Cornafean GFC - Looking back at
2000
SECRETARY'S ADDRESS TO CORNAFEAN GFC
AGM
2 DECEMBER 2000
by Karen Mc Dermott (Club Secretary)
There are many Counties and
clubs in Ireland who like ourselves set out to mark this Millennium as one to
remember for some time. As we take ourselves back to last years AGM it was
unanimously agreed that once the New Year celebrations had ceased every effort
would be made to ensure that football which is the core of every rural club
would top our list of priorities.
Sure enough preparations began
for this special year – Phil Cullen was ratified as the new team manager, his
immediate intention to achieve a high level of fitness and install discipline
among the players. He was to receive help from the football support committee
that was elected at the AGM. Training commenced on Sunday the 30th
January with 31 players in attendance. Following a number of injuries to key
players the future of football looked uncertain however determined to achieve
success, the Cornafean football team started the Championship trail with
successive wins over Redhills, Crosserlough and a draw with rivals Arva. Some 80
sessions of training later we found ourselves in the Millennium Junior
Championship final against Drumgoon. With all players in fighting fit form and
the supporters in even better form we clinched the Sean leddy memorial cup,
realising the wishes of George Cartwright in Cornafean on the night of his
election as County Chairman. This was the first win by a Cornafean side in a
championship decider since 1956. The celebrations started, the work was complete
– the dedication, commitment and sheer love of the game portrayed by Phil
Cullen, football players, selectors, committee members and supporters must be
commended in providing the winning formula that will make this Millennium year
for Cornafean so special – but more was to follow:
The following month the U-14
footballers won the Ronn D Championship Title by defeating Mountnugent in
Breffni Park. This exciting final highlighted the up and coming talent in our
club which was expertly utilized under the close direction of Caroline Crowe and
Kevin Geoghegan to whom we are eternally grateful. It was also commendable to
see such support for this talented team – long may it continue.
The year 2000 has also seen the
Cornafean club take the "Best Club" award at Scor na Nog for the first
time since 1991. In addition we won two county titles in Scor Sinsir in spring
2000. The club would like to thank all those who participated and helped out in
this competition.
In addition we would like to
thank the Camogie committee for their help in providing refreshments at the
whist drives and wish the players the best of luck in the Novice final.
We must not forget our tireless
workers who week after week work on the lotto and whist to provide the club with
much needed finance.
The Social committee have
excelled once again in their ability to organise various events that attract
crowds and always provide an excellent form of entertainment for our members and
visitors. Such events included:
- Table quizzes – one in March and one in
November which were hosted by the talented Tommy Mc Gibney and keenly contested
by the locals leading to a great nights entertainment.
- Although no marriage has resulted from
"The Alternative Rose" competition, it proved to be a huge success
raising a substantial sum of money towards People in Need
- Next came the Annual Golf Classic Which once
again attracted a large crowd to the club for an excellent day of golf, topped
with an evening of entertainment which was enjoyed by all
- The Millennium year could not have passed
without remembering our roots. For this the Social Committee organised a special
Millennium Mass at Naomh St.Fionnain’s mass rock. The Mass was celebrated by
Fr. Oliver and Fr. Bouchier and a large crowd attended. The Mass was followed by
a tree planting ceremony.
The Club would like to thank the
committee members under Padraig Cosgrove for their continual enthusiasm and
commitment to the efficient running of social events and fund-raisers in the
club.
Finally our year concluded with
an excellent win by Cornafean in the All County GAA Club Millennium Table Quiz
organised by the Cavan County board of the GAA. Quiz team members Tommy Mc
Gibney, Brian Doyle, Oliver Gormley and Martin Maguire battled hard with one
point to spare to take 1st prize in this quiz. Upon winning, the team
not only received individual trophies but they also won a set of jerseys for the
football team and it is hoped that they can be the link from our extraordinary
successful millennium year through to 2001.
Karen Mc Dermott (Runai)
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