Felix O’Regan
In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, and to comply with Government and GAA guidance, Clanna Gael Fontenoy’s facilities in Sean Moore Park have remained closed for all activities. Members of the club and members of the public are advised not to use these during this period.
However, prior to the most recent lockdown the club took the opportunity in the run up to Christmas to show support for people in need in our community. Acting on a proposal from our U13 girls’ squad to organise an appeal for donations of food and toys, team mentors James Dolly and Sinead Spain reached out to the local chapter of St Vincent De Paul (SVP). What followed was a tremendous response from club players, members, supporters and friends in terms of volunteering and in contributions of non-perishable foodstuffs; confectionery, chocolates and sweets, as well as new toys. The number of van and car trips required to get everything delivered to the SVP depot was far greater than had been anticipated – thankfully so!
St Vincent de Paul’s Síona Lydon advises how the donations were put to very good use:
“We at St Vincent de Paul were delighted and very grateful to receive the food and toys that were collected at Clanna Gael Fontenoy before Christmas. The food was used to help to make up 1,300 food hamper bags that were distributed to families and individuals in need in Sandymount and the surrounding areas. Likewise, the toys were distributed to families in need in the area and were gratefully received. We would like to thank the Club and its members for thinking of those in need at this very difficult time for everyone. Go raibh maith agaibh go léir.”
New Officers and
Executive Committee
We extend sincere thanks and best wishes to a number of officers following their years of service to the club in their respective roles: Bernard Barron as Chairman, Jay Byrne as Vice Chairman and Suzanne Murray as Treasurer. The club has benefitted enormously from their dedication and commitment. At the same time we welcome new appointees in their place as well as a number of other new members to the Executive Committee as follows:
• Chairman Brian Delany
• Vice Chairman Tony Murphy
• Secretary Michael Costello
• Treasurer Eamonn Sherry
• Registrar Eoghan Heneghan
• Children’s Officer Suzanne McKenna
• Coaching Games Officer Declan Darcy
• PRO Felix O’Regan
• Other Exec. Members Bernard Barron, Simon Beirne,
Garret Bennis, Aidan Marsh,
Una McCullagh, John Mitchell,
Frank White
As the new Chairman, Brian Delany sees a number of objectives for the year ahead:
“For me, our success will always be about the numbers of playing members we have; but we saw the important role the club played in the wider community in 2020. For many people the weekly training sessions and matches were highlights of the week, allowing them the chance to socialise in outdoor situations.
So for 2021 we know the challenges the pandemic will bring. We need to provide as safe an environment as possible for our members to train and play. It’s vital that our facilities are maintained to the highest standards to allow this to happen.
The club is working on a number of ‘Green’ initiatives for 2021 too. We will be encouraging our members to cycle to the club by providing cycle racks. We’ll also be promoting energy awareness through a partnership with the Ringsend Irishtown Sustainable Energy in the Community project.”
Female participation in sport
Our club has committed to formally adopting the 20X20 Club Charter which requires sports clubs and organizations to promote and facilitate gender equality by providing equal opportunities to female players. We have a strong track record in facilitating female participation in Gaelic games, as evidenced by the number of females playing football and camogie across the different age groups. As Shaunna Curtis, club Games Development Officer, states:
“Clanna Gael Fontenoy has long fostered the development of girls’/women’s football and camogie. Thanks to the dedication of various club officials, coaches and volunteers over the years, female participation in our games is particularly high today and quite a number of our female teams have enjoyed notable competitive success. By signing up to the 20X20 Charter we are formalising that which we have been doing; but we are also pledging our continued support for female involvement in our sports.”