Quiet affair at County Convention

“You won’t have a lot to write about,” quipped one senior county board officer as Carlow GAA National Convention 2025 drew to a close on Friday night.

As Storm Darragh girded its loins and prepared to sweep its way across the country, the Community Centre in Leighlinbridge, where the Convention was held, was a picture of peace and tranquillity.

It took the bones of two and a half hours to get through the agenda. Gone are the days of long Saturday evenings where attendees from the floor asked questions, commented on a variety of topics while motions were vigorously contested. There wasn’t a peep from anyone. There was a time when Conventions were marathon sessions with delegates returning on Monday night to complete their business.

This year it took only a minute or so to approve the Tuairisc an Rúnaí (Secretary’s) and Tuairisc na Coistí (Officer’s) reports. There was no questions from the floor. What is probably taken for granted every year is the work which goes into compiling these reports. It is a massive undertaking. In the lead up to Convention, the reports from The Operation Manager’s (Peter McConnon), the Children’s Officer’s Report (Ted Forde), Coiste Na nÓg (Michael O’Brien) and all the rest are gathered and included in what is a formidable document.

One would have imagined the Statement of Accounts item on the agenda would have provoked some comment. Again. Not a peep.

Interestingly, in the Income and Expenditure Account, there was a deficit of €65,743 in 2023 which has been turned around. This year there is a surplus of €39,755.

On the same day where it was revealed that the Mayo County Board may have a tax liability of almost €120,000 it was a little surprising that nobody on the floor queried was there any danger of other counties falling into this situation.

Again the mind boggles at the depth of information which is provided in the Treasurer’s Report. By all accounts, Sean Campion is a steady hand on the wheel in one of the most onerous positions in any organisation.

The Demographics Presentation, item 7 on the agenda, was a departure from previous conventions. Brendan Leen (Ballinkillen), David O’Brien (Bagenalstown Gaels) and Joe Nolan (Ballinkillen) presented a plan which will take Carlow hurling up to the end of the decade. Namely Carlow GAA-Hurling Strategic Plan 2024-29.

The presentation covered a range of recommendations including the appointment of a Hurling Officer for Carlow, a dedicated PRO for hurling only, the appointment of Coaching Officers in each club including an overall Club Coaching Officer, the development of partnerships with schools and SETU Carlow. While the three speakers made their presentation, there were another 13 people on the Hurling Development Committee with their work also including a recommendation which included a review fixtures and the development of playing facilities. The speakers also encouraged clubs to increase engagement with the Games Development Officers who are based in the offices of Netwatch Cullen Park.

Afterwards a copy of the plan was distributed to all club representatives. The hope is that the document will not be thrown in a corner and forgotten about.

There is also a danger the Strategic Plan is so broad it could scare people away. Certainly, the three presenters spoke at length and that in itself meant they lost many of their listeners from the floor. There will also be a need for someone to grab this plan and slowly but surely implement the recommendations. Whoever takes this on will have given some service to Carlow GAA.

It might be no harm for members to go down and see what Mount Leinster Rangers are doing. Whatever it is, they have they are experiencing success at adult and underage level. Then, why not cross over to the next parish and find out why St Mullins are so successful at senior level?

Margaret Doyle of Kildavin-Clonegal, Chairperson of the Demographics Committee spoke about the importance of gathering information and reviewing it. It is a well-known fact that the drop off rate of young people playing hurling is too big. Part of Doyle’s delivery was to encourage clubs, from the information gathered, to find out why this is happening and what can be done to do encourage young people to continue playing into adulthood.

Finally, Chairman of the County Board, Jim Bolger delivered his end of year address. It was the usual stuff. The high-ranking officer, who is a former Leinster Chairman and a future candidate for President of the GAA, has his finger on the pulse and he is good at dotting the I’s and dotting the T’s.

He did criticise those players and mentors who abuse referees and said this has no part in the organisation.

“Some need to take a big look at themselves,” he said.

Bolger reasoned that the new rules might help referees while he added that clubs should encourage more of their members to become referees.

He also thanked the stewards who helped contribute to the match experience and again asked clubs to answer the call for more people to do this work.

This year, when it came to the appointment of officers, there were no need for voting with all nominees going through unopposed. Bolger made a presentation to Vinny O’Brien, who was stepping down as Leinster Council Representative and football liaison officer for the county senior footballers. The Chairman pointed out that a new football liaison officer was needed while he pointed out that Michael Whelan, who is County Secretary, is also acting as the hurling liaison officer. He hoped clubs would provide members for both positions.

With the meeting coming to a close, it was announced Convention 2026 will take place in Tinryland.

It was a quiet affair at the end of 2024 for sure. Hopefully, the fireworks will sparkle when the senior county football and hurling teams open their national league campaigns at the end of January.