Hill’s decision arrived at with difficulty

REACHING what he described as “a watershed decision” to step down from the position of vice-chairman of Clare GAA, Johnnie Hill told delegates, “I have served on the executive for almost 25 years and I have held various positions along the way. I was elected vice-chairman three years ago and in that time, I have seen some highs and lows,” he said.
Being chairman of the 125 commemoration committee was one of the highlights the Lissycasey man said. “We had a great committee and a great programme of events. Clare led by example and the onus was on Clare to lead the way. That programme finished with the rededication of the GAA offices in Clareabbey,” he said.
“The low for me was being part of the committee charged with the distribution of the €250,000 of which I was chairman. I didn’t realise at the time that it was going to become so difficult. Our wish was that 25 clubs would benefit to the tune of €10,000 each and I was very disappointed that our appeal to Croke Park wasn’t granted,” according to Hill, who added that he was standing down “a little unfulfilled”.
“There are 13 officers on the executive, all very talented people and I would appeal to them to play a more central role and display their talents more as regards the office they hold. I believe that these officers are under utilised,” he added.
He continued that for those who hold office on the executive, sacrifices have to be made along the way before paying special tribute to his wife, Jackie, son and daughters. “They haven’t seen a huge amount of me,” he noted.
Outgoing assistant treasurer PJ Kelly also availed of the opportunity to acknowledge delegates and clubs. “During my 17 years involved, I have encountered many hard-working and dedicated people and made many great friends,” he said when recalling the success of the senior hurlers in the ’90s as one of the highlights. I hope that these days will come again,” the Inagh-Kilnamona clubman said.