Roger Casements GAC, PortglenoneChairmans Christmas Message 2015.
On behalf of the committee of Roger Casements GAC I would like to wish everyone connected with the club a very happy festive season. This is the time of the year when we can reflect on what we have achieved during 2015 and for that reason this year will be fondly recalled in years to come.
2015 was the year when we finally got to grips with our long awaited second pitch development. It gives me great pride to say that the way our club members have gone about the arduous task of fundraising, night after night, has been nothing short of unbelievable. We will hit our fundraising target in 2016, of that Im sure, and go on top build top class facilities that will be our legacy of our generation to future generations of Gaels in Portgleneone.
Roger Casements GAC epitomise the best of what the GAA has to offer. We are much much more than a football club. We are the hub of our community, where friends are made for life. Our club facilities are used for just about everything - from keep fit to karate. Where everyone is welcome.
We do take our football very seriously though. Roger Casements senior team have diligently worked our way back to mid table division one status, and many within the club share a vision, that we hope can become a reality, of claiming the number one spot in the next few years. That is our prize and its now within our own grasp.
We have so much many genuinely talented players throughout our club that that’s the way we need to be thinking. Our job is to create the platform that allows this talent to blossom. Thanks to all our coaches for your hard work throughout the year. Please keep it up.
A special mention to our esteemed long serving club secretary Martin Kearney whose recent report to our club AGM was particularly memorable. Martin has served the club diligently and professionally for many years and is the quiet man behind the scenes who pulls lots of club strands together. We are very lucky to have him.
Conor Mc Aleese provides the financial function as club treasurer taking over from my wife Veronica who help that position with distinction for many years. People just don’t understand the work that goes on behind the scenes and I am lucky to be surrounded by people who get things done.
Off the pitch we have volunteers who would be the envy of any club. We have people who serve on all sorts of committees, representing us at county committees, lookingafter the pitch, going into the primary school and coaching the children there. We have a fantastic fundraising committee, one of the best in the land. Lotto sellers, juvenile development, bar staff, grant funding committees…the list is endless. And we cant forget the parents who help to make it all happen. Thank you each and all. You all play your part.
Roger Casements look forward to kicking on further in 2016. We will keep setting higher targets and together there is no reason why we cant achieve whatever we set out to do. And its our 75th anniversary too, so we will be celebrating that in style later in the year.
We remember with great fondness all club members who passed away during the year. We cant let that pass without a special prayer and mention of Seamus Kearney who was a club stalwart for many years. His spirit around the place will linger for a long time. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.
Lets all enjoy the festivities and together look forward to making Roger Casements GAC (2016 version) even better!
Casements Abu. Noel Kelly (Club Chairman)