Bord na nÓg Convention

Convention Report The first Bord na nOg Convention to be held successfully through Microsoft teams on Thursday evening and as outgoing Chairman John Byrne put it “hopefully the last time we will have to make use of facility”. Mr Byrne was standing down under the five year rule. He welcomed all to the meeting. “It had to be handed to the clubs the way they handled the moving challenges and landscapes during a tough 2020”  The Bennetsbridge man congratulated all the many winners that had enjoyed success during the year. A particular highlight was to see so many teams compete in Roinn A at under 13 level which saw the city sides split their teams into two during the league sections.  One aspect from the year which will be maintained is the policy of no postponements. It worked really well and ensured the competitions finished on time & built up a great sense of enjoyment around the games.   The outgoing Chairman had words of praise for  Pat Tynan & the coaching committee with the great and innovative ideas that they came up with during the lockdown despite there being no development squads he felt there work had touched each club. He wished Richie Mulrooney & the county minors well on the 20th December v Wexford.  In his final meeting he thanked his fellow officers, committee members & county bord officials for all their efforts and in particular Joe Pyke who missed his first meeting some 30 odd years. “I’ve done my best in the last five years and hope that we all continue to do our upmost for Kilkenny.  I think that us being here & healthy has made 2020 successful. Finally I would like to thank Sandra, my wife who five years ago agreed to let me stand for one year and never said anything about it since !” Treasurer Ray Byrne gave a detailed account noting that there was no gate receipts in 2020 but managed to post a tidy profit due to the generous sponsorship of Duggan Steel & Kilkenny Honda Centre but cautioned that no medals were gotten in 2020 due to the covid restrictions which will be a significant outlay for the start of 2021.  County Bord Chairman Jimmy Walsh commended the big attendance for all their diligent work during a difficult year & asked them all to not drop their guard in the fight against covid-19.  The Windgap official brought up the performance of the Kilkenny Hurling team in landing the Leinster Championship something which warmed the hearts of the Kilkenny supporters whilst being naturally disappointed not to get back to the All Ireland Final, the future is bright for this team.  County Bord Secretary Conor Deniffe & Treasurer Barry Hickey addressed the meeting. A number of motions were put before the meeting and it was agreed to put these before the first delegates meeting where it was hoped they could be teased out in person.  Officers elected  Chairman – Willie Dempsey (Thomastown) Vice Chairperson – John Byrne (Bennetsbridge)Secretary – Mary Fitzgerald (Tullogher Rosbercon) Treasurer – Ray Byrne (Glenmore)PRO – Patrick O’ Flynn (St Martins)Registrar – Oliver Roche (Carrickshock)