Ibane AGM

The annual general meeting of Ibane Gaels GAA club was held at The Community Hall, Timoleague recently. A large crowd of enthusiastic Ibane mentors, supporters and followers was present. Club chairperson Jim Foley issued a cead mile failte to all present on the night. He began by thanking his fellow officers for their help and co-operation throughout the past season. He remarked that the club had a fantastic season on the field of play winning many competitions. Success he added can also be measured in other ways other than winning trophies. Young players got to play games and got great enjoyment from participation. There was great co-operation between both parent clubs and all team mentors and coaches were united in their quest to advance the club in all aspects.He finished by saying that he was only keeping the seat warm for a new incoming chairperson for the 2023 season. He wished the new officers well and said it was a pleasure working with so many dedicated Ibane people during the past season.

The outgoing runai, Donal Mc Carthy gave a detailed written report on the state of affairs of the club after a most successful season. He began by thanking both parent clubs, parents, players, coaches, mentors, coaching officers, club referees and liaison officers for the great work that they all did throughout the past season. He especially offered congratulations to Olan O’Donovan on winning a Munster Minor football medal with Cork.

He continued by giving a full run down on all the games played by the various age groups from under 13 to under 21 in both codes. A member of each management gave an outline of their age group to the meeting. Games were won and lost in league and championship but players have to value the victories and learn from the defeats. There were some memorable games played during the season, exciting passages of football and hurling, great come-backs when all seemed lost and some heartache when victory was snatched by the opposition at the death.

The success at under 21 level was most pleasing. Winning the West-Cork “A” football and hurling double was a fantastic achievement. The manner of both victories was pleasing and both finals had to go to extra time to make the tension almost unbearable. It showed the true united character of the players that victory was plucked from the jaws of defeat on both occasions. What a pity that there was no county championship.

A victory dinner is planned for March for the successful under 21 and under 17 teams in association with the Ibane Ladies Junior Football team. Much to celebrate in the ancient barony.

The treasurer Ross Twomey gave his report and he thanked both Argideen and Barryroe for their generosity during the year. He remarked that he left a little sum for the new incoming officers to enjoy.

The new officers for 2023 are:

Chairperson: Norman Fleming.

Secretary: Paul O’Regan

Treasurer: Ross Twomey.

A general discussion on world and local affairs followed before all adjourned to Pad Joe’s where tasty finger food was on offer by generous hosts, Conor and Tracey.