Message from the Chairman re plans for 2016
Our Club House.
As most of you know we opened the new bar in our clubhouse last August and it has been a fantastic success offering a warm welcome, a log fire and a great pint, but most importantly, all profits from the Clubhouse go directly to supporting our games and developing facilities for our players.
Having recently let out part of the upstairs, we are now moving on to the next stage which is to upgrade the hall and the first floor lounge. I think with the fantastic House Committee we have managing this operation we will see even more improvements in 2016 and so more resources going in to our games.
If you would like to book our Club House for a party or event please contact Joe Duffy on 086 0209232.
Club Facilities
One of the main objectives of this Executive Committee is to continue with our program of improvement of our playing and training facilities.
We have already installed a fully equipped gym in Broomfield and upgraded lights around the training pitch and training area. We have continued to invest in our pitches to improve the playing surface and in the dressing rooms in Broomfield by upgrading the boiler and showers.
Also, last year we finished the ball wall allowing the other side of the wall to be used for training for all our players, and with the inclement weather rendering most pitches unplayable this area has been a godsend for juvenile and adult teams.
The Development Committee will now move on to the next phase which is to draw down the Sports Capital Grant we successfully applied for last year and erect floodlights on Pitch 2 in Broomfield. As is the norm we will need to fundraise to support this exciting phase of our development as a club and we would ask for your support for these events as they happen during this year.
As part of the staged development and improvement of playing facilities in Broomfield we will shortly progress to apply for a further grant and this will be outlined in my next communication to you.
Adult Games
Also I think it is worth mentioning that we have a new Adult Football Directorate in place with Brian Talty leading the development of adult football in St Sylvester’s along with Ray Boyne, Niall Guiden and Derek Roche.
Pat Hoyne is leading the development of a similar model for Adult Hurling.
Ladies Section
The ladies games traditionally start later than the other sections and they have their AGM scheduled for this Wednesday evening 3^rd February. I would encourage all who have an interest in developing ladies football to attend.
Juvenile Games
The Juvenile Boys AGM was held last Thursday with large turnout of over 50 mentors and it was a very positive meeting where the Committee laid out its plans for the forthcoming year.
The principle areas of focus for the year are
1) Improvements to our Coaching Skill Base and develop our relationship with DCU.
2) Renewed emphasis on Junior School Recruitment for both Hurling & Football.
3) Targeted & Planned Pathway from U8 through to Minor.
4) Commitment to improve playing facilities through holding two major fundraisers during the year.
5) Desire to improve linkage to the Adult Section.
6) Continuation of strong support for the Academy.
7) To improve the social network for parents and families to build a stronger relationship with the club.
The existing Committee have remained on for the forthcoming year and are extremely pleased that four new people have agreed to join and help us achieve our aims.
We are looking forward to a successful and enjoyable year both on and off the field.
Bridgefield
As many of you are aware, Fingal County Council have developed a planning proposal which would remove one of our pitches in Bridgefield. As the club continues to grow we need more playing facilities, not less and we would ask you to support the clubs stance in asking FCC to withdraw their plans to put more car parking in Bridgefield at the expense of children’s games. You can make a submission on their website at https://consult.fingal.ie/en/browse and we would ask all members to do so.
Finally
Although we have some challenges ahead I believe this will be a very exciting and progressive year on and off the pitch. We have had a huge amount of support from our members, sponsors and trustees and I would ask you to continue to support the club, to promote our games and of course, as always, not only do we need all membership paid but we need it paid early as it helps fund the running of your club.
Many thanks for your support and if you think you can help by volunteering, offering sponsorship or running a fundraising event please contact me on 087 2524902.
Best of luck to all our members in 2016.
Yours in Sport
Ciaran Meehan
Chairman
St Sylvester’s