A meeting of the County Committee was held in the PC Peripherals Education Hub at Chadwicks Wexford Park on Thursday April 11, 2024. Items discussed were as follows:
Finance
An Cathaoirleach, Micheál Martin gave a detailed presentation on income and expenditure so far this year. With County Finals changed to October, and therefore into a new financial year, it is planned to budget for a small surplus in 2024.
He urged delegates to encourage their clubs to again make every effort with the annual Club & County Draw, and also to support other upcoming fundraisers such as the Cairde Loch Garman Golf Classic at Bunclody Golf Club on 9th and 10th of May, and the Race Night at Enniscorthy Greyhound Stadium on Thursday 13th of June.
Development
Safety & Facilities Officer David Tobin gave an outline of planned works for Chadwicks Wexford Park, to include redevelopment of the dressing rooms, office space, and media area.
Micheál Martin outlined how Coiste Bainistí are strongly of view that due to the ongoing yearly challenge of unplayable pitches, there is a need to proceed with development of a 4G pitch at the Halo Tiles Centre of Excellence this year.
The projected total cost of all works is in the region of €3.4 million. This is to be funded by monies received by Wexford GAA under the Immigrant Investment Programme (IIP), which is designated for Chadwicks Wexford Park, and the money which has been accrued in the Development Fund.
David explained that under the terms of the IIP, these funds must be spent on Chadwicks Wexford Park, and cannot be diverted to other projects. There is currently some €3 million in the Development Fund, leaving a shortfall of c.€400,000 to achieve all the projects.
Micheál outlined how income from the Club & County Draw is an essential source while there are also plans for other fundraisers. These include selling packages to clubs at a discount rate for future use of the 4G pitch.
Another proposal is for an innovative new “Legacy Wall” in Chadwicks Wexford Park, where people will be able to make a donation in exchange for their name or the name of another person being included in an impressive new display in the concourse areas underneath the main stand there.
Micheál also outlined that he has had initial conversations with both Rackard League and the Post Primary Schools committee representatives with a view to holding a County Colours fundraiser and ensuring that the 4G pitch is available for all schools games free of charge.
Féile na nGael
Cathaoirleach of Coiste nan Óg, John Kenny, told how it has been decided that Wexford (as host county) will be allowed 16 teams in Féile na nGael, to be held on Saturday 22nd June. There will be six Wexford teams in Div. 1; four teams in Div. 2; five teams in Div. 3, and one team in Div. 4. Details have been sent out to clubs, along with fixtures and venues for the Wexford Féile qualification competitions.
Full details of venues for the national Féile have yet to be decided, but as much as possible will be hosted at the Halo Tiles Centre of Excellence in Ferns.
Fleadh Ceoil
Clubs were again urged to encourage as many members as possible to volunteer to help during Fleadh Ceoil na hÉireann, which will run from Sunday August 4th to Sunday August 11th. It was noted that games will be arranged for Chadwicks Wexford Park on Bank Holiday Monday August 5th and the evening of Tuesday August 6th as part of the wider Fleadh programme.
Coiste na nÓg and Coaching Innovation Fund
New Coiste na nÓg Secretary, Anne Keating (St. James’), was welcomed to her first County Committee meeting and was wished well in the role.
In addition, a new Coaching Innovation Fund was announced, whereby clubs may avail of grants from €500 to €1,000. Essential criteria include that clubs have an active Coaching Officer and steering committee, and that proposed projects must display innovation and be volunteer-led. Full details are to be circulated to clubs.
South East Radio
An Cathaoirleach reported how he and PRO, Colm Lambert, had met with senior management of South East Radio, to discuss issues which arose during 2023. Micheál outlined that it was a productive meeting, and there is a commitment from both organisations to work towards restoring the previously good relationship which existed between the sides.
Show Your Support!
Finally, Micheál appealed to all to come out in great numbers to support Wexford sides in championship action over the coming weeks, particularly with regard to our home games the Senior Hurling Championship match v Dublin in Chadwicks Wexford Park on Sunday April 21st.
