Fermanagh Hurling Board AGM 21st November 2007 HURLING CHAIRMAN'S REPORT I would like to welcome all delegates to this year’s Hurling A.G.M in what certainly could be classed as one of our better years and not just because of our success at intercounty level but because for the first time in many years we have completed a full programme of fixtures from U12 right through to U18. Due to the long delay in securing a senior team manager we got off to a poor start in the National League but came good in the end to take the division three shield. Unfortunately due to injuries to key players and missing three of our better players who went to America for the summer months, we were severely hampered in the Nicky Rackard cup but great credit is due to the players who came in at very short notice and gave of their best. Hopefully with a full panel this year we should be capable of contesting the division four final proper and a good run in the Nicky Rackard and also in the Ulster Championship where we meet Tyrone in the first round with the winners travelling to London. As I have already mentioned for the first time in many years we managed to play finals in all championship and league competitions, I congratulate the clubs who won but also the other clubs who by taking part ensured that our leagues and championships were played. Congratulations to Lisbellaw on retaining the Senior championship, on their success on winning back to back U16 Monaghan league titles, the U16 and U18 Fermanagh league and championship. To Knocks Gratten on winning the U12 league and U14 league and championship and Fele na Gael. To the Fermanagh U16 Development Squad on winning the Ulster "B" league and the All-Ireland "C" championship and to the U14s who were narrowly defeated in the All-Ireland "C" semi-final on the same day by the eventual winners Longford. Unfortunately our U12s only had one competitive outing but this proved to be a very successful one with a comprehensive victory over neighbours Cavan. I would like to thank John McCusker and Fabian Burns for coaching and working with these teams. Congratulations to the five players who made it onto the Ulster Select team and eventually the Ulster teams that played in the Shinty International in Hannaghstown. They were, Shea Curran, John Duffy, Francis McBrien, John Paul McGarry and Pol Teague. Congratulations are also due to Declan McGarry on his selection to the Ulster panel for the Railway Cup. Also my thanks to all the clubs for the use of their pitches, to our referees, the local press for covering our games and to Enniskillen Gaels for the use of their premises for our meetings. To the county manager Tom Walsh and his back-room staff, Brian Quinn, Peter McEvoy, Kevin Connors, Paul Woods and Mary Magee my heartfelt thanks. To conclude, I would like to thank my fellow officers, Tony Jackman, Sean Magee, Peter McEvoy, Malachy McRoe and the Fermanagh County Board and County Office for all their assistance throughout the year and a special thank you to Fabian Burns. I wish to express my sympathies to all of those who suffered bereavements during the past year. Wishing you all a happy Christmas and a prosperous and successful new year. Is Mise Le Meas |
Hurling Secretaries Report As I endeavour to follow in the footsteps of my predecessor and write a report for our Hurling committee AGM, I trust those who listen to and read this report share my passion for the game but at the same time forgive me for my failings throughout the year. UNDERAGE CLUB Although we have a small pool of clubs there was no shortage of competitive action at all levels within the county. U10 Congratulations to the Knocks Grattans and St. Patrick's Lisbellaw who reached the Quarter final and final respectively of the Ulster U10 indoor competition in January/February. I wish to thank all the other clubs who took part, to the Bawnacre and Castlepark centres for their assistance in running the competition. U12 Hurling League winners Knocks Grattans UNDERAGE INTERCOUNTY Lisbellaw competed in the Monaghan U 16 League and emerged victorious in a repeat of the 2006 final. A very successful U10 Go Games Blitz was hosted by the Irvinestown club and involved teams from Tyrone, Donegal and Fermanagh. Under the guidance of Fabian Burns and Davy Bannon a select band of U12's travelled to Cavan to play a challenge match and came away with a handsome victory, this surely must be a good sign for the future. We entered the Ulster Minor League and despite less than satisfactory Preparation we travelled to play Donegal in Ballybofey with a skeleton squad and were unlucky not to come away with a result, we then travelled to Kilkeel to play South Down, Fermanagh gave an incredible display of skill and determination. A late penalty for the home team resulted in a 5 point defeat for Fermanagh. I would like to thank Brian Johnston for his invaluable assistance with this team. The undoubted highlight of the Year has to be the Fermanagh U16 team winning the Ulster B League and All Ireland C Championship. This triumph concluded with a medal presentation by Tom Daly, and Nicky Brennan on 12th November. This was surely an inspirational moment for these young stars. Sincere thanks to Fabian Burns and John McCusker for their dedication to this team. Congratulations to Francie McBrien, Shea Curran, Pol Teague John Duffy and John Paul McGarry on their selection for the Ulster Shinty International. The Knocks Grattans proved worthy ambassadors for the county with their exploits in Fele na Gael, congratulations to all involved. SENIOR CLUB Lisbellaw retained their SHC with a narrow victory over Lisnaskea in a very competitive and sporting game, St. Particks were then unlucky not to beat Setanta who subsequently progressed to the Junior final. Lisnaskea maintained their Division 1 status in the Armagh League, due to unplanned events Lisbellaw were unable to complete their fixture programme. SENIOR INTERCOUNTY Under new manager Tom Walsh Fermanagh embarked on a Division 3B journey in early February. The journey ended with a draw against Cavan and defeats to Tyrone, Longford and Roscommon. However fortunes changed with the Division 3 Shield where Fermanagh had a comprehensive victory over Monaghan in the semi-final and went on to record a hard fought victory against Leitrim in the final and due rewards were achieved. Injury and the departure of 3 key personnel to America did little to aid preparation for the Nicky Rackard trophy. This journey ended with defeats to Roscommon and Monaghan. Congratulations to Declan McGarry on his selection to the Ulster Interprovincial panel. COUNTY BOARD I would like to take this opportunity to extend a sincere word of thanks to the County Board Officers especially our Treasurer Vincent Martin. To Tom Boyle, Fabian Burns, Peter McGinnity, and my fellow Hurling Committee Officers for all their help during the year. On behalf of the Hurling Committee and all the Hurling teams I would like to thank Joe McGum for his efforts in ensuring that the Lissan facilities are always of such a high standard. Over the year I made a number of observations and I hope to address these if returned to my post for 2008. 1. Clubs need to nominate referees and ensure that each game has a referee from a neutral club. In conclusion I would like to again thank everyone involved in Hurling in the county for their assistance during 2007. To the County Board your support has been invaluable and we look forward to jointly promoting our game in the year ahead. 2007 provided many highlights both domestic and on the national stage, we look forward to more success in the years ahead. I would like to finish by wishing everyone a peaceful and prosperous 2008. Is Mise Le Meas Sean Mac Aoidh |
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