Paddy Roche, Adrian O’Kane and Dermot O’Kane during the Bradley’s Holm gathering back in January
Fáilte romhat, a chairde.
Tonight is the 52nd AGM of Droim Ratha Na Sáirséalaigh. I have followed in the footsteps of many proud club chairmen, and this evening it is time for me to pass the baton on.
There have been many highlights of this Golden Jubilee year. Our reunion at Bradley’s Holm and our fabulous Gala were memorable occasions enjoyed by all. The beauty of these and many club events are that they traverse generations.
In my own house, for the daughter to be on a minibus to Cookstown, not Clubland, singing Grace and the Fields of Athenry with her grandparents and Duff, Oisin Kerlin on the banjo, was a night to behold.
The appointment already of our 2023 senior male coach is a sure sign that football is the top of our agenda, the ladies’ appointment must follow suit. I cannot praise enough those who play for all of our teams and those who coach them. Again, I say that our coaches are up there with the best of them.
During the past three seasons under Simon McGeary, we have finished as championship runners up, league runners up, and beaten by the intermediate play-off team. Such progress must continue and take us to intermediate football.
Likewise, the ladies who find themselves in junior football must aspire to return to intermediate football, however both groups must put in the commitment and effort to get the reward. I also draw attention to those players unfortunate enough to suffer injuries wearing our jersey. This impacts upon their working and personal lives, the sacrifice that they dedicate to Drumragh.
So tonight, I pay tribute to everyone who during my chairmanship have made my term so enjoyable. My good friend, the late Paddy Gallagher, relieved me for a couple of seasons, but otherwise I’ve held this role since 2005, and my da before that.
The work of the sub-committees has served to run the club efficiently and effectively and I know the Runai has a plan going forward.
So I want to thank all of you – Presidents, Vice Chairs, Secretaries, Treasurers, Committees, Sub-committees, families, and each and every member. I remember most especially our dear deceased members, our angel.
Quoting Colm O’Rourke from Sunday past, “so the motto for all clubs is to dream big, plan sensibly, get good people involved and never give up.” The reward for you is here within our 16.1 acres. Onwards and upwards.
As a player, a coach, a member, aspire to be the best.
The time has come to part my love, I must say goodbye. (Music fades).
Slán go fóill. Slán agus beannacht.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh.
Aidrean Ó Cathain
Adrian O’Kane
