portroe Grp 2; Rd 02 Sun 10-Oct Ballina NP NP Roscrea MacDonagh Park, Nenagh Grp 2; Rd 03 Sun 17-Oct Ballina NP NP Kiladangan No Venue County Adult Hurling League Div 2 Grp 2; Rd 01 Sun 08-Mar Ballina 0-17 1-14 Silvermines Ballina Grp 2; Rd 02 ND Ballina NP NP Saint Marys, Clonmel Clonmel Sportsfield Knockavilla/Donaskeigh Grp 2; Rd 03 ND Ballina NP NP Ballina Kickhams Grp 2; Rd 04 ND Ballina NP NP Carrick Swan Davin Park, Carrick-On-Suir Grp 2; Rd 05 ND Ballina NP NP Golden/Kilfeacle Ballina Grp 2; Rd 06 ND Ballina NP NP Holycross/Ballycahill St. Michaels Park, Holycross St. Sheelans Park, Grp 2 Rd 07 ND Ballina NP NP JK Brackens Templemore North Junior “A” Football Championship Semi-final Sun 27-Sep Ballina 3-14 3-06 Newport Portroe FINAL Early 2021 Ballina 0-00 0-00 Portroe Venue TBC North Junior “B” Hurling Championship Grp 1; Rd 01 Fri 31-Jul Ballina 0-10 2-16 Borrisokane Ballina Grp 1; Rd 02 Fri 07-Aug Ballina 3-15 2-17 Sivermines Dolla Grp 1; Rd 03 Fri 04-Sep Ballina 2-16 0-05 Templederry Kenyons Ballina Grp 1; Rd 05 Fri 28-Aug Ballina 2-19 3-17 Burgess Pairc na nGael, Kilcolman
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North Junior “C” Hurling Championship Grp Phase; Rd 01 Sun 23-Aug Ballina 1-10 1-17 Ballinahinch Shallee Grp Phase; Rd 02 Sat 26-Sep Ballina 1-14 1-14 Borris-Ileigh Ballina Grp Phase; Rd 03 Sun 06-Sep Ballina 4-05 2-20 Roscrea St. Cronans Park, Roscrea Grp Phase; Rd 04 Sun 13-Sep Ballina 2-04 2-21 Nenagh Éire Óg Ballina North Under-21 “B” Hurling Championship – Not Played North Under-21 “B” Football Championship Quarter Final Sat 25-Jan Ballina 6-15 0-03 Silvermines Dolla Ballinahinch- Semi-final Sat 01-Feb Ballina 2-16 1-04 Kenyon Park, Templederry Templederry FINAL Sat 22-Feb Ballina 3-14 0-04 Clonakenny-Moneygall Ballina County Under-21 “B” Football Championship Galtee Rovers/Saint Semi-final Sun 04-Oct Ballina 1-11 2-05 Kenyon Park, Templederry Pecaun FINAL Early 2021 Ballina 0-00 0-00 Upperchurch/Drombane Venue TBC North Minor “A” Hurling Championship Grp 1; Rd 01 Fri 17-Jul Ballina 4-28 2-09 Kilruane MacDonaghs St. Michaels Park, Toomevara Grp 1; Rd 02 Wed 22-Jul Ballina 1-21 2-15 Toomevara Dolla Grp 1; Rd 03 Wed 29-Jul Ballina W/O Scr Kiladangan MacDonagh Park, Nenagh Semi-final Tue 18-Aug Ballina 2-17 4-08 Nenagh Éire Óg Dolla Bishop Kinnane Park, FINAL Sat 22-Aug Ballina 2-17 1-15 Roscrea Borrisoleigh County Minor “A” Hurling Championship Semi-final Sat 29-Aug Ballina 2-17 4-15 Cashel King Cormacs St. Mihaels Park, Holycross North Minor “A” Football Championship Grp Phase; Rd 01 Ballina NP NP Inane Rovers St. Cronans Park, Roscrea Grp Phase Rd 03 Ballina W/O Scr Kiladangan Puckane FINAL Sat 12-Sep Ballina 1-12 0-06 Inane Rovers Ryan Lacken Park, Newport County Minor “A” Football Championship Semi-final Early 2021 Ballina 0-00 0-00 West champions Venue TBC
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Ballina GAA Club Championship Roll of Honour: Football (24): County (4); North (20) Hurling (21): County (4); North (17) North Intermediate (1): 2004 County Intermediate (1): 2013 County Junior “A” (1): 2003 North Intermediate (1): 2013 North Junior “A” (3): 2000; 2002; 2003 County Junior “A” (2): 1984; 1996 North Junior “B” (1): 1994 North Junior “A” (5): 1932; 1967; 1984; 1990; 1996 County Under-21 “A” (1): 2004 North Junior “B” (1): 2008* North Under-21 “A” (2): 2003; 2004 North Under-21 “A” (1): 2003 North Under-21 “B” (4): 1992**; 2000; 2009; 2020 North Under-21 “B” (2): 1994; 2000 North Under-21 “C” (1): 2009* North Minor “A” (2): 2000; 2020 County Minor “A” (1): 2000 County Minor “B” (1): 2013 North Minor “A” (6): 1947; 2000; 2011; 2014; 2019; 2020 North Minor “B” (5): 1987**; 1992; 1995; 1999; 2013 County Minor “B” (1): 1999 North Minor “B” (2): 1999; 2018 * Ballina’s Second Team ** With Ballinahinch (Sean Treacys)
Appendix 1: Club Constitution Format No 1.
1. In these Rules: “The G.A.A.” means the National Governing Organisation for the preservation and promotion of Gaelic Games and pastimes, known as the Gaelic Athletic Association. “The Club” means the Club as set out in Rule 2 hereof. “The Official Guide” means the Official Guide of the G.A.A. “Executive Committee” means Officers and ordinary Committee Members together. “Secretary” means the Secretary for the time being, or any person appointed to perform the duties of the Secretary of the Club. “Real Property” means the property of the Club of an immovable nature, comprising any Playing Pitches, Grounds or Buildings, whether of Leasehold or Freehold tenure, with all Fixtures or Fittings attached thereto and used therewith. “Personal Property” means the property of the Club of a movable nature, comprising all Playing or Sporting equipment of the Club, as well as all Stock in Trade and Money or other Assets of the Club not already classified as fixtures or fittings on “Real Property”, as heretofore defined. Words importing the singular number only, include the plural number and vice verse, and words importing the masculine gender only, also include the feminine and vice verse. 2. The official Name of the Club shall be AN CUMANN LÚTHCHLEAS GAEL BÉAL AN ÁTHA the English version of which shall be Ballina G.A.A. Club. 3. OBJECTS 3.1. The Objects of the Club shall be the promotion of the aims of the G.A.A., as outlined in the Official Guide. 3.2. The Membership, Income and Property of the Club shall be dedicated to and applied solely towards the promotion of these objects. 4. COLOURS The Club Colours shall be Royal Blue with White Trim (Alternative: Red with White Trim) 5. MEMBERSHIP 5.1. There shall be four types of Membership of the Club: 5.1.1. FULL MEMBERSHIP may be granted to persons Over 18 years (i.e. shall have celebrated their 18th birthday prior to January 1st of the Membership Year) who subscribe to and undertake to further the aims and objectives of the Club and the G.A.A. 5.1.2. YOUTH MEMBERSHIP may be granted to persons Under 18 and Over 9 years (i.e. shall celebrate their 18th birthday on January 1st of the Membership Year or on a later date and shall have celebrated their 9th birthday prior to January 1st of the Membership Year) who subscribe to and undertake to further the aims and objectives of the Club and the G.A.A. (Notes - Child Membership of the Association is for children Under 9 years (i.e. shall celebrate their 9th birthday on January 1st of the Membership Year or on a later date) On expiration of a Child
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Membership of the Association, a person may apply for Youth Membership of the Association only through a Club for which he is eligible to play.) 5.1.3. HONORARY MEMBERSHIP may be granted to persons Over 18 years, as defined above, who have rendered exceptional service to the Club or the games or activities of the G.A.A. An Honorary Member shall have the rights of a Full Member, but shall be exempt from paying the Club’s Annual Membership Fee. 5.1.4. SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP may be granted to persons Over 18 years, as defined above, who subscribe to and undertake to further the aims and objectives of the Club and the G.A.A., but who do not seek full voting rights and rights to take part in the administrative affairs of the Club or the G.A.A. 5.2. Full Members (including Honorary Members) and Youth Members of the Club will also become Members of the G.A.A. 5.3. Once granted, Full Membership of the Club and the G.A.A. shall continue for life, and Youth Membership shall continue to the end of the year in which the Members celebrates his eighteenth birthday, at which time his next membership payment will automatically be as a Full Member, unless in either case the member has been expelled or his resignation in writing has been accepted, in accordance with this Constitution and Rules or the Official Guide. 5.4. The rights of any member of the Club shall be conditional upon the member complying with the provisions of this Constitution and Rules and the Official Guide, including payment of any annual membership fee and levies. 5.5. Such rights may be withheld, restricted or suspended in accordance with this Constitution and Rules and the Official Guide. 5.6. Any person seeking admission as a Member of any Class of Membership, other than Honorary, shall complete and sign a prescribed Application Form, which must be returned to the Secretary together with the prescribed fee. Alternatively, a prescribed electronic Application Form may be completed and submitted to the Club, complete with accompanying electronic payment of the prescribed fee. 5.7. An Application for Full or Social Membership must be on the prescribed form signed by the Applicant and proposed by one Full Member and seconded by another Full Member who are not suspended or disqualified under this Constitution and Rules or the Official Guide. 5.8. An Application for Youth Membership must be on the Prescribed Form signed by the Applicant and one of his parents or Guardians, as well as being proposed by one Full Member and seconded by another Full Member, who are not suspended or disqualified under this Constitution and Rules or the Official Guide. Alternatively, a prescribed electronic Application Form may be completed by one of the Applicant’s parents or Guardians and submitted to the Club, complete with accompanying electronic payment for the prescribed fee. 5.9. The name and address of a person proposed as a Full Member, together with the names of those proposing and seconding him, shall be circulated to Club Members at least one week before election. An interval of not less than two weeks shall elapse between nomination and election of such Members. 5.9.1. Persons shall not be admitted to any of the privileges of Membership until after their election by the procedures stated in this Rule. 5.10. If and when the Application for Membership has been accepted by the Executive Committee, the new Member’s particulars shall be submitted by the Club Registrar to the Central Council, by the process of Electronic Registration, for Registration and allocation of a personal membership number. 5.11. 5.11.1. The Executive Committee shall have the power to investigate any matter, and to expel, suspend, warn, fine or disqualify Members from Club activities for breach of this Constitution and Rules or the Official Guide or for conduct considered to have discredited or harmed the Club or the G.A.A. 5.11.2. Such persons, if Full Members (including Honorary Members) or Youth Members, shall have the right to appeal to the Hearings Committee of the County Committee of the G.A.A., within seven days of being notified of such decision. 5.11.3. Unless the offence is brought to the notice of the County Committee of the G.A.A. by the Club, and that body, having considered the merits of the case and having regard to the rights of the player or member, confirms the penalty imposed, the member continues to be a legal member of the Association and is suspended from Club activities only. 6. SUBSCRIPTIONS 6.1. The Annual Subscription to be paid by members of the Club shall be determined by the Executive Committee and ratified at the Annual General Meeting. 6.2. The determined Annual Subscription shall be payable on election and thereafter annually, in advance of the date and in the manner decided by the Executive Committee. The date set shall be a date prior to March 31st each year.
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6.3. The Executive Committee may from time to time prescribe the payment of an Entrance Fee by new or lapsed members in addition to the Annual Subscription above. 7. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 7.1. The business and affairs of the Club shall be under the management of an Executive Committee, and it shall be the controlling body of the Club. 7.2. The Executive Committee shall be comprised of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary, Registrar, Officer for Irish Language and Culture, Public Relations Officer, Children’s Officer, one Players’ Representative, and at least five other Full Members. 7.3. Nominations to serve on the Executive Committee shall be by any two Full Members whose membership fees are paid up to date in accordance with Rule 6.2 and who are not suspended or disqualified under this Constitution and Rules or the Official Guide. 7.4. The Players’ Representative shall have participated as a player for the Club within the previous 48 weeks. 7.5. The Executive Committee including the Players’ Representative, shall be elected by the Full Members present, entitled to vote and voting at the Annual General Meeting. Exceptions: The Children’s Officer and the Officer for Irish Language and Culture shall be appointed at the Annual General Meeting on the recommendation of the outgoing Executive Committee. 7.6. Only Full Members, whose Membership Fees are paid up to date in accordance with Rule 6.2 and who are not suspended or disqualified under this Constitution or Rules or the Official Guide, shall be eligible for election to the Executive Committee. 7.7. The outgoing Executive Committee shall conduct the Annual General Meeting. 7.8. The Executive Committee shall hold office until the conclusion of the following Annual General Meeting. 7.9. The Executive Committee shall meet at least once each quarter, and four members present shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of the Executive Committee. 7.10. The Chairperson, when present, shall preside over all meetings of the Executive Committee; in his absence, the ViceChairperson shall preside. 7.11. If both the Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson are absent, the Committee shall elect a member present to preside at the Meeting. 7.12. The Secretary shall record the Minutes of each Meeting. 7.13. The Minutes shall specify the date of the Meeting, those present, and a brief account of the Meeting, and shall be read to the next Meeting. 7.14. Such Minutes, if agreed as being accurate or having been appropriately amended, shall be signed by the Chairperson and Secretary, having been first proposed, seconded and adopted. 7.15. The Executive Committee shall have the sole right to appoint Sub-Committees, as required. 7.16. The Executive Committee shall define the duties of such SubCommittees, and retain control in all matters and activities which it considers of importance to the general welfare of the Club, including the disposal of any funds in the hands of such SubCommittees. 7.17. The Executive Committee shall have power to nominate the Chairperson of such Sub Committees. 7.18. The Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer of the Executive Committee shall be ex- officio members of all SubCommittees. 7.19. The Executive Committee shall have power from time to time to make, alter and repeal all such Regulations as they deem necessary, expedient or convenient for the proper conduct and management of the Club, and in particular, but not exclusively, they may by such Regulations set out: (a) The terms and conditions upon which guests, children of members of the Club and visitors shall be permitted to use the premises and property of the Club; (b) The times of opening and closing the Pavilion Grounds and Premises of the Club, or any part thereof; (c) The conduct of members of the Club in relation to one another; (d) The setting aside of the whole or any part or parts of the Club’s premises for any particular time or times, or for any particular purpose or purposes; (e) The imposition of fines for the breach of any of the Club Rules or Regulations. (f) The approval of motions which shall be forwarded to the Annual County Convention. (g) And generally all such matters as are commonly the subject matter of the Club Rules. 7.20. The Executive Committee shall adopt such means as they deem sufficient, to bring to the notice of members of the Club all such Regulations and all alterations and repeals.
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7.21. All such Regulations so long as they shall be in force, shall be binding upon all members of the Club, provided nevertheless that no Regulations shall be inconsistent with or shall affect or repeal anything contained in this Constitution and Rules or the Official Guide, and that any Regulations may be set aside by a special resolution of a General Meeting of the Club. 7.22. Each Full Member shall have the right to be heard by the Executive Committee upon any complaint or representation sent by him, in writing, to the Secretary. 7.23. A Special meeting of the Executive Committee may be called: (a) by the Secretary or (b) by the Secretary, for a date not more than seven days from the date of the receipt by him of a requisition duly signed by four members of the Executive Committee. (c) Such requisition shall set out the purpose for which the special meeting is required. 7.24. Any Member of the Executive Committee who shall have absented himself from three consecutive meetings, without reasonable explanation, shall be deemed to have resigned from the Executive Committee. 7.25. Should any Member of the Executive Committee resign, be deemed to have resigned, or his position otherwise lapse, the remaining members of the Executive Committee shall, at their discretion, have the power to fill the vacancy, by co- opting a replacement from the body of the Full Membership. 7.26. The service of any Member so co-opted on to the Executive Committee shall not be reckoned in calculating the seniority of such Member, if subsequently elected to serve on the Executive Committee. 8. GENERAL MEETINGS 8.1. The Club shall in each year hold a general meeting as its Annual General Meeting, in addition to any other General Meetings in that year, and shall specify the meeting as such in the notice calling it. 8.2. All General Meetings, other than Annual General Meetings, shall be called Special General Meetings. 8.3. An Annual General Meeting shall be held at such time as shall be decided upon by the Executive Committee, but insofar as is practical shall be held before the end of November each year. 8.4. The following business shall be transacted at the Annual General Meeting: (a) Adoption of Standing Orders. (b) Minutes of previous Annual General Meeting. (c) Consideration of the Annual Report submitted by the Secretary. (d) Consideration of the Financial Statements including the Report of the Accountant(s) or Auditor(s). (e) The Chairperson’s Address. (f) Election of Officers and Members of the Executive Committee. (g) Notices of Motion. (h) Other Business 8.5. The Annual General meeting of the Club shall be called in the following manner: 8.5.1. The Executive Committee shall decide upon a date, time and place for the meeting, allowing adequate time to meet the time limits set out hereunder. 8.5.2. Once the date of the Annual General Meeting has been fixed, the Secretary shall give at least twenty-eight days notice in writing to the members of such date, at the same time inviting nominations for election to the Executive Committee for the following year and motions for consideration at the Annual General meeting, also specifying that such nominations and motions shall be received by him by a date not less than twenty one days prior to the date fixed for the meeting. 8.5.3. The Secretary shall then, on or after the date specified for return to him of such Nominations and Motions, but so as to give the members ten days clear notice before the meeting, circulate to the members the following documentation: (a) Copy of the Agenda for the meeting. (b) Copy of the Annual Report of the Secretary. (c) Copy of the Financial Statements, including the Report of the Accountant(s) or Auditor(s) (d) Details of the Nominations for election to the Executive Committee. (e) Copies of any motions for consideration at the meeting. 8.6. In the event of the number of Nominees for any particular Executive Committee position being equal to or less than the number of positions to be filled, such Nominees shall be declared elected, and any positions left unfilled, due to the lack of Nominees or Nominees withdrawing, shall be filled by the new Executive Committee, as soon as practical after the Annual General Meeting.
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8.7. A Special General Meeting may be called by the Executive Committee at any time, provided ten days clear notice, in writing, shall be given to the members, specifying the purpose of such Special General Meeting, 8.8. The Executive Committee shall call a Special General Meeting for a date not more than twenty eight days from the receipt by the Executive Committee of a requisition, in writing, signed by twelve members of the Club, and ten clear days notice, in writing, shall be given to the Members. 8.8.1. Such Requisitions by members of the Club shall set out the purpose for which the Special General Meeting is required, and shall be lodged with the Secretary. 8.8.2. If the Special General Meeting is not called for a date within the twenty eight days stipulated, then the Requisitoners may themselves convene a Special General Meeting, if necessary using newspaper advertisements to notify the members of such meeting. 8.9. No other business, outside that specified in the Notice, shall be transacted at a Special General Meeting. 8.10. No business shall be transacted at any General Meeting unless a quorum of members is present at the time when the meeting proceeds to business. Save as herein otherwise provided, twenty per cent of Full Members eligible to vote shall be a quorum at a General Meeting. 8.11. If within half an hour after the time appointed for a General Meeting, a quorum of members is not present, the meeting if convened on the requisition of members shall be dissolved; in any other case it shall stand adjourned to the same day in the following week, at the same time and place; and if at the reconvened meeting a quorum of members is not present within half an hour after the time appointed for the meeting, the members then present shall be a quorum. 8.12. The Chairperson, and failing him the Vice-Chairperson, shall preside as Chairperson at every General Meeting of the Club. 8.13. If there is no such Chairperson, or if at any meeting he is not present within thirty minutes after the time appointed for the holding of the meeting, the members then present shall choose someone of their number who is a member of the Executive Committee to be Chairperson of the meeting, and if there shall be no Member of the Executive Committee present, then the members shall elect any one of their number to be Chairperson of the Meeting. 8.14. The Chairperson may, with the consent of the meeting, adjourn the meeting from time to time and from place to place, but no business shall be transacted at any reconvened meeting other than the business left unfinished at the meeting from which the adjournment took place. 8.15. Failure to comply strictly with the time limits set out in this Constitution and Rules or the non receipt of Notice of a Meeting by any persons entitled to receive notice shall not invalidate the proceedings at that meeting, but shall entitle the majority of members present to seek and be granted an adjournment of the meeting to such date by which they would be given an adequate time to be furnished with and consider the contents of any relevant documentation. 9. VOTING 9.1. Only Full Members, whose membership fees are paid up to date in accordance with Rule 6.2, and who are not suspended or disqualified under this Constitution and Rules or the Official Guide, shall be eligible to vote at a General Meeting. 9.2. A Chairperson of a General Meeting, Executive Committee meeting or any Sub-Committee meeting shall, in the event of a tie, whether on a show of hands or on a ballot, have a casting vote in addition to his vote as a member, irrespective of whether or not he had originally voted on the issue, other than for the election to any position, when the outcome in the event of a tie shall be decided by lot. 9.3. At any General Meeting a resolution put to the vote of the meeting shall be decided on a show of hands, unless, before or on the declaration of the result of the show of hands, a ballot is demanded: (a) by the Chairperson (b) by at least five members present and entitled to vote. 9.4. Unless a ballot is so demanded, a declaration by the Chairperson that a resolution has on the show of hands been carried, or carried unanimously, or by a particular majority, or lost, shall be final, and an entry to that effect in the book containing the minutes of proceedings of the Club shall be conclusive evidence of the fact, without proof of the number or proportion of the votes in favour of or against such resolution. 9.5. If a ballot is so demanded, the same shall be taken in such manner as the Chairperson directs, and the result of the ballot shall be deemed to be the decision of the meeting at which the ballot was demanded. 9.6. A Secret Ballot shall be carried out to decide the result of any contest for any elective position. 10. ASSETS AND TRUSTEES 10.1. All property owned by a Club is held upon Trust for the benefit of the Club concerned. The Trust is subject to and governed by the provisions of the Official Guide and the Code on Trusts of Association Property, both as amended
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from time to time. All such property shall be vested in the Corporate Trustee and/or a number of full members as Trustees. 10.2. The Club shall have power to acquire, hold and develop, lease, mortgage, charge, exchange or sell Real and Personal Property, and to borrow or raise money in promotion of the objects of the Club, subject to the overall authority of the Central Council of the G.A.A.. 10.3. The Real Property shall not be leased, mortgaged, charged, exchanged, sold, conveyed, transferred or otherwise dealt with without the consent in writing of the Central Council of the G.A.A., or as may be set out in any separate Declaration of Trust. 10.4. (A)The Personal Property owned or held by a Club shall be vested in the Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary who shall hold it in Trust for the Club. (B) The Real Property owned by a Club, shall be vested in the following: (i) Five Trustees, three of whom shall be appointed for and on behalf of a Club, one of whom shall be appointed for and on behalf of the relevant County Committee, and one of whom shall be appointed for and on behalf of the relevant Provincial Council; or (ii) Four Trustees, three of whom shall be appointed for and on behalf of a Club and the Corporate Trustee shall be appointed for and on behalf of the relevant County Committee and Provincial Council; or (iii) One Trustee being the Corporate Trustee. For Real Property situated in England and Wales the only available option is (ii). 10.5. The Executive Committee may determine whether the Corporate Trustee or other persons shall be appointed as Trustees for and on behalf of the Club for the purposes of Rule 5.3(B)(b)(1)(i) or (ii) and who those persons shall be. 10.6. By way of acceptance of their appointment and as and when required by Central Council, the Trustees of the Real Property shall execute a Declaration of Trust, as approved by Central Council, and which shall contain the provisions for appointment, removal and replacement of Trustees as well as regulating the conduct of the Trustees in performing their duties and exercising their powers under the trust. The terms of the Declaration of Trust approved by Central Council may be amended or replaced by Central Council from time to time. 10.7. Where the trustee is an individual, a Trustee shall hold office until his/her retirement or death unless replaced in accordance with the provisions of Rule 5.3, Official Guide and the Code on Association Property. 10.8. The Trustees of the Real Property, having first obtained the consent of the Central Council of the G.A.A. where necessary, shall exercise their powers and perform their duties as directed by the Club and in accordance with the Rules in Chapter 5 of the Official Guide and the Code on Association Property. 10.9. A Directive of the Club shall be given by a resolution of the full members of the Club, passed by a majority of the members present, entitled to vote and voting at a duly convened General Meeting and when so passed shall be binding upon all members of the Club. 10.10. A Certificate signed by the Secretary shall, in favour of any person relying on same, be conclusive evidence that a Directive, complying in all respect with the provisions of this Rule, was duly given to the Trustees. 10.11. The Trustees of the Personal Property shall invest and use such property in accordance with the Directives of the Executive Committee, of which an entry in the Minute book shall be conclusive evidence. 10.12. The Club shall indemnify and save harmless its Trustees in respect of any loss or expenses bona fide incurred by them in or about the execution of their powers and duties. 11. BOOKS AND ACCOUNTS 11.1. The Executive Committee shall open a Bank Account or Accounts with an approved Bank on behalf of the Club, and all cheques drawn on the said account shall be signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by one of either the Chairperson or Secretary. 11.2. The Executive Committee shall cause proper Books of Account to be kept in respect of: (a) All sums of money received and expended by the Club, and the matters in respect of which such receipts and expenditures take place; and (b) All Sales and Purchases of goods by the Club; and (c) The Assets and Liabilities of the Club. 11.3. The Books of Account shall be kept at such place or places as the Executive Committee shall think fit, and shall at all reasonable times be open to the inspection of the members of the Executive Committee. 11.4. The Executive Committee shall from time to time determine whether and to what extent and at what times and places, and under what conditions and regulations, the Accounts and Books of the Club, or any of them shall be open to the inspection of Full Members of the Club not being an Executive Committee member, and no member (not being
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an Executive Committee Member) shall have any right of inspection of any Account or Book or Document of the Club except as authorised by the Executive Committee. 11.5. An independent suitably qualified Person or Persons shall be appointed as Accountant(s) or as Auditor(s) to report on the Accounts/Financial Statements of the Club for presentation at the Annual General Meeting. If deemed appropriate by the Executive Committee of the Club the Accounts/Financial Statements shall be audited. A copy of the Accounts/Financial Statements, as adopted and approved, shall be submitted to the County Committee within 178 four weeks of the date of the Annual General Meeting. 11.6. The Books and Accounts of the Club shall be presented to such Accountant(s) or Auditor(s) by the Committee in sufficient time to enable the Report of such Accountant(s) or Auditor(s) to be available and considered at the Annual General Meeting of the Club. 11.7. The Financial Statements shall be approved by the Executive Committee, and signed by two of three Officers – Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer – on behalf of the Executive Committee. 11.8. The Executive Committee shall cause to be prepared and laid before the Annual General Meeting an Account of Income and Expenditure and a Balance Sheet made up to a date not more than six months before such meeting. 11.9. The Balance Sheet and Accounts of the Club shall be made available to the Revenue Commissioners, on request. 11.10. All Books of Account, including all documents, vouchers, statements and notes, as well as all minute books, notes of meetings, original and copy correspondence and all such documents are the property of the Club, and no person shall have any personal title to or interest in such documents to the exclusion of the Club. 11.11. The end of the Club Financial year shall be October 31st. 12. INCOME AND PROPERTY 12.1. No portion of the Income and Property of the Club shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of profit, dividend, bonus or otherwise howsoever to the Members of the Club. 12.2. No Officer shall be appointed to any Office within the Club paid by salary or fees, or receive any remuneration or other benefit in money or money’s worth from the Club in respect of such Office, provided however nothing shall prevent any payment in good faith by the Club of: (a) reasonable and proper remuneration to any Member or Officer of the Club for any services rendered to the Club (other than as an Officer); (b) reasonable and proper remuneration to any company of which a Member or Officer of the Club is a director or shareholder, for any services rendered to the Club; (c) interest at a rate not exceeding 5% per annum on money lent by Officers or other Members of the Club to the Club; (d) reasonable and proper rent for premises demised and let by Officers or other Members of the Club (including any Officer) to the Club; (e) reasonable and proper out of pocket expenses incurred by any Officer in connection with their attendance to any matter affecting the Club; (f) fees, remuneration or other benefit in money or money’s worth to any Company of which an Officer may be a member, holding not more than one hundredth part of the issued capital of such Company. 13. WINDING UP 13.1. A resolution to Wind Up a Club shall be passed only at a General Meeting, specially summoned for the purpose of such resolution, if supported by not less than three-fourths of those present, entitled to vote and voting. 13.2. Any decision to Wind Up a Club shall be subject to the approval of the County Committee. 13.3. If upon such Winding Up, there remains, after the satisfaction of all its debts and liabilities, any property whatever, the same shall not be paid or distributed amongst the members, but the Trustees shall continue to hold same in trust for the appropriate County Committee of the G.A.A., to be used or disposed of as such County Committee shall direct, but shall in no instance pay or distribute such property amongst Officers, Members or Employees of the Club. 14. ADDITIONS TO AND AMENDMENTS OF RULES 14.1. Additions to and Amendments of this Constitution and Rules may be made at an Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting called for that purpose, providing that the Resolution proposing same is carried by a vote of two-thirds of the members present, entitled to vote and voting, that same do not conflict with the Official Guide, and that approval is given by the County Management Committee for the change(s). 14.2. Members wishing to propose Additions to or Amendments of this Constitution and Rules must send notice of the proposed Additions or Amendments in writing to the Secretary not later than twenty one days before the Annual General Meeting, or Special General Meeting as provided by Rule 8.5.2 hereof.
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14.3. Where appropriate, no Addition or Amendments shall be made to or in the provisions of the Main Object(s) (3), Income and Property (12) and the Winding-Up (13) Clauses in this Constitution and Rules for the time being in force, unless the same shall have been previously approved, in writing, by the Revenue Commissioners. 15. COMPLIANCE WITH PROVISIONS OF OFFICIAL GUIDE This Constitution and Rules shall be read in conjunction with and subject to the Official Guide. 16. INTERPRETATION OF CLUB CONSTITUTION AND RULES 16. The Executive Committee shall be the sole authority for the Interpretation of this Club Constitution and Rules (with the exception of Rules 5.11.1, 5.11.2 and 5.11.3) and of any bye-laws and regulations made herein; and the decision of the Executive Committee upon any question of interpretation, or upon any matter affecting the Club and not provided for, shall be final and binding on the members, subject to appeal to the Hearings Committee of the County Committee in accordance with the provisions of Rule 5.11.2, and shall not under any circumstances be subject to appeal to any Court of Law. 17. GENERAL 17.1. A Notice may be given by the Club to any Member either personally or by sending it by post or electronically to him at his last known address. 17.2. Where a Notice is sent by post, service of this Notice shall be deemed to be effected by properly addressing, prepaying and posting a letter containing the Notice, and shall be deemed to have been effected at the time which the letter would be delivered in the ordinary course of post. 17.3. The failure to give notice of any meeting or the non-receipt of notice of a meeting by any person entitled to receive notice shall not invalidate the proceedings at that meeting. 17.4. This Constitution and Rules shall be taken as an amendment of and in substitution for any existing Constitution and Rules of Ballina G.A.A. Club as of the 8th day of January 2021.
Appendix 2: Healthy Club Policies: Our various Policies under the healthy Club Initiative are listed below.
The links to the Policies are below or can be found at: http://www.ballina.tipperary.gaa.ie/Pages/Units/CommunityHealth.aspx
1. Drug and Alcohol Policy (Ballina) 2. GAA Disability and Special Needs Policy (Ballina) 3. GAA Inclusion Policy (Ballina) 4. GAA’s Smoke and Vape Free Policy Statement (Ballina)
Drug and Alcohol Policy Ballina.pdf
GAA Disability and Special Needs Policy Ballina.pdf
GAA Inclusion Policy Ballina.pdf
GAA's Smoke and Vape Free Policy Statement 2020 Ballina.pdf
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