Uachtaran CLG Seán Ó
Ceallaigh, addresses Rounders Council of Ireland Congress
Wednesday, February 9
On a crisp, sunny, spring afternoon on Sunday,
February 6, officers and delegates of the Rounders Council of Ireland,
gathered in Ballykealey Manor, Ballon, Co. Carlow for the 35th Annual
Congress.
All were pleased and surprised to find within
hours of the meeting that Uachtaran Cumann Luthchleas Gael, Sean
O'Ceallaigh would be joining them for the meeting. In the midst of a
busy schedule, Uachtaran O'Ceallaigh, took time out to attend.
Throughout the afternoon, Uachtaran O'Ceallaigh
spoke to the assembly and his positive and encouraging words gave hope
for the future of Rounders within the Gaelic Athletic Association.
"Many people would not be aware of what
Rounders is," he said. "You must create an awareness and expand on this.
Rounders is an Irish game and I like to support every aspect of Irish
Culture."
He encouraged the gathering to complete their
Strategic Plan for submission to Croke Park and assured all that it
would get a good hearing. "It is hard to continue giving total
dedication when there is little outcome from the efforts," he added.
Uachtaran O'Ceallaigh advised that Exhibition
games should be organised in each Province to increase the profile of
the game. He was available for photographs, with club and provincial
groups and the quality of time spent was greatly appreciated by all.
Other guests were the Cathaoirleach of Carlow
Town Council Michael Abbey, a former Rounders Coach and very aware of
what Comhairle Cluiche Corr are about, also Cathaoirleach Cumann
Luthchleas Gael, Ballon, Pat Doyle. They both welcomed the Delegation to
Ballon, Carlow and praised the Council and the local members for their
dedication to the game and the young people. Cathaoirleach Doyle also
offered the use of the facilities in Ballon to the National Council.
Local man Joe Donoghue, was elected President
of Council, replacing Micheal Geoghegan, who stepped down at the
Congress. Tribute was paid to Micheal by Council Chairman, Margaret
Delaney.
"I apologise to Micheal, as he did not always
get the recognition due as President of our organisation. I think this
may have improved a little in the past year, as he received invites to a
few functions on our behalf. Micheal was never afraid to jump in and
give help anywhere it was needed, whether it was to mark a pitch,
co-ordinate games at Feile, or referee, often with much abuse.
"He was a loyal Council member and I personally
will miss him for his support and advice. He often offered a completely
different view and option for solving a problem at Council table. He
also led the team who were revising the Rules and spent a lot of time
preparing the work before hand. Thank you Micheal."
All Congress business was completed in record
time. The Calendar of Events were approved and the organisation are
looking forward to a busy year. They have just completed a review of the
"Rules of Rounders", which were ratified recently at EGM. The Strategic
Plan is due to be completed mid summer and the members are gearing up
for a major Development drive over the next three years.
In international competition will be held in
Derry in July, with the All-Star Ladies representing Ireland. Teams from
England, Wales and Scotland will also field for this event. The Mixed
All-Stars are busy training for an exhibition match which is to be held
in the very near future, however details of the Venue, have yet to be
finalised. This will be one to watch out for, as the Senior Mixed game
is very exciting.
Source:
Rounders Council of Ireland