ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: The Club AGM took place in person after years of Covid-19 restrictions. To begin, Secretary Aedin Foley delivered her report. Aedin noted that 2022 saw a return to a sense of normality after two difficult years and there was a great buzz around the club. She paid tribute to the hard work of officers, members, coaches and volunteers alike. Two big events that occurred during the season were RTE’s visit for “Up For The Match” and the subsequent homecoming event after the Liam MacCarthy Cup was retained. Aedin also highlighted the launch of the Club’s Development Plan, which will take shape in 2023.
The Secretary thanked the Membership Registrars, the Club Lotto team and the Club Limerick Draw administrators for handling the three regular income streams of the club. She also complimented Tom O’Brien for overseeing refurbishment of indoor and outdoor facilities. Ann Rice was thanked for keeping the clubhouse in good shape, while Niamh Geoghegan handled the pitch bookings with great efficiency.
Aedin’s next topic was a faithful review of the competitive performance of the club. While trophies eluded the senior club, there was cause for optimism. The Juvenile boys and Camogie girls continued to train together, while the U-14 and U-16 girls won trophies during the season. The year culminated in the Parish League at University of Limerick in fine weather. Once again, O’Briens Pharmacy sponsored the day. There is a great link between the adult, camogie, juvenile clubs and the National School. Aedin congratulated the All-Ireland champions, also Patrick and John Kirby for winning an U-20 Munster title and every Patrickswell player who lined out for Limerick. Condolences were expressed to families that experienced a bereavement during the year. Aedin finished her report with praise of Diarmaid Byrnes winning Hurler of the Year and the club scooping another two All Stars to increase our tally to 22. The focus must remain on club infrastructural development and success on the pitch.
Michael McDermott guided the attendees through the financial statements for the year in his Treasurer’s Report. There were some extremely positive income streams during the year – the Club Lotto is performing well, the club received a number of grants, the players ran a highly successful Masters Golf competition and the Kirby greyhound race yielded a second place and €5,000. Michael emphasised the need to run the club prudently, to control costs and to keep within our means.
The keynote speech was the Chairman’s Address from John McDermott. John was delighted that the AGM could be held in person for the first time in many years. The theme of his address was “looking forward” and the changes required to deliver the club’s Development Plan. John noted that priority is to commence pitch development, lighting works and a walking track in 2023. Fundraising is the key to financing ambitious projects and John asked the club to get behind the big changes ahead.
John stated that the club’s biggest asset is always its people and that we are greater than the sum of our parts. There are so many members who give their time generously and ask for nothing in return. Their work is behind the scenes, yet it is so important. In 2023, John intends to get more members involved as there are many jobs to tackle. The work can be demanding, but it is also rewarding and enjoyable. With new housing estates commencing and in planning, there is the first opportunity in 30 years to grow our population – and membership by extension. The Steering Groups continue to manage the sub-committees to achieve the club’s strategic objectives.
While the exploratory works on the pitch have concluded, the next step is to ‘turn the sod’. The Car Draw is a major fundraiser and it needs the full support of the community and beyond. Starting 2023 on the front foot is critical. More fundraisers will follow as the Programme of Works is extensive. The development will be undertaken in stages and prudently. John emphasised the club ethos of “Give Respect, Get Respect”. He wanted suitable structures for everyone, so that our people can enjoy a safe environment and receive excellent coaching. John thanked the outgoing Senior Management for their two years and commended the Junior As and U-21s for their performances in 2022. He finished the address by thanking his fellow officers, committee members, subcommittees, coaches, delegates, Registrar, PRO, lotto team, Club Limerick coordinators, facilities and pitch maintainers, local councillors, the Community Council and many more. John congratulated every Patrickswell member that had donned the County colours and expressed his pride in the success of Diarmaid, Cian and Aaron with Limerick. Another highlight in his year was Diarmaid winning a richly deserved Hurler of the Year and two more All Stars in the club. As always, the continued support of Duggan Systems Limited as club sponsor for over 20 years could not be overemphasised.
Three speeches followed from Fr. Mike Cussen, President PJ O’Grady and Central Council delegate Paul Foley. Fr. Mike commended the community spirit and sense of welcome that Patrickswell GAA fosters. PJ O’Grady noted that the club should be proud of its achievements and how it is held in high regard by other clubs. PJ acknowledged that the Development Plan was a serious undertaking, but that it was both positive and necessary. From a wellbeing perspective, there is an onus on clubs to look after their membership. Paul Foley paid tribute to the Club Executive and the importance of keeping energy levels high. He gave a brief summary of latest developments at the Central Council to the attendees and wished the club every future success. The AGM also included the election of officers and Committee members for 2023.
CLUB LOTTO: The Club Lotto draw on Monday November 28 was not won. The numbers drawn were 9, 22, 28 and 32. The bonus number was 1. The €100 Lucky Dip was won by Bernie Guerin and the €20 prizes were claimed by Ann Cusack, Teresa Carrig, Alan Byrnes, Breda Carroll and Jackie O’Carroll. This week’s jackpot is €20,000.