Fermanagh GAA: Convention to be low key affair

Due to Covid-19 restrictions it will be held virtually.

County Secretary Tom Boyle acknowledges in his report that it has been a difficult time for everybody but went on to praise the efforts of GAA clubs in the county.

“At the outset of the pandemic, society was called upon to provide support to our local communities impacted by Covid 19 restrictions, especially those living on their own. I want to commend our clubs in the way that they responded to requests for help from within their communities and in many areas; they were the first to volunteer to help. I know from feedback received that services such as delivery of essential shopping and medical supplies were much appreciated,” said Boyle.

He added that on a sporting front, the pandemic had an impact on all activities.

“Our inter county season was disrupted with the National Football Leagues not concluded until October and our Ulster Football Championship and Lory Meagher Cup games not played until November. At club level our Competition Control Committee had to review their plans resulting in some competitions not being played and those that were played had less games with some finals left over until 2021,” he said.

And while he says that a vaccine provides hope, he stresses that restrictions are likely to continue.

“The recent announcement of an approved vaccine provides us all with hope and a pathway out of this pandemic. However, it must be acknowledged that this will not be a quick fix and we must understand that restrictions will probably continue well into 2021. Therefore, it is important that going forward into 2021 we continue to adhere to the GAA and Government guidance.”

When action did get going there were restrictions in place which limited the numbers of those able to attend and Boyle says Fermanagh GAA tv provided an invaluable service.

“This year due to Covid 19 restrictions saw more use made streaming of a number of our games at club, county and college levels via television commentary service and I want to thank Phil Flanagan for taking the lead on this and all who provided support by way of technical assistance, camera work and commentary. There were some connectivity issues at a few of our games but overall, the streaming of our games has received a very positive response from the public in providing a service to many who could not attend our games,” he added.

Meanwhile, there has been a number of motions brought to Convention including three from St. Patrick’s. Two of these are regarding transfers within a county while the third is if a club concede a match, any players on the opponent only due to serve a match suspension will be deemed to have served their suspension, as if the match had gone ahead.

There also doesn’t look as if their will be any contests for positions in the County Management Committee with all set to be returned unopposed.

Fermanagh County Management Committee

Chairman - Greg Kelly (Outgoing)

Vice Chairman - Phil Flanagan (Outgoing)

Assistant Secretary - Brian Armitage (Outgoing)

Treasurer - Sean Burns (Outgoing)

Assistant Treasurer - Barry Doherty (Outgoing)

Coaching Officer - Ferghal O’Connor (Outgoing)

Officer Culture & Irish Language - Ciaran Maguire (Outgoing)

PRO -

Central Council - Tiernach Mahon(Outgoing)

Ulster Council - (2) Peter Carty(Outgoing), Jim Tummon (Outgoing),

Delegates to Congress - Phil Flanagan, Brian Armitage (2)

Delegates to Ulster Convention - Brian Armitage Phil Flanagan (2)