Willie Dempsey welcomed all in attendance to the convention in Nowlan Park. In his address to the delegates he praised the work off all involved in the Bord in 2013.
Mr Dempsey congratulated the Kilkenny Minors on winning the Leinster Minor Title for the first time since 2010 & he hoped Gary Kelly would make a speedy recovery from his injury in Croke Park.
He felt that a special bond had being created between the supporters & the Senior team during its championship campaign in 2013 despite not landing the All Ireland, they still retained the national league crown.
The Thomastown native was particularly happy that all of the Bord’s competitions were on target to be finished by years end with over 900 games completed which was a tribute to the hard work of the fixtures committee & the gradings.
The Chairman also congratulated the development squads who had success this year with the U-14s landing the Sonny Walsh, The U-15’s, The All Ireland U-16 all who were successful in 2013. He commiserated with the u-17 on losing the final in Cork.
Mr Dempsey also thanked all involved for their level of co-operation through out the year.
He hit out at clubs who were making games at u-6 to u-12 too competitive. The Chairman urged clubs to concentrate on skill levels here as they have the rest of their lives to be competitive.
Mr Dempsey concluded by wishing all a happy Christmas.
Dicksboro’s Tommy Bawle gave his first address to Convention. He noted all the activities at all levels. Mr Bawle pointed out the difficulty at putting together a fixtures booklet early in the year as the Bord have to wait till the other fixtures are in place at county, Schools & Senior Club level. He thanked his fellow officers for their huge efforts in 2013, Senior Officials & staff of Nowlan Park
The Dicksboro man finished by wishing all a happy Christmas.
Vice Chairman John Wemyss thanked all for their efforts in 2013 noting that the fixtures committee had met 31 times during the year & he also thanked the men in black for their help & clubs for their venues.
Joe Pyke presented the Treasurers Report to the Convention which was praised by all including county Treasurer Barry Hickey who’d special words of praise.
Chairman, Ned Quinn, Treasurer Barry Hickey, Vice Chairman Conor Denniffe & County Secretary Jimmy Walsh all addressed the meeting & were complimentary towards the Bord’s officers.
There was 3 recommendations discussed & were referred to the first Bord meeting for 2014.
Chairman: Willie Dempsey (Thomastown), Vice Chairman: John Wemyss (O’Loughlin Gaels), Secretary: Tommy Bawle (Dicksboro), treasurer: Joe Pyke (Clara), Registrar: John O’Reid (Dunnamaggin), PRO: Patrick O’Flynn (St Martins)
By Mary Morgan Mon 9th Dec
