On Wednesday 04 June we held our latest Executive meeting. Mel O’Rourke (as Chair of the Infrastructure Committee) attended at the start and gave an update on the ongoing work of his committee. In particular, the status of our Main Pitch new lighting project was discussed and we are moving towards a final project decision on that with a view to having the upgraded lights installed and operational by the time we will need them later this year.  In addition, other projects including new juvenile goals, a skills wall are progressing.  The pitches are also an areas of focus for the Infrastructure Committee and the Executive, on the basis of a recommendation, invested significant money into the repair, improvement and maintenance of the pitches in the last few months which is and will show positive benefits. 

In the next few weeks we will be setting up two ‘working groups’ to revert to the Executive with recommendations in regards to our ‘membership’ and ‘future club gear’.  In regards to membership, we need to take stock of our membership structure (types, rates, bundles) and see are we providing a good offering for our members and very importantly in the context of the high costs of running our club, are we getting a good return to the club for what we offer.  We will decide the way forward in the next few months with a view to implementation in 2026.  With regards to club gear, the ‘working group’ will invite licensed GAA/LGFA suppliers to engage with us over the next few weeks/months with a view to selecting one to be our (GAA and LGFA) sole supplier for the 2026 season onwards. It was decided by the Executive to work towards having the same jerseys and gear across all teams and a good online club shop offering for our members and we want to have this up and running in advance of Christmas this year. 

A key item discussed by the Executive was the upcoming Gaelic for Mothers & Others (G4MO) North Leinster Blitz which we are hosting on Saturday 14 June. This event is a great opportunity for the club to host a large event, showcasing our facilities and our club.  It is also an opportunity to raise some much needed money (through bar/shop sales, raffles etc) in order to fund our development and cover the costs of running a club the size of ours.  There will be 48 teams (approx. 900 players) attending, with registration beginning at 11:00am, a group warm up led by a Simonstown Gaels ‘personality’ at 12:30pm with the G4MO blitz then running until 4:30pm approximately.  Our shop, coffee stands, bar will be open throughout and there will be food trucks on site.  Players, supporters and members are encouraged to avail of the opportunity to socialise with live music in the bar running from 5pm.  Please note that all members of the club are asked to enter and exit through the Kilsaran gate only on the day.  If you can support the event by attending or ideally lending a hand on the day (or the night before for set up) please do.  We are looking for volunteers, see https://www.simonstowngfc.com/articles/152634 and you can register your interest through this link https://forms.office.com/e/2YVkySp7FT.  My thanks to Claire Coyne and her committee on organising and leading on this great event. 

In regards to Football, the Executive was updated on the progression of various teams with notable success for u15 and u17 boys and u17 and Junior Ladies. A kids Club Summer Camp in July will be unveiled shortly and the return of the Mini Leagues is scheduled for late August/September.  Senior Player Niall Kane is also assisting in some school liaison and underage coaching and is coordinating the involvement of other senior players in the development of our underage players.  We are also in the process of rolling out a Strength and Conditioning programme for our players (aged 16 – 22) to assist them in their athletic development and the funding for this was approved by the Executive.  On the Finance Committee side, fundraising and commercial ventures continue. We recently held a very successful Golf Classic and my thanks in particular to Alan Sweeney for leading that. The focus now turns to our July 12 ‘Walkathon’ and more details will follow on that.  All teams, members and supporters are asked to support it and get in some steps in the process.  On the Community side, our coffee shop continues to be a good source of supporter and visitor engagement and is located in the small shop directly in front of the main entrance to the clubhouse.  The committee is actively supporting other events in the club and is also looking to roll out some member engagements such as ‘retiree coffee morning’ and various talks.  The club is intent on supporting a registered charity and more details will follow from the Community Committee on how you can have your say on that.  Planning is also underway for our Club day, where all members and supporters are invited to enjoy the day.  In particular we are hoping all players and management from the 1995 Minor, Junior and Intermediate Championship winning teams and the 2005 Division 1 League winning team and management can attend. 

There are some upcoming club dates to flag:-

 Best of luck to those doing exams and continued good luck to all our teams.