Past, present and future chat at monthly GAA gathering in Rathcoffey

How times have changed over the years. Remember when the November gathering of Kildare Co. Board delegates was akin to the Last Supper?

The final gathering prior to convention when delegates broke up unaware if they would be back for more come the New Year.

Would they be re-elected as their club representative at their annual general meeting?

Some would, but others would step aside, be stepped aside or even just admit 'I have enough of this, I'm off.'

Any ways there was certainly no nostalgia at the top table in Rathcoffey GAA Headquarters on Tuesday night last as club delegates met for the last time in 2023.

These meetings are currently 'on tour' but no doubt when Cedral St Conleth's Park is up and running such gatherings will be back at Headquarters.

Chairman Paddy McGovern was on hand at his club to ensure board officials, delegates and the press were all comfortable and ready for the night's discussion and debate.

Hope Paddy wasn't too disappointed as Board Chairman broke all records with everything done and dusted inside thirty minutes.

Less than thirty minutes.

Wow.

A long way from the times a fella, exciting St Conleth's after a similar meeting, wondering if he might get to sneak in for a 'late one' over in Jimmy (Day Day) and Paddy Coffey's across the road.

As the great Bob Dylan song goes “Times They Are A-Changing.”

Entering the top class facilities at Rathcoffey and the mind rambled back to the last time there was such a gathering at this venue, at least the last time this writer can recall.

It was December 2014, the Annual Convention and when Ger Donnelly and his Castlemitchell colleague, Mick Fennin, entered the meeting on Tuesday night last, it all came flowing back.

That was the day Ger took over the chair from John McMahon in a somewhat controversial election, it is not something we have seen on many occasions, a sitting chairman failing to get re-elected.

And no wonder Ger (and Mick) were looking so pleased with themselves returning to what could only be described as their place of triumph.

Ger went on to complete a very successful five years as chairman; was the man behind the big push to get St Conleth's Park redeveloped, little did he know that it would take all of a decade before work would finally get under way.

The two boys were in great form, apart from being in Rathcoffey, they had recently celebrated Castlemitchell's win in the Junior Football Championship final of 1983 — forty years on — that saw players gather for a chat, recall, reminisce, and no doubt enjoy the odd cocktail sausage, a turned-up cornered sambo along with a cuppa and, no doubt, something stronger later in the evening.

This writer can recall that final very well indeed, as a wing back on the vanquished Ardclough side of that year, 'The Mitchell' taking the title — 3-8 to 1-8 — with the bauld Ger starring at midfield while Mick played his part from the corner forward position.

By all accounts that celebration gathering was a great occasion, enjoyed by one and all.

It's nights like that that makes the GAA what it is, no doubt!

Anyway, back to Rathcoffey and Tuesday's meeting of the great and good of Kildare GAA.

Well not exactly.

The numbers were not up to scratch, a lot of delegates must not have fancied travelling up to this venue, while a few at the top table were conspicuous by their absence.

The main one here being Treasurer Alan Dunney, but I hasten to add his apology was noted by Hon Sec Christine.

Can't remember the last time the Caragh man missed a meeting such as this; obviously very busy counting the coppers as the redevelopment Conleth's Park is beginning to take shape.

The roof of the new stand is now visible from the Main Street so, no doubt, some major cheques are being written at present — not something the bauld Alan likes doing at any time (regardless of whose cheque book it is).

So with no Hon Treas, there was no update on finances, which was a pity, always like to hear how the coffers are shaping up.

A month ago delegates were told that gate receipts were down some €35k, hardly a surprise considering no St Conleth's Park and with the county finals moving to Carlow, the figures surely don't make for great reading.

Maybe Alan decided to hold off with the bad news until convention, which, incidentally takes place in The Osprey Hotel, Naas, on 13 December.

Speaking of convention there are a few bodies at the top table whose five year term comes to an end next month.

Mick Mullen, Leinster Council delegate and a very effective and successful Chairman of the CCC committee; along with Séamus Ó Mídheach (Irish Officer) — must step aside.

Mick is being whispered in certain quarters as chairman material (a position that becomes vacant this time next year) so it will be interesting to see what, if any, position he seeks come convention.

Maybe himself and Séamus might do a bit of a swap?

A bit of a Lanigan's Ball scenario — I step out and you step in etc — wouldn't be the first time .

Or maybe Mick might take a back seat for 12 months, recharge the batteries before going for the big job in 2024?

Interesting times indeed.

As for the meeting itself?

The urgent need for more referees was top of the list.

This is getting serious and Mick Mullen warned club delegates that any club that has not at least one football and/ or hurling referee come Paddy's Day next year — the big stick is coming out — will most likely lose home advantage for their league games.

Serious or what?

Kildare, it is understood, are one of few counties that don't sanction clubs for failing to provide referees but it seems that is about to change, and change big time.

As for where The Lilies will play their 'home' AFL and AHL games in 2024, as revealed in these columns last week no decision has been made for the footballers, except for one game, which will take place at Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow; a decision on the other games is imminent while the AHL games will go ahead in Manguard Park, Hawkfield.

Work on Hawkfield has been completed (and paid for) with some additional work at the gym side of the stand to be upgraded shortly, Louise, Operations Manager, informed the meeting.

Other snippets included the announcement that from 2024 the Jack Higgins Cup will be presented to the winner of the U23 football championship; Clane GAA granted approval to borrow €150k for club development while Sarsfields were given the green light to complete a long term lease with Kildare Co. Council on lands (2.2 acres) adjoining their present facilities.

Meanwhile work on Conleth's Park “remains on track, in fact ahead of schedule” the chairman informed us — before quickly scooting south back to his constituency of St Laurence's.