Meetings of Coiste Bainistí and Coiste Contae of CLG Loch Garman were held in Chadwicks Wexford Park on the evening of Tuesday October 15 with the following matters discussed:
Matchday operations
All agreed that Sunday’s official opening of the refurbished Chadwicks Wexford Park, with Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns as Guest of Honour, was a great success. Sincere thanks were expressed to all involved in the preparations and the running of the day. Delegates who toured the ground were very complimentary of the stadium.
The chairman expressed his disappointment at aspects of the running of other recent games at Chadwicks Wexford Park, The Halo Tiles Centre of Excellence and at Samaritans St. Patrick’s Park. A comprehensive review of facilities management and operations is to take place so that these issued can be addressed immediately. It was also noted that a new generator has been installed in Chadwicks Wexford Park, under warranty.
Inter-county management
The chairman expressed his sincere thanks to Aidan O’Connor and Michael Jacob, who had stepped down from their roles as U20 and minor hurling managers. He also thanked their backroom teams for their efforts and diligence to working for Wexford hurling.
The following management teams for 2025 inter-county hurling squads were proposed and ratified:
Minor Hurling: Richie Flynn (Manager, Rathnure St. Anne’s); Shane Carley (Glynn-Barntown); Aidan Murphy (Shelmalier); Neil White (Waterford), one additional member to be added.
U20 Hurling: Ronan Joyce (Manager, Shelmalier); Roger Ennis (Horeswood); Benny Barron (Shelmalier) one additional member to be added.
Cathaoirleach Michéal Martin thanked outgoing football managers Anto Russell and Kevin Morris and their backroom teams for their sterling service to Wexford football.
The following management teams for 2025 inter-county football squads were proposed and ratified:
Minor Football: Eoin Doyle (Manager, Taghmon-Camross); Al Monahan (Shelmalier); Shane Murphy (Starlights); John Kavanagh (Kilrush); Paul Hogan (Kilkenny).
U20 Football: Dylan Gregan (Manager, Castletown); Paul McMahon (St. John’s Volunteers); Damien Granell (St. Patrick’s); Gary Lynch (St. Fintan’s); Joe Aherne (Castletown).
Infrastructure
Cathaoirleach Micheál Martin again thanked all involved with the refurbishment of Chadwicks Wexford Park.
He said the focus now moves to the Halo Tiles Centre of Excellence, and how a decision on an application for funding from the Large Scale Infrastructure Fund is expected in the coming weeks. The proposed project will include extending the building, installing a full-size 4G pitch, and providing spectator facilities. The total cost of the project would be in the region of €5.5 million.
He added that talks are continuing with Wexford County Council in relation to the SETU campus. Delegates agreed of the importance of an equality in providing facilities for all codes given the significant financial outlay by Wexford GAA in providing for our own facilities.
Financial update
Income and Expenditure accounts to end of September were presented to delegates. It is projected that a year end surplus of approximately €300,000 will be achieved, after depreciation. It has been a very successful year for commercial and fundraising income, which has increased by approximately €200,000 to almost €1.3 million. However, in terms of gate receipts, income from football matches has dropped significantly, while receipts from hurling matches are also down. It was pointed out that in previous years, hurling finals would be played in August so this would account for a significant drop and will boost the 2025 financial figures.
Expenditure on inter-county teams was in the region of €1.33 million this year, up from €1.3 million during 2023.
The figures presented do not include Capital Expenditure which is significant, but the overall achievement of a surplus given increased costs was warmly welcomed.
Tráth na gCeist quizbook
Guest speaker Eamonn Brennan (Longfort) gave a talk on a quizbook designed to help clubs & schools prepare for the Tráth na gCeist competitions in both Scór and Scór nan Óg. It includes over 1,000 questions across all the categories included in Tráth na gCeist.
He hoped that all clubs would buy copies for the club itself and for local schools. Books are available from CLG Loch Garman’s Irish & Cultural Officer Tony Dempsey, at a cost of €10 each.
Other business
It was agreed that decisions on League & Championship structures for 2025 would be taken at the January meeting.
The November meeting (November 14th) will focus on the proposed changes to the playing rules of gaelic football, which are to be considered at a Special Congress on November 30th. Delegates were encouraged to watch the upcoming inter-provincial trial matches on TV, to familiarise themselves with the rules.
A Coaching Review update meeting for club chairpersons and Coiste na nÓg chairpersons is proposed for Wednesday October 30th. Both the Hurling & Football Advisory Committees will have an input.
In relation to questions regarding lack of official linesmen at some recent matches, it was explained that this was due to a shortage of available officials. Over the previous weekend, more than 30 referees had indicated they were unavailable, for various reasons.
Cathaoirleach Micheál Martin remarked that while the current requirement is for all clubs to provide one referee, we may be reaching a situation where larger clubs may be required to provide two.
Next meeting of Coiste Contae: November 14th
